11 April 2018 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 11 Apr 2018 [PDF]

California Deploys National Guard to Border, With Conditions VOA 11 Apr 2018 -- California Governor Jerry Brown has agreed to deploy 400 National Guard troops in response to President Donald Trump's request to states that border Mexico.

Defense Policy / Programs

U.S. Faces Evolving, Emboldened Adversaries in Cyberspace, Officials Warn AFPS 11 Apr 2018 -- As threats in cyberspace constantly evolve, the United States is facing adversaries that are increasingly sophisticated, capable and emboldened in that domain, top defense officials told lawmakers today.
Vandenberg AFB unveils solar array project AFNS 11 Apr 2018 -- Local elected officials, key Vandenberg Air Force Base leaders, base affiliates and local media came together for the 28 megawatt solar photovoltaic array dedication, April 10, 2018, at Vandenberg AFB.
Special Operations Leaders Update Senators on Efforts AFPS 11 Apr 2018 -- U.S. special operations forces are relevant against all the nation's security priorities, the vice commander of U.S. Special Operations Command told a Senate Armed Services Committee panel today.
Lethality Task Force Leaders: U.S. Ground Fighters Must 'Overmatch' Enemies AFPS 11 Apr 2018 -- American ground fighters must overmatch any potential adversary, now and in the future, the men in charge of the Close Combat Lethality Task Force said here today.
Readout of Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis' Meeting with Dutch Minister of Defence Ank Bijleveld DoD 11 Apr 2018
Remarks By Secretary Mattis at an Enhanced Honor Cordon Welcoming Her Excellency Ank Bijleveld, Minister of Defence of the Netherlands, to the Pentagon DoD 11 Apr 2018 -- Presenter: Secretary Of Defense James N. Mattis; Minister of Defence of the Netherlands Ank Bijleveld; Ambassador Henne Schuwer, Netherlands Ministry Of Foreign Affairs
USS San Diego Departs Puerto Vallarta, Mexico NNS 11 Apr 2018 -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) departed Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, April 10 after a scheduled port visit.
USS Theodore Roosevelt Arrives in Manila NNS 11 Apr 2018 -- The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, and the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) arrived in Manila, Republic of the Philippines for a scheduled port visit, April 11.
U.S.-Japan Maritime Forces Conduct Navigational Maneuvers in East China Sea NNS 11 Apr 2018 -- Ships of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group, with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, sailed together with the amphibious transport dock JS Shimokita (LST 4002) in a bilateral formation, April 9.
The City of Bismarck Visits USNS City of Bismarck NNS 11 Apr 2018 -- The civil service mariners who crew Military Sealift Command's newest expeditionary fast transport ship, USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF 9), hosted citizens from Bismarck, North Dakota to an extensive visit on board Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, April 7.
Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Departs on Deployment NNS 11 Apr 2018 -- The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) departed Naval Station Norfolk, April 11, for a regularly scheduled deployment.

More than 250 dead after military plane crash in Algeria Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- More than 250 people have been killed in an Algerian military transport plane crash near the capital, Algiers.
More Than 250 Killed in Algerian Plane Crash VOA 11 Apr 2018 -- Algerian media is reporting that over 250 passengers were killed when an Ilyushin 76 transport plane crashed in fields near a military base outside the Algerian capital Algiers. Eyewitnesses say they heard an explosion before seeing the plane crash and burn in nearby fields.

Military Plane Crashes in Serbia: One Pilot Dead, Another Injured Sputnik 11 Apr 2018 -- The Serbian military aircraft Super Galeb (SOKO G-4 Super Galeb) crashed to the northeast of Belgrade near the town of Kovacice, the Serbian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. The two pilots ejected before the crash, but one of them died as a result of the incident.

China's first home-grown aircraft carrier set to serve the navy in 2018: expert People's Daily 11 Apr 2018 -- China's first home-grown aircraft carrier has been reportedly preparing for its maiden sea voyage in the northeastern Bohai Sea later in April, with experts noting that the vessel may serve the Chinese Navy in the second half of 2018.

Royal Navy ships fulfil international duty in Asia Pacific UK MOD 11 Apr 2018 -- The UK has sent a third Royal Navy warship to the Asia-Pacific to support allies in the region.
British Army's rifle set for multi-million-pound upgrade UK MOD 11 Apr 2018 -- The Ministry of Defence is upgrading the British Army's standard combat rifle to ensure troops are equipped with the best possible battle-winning kit, Defence Minister Guto Bebb has announced.
UK sends 3rd navy ship to Asia-Pacific to monitor N Korea Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- The United Kingdom is deploying a third navy warship to Asia-Pacific in order to monitor North Korea amid diplomatic tensions with Pyongyang over its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs.
Britain Sends Third Warship to North Korean Coast As Tensions Heat Up - Reports Sputnik 11 Apr 2018 -- Western countries and their key Asian allies have deployed naval forces to areas including the Yellow Sea to enforce the trade embargo imposed on North Korea by the UN Security Council over its nuclear and missile programs.

Frances' Macron defends arms sales to Saudi Arabia Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- President Emmanuel Macron has defended France's arms sales to Saudi Arabia which is engaged in a deadly war against its neighbor Yemen.

U.S. license approval for Taiwan submarine plan draws China's ire CNA 11 Apr 2018 -- The United States' decision to grant a license necessary for American firms to sell Taiwan the technology it needs to build its own submarines has drawn opposition from China.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for April 11, 2018

Other Conflicts

11 April 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 11 Apr 2018

China's defense setting in Nansha Islands automatic right: spokesperson People's Daily 11 Apr 2018 -- China has claimed sending troops to and setting up territorial defense equipment on the islands and reefs of Nansha Islands is the automatic right as a sovereign state.

Yemeni ballistic missiles hit SW Saudi Arabia IRNA 11 Apr 2018 -- Yemen has fired two ballistic missiles at military bases in the south western Saudi province of Asir over the past 24 hours, Yemeni media reported Tuesday.
Yemeni drones target Saudi airport in Asir, Aramco facility in Jizan Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- Drones operated by Yemeni armed forces have targeted a Saudi airport and a facility belonging to the state-run oil giant Aramco in the kingdom's southern border regions.
Missiles fired from Yemen intercepted over Saudi capital Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- Saudi Arabia has announced that its defense systems have intercepted three missiles, allegedly fired from Yemen, in skies over the capital Riyadh.
Saudi Air Defense Intercepts Missile Over Najran, Shoots Down Two Drones Sputnik 11 Apr 2018 -- Reports surfaced earlier that loud blasts had been heard in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh. Saudi media reported that a ballistic missile was intercepted over the city.

Missiles 'Will Be Coming' to Syria, Trump Warns VOA 11 Apr 2018 -- After Russia's ambassador to Lebanon said Russian forces would shoot down any missiles fired at Syria, U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday Russia should be ready, "because they will be coming."
Western Allies Offer Support for US to Strike at Syria, With Conditions VOA 11 Apr 2018 -- America's allies are offering to join a possible military response to a suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad. But they're urging Washington to avoid swift retaliation, saying that before a reprisal is launched, more evidence is needed that Syria was behind the chemical attack.
Netanyahu: Israel Will Never Allow Iranian Military Presence in Syria VOA 11 Apr 2018 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will never let Iran establish a military presence inside Syria.
WHO: Dozens Dead, Hundreds Reportedly Showing Signs of Toxins Exposure in Douma, Syria VOA 11 Apr 2018 -- The World Health Organization is demanding "immediate, unhindered" access to victims of a suspected chemical attack on the Syrian town of Douma. The WHO says it has received reports from its partners on the ground that dozens of people have died and an estimated 500 people are showing symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals.
Ayatollah Khamenei's aide visits Eastern Ghouta region in Syria Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- A senior aide to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has visited Syria's Eastern Ghouta on the outskirts of the capital Damascus.
Syria says US using 'lies, fabrications' to attack it Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- The Syrian Foreign Ministry has censured US President Donald Trump's latest threat of a looming missile attack against Syria, accusing Washington of using "lies and fabrications" like the recent alleged chemical attack near Damascus to wage war against the Arab country.
US envoy to NATO accuses Assad of 'genocide', calls for military strike Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- The US ambassador to NATO, Kay Hutchison, has accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of "genocide" in the aftermath of a suspected chemical attack in the Damascus suburb of Douma, calling for "a military response."
'US-led jets flying over Syria amid looming threats of military strike' Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- US-led warplanes are reportedly flying over Syria's border areas with Iraq amid Washington's threats of a military strike against the Arab country over an alleged chemical attack there.
Trump On Syria: 'Get Ready Russia' Because Missiles 'Will Be Coming' RFE/RL 11 Apr 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested a missile strike on Syria may be imminent, issuing a tweet warning Syrian government ally Russia that it should "get ready" because missiles "will be coming."
UK Submarines Sent Within Missile Range of Syria for Strikes - Report Sputnik 11 Apr 2018 -- According to the UK's Daily Telegraph newspaper, British submarines have been ordered to move within missile range of Syria, as strikes against the Assad regime are expected as early as Thursday night.
May Ready to Allow UK Participation in Airstrikes in Syria - Reports Sputnik 11 Apr 2018 -- Despite the fact that the alleged chemical attack in Syria's Douma, blamed on Damascus, still lacks any reliable evidence, Theresa May is reportedly ready to take action to prevent another one.
Putin Urges Netanyahu to Avoid Actions That Destabilize Syria's Sovereignty Sputnik 11 Apr 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin called for refraining from actions destabilizing the situation in Syria during his phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Kremlin press-service reported.
Kremlin: Russia Is Not Part of Twitter Diplomacy, We Expect Serious Approach Sputnik 11 Apr 2018 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has commented on US President Donald Trump's recent "get ready, Russia" statements on his Twitter page.
Theresa May Blames Syrian Government for Alleged Chemical Attack Sputnik 11 Apr 2018 -- The comments by UK Prime Minister Theresa May were made off the back of US President Donald Trump warning via Twitter that American missiles will hit Syria in retaliation to an alleged chemical attack over the weekend. Damascus and Moscow insist that the incident is a false flag attack and have warned the US against striking Syria.
Syrian Opposition to Launch Counter-Offensive After Possible US Strike - FSA Sputnik 11 Apr 2018 -- News about a new possible offensive in Syria comes as US President Donald Trump threatens with a missile strike on the country. Washington blames Damascus for conducting an alleged chemical attack in Douma, using reports by the controversial White Helmets as proof. Syria and Russia have denied the accusations, branding them a pretext for invasion.
US Reportedly Mulls 'Powerful Strike' on Syria, 22 Targets Include Russian Sites Sputnik 11 Apr 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has canceled his trip to South America in response to the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government forces in the city of Douma in Eastern Ghouta. Moscow and Damascus, for their part, are pressing for a fair investigation into the allegations, maintaining that it was a false flag attack.
UNSC Fails to Reach Deal on Syria: US Possible Strike Looming Sputnik 11 Apr 2018 -- The United States and Russia presented separate draft resolutions on investigating the alleged chemical attack in Syria to the UN Security Council - but both resolutions were vetoed. Meanwhile, US officials and lawmakers threatened to take unilateral action against Syrian President Bashar Assad and his government.

Myanmar jails 7 soldiers after one carnage attracts attention Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- Myanmar has sentenced seven soldiers to "10 years in prison with hard labor in a remote area" for their role in the massacre of 10 Rohingya Muslims last September, which was only one instance of violence in a much wider campaign of atrocities targeting minority Muslims in the country.

Gunfight, clashes kill seven people in Indian-controlled Kashmir Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- A gun battle in Indian-controlled Kashmir and ensuing anti-India protests have left at least seven people dead, including three civilians.

Israel targets Hamas positions after bomb explosion near Gaza fence Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- Israeli battle tanks have targeted several positions of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement in the Gaza Strip as the Tel Aviv regime presses ahead with its acts of aggression against the besieged and impoverished Palestinian coastal sliver.

UN chief condemns attacks against peacekeepers in Central African Republic UN News 11 Apr 2018 -- The United Nations chief has condemned the latest killing and wounding of the world body's peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (CAR) during an exchange of fire with armed groups on 10 April.

UN Calls on DRC to Not Shun Pledging Conference VOA 11 Apr 2018 -- The United Nations says it hopes the Democratic Republic of Congo will attend a donors' conference in Geneva later this week aimed at raising $1.7 billion for life-saving aid. DRC authorities say they will boycott the conference because the UN's description of Congo's humanitarian crisis as "catastrophic" is false and gives the country "a bad image."

News Reports

Trump Decries 'Never Ending and Corrupt' Russia Probe VOA 11 Apr 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump Wednesday decried the "never ending and corrupt" investigation into links between his 2016 campaign for the presidency and Russia, which he acknowledged is taking "tremendous time and focus" for him.

What, U.S. Worry? Russia Threatens Retaliation For Latest Sanctions RFE/RL 11 Apr 2018 -- After Moscow seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014, the United States hit back hard, slapping Russian officials with asset freezes, and financial and travel restrictions.
Medvedev Says Russia Will Cope With New U.S. Sanctions Amid Ruble Slide RFE/RL 11 Apr 2018 -- Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said the country will cope with the latest round of U.S. sanctions, as the ruble fell for a third straight day following the imposition of the new restrictions.
Trump: Worst US-Russian Relations Ever VOA 11 Apr 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he thinks U.S.-Russian relations are at their lowest point ever, including the saber-rattling Cold War years of six decades ago.
Trump says relations with Russia worse than during the Cold War Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- US President Donald Trump says US-Russia relations are "worse now" than they were during the Cold War due to Moscow's support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and escalating tensions over a suspected poison gas attack near the Syrian capital Damascus.
World situation chaotic, getting worse: Putin Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says the world's current state of affairs is "chaotic" and will only keep exacerbating unless the international community opts for more constructive relations.
Russia beefs up controls at North Caucasus border Press TV 11 Apr 2018 -- Russian authorities have adopted a series of new measures to beef up security along borders that may be used by terrorists to infiltrate the country.
Scientist Finds No Toxins In Remains Of Russian Tycoon Who Died In Britain RFE/RL 11 Apr 2018 -- A scientist has said she found no plant toxins in the stomach of a Russian mafia whistle-blower who died suddenly in Britain in 2012, challenging earlier evidence that he may have been poisoned by a deadly plant that can cause cardiac arrest.

Inter-Korean Summit Seen as Litmus Test for Pyongyang's Commitment to Denuclearization VOA 11 Apr 2018 -- At the upcoming inter-Korean summit slated for late April, South Korea should seek a clear understanding of North Korea's interpretation of what the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula will mean, said former U.S. officials who have dealt with North Korea extensively.

Xi vows non-stop effort in reform, opening up People's Daily 11 Apr 2018 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday promised non-stop effort in reform and opening up and commitment to an open economy.
China's Beidou navigation system to launch mobile app in May People's Daily 11 Apr 2018 -- China's Beidou navigation and positioning system is expected to launch its first-ever mobile app on May 1, which can help drivers to pinpoint locations with an incredible accuracy of 1 meter, media reported.

Xi calls for elevating Sino-Philippine ties People's Daily 11 Apr 2018 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for elevating the ties between China and the Philippines while meeting with his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte at the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference.

'Dramatic Change' As Democracy Undermined Across Europe, Eurasia, Freedom House Finds RFE/RL 11 Apr 2018 -- Contempt shown by governments for independent institutions and civil society, attacks on the political opposition and independent media, as well as an incessant push to blend the ruling party with the state, are becoming the new normal in postcommunist Europe and Eurasia, U.S.-based democracy monitor Freedom House warns in its latest report.

Azerbaijan's President Aliyev Secures Fourth Term In Snap Election RFE/RL 11 Apr 2018 -- Azerbaijan's authoritarian president, Ilham Aliyev, has secured a landslide victory in a snap presidential election that was boycotted by the main opposition parties.

Despite drop in numbers, desperate migrants to Europe face greater perils, UN refugee agency reports UN News 11 Apr 2018 -- While the number of migrants and refugees reaching Europe declined last year, the dangers they faced along the journey in many cases increased, according to a new report from the United Nations refugee agency.

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