03 September 2018 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Coalition Strikes Continue Against ISIS Targets in Iraq, Syria AFPS 03 Sep 2018 -- Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve and its partners continue to pursue the lasting defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in designated parts of Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

U.S. Soldier Killed In Afghanistan In 'Apparent' Insider Attack RFE/RL 03 Sep 2018 -- A U.S. service member has been killed and another wounded in an attack in eastern Afghanistan, the NATO-led Resolute Support mission says.
Taliban Wants Direct Peace Talks With Afghan Government - Reports Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- The news come after earlier announcement of Afghan Foreign Ministry it would not attend the Moscow format meeting on Afghanistan on September 4. Currently, Taliban commander Sher Agha stated that the negotiating sides should be represented by Afghans.

Defense Policy / Programs

Dunford Arrives for Consults in Athens, Readies for Indian 2+2 AFPS 03 Sep 2018 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff arrived here today for meetings with Greek defense officials.
US receives advanced air defense radar from Ukraine Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- The US Army has received an advanced air defense radar system it bought from Ukraine, after a firm allegedly linked to Russia tried to block the sale.
'Unusual Vibration': Troubled US Navy Stealth Ship Gets 15-Ton Replacement Motor Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- A troubled US Navy stealth frigate got a new engine, after something blew out one of its primary turbines.

Ukraine-NATO Joint Military Exercises Begin In Western Region Of Lviv RFE/RL 03 Sep 2018 -- Ukraine has begun joint military exercises with 10 NATO countries in western Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Russia over Moscow's illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine between government forces and Russia-backed separatists.

Russian Defense Enterprise to Create Tilt-Rotor Aircraft for Airborne Forces Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- A tilt-rotor aircraft, or convertiplane, is planned to be created for Russian Airborne Forces, which are currently preparing a customer specification, a defense industry source told Sputnik on Sunday.

UK Army's Armored Vehicles in Afghanistan Break Down Over Heat - Reports Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- The UK army's Foxhound armored vehicles in Afghanistan give out roughly once a week because of overheating, the UK Times newspaper reported.

India Looks to Procure Spy Drones to Operate at High Altitudes Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- The Indian Army is scouting for a remotely piloted aircraft system with anti-jamming and anti-spoofing properties for providing real-time input in the form of imagery and electronic data to detect and combat foreign military formations and activities at forward bases, especially along the border with China.
India to Convey to US Plans to Go Ahead With Purchase of Russian S-400 - Reports Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- India plans to convey to the United States at their first "2+2" ministerial talks later this week that New Delhi will go ahead with the procurement of Russia's S-400 Triumph air defense systems despite Washington's objections and sanctions threat, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported, citing sources.

"US Concern about Iran's Missile Transfer to Iraq Utterly Ridiculous" ISNA 03 Sep 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi has hit back at US State Secretary Mike Pompeo for expressing concern over a false report on transfer of Iranian missiles to Iraq.
Israel Hints It May Target Alleged Iranian Ballistic Missiles Deployed in Iraq Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- Tehran earlier rejected media reports that it was delivering short-range ballistic missiles and associated technology to Shiite militias in Iraq, calling the claims "false and ridiculous."

Pakistan To Discuss U.S. Military Payment Cut During Pompeo Visit RFE/RL 03 Sep 2018 -- Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi says he intends to speak with U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo about Washington's decision to cut $300 million in U.S. payments to Pakistan's military.
Pakistan Slams US Aid Cuts: 'It Was Our Money' for Losses in War on Terror Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- This weekend, the Pentagon decided to strip Islamabad of $300 million in security assistance over its perceived failure to confront militants within its borders. The White House earlier accused Pakistan of proving safe havens for militant groups operating in Afghanistan, which Islamabad denied.

Rwanda Wants Russia to Sign Deal on Air Defense Systems ASAP – Ambassador Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Rwanda where he discussed the provision of the African state with Russian air defense systems. It led to current Rwanda's desire to sign an agreement on supplies as soon as possible, Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya, Rwanda's ambassador to Russia, told Sputnik.

Spain cancels €9.2mn deal to sell Saudis 400 precision bombs Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- The Saudi-led coalition's recent slaughter of Yemeni children has prompted the Spanish defense ministry to cancel a €9.2-million deal to sell Saudis 400 precision bombs.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

China unilaterally increasing military activities in disputed sea: Japan defense chief Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- The Japanese defense chief claims China is "unilaterally" stepping up its military activities in the East China Sea, which has been the subject of a territorial dispute between Beijing and Tokyo.

Daesh Loses 90% of Its Revenue in Four Years - Russia's Security Service Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- Amid declining profits, the Daesh terrorist organization* has reportedly started to invest in legal businesses to keep on financing its activity, head of the Federal Security Service's (FSB) intelligence information and international relations service, Sergey Beseda, said Monday.

Army destroys terrorists' bases in Hama northern countryside IRNA 03 Sep 2018 -- Syrian Arab Army units destroyed bases for Jabhat al-Nusra terrorists and its affiliated groups in northern and northwestern countryside of Hama province near the administrative borders of Idleb province, the last major stronghold of terror organizations.
Russia to continue supporting Syria in combating terrorism IRNA 03 Sep 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated that his country will continue to provide support to Syria to combat terrorism and to reach a political solution to the crisis in it based on the Security Council's resolution no. 2254.
Iranian, Syrian FMs meet in Damascus ISNA 03 Sep 2018 -- Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem held a meeting with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Monday.
Iran optimistic about trilateral summit in Tehran over Syria ISNA 03 Sep 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi announced Monday that the trilateral summit in Tehran between Turkey, Russia and Iran will be held following the Astana talks.
Iran will continue support for Syria's fight against terrorism: Zarif Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the Islamic Republic will continue to support Syria in its fight against terrorist groups.
Iran FM in Syria, says Idlib must be cleansed of terrorists Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said that Idlib in northwestern Syria must be cleansed of terrorists and returned to the government fold as he arrived in Damascus for key talks.
Iranian Foreign Minister In Damascus Ahead Of Idlib Offensive RFE/RL 03 Sep 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was in Damascus on September 3 for talks with President Bashar al-Assad and other Syrian officials ahead of an expected military offensive by Syrian government forces in Idlib Province, the last opposition stronghold in Syria.
Terrorists Should Be Expelled From Syria's Idlib Province - Iranian FM Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has arrived in Damascus to hold talks with his Syrian counterpart Walid Muallem and President Bashar Assad, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated on the Damascus-Tehran bilateral relations and the Syrian crisis settlement.

Daesh terrorists attack northern Iraqi village, seven people killed Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- At least seven people have lost their lives when remnants of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group launched an attack against a residential area in Iraq's oil-rich northern province of Kirkuk.

Libya declares state of emergency in Tripoli amid deadly clashes Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- Libya's internationally-recognized government has announced a state of emergency in the capital, Tripoli, and its outskirts, which have been the scene of deadly clashes between rival militia groups over the past week.

Israel will act 'unilaterally' on Gaza Strip, West Bank issues: Lieberman Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- Israel's minister for military affairs, Avigdor Lieberman, says negotiations with Palestinian authorities on the situation in both besieged Gaza Strip and the occupied west Bank are pointless and that Tel Aviv should act on the Palestinian issue in both regions "unilaterally."
UNRWA head says millions of Palestinian refugees 'cannot be simply wished away' Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has warned that millions of Palestinian refugees "cannot simply be wished away," hitting back at a controversial decision made by the United States to cut off its aid to the support agency.
Trump says Arabs can fund UNRWA on US terms: Report Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- After cutting money to the UN refugee agency helping Palestinians, the United States now says Persian Gulf Arab states can plug the gap provided that they meet the new guidelines set out by the Trump administration.

Progress made but Lake Chad crisis is not over, says UN relief chief, urging greater support for region UN News 03 Sep 2018 -- Despite improvements in the humanitarian situation in the Lake Chad region, millions continue to remain dependent on lifesaving assistance, the top United Nations relief official said on Monday, urging greater international support for the region to safeguard the progress achieved.

News Reports

U.S. Engagement in the Pacific US Dept. of State 03 Sep 2018 -- The United States sees the Pacific Islands as an essential part of the free and open Indo-Pacific region and we are committed to the Pacific Islands' future security and prosperity. As a demonstration of our commitment, the United States – through more than 17 departments and agencies – committed more than $350 million in FY 2017 to our engagement with the Pacific Islands via projects, assistance, and operations that directly benefit the over 10 million people of the region.

UN Chief: China-Africa cooperation vital to world peace and development People's Daily 03 Sep 2018 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called China a "fundamental pillar of the multilateral system" and said its cooperation with Africa is essential to world peace and development during an interview at the UN headquarters in New York.
President of Rwanda: FOCAC held at a time when cooperation is needed more than ever People's Daily 03 Sep 2018 -- The China-Rwanda cooperation is a "productive partnership" that benefits both countries, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said on Sunday, Sept. 2, in the run-up to the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
FOCAC provides opportunities to discuss key priorities: Sierra Leone's foreign minister People's Daily 03 Sep 2018 -- Sierra Leone's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Alie Kabba, has said that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) provides an excellent opportunity for both Chinese government and its African counterparts to sit down together and discuss key priorities.
Xi says China to implement eight major initiatives with African countries People's Daily 03 Sep 2018 -- President Xi Jinping on Monday said China will implement eight major initiatives with African countries in the next three years and beyond, covering fields such as industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, and green development.
African leaders in China for third summit on cooperation Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- Beijing is hosting African leaders for a high-level summit aimed at strengthening China-Africa relations, with the discussions expected to mainly focus on President Xi Jinping's "new Silk Road" initiative.
In Beijing, UN chief urges China, Africa for a win-win collaboration for 'the future we want' UN News 03 Sep 2018 -- Highlighting the economic and development progress made in China and Africa, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged them to unite their combined potential for peaceful, sustainable and equitable progress to the benefit of all humankind.
China Pledges Fresh $60B to Africa, says No Political Strings Attached VOA 03 Sep 2018 -- Beijing is pledging to extend new funding of $60 billion to Africa, aimed at areas from industrial enhancement to infrastructure. China also says it will wipe clean the debt for certain African countries when interest-free loans come due later this year.

Lithuania Appeals European Court Ruling Over CIA's Secret Prison Case Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- The complaint to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) with the case of terror suspect Abu Zubaydah comes two weeks after Lithuania's representative at the ECHR said that the Baltic country would not appeal the court's ruling since it was unlikely to be changed.

Armenian PM Downplays Problems In Russian Relations RFE/RL 03 Sep 2018 -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has downplayed problems in Yerevan's relations with Moscow, describing them as a "work process in its natural course."

Syrian Government Has Every Right to Liquidate Terrorists In Idlib - Lavrov Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- It is impossible to tolerate the situation in Syria's Idlib province indefinitely, it is necessary to separate the armed opposition from terrorists, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

IAEA's reports in post-JCPOA era reveals Iran's honesty: Official IRNA 03 Sep 2018 -- Head of Majlis Research Center Kazem Jalali said on Monday that the International Atomic Energy Agency's reports on Iran's nuclear program in the post-JCPOA era are indicative of Iran's honesty.
Khatam Al-Anbia air defense base placed at front line of confronting Iran's enemies ISNA 03 Sep 2018 -- The Commander-in-Chief of Iran's Armed Forces, Ayatollah Khamenei met with a group of commanders and officials from of the Khatam Al-Anbia Air Defense Base of the Army on Sunday.
Iran's Rial Hits New Low Against Dollar As U.S. Reimposes Nuclear Sanctions RFE/RL 03 Sep 2018 -- The Iranian currency has hit another record low against the dollar on the unofficial market amid continued economic difficulties following the reimposition of nuclear sanctions by the United States, reports say.
Khamenei Urges Iran Armed Forces To Bolster Capabilities RFE/RL 03 Sep 2018 -- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called on his country's armed forces to bolster their defense capacities, while also playing down the possibility of war breaking out.
Karrubi Calls On Iran's Assembly Of Experts To Hold Leader Accountable RFE/RL 03 Sep 2018 -- A leading Iranian reformist has called upon the panel of conservative clerics tasked with supervising the work of Iran's supreme leader to hold Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accountable instead of showering him with "praise."
Japan to Suspend Iran Oil Imports Over US Pressure - Reports Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- Japan's major oil companies are preparing to halt all of the crude oil imports from Iran in October due to fears Washington will sanction countries importing Iranian crude, AFP reported Monday, citing Jiji Press agency.
Japanese Oil Wholesalers 'Prepare To Suspend' Iranian Imports RFE/RL 03 Sep 2018 -- Japanese news media are reporting that the country's major oil wholesalers are preparing to suspend crude imports next month.

Microwave weapons suspected in 'sonic attacks' on US diplomats: Report Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- US scientists and doctors increasingly suspect unconventional microwave weapons caused over three dozen American diplomats and their families to fall sick in recent months in Cuba and China, according to a report by US media.

Iraqi parliament holds first session since May election, fails to elect speaker Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- The Iraqi parliament has held its first session since May's national election, which signals important progress in forming a new government, but failed to elect a speaker.
Iraqi prime minister names himself Hashd al-Sha'abi head Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has declared himself the head of the pro-government Popular Mobilization Units, only a few days after he dismissed their former leader over alleged involvement in "political and partisan work."
Iran says will work with any government formed in Iraq Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- Iran says it will work with any government which is formed in neighboring Iraq after two political factions created an alliance that would give them a majority bloc in parliament.
Iraq factions announce alliances to form new government Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- Iraqi political factions, which did best in the country's May parliamentary elections, announce separate alliances within the legislature, which they claim enables them to form the country's new government.
Iraq's Muqtada Al-Sadr Forms Parliamentary Majority Bloc Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- After three years of war with Daesh and three months of a vote recount, Iraq can now form a new government and begin the process of rebuilding.

UN human rights chief calls on Myanmar to free Reuters jailed reporters Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- The new UN human rights chief has called on Myanmar to free two Reuters journalists jailed for their reporting of the military's ethnic-cleansing campaign against Rohingya Muslims in the Southeast Asian country.
Myanmar sentences Reuters journalists to 7 years in jail, prompts reactions Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- A court in Myanmar has sentenced two Reuters journalists to seven years behind bars for what it called "breaching" a state secrets act while reporting on the military's ethnic-cleansing campaign against Rohingya Muslims, a ruling that quickly drew harsh criticisms from all over the world.
Journalists' conviction in Myanmar a message that press 'cannot operate fearlessly' - UN rights chief UN News 03 Sep 2018 -- Stressing that the legal process that led to the conviction of two Reuters journalists in Myanmar "clearly breached" international standards, the United Nations top human rights official called for their immediate and unconditional release.
US Condemns Myanmar Conviction of 2 Journalists VOA 03 Sep 2018 -- The U.S. sharply condemned Monday's conviction of two Reuters journalists in Myanmar and their seven-year prison terms for violating the country's secrecy laws, calling it "deeply troubling" and a "major setback" in the Southeast Asian country's efforts to promote democratic reforms.

Roscosmos Head Offers to Continue Rocket Engines Supply to US Despite Sanctions Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- At the same time, Russia stated that it was prepared to supply rocket engines to China, Russian state space corporation Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin told reporters Monday.

Turkey detains over dozen officers over affiliation to Gulen movement Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- Turkish Naval Forces have arrested more than a dozen 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.
Turkey to trade in local currencies with Iran, China Press TV 03 Sep 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he has plans to ditch the dollar in trade with Iran and China and instead use local currencies.
Erdogan Wants Shift to National Currencies in Trade to Cut Dependence on Dollar Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- Earlier, the Turkish President pledged that he would pursue non-dollar transactions in trade with Russia and other countries, adding that America behaves "like wild wolves."

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