02 August 2018 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 02 Aug 2018 [PDF]

US to Cut Troops Fighting al-Qaeda in Africa to Focus on Russia, China – Reports Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- The US elite Special Operations Forces are deployed in about 12 African nations, including Cameroon, Niger and Somalia, where they help local authorities combat terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda* and its affiliate al-Shabab.

Defense Policy / Programs

Department of Defense Press Briefing on the Overall Process for Identifying the Remains of Fallen Service Members from the Korean War DoD 02 Aug 2018 -- Presenter: Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Director Kelly K. McKeague; Chief Scientist Dr. John E. Byrd
Three Aircraft Carriers to Change Homeports NNS 02 Aug 2018 -- The U.S. Navy announced Aug. 2 that three Nimitz-class aircraft carriers, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) will conduct homeport shifts.
Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2018 Concludes NNS 02 Aug 2018 -- The world's largest international maritime exercise concluded Aug. 2 following more than a month of training events conducted in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.
Air Force charts course for next generation ISR dominance AFNS 02 Aug 2018 -- Today the Air Force released the Next Generation Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Dominance Flight Plan, an encompassing strategy about how the service maintains and enhances decisive advantage amidst the reemergence of great power competition and rapid technological change in the digital era.
Rim of the Pacific Exercise Features Last Flight for RQ-7B Shadow AFPS 02 Aug 2018 -- After years of service to the armed services, the RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial system was retired after its final flight during the culmination event for the Rim of the Pacific exercise at Pyramid Rock Beach here July 29.
Navy Satellite System Receives Green Light for Expanded Operational Use AFNS 02 Aug 2018 -- The Navy announced today that its next generation narrowband satellite communication system has been approved for expanded operational use by U.S. Strategic Command.
Air Mobility Command Chief Looks Toward Supplying Forces From Space AFPS 02 Aug 2018 -- Deliveries from space are going to happen, and the Defense Department must be ready to capitalize on the capability when it happens, the commander of the Air Force's Air Mobility Command told the Defense Writers Group here today.
Stratcom Commander Discusses Integration, Allies in Deterrence AFPS 02 Aug 2018 -- The commander of U.S. Strategic Command today highlighted integration and the seamless flow of information as important parts of deterrence as he closed out a two-day deterrence symposium in La Vista, Nebraska.
Stratcom Commander Highlights Readiness of the Force AFPS 02 Aug 2018 -- The men and women of U.S. Strategic Command are ready to respond to any threat, Stratcom's commander said yesterday in La Vista, Nebraska.
U.S. Senate Sends Trump Bill Enabling Him To Waive Russian Military Sanctions RFE/RL 02 Aug 2018 -- The U.S. Senate has approved legislation allowing the president to waive penalties against countries that purchase weapons from sanctioned Russian defense companies if they are seeking closer ties with Washington.
U.S. Army Europe Teams Up With Georgia, Other Partners for Exercise AFPS 02 Aug 2018 -- More than 3,000 participants from 13 allied and partner nations gathered here yesterday for the opening ceremony of this year's Exercise Noble Partner.
'Strength through partnership': Noble Partner 18 kicks off multi-nation exercise in Europe Army News 02 Aug 2018 -- More than 3,000 participants from 13 allied and partner nations gathered here Aug. 1 for the opening ceremony of Exercise Noble Partner 18.
The finale of RIMPAC in Southern California NNS 02 Aug 2018 -- It was no ordinary amphibious assault as Canadian soldiers jumped out the back of assault amphibious vehicles (AAV) operated by U.S. Marines of 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion.
Israeli Head of Naval Operations Visits USS Bonhomme Richard during RIMPAC NNS 02 Aug 2018 -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) welcomed Israeli Navy Rear Adm. Ido Ben-Moshe, head of naval operations, for a ship's tour, July 18, during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 exercise.
Military Sealift Command Ships Provide Logistics Services to Ships-at-Sea During RIMPAC 2018 NNS 02 Aug 2018 -- Four Military Sealift Command combat logistic fleet ships have been on station since June 26 providing logistical support to the 45 surface ships from 25 nations participating in the world's largest biennial international maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 in Hawaii.
Dutch UUV team supports mine warfare mission in RIMPAC SOCAL NNS 02 Aug 2018 -- A six-person team of mine countermeasures (MCM) experts from the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) partnered with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) coastal defence vessel HMCS Whitehorse (MM 705) to search for training sea mines during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in the Southern California (SOCAL) area of operations.
SPAWAR Aims to Increase Speed to Capability at Trident Warrior 2018 NNS 02 Aug 2018 -- Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) worked directly with the fleet to increase the speed at which new and emerging technologies are put into the hands of the warfighter during Trident Warrior 2018 (TW18) June 18 through July 31.
US, Egyptian Naval Forces Conclude Exercise Eagle Response 18 NNS 02 Aug 2018 -- Naval forces from the U.S., Egypt and several other countries completed the multilateral exercise Eagle Response 18, Aug. 2, following nearly two weeks of in-depth training.
CNO Visits Naval Partners in Brazil, Deepens Strategic Relationship NNS 02 Aug 2018 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson visited Brazil, July 31 - Aug. 1, where he met with Brazilian navy leadership, discussed deepening the US-Brazil naval partnership and gave remarks at the Brazilian Naval War College.

Congress calls for ending US military dependence on Russian energy Press TV 02 Aug 2018 -- Worried by Europe's growing reliance on Russian natural oil and gas, US lawmakers have called upon the administration of President Donald Trump to find alternative sources of power for American military bases across European countries.

NATO troops partaking in major drills in Georgia Press TV 02 Aug 2018 -- Thousands of NATO troops are taking part in large-scale military drills in Georgia, as relations between Moscow and the US-led military alliance continue to be strained.

Swedish Government Approves Purchase of US Patriot Missile System - Statement Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- The Swedish government announced in a statement on Thursday the decision to approve the purchase the US Patriot air defense missile system.

Marking 91st birthday, PLA marches into new era of reform, capacity building People's Daily 02 Aug 2018 -- Under southern China's scorching sun, marines climb high walls with their bare hands and crawl under barbed wire nets, with referees carefully timing them.
'China to join exercises involving US off Australia' Press TV 02 Aug 2018 -- Australia says China's navy will participate in military exercises to be conducted by 26 countries off Australia's northern coast later this month but would not take part in the live-fire drills of the war games.
Chinese Analogue to Russian Kinzhal Cruise Missile Allegedly Spotted in Testing Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- Federation of American Scientists' Nuclear Information Project director Hans Kristensen has pointed to the recent testing of what he believes may be a new Chinese nuclear-capable air-launched anti-ship missile.

Navy Chief to VOA: US Closely Watching Iran's Gulf Exercises VOA 02 Aug 2018 -- The United States is closely watching Iranian naval exercises in the Persian Gulf and will maintain freedom of navigation through a strategic waterway that Iran has threatened to block, the head of the Navy told VOA on Thursday.
Iran's Navy Assembles Near Mouth of Persian Gulf, US 'Monitoring it Closely' Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) appears to be preparing for a major display of force in the Strait of Hormuz, the only outlet from the Persian Gulf to the open sea, demonstrating its ability to shut down the strategically important waterway.

India Successfully Tests Home-Grown Low Altitude Ballistic Missile Interceptor Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- After almost 20 years of efforts, India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed both high-altitude and low-altitude missiles which can purportedly intercept medium-range ballistic missiles traveling at speeds of Mach 3 to 8.
India Working on Augmenting Power of Electric Propulsion for Heavier Satellites Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- Over the last five years, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has performed 26 launch vehicle missions, putting 28 Indian satellites, and 202 foreign satellites in orbit. Although ISRO has gained recognition for launching small satellites, it lacks the ability to launch communication satellites heavier than 4 metric tons.
US Exempts India From Sanctions Over Purchase of Russian S-400s - Reports Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- New Delhi reiterated Thursday that it would not recognize sanctions imposed by entities apart from the United Nations, and vowed to continue cooperation with Russia in a broad range of diverse sectors amid US threats to penalize countries which do business with Moscow.
India Successfully Tests Technology Enabling Deck Landing of Fighter Aircraft Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- India has claimed it will soon start carrier compatibility trials before the home-grown LCA prototype touches down on the deck of the Navy's aircraft carrier.
India Facing Shortage of Junior Leadership in Military Ranks Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- Given its fragile border with China in the east and Pakistan in the west, India is wise to maintain one of the world's largest armies. However, with the waning popularity of armed forces careers, India is facing a serious crunch of junior leadership in the military.

U.S. defense act backs strengthening Taiwan's combat readiness CNA 02 Aug 2018 -- The U.S. Senate passed an annual defense policy bill Wednesday for fiscal year 2019, which includes provisions supporting the strengthening of Taiwan's armed forces.

Kuwait - Munitions DSCA 02 Aug 2018 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait of various Mk- series munitions for an estimated cost of $40.4 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

China Wants to Exclude US From War Games With ASEAN in Disputed Area - Reports Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- The past few months have reportedly seen Beijing building military facilities and deploying defense systems on the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, which are also claimed by Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Vietnam's Su-22 Crash Could Be Caused by Upgrade Made in Ukraine - Source Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- The crash of Soviet-designed Su-22 jet of Vietnamese military that occurred in late July could have been caused by the upgrades made in Ukraine, an informed source from Vietnam told Sputnik Thursday.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and National Security Officials The White House 02 Aug 2018
Senior State Department Official Remarks to the Press En Route to Kuala Lumpur US Dept. of State 02 Aug 2018

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for August 02, 2018

Other Conflicts

2 August 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 Aug 2018

China, Southeast Asian Nations Agree to Draft of Conduct Pact in South China Sea VOA 02 Aug 2018 -- China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have approved a draft of a proposed agreement to prevent fighting in the disputed South China Sea.

UN to Convene Yemen Peace Talks in Geneva VOA 02 Aug 2018 -- The United Nations special envoy to Yemen is planning to invite the warring parties to Geneva next month to discuss a framework for peace talks.
Arab Coalition's Airstrike on Hospital in Yemen's Hodeidah Kills 42 - Reports Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- The Arab coalition carried out an airstrike on a hospital in the Yemeni Red Sea port of Hodeidah, killing 42 people, Al Masirah reported on Thursday.
Victims of Saudi-led attack on Al-Hudaydah hit 52 IRNA 02 Aug 2018 -- Yemeni sources announced in a latest report that the number of victims of the Saudi-led coalition's attack on a hospital and fish sellers market in Al-Hudaydah Port reached 52.
At least 55 Yemenis killed in Saudi strikes on hospital, fishing harbor in Hudaydah Press TV 02 Aug 2018 -- At least 55 people have been killed after warplanes of the Saudi-led military coalition hit a hospital and a fishing harbor in Yemen's western province of Hudaydah.

Syria air defenses destroy 'hostile target' near Damascus Press TV 02 Aug 2018 -- Syrian air defenses have destroyed a "hostile target" near the capital Damascus, state media say.
Russian FM: Need for 'final blow' to terrorists in Idlib Press TV 02 Aug 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the counter-terrorism fight in Syria is not over yet and it is necessary to eliminate militants in the country's northwestern Idlib Province.
Israel's Lieberman admits Assad back in charge in Syria Press TV 02 Aug 2018 -- Israeli minister of military affairs has admitted that the government of President Bashar al-Assad is regaining control of the Syrian territory and that stability is returning to the occupied Golan Heights.
'100 Daesh terrorists in Syria flee toward Jordan border' Press TV 02 Aug 2018 -- At least 100 members of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group have fled from Syria's southwestern province of Dara'a toward Jordan's border areas after losing ground to advancing Syrian army troops, a monitor says.
Two Israeli Reconnaissance Drones Shot Down Over Damascus - Syrian Military Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- Reports are emerging from the Syrian capital of Damascus that the army's air defense systems are engaging hostile targets in the southwest of the city.
At Least 3 Killed as Militants Shell Residential Area in Aleppo, Syria - Reports Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- Militants opened mortar fire targeting a residential quarter of the Aleppo city in Syria, leaving three people killed and six injured, local media reported on Thursday.
Damascus Regains Full Control Over Syrian-Jordanian Border - Russian Gen. Staff Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- Damascus, with the support of the Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria, established control over the territories of the provinces of Al-Suwayda, Daraa and Quneitra, Colonel-General Sergei Rudskoy, Chief of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, said at a briefing.
Syrian Government Launches Scale Reconstruction Program in Aleppo Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- The Syrian government has begun rebuilding infrastructure in war-torn Aleppo province as part of a phased program to encourage the return of displaced people, the regional deputy governor said.

Israel tightens embargo on Gaza, halts fuel shipment Press TV 02 Aug 2018 -- Israel has once again banned the entry of gas and fuel into Gaza as the regime puts more pressure on the already-besieged coastal enclave under the pretext of fiery kite protests by Palestinians there.
Israel Reimposes Fuel Embargo on Gaza to Stop Palestinian Attacks - Ministry Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- Israel tightened the blockade of the Gaza Strip by introducing for an indefinite period of time a ban on the deliveries of fuel to the territory in response to Palestine's ongoing airborne arson attacks, the Israeli Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

Militant Groups Look to Exploit Somaliland-Puntland Tensions VOA 02 Aug 2018 -- As fighting and fiery rhetoric increase between the Somali region of Puntland and the self-declared independent state of Somaliland, some analysts fear that Islamist militant groups may try to exploit any instability to plant deeper roots in the area.

News Reports

Mnangagwa Wins Zimbabwe's Presidential Election VOA 02 Aug 2018 -- Emmerson Mnangagwa has won Zimbabwe's presidential election in a poll marred by voters' violent reaction to delays in the results.
Zimbabwe Human Rights Groups Condemn Post-Election Violence VOA 02 Aug 2018 -- Zimbabwean human rights activists on Thursday strongly condemned soldiers' actions in post-election violence that left at least six people dead and 14 wounded in Harare, the capital, as the nation's electoral commission promised that tensely awaited presidential poll results would be issued soon.

Trump Calls On U.S. Attorney General To End Russia Probe 'Right Now' RFE/RL 02 Aug 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to stop an investigation into ties between Russia and his 2016 election campaign "right now," in a tweet that set off a firestorm of criticism in Washington.
White House says Trump's call to end Russia probe "not an order" People's Daily 02 Aug 2018 -- White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Wednesday that President Donald Trump's tweet earlier this morning urging Attorney General Jeff Sessions to shut down the ongoing Russia probe is an "opinion," not an "order."

National Security Agency, Cybercom Defend Against Election Meddling AFPS 02 Aug 2018 -- Russia and other malign actors continue to try to subvert American elections, and the Department of Homeland Security, law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community are working together to prevent foreign interference in the mid-term elections, officials said at the White House this afternoon.
Intelligence, Security Officials Warn Of Russia's 'Pervasive Methods' To Weaken, Divide U.S. RFE/RL 02 Aug 2018 -- Leaders of the U.S. intelligence and security community told a briefing at the White House that Russia is continuing to use "pervasive methods" to exploit and intensify differences in U.S. society and that they remain concerned about U.S. election security.
US Security Chiefs Express Alarm About Election Meddling VOA 02 Aug 2018 -- Top U.S. national security leaders made a rare joint appearance in the White House briefing room Thursday to express concern about efforts by Russia – and potentially others – to meddle in upcoming elections here, and to reassure the public that strong countermeasures are being taken.
President Donald J. Trump is Strengthening the Security of Our Elections The White House 02 Aug 2018

U.S. Senators Blast Russia, Prepare 'Crushing' Measures Against 'Kremlin Aggression' RFE/RL 02 Aug 2018 -- An influential bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced a package of measures designed to protect "American security from Kremlin aggression," including new financial sanctions and a "strong statement of support" for NATO.
Favorable Attitudes Toward U.S., EU On The Rise In Russia, Levada Poll Finds RFE/RL 02 Aug 2018 -- A new poll shows the number of Russians who view the United States and European Union favorably has dramatically increased since May.

UN Mission Joins Probe Of Russian Journalists' Deaths RFE/RL 02 Aug 2018 -- A United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) is helping national authorities investigate the killing of three Russian journalists who were there to film a documentary on a Russian paramilitary group, a UN spokesman has said.

Trump receives a 'nice letter' from North Korean leader Press TV 02 Aug 2018 -- The White House says US President Donald Trump has received a new letter from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un about their June 12 summit in Singapore.
Trump Receives Another Letter From North Korean Leader - White House Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has received another letter from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as a follow-up to their summit in Singapore in June, White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said on Thursday.
Trump Receives Letter from North Korea's Kim VOA 02 Aug 2018 -- The White House says President Donald Trump has received a letter from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, following up on the two leaders' June summit in Singapore.

Iranian Cities Again Hit By Protests Over Currency Drop, Economic Woes RFE/RL 02 Aug 2018 -- Hundreds of protesters returned to the streets of several Iranian cities on August 2, according to state media and social-media posts, amid growing anxiety over the country's economic difficulties.
'Either Everyone Sells Oil Through Strait of Hormuz or No One Does' – Iranian MP Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- Iran has moved naval forces into the Strait of Hormuz, the source of 20% of the world's oil, in a display of force aimed showing its ability to shut down the artery. The move follows Tehran's adoption of a strategy of 'smart economic resistance' aimed at disarming US sanctions. Sputnik spoke to specialists about the details of Tehran's approach.
UK Heathrow Staff Claims to Intercept Shipment of Missile Warhead Parts for Iran Sputnik 02 Aug 2018 -- The UK Border Force at London's Heathrow airport said on Thursday it had thwarted an alleged attempt to send missile warhead components to Iran.

Iran summons Tajikistan ambassador to protest terrorist attack claims Press TV 02 Aug 2018 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry has summoned Tajikistan's ambassador to protest the allegation of Tehran's links to a recent attack that killed four Western tourists in the Central Asian country.
Tajik Police Appear To Keep Lid On Reporting About Suspects In Deadly Attack On Cyclists RFE/RL 02 Aug 2018 -- Days after a deadly attack on a group of foreign cyclists in a remote region of Tajikistan, information remains scarce on the possible road to radicalization of the suspects -- at least some of whom were said to have died in a shootout with security police and subsequently turned up in a video pledging loyalty to the militant group Islamic State (IS).
Iran Protests 'False' Claims Over Tajikistan Attack On Foreign Cyclists RFE/RL 02 Aug 2018 -- The Iranian government has summoned the Tajik ambassador to Tehran to protest allegations linking Iran to an attack that killed four foreign cyclists in Tajikistan.

US, China to redefine bilateral ties through trade war People's Daily 02 Aug 2018 -- China and the US are trying to restart talks to avert a full-blown trade war, Bloomberg reported Tuesday. It quoted a source familiar with the matter as saying that representatives of US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He are having private meetings. Another Western media source reported that US President Donald Trump is considering raising the tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent on $200 billion of Chinese goods. It seems that Trump is trying to force China to make its biggest concession by both carrot and stick.
High-Speed Rail Brings Autonomy Fight to Hong Kong Courts VOA 02 Aug 2018 -- Come October, weeks after a new high-speed train hurtles down from mainland China, Hong Kong's High Court will be busy hearing challenges concerning the new station. Five petitioners say a new law gives China unconstitutional control over a slice of Hong Kong soil because it allows Chinese immigration and border agents to enforce mainland law in the territory for the first time since the handover from British rule in 1997.
China 'fully prepared' for US threats to escalate trade war: Commerce ministry Press TV 02 Aug 2018 -- China says it is "fully prepared" for the US threats to escalate the ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing, stressing it will have to fight back to protect its dignity and the interests of its people.

UN-backed meeting of African States targets terrorism, violent extremism UN News 02 Aug 2018 -- Regional security topped the agenda of a United Nations-backed joint summit on Central and West Africa searching, among other things, for a practical approach to fighting terrorism.

Returning to nuclear energy 'specious,' 'outworn': president CNA 02 Aug 2018 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) rebuffed Thursday the argument that Taiwan should continue to use nuclear energy until the renewable energy industry matures, saying that Taiwan will not face power shortages after it goes nuclear-free by 2025.

Turkey vows retaliation against US sanctions over jailed pastor Press TV 02 Aug 2018 -- Turkey has vowed to take retaliatory measures against the United States after Washington slapped two Turkish ministers with sanctions over the trial of a jailed American pastor in the Anatolian country.
Ankara Hardens Stance Against US as Crisis Over Detained Pastor Deepens VOA 02 Aug 2018 -- Ankara is vowing to hit back against Washington's sanctions on the Turkish justice and interior ministers in connection with the detention of American protestant pastor Andrew Brunson.

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