21 May 2018 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 21 May 2018 [PDF]

Operation Roundup Targets ISIS Remnants in Syria AFPS 21 May 2018 -- In Operation Roundup, Syrian Democratic Forces continue to defeat remnants of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria fighters in Syria's Middle Euphrates River valley, Army Col. Rob Manning, the Pentagon's director of press operations, told reporters today.

Laser Guided Bombs enhance Afghan Air Force Strike Capability AFNS 21 May 2018 -- Since March 22, 2018, the Afghan Air Force has both introduced and increased the use of precision guided munitions in southern Afghanistan.
Iran dismisses reports on support for Taliban militants ISNA 21 May 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi has blasted certain efforts to divert the Afghan nation's attention from the main causes of the perpetuation of war in the country by leveling unsubstantiated accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Taliban warn Kabul residents to avoid military centers ahead of planned attacks Press TV 21 May 2018 -- The Taliban have warned Afghan civilians to stay away from "military bases" in Kabul as the militant group prepares to launch more attacks in the capital.
Iran denies accusations of aiding Taliban in Afghanistan Press TV 21 May 2018 -- Tehran has dismissed accusations that it has been helping a Taliban push in an Afghan province bordering Iran, saying the claim is instigated by US commanders who try to divert public opinion from the real cause of the flare-up in violence.
Taliban Warns Kabul Residents Of More Attacks RFE/RL 21 May 2018 -- The Taliban has warned Kabul residents to stay away from "military centers" as they vowed more attacks in the Afghan capital.
Record-high opium production in Afghanistan creates multiple challenges for region and beyond, UN warns UN News 21 May 2018 -- Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan reached a record-high last year, leading to unprecedented levels of potential heroin on the world market, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said in a new report released on Monday.

Defense Policy / Programs

Pacific Partnership 2018 Kicks-Off in Thailand for First Time NNS 21 May 2018 -- Pacific Partnership 2018, the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) preparedness mission, kicked off aboard the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Brunswick (T-EPF-6) in Pattaya, Thailand, May 20.
Gonzalez Conducts Combined Operations NNS 21 May 2018 -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) conducted combined operations with multi-purpose Italian frigate ITS Alpino (F594), May 16-17.
7th Fleet Kicks Off Southeast Asia TSC Patrol NNS 21 May 2018 -- Sailors from U.S. 7th Fleet departed Changi Naval Base, Singapore May 19, aboard USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3) for a theater security cooperation (TSC) patrol in Southeast Asia.
USNS Millinocket and Embarked 7th Fleet Staff POulls into Kota Kinabalu NNS 21 May 2018 -- USNS Millinocket (T-EPF 3) and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet Sailors and Marines arrived in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, May 21, as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet theater security cooperation (TSC) patrol.
USS Farragut Arrives in Faslane NNS 21 May 2018 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) arrived in Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde, May 21, for a scheduled port visit to strengthen U.S. and United Kingdom relations as the two nations work in partnership to fortify security and stability in the region.

PLA marches on social media to gain public support People's Daily 21 May 2018 -- A recruitment video filled with rap lyrics and sci-fi weaponry, patriotic cartoons featuring endearing animal characters and computer games teaching the public to understand basic military skills – the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been adopting creative approaches to introduce itself to the world, gaining ground in the global military publicity arena.

Indian Warships Reach Vietnam for First Ever Joint Naval Exercise Sputnik 21 May 2018 -- For the last few years, India has stepped up its engagement with Vietnam in what is being seen as an attempt to boost its military exports. In 2016, India offered the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akash surface to air missile to Vietnam besides announcing $500 million loan for defense purchases.
India Successfully Tests BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile - Defense Ministry Sputnik 21 May 2018 -- Indian Defense Minister Raksha Mantri Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday congratulated the manufacturers and the country's Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on a successful test of a land-based supersonic cruise missile BrahMos.

UK poised for take-off on ambitious Defence Space Strategy with personnel boost Gov.UK 21 May 2018 -- As the UK space sector's world-leading experts gather for the first ever UK Defence Space Conference, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced the launch of the UK's first Defence Space Strategy and pledged an uplift in expertise to ensure we remain at the forefront of the space domain.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 21, 2018

Other Conflicts

21 May 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 May 2018

Beijing: South China Sea Drills Are Part of Normal Training for Military Sputnik 21 May 2018 -- In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague handed down a verdict in a territorial dispute between China and Philippines in favor of Manila, however, Beijing rejected the ruling, claiming control over all gas and oil activity in the South Chinese Sea.
Beijing bombers boosting tensions in South China Sea: Vietnam Press TV 21 May 2018 -- Vietnam's Foreign Ministry has said that China's recent landing of bombers at an air base in the South China Sea violates Vietnam's sovereignty over the disputed region.
Beijing rejects 'militarization' of South China Sea Press TV 21 May 2018 -- Beijing has dismissed allegations that it is "militarizing" the South China Sea after landing bombers at an air base in the disputed waters.
Philippines taking 'diplomatic action' after China lands bombers in S China Sea Press TV 21 May 2018 -- The Philippine government has voiced "serious concern" over Beijing's dispatch of strategic bombers to the disputed waters of the South China Sea, saying it is taking "diplomatic action" in support of its territorial claims there.
Asia's largest dredging vessel to start trial voyage People's Daily 21 May 2018 -- Asia's largest and most advanced dredging vessel Tian Kun Hao is about to set off on its trial voyage.

Saudi jet fighters bomb Yemeni capital city IRNA 21 May 2018 -- Saudi Arabian warplanes bombed eastern part of Sana'a, capital of Yemen, several times Sunday night, ALmasirah. net reported.
Yemen's retaliatory missile attack targets Saudi airport Press TV 21 May 2018 -- Yemen's popular Houthi Ansarullah movement has fired a ballistic missile at an airport in southwest Saudi Arabia in retaliation for fresh airstrikes by the kingdom.

Syria Denies Deal With IS to Evacuate Fighters VOA 21 May 2018 -- The Syrian government denied on Monday it had entered an agreement with Islamic State to evacuate the last of the militant group's fighters from one last area of resistance in southern Damascus.
Syria Says Capital Is Free of Militants after Defeat of IS VOA 21 May 2018 -- A Syrian military spokesman says that government forces have recaptured the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp, outside Damascus, along with two adjoining neighborhoods that were under the control of the Islamic State group. With the victory, the Syrian government now controls all of the capital and its surrounding regions.
Temporary humanitarian ceasefire in al-Hajar al-Aswad: Syrian media IRNA 21 May 2018 -- A temporary humanitarian ceasefire has been implemented on Sunday night to evacuate children, women and elderly men from al-Hajar al-Aswad area near Damascus, a Syrian military source said on Monday.
Iran's presence in Syria at Damascus' demand: Spox IRNA 21 May 2018 -- Iran is present in Syria because Damascus wanted it to be there and Tehran's goal is to fight terrorism, said the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.
Tunnel network, IEDS discovered by Army in Hama countryside IRNA 21 May 2018 -- Units of Syrian Arab Army discovered a tunnel network and sites of terrorists' remnants in Hour Binfseh in the southern countryside of Hama.
Iran to stay in Syria as long as Syrian government wants ISNA 21 May 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman emphasized that Iran will stay in Syria as long as it is needed, terrorism threat is not eliminated and the Syrian government requires aid.
Russia military shoots down 'unknown drone' close to Syria's Khmeimim base Press TV 21 May 2018 -- Russian's military has said that it shot down an "unknown drone" that came close to Khmeimim air base in Syria.
Syrian military says capital completely secure after ousting Daesh Press TV 21 May 2018 -- Syrian army says it is in full control of the capital city and its outskirts after ousting terrorist members of Daesh Takfiri group by fully cleansing their last strongholds around Damascus.
France steps up military presence along Syria-Iraq border Press TV 21 May 2018 -- France has expanded its military presence in Syria, joining the United States in its support for Kurdish militants that are accused of being used by the US to partition the Arab country.
Syrian troops in final steps of Hajar al-Aswad's full libration Press TV 21 May 2018 -- Syrian government forces are engaged in building to building cleansing operations of remaining terrorists in the northern part of al-Hajar al-Aswad neighborhood.
Syria Declares Damascus Fully Under Government Control RFE/RL 21 May 2018 -- The Syrian military said it has taken an enclave in Damascus from Islamic State (IS) militants that gives it full control of the capital for the first time since the civil war began in 2011.
Iran to Stay in Syria as Long as Damascus Wants - Tehran Sputnik 21 May 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin during his talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on May 17 stated that due to the success of the anti-terror fight by Syrian forces, foreign troops should leave the ground. The Iranian foreign ministry has given its response to this plan.

Russia's FSB Accuses Crimean Tatars Of 'Extremist' Plot RFE/RL 21 May 2018 -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has accused Crimean Tatar activists of orchestrating and carrying out attacks with Kyiv's support, allegations described as "fantasy" by the Ukrainian Security Service.

National conversation reveals Libyans' desire for 'united and sovereign nation': UN representative UN News 21 May 2018 -- Conversations taking place across Libya indicate that citizens are "yearning for a united and sovereign nation," the top United Nations official in the country told the Security Council in New York on Monday.

Pompeo Calls For Russian Troop Pullout From Georgia RFE/RL 21 May 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for Russia to withdraw its troops from breakaway regions in Georgia while also pledging deeper security and economic support for Tbilisi.

Little Progress on South Sudan Peace Talks VOA 21 May 2018 -- After four days of closed-door negotiations at the high-level peace talks in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, a South Sudan government official said warring parties in South Sudan have made some progress on security issues but admits there has been little headway on governance and other big sticking points.

News Reports

Gina Haspel sworn in as first female CIA director despite torture questions Press TV 21 May 2018 -- Gina Haspel has been sworn in as the first woman to lead the US Central Intelligence Agency, with a pledge to send more officers into the field and strengthen the agency's working relationships with US allies.
Veteran Spy Haspel Sworn In as New CIA Chief VOA 21 May 2018 -- Gina Haspel, a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, was sworn in Monday as the spy agency's first female director.

'Awakening': Microsoft Will Provide Cloud-Based Apps to Intel Agencies - Reports Sputnik 21 May 2018 -- The tech giant Microsoft has reached an agreement to provide 17 US intelligence agencies with its cloud-computing platform, The Washington Post reported.

Moscow slam's Britain's 'unprecedented anti-Russian mania' after money laundering report Press TV 21 May 2018 -- Russian authorities have harshly criticized a report by British MPs alleging that people close to the Kremlin were hiding and laundering money in the United Kingdom, saying the claims show that anti-Russia rhetoric in Britain has reached unprecedented levels.
Russian 'dirty money' damaging Britain: UK lawmakers Press TV 21 May 2018 -- The Russian "dirty money" invested in British assets and London's financial institutions weakens the government's plans to counter Moscow's foreign policy, UK lawmakers have warned.
British Parliament Report Slams Effects Of 'Dirty' Russian Money RFE/RL 21 May 2018 -- "Dirty" Russian money is undermining Britain's efforts to stand up to the Kremlin and supports President Vladimir Putin's campaign "to subvert the international rules-based system," a parliamentary report says, drawing an angry reaction from the Kremlin.
British MPs Urge More Financial Pressure on Russia VOA 21 May 2018 -- His football team won Britain's prestigious FA Cup Sunday, but Roman Abramovich, the Kremlin-tied Russian oligarch who owns Chelsea football club, is struggling to get his British visa renewed and officials are saying they are still considering his application.

KGB General In Cossack's Clothing: Meet The Man Behind The Whips RFE/RL 21 May 2018 -- Last week, a Moscow district court fined Yevgeny Fyodorchunkov 1,000 rubles ($16) for petty hooliganism for his role in beating protesters at a May 5 demonstration in Moscow against President Vladimir Putin. Fyodorchunkov claimed at the May 14 hearing that he was a Cossack and that he belonged to a "public organization," but the court did not identify the group.

U.S., South Korean leaders say to work closely for success of Trump-Kim meet People's Daily 21 May 2018 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on Sunday pledged to work closely to ensure the success of the planned Trump-Kim summit in a phone conversation.
South Korea Rules Out Halting Joint Drills With US Despite Pyongyang's Protests Sputnik 21 May 2018 -- "The South Korean Defense Ministry ruled out the possibility of halting or scaling down the annual joint military drills with the United States even despite the resentment on the part of North Korea, the ministry's spokeswoman Choi Hyun-soo said at a briefing on Monday."
DPRK refuses to grant S.Korean reporters access to nuke site dismantlement People's Daily 21 May 2018 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday refused to receive a list of South Korean journalists who could witness the dismantlement of its nuclear test site, Seoul's unification ministry said.

After the Deal: A New Iran Strategy US Dept. of State 21 May 2018 -- Remarks by Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State
Pompeo Vows 'Unprecedented' US Sanctions Against Iran VOA 21 May 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has unveiled a far-reaching list of demands for any new nuclear deal with Iran, and threatened economy-crushing sanctions if Tehran does not change its behavior.
Rouhani: US decision making for Iran, world unacceptable IRNA 21 May 2018 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday the new US administration got the country back to 15 years ago, saying that maybe the Americans do something by force but it is illogical they make decisions for the world.
Open letter to Mogherini, European imperative to save Iran nuclear deal IRNA 21 May 2018 -- Iranian diplomat and former nuclear negotiator, Hossein Mousavian, on Monday released on his tweet account the text of an open letter to the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini regarding EU's commitment to save Iran nuclear deal, known as JCPOA.
Beijing committed to save JCPOA: Spokesman IRNA 21 May 2018 -- China is committed to save the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) reached between Iran and G5+1 in 2015, China Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday.
EU could compensate firms hit by U.S. sanctions over Iran: French minister ISNA 21 May 2018 -- France is looking to see if the European Union could compensate European companies that might face U.S. sanctions for doing business with Iran, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said.
Iran urges more "practical steps" by Europe to protect nuclear deal People's Daily 21 May 2018 -- Political sympathy from Europe with Iran's nuclear deal is "not enough" and they should take more "practical steps" to guarantee Iran's economic interests from the deal, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said here on Sunday.
Britain undermines Pompeo's 'jumbo' Iran deal: Very, very difficult! Press TV 21 May 2018 -- British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has questioned the practicality of the tough conditions set by the US for a new "jumbo" Iran deal after the Trump administration's withdrawal from the multi-national Iran nuclear deal.
World does not accept US deciding for all countries: Iran's Rouhani Press TV 21 May 2018 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the United States cannot make decisions for Iran and other independent countries after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanded broad changes in the course of the Islamic Republic's foreign and domestic policy.
Iranian President Defiant In Response To Pompeo's Speech On New Sanctions RFE/RL 21 May 2018 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani said Tehran does not accept the United States making decisions for it, in a defiant response to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's announcement of tough economic sanctions against Iran.
Iran Urges EU To Do More To Preserve Nuclear Accord RFE/RL 21 May 2018 -- Iran has urged the European Union to do more to preserve a landmark 2015 accord easing sanctions against Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.

Trump Claims New Accord with China on Trade Negotiations VOA 21 May 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says American farmers will be big beneficiaries of more trade with China.
Talks in US ward off trade war People's Daily 21 May 2018 -- The consensus that there will be "no trade war" – reached during the latest round of trade talks between the world's top two economies – means a lot, not only for the Sino-US economic relationship, but also for the global economy as a whole, according to officials and analysts from both countries.

Iran Ready to Cooperate With Any Government Formed in Baghdad - Foreign Ministry Sputnik 21 May 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said that Tehran was ready to work with the new government in Iraq, regardless of its composition, and expressed his optimism about the recent elections and the future Iraqi cabinet.

'Alarming levels' of methamphetamine trafficking in Asia's Mekong, UN warns UN News 21 May 2018 -- Organized crime groups in Asia's Mekong region have intensified the production and trafficking of highly-addictive methamphetamine, extending the illegal trade into countries such as Australia, Japan and New Zealand, senior drug policy leaders warned on Monday at a United Nations-backed regional conference.

China launches relay satellite to explore Moon's far side People's Daily 21 May 2018 -- China launched a relay satellite early Monday to set up a communication link between Earth and the planned Chang'e-4 lunar probe that will explore the Moon's mysterious far side.

Turkey hands life sentences to 104 suspects over 2016 coup attempt Press TV 21 May 2018 -- A court in western Turkey has handed down life sentences to 104 people convicted of involvement in a coup attempt two years ago.

Statement from President Donald J. Trump on the Maduro Regime in Venezuela The White House 21 May 2018
An Unfair, Unfree Vote in Venezuela US Dept. of State 21 May 2018 -- "The United States condemns the fraudulent election that took place in Venezuela on May 20. This so-called "election" is an attack on constitutional order and an affront to Venezuela's tradition of democracy."
Maduro re-elected Venezuelan president; rival candidate challenges results Press TV 21 May 2018 -- Nicolas Maduro has been re-elected for a second term in office as Venezuela's president in an election rejected as "illegitimate" by his main rival, who has also demanded that a repeat vote be held later this year.
US Imposes Sanctions on Venezuela After Maduro Win VOA 21 May 2018 -- The United States imposed economic sanctions Monday on Venezuela for what it said was the country's "fraudulent" re-election of President Nicolas Maduro to a second six-year term.

Burundi Commission: Voters Backed Constitutional Changes VOA 21 May 2018 -- Voters in Burundi have approved changes to the constitution that could allow the president to stay in office until 2034.
Referendum in Burundi US Dept. of State 21 May 2018 -- "The United States notes that the May 17 referendum process in Burundi was marred by a lack of transparency, the suspension of media outlets, and attempts to pressure voters. "

Russia-Friendly, Pro-EU Candidates In Runoff Moldovan Election RFE/RL 21 May 2018 -- The candidate of Moldova's pro-Moscow Socialist Party, Ion Ceban, has won the first round of the snap election for mayor in Moldova's capital, Chisinau, with almost 41 percent of the vote, followed by Andrei Nastase, the candidate of the pro-European party Dignity and Truth Platform (DA), who garnered just over 31 percent.

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