23 May 2018 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 23 May 2018 [PDF]

Pentagon Reported Ready To Name New U.S. Commander In Afghanistan RFE/RL 23 May 2018 -- A career special operations soldier has been chosen as the next commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan, media reported on May 23, citing U.S. officials.

Army National Guard helping in Hawaii as volcano erupts Army News 23 May 2018 -- Joint Task Force 5-0 in Hawaii is helping authorities handle evacuations, provide security and monitor air quality as Mount Kilauea spews out clouds of toxic gas and lava destroys homes in its path.

Defense Policy / Programs

Remarks by Secretary Mattis at the graduation ceremony for the Air Force Academy's Class of 2018 DoD 23 May 2018 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis
USS Bulkeley Arrives In Pireaus NNS 23 May 2018 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) arrived in Pireaus, Greece, for a scheduled port visit, May 23, to enhance the partnership between the U.S. and Greece as the two nations continue to work together to fortify regional security and stability.
Navy JAG Corps Leaders Break New Ground with U.K. Partnership NNS 23 May 2018 -- The Navy JAG Corps publicly announced on May 23, 2018, the establishment of a new partnership with the U.K. Royal Naval Legal Services Office.
US military jet crashes in Mississippi, both pilots escape death Press TV 23 May 2018 -- A US Air Force jet has crashed during a training flight over a remote area of northeastern Mississippi, officials say.

Pentagon Cancels China's Invitation to Pacific Military Drills Sputnik 23 May 2018 -- Washington has disinvited Beijing from participating in maritime drills in the Pacific citing China's "continued militarization" of the South China Sea.
US Excludes China From Military Drill Over South China Sea Actions VOA 23 May 2018 -- The United States has disinvited China from a major international maritime exercise, saying Beijing's "destabilizing behavior" in the South China Sea is inconsistent with the principles of the U.S.-led drill.

Russia nuclear sub 'successfully test-fires ICBMs' Press TV 23 May 2018 -- A Russian nuclear submarine in submerged position has successfully test-fired several intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) from the White Sea, Russian military sources say.

EU to Spend Some $287Mln on Defense Industrial Program in 2019 Sputnik 23 May 2018 -- The 2019 EU budget stipulated allocation of 245 million euros (about $287 million) for the European Defence Industrial Development Programme, the European Commission said in a Wednesday statement.

IRGC says ready to make sacrifice to defend country's sovereignty IRNA 23 May 2018 -- Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) declared on Wednesday that it is ready to make ultimate sacrifices to defend the country's sovereignty.
Defense Minister: Iran never to halt military progress IRNA 23 May 2018 -- Iran's Minister of Defense Brigadier General Amir Hatami said on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran will never hesitate to enhance its military and defense might.
Iran Armed Forces await no permit to strengthen defense power: Military chief Press TV 23 May 2018 -- Iran's military chief says the Armed Forces stand fully ready to defend the country in the face of threats, and that they do not wait for permission from any foreign power to promote their defense capabilities.

Israel uses F35 jet fighters: media IRNA 23 May 2018 -- The Zionist regime has used F-35 jet fighters in the air raid against Syria, announced Israel on Tuesday.

UK: States Attacked in Cyberspace Have Right to Self-Defense – Military Official Sputnik 23 May 2018 -- The United Kingdom believes that countries targeted by cyberattacks can resort to the right of self-defense to retaliate against the state which attacked them, UK Attorney General Jeremy Wright said on Wednesday.

US Presses Turkey to Drop Plans to Buy Russian S-400 Air Defense Systems Sputnik 23 May 2018 -- Recently, Moscow has made a decision to speed up the delivery of S-400 to Turkey as Ankara expressed willingness to purchase these missile defense systems. Meanwhile, Washington has repeatedly argued that Turkey's acquisition of S-400 from Russia is not in line with NATO's interests.

French, Rwandan Leaders Pledge Cooperation on African Security VOA 23 May 2018 -- French and Rwandan leaders vowed to work together on key African security issues Wednesday, as they sought to move forward after bitter differences over Rwanda's 1994 genocide.

Strengthening American Diplomacy: Reviewing the State Department's Budget, Operations, and Policy Priorities US Dept. of State 23 May 2018 -- Testimony by Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State - Opening Statement Before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 23, 2018

Other Conflicts

23 May 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 May 2018

Israel Warns Damascus Not to Use Air Defenses Against Israeli Jets Inside Syria Sputnik 23 May 2018 -- A senior Israeli Air Force officer has said that his country's military aircraft will continue to operate in Syrian airspace for as long as is deemed necessary.

Syrian Army units repel Daesh attack in al-Mayadeen IRNA 23 May 2018 -- Units of the Syrian army repelled terrorist groups affiliated to Daesh (ISIS) terrorist organisation which attacked military outposts in al-Mayadeen area in Deir Ezzor southeastern countryside.
Envoy: Iran has no role in any military operation in south of Syria IRNA 23 May 2018 -- Iranian Ambassador to Jordan Mojtaba Ferdowsi-pour said on Wednesday that Iran has no role in military operations in southern Syria and has no presence in the area.
Pullout of Iranian advisors from Syria out of question IRNA 23 May 2018 -- The withdrawal of Iranian forces and units of the Lebanese movement Hezbollah from Syria is not on the discussion agenda, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad said.
Weapons and ammo seized in Homs northern countryside IRNA 23 May 2018 -- Amounts of weapons, ammo, landmines, and IEDS were seized by authorities in the northern countryside of Homs province.
Syria: Iran, Hezbollah presence not up for discussion Press TV 23 May 2018 -- Syria's deputy foreign minister has hailed Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement's assistance to Damascus in its counter-terrorism fight, saying the pair's withdrawal from the Arab country is not up for discussion.
Syrian Army Launched Offensive After Liberation of Yarmuk Refugee Camp - MoD Sputnik 23 May 2018 -- The militants from the Daesh terrorist group operating in the western part of the al-Yarmuk refugee camp have been completely destroyed and the territory is under the control of Syrian troops, the chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the Russian General Staff, Col. Gen. Sergey Rudskoy said.
Pullout of Iranian Forces, Hezbollah Units From Syria Out of Question - Damascus Sputnik 23 May 2018 -- The withdrawal of Iranian forces and units of the Lebanese movement Hezbollah from Syria is not on the discussion agenda, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad told Sputnik.
Syrian troops' courage, competence behind south Damascus liberation: Hezbollah Press TV 23 May 2018 -- The Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement has felicitated the liberation of neighborhoods south of the Syrian capital Damascus from the clutches of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, hailing the courage and competence of government troops and allied fighters from popular defense groups.

UN Envoy: Gaza Strip on 'Verge of Collapse' VOA 23 May 2018 -- The United Nations envoy for the Middle East peace process warned Wednesday that the Gaza Strip "is on the verge of collapse" and urged the international community to prevent conflict from erupting there again.
Israeli warplanes attack Gaza ports, destroy boat Press TV 23 May 2018 -- Israeli fighter jets have carried out fresh airstrikes against various targets in the Gaza Strip, including seaports, hours after the regime's tanks shelled the southern parts of the blockaded enclave.
UN condemns Israel's deadly actions on Gaza fence Press TV 23 May 2018 -- The United Nations Middle East envoy has stressed that "Gaza is on the verge of collapse."
Urgent action needed to avoid war, alleviate suffering in Gaza – UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 23 May 2018 -- "In this Chamber, Council members have often spoken of the need to prevent war; and the Secretary-General has put preventive diplomacy at the heart of his agenda. It is time for our words to be tested in Gaza," Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Council by video teleconference from Jerusalem.

Cross-border firing between India, Pakistan kills five civilians Press TV 23 May 2018 -- Cross-border firing and shelling between Indian and Pakistani forces along their Kashmir border have claimed the lives of five civilians on the sixth day of clashes.

Georgia Accuses Russia Of 'Ethnic Cleansing' At European Court RFE/RL 23 May 2018 -- Georgian representatives have accused Russia of ethnic cleansing in territory it captured during the 2008 war as Europe's top human rights court heard a case on the brief conflict between the two countries.

Peace and security challenges in Africa's Sahel region require 'holistic approach', says UN official UN News 23 May 2018 -- A "holistic approach" is needed to the address peace and security challenges in Africa's vast Sahel region, a senior United Nations peacekeeping official told the Security Council on Wednesday, calling for more investment in better government, social services and youth opportunities.

South Sudan Opposition Groups Reject Peace Proposal VOA 23 May 2018 -- South Sudan peace talks hit a new roadblock Wednesday, as opposition groups rejected a proposed peace deal and the government said it only partially agreed with the proposal.

News Reports

Ukrainian President: BBC Report On Secret Payment To Trump Lawyer 'Blatant Lie' RFE/RL 23 May 2018 -- Ukraine's president has lashed out at a BBC report that asserted a secret $400,000 payment was made to U.S. President Donald Trump's longtime lawyer last year to set up talks between the two leaders.
UAE Denies Trying to Influence Donald Trump's Election Campaign Sputnik 23 May 2018 -- According to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the UAE did not try to influence the election of Donald Trump.

Pompeo: US Won't Tolerate Russian Meddling in 2018 Vote VOA 23 May 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Wednesday the Trump administration would take "appropriate countermeasures" against any Russian interference in the November congressional elections, but acknowledged officials have yet to figure out what "effective deterrence" might work.

Trump Wants Aid Cut to Nations Not Helping US Stem Illegal Immigration VOA 23 May 2018 -- President Donald Trump called Wednesday for a "radical change" to the structure of U.S. aid to countries deemed not sufficiently assisting the United States in keeping violent illegal immigrants from heading here.

Daughter Of Poisoned Russian Double Agent Says Recovery 'Slow, Painful' RFE/RL 23 May 2018 -- The daughter of the Russian double agent who was poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent says her recovery has been slow and painful, and that she hopes to return to Russia someday.
Yulia Skripal: Recovery From Nerve Agent 'Slow and Painful' VOA 23 May 2018 -- Yulia Skripal, who was poisoned along with her ex-spy father in Britain in March, said they are "lucky to have survived" the nerve agent attack.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, May 23, 2018 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 May 2018
Russian Lawmakers Bend On Sanctions Bill But Stand Firm On Punishing 'Abettors' RFE/RL 23 May 2018 -- Following criticism from the country's business community, Russian lawmakers have signaled they could water down draft legislation that originally proposed criminal penalties -- including prison time -- for Russian citizens who comply with international sanctions targeting Moscow.
Aides Jailed For Anti-Putin Protests As Navalny Appeal Rejected RFE/RL 23 May 2018 -- A Moscow court has ordered the press secretary of jailed opposition politician and anticorruption campaigner Aleksei Navalny to be jailed for 25 days over nationwide protests against President Vladimir Putin.

Pyongyang grants permission to South Korean journos to witness demolition event Press TV 23 May 2018 -- Seoul says North Korea has accepted a group of South Korean reporters to witness the planned destruction of a nuclear test site, which is seen as a goodwill gesture by Pyongyang toward peace.
Trump: We'll Know Fate of N. Korea Summit by Next Week VOA 23 May 2018 -- President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. would know by next week whether he will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 in Singapore as scheduled.

Tempers Flare As Iranian Lawmakers Debate UN Effort Targeting Terrorism RFE/RL 23 May 2018 -- The floor of Iran's parliament descended into chaos this week as lawmakers debated joining an international effort to choke off funding for terrorist groups, with lawmakers storming the speaker's dais, complaining of "colonialism," and holding aloft notes of protest amid the din.
German FM: Europe 'Very United' On Decision To Stay In Iran Deal RFE/RL 23 May 2018 -- Germany's foreign minister has reiterated Europe's determination to remain a part of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal even in the face of a U.S. withdrawal from the landmark agreement.
German Top Diplomat In U.S. To Discuss Iran Nuclear Dispute RFE/RL 23 May 2018 -- German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was set to meet with top-level U.S. officials on May 23 for talks expected to center on the consequences of the United States' withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.
Macron Heads to Russia to Save Iran Nuclear Deal VOA 23 May 2018 -- French President Emmanuel Macron heads to St. Petersburg Thursday for talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, whose support is key on matters ranging from salvaging the Iran nuclear deal to securing steady European gas supplies.
France: New US Sanctions on Iran Could Destabilize Region VOA 23 May 2018 -- French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Wednesday if the United States imposed new tough sanctions on Iran, it risks further destabilizing the Middle East.
China favors keeping, implementing JCPOA IRNA 23 May 2018 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Wednesday that Beijing will work for keeping and implementing Iran nuclear deal known as the JCPOA, as the deal has proved its efficiency over the past three years.
German FM: Europe united in preserving JCPOA IRNA 23 May 2018 -- German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Wednesday reiterated Europe's determination to remain a part of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal even after the US withdrawal from the landmark agreement.
FM underlines realization of Iran's rights in JCPOA IRNA 23 May 2018 -- Iranian foreign minister on Wednesday stressed realization of Iran's rights enshrined in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) reached between Tehran and the world powers in 2015.
Pompeo pipe-dreaming: Iran FM IRNA 23 May 2018 -- What the US Secretary of State said was not a base for negotiations; it was based of illusion, said Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Wednesday.
FM Zarif: Pompeo's anti-Iran remarks far from civility IRNA 23 May 2018 -- The Iranian foreign minister described Wednesday the recent anti-Iran remarks by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as hit-and-miss which were far from civility and logic and not even worth being answered.
Ayatollah Khamenei: US enmity with Iran deep, but all American plots have failed Press TV 23 May 2018 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says US enmity with Iran is deep but all American plots against the country have failed since the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
Iran fully ready to restore past nuclear activities if JCPOA not fully preserved: AEOI Press TV 23 May 2018 -- The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says Tehran is totally prepared to resume its previous nuclear activities if the 2015 deal with the P5+1 group of countries is not fully preserved.
US sanctions on Central Bank of Iran's chief against intl. rules: Foreign Ministry Press TV 23 May 2018 -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry has condemned the US for imposing sanctions on the chief of the country's Central Bank, saying the move shows Washington attaches no value to its international obligations.
Russia says US demands unacceptable for Iran, vows to help maintain JCPOA Press TV 23 May 2018 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman says new US demands from Iran are totally unacceptable, vowing that Moscow will continue to work towards maintaining the Iran nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
US anti-Iran sanctions will further endanger Mideast: French FM Press TV 23 May 2018 -- France has criticized the US for scrapping the Iran nuclear deal and resorting, instead, to a policy of pressure and sanctions against the country, warning that such an approach could further destabilize the restive Middle East region.

Remarks With Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi at a Press Availability US Dept. of State 23 May 2018 -- Press Availability by Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State
US Issues China Health Alert for 'Abnormal' Sound Sensations VOA 23 May 2018 -- The U.S. State Department issued a health alert Wednesday for its citizens in China in response to what it said was a recent report of a U.S. government employee in Guangzhou experiencing "subtle and vague, but abnormal, sensations of sound and pressure."
Alleged Sonic Attack on US Diplomat in China Similar to One in Cuba - Pompeo Sputnik 23 May 2018 -- On Wednesday, a US diplomat in China reported "abnormal" sensations of sound and pressure, which prompted the US government to start looking into the incident.

IMF urges Saudi not to boost spending as oil rises Press TV 23 May 2018 -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Saudi Arabia to keep public spending under control as the kingdom's economy appears to be slowly recovering from the deep recession in line with climbing oil prices.
Saudi Arabia arrests more women's rights activists Press TV 23 May 2018 -- Saudi Arabia has arrested three more women's rights activists as the regime intensifies its crackdown weeks before it lifts a driving ban against women.

Ebola on epidemiological knife edge in DR Congo, WHO says Press TV 23 May 2018 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) says seven more people in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been infected with the Ebola virus, warning that the outbreak of the lethal disease in the central African country has a clear "potential to expand".
WHO Warns Ebola Outbreak in Congo May Spread to Neighboring Countries Sputnik 23 May 2018 -- The ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak has the potential to expand beyond the Equator Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) to the capital city of Kinshasa and neighboring countries, WHO Deputy Director-General Peter Salama said on Wednesday.
Ebola outbreak puts DR Congo on an 'epidemiological knife-edge' UN News 23 May 2018 -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains on an "epidemiological knife-edge" regarding the spread of deadly Ebola disease, despite the quick response by authorities and international partners to the threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.
Coming Weeks Crucial in Containing Ebola Spread in DRC VOA 23 May 2018 -- Health Experts at the World Health Assembly in Geneva agree the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo can be contained and prevented from spreading to highly-populated urban areas.
Lessons From Last Ebola Outbreak Guide Approach in DRC VOA 23 May 2018 -- When Ebola broke out in West Africa in 2014, no one was prepared. A potential vaccine had been in limbo since a previous outbreak a decade earlier. Governments dragged their feet while failing to recognize the risks the outbreak carried. Local health workers were quickly overwhelmed. And aid agencies were scrambling to catch up.

Taiwan denies heading back to checkbook diplomacy days CNA 23 May 2018 -- Strategic loans to Taiwan's diplomatic allies are designed to create "win-win-win situations" and do not represent a return to checkbook diplomacy to compete with China for those allies' allegiance, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Wednesday.
China tells 'brazen lie' about Taiwan joining WHO tech meetings: MOFA CNA 23 May 2018 -- Taiwan angrily refuted China's claim Wednesday at the World Health Assembly (WHA) that over the past five years, Taiwanese delegates have participated in almost all the technical meetings hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO), saying that it was a brazen lie.

Justice Department Announces Actions to Disrupt Advanced Persistent Threat 28 Botnet of Infected Routers and Network Storage Devices US Dept. of Justice 23 May 2018 -- The Justice Department today announced an effort to disrupt a global botnet of hundreds of thousands of infected home and office (SOHO) routers and other networked devices under the control of a group of actors known as the "Sofacy Group" (also known as "apt28," "sandworm," "x-agent," "pawn storm," "fancy bear" and "sednit"). The group, which has been operating since at least in or about 2007, targets government, military, security organizations, and other targets of perceived intelligence value.

Turkey issues arrest warrants for 109 over affiliation to Gulen network Press TV 23 May 2018 -- Turkish prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for more than 100 people on suspicion of affiliation to a 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.

Lebanon's new parliament holds first session, re-elects Berri as speaker Press TV 23 May 2018 -- Lebanese lawmakers have re-elected Nabih Berri as parliament speaker as they convened for the first session of the legislative chamber since the May 6 elections.

Putin, Bulgarian President Tout Cultural Ties, Energy Projects RFE/RL 23 May 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Bulgarian counterpart have hailed their common cultural ties and vowed to revive economic links between the two Black Sea nations.

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