27 June 2018 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 27 Jun 2018 [PDF]

Department Of Defense Press Briefing by Brig. Gen. Lance R. Bunch via Teleconference on the U.S. Counter-threat Finance Campaign and U.S. Air Operations DoD 27 Jun 2018 -- Presenter: Air Force Brig. Gen. Lance R. Bunch, assistant, deputy commanding general for Air, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan; and vice commander, 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Afghanistan, U.S. Air Forces Central Command
Afghan President Seeks Direct Talks With Taliban Leader VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani reiterated Wednesday he is ready to hold direct peace talks with the Taliban leader, Mawlawi Hibatulluah Akhunzada, anywhere he wants.
Afghans Dispute Russia's Islamic State Claims VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- Authorities in Afghanistan have rejected latest Russian claims that thousands of Islamic State fighters are "consolidating" their presence in nine out of 34 provinces of the war-hit country.
Afghan Air Force Growth Pays Off in Fight Against Taliban, Official Says AFPS 27 Jun 2018 -- The Afghan air force has grown in capacity and proficiency as it continues to successfully target the Taliban across Afghanistan, the deputy air commander of NATO's Resolute Support mission said today.

Defense Policy / Programs

Mattis arrives in Beijing amid mounting tensions between US, China Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- US Defense Secretary James Mattis has met his Chinese counterpart in Beijing amid increasing tensions between Washington and Beijing over the South China Sea and President Donald Trump's trade policy.
Readout of Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis' meeting in Beijing, China, with the Minister of National Defense General Wei Fenghe DoD 27 Jun 2018
Readout of Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis' meetings in Beijing, China DoD 27 Jun 2018

Exercise Dynamic Mongoose Begins NNS 27 Jun 2018 -- Naval forces from Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States are participating in the NATO Allied Maritime Command-led exercise Dynamic Mongoose 2018, June 25 - July 6, in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Air chiefs from across the Americas convene in Panama City to promote cooperation AFNS 27 Jun 2018 -- Air force leaders from 19 nations in the Western Hemisphere met in Panama City June 18-22, 2018, for the 58th Conference of American Air Chiefs (CONJEFAMER, per its Spanish acronym). At the annual meeting, these allied nations build partnerships among air forces, discuss their collective mission and vision, and plan future exercises, continuing a 50-plus year history of cooperation and goodwill across the Americas.
ACC emphasizes shift in focus to cyber vigilance AFNS 27 Jun 2018 -- Air Combat Command participated in an Air Force first by testing the reporting capabilities of a mission defense team during a base-wide exercise at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, June 11-15, 2018.
Centcom Official Highlights Interagency Partnerships in Stabilization AFPS 27 Jun 2018 -- The Defense Department is working in partnership with the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to maximize U.S. efforts for stability in conflict-affected areas, a U.S. Central Command official said today.
Idaho National Guard completes XCTC, looks ahead Army News 27 Jun 2018 -- The Idaho Army National Guard's 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team completed an eXportable Combat Training Capability rotation at the Orchard Combat Training Center June 1 to 24 in preparation for its National Training Center rotation in June 2019.
ARNG 4.0 reflected in Kentucky brigade's training Army News 27 Jun 2018 -- The National Guard has remained an ever-evolving organization. 1636, 1792, 1861, 1916, 2001 are a few specific years marking critical changes in America's hometown defense force. How the National Guard fits into the battle rhythm of active duty forces as well as maintaining its own state's mission has always been in flux. In 2017, a new term, Army National Guard (ARNG) 4.0 was introduced, spelling out goals of increased readiness and capabilities to answer the demands of the total Army concept and the dual role of the National Guard.
Soldiers train to detect, defend against electronic warfare Army News 27 Jun 2018 -- Knowing your location and the location of the enemy is paramount on the battlefield, and with the advent of satellites and GPS, U.S. Soldiers can pinpoint their exact position down to the meter. What happens when that signal is jammed?
22nd MEU completes PMINT USMC News 27 Jun 2018 -- The Amphibious Squadron Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training exercise or PMINT, concluded June 23.
USS Mustin Aids Filipino Fishermen in Distress NNS 27 Jun 2018 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) rendered assistance to two distressed mariners, June 26, whose fishing boat had suffered an engine malfunction, rendering the vessel inoperable.

First NATO Joint Air Power Strategy Emphasizes Integral Role of Domain AFPS 27 Jun 2018 -- NATO released its first Joint Air Power Strategy yesterday, stressing the integral role the domain plays in all of the alliance's tasks.

China to Militarize Coast Guard amid Maritime Rivalry from US, Southeast Asia VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- Beijing is placing its coast guard under military command to warn foreign nations, including the United States, against interfering with its control over the disputed South China Sea, experts say.
China won't give up 'one inch' of territory: Xi tells Mattis Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned the United States that Beijing cannot give up even an inch of territory in the face of Washington's belligerent military activities in the region.

U.S. Official Says Warned Turkey F-35 Jet Sales Jeopardized By Russian Deal RFE/RL 27 Jun 2018 -- A top U.S. State Department official says Turkey has been warned that its purchase of F-35 stealth fighter jets is in jeopardy unless it drops a plan to buy S-400 missile defense systems from Russia.

OPCW Gets Power To Assign Blame In Chemical Attacks, Despite Russia's Objections RFE/RL 27 Jun 2018 -- Countries have overwhelming voted to give the world's chemical weapons watchdog new powers to assign blame for attacks using banned toxic materials, in a motion backed by the West and opposed by Moscow.
UN chemical weapons watchdog adds new powers to assign blame, following attacks UN News 27 Jun 2018 -- The United Nations chemical weapons watchdog voted in favour of a United Kingdom-led proposal on Wednesday, allocating itself new powers to assign blame for attacks.
Britain Pushes To Empower Chemical-Weapons Watchdog To Identify Attackers RFE/RL 27 Jun 2018 -- Britain and the United States have led an effort to empower the world's chemical-weapons watchdog to identify who is behind toxin attacks, triggering strong opposition from Russia and Syria.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for June 27, 2018

Other Conflicts

27 June 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Jun 2018
Rise in number of children killed, maimed and recruited in conflict: UN report UN News 27 Jun 2018 -- More than 10,000 children were killed or maimed in conflict last year while more than 8,000 youngsters were recruited or used as combatants, the United Nations reported on Wednesday.

Saudi airstrike leaves seven civilians dead in western Yemen Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- At least seven civilians have been killed when Saudi military aircraft carried out an airstrike against a residential area in Yemen's western coastal province of Hudaydah as the Riyadh regime presses ahead with its atrocious bombardment campaign against its southern neighbor.

ICRC voices concern over Syrian civilians in southern Syria IRNA 27 Jun 2018 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is concerned about the safety of tens of thousands of civilians caught in the line of fire or are fleeing violence in the southern governorate of Daraa.
Syrian army declares complete retake of Dayr al-Zawr desert Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- Syria's military has announced that it cleared the desert region of the country's eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr close to the border with Iraq of the last elements of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group.
Russia sticking to Syria de-escalation agreements Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- Russian authorities have rejected media reports about Moscow's alleged withdrawal from agreements to maintain de-escalation zones in Syria.
At least 10 killed in twin blasts in Syria's Afrin Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- At least 10 people have been killed in double bombings that hit Syria's northwestern region of Afrin amid clashes between militant groups in the area.
We must stop a devastating 'battle to the end' in southwest Syria, declares UN envoy UN News 27 Jun 2018 -- A "full-scale" ground and aerial offensive in southwest Syria could inflict an even heavier toll on civilians than the suffering caused by previous devastating battles in the war-ravaged country, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria has warned.
UN 'Gravely Concerned' About Fighting in Southern Syria VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- The United Nations' special envoy for Syria warned Wednesday that an escalation of fighting in the southwestern part of the country risks turning into another Aleppo or eastern Ghouta – two towns that were devastated by government bombings and siege.

Ahmed Abu Khatallah Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for September 2012 Attack in Benghazi, Libya US Dept. of Justice 27 Jun 2018 -- Ahmed Abu Khatallah, aka Ahmed Mukatallah, 47, a Libyan national, was sentenced today to 22 years in prison on federal terrorism charges and other offenses stemming from the Sept. 11, 2012 terrorist attack on the U.S. Special Mission in Benghazi, Libya. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and U.S. government personnel Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty died in the attack at the Mission and the nearby Annex in Benghazi.
Joint Statement on Libyan Oil Facilities US Dept. of State 27 Jun 2018 -- The text of the following statement on Libya was released by the Governments of the United States of America, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

UN rights expert 'strongly recommends' probe by International Criminal Court into 'decades of crimes' in Myanmar UN News 27 Jun 2018 -- The United Nations rights expert on Myanmar is "strongly" recommending that the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigate and prosecute those allegedly responsible for "decades of crimes" in the form a grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law inside the country.
UN Investigator Calls for Concrete Action to Stop Myanmar Rights Abuses VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- A U.N. investigator warns Myanmar's unprecedented level of human rights violations and abuses against its people will not end without concrete action by the international community against the government and military authorities. The special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar submitted her report to the U.N. Human Rights Council.

Kiir, Machar Sign Cease-Fire Deal in Khartoum VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- South Sudan's president, Salva Kiir, and rebel leader Riek Machar signed a framework agreement Wednesday in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, announcing a permanent cease-fire throughout South Sudan that will take effect within 72 hours of its signing.
UN chief welcomes agreement by rival leaders in South Sudan, as a step towards 'inclusive and implementable' peace UN News 27 Jun 2018 -- The United Nations Secretary-General has welcomed an agreement signed on Wednesday by the President of South Sudan and his former Vice President, which it is hoped will lead to an "inclusive and implementable" peace deal to end years of civil conflict in the world's youngest nation.

Amid High Hopes, Eritrea & Ethiopia Move Toward Peace VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has welcomed a high-level Eritrean delegation to the capital, Addis Ababa, the latest sign that one of Africa's most intractable conflicts may soon end.

New Death Toll from Weekend Clashes in Central Nigeria VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- The governor of Nigeria's central Plateau state has revised the death toll from last weekend's clashes between mostly Muslim herders and Christian farmers.

Cameroon says Military Casualties Mounting VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- Cameroon's government says the number of soldiers and police killed while fighting armed English-speaking separatists who want to split from the French speaking regions of the country has increased from 80 to more than 100 in the last two weeks and kidnapping of members of the security forces also continue to rise.

News Reports

How Trump is sinking the 'liberal world order' TRT 27 Jun 2018-- Trump's 'deal' with Kim Jong-un sets a new milestone for how far the US president will go to paint the world in his own colours. It's all about branding. And blackmail.

Kremlin Says Trump-Putin Summit to Take Place VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- Kremlin officials say there is an agreement for Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump to hold a summit in a third country.
Russia 'Hawk' Laid Groundwork for Trump-Putin Summit VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to hold their first formal summit in the coming weeks – with a final announcement of the timing and location of the meeting to be announced simultaneously by the White House and the Kremlin on Thursday.
Trump Says He Will Raise Ukraine, Syria At Upcoming Summit With Putin RFE/RL 27 Jun 2018 -- The United States and Russia have agreed to hold a summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, with Trump telling reporters he will bring up the war in Syria and the crisis in Ukraine.

Putin: US-Russia relations not in 'best state' Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- Relations between Russia and the US are not in the "best state" these days, Russian President Vladimir Putin has told visiting US National Security Adviser John Bolton, citing the ongoing political discord in America as the main reason.
Russia's Novak Says Discussed Sanctions, Energy With Top Trump Officials RFE/RL 27 Jun 2018 -- Russian Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak has met with his U.S. counterpart Rick Perry and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to discuss energy issues and U.S. sanctions on Russia.

US judge orders migrant families to be reunited Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- A US judge has blocked the administration of President Donald Trump from separating immigrant parents and children at the US-Mexico border.

Kaesong Business Owners Anxious for N. Korea Sanctions to End VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- South Korean businesses that operated in the Kaesong industrial complex in North Korea are anxious to visit the facility, to prepare for restarting operations, as expectations grow that progress toward denuclearization will soon bring about an end to economic sanctions.
KOGAS says ready to build North Korea gas pipeline Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- South Korea has announced readiness to immediately start a joint project with Russia to construct a pipeline to import natural gas through North Korea.
'North Korea rapidly improving nuclear research site' Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- A US-based monitoring group says North Korea is carrying out rapid improvements to a nuclear research facility.
North-South Talks of Panel for Cooperation in Railway Held KCNA 27 Jun 2018 -- North-south talks of panel for cooperation in railway were held at the "house of peace" in the south side portion of Panmunjom on June 26 according to the agreement of the north-south high-level talks for the implementation of the historic Panmunjom Declaration.

UN chief: Resolution 2231 calls for full implementation of JCPOA IRNA 27 Jun 2018 -- United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres deplored US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal, saying that Resolution 2231 orders full implementation of the deal by the all the parties and its support by regional and international institutions.
Rouhani says Iran will not submit to US pressure, will maintain dignity Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the Islamic Republic will never yield to US pressure and demands following Washington's withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Turkey rejects US ban on Iran oil purchases Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- Turkey says Washington's demand to stop purchasing oil from Iran will not be binding for Ankara, stressing that it would only respect measures announced by the United Nations toward its eastern neighbor.
Iran launches UF6 production facility to increase uranium enrichment capacity Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- Iran has launched a UF6 production plant as part of preparations ordered by Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to increase uranium enrichment capacity.
Supreme Leader Speaks On Iran Protests; Pompeo Blasts 'Corrupt Regime' RFE/RL 27 Jun 2018 -- Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has called on the country's judiciary to take steps to ensure the security of people's "businesses and lives" amid protests in the capital that were triggered by economic woes.
Recent Protests in Iran US Dept. of State 27 Jun 2018
Top UN political official updates Security Council on Iran nuclear deal UN News 27 Jun 2018 -- Notwithstanding "the continued adherence by Iran" to its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the agreement is "at a crossroads" the United Nations top political official said on Wednesday.
UN: Iran Nuclear Deal at 'Crossroads' VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- The U.N.'s political chief said Wednesday that the Iran nuclear deal was at a "crossroads" after the U.S. withdrawal last month from the international agreement.
Khamenei Orders Crackdown After Tehran's Biggest Protests in Years VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- Iran's supreme leader has called on his judiciary to confront anti-government protesters after they staged the biggest strikes and street demonstrations in the capital Tehran in years.

Trump dismisses reports about new curbs on Chinese tech investment People's Daily 27 Jun 2018 -- US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that he will ease off his demands for tough new restrictions on Chinese investment in technology industries and will rely instead on an interagency group that screens foreign investments.

Taiwan will not tolerate fake news reporters from China: MAC CNA 27 Jun 2018 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Wednesday that while it supports press freedom for Chinese journalists based in Taiwan, it will not allow those who spread false rumors and report "fake news" to work here.
Ball in Taiwan's court if ties to move forward: China CNA 27 Jun 2018 -- If relations between China and Taiwan are to move forward, "the ball is now in Taiwan's court," the spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) said Wednesday.

Turkey issues arrest warrants for nearly 100 over affiliation to Gulen network Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- Turkish prosecutors have issued arrest warrants for nearly 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.
Turkey's EU accession talks deadlocked: EU Press TV 27 Jun 2018 -- The European Union (EU) says talks with Turkey to potentially accept Ankara's accession to the bloc have reached a deadlock over alleged Turkish rights violations and judicial failures.
Re-Elected Erdogan Faces Tough Economic Challenges VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- While Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan easily handled his presidential rivals in the June 24 election, analysts warn that economic and financial challenges may be far more formidable foes.

Ukraine Cyberpolice Chief Alleges Russian Hackers Preparing Massive Strike RFE/RL 27 Jun 2018 -- The head of Ukraine's cyberpolice has claimed that Russian hackers are infecting computer systems of Ukrainian firms with malware to establish "back doors" for a large-scale coordinated attack.
EU's Mogherini Urges Ukraine To Implement More Reforms 'Now' RFE/RL 27 Jun 2018 -- EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has called on Ukraine to continue on its path to reform, despite what she called the "huge challenges" posed by Russia's involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea.

Hahn: Preparations For EU Accession Talks With Macedonia To Start 'Immediately' RFE/RL 27 Jun 2018 -- The European Commission is set to "immediately" start preparations for EU accession negotiations with Albania and Macedonia, a top EU official says.

'Orange' Hue? Moldovan Mayoral Chaos Could Loom Large Over National Vote RFE/RL 27 Jun 2018 -- Recent court decisions invalidating mayoral elections in the capital appear to have dealt another blow to Moldova's democratic development.
EU Urges Moldovan Authorities Who Voided Local Poll To Respect Voters' Will RFE/RL 27 Jun 2018 -- The European Union has condemned a move by Moldova's judiciary to invalidate a mayoral election won by a pro-Western candidate, urging the authorities to respect the voters' will amid continued public protests against the decision.

Opponents of constitutional change in Burundi face torture and execution: UN investigators UN News 27 Jun 2018 -- In Burundi, opponents of constitutional reform supported by the Government have faced torture and execution amid a "continuing environment of threats and intimidation", senior UN investigators said on Wednesday.

Zimbabwe's President Blames Mugabe Loyalists for Blast VOA 27 Jun 2018 -- Zimbabwe's president is blaming a group loyal to former first lady Grace Mugabe for a deadly explosion at one of his campaign rallies.

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