02 May 2018 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 02 May 2018 [PDF]

More US, French Convoys Deployed to Northern Syria – Reports Sputnik 02 May 2018 -- Last week, the Lebanese Al-Manar TV network reported, citing sources on the ground that the United States and France had sent military vehicles to Al-Hasakah province in northeastern Syria.

Defense Policy / Programs

Detainee Transfer Announced DoD 02 May 2018 -- The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Haza al Darbi from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Guantanamo Bay Prison to Keep Taking 'Continuing, Significant' Threats to US VOA 02 May 2018 -- The United States will keep sending suspected terrorists caught on the battlefield to its detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as long as they pose a "continuing, significant threat" to the country.
US Opens Door to Fill Guantanamo Again VOA 02 May 2018 -- The U.S. Defense Department has announced conditions under which it will resume sending suspected terrorists caught on the battlefield to its detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the first time in more than a decade.
Army seeks better, lighter munitions for UAS, attack helicopters, general says Army News 02 May 2018 -- The Army needs a family of lightweight, longer-range precision munitions to fire from its fleet of unmanned aerial systems and attack helicopters, said Maj. Gen. Frank Tate.
Esper: Army to focus on recruiting, training, modernization to prepare for future conflict Army News 02 May 2018 -- Coming off many years of hard conflict, today's Army is at a "strategic inflection point," said Secretary of the Army Mark T. Esper.
Oregon Guardsmen, Canadian Reservists enhance joint readiness in Cougar Rage exercise Army News 02 May 2018 -- Soldiers from the U.S. and the 39th Canadian Brigade Group (CBG) took part in a multi-day exercise, allowing a unique opportunity to integrate support and skills while improving long-term readiness for both nations during Exercise Cougar Rage 18, April 26-29, 2018 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
Department of Defense Press Briefing on the Navy DoD 02 May 2018 -- Presenter: Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer; Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John M. Richardson; Marine Corps Commandant General Robert B. Neller
USSTRATCOM, Denmark sign agreement to share space services, data AFNS 02 May 2018 -- U.S. Strategic Command entered into an agreement with the Danish Ministry of Defence to share space situational awareness, or SSA, services and information.
Changing World Situation Requires Resilient Nuclear Posture, DoD Official Says AFPS 02 May 2018 -- The world has changed and America's nuclear strategy has to change as well, the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy said here today.
US F-16s relocate, Misawa Airmen integrate with JASDF AFNS 02 May 2018 -- Nearly 95 personnel and six F-16 Fighting Falcons from Misawa Air Base, Japan soared to Chitose AB, Japan, April 23 to 27, 2018, to participate in an aviation training relocation program.
Air Force selects locations for B-21 aircraft AFNS 02 May 2018 -- The Air Force announced that the B-21 Raider will replace B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit aircraft at three existing bomber bases beginning in the mid-2020s.
C-130 crashes in Georgia AFNS 02 May 2018 -- While performing a training mission, a U.S. C-130 Hercules cargo plane from the Puerto Rico Air National Guard crashed about 11:30 a.m. May 2, 2018, near the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport in Savannah, Georgia, with five people on board. Personnel are on the scene responding. A board of officers will investigate the accident.
DoD Official: Lethality, Readiness Drive Acquisition and Sustainment Reform AFPS 02 May 2018 -- The National Defense Strategy's priority of readiness and warfighter's needs make it important for the Defense Department to be easy to do business with, the undersecretary of defense for acquisitions and sustainment said here yesterday.
Investments Focus on More Lethal Force, Navy Secretary Says AFPS 02 May 2018 -- The naval enterprise is investing in its people and capabilities to build a more lethal force in the age of great power competition, Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer told reporters today.
Navy's Newest LPD to be Named in Honor of WWII Medal of Honor Recipient NNS 02 May 2018 -- Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer announced the Navy's newest San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship will be named in honor of Navy veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr.
NMCB 11 Seabees Give Locals a Means to Sustain Fresh Water NNS 02 May 2018 -- Fourteen Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 Construction Civic Action Detail (CCAD) Marshall Islands landed on Carlson Island to begin the construction of their second water catchment project April 17, 2018.

Portugal to take over lead of Baltic Air Policing NATO 02 May 2018 -- Šiauliai, Lithuania -- For the fourth time the Portuguese Air Force assumed lead of the Baltic Air Policing mission. During the traditional ceremony at Šiauliai Airbase on May 2 a detachment of the Portuguese Air Force was handed over the symbolic key to the Baltic Airspace from the outgoing detachment of the Royal Danish Air Force. An additional detachment of the Spanish Air Force, also based at Šiauliai, will augment the Portuguese airmen during their rotation, next to a French detachment operating out of Ämari, Estonia as of May 3.
Exercise Siil 2018 kicks off in Estonia NATO 02 May 2018 -- Exercise Siil 2018, involving over 15,000 Allied and partner troops from 19 different countries, as well as forces from NATO's enhanced Forward Presence, kicked off in Estonia today (2 May 2018).
NATO Warships Enter Black Sea As West Ramps Up Naval Activity in the Region Sputnik 02 May 2018 -- An escalation of tensions in the Black Sea region is seen as yet another instrument of Western political pressure on Russia.

Russian Su-27 intercepts US spy plane over Baltic Press TV 02 May 2018 -- A Russian fighter jet has intercepted a US spy plane over the Baltic Sea, in an operation that American officials say was "unprofessional."
Russia's S-400, Pantsir-S Air Defense Systems to Get Major AI Boost Sputnik 02 May 2018 -- Russia's Aerospace Forces have tested the country's first automated air defense control system with elements of artificial intelligence, Izvestiya reported, citing Defense Ministry sources in Moscow.
Russia, Despite Military Ventures, Cut Defense Spending By Most In Decades RFE/RL 02 May 2018 -- Western sanctions and a long recession forced Russia's military to slash spending by 20 percent last year, its first drop in nearly two decades, a closely followed think-tank report said.

War Chest: US Dominates World Military Spending in 2017; Riyadh Surpasses Moscow Sputnik 02 May 2018 -- The United States spent more on its military in 2017 than the next seven highest-spending countries combined; the land of the free, in fact, accounted for 35 percent of the entire planet's defense expenditure, which totalled $1.74 trillion that year.
US, China and Saudi Arabia Biggest Military Spenders in 2017 - SIPRI Sputnik 02 May 2018 -- According to a freshly released report on global military expenditure from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China made "the largest absolute increase in spending in 2017, while Russia made the largest decrease."

Most German Eurofighter Jets Reveal Serious Defects - Report Sputnik 02 May 2018 -- As German authorities recently announced their intention to spend more than €450 million on the modernization of the country's armed forces in 2018 alone, the military equipment used by the country's military seem to reveal more shortcomings every day.
Bundeswehr in Trouble? Russia Plans to Cancel Aircraft Lease for NATO Transport Sputnik 02 May 2018 -- As Germany's defense ministry announced plans to increase military spending in order to modernize outdated Bundeswehr equipment, the German army seems to be facing another serious challenge, this time with its transport capacity.

India Joins the League of Top Five Military Spenders - SIPRI Report Sputnik 02 May 2018 -- Going by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, India continues to occupy a spot among top defense importers despite efforts to promote local industries of the defense equipment manufacturing category.

Saudi Arabia's military expenditure surpasses Russia, world's 3rd Press TV 02 May 2018 -- Having trapped itself in a deadly war against the people of Yemen over the past years, Saudi Arabia has surpassed Russia to become the world's third largest military spender.

President Tsai posts message praising Taiwan military CNA 02 May 2018 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) posted a message praising the military on her official Facebook page Wednesday, as Taiwan's armed forces engage in computer war games as part of the annual Han Kuang exercises.

Largest Military Exercise Since Independence Starts In Estonia RFE/RL 02 May 2018 -- An international military exercise involving 13,000 troops from 16 countries kicked off in Estonia on May 2.

Philippines gets new Israel missiles to boost naval capabilities Press TV 02 May 2018 -- The Philippines has completed the purchase of its first-ever ship-borne missile systems as part of a military modernization program and for the expansion of its naval capabilities in the disputed South China Sea.

NATO works closely with Iraq to strengthen good governance in the Iraqi security structures NATO 02 May 2018 -- Over a hundred representatives from twenty ministries and institutions across the Iraqi government attended a workshop organized by NATO in Baghdad, on 24 to 26 April 2018.

Remarks at Swearing-in Ceremony US Dept. of State 02 May 2018 -- Remarks by Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 02, 2018

Other Conflicts

2 May 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 May 2018

82 Saudi military forces killed in a month IRNA 02 May 2018 -- Based on the statistics, some 82 Saudi military forces have been killed and 41 others injured in April.
Yemeni Ansarullah snipers kill three Saudi troops in Najran Press TV 02 May 2018 -- Snipers of Yemen's popular Houthi Ansarullah movement have killed three Saudi troops in the kingdom's southern regions.
Sudan assessing role in Saudi-led war on Yemen Press TV 02 May 2018 -- Sudan's Minister of State for Defense Affairs Ali Salem has announced that his country is making a re-evaluation of its contribution to a deadly campaign led by Saudi Arabia against Yemen.

US, Allies Warn Syria as New Offensive Begins VOA 02 May 2018 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces, supported by the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State, said they are prepared to respond to any attacks from the Syrian army and its militias as they begin an operation against the final IS strongholds in Deir el-Zour province in eastern Syria.
Terrorist groups to evacuate from Homs and Hama IRNA 02 May 2018 -- Information about an agreement to evacuate the terrorist groups from the northern countryside of Homs and the southern countryside of Hama has been reached, SANA reporter in Homs said on Tuesday.
US-led coalition undermining Syria territorial integrity, prolonging crisis: Damascus Press TV 02 May 2018 -- The Damascus government says the so-called US-led coalition purportedly fighting Daesh Takfiri terrorist group is devoid of any international legitimacy as it is committing massacres against ordinary Syrians, undermining the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria and prolonging the foreign-sponsored crisis.
Iranian Lawmaker Warns Of Response To Israeli 'Aggression' In Syria RFE/RL 02 May 2018 -- A senior Iranian lawmaker has warned that his country will retaliate against what he called Israeli "aggression" in Syria after missile strikes this week killed 26 mostly Iranian fighters stationed at a Syrian military base.

Iran rejects Morocco's claim of ties with Polisario Front as baseless Press TV 02 May 2018 -- Iran has firmly rejected Morocco's allegation of ties between Tehran's Embassy in Algeria and the Polisario Front, a Western Sahara separatist movement.
Iran Denies Morocco Accusation Of Arming Secessionists RFE/RL 02 May 2018 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry on May 2 denied it was arming a rebel group seeking independence for Western Sahara after Morocco severed diplomatic ties with Tehran over the allegations.

Central African Republic: UN urges calm in wake of violence in capital Bangui UN News 02 May 2018 -- The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) has appealed for calm following fresh violence in the capital Bangui which claimed the lives of several civilians, including a religious leader.

Attack on Libyan High National Elections Commission US Dept. of State 02 May 2018
Multiple casualties in militant attack on Libya election commission headquarters Press TV 02 May 2018 -- At least seven people have been killed in a multi-pronged attack against the headquarters of Libya's electoral commission in the capital, Tripoli.
Militants Attack Libyan Election Commission, 12 Killed VOA 02 May 2018 -- Libyan officials say an attack on the country's electoral commission in the capital Tripoli has killed at least 12 people.

South Sudan: UN Mission chief urges warring parties to abide by truce agreement UN News 02 May 2018 -- The surge of violence in South Sudan's Unity region will likely continue despite the ceasefire accord signed last year by warring parties, the top United Nations official in the African country said on Wednesday.

News Reports

Ukrainian President To Expand Sanctions Against Russians, Paralleling U.S. RFE/RL 02 May 2018 -- Ukraine will expand financial and other sanctions against Russian individuals and companies, paralleling U.S. efforts to punish Moscow for its actions in Ukraine and elsewhere.
Russian Censors Struggling to Block Telegram App VOA 02 May 2018 -- The Russian government is struggling to block messaging app Telegram, and its bid to cut access to the instant messenger platform is causing widespread disruption to an array of websites and online services in Russia that have nothing to do with Telegram.
U.S. Treasury Provides Way For Three Russian Companies To Avoid Sanctions RFE/RL 02 May 2018 -- The U.S. Treasury Department has extended a deadline for investors to relinquish their interests in three Russian companies, a move that gives the firms time to reduce ties with Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska and ultimately avoid U.S. sanctions.
British House Of Commons OKs Bill Targeting Russian Rights Abusers RFE/RL 02 May 2018 -- Britain's House of Commons has approved a measure to impose sanctions against people deemed guilty of human rights violations, in memory of the late Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.
Russian Asylum Applications In U.S. Hit 24-Year Record RFE/RL 02 May 2018 -- The number of asylum applications by Russian citizens in the United States hit a 24-year high in 2017, jumping nearly 40 percent from the previous year and continuing an upward march that began after Russian President Vladimir Putin returned to the Kremlin in 2012.
Georgian President Calls For 'Strategic Tolerance' Of Russia RFE/RL 02 May 2018 -- Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili has lashed out at the country's government on domestic issues and urged it to stick to what he called a "policy of strategic tolerance" in relations with Russia, which remain strained a decade after the neighbors fought a five-day war.

Basque Group ETA Announces It Has 'Completely Dissolved' VOA 02 May 2018 -- The Basque separatist group ETA is formally dissolving after 60 years and giving up its fight for an independent Basque state in northern Spain and southern France.

On the Occasion of North Korea Freedom Week US Dept. of State 02 May 2018 -- "On the occasion of North Korea Freedom Week, we must not forget the millions of North Koreans who continue to suffer under one of the most repressive and abusive governments in the world."
Seoul: US forces to stay regardless of potential peace treaty with North Press TV 02 May 2018 -- South Korea's presidential office says the United States military presence in the Asian country will continue and would be unrelated to any peace treaty with the North, after an adviser suggested otherwise in a newspaper column.
N Korea must dismantle weapons program: US secretary of state Press TV 02 May 2018 -- North Korea must commit to immediately dismantling its weapons program, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has demanded.
Chinese FM in North Korea as diplomacy continues Press TV 02 May 2018 -- China's foreign minister has arrived in North Korea on a rare visit, amid a new round of diplomacy that offers hope to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula.
UN ready to discuss 'possible forms of support' to further inter-Korean peace efforts UN News 02 May 2018 -- Secretary-General António Guterres has said that the United Nations stands ready to discuss "possible forms of support" to further inter-Korean talks over denuclearizing the Peninsula, and working towards a lasting peace.
4 Things You Should Know About the Inter-Korean Summit VOA 02 May 2018 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in April 27 in the Demilitarized Zone at Panmunjom. Their discussions centered around the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and a peace settlement.
Pompeo: Chance to Change Course of History on Korean Peninsula VOA 02 May 2018 -- New U.S. Secretary of State Mike Popmeo says there is "an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of history on the Korean peninsula" with President Donald Trump planning to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

JCPOA defendable in any situation: Iran government spokesman IRNA 02 May 2018 -- Government Spokesman and Head of the Plan and Budget Organization Mohammad-Baqer Nobakht says Iran nuclear deal is defendable whatever is its fate.
Iran ready for conditions after US withdrawal IRNA 02 May 2018 -- Government Spokesman and Head of the Plan and Budget Organization Mohammad-Baqer Nobakht says Iran is prepared for conditions after the US withdrawal from the JCPOA.
Iran's IAEA envoy slams nuke-armed states for blocking peaceful use of atomic energy Press TV 02 May 2018 -- Iranian Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Reza Najafi says nuclear-armed countries are in no position to deprive other nations of reaping the benefits of peaceful nuclear technology.
All sides need to continue upholding Iran deal, says China Press TV 02 May 2018 -- China has stressed that all sides should continue to uphold the Iran nuclear agreement amid threats by the United States and efforts by the Israeli regime to kill the landmark deal.
French president stresses need to keep Iran nuclear deal Press TV 02 May 2018 -- Amid US threats to kill the Iran nuclear deal, President Emanuel Macron of France has reaffirmed support for the multilateral agreement, adding however that it should be expanded to include other issues.
Iran faces Trump deadline with record oil exports Press TV 02 May 2018 -- Iran's oil exports hit 2.6 million barrels per day (bpd) in April, a record since the lifting of sanctions in early 2016, the Ministry of Petroleum's Shana news outlet has reported.
White House defends Israeli accusations against Iran nuclear program Press TV 02 May 2018 -- The US White House has defended the Israeli prime minister's recent anti-Iran accusations, saying that the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran was reached under a "false pretense."
UK will stick with Iran deal despite Israeli claims: Johnson Press TV 02 May 2018 -- British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has reaffirmed his country's support for the landmark nuclear deal with Iran despite Israeli claims that Tehran had violated the 2015 agreement.
Iranian Expats Launch Own Telegram 'With Built-In Proxy' To Counter Filtering At Home RFE/RL 02 May 2018 -- Two Iranian IT experts have launched a modified version of Telegram to help their countrymen get around Tehran's latest attempt to block the wildly popular messaging app.
Iran Nuclear Capability Was More Advanced Than Tehran Admitted, White House Says Sputnik 02 May 2018 -- Iran's nuclear capabilities were more advanced than Tehran admitted when it inked the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with the international community, White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said on Tuesday.

US Mulls Restrictions on Chinese Telecom Equipment Over Spying Fears – Reports Sputnik 02 May 2018 -- The Trump administration is considering an executive order that would restrict import and use of Chinese made telecommunications systems in the United States, citing national security concerns, according to published reports on Wednesday.
China, Dominican Republic establish diplomatic ties People's Daily 02 May 2018 -- China and the Dominican Republic signed a joint communique in Beijing Tuesday on the establishment of diplomatic relations.

NASA Successfully Tests Portable Nuclear Reactor for Space Sputnik 02 May 2018 -- The Kilopower system will be essential for day-to-day requirements, such as lighting, water and oxygen, and for mission objectives, like running experiments and producing fuel for the long journey home, NASA's official website reported.

Historic low number of Taiwan's allies begs new diplomatic approach CNA 02 May 2018 -- The Republic of China, a country that constantly faces Beijing's threats on the international stage, lost another diplomatic ally Tuesday, the Dominican Republic.
Annexing Taiwan is China's national strategy: premier CNA 02 May 2018 -- Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Wednesday that annexing Taiwan is China's national policy and strategy as evidenced by the way Beijing continues its efforts to lure away Taiwan's diplomatic allies and block the nation's participation on the international stage.

Jailed ex-leader of pro-Kurdish party to run for Turkish presidency Press TV 02 May 2018 -- Turkey's main pro-Kurdish party announces its former leader Selahattin Demirtas as its candidate for the country's June presidential elections, despite the fact that he is currently jailed and on trial in several legal cases.
Turkish police detain 33 suspects over affiliation to Gulen network Press TV 02 May 2018 -- Turkish police forces have arrested at least 33 people on suspicion of links to an outlawed movement led by US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Ankara government accuses of having masterminded the July 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Turkish Government Election Spending Spree Unnerves Markets VOA 02 May 2018 -- With snap elections in Turkey less than two months away, the government has begun investing billions of dollars in financial giveaways in an unprecedented spending spree that has sent the lira to near record lows and prompted concerns about the health of the economy.

Armenia parliament sets new date for electing prime minister Press TV 02 May 2018 -- Armenia's parliament has announced that it would hold a new session to elect the country's prime minister after a first bid failed due to lack of support in the chamber for the main opposition candidate, Nikol Pashinyan.
Pashinian Cautiously Welcomes Ruling Party's Pledge On Armenian PM Vote RFE/RL 02 May 2018 -- Armenian opposition leader Nikol Pashinian has cautiously welcomed indications from the ruling Republican Party (HHK) that it will vote for him on May 8 as the next prime minister.

Long-Term EU Budget Plan Would Punish 'Rule Of Law Deficiencies' RFE/RL 02 May 2018 -- The European Commission has proposed a larger multiannual budget for the years 2021 to 2027, despite Brexit. But the plan has a new mechanism that could punish countries that fail to respect the rule of law.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list