31 July 2018 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 31 Jul 2018 [PDF]

Department of Defense Press Briefing by General Gedney via Teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 31 Jul 2018 -- Presenter: U.K. Army Maj. Gen. Felix Gedney, Deputy Commander, Strategy and Support, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve
Report Confirms Civilian Casualties in Defeat-ISIS Campaign, Official Says AFPS 31 Jul 2018 -- A recent report confirms the unintentional deaths of 105 civilians in June as a result of coalition operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a total that includes 77 deaths reported by Amnesty International, the deputy commander for strategy and support for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve told Pentagon reporters today.
Security Forces Continue Pursuit of ISIS Remnants, OIR Deputy Commander Says AFPS 31 Jul 2018 -- Iraqi security forces continue to pursue Islamic State of Iraq and Syria remnants in their country, destroying tunnels, weapons caches and explosives stockpiles, and arresting a number of suspected ISIS fighters, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve's deputy commander for strategy and support told Pentagon reporters this morning.

Roadside bomb kills 8 in western Afghanistan Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- At least eight people have been killed and about 40 others injured in a roadside bomb attack that hit a passenger bus in Afghanistan's western province of Farah, officials say.
Bomb Kills At Least 11 In Western Afghanistan, Six Die As Gunmen Storm Government Building In East RFE/RL 31 Jul 2018 -- Afghan officials say at least 11 civilians have been killed by a roadside bomb in the western province of Farah, while another six died when unidentified gunmen stormed a government building in the eastern city of Jalalabad.
Suicide Bombers Raid Afghan Government Office VOA 31 Jul 2018 -- Afghan authorities say an attack on a government building in eastern Afghanistan has killed at least 15 people.
Afghanistan: Jalalabad attacks provoke 'outrage' and 'strongest' condemnation from UN Mission UN News 31 Jul 2018 -- As part of a recent pattern of attacks in Afghanistan, at least 13 civilians were killed and 20 others wounded on Tuesday in Jalalabad, drawing "outrage" and condemnation "in the strongest terms" from the United Nations Assistance Mission in the country, UNAMA.

Defense Policy / Programs

Agency Begins Process of Identifying Korean War Remains AFPS 31 Jul 2018 -- All Americans welcome the return of remains from the Korean War.
Exercise PANAMAX 2018 Kicks off in Mayport NNS 31 Jul 2018 -- U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT) hosts the Combined Force Maritime Component Command (CFMCC) portion of the annual exercise PANAMAX from July 30 through Aug. 10.
Curtis Wilbur Completes Basic Phase NNS 31 Jul 2018 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) became Basic Phase complete July 30.
Pentagon to Spend $885Mln on AI to Compete With Russia, China - Reports Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- The US Department of Defense will spend $885 million on a large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) systems to boost the country's military performance in a bid to compete with China and Russia, The Washington Post reported.
Pentagon creates blacklist of Russian, Chinese software Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- The US military has finished creating a "Do Not Buy" list of Russian and Chinese software that it says fail to comply with US national security standards.
Could Space Force Be New Branch of US Military? VOA 31 Jul 2018 -- The Pentagon's report on how to structure its space components, including the potential creation of a Space Force or Space Corps, will not be submitted to Congress in time for Wednesday's deadline.
US Congress Pushes Ballistic Missile Defense Program Based on Laser-Armed Drones Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- Despite receiving a record-high $11.5 billion budget in 2018, the US Missile Defense Agency is poised to receive an extra $50 million in 2019 for a missile defense program that it did not ask Congress to fund: one that would mount lasers on drones.

Shamanov: the Russian army will have "zampolity in a new capacity" TASS 31 Jul 2018 -- The creation of the Main Military Political Directorate in the Ministry of Defense will allow the restoration of the Institute of Political Deputies in the Russian Armed Forces "in a new capacity" and introduce new methods of educational work, which is necessary in the context of the growing number of contract workers. This opinion was expressed on Tuesday by the TASS chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, the former commander of the airborne forces, Colonel-General Vladimir Shamanov.

Russia, Turkey urge US to stop threatening rhetoric over arms deals Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- Turkey and Russia have slammed the United States for using the language of threats when it comes to arms deals between other countries that Washington does not favor.
Turkey Vows to Take Legal Action if US Blocks F-35 Deliveries Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- Previously, the 2019 US defense policy bill revealed that Washington had temporarily frozen the transfer of F-35 jets to Turkey, which the country has already paid for.

UK firm finalizing massive military deal with Saudi Arabia Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- Rights groups and activists have criticized a major British consulting and accountancy firm over its bidding for a massive military contract in Saudi Arabia, saying the company will become complicit in crimes committed by Saudi Arabia in the war on Yemen.
UK's PwC Firm Under Fire Over Bid on Upgrading Saudi Army - Reports Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- One of the UK's biggest consulting firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), came under fire for having lodged a bid for a major contract on overhauling Saudi Arabia's military amid reports about multiple human rights cases of abuse in Yemen committed by the Saudi troops, The Guardian newspaper reported.

Seoul, Pyongyang Hold General-Level Military Talks - Reports Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- South Korea and North Korea held general-level military negotiations to discuss measures to ease tensions in border areas as part of an agreement reached at an inter-Korean summit in April, local media reported on Tuesday.
US detects new activity at North Korean missile site Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- US spy agencies say North Korea is possibly building more intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States.

India to Send Military Team to Ease US Concerns on S-400 Deal - Reports Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- India is planning to send a delegation of senior armed forces officials and technical experts to the United States to address Washington's concerns over New Delhi's plan to purchase Russian-made S-400 air defense systems, the Economic Times newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Iran: Military ties help restore peace in Caspian Sea IRNA 31 Jul 2018 -- Commodore Shahram Habibi, the commander of the Iranian military delegation sent to Sea Cup-2018 in Azerbaijan waters in the Caspian Sea, said on Tuesday that military relations can help boost political relations and bolster peace and friendship among Caspian Sea littoral states.
Iran's Navy to continue securing Strait of Hormuz: Commander IRNA 31 Jul 2018 -- Strait of Hormuz is a part of Iran's interests being secured and kept open by Iranian Navy so far, a senior Iranian commander said on Tuesday, adding that the forces will firmly continue to secure it.

Druze Soldiers Quitting Israeli Military Over Controversial Nation-State Law Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- The Israeli military continues to deal with fallout from soldiers belonging to minority groups after the country passed a "nation-state" law declaring that Jews, and only Jews, have the right to self-determination in the country.
Israeli Soldiers Reportedly Posted F-35 Pics Revealing Sensitive Data Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- A photo of the fifth generation fighter jet was reportedly released along with other pictures of secret Israeli weaponry on an unspecified military forum. IDF officials have yet to confirm the incident.

Denmark - SM-2 Block IIIA Standard Missiles DSCA 31 Jul 2018 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Denmark of up to forty-six (46) Standard Missile, SM-2 Block IIIA All-Up Rounds, RIM BK IIIA (VLS), and other related equipment for an estimated cost of $152 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Netherlands - MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes DSCA 31 Jul 2018 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands of one hundred six (106) MK 54 conversion kits for an estimated cost of $169 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Lebanese Army Chief Urges Military to Remain Alert to 'Defy Israeli Enemy' Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- Delivering a speech to commemorate the 73rd Army Day, Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Joseph Aoun said that under the country's military doctrine, Israel is considered an "enemy state."

Department Press Briefing - July 31, 2018 US Dept. of State 31 Jul 2018
Press Gaggle by Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley The White House 31 Jul 2018
Previewing Secretary Pompeo's Upcoming Trip to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Jakarta US Dept. of State 31 Jul 2018 -- Special Briefing by Senior State Department Official

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for July 31, 2018

Other Conflicts

31 July 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 31 Jul 2018

Deputy Secretary Sullivan's Meeting With Humanitarian Organizations on the Situation in Yemen US Dept. of State 31 Jul 2018
Fresh Saudi airstrikes leave four civilians dead in western Yemen Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- At least four civilians have been killed when Saudi military aircraft carried out airstrikes against an area in Yemen's strategic western coastal province of Hudaydah as the Riyadh regime presses ahead with its atrocious bombardment campaign against its southern neighbor.

Syrian ceasefire guarantors stress protecting country's sovereignty IRNA 31 Jul 2018 -- Three Syrian ceasefire guarantor countries – Iran, Russia and Turkey - on Tuesday underlined protecting the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Syrian Army cuts off Daesh supply routes in al-Yarmouk basin IRNA 31 Jul 2018 -- Units of Syrian Arab Army liberated the town of al-Shajara in al-Yarmouk basin after eliminating the last Daesh (ISIS) gatherings on Monday, Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported.
Tehran, Moscow, Ankara urge countering plots to partition Syria Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- Iran, Russia and Turkey, as guarantor states for a peace process in Syria, have expressed their firm determination to counter any plot aimed at partitioning the Arab country.
Daesh terrorists trapped in small pocket of land in Syria's Dara'a province: Monitor Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- Dozens of Daesh Takfiri terrorists and their families have been cornered in a small area in Syria's southwestern province of Dara'a after losing all other territory they once held in the region to advancing Syrian government troops, a monitor says.
Israeli Demands That Iran Exit Syria Not 'Realistic,' Russian Envoy Says RFE/RL 31 Jul 2018 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's repeated demands that Iranian forces and their allies leave Syria are not "realistic," Russia's ambassador to Israel has said.
Syrian Army Fully Liberates Daraa Province From Daesh Terrorists - Source Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- The Syrian government forces have liberated the last villages in the north-west of Daraa province from militants of the Daesh terrorist organization , thereby completing the rout of terrorists from the entire province, a military source told Sputnik on Tuesday.
UN human rights body strongly condemns recent 'shocking attacks' against civilians in south-west Syria UN News 31 Jul 2018 -- The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) issued a strongly-worded statement on Tuesday, denouncing last week's brutal killings and raids by members of the terrorist group ISIL, in Sweida, south-west Syria.

Six Russian Companies Added To EU Sanctions List Over Kerch Strait Bridge RFE/RL 31 Jul 2018 -- The European Union has added six Russian companies involved in the recent construction of the Kerch Strait bridge linking Russia with the Crimean Peninsula to its sanctions list.
EU Slaps Sanctions on Six Russian Companies Over Crimea Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- The European Union has expanded the sanctions list associated with the reunification of the Crimea with Russia, as well as the construction of a bridge across the Kerch Strait, the Official Journal of the European Union reported.
Ukrainian, 84, Gets 12 Years In Prison On Russia-Related Treason Charge RFE/RL 31 Jul 2018 -- A court in Ukraine has sentenced an 84-year-old researcher to 12 years in prison after convicting him of gathering classified information he allegedly planned to hand over to Russia.

Car bomb kills 10 in southern Philippines Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- A car bomb attack has claimed the lives of at least 10 people at a military checkpoint in the restive southern Philippines.

India's Modi, Pakistan's Khan Discuss Hopes For Peace In Region RFE/RL 31 Jul 2018 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called Pakistan's Imran Khan to congratulate him on his party's victory in Pakistan's general election, and both men expressed hopes for regional peace.

News Reports

Trial of Former Trump Campaign Chair Begins in Virginia VOA 31 Jul 2018 -- A jury of six men and six women was impaneled on Tuesday afternoon for the closely watched financial crimes trial of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort in Alexandria, Virginia.

DHS to Launch New Cyber Division to Protect US Critical Infrastructure - Reports Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will establish a new division to protect critical US infrastructure against cyberattacks, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

U.S., Italian Leaders Say They Will Keep Russian Sanctions In Place RFE/RL 31 Jul 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte both are saying that they have no plans to try to lift sanctions against Russia.

Slovak President Calls Local Russian Night Wolves Chapter Security Risk RFE/RL 31 Jul 2018 -- Slovak President Andrej Kiska says a recently established local base for a Russian motorcycle club known for its allegiance to the Kremlin presents a security risk for the EU and NATO country.

North Korea Looms Large as Pompeo Heads to Asia Security Meeting VOA 31 Jul 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet with his ASEAN counterparts in Singapore this week, promoting the Trump administration's vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, but concerns about North Korea may dominate the agenda.

Iran Guard Chief: No Talks With 'Great Satan' VOA 31 Jul 2018 -- The head of Iran's most powerful military body on Tuesday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's offer of direct talks with Iranian leaders, saying Tehran never would allow talks with what he called the "Great Satan."
No Plans for US-Iran Talks at Asian Meeting VOA 31 Jul 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has no intention of meeting his Iranian counterpart at an international gathering this weekend in Singapore, even as President Donald Trump says he is willing to talk with Tehran about its nuclear weapons development program.
There is no possibility to negotiate with US: Iran's FM spokesman ISNA 30 Jul 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi stressed that with this United States of America and the policies that the US has taken, certainly there in no possibility to negotiate and interact with it.
Rouhani: Iran turns US pressure to opportunity IRNA 31 Jul 2018 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that Iran will seize the opportunity to turn the mounting pressure exerted by the US government on the country to a golden opportunity to attain further development and success.
Rouhani: Ball is in Europe court IRNA 31 Jul 2018 -- After the US illegal walkaway from nuclear deal, ball is in Europe court, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said.
US contradicts itself when it comes to Iran IRNA 31 Jul 2018 -- The US secretary of states, on Tuesday, contradicted the US president when listing several pre-conditions in order to negotiate with Iran.
Iran's first reaction to Trump's offer on negotiating with Tehran without preconditions ISNA 31 Jul 2018 -- An advisor to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani responded to US President Donald Trump's latest offer to negotiate with Tehran without preconditions.
Iran's Zarif says US can blame itself for leaving deal and halting talks Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the US should blame itself for ending talks with Iran when it left the nuclear deal with Iran, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA.)
Iran's rial claws back some losses after record fall Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- Iran's rial bounced back on Tuesday from a record low which has seen the national currency lose nearly two-thirds of its value since the start of the year.
'Ball in Europe's court to save Iran deal after illegal US exit: Rouhani Press TV 31 Jul 2018 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has once again denounced the US withdrawal from the 2015 international nuclear deal, saying the ball is now in Europe's court to make up for Washington's absence and work to keep the landmark agreement alive.
Iranian Officials Rebuff Trump's Offer Of Talks, Say Actions At Odds With Words RFE/RL 31 Jul 2018 -- Iranian officials have sharply rebuffed U.S. President Donald Trump's offer to meet with his Iranian counterpart to discuss ways of improving ties between the two countries, saying such talks would have "no value" and be a "humiliation."
Iranian FM: 'US Can Only Blame Itself' for Ending Talks on Nuclear Deal Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- Beginning the negotiations with the United States at the moment would be nothing short of "offense and humiliation" for Tehran, Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Ali Motahari said on Tuesday.
Pompeo, Iran Reject Trump's Proposal for 'No Preconditions' Talks Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- The US president earlier stated that he is ready for talks with Iran as long as it is willing to hold negotiations. He added that he requires "no preconditions" to hold them; however, it seems that both Tehran and members of Trump's own administration disagree with his vision for talks.
Trump Offers To Meet Iran's Rohani With 'No Preconditions' RFE/RL 31 Jul 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump says he would be willing to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rohani with "no preconditions" to discuss ways of improving ties between the two countries.
Trump says ready for talks with Iran without preconditions IRNA 31 Jul 2018 -- President Donald Trump said Monday he is willing to meet with Iran's leadership, without preconditions, 'whenever they want.'
Trump says ready to meet with Iranian president without preconditions People's Daily 31 Jul 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said here on Monday that he is ready to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani without preconditions.
Iran Must 'Reduce Malign Behaviour', Agree to New Nuclear Deal - Pompeo Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during an interview said President Donald Trump will be prepared to sit down with the Iranians if they reduce their malign behavior in the Middle East and agree to enter a new nuclear deal.

Baghdad says news on buying Saudi Arabia electricity is 'baseless' IRNA 31 Jul 2018 -- Iraq Prime Minister spokesman Saad al-Hadithi denied the news recently published regarding an agreement on purchasing electricity from Saudi Arabia.

Japan to reduce plutonium stockpile NK 31 Jul 2018 -- Japan's government commission on nuclear energy has decided to reduce the country's stockpile of plutonium.

U.S. Warns Against IMF Bailing Out Pakistan's Loans From China RFE/RL 31 Jul 2018 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has warned against providing an International Monetary Fund bailout for Pakistan's new government that includes funding to pay off Chinese lenders.

Tajikistan Blames Banned Party For Attack On Foreign Cyclists; IS Posts Video RFE/RL 31 Jul 2018 -- The Tajik government has accused the banned Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRPT) of being behind an attack that killed four foreign cyclists, prompting a swift denial from the group.
IS Claims Deadly Attack on Western Cyclists in Tajikistan VOA 31 Jul 2018 -- Islamic State is claiming responsibility for a deadly attack on Western bicyclists Sunday in Tajikistan, according to the SITE Intelligence Group.

State Department Terrorist Designation of Abdul Rehman al-Dakhil US Dept. of State 31 Jul 2018 -- The Department of State has designated Abdul Rehman al-Dakhil as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which imposes sanctions on foreign persons who have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States.

NASA Certifies Russia's RD-180 Rocket Engines for Manned Flights Sputnik 31 Jul 2018 -- NASA and the US Air Force have certified Russia's RD-180 engines for Atlas V carrier rockets to used for manned spaceflights by US astronauts, Igor Arbuzov, director general of Russia's major rocket engine manufacturer JSC NPO Energomash and the United Launch Alliance, said in an interview with Sputnik.

MOFA thanks U.S. for mentioning Taiwan in Indo-Pacific vision CNA 31 Jul 2018 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Tuesday thanked the U.S. for mentioning Taiwan in a speech on America's Indo-Pacific strategy given by the secretary of state on Monday, suggesting the reference indicates the importance Washington attaches to Taipei as an important partner in the new policy.
IOC clarifies basis for use of 'Chinese Taipei' at Olympics CNA 31 Jul 2018 -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC), contacted by a CNA reporter, confirmed Monday that a 1981 agreement on the name, emblem and flag to be used by Taiwan at the Olympic games remains in place.

Turkey Warms Up to Europe as Its US Ties Fester VOA 31 Jul 2018 -- With U.S.-Turkish ties deeply strained, Ankara's relationship with Europe is warming. Berlin reportedly has invited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a state visit. At the same time, Erdogan is organizing a summit between France, Germany, and Russia to discuss Syria.

As thousands flee violence in Nicaragua, UN refugee agency urges more support for countries taking them in UN News 31 Jul 2018 -- As thousands flee mounting political tensions, violence and serious human rights violations in Nicaragua, the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, has called for international solidarity and more support for the countries hosting those who are joining the exodus.

Mali's Third Candidate Claims Enough Support to Enter Runoff VOA 31 Jul 2018 -- As counting continues in Mali's presidential election, a third candidate, Aliou Diallo, has claimed enough votes to enter a runoff with President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta and his main challenger Soumaïla Cissé. Meanwhile, the turnout has been disappointingly low – partly because of security concerns from Islamist militants in parts of the country.

Tension, Celebrations - But No Results - Day After Zimbabwe Election VOA 31 Jul 2018 -- Celebrations erupted on the streets of Zimbabwe's capital Harare Tuesday as opposition supporters marked what they said was a certain victory in Monday's pivotal poll, the first in 38 years without long-time leader Robert Mugabe on the ballot. But official results have yet to be announced, and observers and the electoral commission have raised concerns about aspects of the campaign.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list