20 June 2018 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

Department Of Defense Press Briefing By Lieutenant General Cripwell via teleconference from Afghanistan on the Resolute Support train, advise and assist mission DoD 20 Jun 2018 -- Presenter: Lt. Gen. Richard J. Cripwell (U.K. Army), deputy commander, NATO's Resolute Support Mission
Taliban Breaks Afghanistan's Eid Ceasefire in Pre-Dawn Attack VOA 20 Jun 2018 -- A pre-dawn Taliban attack in western Afghanistan killed 30 members of government forces, the deadliest insurgent raid since a nationwide temporary cease-fire during the Muslim festival of Eid ul-Fitr.
Afghanistan May Be on 'Edge of Opportunity' for Peace AFPS 20 Jun 2018 -- The Eid al-Fitr ceasefire and the burgeoning peace movement in Afghanistan lead NATO officials in the country to believe the country is on the "edge of opportunity."
Over 5.2 million Afghan refugees return home in 16 years: UNHCR People's Daily 20 Jun 2018 -- More than 5.2 million Afghan refugees have returned to their militancy-plagued country over the past 16 years, said a statement of UN Refugee Agency, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) here Wednesday.
Taliban Fighters Kill 30 Gov't Troops in Major Attack After Ceasefire - Governor Sputnik 20 Jun 2018 -- The Taliban announced a three-day ceasefire for the Islamic holiday Eid al-Fitr after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on June 7 proclaimed a truce for June 11-19 to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
US 'Does Not Buy' Russia's Argument for Backing Taliban Against Daesh - Diplomat Sputnik 20 Jun 2018 -- The United States does not agree with Russia's assertion that the Taliban are a legitimate force that can be used to counter the Daesh* terrorist group inside Afghanistan, US Assistant Secretary of State Alice Wells said in congressional testimony on Wednesday.
Taliban kill 30 Afghan soldiers in 1st major raid after truce Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- Taliban militants have launched multiple attacks in western Afghanistan, capturing a military base and killing at least 30 soldiers, only two days after the militants announced the end of a three-day ceasefire.
Pakistan hosting world's largest refugee population IRNA 20 Jun 2018 -- As the world observes Refugee Day, Pakistan is the world's largest refugees host giving shelter to millions of Afghan refugees.

Defense Policy / Programs

Existing Huey bases will receive replacement aircraft AFNS 20 Jun 2018 -- The Air Force announced today that each UH-1N Huey location will receive replacement aircraft.
Press Briefing by Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Raina Hockenberry DoD 20 Jun 2018 -- Presenter: Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Raina Hockenberry
USNS Spearhead Completes First in Class, Material Readiness Inspection NNS 20 Jun 2018 -- Military Sealift Command's first expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Spearhead (T-EPF 1) completed its first Ships Material Assessment and Readiness Testing (SMART) inspection, June 14.
Navy's Newest Littoral Combat Ship USS Manchester Arrives in San Diego NNS 20 Jun 2018 -- The newest littoral combat ship, the Independence variant USS Manchester (LCS 14), arrived at its San Diego homeport, June 19, after completing its maiden voyage from the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
Russia Calls Trump's Space Force Plan 'Alarming' RFE/RL 20 Jun 2018 -- Russia has expressed alarm over President Donald Trump's pledge to maintain U.S. dominance in space and create a separate branch of the military called the "space force."
Green Flag: Preparing for Close Air Support AFNS 20 Jun 2018 -- Since the 1980s, the United States of America has been crowned with air superiority by using the F-15E Strike Eagle's dual-role fighter capabilities in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Next-Generation Binoculars Contribute to Battlefield Survivability AFPS 20 Jun 2018 -- Marines will have better situational awareness on missions in dark areas thanks to new night-vision goggles.
Justified Accord 2018 Opening Ceremony Takes Off! Army News 20 Jun 2018 -- Nearly 200 participants from 10 different countries, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations Mine Action Service gathered for the Justified Accord 18 exercise at the Ugandan Rapid Deployment Capability Center in Jinja, Uganda, June 18-29, 2018.
Remarks by Secretary Mattis at an Enhanced Honor Cordon Welcoming Minister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen of Germany to the Pentagon DoD 20 Jun 2018 -- Presenter: Secretary Of Defense James N. Mattis; Minister of Defense Ursula von der Leyen of Germany
Marine Corps Systems Command awards contract to produce ACV USMC News 20 Jun 2018 -- Marine Corps Systems Command awarded a contract to produce Amphibious Combat Vehicles–a much-needed modernization to the Marine Corps' ground combat element.
SECNAV Censures Three Naval Officers NNS 20 Jun 2018 -- Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer has issued Secretarial Letters of Censure to now-retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Richard Wren, now-retired U.S. Navy Capt. Timothy Conroy, and U.S. Navy Capt. Charles Johnson, based on findings regarding each of those officers' improper interactions with and acceptance of gifts from Glenn Defense Marine Asia (GDMA), a defense contractor and prohibited source.
NAVFAC Becomes a Learning Organization for Maritime Superiority NNS 20 Jun 2018 -- Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (EXWC) becomes one of the DoD's newest Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories (STRL), as Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) leadership focuses Civil Engineer Corps graduate work on Fleet and warfighter initiatives.
Jason Dunham Visits Haifa, Israel NNS 20 Jun 2018 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) arrived in Haifa, Israel, June 19, as part of a scheduled port visit.
USS Gunston Hall Deploys to Support Southern Seas 2018 NNS 20 Jun 2018 -- The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departed, June 18, from Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for a deployment to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility (AOR) in support of Southern Seas 2018.

Nuclear-Capable US F-16 Fighters Taking Part in NATO's Sky Avenger 2018 Drills Sputnik 20 Jun 2018 -- US military aircraft and Czech fighters and helicopters are coming together for NATO's first military drill in the Czech Republic in almost a decade.

Russia's Advanced Weapons' Production Up Fourfold Over Last 5 Years - Shoigu Sputnik 20 Jun 2018 -- The draft plan for shifting weapons and military equipment to domestic software is designed to further ensure the stable development and information security of the Russian defense industry, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said.

Slovakia Delays Decision On Replacing Russian MiG-29 Jets RFE/RL 20 Jun 2018 -- Slovakia says it is postponing a decision on whether to buy U.S.-made F-16s or Swedish Gripen fighters to replace its aging fleet of Russian-made MiG-29s.

China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier completes sea trials People's Daily 20 Jun 2018 -- China's first domestically-built aircraft carrier has completed all sea trials successfully, Hu Wenming, chairman of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC), said on June 19, ThePaper.cn reported.
Expert predicts China may shortly have a third aircraft carrier People's Daily 20 Jun 2018 -- China might soon have its third aircraft carrier, said military expert Song Zhongping, after a picture showing three aircraft carriers was made public in a news piece by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) on Wednesday.
Chinese Shipbuilder Hints at New Aircraft Carrier Modifications Sputnik 20 Jun 2018 -- Computer-generated imagery has appeared on Chinese social media showing that Chinese strategists are considering a new aircraft launching system that is not seen on either of the two aircraft carriers used by the Chinese navy.

Berlin Asks Washington For Cost Estimate to Make Eurofighter Nuke-Capable Sputnik 20 Jun 2018 -- Germany is seeking clarity from the US about upgrading the Eurofighter Typhoon to handle nuclear bombs, pitting Berlin's commitment to multilateral defense in NATO against a desire to rely on European-made jets instead of US-made alternatives.

India and Pakistan Continue to Increase Nuclear Weapons Stockpiles – Report Sputnik 20 Jun 2018 -- The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's (SIPRI) annual report on the current state of armaments, disarmament and international security notes that despite the overall decrease in global nuclear weapons year-on-year, India and Pakistan are doing the opposite.

India Plans Grand Welcome to Seychelles President Despite Spat Over Naval Base Sputnik 20 Jun 2018 -- Indian opposition parties have been targeting the Narendra Modi government over its foreign policy failure in the strategically crucial Indian Ocean Region after Seychelles unilaterally called off a deal regarding the establishment of an Indian naval base on Assumption Island.

Turkey will 'definitely take F-35s' despite US Congress saying 'No' RT 20 Jun 2018 -- Both Ankara and the Pentagon are set to complete a deal for F-35s, ignoring a decision by US lawmakers to torpedo the shipment of 100 fighter jets to Turkey. Their opinion doesn't matter, Ankara has said.
Senate Ban on F-35 Sale to Turkey Blow to Most Expensive US Jet Program – Media Sputnik 20 Jun 2018 -- Worried by Turkey's desire to buy advanced air and missile defense systems from Russia, the US Senate has drawn up a bill that could block the planned delivery of nearly 100 F-35 fighter aircraft from the US over Ankara's plans to buy S-400.
Turkey Getting F-35 Jets, Despite Congressional Objections VOA 20 Jun 2018 -- Despite opposition in Congress, Turkey will receive its first F-35 Joint Strike fighter jet this week, Pentagon and aviation industry officials tell VOA.

British Army set to redefine warfare with joint Autonomous Warrior UK MOD 20 Jun 2018 -- The British Army has launched the game-changing Autonomous Warrior (Land) experiment at the RUSI Land Warfare conference.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for June 20, 2018

Other Conflicts

20 June 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Jun 2018
United States Commemorates World Refugee Day US Dept. of State 20 Jun 2018 -- "On World Refugee Day, we join the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and our international partners in commemorating the strength, courage, and resilience of millions of refugees worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution and conflict."
UN agency chiefs issue 'call to action' on behalf of refugee children UN News 20 Jun 2018 -- Protecting refugee children is "a test of our shared humanity," two top United Nations officials said on Wednesday.

Humanitarian Crisis Feared as Saudi-Led Alliance Seizes Yemen's Hodeida Airport VOA 20 Jun 2018 -- Saudi-led coalition forces have seized Yemen's Hodeida airport from Iran-aligned Houthis, a big step toward recapturing the port city following a week of fighting that spilled into residential neighborhoods.
Saudi-backed forces claim control of Hudaydah airport Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- Saudi-backed Yemeni forces, loyal to ex-president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, claim that they have seized the airport in the port city of Hudaydah from the Houthi Ansarullah fighters.
Malaysia to end involvement in Yemen war Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- Malaysia's Defense Minister Mohamad Sabu says the country is considering ending its involvement in Saudi Arabia's ongoing military aggression against the people of Yemen.

Syria Moves Troops Ahead of New Offensive VOA 20 Jun 2018 -- The Syrian government is deploying its military forces in southern Syria, in preparation for a looming offensive against the southern governorates of Daraa and Quneitra, as confrontation in the north and northeast are winding down.
Siege of Syria's eastern Ghouta 'barbaric and medieval', says UN Commission of Inquiry UN News 20 Jun 2018 -- The siege of eastern Ghouta in war-torn Syria, which lasted more than five years, has been labelled "barbaric and medieval" – "amounting" to war crimes, and crimes against humanity, a high-level UN inquiry said on Wednesday.

PKK rocket attack kills two soldiers in southeast Turkey Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- Two Turkish soldiers have been killed in a rocket attack launched by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group on military vehicles in southeastern Turkey.

Attacks on Libyan Oil Ports US Dept. of State 20 Jun 2018
Bomb attack kills 4 members loyal to Libya's Haftar Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- Four members of security forces loyal to Libya's eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar have been killed in the city of Derna after an attacker drove his booby-trapped vehicle toward a group of soldiers.
Libya oil output cut by half due to fierce fighting Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- A series of fierce clashes between rival armed groups in eastern Libya's key oil export ports has caused output to drop by nearly half, the head of Libya's National Oil Company (NOC) says.

South Sudan president, rebel leader in Ethiopia for talks Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar has arrived in Ethiopia for a face-to-face meeting with his arch-rival, President Salva Kiir, for the first time in two years in an effort to negotiate an end to a five-year-old civil war.
South Sudan Rivals Meet Face-to-Face in Ethiopia VOA 20 Jun 2018 -- South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar met Wednesday for their first face-to-face meeting in two years.

Al-Shabab Militant Group Getting Lucky, Not Stronger in Somalia VOA 20 Jun 2018 -- Somalia's most dangerous terror group is likely not getting any stronger despite a series of deadly attacks, including one that claimed the life of a U.S. special operations soldier earlier this month.

Palestinian Rockets, Israeli Airstrikes Heat Up Gaza Border VOA 20 Jun 2018 -- Palestinian militants fired 45 rockets and mortars Wednesday at southern Israel, rattling farming communities on the Gaza border. The Israeli military said it responded with airstrikes on 25 facilities belonging to Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza.
Israel keeps expanding settlements despite UN resolution: Report Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- A United Nations report takes Israel to task for failing to abide by a 2016 Security Council resolution urging the regime to stop its settlement expansion on occupied Palestinian land, saying Tel Aviv has in fact taken "no steps" at all to that effect.

News Reports

Weak Response To Russian Meddling Emboldened Moscow, Official Says RFE/RL 20 Jun 2018 -- Russia was emboldened by the lack of a decisive response by President Barack Obama's administration during the 2016 presidential election and will seek to interfere in future elections, a former top U.S. official says.

Trump ends family separations by executive order Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to halt family separations at the country's southern border.
Trump Signs Order to End Migrant Family Separation on US Border VOA 20 Jun 2018 -- In what is being viewed as the most significant policy reversal of his 17-month administration, President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order ending the policy of separating migrant children from their parents who illegally crossed the southern border with Mexico into the U.S.
Children should not be snatched from their migrant parents: UNICEF chief People's Daily 20 Jun 2018 -- Children should not be snatched from their migrant parents, Henrietta Fore, executive director of UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), said on Tuesday, in reference to the controversial U.S. practice on the Mexico border.

Keeping America Safe: Addressing the Threat of Near-Earth Object Impacts The White House 20 Jun 2018

US Departure From UN Rights Council Leaves Vacuum VOA 20 Jun 2018 -- The Trump administration's announcement Tuesday that it is withdrawing from the U.N. Human Rights Council has created a vacuum that China may like to fill, threatening the serious work of the body.
Replacement for United States on Human Rights Council to be elected 'as soon as possible' UN News 20 Jun 2018 -- International reaction to the United States decision to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council continued on Wednesday with the President of the Geneva-based assembly confirming that the election of a new Member State would take place "as soon as possible" to fill the vacant seat.
US Makes Controversial Move by Exiting From UN Human Rights Council Sputnik 20 Jun 2018 -- The United States made a decision on Tuesday to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council which drew criticism from lawmakers and UN officials.
UN chief regrets U.S. withdrawal from Human Rights Council People's Daily 20 Jun 2018 -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regretted the withdrawal of the United States from the world body's Human Rights Council, said his spokesman on Tuesday.
Russia welcomes US pullout from UNHRC, says council can work better now Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- Russia has welcomed the United States' pullout from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), saying the body has lost nothing and can operate more freely now.
US withdraws from UN Human Rights Council over anti-Israel bias Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- The United States has announced its withdrawal from the United Nation Human Rights Council (UNHRC) over what it calls the body's entrenched bias against Israel.
Advocates Worry U.S. Withdrawal From UN Rights Body Empowers Despots RFE/RL 20 Jun 2018 -- Counterproductive. Short-sighted. Cynical. Human rights groups and governments around the world were quick to use those and other adjectives in describing the decision by the United States to leave the United Nations' Human Rights Council.

A Common Language: Russia's 'Ethnic' Republics See Language Bill As Existential Threat RFE/RL 20 Jun 2018 -- On June 19, the State Duma passed in its first reading a bill on the teaching of native languages in Russia that representatives of many minority peoples regard as a profound threat to their cultures.
As World Watches Russia, Opposition Seeks To Score With Pension Protests RFE/RL 20 Jun 2018 -- As World Cup fever mounts in Russia, opponents of a government plan to raise the retirement age find themselves jostling for political position, with a handful of protests announced against the proposed measure set to coincide with soccer's centerpiece event.

No Signs Yet of North Korean Denuclearization VOA 20 Jun 2018 -- A week after U.S. President Donald Trump proclaimed North Korea no longer posed a nuclear threat, his top military official cautioned there are no new signs Pyongyang is doing anything to denuclearize.
Kim Jong Un Visits China KCNA 20 Jun 2018 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, will visit the People's Republic of China from June 19 to 20.
China to play important role on peace of Korean Peninsula: S. Korean foreign minister People's Daily 20 Jun 2018 -- South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Wednesday that China is expected to play an important role on issues of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.
Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un hold talks in Beijing People's Daily 20 Jun 2018 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese president, held talks with Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Beijing on Tuesday.
Sanctions on North Korea to remain until full denuclearization: South Korea Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- South Korea says sanctions against North Korea will not be lifted until Pyongyang provides concerned parties such as Seoul with firm guarantees that "complete denuclearization" takes place on the Korean Peninsula.
N Korea's Kim Praises 'Unity' With China in Wake of Meeting Trump Sputnik 20 Jun 2018 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reaffirmed his country's "friendship, unity and cooperation" with China during a visit to Beijing, already the third this year.
Challenges remain in DPRK despite "slight" improvements in health, wellbeing: UNICEF UN News 20 Jun 2018 -- The health and wellbeing of women and children in North Korea has improved slightly in recent years but "urgent" challenges remain in rural areas, the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, said on Wednesday.

Preserving JCPOA key to global security: UN chief Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has underlined the need for keeping the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in place despite the US's withdrawal, saying the multinational accord is key to ensuring global security.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Chief Rejects Plea For Direct Talks With U.S. RFE/RL 20 Jun 2018 -- The head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has rejected a plea from Iranian activists to broach talks with the United States to resolve longtime differences, saying they have "sided with the U.S., the enemy of the people."

Beijing vows firm answer to new US tariff threat People's Daily 20 Jun 2018 -- China will "fight back firmly" with comprehensive "qualitative" and "quantitative" measures if the United States publishes an additional list of tariffs on more Chinese goods, the Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday.
White House: China's 'economic aggression' is threat to US, world Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump is intensifying its rhetoric against China's trade practices, accusing Beijing of waging a systematic campaign of "economic aggression" that threatens US and global economic security.

Iraqi Police Clash With Pro-Iran Militia Fighters In Baghdad RFE/RL 20 Jun 2018 -- Iraqi police have clashed with pro-Iranian militia fighters near the headquarters of the powerful Hizbullah Brigades in Baghdad, Iraq's Interior Ministry says.

China, UN Office enhance cooperation on outer space affairs People's Daily 20 Jun 2018 -- Cooperation between China and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is going from strength to strength, head of the office Simonetta Di Pippo said Tuesday.

President Tsai vows to expand Taiwan's international space CNA 20 Jun 2018 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Wednesday that Taiwan is more determined than ever to expand its international space as China ratchets up its coercive efforts.

Turkey election rivals accuse Erdogan of media monopoly Press TV 20 Jun 2018 -- Opposition candidates in Turkey's presidential election say incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has a near-monopoly over the media in the run-up to the June 24 elections.

Ukrainian Opposition Leader Tymoshenko Announces Presidential Run RFE/RL 20 Jun 2018 -- Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko says she plans to run for president in 2019, setting up a possible showdown with incumbent Petro Poroshenko.
Ukraine's Anti-corruption Court Legislation US Dept. of State 20 Jun 2018 -- "The United States commends Ukraine for adopting a law to establish an independent anti-corruption court. We were pleased to see this important piece of legislation passed with broad support in the Verkhovna Rada."

Georgian Parliament Approves Bakhtadze As Prime Minister RFE/RL 20 Jun 2018 -- Georgia's parliament has approved acting Finance Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze as the country's new prime minister.

Macedonian Lawmakers Ratify 'Historic' Name Deal With Greece RFE/RL 20 Jun 2018 -- Macedonia's parliament has ratified an agreement with Greece to change the former Yugoslav republic's name at a plenary session that was boycotted by the main opposition party.
Macedonia's Parliament Ratifies Deal With Greece on Renaming the Country Sputnik 20 Jun 2018 -- Last week the foreign ministers of Greece and Macedonia signed an agreement on the new constitutional name of the Western Balkan nation, which has been known as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) since 1995.

Kosovo's Thaci Wants 'Historic Deal' With Serbia RFE/RL 20 Jun 2018 -- Kosovar President Hashim Thaci has pledged to continue dialogue with Serbia and reach a comprehensive, legally binding agreement on normalizing relations between Pristina and Belgrade.

Iran Signals Possible Compromise With Plan To Raise Oil Output RFE/RL 20 Jun 2018 -- Iran has suggested it could be open to a compromise on a small rise in OPEC oil output after earlier rejecting a plan by Russia and Saudi Arabia to increase production in response to consumer concerns over rising prices.

Indonesia Hopes to Flex Diplomatic Muscle With Security Council Seat VOA 20 Jun 2018 -- Indonesia has been chosen as one of five non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council after a competitive bidding process, inaugurating what is likely to be a period of greater diplomatic and geopolitical activity for the world's fourth largest country.

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