29 August 2018 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US airstrike kills three southwest of Mogadishu Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- A US airstrike has killed at least three people in southern Somalia, with the US Africa Command claiming the victims were members of al-Shabab terrorist group.

Defense Policy / Programs

Mattis: No Decision on Fate of Korean Peninsula Exercises VOA 29 Aug 2018 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Wednesday clarified his previous statements on the fate of additional large-scale exercises on the Korean Peninsula, leaving open the possibility of future cancellations.
Airmen, Soldiers strengthen joint skill sets in Exercise Predictable Iron AFNS 29 Aug 2018 -- Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing participated in a joint exercise with the 82nd Airborne Division to drop equipment and personnel at two drop zones during Exercise Predictable Iron Aug. 20 to 24 at Pope Field, North Carolina.
U.S.-India Meeting Seeks to Deepen Cooperation AFPS 29 Aug 2018 -- Next week's "two-plus-two" meeting of defense and diplomatic leaders in New Delhi will seek to deepen cooperation between India and the United States and bolster programs and policies to maintain the free and independent Indo-Pacific region that has been in place since World War II, the assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs said today.
Live-fire training builds tactical skills, cohesive bond between US, Thai soldiers Army News 29 Aug 2018 -- Idaho Army National Guard and Montana Army National Guard Soldiers from the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team conducted a live-fire exercise with Royal Thai Army Soldiers at the Cavalry Center in Thailand's Saraburi province Aug. 28, the final Hanuman Guardian 2018 training event for infantry soldiers from both forces.
U.S. Navy Medical Team Begins Subject Matter Exchanges in Colombia NNS 29 Aug 2018 -- A team of U.S. Navy medical professionals arrived in Colombia Aug. 25 to begin subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) and partner capacity building engagements with Colombian medical professionals and security forces in the town of Riohacha as part of Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2018.
USS Alabama Awarded Omaha Trophy NNS 29 Aug 2018 -- The blue and gold crews of USS Alabama (SSBN 731) were presented the Omaha Trophy during a ceremony at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Wash., Aug. 28.
Pax River ITF to conduct first-time trials onboard partner nation's carrier NNS 29 Aug 2018 -- After years of partnership within the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office, U.S. and United Kingdom team members from the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) eagerly anticipate the First of Class Flight Trials (FOCFTs) onboard the U.K.'s newest aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, this fall.

Russia Builds Up Mediterranean Fleet Amid Rising Tensions Over Syria RFE/RL 29 Aug 2018 -- Russia has deployed several more warships to the Mediterranean Sea, in what Russian media are calling the largest naval buildup since Russia entered the Syrian civil war in 2015.

UK Military Train 500 Somalis UK MOD 29 Aug 2018 -- The British-led Baidoa Security Training Centre in Somalia has marked its 500th graduate, as part of the UK's ongoing commitment to bring peace and security to the region.

China Calls for Multilateral Space Arms Control Deal Sputnik 29 Aug 2018 -- China and Russia submitted a draft Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space, the Threat or Use of Force Against Outer Space Objects to the CD in 2008 and provided an updated draft in June 2014.
China Rejects Reports On Building Military Base in Afghanistan Sputnik 29 Aug 2018 -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday denied media reports stating that Beijing was constructing a military base in Afghanistan to combat terrorism.

IRGC monitoring Hormuz Strait, will respond to violations: Maj. Gen. Baqeri Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri says the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) is fully prepared to defend the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf and will respond in kind to any violations of international laws governing the strategic waterway.

Seoul Protests Chinese Plane Getting on S Korea's Anti-Aircraft Radars Sputnik 29 Aug 2018 -- Seoul on Wednesday expressed protest against Chinese plane getting on South Korea's anti-aircraft radars, the South Korean Defense Ministry said.

Pentagon chief: Ankara's decision to buy Russian S-400 concerns Washington Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- US Secretary of Defense James Mattis says his country is concerned about Turkey's intent to purchase Russian S-400 air defense systems and that Washington takes a dim view of such a move.

Nuclear test ban treaty critical to global collective security - UN chief UN News 29 Aug 2018 -- Every effort should be made to bring a global treaty into force that prevents more countries from developing nuclear weapons, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said.

Department Press Briefing - August 29, 2018 US Dept. of State 29 Aug 2018

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for August 29, 2018
Israel Accuses Drone Maker Of Bombing Armenian Soldiers At Azeri Request RFE/RL 29 Aug 2018 -- Israel has accused an Israeli drone maker of bombing ethnic Armenian soldiers in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region at the request of Azerbaijani clients during a sales demonstration, government and local media reported.

Other Conflicts

29 August 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Aug 2018
Half the world's refugee children not in school, UN agency finds UN News 29 Aug 2018 -- The agency's annual report on refugee children's education, this year called Turn the Tide: Refugee Education in Crisis, warned that without investment, hundreds of thousands more children could miss out on the chance to health themselves and help their communities.
UN: Millions of Refugee Children Out of School VOA 29 Aug 2018 -- The U.N. refugee agency reports 4 million refugee children are missing out on an education, a situation that bodes ill for their future and for the well-being of the communities in which they live. The UNHCR has launched a new report "Turn the Tide: Refugee Education in Crisis."
As conflicts become more complex, 'mediation is no longer an option; it is a necessity', UN chief tells Security Council UN News 29 Aug 2018 -- As war and the mediation of peace have become increasingly complex, innovative thinking is needed to save and improve the lives of millions, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council on Wednesday.

Yemen Rebels Fire Missile at Saudi Arabia's Najran Region - Reports Sputnik 29 Aug 2018 -- According to Houthi-controlled Masirah TV, the Yemen-based rebel group fired a ballistic missile at Saudi Arabia's Najran region.
Yemeni forces shoot down Saudi reconnaissance drone over Hudaydah Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- Yemeni army soldiers, supported by allied fighters from the Houthi Ansarullah movement, have managed to shoot down a Saudi unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as it was on a reconnaissance mission in Yemen's western coastal province of Hudaydah.

Syria presents UN with data on militant plans to stage false flag gas attack Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- Syria provides the United Nations with evidence revealing yet another plot by Takfiri terrorists to carry out a chemical attack in militant-held Idlib Province and pin the blame on Damascus with the aim of justifying an ensuing act of aggression against the Arab country by their foreign supporters.
Lavrov: Terror 'abscess' in Syria's Idlib needs to be destroyed Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says the terrorist "abscess" in Syria's northwestern city of Idlib needs to be taken out before harming thousands of civilians who live there.
Media Sensationalize US Missile Shield Aimed at Daesh in Syria - Pentagon Sputnik 29 Aug 2018 -- Recent reports about the United States preparing to build a missile defense shield in northeastern Syria are not true, and the US-led coalition's air defense systems are only used to battle the Daesh terrorist group* (banned in Russia), a spokesperson for Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve told Sputnik on Wednesday.
US Rejects Russia's Data on Chemical Weapons Provocations in Syria - Lavrov Sputnik 29 Aug 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that it seemed the US had issued threats to Damascus in order to prevent the expulsion of terrorists from Idlib province.
Syria Spurns US Offer to Pull Out Troops as Trade for Iran Withdrawal - Report Sputnik 29 Aug 2018 -- Syria turned down an offer from the US to withdraw their forces from Al Tanf, a US base in the southeast and the East Euphrates zone in exchange for three concessions from the Assad government, according to a report from Lebanese daily Al Akhbar.
Syria: UN chief warns Idlib offensive may set off 'humanitarian catastrophe' UN News 29 Aug 2018 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the growing risk of a humanitarian catastrophe should a full-scale military operation take place in Syria's war-battered Idlib province.
UN Chief Fears 'Humanitarian Catastrophe' in Syria's Idlib VOA 29 Aug 2018 -- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern Wednesday that there could be a "humanitarian catastrophe" in the Syrian province of Idlib if there is a full-scale military operation there.
Iranian Military Says Will Stay In Syria Despite U.S. Demands For Exit RFE/RL 29 Aug 2018 -- Iran will maintain its military presence in Syria despite demands from the United States and Israel that it withdraw, Iran's military attache in Damascus has said.

Despite mountain of evidence, Myanmar denies genocide Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- Myanmar has blatantly rejected the findings of a United Nations (UN) investigation that holds the country's military responsible for committing genocide against its minority Rohingya Muslim population.
Myanmar Authorities Reject UN Findings on Rohingya Abuses - Reports Sputnik 29 Aug 2018 -- A spokesman for Myanmar Government Zaw Htay rejected the findings of a UN FFM's (the UN Fact-Finding Mission) probe alleging genocide by Myanmar's military in the Rakhine state, AFP reported, citing local media outlet.
Myanmar Rejects UN Report on Rohingya Crisis VOA 29 Aug 2018 -- Myanmar is rejecting the findings of a special United Nations investigative panel accusing the military of genocide and other human rights abuses during last year's crackdown against the minority Rohingya Muslims.

Israeli court rubber-stamps new settlement in occupied West Bank Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- A court in Israel has legalized a settlement illegally built on a Palestinian-owned land in the central West Bank city of Ramallah amid international outcry against the Tel Aviv regime's land expropriation and settlement expansion policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Egypt army kills 20 suspected militants in Sinai, western desert Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- Egypt's army says 20 suspected militants have been killed in an air raid in the country's western desert and during gun battles in the restive Sinai Peninsula.

News Reports

Putin Offers Concessions On Controversial Pension Reform Plan RFE/RL 29 Aug 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed softening planned pension changes that have triggered angry protests across the country.
Ladies' Man: Putin Cites 'Caring Attitude' In Pension-Reform Concession RFE/RL 29 Aug 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin reserved the weightiest of his cautious concessions on a controversial pension-reform plan for Russian women, who outnumber their male counterparts by 10 million and live -- and vote -- considerably longer.

Japan, N Korea Held Secret Talks in Vietnam Without Informing US – Reports Sputnik 29 Aug 2018 -- Senior officials from Japan and North Korea held secret negotiations in Vietnam in July without the United States' knowledge, The Washington Post reported, citing informed sources.
US Pivots Again, Renews Pressure on North Korea VOA 29 Aug 2018 -- President Donald Trump on Wednesday warned that the United States could at any time restart joint military exercises with South Korea and Japan if progress stalls on North Korean denuclearization and warned that "they will be far bigger than ever before."

Iran arrests tens of spies from government organizations ISNA 29 Aug 2018 -- Tens of spies have been identified and arrested throughout various government organizations, says Iran's intelligence minister.
Iran intelligence minister says tens of spies arrested from government organizations Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- Tens of spies have been identified and arrested throughout various government organizations, says Iran's intelligence minister.
Iran Arrested 'Tens Of Spies' In Government Bodies, Minister Says RFE/RL 29 Aug 2018 -- Security forces have arrested "tens of spies" working in Iran's governmental bodies as part of a crackdown on espionage and dual nationals, the country's intelligence minister has said.

Iran's Supreme Leader warns of putting nuclear deal aside IRNA 29 Aug 2018 -- Iran's Supreme Leader warned that if the nuclear deal cannot protect the country's national interests, Tehran will pull it aside.
Iran's complaint against US in ICJ, proof of Tehran's rightfulness IRNA 29 Aug 2018 -- The lawsuit Iran has filed with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the US for its unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal aims at proving Iran's rightness to the international community, a senior Foreign Ministry official said on Wednesday.
Zarif remind world of Iran's peaceful nuclear attempts IRNA 29 Aug 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message reminded the world of Iran ever peaceful attempts in terms of nuclear issues.
2nd round of hearings of Iran lawsuit against US begins at ICJ IRNA 29 Aug 2018 -- The second round of hearing session of the lawsuit Iran has filed with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against the US began on Wednesday in the Hague Court where Iran has 90 minutes to make its case.
Britain Seeks Ways to Continue Trading with Iran VOA 29 Aug 2018 -- British officials have been turning to Japan for tips on how to dodge American sanctions on Iran, according to local media.
Unhappy with Iran bans, UK trying to maintain trade Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- Britain is reportedly trying to maintain trade with Iran in face of returning US sanctions and is even seeking tips from Japan on how to dodge US bans without being implicated.
Iraq sending team to US to seek Iran bans waivers Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- Iraq says it plans to send a delegation to the US to discuss an agreement on financial transactions with Iran following Washington's recent move to restore sanctions against Tehran.
Iraq Seeking Exemptions From Some U.S. Sanctions On Iran RFE/RL 29 Aug 2018 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has said he will send a delegation to Washington to negotiate over Baghdad's requests for exemptions from some of the sanctions the United States is imposing on Iran.
Iran Could Abandon Nuclear Deal, Khamenei Warns RFE/RL 29 Aug 2018 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that the country could abandon its nuclear deal with world powers if the agreement does not serve its interests.
Iranians' Choice? 'No, Mr. Foreign Minister, We Didn't Choose This Path' RFE/RL 29 Aug 2018 -- Iran's foreign minister is being mocked after saying on state TV that Iranians are responsible for choosing the country's path.
Iran Should Stop Cherishing Hopes in Talks With Europe on JCPOA - Supreme Leader Sputnik 29 Aug 2018 -- Tehran should stop cherishing hopes in negotiations with Europe on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or on economic cooperation, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday.
Iran to Take 'Measures' if States Break Int'l Law in Strait Of Hormuz - Official Sputnik 29 Aug 2018 -- On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's energy adviser said that if Iran closes the Straight of Hurmuz, the UN Security Council is likely to authorize military action.

Brazil sends troops to Venezuela border to restore calm amid influx of migrants Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- Brazilian President Michel Temer has ordered the deployment of the military to the chaotic border with Venezuela, where migrants have been pouring in to escape an acute economic crisis in their home country.
Brazil Reinforces Border Security Due to Influx of Migrants from Venezuela Sputnik 29 Aug 2018 -- Brazilian President Michel Temer ordered on Wednesday to deploy forces to the northernmost state of Roraima, located on border with Venezuela, due to the large influx of migrants from the crisis-torn country.

UK Vows to Develop its Own Satellite Navigation if Pushed out of Galileo Sputnik 29 Aug 2018 -- Theresa May adopted an "everything or nothing" stance on the EU's joint global navigation project.

Taiwan to strive for nation to be heard at U.N.: foreign minister CNA 29 Aug 2018 -- The main goal in Taiwan's bid for greater participation at the United Nations this year is to ensure the nation's voice is heard internationally, Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) said Wednesday.

Turkey detains over dozen Gulen-linked gendarmerie officers Press TV 29 Aug 2018 -- Turkish police forces have arrested more than a dozen gendarmerie officers 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.

Coalition Partner Blasts 'Short-Sighted' Policies Of Kyrgyz Government RFE/RL 29 Aug 2018 -- Kyrgyzstan's Social Democratic Party (SDPK) has blasted government policies as "short-sighted," indicating a growing tension between former President Almazbek Atambaev and the country's current leader, Sooronbai Jeenbekov.

UN rights office calls for action to end 'repression and retaliation' in crisis-torn Nicaragua UN News 29 Aug 2018 -- The United Nations on Wednesday called for urgent action to address the human rights crisis in Nicaragua, where "repression and retaliation against demonstrators continue … as the world looks away."
UN Issues Report of Human Rights Abuses in Nicaragua VOA 29 Aug 2018 -- The United Nations is urging the international community to intervene in Nicaragua to prevent it from falling further into political and social chaos.

U.S. Soldier Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 29 Aug 2018 -- "Ikaika Erik Kang, 35, a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army stationed at Schofield Barracks, pleaded guilty today in federal court to four counts of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Kang was indicted on terrorism charges on July 19, 2017."

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