13 December 2017 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 13 Dec 2017[PDF]

Defense Policy / Programs

Ribbon-cutting celebrates opening of Pacific Regional Training Center AFNS 13 Dec 2017 -- The largest troop-built construction project in the Pacific since the Vietnam conflict came to a close recently, with the completion of the Pacific Regional Training Center at Andersen Air Force Base.
Robots, railguns, lasers to team with Soldiers on battlefield Army News 13 Dec 2017 -- It's December and many are doing their holiday shopping or making a wish list of gifts they'd like to receive.
'Don't come here unless you are prepared': U.S. Army Sniper School sets high bar for candidates Army News 13 Dec 2017 -- At first glance, the U.S. Army Sniper School may seem like a reality TV elimination show akin to "Survivor." Of the 46 candidates who entered the course in August, only four remained by the end of week five.
USTRANSCOM Completes Transportation Management System Proof of Principle DoD 13 Dec 2017 -- U.S. Transportation Command just completed a successful proof of principle effort that fused a leading-edge, commercial-off-the-shelf, Transportation Management System capability with government-integrated platforms. A TMS allows users to plan and execute the shipment of cargo of any kind more efficiently, reliably, and cost effectively. It has the potential to substantially increase USTRANSCOM's ability to manage its logistics enterprise by delivering enhanced air, sea, and land movement solutions, as well as real-time visibility of cargo from point-of-origin to destination.
USS John S McCain Returns to Fleet Activities Yokosuka NNS 13 Dec 2017 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Dec. 13.
USS Carney Departs Valletta, Malta NNS 13 Dec 2017 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) departed Valletta, Malta, Dec. 12, after a scheduled port visit. The visit served to enhance U.S.-Malta relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous European region.
Trump signs massive defense policy bill worth nearly $700bn Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has signed into law a massive defense policy bill to bolster the country's military and modernize its services.
U.S. Commanders Must Embrace Cyber, Special Ops Chief Says AFPS 13 Dec 2017 -- Cyber capabilities are integral to everything the U.S. Special Operations Command does worldwide, the commander said at the Association of the U.S. Army's hot topic discussion here today.
Audit Faults US Air Force Planning for Military Use of Advanced GPS System Sputnik 13 Dec 2017 -- The US Air Force continues its struggle with the Global Positioning System (GPS) modernization program (GPS III) by failing to coordinate development of software sub-programs and failing to plan for the integration of GPS III with 700 weapons systems, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) said in a report.

Briefing on Release of the 16th Annual To Walk the Earth in Safety Report US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2017 -- Special Briefing by Tina S. Kaidanow, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs

Statement by Department of Defense Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White on the Reappointment of Jens Stoltenberg as NATO Secretary General DoD 13 Dec 2017

Female Afghan officers receive military training in India Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- Nearly two dozen female Afghan officers are receiving weapons training at a military academy in southern India.

Estonia Receives New Batch of Missiles for US Javelin Anti-Tank Systems Sputnik 13 Dec 2017 -- A new batch of modern Block-1 missiles for third-generation US Javelin anti-tank systems has been delivered to Estonia, the press service of the Estonian Defense Forces' General Staff said Tuesday.

Navy to review options for minesweeper project: naval source CNA 13 Dec 2017 -- It will take the Navy about six months to assess and make a decision about how to proceed with its plan to build six minesweepers, now that the contract with Ching Fu Shipbuilding Co. (CFS) has been terminated, an unnamed naval official said Wednesday.
Defense Ministry cancels warship contract with Ching Fu CNA 13 Dec 2017 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) has, as expected, terminated a multi-billion dollar contract with financially troubled Ching Fu Shipbuilding Co. to build minesweeper ships because the company has breached the contract.
Trump unlikely to authorize U.S.-Taiwan navy port calls: scholars CNA 13 Dec 2017 -- Although United States President Donald Trump has signed into law a defense policy bill, which includes clauses that would facilitate port calls between the U.S. navy and the Taiwan navy, several U.S. experts on Taiwan affairs have said it is unlikely the president will allow such visits in practice.
China Cautions Taiwan Against Relying on Foreign Powers for Security Sputnik 13 Dec 2017 -- Tensions between Beijing and Taipei continue to escalate following a controversial US-Taiwan deal that seeks to enhance cooperation in the security sphere.

Air Force planes fly patrols across strategic waterways People's Daily 13 Dec 2017 -- Chinese Air Force bombers and fighters conducted a regular patrol exercise over two strategic channels near Taiwan on Monday in an effort to further strengthen maneuverability and combat capability during far sea missions.
Beijing Bombers, Fighter Jets Encircle Taiwan in Drill Sputnik 13 Dec 2017 -- A group of People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) H-6K bombers and Su-30 and J-11 fighter jets conducted a mission Monday "that circled the island of Taiwan, further improving their ability to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity," a PLAAF spokesman said this week, according to a fact sheet obtained by China Daily.

India's First Locally Built Attack Submarine to Join Naval Fleet on Thursday Sputnik 13 Dec 2017 -- INS Kalvari would be the 14th boat to join Indian Navy's conventional submarine fleet in the Indian Ocean Region. However, the Indian Navy requires at least 24 submarines to maintain its superiority over Bangladesh and Pakistan who are poised to soon deploy additional submarines sourced from China.

Iran's marine defense industry is indigenous: Commander IRNA 13 Dec 2017 -- Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said in southern Province of Hormozgan on Wednesday that Iran's marine defense industry has become indigenous and is self-sufficient in producing marine equipment and hardware.
French Minister Says Iran Seeking To Expand Military Influence In Middle East RFE/RL 13 Dec 2017 -- France's foreign minister has accused Iran of trying to create an "axis" of military and political influence stretching from Tehran through Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon to the Mediterranean Sea.

South Korean Arms Sales Jump as Perceived Threats Grow Sputnik 13 Dec 2017 -- Seoul's acceleration of its domestic defense industrial base will help prepare the country for a potential fight against North Korea, but in the meantime, South Korea stands to benefit economically from a massive surge in arms sales.

Moscow seeks UNSC's nod to supply arms to Central African Republic Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- Russia has reportedly asked the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for authorization to supply light arms and ammunition to the embattled armed forces of the Central African Republic (CAR).

Minister of Foreign Affairs announces kingdom's support for launch of new joint anti-terrorism force in Sahel countries with 100 million euros SPA 13 Dec 2017 -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir led the kingdom's delegation to the Sahel countries G5 meeting in the French capital Paris with the participation of Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad and 20 leaders from Europe and Africa, as well as the European Union and other international partners.

Department Press Briefing - December 13, 2017 US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2017

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for December 13, 2017

Other Conflicts

13 December 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Dec 2017

Extremist Groups Eye Yemen Conflict With Renewed Opportunities VOA 13 Dec 2017 -- As the killing of the deposed Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh broadens the political fracturing in Yemen and the humanitarian crisis worsens, experts warn the war-torn country could soon become a hotbed for jihadists affiliated with al-Qaida and the Islamic State terrorist groups.
FM Zarif: No military solution for Yemeni crisis IRNA 13 Dec 2017 -- The Yemeni crisis has no military solution, Iranian Foreign Minister said in a message.
Iran FM calls for collective intl. efforts to end Yemen nightmare Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has called for a collective international effort to end the "nightmare" of war in impoverished Yemen, rejecting a military solution to the conflict in the Arab country.
51 killed as Saudi warplanes target three Yemeni provinces Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- More than 50 people have been killed and over 80 others wounded as Saudi fighter jets step up airstrikes against the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, and other cities.

U.S. Officials Skeptical Of Putin's Announced Troop Withdrawal From Syria RFE/RL 13 Dec 2017 -- U.S. officials are voicing skepticism about Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a partial withdrawal of Russian troops from Syria, in particular saying that his declaration of victory against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group seems premature.

Red Cross says life has 'stopped' in Myanmar's Rakhine Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross says life has "stopped" in Rakhine state due to the fear of violence, nearly four months after a new wave of crackdown by the government erupted against the persecuted Rohingya Muslims.

Armed hostilities on rise again in Ukraine, where conflict 'never really stopped,' says UN rights wing UN News 12 Dec 2017 -- An uptick in armed hostilities in Ukraine has resulted in more deaths and new damages to critical water infrastructure storing dangerous chemicals – posing a grave threat to human life and the environment, according to a new United Nations report.

Turkey Summit Blasts Trump Decision on Jerusalem VOA 13 Dec 2017 -- Leaders of majority Muslim nations gathered in Istanbul Wednesday and condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel as unlawful. The meeting came as unrest in the Middle East continues, along with growing criticism over the Jerusalem move.
Muslim leaders discuss al-Quds at OIC emergency summit in Turkey Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convenes an urgent summit in Istanbul on Washington's contentious declaration on Jerusalem al-Quds, with the Turkish foreign minister urging Muslim nations to respond by pressing the world for the recognition of the city as the capital of a Palestinian state.
Abbas Calls For UN To Replace U.S. As Middle East Mediator RFE/RL 13 Dec 2017 -- Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas has called for the United Nations to replace the United States as a mediator in the effort to forge an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal.
Iran ready to work with Muslim states to defend Holy Quds without precondition IRNA 13 Dec 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that Tehran is ready to cooperate with each one of the Muslim countries to defend the holy Quds 'without any reservation or pre-condition.'
Palestine president rules out US role in peace process IRNA 13 Dec 2017 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday said his country would not accept a future role for the US in the Middle East peace process.
Israel continues airstrikes on Gaza amid al-Quds tensions Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- The Israeli air force continues raids against the Gaza Strip amid simmering tensions in the occupied Palestinian territories following the US recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's "capital."
Netanyahu Rebuffs OIC Remarks on Jerusalem, Urges Palestine to 'Accept Reality' Sputnik 13 Dec 2017 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he was "not impressed" with the statements made by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on the issue of the United States' recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
OIC recognizes East Jerusalem al-Quds as Palestine's capital Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has invited all nations to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the capital of Palestine, blasting the United States for disregarding Middle East peace by moving its Israeli embassy from Tel Aviv to the occupied city.
Israel Retaliates With Airstrikes as Hamas Announces Third Intifada Sputnik 13 Dec 2017 -- Hamas has announced the beginning of the third "intifada" a week after Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. It didn't take long for Israel to respond.

Philippine MPs vote to extend martial law in south Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- Lawmakers in the Philippines have overwhelmingly approved a plan by the government of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend martial law in the country's south by one year over a persisting terror threat.
Philippine President Not Ruling Out Declaration of Nationwide Martial Law Sputnik 13 Dec 2017 -- After the Philippines' military warned officials that the terrorist threat in the region was ongoing despite the defeat of a vicious pro-Daesh group in a siege, several decisive measures took place.
Philippine Congress Extends Martial Law in Troubled South for One Year VOA 13 Dec 2017 -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has won legislative approval to extend martial law for a year in the southern Mindanao region, which was besieged by Islamic militants earlier this year.

Unified action needed in Central Africa to defuse regional tensions, Security Council told UN News 13 Dec 2017 -- Despite some positive developments, the overall situation in Central Africa still requires concerted action at all levels to address sociopolitical tensions, economic difficulties and abuses by armed groups, a United Nations envoy for the region said Wednesday.

UN Court Hears Appeal In Serbian Nationalist Politician's Acquittal RFE/RL 13 Dec 2017 -- A UN court has heard an appeal against the acquittal of Serbian nationalist politician Vojislav Seselj on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

With 'so much at stake' in crisis-torn South Sudan, UN and partners launch $1.72 billion appeal UN News 13 Dec 2017 -- The United Nations relief wing and the humanitarian community in South Sudan launched on Wednesday a $1.72 billion appeal to assist six million people affected by conflict, displacement and hunger.

Africa, EU Leaders Add Funding, Urgency to Fight Sahel Jihadists VOA 13 Dec 2017 -- African and European leaders called for intensifying the fight against terrorism in the Sahel during a meeting Wednesday outside Paris, as the recently created G5 Sahel force received fresh funding pledges.

News Reports

Key US Justice Official Expresses Confidence in Russia Probe VOA 13 Dec 2017 -- Robert Mueller, the special counsel leading the investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election, received a strong vote of confidence Wednesday from the Justice Department official who appointed him and oversees his work.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 13, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13 Dec 2017
Russian Plant Admits It Emits Nuclear Isotope Amid Leak Reports RFE/RL 13 Dec 2017 -- A senior executive at the Russian nuclear-processing plant suspected of being behind a spike of radioactivity over Europe in September-October has admitted that the facility emits the isotope that was recorded above the Ural Mountains.
Russia Bristles At U.S. Allegations It Is Waging 'New Generation Warfare' RFE/RL 13 Dec 2017 -- Russia has lashed out at the United States over remarks by White House national security adviser H.R. McMaster, who accused Moscow of using multiple methods of "subversion and disinformation and propaganda" to destabilize other countries.

Russia: US 'muscle flexing' on North Korea not helpful Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- The US military's "muscle flexing" for North Korea is bound to have grave consequences, Russia has warned, calling on Washington to take on a more "constructive" role to resolve its differences with Pyongyang.
Russian military delegation in North Korea Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- A Russian Defense Ministry delegation has arrived in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang.
N Korea's Kim vows to turn country into world's strongest nuclear power Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said that he will turn his country into the "world's strongest nuclear power."
Russia Welcomes Tillerson's Offer Of Talks With North Korea RFE/RL 13 Dec 2017 -- Moscow has welcomed a new U.S. offer of talks with North Korea, with senior Russian officials calling it constructive and the "only correct approach" to tension over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.
North Korea's Supreme Leader Vows to Produce More Nukes, Honors Scientists Sputnik 13 Dec 2017 -- North Korea is refusing to stop flexing its nuclear muscles, despite the tense situation on the peninsula and pressure from the international community.
UN Under-Secretary Expects Pyongyang to 'Signal' Readiness to Prepare Talks Sputnik 13 Dec 2017 -- The United Nations expects North Korea to "signal" willingness to prepare the negotiations on the settlement of the nuclear crisis, according to Jeffrey Feltman, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs.
China Welcomes US Offer to Hold Talks Without Pre-Conditions VOA 13 Dec 2017 -- China has welcomed an offer by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to hold talks with North Korea without pre-conditions. The offer comes amid heightened tensions on the peninsula and as South Korean President Moon Jae-in begins a four-day state visit to China.
North Korean Abductees Remain Victims of Nuclear Standoff VOA 13 Dec 2017 -- Families of North Korean abductees feel forgotten by the world, despite the increased international focus on widespread North Korean human rights abuses that a United Nations report described as "on a scale unparalleled in the modern world."
US Ready to Talk With North Korea 'Without Preconditions' - Secretary of State Sputnik 13 Dec 2017 -- The US is ready to begin negotiations and work on a roadmap with North Korea without preconditions, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday.

Iran, G5+1 reiterate commitment to nuclear deal IRNA 13 Dec 2017 -- The participants in the meeting of the Joint Commission of Iran and the five UN Security Council permanent members plus Germany held in Vienna today have reiterated their commitment to the agreement on Tehran's nuclear program, top Russian diplomat said.
Araqchi, Amano discuss Iran-IAEA cooperation IRNA 13 Dec 2017 -- Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araqchi and Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano on Wednesday discussed cooperation between Iran and the nuclear watchdog as well as implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal.
Iran says parties to JCPOA protested US breach of nuclear deal during Vienna meeting Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- A senior Iranian diplomat says the parties to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal have protested the US breach of its commitments under the agreement during a meeting of a commission tasked with monitoring commitments to the accord.
US Congress takes no action on Iran sanctions as deadline passes Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- The US Congress misses a deadline to decide on re-imposing anti-Iran sanctions, which were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal, with reports saying the lawmakers sought to kick the decision on the issue back to President Donald Trump.

US Official Accuses Turkey of Pushing Extreme Islamist Ideology VOA 13 Dec 2017 -- An already tense relationship between the United States and Turkey appears to be under more strain after a top Trump administration official accused Turkey of spreading what he called extreme Islamist ideology around the world.

EU warns UK not to renege on Brexit pledge Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- The European Union's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has warned that the UK cannot renege on the commitments it made during the initial Brexit divorce deal.
EU warns Britain against Brexit deal 'backtracking' Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- The European Union has warned Britain against "backtracking" on the promises delivered over the UK's divorce from the bloc.

South Africa's top court rebukes Zuma over graft probe Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- South Africa's High Court has rebuked President Jacob Zuma for challenging the recommendations of the country's corruption-fighting Public Protector for a graft probe against him, ordering the president to appoint a judicial inquiry into state influence-peddling within 30 days.

Burundi's president launches campaign to extend rule until 2034 Press TV 13 Dec 2017 -- Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza has launched a campaign to promote a referendum to change the constitution that could extend his rule over the landlocked East African country until 2034.

Afghan Authorities Detain Teachers, Raid School With Alleged Links With Gulen RFE/RL 13 Dec 2017 -- Reports from Kabul say Afghan security forces have detained four teachers and raided a school allegedly linked to a U.S.-based cleric Ankara blames for orchestrating a failed coup last year.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list