25 May 2018 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 25 May 2018 [PDF]

Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 25 May 2018 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Syria.
Operation Roundup Targets ISIS Remnants in Iraq, Syria AFPS 25 May 2018 -- Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve and its partners have increased offensive activity against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria targets throughout May, task force officials reported today.

Senior Taliban Commander Killed in Eastern Afghanistan VOA 25 May 2018 -- A senior Afghan Taliban commander – who served as a shadow governor for more than a dozen districts in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province – has been killed by Afghan security forces, provincial officials told VOA.
'Mostly Failed': SIGAR Slams US 16-Year Effort to Stabilize Afghanistan Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- The United States has failed to stabilize Afghanistan despite 16 years of occupation and billions invested in stability programs, the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said in a report.

Defense Policy / Programs

US House bans Trump from declaring war on Iran without Congress's approval Press TV 25 May 2018 -- The US House of Representatives has unanimously passed an amendment that bans President Donald Trump from declaring a war on Iran without the Congress's approval.

Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Danish Minister of Defense Claus Hjort Frederiksen DoD 25 May 2018
Remarks by Secretary Mattis at an Enhanced Honor Cordon Welcoming Denmark Defence Minister Frederiksen to the Pentagon DoD 25 May 2018 -- Presenter: Secretary Of Defense James N. Mattis; Denmark Defence Minister Claus Hjort Frederikse
Remarks by Command Sergeant Major Troxell in a News Briefing DoD 25 May 2018 -- Presenter: Command Sergeant Major John Wayne Troxell; Colonel Rob Manning, Director, Defense Press Office
It's a bird, it's a plane... | 3rd MLG, 3rd MarDiv team up to conduct MRZR air drop USMC News 25 May 2018 -- Marines with 3rd Marine Logistics Group and 3rd Force Reconnaissance Team dropped a Polaris MRZR4-900, a gas-powered combat vehicle, for the first time May 22, 2018, on Ie Shima Island, Okinawa, Japan, as part of regularly scheduled training.

Macron Tells Putin Europe Committed To U.S. Alliance Despite Rifts RFE/RL 25 May 2018 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has told Russian leader Vladimir Putin that Europe remains committed to its security and defense alliance with the United States despite recent disagreements over trade, the Iran nuclear deal, and other issues.

UK Defence Secretary: More Funds for Royal Navy to Counter 'Russian Threat' Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson accused Russia of aggressive actions, using the "Russian threat" narrative as an argument to call on UK government to increase funding for the Royal Navy modernization.

PLA Navy completes night carrier take off and landing People's Daily 25 May 2018 -- Video footage showing Chinese carrier-borne fighter jets taking off and landing on China's aircraft carrier Liaoning was released on China Central Television on Thursday.
China Confirms Use of Mature Stealth Testing Technology Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- China can comprehensively test the stealth capability of its aircraft and apply the mature technology to the design and manufacture of naval vessels, a military expert said Tuesday in response to a report in a technical review magazine.

India Bolsters Naval Might at Andaman, Nicobar Islands Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- As the Narendra Modi government reinforces its involvement in a range of strategically located port facilities around the Indian Ocean region, augmenting the strength of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has become crucial.
Russia, Italy Vying for Indian Navy's $5 Billion Minesweeper Contract Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- With the Indian Navy's mine countermeasure vessels (MCMV) scheduled to retire by the end of 2018, the world's fifth-largest navy will be left without minesweepers. The Indian Navy needs at least 24 MCMVs to plug the shortfall. China, on the other hand, has more than 100 MCMVs.

Iranian armed forces never to be caught off guard: Commander IRNA 25 May 2018 -- Iran enjoys good intelligence information and Iranian armed forces will never be caught off guard, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said.

Taiwan monitors long-range Chinese military drill CNA 25 May 2018 -- Taiwan closely monitored a long-range military drill staged by China with Xian H-6K strategic bombers flying over the Bashi Channel, the Air Force Command Headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense said Friday.
Military equipment will not reach Burkina Faso: Defense Ministry CNA 25 May 2018 -- A shipment of military equipment from Taiwan en route to Burkina Faso will not be allowed to reach the African country after it severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Friday.

Turkey vows every initiative to protect firms against US bans Press TV 25 May 2018 -- The Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman says Ankara will take every initiative to protect its firms against new US sanctions.
New US Senate bill bars sale of F-35 jets to Turkey over S-400 Russia deal Press TV 25 May 2018 -- A US Senate committee has passed a defense policy bill that bars the sale of advanced F-35 warplanes to NATO partner Turkey, faulting Ankara for its purchase of an air defense system from Russia.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for May 25, 2018

Other Conflicts

25 May 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 May 2018

Houthi Rebels Claim Attack on Saudi Military Base, Riyadh Denies Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- Houthi rebels in Yemen have regularly fired improvised ballistic missiles at military facilities and other targets in Saudi Arabia in retaliation to Riyadh's active military campaign in the country.
UN urges Saudis to stop Yemeni ports blockade IRNA 25 May 2018 -- UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator in a statement called for putting an end to Saudi's siege in Yemeni ports.
Saudi air strikes kill 7 people in Yemen IRNA 25 May 2018 -- UN Under-Tehran, May 25, IRNA -- According to Yemeni TV Channel 'Al Masirah', Saudi air attacks on Taiz and Saada Provinces in Yemen claimed the lives of 7 civilians and injured some others.
Four civilians killed in Saudi-led air strikes in Yemen IRNA 25 May 2018 -- Four Yemeni civilians were killed as a result of Saudi-led coalition air strikes on Yemen's northern province of Sa'ada.
Yemen targets military base in south Saudi Arabia IRNA 25 May 2018 -- The Yemen's army missile unit targeted a military base south of Saudi Arabia in retaliation for Riyadh continued attacks.
UN voices concern over decline in Yemen imports amid Saudi restrictions Press TV 25 May 2018 -- The United Nations aid chief has expressed concern over the decline of food imports to Yemen amid restrictions put in place by the Saudi regime, warning that a further 10 million Yemenis could be at risk of starvation by the year's end.
Fresh Saudi airstrikes leave six civilians dead in northwestern Yemen Press TV 25 May 2018 -- At least six civilians have been killed when Saudi military aircraft carried out airstrikes against a residential area in Yemen's northwestern province of Sa'ada as the Riyadh regime presses ahead with its atrocious bombardment campaign against its southern neighbor.
Statement by the Press Secretary on the Houthi Missile Strike on a Turkish Wheat Ship The White House 25 May 2018

Syrian Air defense intercepts missile aggression on airbase IRNA 25 May 2018 -- A military source announced on Thursday that the Syrian Air defense intercepted a missile aggression on one of the Syrian military airbases in the central region.
Syrian Army Calls On Militants in Southern Syria to Surrender Ahead of Offensive Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- Earlier this week, a spokesman for the Syrian Army General Command announced the complete liberation of Damascus after Daesh* terrorists were ousted from their remaining strongholds in Syria's capital. Government forces are set to turn their attention to southern Syria, where Islamist militants maintain a large presence in the Deraa Governorate.
Syria May Need Over $400Bln to Be Rebuilt, Relies on Russian Aid - Minister Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- Syria may need more than previously estimated $400 billion for its reconstruction efforts, and is expecting to cover cost with the help of internal sources and foreign aid, including from Russia, Syrian Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade Samer Khalil told Sputnik on Friday on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Nearly dozen militants slain as Iraqi forces thwart attacks in Kirkuk Press TV 25 May 2018 -- Nearly a dozen members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group have been killed after Iraqi security forces, supported by pro-government fighters from Popular Mobilization Units, foiled their attacks in the country's northern oil-rich province of Kirkuk.

Statement by the NATO Secretary General on MH17 investigation NATO 25 May 2018 -- The Netherlands and Australia have announced that they hold Russia responsible for its part in the downing of flight MH17 on 17 July 2014.
Russia's Lavrov says 'no facts' support accusations on MH17 Press TV 25 May 2018 -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the Netherlands has provided "no facts" to support its allegation that Moscow was responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014.
Bellingcat Links High-Ranking Russian GRU Officer To Downing Of MH17 RFE/RL 25 May 2018 -- Researchers from the British-based group Bellingcat have published a report that, for the first time, establishes what they say is the involvement of a high-ranking Russian military intelligence officer in connection with the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (MH17) over eastern Ukraine in 2014.
Bellingcat Allegations of Russia's Role in MH17 Crash Based on Fakes - MoD Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- Russian Defense Ministry stated Friday that the country's officers mentioned in the report issued by Bellingcat had long retired from the Russian military.
It Was 'Certainly' Not Russian Missile That Downed MH17 - Putin Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- There are different versions of the MH17 crash, but nobody takes them into account, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
Calling Russia To Account for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-17 US Dept. of State 25 May 2018
UN chief notes 'with concern' report holding Russia liable for downing airliner UN News 25 May 2018 -- Following the conclusion of an investigation that holds Russia responsible for the downing of a Malaysia Airlines passenger plane in 2014, the United Nations chief said on Friday that he "has taken note with concern of the latest report".
Russia Rejects Report Blaming Russia for Downing of Civilian Airliner VOA 25 May 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed an international investigation into the downing of Malaysian Airliner MH17 over east Ukraine in 2014 as deeply flawed, after investigators concluded Russia's military provided the missile used in the attack that killed all 298 people aboard.

S. Sudan Warring Parties Could Face More Sanctions VOA 25 May 2018 -- The warring parties in South Sudan are facing renewed international pressure to honor a cease-fire and reach a peace deal, after failing to reach any kind of agreement at talks in Addis Ababa this week.

AU-UN mission in Darfur extra-vigilant in wake of attacks on civilian camps UN News 25 May 2018 -- Following a series of armed attacks on camps hosting displaced Sudanese in central Darfur, the joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping mission there has urged all parties to respect designated humanitarian areas, which it says should be free of weapons, threats, and violence.

News Reports

Putin Says Adheres to Constitution, No More Than Two Presidential Terms in Row Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday he adheres to the provisions of the Russian Constitution and will not run for a third presidential term in a row.
Russian Tycoon Deripaska Resigns From Rusal Board Over U.S. Sanctions RFE/RL 25 May 2018 -- Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska has resigned from his position as director of his aluminum firm Rusal, in the latest move that he hopes will persuade the U.S. administration to ease sanctions targeting him and his companies.
Deripaska Steps Down as Director of Russian Aluminum Giant Rusal Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- Russian billionaire businessman Oleg Deripaska has stepped down as director of Russia's aluminum giant Rusal, the company announced.

Two French Ex-Spies Facing Trial After Reportedly 'Passing Secrets to China' Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- Former French intelligence agents have been charged with passing state secrets to a foreign power in an act of "extreme gravity," France's Defense Ministry said in a statement.

WikiLeaks Founder May Lose Refuge in Ecuadorian Embassy in London - Reports Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- The founder of WikiLeaks whistleblowing organization, Julian Assange, who has lived in the Embassy of Ecuador in London since 2012, may have to leave the embassy in the near future either because he is pushed out or because his freedom is restricted to such an extent that he cannot stay, the CNN broadcaster reported on Friday.

Secretary Pompeo's Call With Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang US Dept. of State 25 May 2018
Trump leaves open possibility of June 12 summit with North Korea Press TV 25 May 2018 -- US President Donald Trump says it is still possible a planned summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un takes place on June 12 as originally scheduled.
Trump Says Summit With Kim Jong Un Could Still Go Ahead June 12 RFE/RL 25 May 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says the United States is "talking to" North Korea after he canceled a June 12 summit with leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump Says Talking to North Korea, Summit Could Go Ahead on 12th Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- Earlier, US President Donald Trump canceled the June 12 summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after Pyongyang reacted angrily to Washington's warning that the "military option" for the North Korean problem was still on the table.
Trump Still Open to Possibility of Summit with N. Korea VOA 25 May 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday the much-anticipated summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that he, Trump, canceled Thursday could still place as originally scheduled.
DPRK FM Briefs on Dismantlement of Northern Nuclear Test Ground KCNA 25 May 2018 -- There took place briefs for diplomatic envoys and representatives of the international bodies here at the People's Palace of Culture on Friday in connection with a ceremony for completely dismantling the northern nuclear test ground of the DPRK according to a decision made at the Third Plenary Meeting of the Seventh Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea.
U.S. Is to Blame for Escalation of Tension on Korean Peninsula KCNA 25 May 2018 -- A researcher of the Disarmament and Peace Institute of the DPRK Foreign Ministry made public a commentary titled "Who Is to Blame for Escalation of Tensions on Korean Peninsula" on Friday.
DPRK says ready for talks with U.S. anytime after Trump cancels meeting People's Daily 25 May 2018 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Friday voiced surprise and regret over U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to cancel his meeting with top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un, which was scheduled for June 12 in Singapore.
Trump calls cancellation of Singapore meeting "setback", DPRK says ready for talks People's Daily 25 May 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump canceled his planned meeting in Singapore with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s top leader Kim Jong Un, saying it is "a setback" for the world and the DPRK.
DPRK confirms demolition of nuclear test site People's Daily 25 May 2018 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has confirmed the demolition of its nuclear test site at Punggye-ri Thursday, saying all its tunnels have been collapsed by explosions and their entrances completely closed, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
N Korea willing 'to sit face-to-face' with US after Trump calls off summit Press TV 25 May 2018 -- Pyongyang says it is still open to talks with Washington after US President Donald Trump called off a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un scheduled for next month.
North Korea Says It's Still Willing To Talk After Trump Cancels Summit RFE/RL 25 May 2018 -- North Korea says it is still willing to talk after U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly canceled a June 12 summit with leader Kim Jong Un over what he called Pyongyang's "tremendous anger and open hostility."
North Korea Willing to Talk to US 'At Any Time' VOA 25 May 2018 -- North Korea said Friday that it was still willing to sit for talks with the United States "at any time, (in) any format,'' after President Donald called off a summit with the North's leader, Kim Jong Un.
Trump Cancels Summit With Kim After Heated Pence-Pyongyang Exchange Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has abruptly called off the June 12 summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after Pyongyang reacted angrily to existential threats made by Vice President Mike Pence.
North Korea: Trump's Decision to Cancel Summit Not What World Wants Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- Following US President Donald Trump's Thursday announcement to scrap the US-North Korean talks, Pyongyang has stated that the decision was not in line with the world's wishes and that it still wants to resolve its issues with the US.

VOA Persian Interview: Secretary of State Pompeo on Iran VOA 25 May 2018 -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with VOA Persian Director Setareh Derakhshesh Thursday afternoon to discuss the Trump administration's plans for a new security framework aimed at ending Iran's nuclear program. They also discussed recent protests in Iran, and the administration's efforts to free Americans being held by the government.
Macron: Necessary guarantees should be given to Iran IRNA 25 May 2018 -- French President said on Thursday that necessary guarantees should be given to Tehran with regards to the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
US unilateral sanctions on Iran harmful: Russia's Putin Press TV 25 May 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says that the United States' move to impose "unilateral" sanctions against Iran will result in "harmful" consequences.
Iran says US sanctions on airlines easy to manage Press TV 25 May 2018 -- The new US sanctions against a number of Iranian airlines will fail to hinder the country's aviation industry because Tehran is well-equipped to work around them, says Iran's Civil Aviation Organization (CAO.IRI).
Iran pushes for EU guarantees as diplomats meet in Vienna Press TV 25 May 2018 -- Top nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi has said Iran will decide soon whether to stay in the 2015 nuclear deal as he urged the Europeans to guarantee Tehran's interests under the accord after the US withdrawal.
Europe's failure to save Iran deal will have 'deplorable' results: Putin Press TV 25 May 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has welcomed efforts by his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and other European signatories of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal to preserve it, warning that their failure will spell "deplorable" consequences for the world.
Pompeo: U.S. Looks To Change Iranian Behavior, Not Regime RFE/RL 25 May 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says "regime change" is not the goal of President Donald Trump's policy toward Iran, falling in line with recent comments by other members of the U.S. administration.
New US Sanctions Intend to Down Iran's 'Air Force One' Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- One of the companies included in new US sanctions against Iran is Dena Airways, a small-fry operation that owns a single jet.
'Plan B': Tehran Gives European Powers One Week to Salvage Nuclear Deal Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- The Western European signatories to the Iran nuclear deal have until next Friday to provide Tehran with concrete proposals to offset the consequences of the US decision to pull out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a senior Iranian official said.
Pompeo: US Will See Iran as Friend If It Accepts Demands VOA 25 May 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says if Iranian leaders accept U.S. demands to behave like a normal nation, Americans will visit Iran and treat it as a friend.

China finds no reason to explain US 'sonic attack' remarks Press TV 25 May 2018 -- China says it has no clues or reasons to explain a mild traumatic brain injury of a US citizen in the southern city of Guangzhou, which Washington associated with a "sonic attack."

Are Central Asia's Militants Already Coming Home From The Middle East? RFE/RL 25 May 2018 -- Kyrgyzstan appears to be waging a major battle on its own soil against alleged members of "international terrorist organizations."

France: New terrorism laws may undercut human rights and freedoms, says UN expert UN News 25 May 2018 -- While commending efforts by the French government to combat terrorism, a United Nations rights expert has raised concerns about the effect recent counter-terrorism laws are having on fundamental human rights there, including freedom of movement, religion and association.

On Africa's Terror Landscape, Double Agents Abound VOA 25 May 2018 -- U.S. efforts to combat terrorists based on the African continent are running into a myriad of problems, perhaps none so vexing, or dangerous, as the constantly shifting alliances and aims of the terrorist fighters themselves.

Health Experts: Ebola Patients Must Be Isolated VOA 25 May 2018 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) says people diagnosed with Ebola must be kept isolated to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease. The WHO has updated the number of Ebola cases since the outbreak started in the Democratic Republic of Congo on May 8, confirming 31 of 52 probable and suspected cases, including 22 deaths.
Death of Ebola patients who fled DRC hospital highlights dangers: WHO UN News 25 May 2018 -- The escape of three patients infected with the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from the hospital where they were being treated is "not unexpected", the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, underlining the need to step up efforts to explain the dangers of the deadly disease to affected communities.

President Tsai calls for unity amid severing of diplomatic ties CNA 25 May 2018 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) on Friday expressed regret over the severing of diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Burkina Faso, calling on all parties in the country to stand united amid China's continuing "oppression."
MAC head brushes off '1992 consensus' CNA 25 May 2018 -- Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) chief Chen Ming-tung (陳明通) criticized the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) on Friday after a recent diplomatic setback for Taiwan, saying the formula it advocated for relations with China will not work.
Foreign minister to stay in post despite latest diplomatic setback CNA 25 May 2018 -- Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Friday he has changed his mind on resignation and will remain in his post to strive for Taiwan's survival in the international community.
Pro-Taiwan provisions pass U.S. House as part of defense bill CNA 25 May 2018 -- The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed its annual defense policy bill for fiscal 2019 including provisions to help strengthen Taiwan's military capability.
Taiwan sends jets to shadow Chinese bombers over island Press TV 25 May 2018 -- Taiwan has scrambled fighter jets to shadow Chinese bombers conducting a drill around the self-ruled island which is also reeling from Burkina Faso's move to cut diplomatic ties with Taipei.

US sanctions on Hezbollah will have no effect, Nasrallah says Press TV 25 May 2018 -- The secretary general of the Lebanese resistance movement says the latest round of sanctions by the United States and a number of its Persian Gulf Arab allies against the leadership of the group will have no effect and will not harm its officials at all.

Maduro sworn in, warns of painful difficulties caused by US Press TV 25 May 2018 -- Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in for a second six-year term as Venezuela's president after winning a re-election which prompted the US to impose new sanctions on the country.
Maduro Says Several Army Officers Detained on Suspicion of Plotting Coup Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- Several officers of the Venezuelan armed forces have been detained on suspicion of conspiring a coup attempt and plotting to thwart the presidential election while being funded by the Colombian government and the US embassy, President Nicolas Maduro said.

NATO Secretary General Hopes Greece, Macedonia Can Resolve Name Dispute RFE/RL 25 May 2018 -- NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has expressed hope that Greece and Macedonia can find a solution to a decades-old dispute over the name of the former Yugoslav republic so that an invitation to join the alliance can be issued to Skopje.

Denmark, Canada Poised to Resolve Long-Standing Territorial Dispute in Arctic Sputnik 25 May 2018 -- For decades, a diplomatic feud has been boiling over a barren 1.3 square kilometer rock sitting between Canada and Greenland. This tiny uninhabited islet is predicted to gain even more importance as the surrounding area gradually opens up to mining, fishing and oil and gas drilling operations.

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