28 April 2018 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Taliban seize district center in Afghanistan's Kunduz, attack army base in Helmand Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- The Taliban militant group has seized a district center in Afghanistan's northern province of Kunduz and launched a bomb attack on an army base in the southern province of Helmand, killing at least six people, officials say.
Afghan President Slams Taliban Offensive VOA 28 Apr 2018 -- Afghanistan's president, Ashraf Ghani, has slammed the Taliban for pushing ahead with its so-called annual spring offensive, despite his "most generous" offer of peace talks.
West, Russia 'Share Interest' In Afghan Stability, Top U.S. Commander Says RFE/RL 28 Apr 2018 -- The West and Russia have a shared interest in Afghanistan's stability, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan has told RFE/RL.

Defense Policy / Programs

USS Preble Returns Home from Deployment NNS 28 Apr 2018 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) returns to its homeport, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, April 27, after more than six months on a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.
USS Bonhomme Richard Arrives in Pearl Harbor, Joins 3rd Fleet NNS 28 Apr 2018 -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) arrived in Pearl Harbor, April 27, marking the ship's first port visit since it entered U.S. 3rd Fleet.
Mattis Welcomes Polish Defense Minister to Pentagon AFPS 28 Apr 2018 -- Defense Secretary James N. Mattis and Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak met at the Pentagon yesterday to discuss mutual security issues and to reaffirm the defense relationship between their nations.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Mattis' Phone call with Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo DoD 28 Apr 2018
USS Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group Arrives in Hawaii NNS 28 Apr 2018 -- The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and guided-missile destroyer USS USS Sampson (DDG 102) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for a regularly scheduled port call, April 27.
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Moroccan Visitors Embark Truman NNS 28 Apr 2018 -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa; Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Italy, Adm. James G. Foggo III and senior members of the Moroccan military visited USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), April 26.
Lake Champlain Sailors Visit Orphanage in Peru NNS 28 Apr 2018 -- Sailors from San Diego-based cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) participated in a community service event at an orphanage in Lima, Peru, during a scheduled port visit, April 27.

Kosovo, NATO Conduct Training Exercise Near Pristina Featuring Mock Riot RFE/RL 28 Apr 2018 -- Molotov cocktails were hurled at armored vehicles and NATO troops wore riot gear as part of an training exercise near Kosovo's capital, Pristina.

Turkey firmly rejects US threat of sanctions over its purchase of Russian S-400 air defense system Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- Turkey has dismissed Washington's threats of imposing sanction on Ankara over its planned purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense system, insisting that it will not be deterred by such threats.
Turkey Dismisses U.S. Warning Against Buying Russian Missile System RFE/RL 28 Apr 2018 -- Turkey has largely dismissed a warning from the new U.S. secretary of state against buying Russia's S-400 missile defense system, saying the deal is largely done and will not be reversed.

China's Xi, India's Modi agree to expand bilateral military communication Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed on expanding communication between their militaries in efforts to maintain peace at the frontier, Indian foreign secretary said.

US Intel Sources Reportedly Claim N Korea Can Re-activate Damaged Nuke Test Site Sputnik 28 Apr 2018 -- A nuclear test staged by North Korea in September 2017 was reportedly so powerful that it severely damaged a testing ground located beneath Mount Mantap in the country's northeastern area.

Trump demands Merkel pay up 'fair share' for defense Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- US President Donald Trump criticized German Chancellor Angela Merkel for refusing to pay her "fair share" for defense, during an intense 30-minute meeting they had in his office in Washington.

Saudis examining Israel's Iron Dome for purchase: Report Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- Saudi Arabia is mulling buying a missile system owned and operated by the Israeli regime, a new report suggests, amid increasing hints of the normalization of relations between the kingdom and the regime.

South Korea says scrambles jets to intercept Chinese reconnaissance flight Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- South Korea has reportedly scrambled military jets to intercept a Chinese aircraft after entering its air defense territory, a third such incident since the beginning of the year.

Greek Government Approves F-16 Modernization Deal With US - Press Service Sputnik 28 Apr 2018 -- The Greek Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense approved on Saturday an agreement with the United States on the upgrade of 85 F-16 fighter jets, the press service of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

Irresponsible practices of the Group of Seven reveal its hypocrisy People's Daily 28 Apr 2018 -- The irresponsible practices of the Group of Seven (G7) have revealed its hypocrisy and double standards, an article published by People's Daily stated on April 26, a few days after the group issued a joint communiqué that contained untrue and irresponsible content related to China.

Houthis Reportedly Launch Eight Ballistic Missiles Toward Saudi Arabia Sputnik 28 Apr 2018 -- The militia group has stepped up its missile attacks into Saudi Arabia following the death of two of its leaders as a result of a Saudi-led coalition airstrike.
Funeral Held for Top Houthi Official Killed in Yemen Airstrike VOA 28 Apr 2018 -- Thousands of Yemenis attended a funeral Saturday for a top Houthi rebel official killed more than a week ago in a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in the coastal province of Hodeida.
Yemen shoots 8 missiles at Saudi Arabia's targets IRNA 28 Apr 2018 -- The Yemeni missile unit and popular committees targeted Saudi positions in Jizan with 8 missiles.
Coalition airstrikes on Yemen capital kill Houthi leaders IRNA 28 Apr 2018 -- A Saudi-led coalition operating in Yemen has launched a dozen airstrikes at a rebel camp in Sanaa killing several Houthi leaders, Saudi media reported Saturday.
Yemeni forces fire 8 missiles at 'economic, vital targets' in Jizan: Media Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- Yemeni army forces, backed by allied fighters from Popular Committees, have fired at least eight domestically-manufactured ballistic missiles at a number of "economic and vital targets" in Saudi Arabia's southwestern border region of Jizan in retaliation for the Saudi regime's campaign against the impoverished country, Yemeni media report.

Syria continues large-scale counter-terrorism military operation in al-Hajar al-Aswad IRNA 28 Apr 2018 -- The Syrian Arab Army units continued their operations against terrorist groups in al-Hajar al-Aswad area on the southern outskirts of Damascus, making further advances after destroying terrorists' fortified hotbeds and inflicting heavy losses upon them in personnel and equipment.
Iran FM rules out military approach to Syria crisis Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says military approaches will fail to resolve the Syrian crisis, stressing that military intervention of certain countries has only prolonged the sufferings of people in the war-stricken state.
Syrian army soldiers advance against terrorists in southern Damascus Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- Units of the Syrian army have gained ground in the terrorist-controlled districts of southern Damascus in their latest push to rid the whole region of foreign-backed Takfiri militants.
Israel Warns of 80,000 Iran-Backed 'Extremists' Operating in Syria Sputnik 28 Apr 2018 -- Israel's ambassador to the United Nations on Thursday told the UN Security Council (UNSC) that 80,000 "extremist" Shia Muslim militants are operating under Iran's command in Syria
Russia, Iran, Turkey Criticize Western Airstrikes on Syria VOA 28 Apr 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Saturday that airstrikes on Syria, conducted by the U.S., Britain, and France on April 14, were a violation of international law and indicated that the Western powers were trying to destroy the peace process.
Iran, Russia, Turkey stress Syrian sovereignty, independence IRNA 28 Apr 2018 -- Foreign Ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey in a joint statement on Syria released on Saturday emphasized the sovereignty and independence of Syria.
Iran, Russia, Turkey FMs vow to boost efforts to settle Syria crisis Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- Iran, Russia and Turkey have reaffirmed their strong commitment to Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, vowing to strengthen trilateral coordination to find a sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis in the Arab country.

UN team in Bangladesh to discuss Rohingya crisis Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- A delegation from the United Nations Security Council has arrived in Bangladesh to examine the situation surrounding thousands of Rohingya Muslims who have fled a brutal crackdown in their home country of Myanmar.
Over 4,000 flee fresh clashes in Myanmar's Kachin: UN Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- A United Nations official says more than 4,000 people have fled renewed fighting between Myanmar's military and an ethnic armed group in the country's remote north over the past weeks as a long-simmering conflict intensifies.

Suspected militants kill over 30 on Mali's northeastern border with Niger Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- Suspected militants have reportedly killed over 30 people on Mali's northeastern border with Niger amid escalation of violence in the country.

Israel to expropriate private Palestinian land in central West Bank Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- Israeli authorities have decided to confiscate thousands of square meters of private Palestinian land in the central West Bank in blatant violation of international law and defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions that condemn the Tel Aviv regime's land expropriation and settlement expansion policies in the occupied territories.

Al-Shabaab Suicide Bomber Kills 6 People, Including Mil Officials in Somalia Sputnik 28 Apr 2018 -- The attack took place in the north-central Somalian city of Galkayo. Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group operating in the region, has claimed responsibility.
Suicide Bomber Kills 4 Somali Army Officers VOA 28 Apr 2018 -- At least four Somali government soldiers have been killed and six wounded by a suicide bomber who attacked a tea restaurant in the divided town of Galkayo in central Somalia, witnesses and officials said Saturday. The attack happened on the northern side of the town controlled by the Puntland semi-autonomous region.
UN Mission condemns suicide bombing in central Somalia as attempt to derail reconciliation process UN News 28 Apr 2018 -- The United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) has condemned the suicide bombing on Saturday that reportedly killed government security officers and civilians in the city of Gaalkacyo.

News Reports

U.S. House panel says "no evidence" of Trump campaign collusion with Russia People's Daily 28 Apr 2018 -- U.S. Republican-controlled House Intelligence Committee on Friday concluded that they find "no evidence" of collusion between Russia and the Donald Trump campaign during the 2016 U.S. presidential elections, evoking hails from the president and bitter criticism from Democrats.
US House Report Accuses Russia of Election Meddling, Finds No Proof Sputnik 28 Apr 2018 -- The US House Intelligence Committee on Friday released its final report on its yearlong Russia investigation, accusing Moscow of interference in the 2016 US election but concluding that the Kremlin did not collude with President Donald Trump's campaign team.

US Abandons Plans for Envoy to Australia VOA 28 Apr 2018 -- The Trump administration has abandoned plans to appoint a new ambassador to Australia, 18 months after the last U.S. envoy finished his assignment.
Agreeing to Disagree: New Normal in Transatlantic Relations VOA 28 Apr 2018 -- Can the Europeans save the Iran nuclear deal? It's an accord U.S. President Donald Trump has excoriated repeatedly and threatened to scrap.

Russia Launches Controversial Floating Nuclear Plant RFE/RL 28 Apr 2018 -- A floating nuclear power built in Russia and widely criticized by environmentalists has embarked on its first sea voyage.
Russian Aluminum Giant Makes Bid For Relief From U.S. Sanctions RFE/RL 28 Apr 2018 -- Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska's aluminum empire has taken up a U.S. offer for relief from sanctions and announced his resignation from the board and a reduction of his stock holdings to less than 50 percent.

Pyongyang hails 'historic' meeting between North, South leaders Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- North Korea has hailed a "historic" summit between leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
Trump Convinced North Korea No Longer Playing Around VOA 28 Apr 2018 -- Key U.S. leaders are expressing a growing optimism that decades of hostility on the Korean Peninsula are closer than ever to coming to an end.
Trump Discusses North Korea With Leaders of South Korea and Japan VOA 28 Apr 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about a planned meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un following conversations Saturday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Historic North-South Summit for National Reconciliation and Unity, Peace and Prosperity KCNA 28 Apr 2018 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, came to Panmunjom on April 27 for the historic north-south summit meeting and talks.
DPRK official media confirms complete denuclearization People's Daily 28 Apr 2018 -- The official media of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) confirmed on Saturday that top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in had agreed on a common goal of "complete denuclearization."
Moon, Kim pledge complete denuclearization, signing truce into peace pact by 2018 People's Daily 28 Apr 2018 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), confirmed a common goal of complete denuclearization and agreed to push for multilateral talks to turn the current armistice agreement into a peace treaty after their first summit meeting in Panmunjom Friday.
US, S Korea Defense Chiefs Reaffirm Diplomatic Solution of DPRK Denuclearization Sputnik 28 Apr 2018 -- US Defense Secretary James Mattis and South Korean Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo reaffirmed in phone talks on Saturday their commitment to a diplomatic solution ensuring the complete denuclearization of North Korea, the Pentagon said.
Australia, Canada to Monitor North Korea Oil Transfers from Japan Base – Reports Sputnik 28 Apr 2018 -- Australia and Canada will deploy military jets to a US air base in Japan to monitor North Korea's alleged oil transfers at sea, Japanese media reported.
Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with President Moon Jae-In of the Republic of Korea The White House 28 Apr 2018
Readout of President Donald J. Trump's Call with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan The White House 28 Apr 2018

Iran FM: Trump's demands on nuclear deal unacceptable IRNA 28 Apr 2018 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Jafad Zarif said on Saturday that US President Donald Trump's exorbitant demands on nuclear deal is unacceptable to the Iranian people, other JCPOA members and the international community.
Iran says ready for US withdrawal from nuclear deal IRNA 28 Apr 2018 -- The Iranian top banking official said on Saturday that the Islamic Republic is quite prepared for potential US withdrawal from the nuclear deal.
EU keep talking on Iran nuclear deal: German Chancellor IRNA 28 Apr 2018 -- Iran nuclear deal was the first step to slow down the country's nuclear activities and increase monitoring process on that and 'we continue to talk about it', said German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Iran's Zarif Says Trump's Demand On Nuclear Deal 'Unacceptable' RFE/RL 28 Apr 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that demands by U.S. President Donald Trump to alter Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers are unacceptable.

Taiwan asks U.S. airlines not to bow to China pressure on name change CNA 28 Apr 2018 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Saturday it has urged two U.S. airlines not to give in to pressure from China to change the way Taiwan is listed on their websites.
Taiwan office in Jordan to be renamed under pressure from China: MOFA CNA 28 Apr 2018 -- Jordan has asked Taiwan to change the name of its representative office in Amman, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Saturday, citing pressure from China.

Law Enforcement Hits IS Propaganda Outlets VOA 28 Apr 2018 -- Law enforcement authorities in the United States, European Union and Canada this week began a joint cybercampaign against Islamic State online communication channels that will "severely disrupt" the group's propaganda machine, the EU's law enforcement agency Europol said.

Erdogan promises victory in Turkey's snap elections Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has started campaigning for his re-election, saying he would certainly win the snap vote called for June.
Turkish police arrest 63 suspects over links to Gulen network Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- Turkish police forces have arrested at least 63 people on suspicion of affiliation to a movement led by the US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Ankara government accuses of having masterminded the July 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Armenia's Ruling Party Withdraws Prime Minister Candidate Sputnik 28 Apr 2018 -- The ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) has decided not to put forward its candidate for the position of prime minister, following consultations with Acting Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan and former President Serzh Sargsyan, Vice President of the Armenian parliament Eduard Sharmazanov said Saturday.
Armenian protest leader rallies for support to become prime minister Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- Armenian protest leader Nikol Pashinyan has toured different parts of the country to garner support for his bid to become prime minister amid an ongoing dispute over the country's next leader.
Armenian Ruling Party Won't Nominate PM Candidate; Pashinian Tells Cheering Crowds To Join 'Popular Movement' RFE/RL 28 Apr 2018 -- Armenia's ruling party has announced that it will not nominate a candidate for prime minister in a bid to ease tensions amid the biggest political crisis in the Caucasus nation in years.

Protesters in Madagascar demand president resignation, as anti-govt. rallies continue Press TV 28 Apr 2018 -- More than 1,000 anti-government activists have rallied in Madagascar's capital for an eighth consecutive day, demanding the resignation of the president.

Tusk Says Reconciliation Efforts In Balkans 'Important' For Europe RFE/RL 28 Apr 2018 -- European Council President Donald Tusk has praised Macedonia's efforts to reconcile with its neighbors as it accelerates its bid to join the European Union, saying such efforts are needed across the Western Balkans and are "important" for Europe.

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