07 June 2018 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 07 Jun 2018 [PDF]

SIGAR Slams Failure of Afghan Officials to Prosecute Corruption Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- State Department-funded anti-corruption efforts in Afghanistan are hindered by failure to prosecute powerful actors which have fostered an atmosphere of criminal impunity, the US Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said in an audit report.
Afghan, US Forces to Temporarily Halt Anti-Taliban Offensive VOA 07 Jun 2018 -- Afghanistan’s President, Ashraf Ghani has announced his forces will halt offensive operations next Tuesday until June 20 to encourage the Taliban to seek a peaceful resolution to the war.
Afghanistan declares truce with Taliban for Eid al-Fitr Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- Afghanistan has announced a week-long ceasefire with the Taliban militant group for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.
Ghani Announces Temporary Truce With Afghan Taliban RFE/RL 07 Jun 2018 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has announced a temporary cease-fire with the Taliban for Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that caps off the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, though it was not immediately clear whether the militants had agreed.
On Afghanistan President Ghani's Ceasefire Offer US Dept. of State 07 Jun 2018 -- Press Statement by Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State
Senior State Department Official On Afghanistan Ceasefire Announcement US Dept. of State 07 Jun 2018 -- Special Briefing by Senior State Department Official
UN envoy welcomes temporary ceasefire by Afghan Government; urges Taliban to reciprocate UN News 07 Jun 2018 -- The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has welcomed a week-long ceasefire announced by the Government with the Taliban and called on the militant group to reciprocate the temporary pause.

Defense Policy / Programs

Watchdog Warns Unresolved F-35 Aircraft ‘Deficiencies’ May Delay Mass Production Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- A US government watchdog has criticized the country’s costly, much-delayed F-35 Lightning II fighter jet program, developed in close cooperation with international partners including Japan, Italy and Israel, for rushing into its next phase even though glaring production issues remain.
Cyber Command Steps Up Recruiting Efforts With Special Hiring Authority AFPS 07 Jun 2018 -- A special authority called Cyber Excepted Service is helping the nation's newest unified combatant command to streamline and expedite its recruitment and hiring processes.
KC-46 Pegasus returns to Edwards for flight tests AFNS 07 Jun 2018 -- A KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft touched down at Edwards Air Force Base May 23, 2018, for flight tests.
Southern Command Chief Says South American Allies 'Got Game' AFPS 07 Jun 2018 -- In 1988, Colombia looked like it was on its way to being a failed state.
U.S., Indian and Japanese maritime forces to participate in exercise Malabar 2018 NNS 07 Jun 2018 -- Naval ships, aircraft and personnel from India, Japan and the United States will participate in exercise Malabar 2018, June 7 through 16 off the coast of Guam.
USS Columbia Sailors Return Home from Deployment NNS 07 Jun 2018 -- Family members and friends gathered on the historic submarine piers to welcome home the crew of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 6.
USS Winston S. Churchill Conducts PASSEX with Egyptian Navy NNS 07 Jun 2018 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and the Egyptian navy's El Suez participated in a passing exercise (PASSEX), June 3.
New York, 26th MEU Arrive in Piraeus, Greece NNS 07 Jun 2018 -- The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Piraeus, Greece, June 4, for scheduled maintenance and a port visit.

Joint Statement on Australia - New Zealand - United States Pacific Security Cooperation Dialogue US Dept. of State 07 Jun 2018 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Government of Australia, and the Government of New Zealand on the occasion of the inaugural Australia – New Zealand – United States Pacific Security Cooperation Dialogue.

Stoltenberg: Cyber Ops Center Will Be Part of New NATO Command Structure Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- The NATO defense ministers have agreed to base new command centers in Germany and the United States and have also approved the new readiness initiative, alliance's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday.
NATO Ministers Plays Down Divisions Over US Trade Tariffs VOA 07 Jun 2018 -- NATO defense ministers on Thursday unveiled plans for expanded military reinforcements by having the ability to deploy 30 troop battalions, 30 squadrons of aircraft and 30 warships within 30 days to any conflict on the European mainland.
NATO Defense Ministers Approve Joint Force Commands, Discuss Burden Sharing AFPS 07 Jun 2018 -- NATO defense ministers approved the creation of two new joint force commands and discussed burden sharing during their meeting in Brussels today.
Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) in Defence Ministers' session NATO 07 Jun 2018
Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg prior to the meetings of NATO Defence Ministers NATO 07 Jun 2018
Three Allies establish Special Forces Command NATO 07 Jun 2018 -- In the margins of the NATO Defence Ministers meeting on Thursday (7 June 2018), the Defence Ministers of Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the creation of a Composite Special Operations Component Command (C-SOCC). Once operational, this tri-national Special Forces Command will participate in the NATO Response Force and could support NATO operations, as well as other multinational missions.

Dunford to Discuss Deconfliction With Russian Counterpart in Helsinki AFPS 07 Jun 2018 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is meeting with his Russian counterpart in Helsinki tomorrow to discuss operations in Syria and other matters.

Russia's Military Aviation to Receive Upgraded An-124 Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- The military transport aviation division of the Russian Aerospace Forces plans to receive three new Il-76MD-90A strategic airlifters and one An-124 Ruslan heavy transport aircraft, which will be delivered after being upgraded, this year, Mikhail Kozlov, the division's chief engineer, said on Wednesday.
Putin says Russia's new hypersonic ICBMs travel over 20 times faster than sound Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- Russian president Vladimir Putin says his country has developed new "Avant-garde" hypersonic intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) that are capable of traveling over 20 times faster than sound, guaranteeing Russia's military parity with the United States.

U.S. draft bill calls for troops to join Taiwan's annual drill CNA 07 Jun 2018 -- The details of a piece of U.S. legislation released Wednesday calls for U.S. troops to participate in Taiwan's military exercises and vice versa, as part of ongoing efforts by U.S. congressmen to support Taiwan amid what they see as a rising military threat from Beijing.
Taiwan holds military drills Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- Taiwan's military has conducted a series of drills on the self-ruled island, amid persisting tensions with China.

Turkey Rejects US Demand to Cancel Russian S-400 Deal - Reports Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- Ankara dismissed Washington's threat of sanctions and demand to cancel the purchase of Russian-manufactured S-400 air defense systems during recent talks in Washington, at the same time expressing its readiness to take the latter's security concerns into account, Hurriyet reported on Thursday, citing diplomatic sources.
Don't utilize S-400s even if you buy them from Russia, US tells Turkey Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- American officials have reportedly asked their Turkish counterparts not to make use of sophisticated Russian-made S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems even if Ankara acquires them under a deal finalized late last year.

Qatar Rejects Saudi Threats on S-400 Supplies, Considers it Meddling - Envoy Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- Saudi Arabia had earlier threatened its Gulf neighbor with military action over Doha's discussions on purchasing the Russian-made air defense system.

Royal Air Force Furious as 'All-Weather' F-35s Fail to Arrive Due to Bad Weather Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- British defense officials' annoyance comes on the heels of a new report to the US Congress indicating that the $1.5 trillion fifth-gen stealth fighter still has over 100 critical defects which can jeopardize pilot and aircraft safety.
UK receives first batch of F-35 fighter jets Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- The UK has received the first four of the 138 F-35 Lightning stealth jets that it's committed to purchase from the American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin.

Satellite Images Suggest North Korea Dismantling Missile Test Site - Report Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- North Korea is suspected to have started the removal of test stands for its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program, based on analysis of new satellite images of the missile test sites, according to a website affiliated with a US think tank.

President Donald J. Trump's 500 Days of Winning on the World Stage The White House 07 Jun 2018

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for June 07, 2018

Other Conflicts

7 June 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Jun 2018

Beijing Removes Missiles From South China Sea Island Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- New satellite images recently released by the Israeli intelligence firm ImageSat International (ISI) suggest that Chinese surface-to-air missile systems previously stationed on a contested South China Sea island have either been removed or relocated.

UN Plan Proposes Houthis Give Up Missiles, End to Saudi Airstrikes - Reports Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- Yemen has been plagued by a multisided conflict since 2015, with Houthi militants battling forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition, and other armed groups, including the notorious Daesh* terror organization and factions from the al-Qaeda franchise.
71 Red Cross staffers evacuated from Yemen due to insecurity Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has evacuated some 71 members of its team in Yemen amid rising insecurity in the war-torn country.
Yemeni forces take out mercenaries of Saudi Arabia: Yemeni media Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- Yemeni forces have killed a number of mercenaries fighting on behalf of Saudi Arabia in Yemen's west, Yemeni media report.

Iraqi Air Force Strikes Daesh Command Center in Eastern Syria Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- The Iraqi Air Force destroyed a command center of Daesh* terrorist group in the eastern Syrian province of Deir ez-Zor on Thursday, the Iraqi military command said.
Russia-Jordan-US Talks on Syria's Southern De-Escalation Zone Canceled - Reports Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- The meeting between Russian, US, Jordanian representatives regarding the de-escalation zone in southern Syria will not take place, Jordanian newspaper Al Ghad reported, citing its sources.
Russian troops to stay in Syria as long as needed: Putin Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow has no immediate plans for withdrawing troops from Syria, stressing that his country's military forces would remain in the war-ravaged Arab country as long as it is in Russia's interests.
US-backed SDF ready for dialog with Syrian government: Officials Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- The so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed coalition of mainly Kurdish militants that maintains a grip on northeastern Syria, is reportedly prepared to hold talks with Damascus over the future of the territory under its control.

Netanyahu says Syria 'no longer immune' from Israel's attacks Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is "no longer immune" from attacks carried out by the occupying regime, a month after Tel Aviv conducted a large-scale air raid against military targets in southern Syria.

Turkey Eyes Clearing East Euphrates of Kurdish YPG Units VOA 07 Jun 2018 -- Turkey will seek to clear the entire east Euphrates area of Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), the backbone of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), preferring to resort to a political settlement similar to the agreement made on Manbij, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said.

Iraqi fighter jets target Daesh positions in Syria Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- Iraq says it has launched an airstrike against Daesh positions inside the Syrian territory as both neighboring countries step up efforts to get rid of the Takfiri terror group's remnants.

Iraq receives dozens of more T-90 battle tanks from Russia to boost ground force Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- The Iraqi military has received dozens of more advanced T-90 battle tanks from Russia under a major deal struck between Moscow and Baghdad last year.

UN Council Calls For Return To Cease-Fire In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 07 Jun 2018 -- The UN Security Council has unanimously condemned the "continuous violations of the cease-fire" in eastern Ukraine and called for an immediate withdrawal of heavy weapons.

United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Aid for People Affected by Conflict in Nigeria and Surrounding Countries US Dept. of State 07 Jun 2018 -- The United States announces more than $112 million in additional humanitarian assistance to help people in Nigeria and surrounding countries in the Lake Chad region affected by the ongoing crisis.

'Somalia at a critical juncture' says UN's political chief in her first visit UN News 07 Jun 2018 -- Unity is essential for Somalis to achieve lasting peace and stability, the top United Nations political affairs official said on Thursday during a visit to the Horn of Africa country, which faces numerous challenges, including the establishment of an effective federal governance system and a combat against Al-Shabab insurgents.

Hunger surges amid deadly conflicts, poor weather conditions in many countries - UN agriculture agency UN News 07 Jun 2018 -- Despite ample food supplies, persistent conflicts and adverse climate shocks are taking a toll on global food security, according to a new report launched on Thursday by the United Nation's agriculture agency.

News Reports

Only ‘A Matter of Time’ Before Commercial Flights Begin Getting Hacked - DHS Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- A unit of US government researchers at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been hacking Boeing commercial airliners’ systems in an effort to determine the viability of such attacks and learn how to mitigate them, as they carry the potential of “catastrophic disaster.”

Putin Bullish On Russian Economy, Blasts West In Q&A Session RFE/RL 07 Jun 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin painted an upbeat picture of the country's economy and accused the West of seeking to thwart its progress, setting a familiar tone for his new term in his marathon call-in show broadcast live on state TV.
No Fireworks As Putin, Officials Read From Same (Dull) Script During Call-In Show RFE/RL 07 Jun 2018 -- The big innovation in this year's rendition of Russian President Vladimir Putin's Direct Line question-and-answer program turned out to be a dud.
Real or Theater? Putin's Annual Call-in Show with Russian Citizens VOA 07 Jun 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual televised call-in show with Russians on Thursday in a semi-choreographed event that highlighted the Russian president's efforts to raise living standards at home while defending Russian interests abroad.

US Wary as Russia, China Set Sights on South, Central America VOA 07 Jun 2018 -- Russia and China are making steady progress in reshaping the current international order, worrying the United States and its regional allies.

Military Escort: Chinese Jets to Secure Kim Jong Un’s Flight to Singapore Summit Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- The People’s Liberation Army-Air Force is preparing to send fighter jet aircraft on a mission to escort North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the upcoming summit in Singapore where he will meet US President Donald Trump after years of hostile relations, according to sources within the South Korean military.
Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Abe of Japan Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 07 Jun 2018
Trump: I'll Invite Kim to US if Summit Goes Well VOA 07 Jun 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he would invite North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the United States if the upcoming summit with Kim went well. On the other hand, he said he was also prepared to walk away from the summit.
Pompeo: Congress May Have Say in Any N. Korea Deal VOA 07 Jun 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hinted Thursday that Congress might be given a say in any deal President Donald Trump reached with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump: Outcome of US-North Korea Summit Depends on Attitude, Willingness VOA 07 Jun 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says the outcome of a historic, high-stakes summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un next week will depend more on "attitude" and "willingness" than preparedness.
UN: Human Rights Should Be on Agenda for Trump-Kim Summit VOA 07 Jun 2018 -- The U.N. Special Investigator on human rights in North Korea is calling for human rights issues to be included in next week's U.S.-North Korean summit in Singapore on the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.
Before Trump-Kim Summit, Japan's PM Visits White House VOA 07 Jun 2018 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is visiting the White House on Thursday to impress upon President Donald Trump Japan's interests ahead of Trump's historic summit next week with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Press Briefing by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo The White House 07 Jun 2018
Trump says summit with North Korean leader 'all ready to go' Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- US President Donald Trump says that everything was "ready to go" for his summit next week with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Putin: North Korea Wants 'Absolute' Security Guarantee To Abandon Nuclear Arms RFE/RL 07 Jun 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the United States will have to offer North Korea "absolute" security guarantees if it wants Pyongyang to get rid of all its nuclear weapons.
DPRK should release political prisoners ahead of summit with US - UN expert UN News 07 Jun 2018 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) should begin to release political prisoners ahead of denuclearization talks with the United States and engage with the United Nations on human rights, a UN expert on the country said on Thursday.

190,000 SWUs feasible in 10 months: Iran nuclear head IRNA 07 Jun 2018 -- Iran can produce 190,000 SWUs (separative work units) within 10 months as the required infrastructure for 1 million SWUs in long-term has been prepared, Iran's nuclear organization chief said.
Pompeo: US Will 'Not Allow Iran to Develop a Nuclear Weapon' Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- The United States is monitoring media reports about Iran's plans to build up its nuclear capacity, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement.
JCPOA parties must guarantee Iran will be compensated after US exit: Zarif Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- The Iranian foreign minister has written a letter to his counterparts on the unlawful withdrawal of the US from the 2015 nuclear deal, saying that for the accord to stay alive, the remaining signatories need to guarantee that Iran will be "unconditionally" compensated with the return of American sanctions.
Remaining signatories to Iran nuclear deal meet behind closed doors in Tehran Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- Experts from the six remaining signatories to the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement have gathered in Tehran for their second meeting since the United States chose to unilaterally leave the multilateral accord.
Iran to reach 190k SWUs of enrichment capacity in 10 months: Nuclear chief Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- Iran's nuclear chief says the country could reach 190,000 SWUs (separative work unit) of uranium enrichment capacity within 10 months at the Natanz nuclear site, where he inaugurated a facility for producing centrifuges.

US, China Reach Deal to End Sanctions on Telecom Giant ZTE VOA 07 Jun 2018 -- The U.S. and China have reached a deal to lift sanctions against the giant Chinese ZTE telecommunications company that hobbled the firm when the United States banned the sale of American-made components it needed for its consumer products, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday.

Pakistani Coalition Vows to Impose Sharia if Elected VOA 07 Jun 2018 -- The leadership of a coalition of five religious-turned-political parties known as Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) has vowed to implement Islamic law if they are elected in Pakistan's general elections July 25.
US-Pakistan Tensions Appear to Be Easing VOA 07 Jun 2018 -- The United States appears to be easing public pressure on Pakistan in a bid to encourage the country to help promote peace and reconciliation with the Taliban to bring an end to the war in Afghanistan.

Cyber Command Steps Up Recruiting Efforts With Special Hiring Authority AFPS 07 Jun 2018 -- A special authority called Cyber Excepted Service is helping the nation's newest unified combatant command to streamline and expedite its recruitment and hiring processes.
Uzbek Stockholm Truck Attacker Jailed For Life RFE/RL 07 Jun 2018 -- A Swedish court has sentenced Uzbek national Rakhmat Akilov to life in prison for a truck attack that killed five people in Stockholm last year.

Canada opposes China pressuring firms on Taiwan designation: envoy CNA 07 Jun 2018 -- Canada's top envoy to Taiwan said Thursday that while his government does not intervene in a 'commercial' decision by Air Canada to list Taiwanese cities as part of China, "we are of course opposed to [the] government of China putting pressure on Canadian companies to take position on the issue."

Fund Crisis Involving India's Strategically Crucial Space Programs Disappears Sputnik 07 Jun 2018 -- The $1.6 billion fund approved by the Indian government will help the Indian space agency go ahead with the planned launch of 40 rockets in the next four years while making the country not only self-reliant but also a major global competitor in the launching of foreign satellites of the 4-ton category.

Turkish courts handed jail terms to over 2,000 suspects over failed coup: Justice minister Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- Turkey says its courts have so far handed prison terms for more than 2,000 people suspected of having links to a failed coup against the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan two years ago.

Ukrainian Lawmakers Dismiss Finance Minister, Pass Anticorruption Court RFE/RL 07 Jun 2018 -- Ukrainian lawmakers have voted to dismiss Finance Minister Oleksandr Danylyuk after a public spat with the country's prime minister, in a move expected to raise concern among the country's foreign backers.

Slovenia president to give mandate to anti-refugee party to form government Press TV 07 Jun 2018 -- Slovenia will be another country in Europe slipping into the hands of anti-refugee parties as President Borut Pahor declares his intention to give a mandate to Janez Jansa of the anti-refugee Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) to form a government.

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