28 August 2018 Military News

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OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 28 Aug 2018 [PDF]

Defense Policy / Programs

US has no plans to suspend more military exercises with South Korea: Mattis Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has said the United States has no plans to suspend more military joint exercises with South Korea, months after the US military indefinitely suspended major maneuvers with the Asian country.

US Expands Romanian Air Base Facilities for Reported Drone Deployments Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- The US Air Force is pouring $40 million into new construction at an air base in Romania in addition to prior infrastructure projects that may provide housing for combat drones, reports suggest.
Dunford: U.S. Forces Busy Implementing Defense Strategy Worldwide AFPS 28 Aug 2018 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff gave a snapshot of the width and breadth of the U.S. military's commitment around the globe during a Pentagon press conference today.
Mattis: U.S. Military Becoming 'Stronger, More Lethal, More Agile' AFPS 28 Aug 2018 -- The Defense Department is making significant progress along its three strategic lines of effort outlined in the National Defense Strategy issued in January, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis told reporters today.
It's not magic, it's logistics: Army, Navy test expeditionary fast transport in Black Sea Army News 28 Aug 2018 -- There are certain things that some Soldiers and service members may take for granted: equipment provided, a full plate of food, ammunition for their weapons. It might seem like there is a mystical force operating behind the scenes to make these resources magically appear, but it's a result of the organized, detailed planning and execution that is logistics.
National Guard aviators converge at Northern Strike 18 Army News 28 Aug 2018 -- Soldiers from the Colorado National Guard joined other Guard, Reserve, and active-duty military units from across the U.S. and multiple allied countries at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in northern Michigan, Aug. 4-18 to participate in exercise Northern Strike 18.
Readout of Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis' Meeting With Indonesia Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu DoD 28 Aug 2018
Department Of Defense Press Briefing by Secretary Mattis and General Dunford in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 28 Aug 2018 -- Presenter: Secretary Of Defense James N. Mattis; Joint Chiefs Of Staff Chairman General Joseph F. Dunford
Truman Carrier Strike Group Completes Working Port Visit, Gets Underway NNS 28 Aug 2018 -- Nearly 6,500 Sailors of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) departed today from Naval Station (NS) Norfolk, Virginia.
F-35C Lightning II Conducts Operational Test-1 Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln NNS 28 Aug 2018 -- F-35C Lightning II aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 are conducting their Operational Test-1 (OT-1) with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and Carrier Strike Group 12 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
17th SEACAT Exercise Kicks-Off with 9 Nations NNS 28 Aug 2018 -- The 17th annual Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise commenced Aug. 27 with nine partner nations in Singapore.
C2F First Visit to Fleet Reinforces Importance of Joint Force in Complex Security Environment NNS 28 Aug 2018 -- Vice Adm. Andrew "Woody" Lewis, commander of the recently reestablished U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F), visited the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Aug. 27.
USS Mason Takes Part in Search and Rescue Mission NNS 28 Aug 2018 -- The Norfolk-based, guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) took part in the transport of passengers from a damaged seaplane that was adrift at sea in the Western Atlantic Ocean Aug. 25.

NATO Sees Russia's Vostok 2018 Drills as Preparation For Conflict - Spokesman Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- NATO will closely monitor Russia's Vostok 2018 exercises, expects them to be transparent and predictable, acting NATO Deputy Spokesman Dylan White told Sputnik on Tuesday.

Russia 'to hold biggest military drill since 1981' Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says his country will next month hold its biggest military exercise in almost four decades.
300,000 Troops, 1,000 Aircraft: Russia Schedules Biggest War Games In Almost 40 Years RFE/RL 28 Aug 2018 -- Russia's defense minister said the country will hold its biggest military exercises since almost 40 years.
Russia reinforces naval presence in Mediterranean ahead of Syria's Idlib offensive: Reports Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- Russia is reportedly boosting its military presence in the Mediterranean Sea by dispatching a number of warships off the Syrian coast, the Russian media say, as the Syrian army prepares to launch a full-scale offensive against terrorists in the northwestern province of Idlib.

Taiwan's military modernization not yet tackled: Japanese paper CNA 28 Aug 2018 -- Taiwan's defense budget has been relatively stagnant over the last 20 years and its military modernization program still remains an issue that has not been tackled, Japan's annual defense review said Tuesday.

France Calls On EU To Not Rely On U.S. Defense, Reach Out To Russia RFE/RL 28 Aug 2018 -- French President Emmanuel Macron is calling on the European Union to boost military cooperation and stop relying on the United States for defense while reaching out to Russia to develop a "strategic partnership."
'EU Can No Longer Rely on US for Its Security' - Macron Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- During his 90-minute speech at the annual ambassadors' conference in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron focused on an array of pressing issues related to the future of Europe, Brexit and Syria.

Japan's defense report: Anti-missile system needed NHK 28 Aug 2018 -- Japan's annual defense report stresses the need to introduce a new ballistic missile defense system, citing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.
Japan says North Korea still a 'serious, imminent threat' Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- Japan says North Korea continues to pose a "serious and imminent threat" to the country despite Pyongyang's suspension of its missile and nuclear tests as well as diplomacy involving the United States and South Korea.

Tokyo Says Pyongyang 'Appears to Possess Several Hundred Nodong Missiles' Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- Japan still considers North Korean nuclear and missile program "an unprecedentedly serious and imminent" threat to its security despite the alleviation of tensions on the Korean peninsula, the country's Defense Ministry said in an annual white paper on Tuesday.

S. Korean gov't plans to spend more than $42 bil. on national defense in year 2019 ARIRANG 28 Aug 2018 -- The Moon Jae-in administration has decided to allocate about 42 billion U.S. dollars next year on the nation's defense budget.

China Building Military Training Base in Afghanistan - Report Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- China has reportedly started to build a training camp in Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor, a narrow area that separates Tajikistan from Pakistan, in efforts to improve counterterrorism efforts in the war-torn country.

Department Press Briefing - August 28, 2018 US Dept. of State 28 Aug 2018

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for August 28, 2018

Other Conflicts

28 August 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 28 Aug 2018

Saudi warplanes bombard Sana'a int'l airport IRNA 28 Aug 2018 -- Saudi Arabia jet fighters bombarded Sana'a international airport for 10 times on Tuesday, Yemeni TV Channel 'Al-Masirah' reported.
Saudi strikes on Yemen may amount to war crimes: UN experts Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- United Nations human rights experts have raised the alarm at the high rate of civilian casualties in aerial assaults by Saudi Arabia and its allies on Yemen, saying the strikes "may amount to war crimes."
US warns Saudi over Yemen civilian casualties: Report Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- After selling Saudi Arabia billion of dollars in weapons and intelligence to attack Yemen, the United States has reportedly warned Riyadh that it will reduce intelligence and military support for the kingdom unless necessary action is taken to limit civilian casualties.
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Missile Fired by Yemen Rebels Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- According to the Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Arabian air defense forces intercepted a missile fired in the direction of the city of Najran by Yemen Rebels.
Pentagon May Stop Supporting Saudis Over Civilian Death Toll in Yemen - Reports Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- The Pentagon has warned Saudi Arabia that it could withdraw its military and intelligence support for its operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen after dozens of civilians were killed in a strike on a school bus earlier this month, media reported on Tuesday, citing officials.
All sides in Yemen conflict could be guilty of war crimes, UN experts find UN News 28 Aug 2018 -- Parties on both sides of the conflict in Yemen have perpetrated – and continue to perpetrate – possible war crimes and other violations with a "total disregard" for the suffering of millions of civilians, United Nations-appointed human rights investigators said on Tuesday.

US Casts Doubt on Islamic State's Staying Power VOA 28 Aug 2018 -- A top U.S. military official is pushing back against the Pentagon's own estimates which suggest the Islamic State terror group has retained significant capabilities in Iraq and Syria, and is "well-positioned" to rebuild its lost caliphate.

Jaafari: Western states plan to stage new chemical incidents IRNA 28 Aug 2018 -- Syria's Permanent Representative at the UN Bashar al-Jaafari said Tuesday there are certain Western states that are using black flags and White Helmets to stage new chemical incidents in order to obstruct political process and justify aggression on Syria.
Syrian Army kills scores of terrorists in Hama IRNA 28 Aug 2018 -- Units of Syrian Arab Army killed scores of terrorists during the military operations carried out in the northern countryside of Hama.
Military Attaché: Iranian advisors presence in Syria to continue IRNA 28 Aug 2018 -- Iran's military attaché in Syria Brigadier General Abolqassem Alinejad says one of articles of a defense agreement signed by the defense ministers of the two countries pertained to continued presence of Iranian military advisors in Syria.
Iran military advisors will continue presence in Syria: Commander Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- A senior Iranian commander says the country's military advisors will maintain their presence in Syria, giving more details about a military cooperation agreement reached between Tehran and Damascus this week.
UN invites US, allies for Syria talks in Geneva next month Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- United Nations Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura has invited the United States and six other countries to take part in talks in Geneva next month, a UN spokeswoman says.
Syrian air defense systems fully prepared ahead of possible US attack: Official Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- A Syrian military official says the country's air defense forces have been placed on full alert amid reports that foreign-sponsored militants were planning to stage a fake chemical attack in Idlib in order to give the US a pretext for an airstrike against Syrian government forces.
Russia Suggests Syrian Rebels Preparing To Use Chemical Weapons RFE/RL 28 Aug 2018 -- Russia suggested a Syrian rebel group was preparing to use chemical weapons amid a looming battle in Syria's northern Idlib region.
Western Powers Call On Russia To Rein In Syria, Prevent 'Humanitarian Crisis' RFE/RL 28 Aug 2018 -- Western powers are calling on Russia to rein in its ally Syria and prevent another potential "humanitarian crisis" from breaking out in the latest arena of the country's seven-year civil war.
State Department Says US Will Respond to Chemical Weapons Use in Idlib, Syria Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- The United States and its international partners will respond swiftly to any verified chemical weapons use in Syria and urges Russia to make the point clear to the Syrian government, Department of State spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a press briefing on Tuesday.
Russian MoD: White Helmets Preparing to Stage Chemical Attack in Idlib Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- Representatives of the White Helmets group have delivered a large shipment of toxic substances to a warehouse used by Ahrar al-Sham militants in Idlib province, Maj. Gen. Alexei Tsygankov, head of the Russian Center for Syrian Reconciliation, said on Tuesday.
UN Security Council urged to act against 'worst-case scenario' Syria's war-battered Idlib UN News 28 Aug 2018 -- A further escalation of violence in Syria's Idlib governorate could create a humanitarian emergency "at a scale not yet seen through this crisis," a senior United Nations aid official warned the Security Council on Tuesday.
Water Crisis Looms as Syria Military Conflict Winds Down VOA 28 Aug 2018 -- Seven years after civil war erupted in 2011, it appears Syria is beginning to emerge from a dark period of death and destruction. Any recovery may be hampered, however, by what analysts say are signs of a crisis that is looming over water and how it is managed, which could mean the difference between peace or new conflicts – internal and regional – in the future.

UN chief calls for Security Council to work with Myanmar to end 'horrendous suffering' of Rohingya refugees UN News 28 Aug 2018 -- Despite the efforts made by the United Nations over the past year to help create safeguards for all communities in Myanmar's Rakhine state, it is clear that conditions are still not suitable for the safe, voluntary, and sustainable return of Rohingya refugees to their home, Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday.
UN chief says Myanmar genocide report deserves deep consideration Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- The UN Secretary General has voiced deep concerns after a UN report showed that Myanmar's military engaged in mass killings and gang rapes of Muslim Rohingya with "genocidal intent."
Guterres: Myanmar's Quest for Justice Must Comply with International Law Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- United Nations member states should partner with Myanmar to ensure that its efforts to bring perpetrators of human rights abuses to justice comply with international law, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said during a Security Council meeting on Tuesday.
Myanmar Generals Should Be Prosecuted for 'Genocide' Against Rohingya - UN Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- The report comes on the heels of months of investigations by UN personnel, who allege a system-atic campaign of "ethnic cleansing" against Myanmar's largest minority group.
US: Myanmar Military Responsible for Atrocities Against Rohingya VOA 28 Aug 2018 -- A year after the mass exodus of minority Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, the U.S. State Department has gathered information from survivors that substantiates accusations that the Myanmar military and security forces perpetrated atrocious human rights violations.

South Sudan's Machar backs out of peace deal draft Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar has refused to sign the latest draft of a peace deal with the government of President Salva Kiir that could end nearly five years of civil war in the youngest country of the world.
Rebel Leader Machar Refuses to Sign South Sudan Peace Deal VOA 28 Aug 2018 -- South Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar and other opposition party leaders have refused to sign the latest draft of a Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS) to end a five-year civil war.

News Reports

Russia attacks U.S. sanctions, mulls responses amid heightening tensions People's Daily 28 Aug 2018 -- Russia on Monday blasted the U.S. sanctions over an alleged poison attack on a former Russian spy, saying Moscow will "withstand" and respond to Washington's "brute pressure."
Russia 'to retaliate US sanctions, open to normalization of ties' Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- Russia has once again warned that it will take retaliatory action against the United States' latest anti-Moscow sanctions.
Telegram CEO Defends New Privacy Policy, Says User Data Still Safe RFE/RL 28 Aug 2018 -- The founder of Telegram defended the company's new privacy policy, insisting it would not result in turning over users' data to Russian intelligence agencies but would also discourage extremists from using the secure-messaging app.

North Korean Letter Warning US Peace Talks Were Precarious Axed Pompeo's Trip Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- The cancellation late last week of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's next visit to North Korea was apparently motivated by a letter sent by top North Korean officials indicating their wariness about the success of future talks.
Minju Joson Snipes at Good-for-Nothing Moves of U.S. Military KCNA 28 Aug 2018 -- Recently, special operation forces of the U.S. based in Japan staged a long-range infiltration drill, according to a report by a south Korean broadcasting service. The troops were reportedly landed on an island of the Philippines by a transport plane.

EU looking to sidestep US sanctions with payments system plan IRNA 28 Aug 2018 -- Germany and France said they're working on financing solutions to sidestep US sanctions against countries such as Iran, including a possible role for central banks.
Iran hopeful of winning lawsuit against US in ICJ IRNA 28 Aug 2018 -- Iran's vice-president for legal affairs on Tuesday expressed hope for winning the lawsuit against the US in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Russia starts renovating Bushehr power plant's simulators IRNA 28 Aug 2018 -- Russia's state nuclear enterprise Rosatom has started refurbishing simulators used to train the operational and managerial staff at the Iranian nuclear power plants, including the one in Bushehr.
Japan, China weigh options to retain Iran oil imports Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- Japan's minister of economy, trade and industry says the country's refiners need to make their own decisions as to whether import oil from Iran.
Rouhani appears before parliament to answer economic questions Press TV 28 Aug 2018 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has appeared before the Parliament to answer a series of questions raised by lawmakers on his administration's economic performance.
Iran's Rohani Vows To Defeat 'Anti-Iranian' U.S. Policies RFE/RL 28 Aug 2018 -- President Hassan Rohani has told lawmakers that Iran will overcome newly reimposed U.S. sanctions and will show "the anti-Iranian officials in the White House" that the measures will fail to reach their goal.
Reimposition Of Iran Sanctions Are Legal, Justified, U.S. Tells UN Court RFE/RL 28 Aug 2018 -- The United States says the reimposition of nuclear-related sanctions against Iran is a legal and justified national security measure that cannot be challenged by Tehran at the United Nations' highest court.
Rouhani: Tehran Will Defeat 'Anti-Iranian' Officials in White House Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani attended Tuesday a parliamentary session to answer questions on how his government tackles a new round of US economic sanctions imposed on Tehran, Reuters reported.

BRI not meant to be 'China club' People's Daily 28 Aug 2018 -- The Belt and Road Initiative does not aim at a geopolitical or military alliance, nor will it establish a small bloc or set up a "China club", President Xi Jinping said on Monday.

Pakistan Looks to 'Move On' Despite Row Over US Phone Call VOA 28 Aug 2018 -- Pakistan vowed Tuesday it will attempt in upcoming talks with the United States to mend strained bilateral relations, despite a row over a recent phone call between new Prime Minister Imran Khan and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

WHO: Rapid Response Needed to Stem Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo VOA 28 Aug 2018 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) reports the next seven to 10 days are critical in controlling the spread of the Ebola virus in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Its latest update reported 111 cases of Ebola, with 83 confirmed and 28 probable, including 75 deaths.
As children in Ebola-affected areas of DR Congo head back to school, UNICEF ramps up support UN News 28 Aug 2018 -- As the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) gears up for the upcoming academic year – with some 250 schools in Ebola-affected health zones – the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is scaling up education; health and water; sanitation; and hygiene programmes to assist children and their teachers.

Deadly swine fever threatens Asia, UN agriculture agency warns, urging regional collaboration UN News 28 Aug 2018 -- The rapid onset of the deadly African Swine Fever (ASF) in China has been detected in areas a thousand kilometres apart – posing an imminent threat to other Asian countries, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned on Tuesday.

India's First Manned Space Mission to Focus on Micro-Gravity Experiment Sputnik 28 Aug 2018 -- The Indian Space Research Organisation said that prior to its manned mission scheduled for 40 months from now, it will conduct two unmanned missions – the first in 30 months and the second in 36 months – to ensure the success of its manned mission.

Turkey Pursues Warmer Ties With Russia, Europe Amid Dispute With U.S. RFE/RL 28 Aug 2018 -- As relations between the United States and Turkey have soured in recent months, Ankara has stepped up its pursuit of better relations and increased trade with Europe and Russia.

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