12 December 2017 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

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

Department of Defense Press Briefing by General Bunch via teleconference from Kabul, Afghanistan DoD 12 Dec 2017 -- Presenter: Brigadier General Lance Bunch (USAF), director, CJ35, Future Operations, Headquarters Resolute Support, U.S. Central Command, Kabul, Afghanistan
Afghan forces to launch operation against Daesh in north Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- Afghanistan's military is set to launch a major operation aimed at stopping the Takfiri Daesh terrorists from making inroads into the country's northern provinces.
In Afghanistan, US Destroys $80M in Drug Money During Counter-Taliban Campaign VOA 12 Dec 2017 -- American military officials say the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan has destroyed 25 illegal drug-processing laboratories in Helmand province, eliminating $80 million in narcotics money during the first three weeks of an air campaign aimed at countering Taliban revenue.

US Airstrike Hits Undetonated Car Bomb Outside Mogadishu VOA 12 Dec 2017 -- A U.S. airstrike has hit and destroyed a car bomb-in-waiting near the capital of Somalia, according to a Somali official and the U.S. military.

Defense Policy / Programs

Trump Signs Fiscal Year 2018 Defense Authorization AFPS 12 Dec 2017 -- President Donald J. Trump signed the fiscal year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act into law during a White House ceremony today.
Trump Signs $700Bln National Defense Authorization Act for 2018 Sputnik 12 Dec 2017 -- The National Defense Authorization Act is a US federal law, which is passed by Congress each year, that specifies the budget for the Defense Department.
New US National Security Strategy Focused on 'Competitive Engagement' VOA 12 Dec 2017 -- The United States will unveil a new national security strategy Dec. 18 aimed at preserving the world order forged in the aftermath of World War II, despite efforts by powers like Russia and China to tear it down.
JTACs, aircrews participate in joint exercise over PRTC AFNS 12 Dec 2017 -- Aircrews from Ellsworth Air Force Base worked side-by-side with members of the 582nd Helicopter Group out of F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming and joint terminal attack controllers from the England's Royal Air Force during a joint-training exercise over the Powder River Training Complex in western South Dakota Dec. 4-8, 2017.
Ready to fight anytime, anywhere: Army showcases rapid deployment in European exercise Army News 12 Dec 2017 -- The Army maintains a high state of readiness across the globe to defend the nation, assure allies, and deter potential adversaries when the need arises. The Soldiers of 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley, Kansas, known as the "Long Knife Squadron," recently tested this readiness during two rapid deployment drills in Eastern Europe.
Army developing improved active protection systems for vehicle armor Army News 12 Dec 2017 -- Ever since the advent of wheeled and tracked tactical vehicles, better protection has meant more armor with a tradeoff in speed and weight, said Col. Kevin Vanyo, program manager for Emerging Capabilities at U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development, and Engineering Center.
Nigeria & US Army partnership flourishes in Abuja Army News 12 Dec 2017 -- Nigerian Army and U.S. Army soldiers joined forces here to plan the upcoming African Land Forces Summit, Dec. 3-8.
Marine Corps fields 'game changer' biometric data collection system USMC News 12 Dec 2017 -- In September, Marine Corps Systems Command completed fielding a new biometrics system to help deployed Marines identify and track the movement of individuals encountered on the battlefield, conduct entry control point operations, and determine who is a friend or foe.
USS Lake Erie Returns to San Diego After Deployment NNS 12 Dec 2017 -- Just in time for the holidays, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) returned to Naval Base San Diego, Dec. 10, following a seven-month deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and the Arabian Gulf.
USS Pinckney Returns to San Diego After Deployment NNS 12 Dec 2017 -- Just in time for the holidays, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) returned to Naval Base San Diego, Dec. 10, following a six-month deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and the Arabian Gulf.
USS Shoup Returns to Everett After Deployment NNS 12 Dec 2017 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) returned to Naval Station Everett, Dec. 10, from a scheduled six-month deployment with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and the Arabian Gulf.
USS James E. Williams Exits Black Sea NNS 12 Dec 2017 -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) exited the Black Sea, Dec. 9.
USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) Arrives in Bremerton for Decommissioning NNS 12 Dec 2017 -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) arrived at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton to commence the inactivation and decommissioning process Dec. 11.

Can American THAADs shoot down North Korea missiles? Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- The United States has deployed a number of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THHAD) missile systems to reportedly shoot down North Korean intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in case of a war. But just how the advanced interception system will fare against the latest missile in the North's arsenal?
Tokyo, Seoul, Washington Practice Detecting North Korean Missiles in Joint Drill Sputnik 12 Dec 2017 -- Japan, South Korea and the US began joint military exercises on Monday to test their ability to track potential ballistic missile launches from North Korea, as tensions on the Korean Peninsula continue to build with few signs of calming.

North Atlantic Council statement on the extension of the Secretary General's mandate NATO 12 Dec 2017 -- Press Release (2017) 178
Issued on 12 Dec. 2017
NATO extends chief Stoltenberg's term for 2 more years Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- NATO has reappointed Jens Stoltenberg as the Secretary-General of the military alliance for two more years.

Bulgaria Offers Russia's MiG Corp Contract to Repair 15 Aircraft for $49Mln Sputnik 12 Dec 2017 -- Bulgaria's Defense Ministry offered Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG a four-year contract worth $49 million for maintenance of 15 Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter jets, Russian media reported Monday.

Government launches open and transparent competition to replace Canada's fighter aircraft Canada 12 Dec 2017 -- Acquiring the aircraft that Canada's military needs to help ensure the safety and security of Canadians, while ensuring economic benefits for Canada, is a top priority for the Government of Canada. The government is delivering on its promise to hold an open and transparent competition to permanently replace Canada's fighter fleet.
Integrating Australian Jets into the Current Royal Canadian Air Force Fighter Fleet Canada 12 Dec 2017 -- Canada recently announced its decision to purchase Australian F-18 aircraft to supplement the current fleet of fighter aircraft. These aircraft are of similar age and design to Canada's CF-18 fleet and can be integrated quickly with minimal modifications, training and infrastructure changes.

More military technologies targeted for civilian sector to boost economy People's Daily 12 Dec 2017 -- China will strengthen innovation by developing high-tech industries with military technologies to boost military-civil integration, a move that aims to cultivate new growth drivers and boost the economy, said a recent State Council guideline.
China, Russia stage missile tracking drills People's Daily 12 Dec 2017 -- China and Russia began their second joint computer-assisted anti-missile drills on Monday as the US and its allies South Korea and Japan simultaneously began joint missile tracking exercises, a coincidence that has raised fears of possible clashes amid the strained situation on the Korean Peninsula.

India's HAL Invites Interest from Global, Local Partners for Aircraft Projects Sputnik 12 Dec 2017 -- HAL has bagged a string of contracts from the Indian defense forces for trainer aircraft, utility helicopters, as well as integrating Su-30MKIs with BrahMos missiles, Dhruv helicopters and possibly the Russian-Indian FGFA.
After Saying No to Sikorsky, India to Issue Fresh Tender for Naval Helicopters Sputnik 12 Dec 2017 -- India had scrapped a deal with American firm Sikorsky for 16 anti-submarine warfare capable naval helicopters as differences persisted between the two sides on the price of the helicopters the Indian Navy intended to purchase.

IDF Officials Arrested Over Alleged $28 Million Scam Sputnik 13 Dec 2017 -- Almost two dozen senior Israel Defense Force service members, Defense Ministry officials and technology company employees were put in handcuffs on Tuesday for allegedly stealing $28 million, or 100 million new Israeli shekels, from the government, the Times of Israel reported.

U.S. senator reiterates need for military cooperation with Taiwan CNA 12 Dec 2017 -- U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) took to his website and Facebook page on Monday to urge the U.S. government to accelerate military cooperation with Taiwan in the face of threats of violence from a Chinese diplomat.
Senator: US Must Accelerate Sale of Defensive Weapons to Taiwan to Counter China Sputnik 12 Dec 2017 -- US President Donald Trump and Congress must speed up the sale of defensive weapons to Taiwan to counter the threat of invasion from China, US Senator Tom Cotton said in a statement.

Pentagon Looking to Triple Size of Afghan Air Force by 2025 Sputnik 12 Dec 2017 -- The US military is set to triple the size of the Afghan air force over the next 7 to 8 years, Air Force Brig. Gen. Lance Bunch said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

Department Press Briefing - December 12, 2017 US Dept. of State 12 Dec 2017
Remarks at Town Hall US Dept. of State 12 Dec 2017 -- Townhall by Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State and I. Steven (Steve) Goldstein, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for December 12, 2017

Other Conflicts

12 December 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Dec 2017
New compact to improve refugee response 'a chance to chart a different course' - UN agency chief UN News 12 Dec 2017 -- The head of the United Nations refugee agency on Tuesday kicked off in Geneva a dialogue on protection challenges with a stark warning: the tragedy of forced displacement has deepened – one year after the world pledged to improve its response to refugee situations.
How Will US Push to Cut UN Peacekeeping Budget Affect Soldiers? VOA 12 Dec 2017 -- The attack that killed 14 Tanzanian and five Congolese soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo last week highlighted the risks faced by U.N. peacekeeping missions, and the need to provide enough funding to ensure soldiers who operate in some of the world's most volatile countries remain safe.

Yemeni snipers kill 19 Saudi troopers, mercenaries in retaliatory attacks Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- Yemeni army soldiers, backed by fighters from allied Popular Committees, have shot dead 19 Saudi troops and pro-Saudi militiamen loyal to resigned Yemeni president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi in the kingdom's southwestern border region of Najran.
UN experts do not confirm Iran link to Yemen missiles: Report Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- UN experts, who examined the debris from missiles fired from Yemen at Saudi Arabia earlier in the year, have not confirmed that the projectiles were "Iranian-made" as claimed by the Riyadh regime and the US.
Saudi warplanes strike civilian targets in Sana'a Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- Saudi military aircraft have pounded Yemen's capital, Sana'a, killing three civilians and injuring two more.
Coalition Forces not Blocking Entry of Humanitarian Aid through Yemeni Airports, Ports -King Salman Center of Relief Spokesman Says SPA 12 Dec 2017 -- The official spokesman for the King Salman Relief and Humanitarian Works Dr. Samer Jetaili explained that Yemeni ports of Hodeidah and Sulaif, regularly, receive relief and humanitarian aid and they entered through ships belonging to the World Food Program, expressing dissatisfaction of center with the claims of Jamie Mcgoldrick, Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, which run contrary to the fact.

Russia begins troop withdrawal from Syria People's Daily 12 Dec 2017 -- MOSCOW, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Russia has begun a partial withdrawal of its troops in Syria under the order of President Vladimir Putin, local media reported on Tuesday.
Russian troops return home as part of partial withdrawal plan Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- A group of Russian troops deployed to Syria has returned home as part of Russia's partial withdrawal of its forces from the war-torn country.
Putin Declares 'Mission Accomplished' on Syria; but, Could It Prove Premature? VOA 12 Dec 2017 -- Vladimir Putin confirmed last week he would seek a fifth term as Russia's president next March – and this week, he kicked off his re-election campaign, not in his home country, but overseas in the Middle East.
UN warns of new Syria refugee flow into Europe Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- The United Nations has warned that Europe should anticipate droves of Syrian refugees if aid programs in Syria's neighboring countries and other places are not sustained.
Putin's Syria Envoy Says No Reason Assad Should Not Seek Reelection RFE/RL 12 Dec 2017 -- Russia's envoy for Syria peacemaking efforts says that President Bashar al-Assad should be allowed to run for reelection, a stance that runs counter to Western governments that say he should have no place in politics after a postwar political transition.
Iraqi Army Spokesman Denies Alleged Plans to Create Coordination Center With SDF Sputnik 12 Dec 2017 -- Last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi declared victory over Daesh and the restoration of control over the border with Syria.
UN and partners launch $4.4 billion regional appeal for more than five million Syrian refugees UN News 12 Dec 2017 -- A more than $4 billion appeal has been launched to support what one senior United Nations official called on Tuesday "a lost generation" of Syrian refugees caught up in the ongoing conflict.
Multibillion-dollar Appeal Launched for More Than 5 Million Syrian Refugees VOA 12 Dec 2017 -- U.N. and private aid agencies are appealing for $4.4 billion to support more than five million destitute Syrian refugees and the impoverished communities hosting them in five neighboring countries.

Saudis comprise biggest number of terrorists arrested in Iraq: Report Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- Saudi nationals reportedly comprise the biggest number of the foreign terrorists arrested during Iraqi army operations against the Takfiri Daesh terror group in the northern and western parts of the country.

UN Says Fighting Fuels 'Dire' Situation In Eastern Ukraine As Winter Sets In RFE/RL 12 Dec 2017 -- The United Nations says daily cease-fire violations in eastern Ukraine have led to more civilian deaths and "further aggravated a dire human rights and humanitarian situation" as temperatures drop.

Gen. Soleimani reaffirms full support for Palestinian resistance groups ISNA 12 Dec 2017 -- Major General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' Quds Force, has reaffirmed the Islamic Republic's full support for Palestinian resistance movements.
Rouhani in phone call with Chairman of Hamas Political Bureau: We will stand by Palestinians ISNA 12 Dec 2017 -- President of the Islamic Republic of Iran described the insulting move by the President of the United States towards the Holy Quds an ominous plot against Palestine and the World of Islam and called on all Muslims around the world to stand united against the plot.
Turkish FM slams Arab's weak response to US al-Quds decision Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has lashed out at some Arab countries over their "weak" reaction to US recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's capital.
Iranian lawmakers censure US for recognizing Quds as Israeli 'capital' Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- Iranian lawmakers have issued a statement to condemn US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's "capital," saying the move is the "last nail in the coffin" of the so-called Middle East peace process.
Iran Offers Support For Palestinian Militants Fighting Trump Move On Jerusalem RFE/RL 12 Dec 2017 -- A top Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) commander has offered Iran's "complete support" for Palestinian militants in their resistance campaign against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Iran, Turkey defense chiefs censure Trump's al-Quds 'mistake' Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- The Iranian and Turkish defense chiefs have denounced as "a big mistake" a US decision to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's "capital."
Hamas Announces Beginning of Third 'Intifada' Against US Decision on Jerusalem Sputnik 12 Dec 2017 -- The previous intifadas in 1987-1991 and 2000-2005 left hundreds of Israelis and thousands of Palestinians dead.

Blast kills four people in northeastern Nigeria, MSF says Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- At least four people have been killed and several others injured in an explosion at a camp for people displaced by militancy in northeastern Nigeria.

400,000 children in DR Congo could starve to death within months: UNICEF Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that at least 400,000 children could starve to death in the conflict-wracked Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within months without emergency intervention.
IOM: Humanitarian Situation in DRC Deteriorates to Alarming Level VOA 12 Dec 2017 -- The International Organization for Migration reports an alarming deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Democratic Republic of Congo, as fighting continues to spread throughout the country, forcing thousands to flee.

ICC Prosecutor asks Security Council to act on outstanding arrest warrants UN News 12 Dec 2017 -- Omar Al Bashir recently travelled to countries that recognize the International Criminal Court (ICC) but none arrested or surrendered the Sudanese President, the ICC Prosecutor today told the Security Council.

News Reports

Firm Denies Flynn Sent Text On U.S.-Russian Nuclear Project In Middle East RFE/RL 12 Dec 2017 -- A company promoting a plan for the United States and Russia to jointly build nuclear reactors in the Middle East has denied that its director received a text message from White House aide Michael Flynn saying the project was "good to go."

NYC Bombing Suspect Charged With Terrorism VOA 12 Dec 2017 -- U.S. federal prosecutors announced terrorism charges against Akayed Ullah on Tuesday, a day after the 27-year-old Bangladeshi immigrant allegedly detonated a pipe bomb in a New York City subway tunnel in what authorities said was an attack inspired by the Islamic State group.

Russian FSB Says Terror Plot Foiled, Suspects Arrested RFE/RL 12 Dec 2017 -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says it has uncovered an extremist "cell" that was directed by the militant group Islamic State (IS) and was planning terror attacks in Moscow during the New Year's holidays and the upcoming presidential campaign.

U.S. Official Says Upcoming Deadline For New Russian Sanctions Will Be Met RFE/RL 12 Dec 2017 -- A top U.S. State Department official said the administration was committed to meeting a February deadline to specify new measures against Russia officials and influential businessmen for Moscow's alleged meddling in the 2016 election.

In wake of post-election protests in Honduras, UN chief urges authorities to respect rule of law UN News 12 Dec 2017 -- Secretary-General António Guterres today called on authorities in Honduras to uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights following the presidential election.

On "Meeting the Foreign Policy Challenges of 2017 and Beyond" US Dept. of State 12 Dec 2017 -- Remarks by Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State
Press Statement of Permanent Mission of DPRK to UN KCNA 12 Dec 2017 -- The Permanent Mission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the United Nations Monday issued a press statement with regard to the forced submission and discussion of "human rights issues" of the DPRK on 11 December 2017 in the Security Council of the United Nations.
Kim Jong Un attends 8th Conference of Munitions Industry People's Daily 12 Dec 2017 -- PYONGYANG, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) top leader Kim Jong Un attended the 8th Conference of Munitions Industry which was opened here Monday, state media reported Tuesday.
Experts: North Korea Gearing Up for Another Nuclear Test at Collapsing Site Sputnik 12 Dec 2017 -- Three American experts on North Korea claim that Pyongyang is preparing for another nuclear test at its Punggye-ri test site, despite reports that the facility is falling apart due to the aftershocks of their previous test on September 3.

Mogherini says renegotiating JCPOA simply not an option Press TV 12 Dec 2017 -- European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has said that renegotiating 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries is "simply not an option."

Witness In Iran Sanctions Case Says Turkey's Erdogan Aided Evasion Scheme RFE/RL 12 Dec 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was among the targets of an investigation in Turkey into suspected bribery and money laundering in connection with a scheme to help Iran evade sanctions, a former Istanbul police officer has testified.

Xi-style diplomacy brings China closer to world People's Daily 12 Dec 2017 -- A China-style major-country diplomacy has taken shape over the past five years through the overseas trips by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Russia's Fregat Upper Stage Fall Caused by Incorrect Software Operation Sputnik 12 Dec 2017 -- The Russian state space corporation has revealed the reasons behind the downfall of the Fregat upper stage and 19 satellites, carried by a Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket.

Saakashvili: Corruption -- And Russia -- Are Ukraine's Enemy RFE/RL 12 Dec 2017 -- Mikheil Saakashvili, the former Georgian leader who is now an ardent opponent of Ukraine's president, said corruption had inflicted far greater damage on Ukraine than Russia had.

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