28 September 2018 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 28 Sep2018 [PDF]

Taliban meet Afghan govt. officials in Saudi Arabia ahead of elections Press TV 28 Sep 2018 -- Representative from the Taliban have held a meeting with Afghan government officials in Saudi Arabia after earlier plans for another meeting with American officials broke down.
Campaigning Starts For Afghan Elections Amid Wave Of Violence RFE/RL 28 Sep 2018 -- Campaigning for Afghanistan's parliamentary elections kicked off on September 28 despite a wave of deadly violence across the country and allegations of fraud.
US Ready to Talk With Both Afghan Gov't, Taliban to Settle Peace - State Dept. Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- The United States is ready to engage in negotiations with both the Afghan government and the Taliban in order to help Afghanistan find a peaceful settlement, Alice Wells, US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asia Region, said on Friday.
Marine Corps F-35B Conducts Combat Strikes in Afghanistan AFPS 28 Sep 2018 -- The Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II conducted its first combat strikes in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan yesterday.

Defense Policy / Programs

DOD begins fiscal year with funding for first time in 10 years DoD 28 Sep 2018 -- The Department of Defense commends the signing of House Resolution 6157, the fiscal year (FY) 2019 DOD and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act and Continuing Appropriations Act. This act will fund the DOD for FY 2019.
New Naval Aviator Career Path Announced NNS 28 Sep 2018 -- Navy announced the launch of the Aviation Professional Flight Instructor (PFI) program, designed to improve aviator retention by offering a new career path for officers who have successfully completed an aviation department head tour, Sept. 28, in NAVADMIN 241/18.
Navy Awards DDG-51 FY18-22 Multiyear Procurement Contracts NNS 28 Sep 2018 -- The Navy awarded two contracts for the DDG-51 fiscal years (FY) 2018 - 2022 multiyear procurement (MYP) for DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Sept. 27.
U.S. Navy's HACKtheMACHINE Seattle Encourages Innovation in Maritime Dominance NNS 28 Sep 2018 -- Naval Sea Systems Command hosted HACKtheMACHINE, the Navy's digital experience for building a community of practice in maritime security Sept. 21-23.
UCT 2 Renders Assistance Following Plane Crash in Chuuk NNS 28 Sep 2018 -- U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 2 rendered immediate assistance to the passengers and crew of Air Niugini flight PX56, after it crashed into the lagoon near Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, International Airport, Sept. 28.
Wasp ARG, 31st MEU conduct DATF drill in the South China Sea NNS 28 Sep 2018 -- USS Wasp (LHD 1) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted an integrated Defense of the Amphibious Task Force (DATF) drill at sea Sept. 27.
Air Force, Navy Officials Describe Need for C-130 Aircraft AFPS 28 Sep 2018 -- The Air Force would like to "do more and go faster" in modernizing its C-130 Hercules aircraft fleet, the service's deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements told a House Armed Services Committee panel today.
Opposing force - interoperable and ready for Saber Junction 18 Army News 28 Sep 2018 -- Eight partner nations joined active Army and National Guard Soldiers to serve as the opposing force (OPFOR) during exercise Saber Junction 18, Sept. 4 to -Oct. 1 at the 7th Army Training Command's Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany.
US most expensive fighter jet totaled in first-ever crash Press TV 28 Sep 2018 -- A Marine F-35B joint strike fighter has crashed close to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina, in what turns out to be the first-ever crash of the cutting-edge stealth aircraft.
Newest F-35B Military Plane Crashes in South Carolina - Reports Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- US Marines confirmed that the military aircraft that crashed in South Carolina was F-35 jet, a spokesman told Sputnik.
$79 Million 'Global Hawk' Drone Crash Caused By Faulty Data – US Air Force Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- A US Air Force Global Hawk drone crashed and destroyed itself last year as a consequence of the aircraft's "erroneous" data, according to an incident investigation report published by the military this week.

Bahrain - M31 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary and Army Tactical Mission System (ATACMS) T2K Unitary Missile DSCA 28 Sep 2018 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Bahrain of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary Rocket Pods and Army Tactical Missiles System (ATACMS) Unitary missiles for an estimated cost of $300 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

China's FTC-2000G versatile fighter jet takes maiden flight Press TV 28 Sep 2018 -- China's domestically-developed FTC-2000G versatile warplane has taken its maiden flight in southwestern China, its developer says,expressing hope the new fighter jet would meet the demands of the international market.
US actions urged to fix military relations People's Daily 28 Sep 2018 -- Experts said the US administration is using China to rally voter support for the upcoming US midterm elections in November, and US pressure against China will likely continue for the foreseeable future.
China Significantly Reduces Troops at Border With India – Government Source Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- During Thursday's meeting of the working mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC), the two countries decided to undertake more confidence-building measures to maintain peace at the border. The meeting was held at Chengdu in the province of Sichuan in China.

Zarif: Time for Israel to open its nuclear arsenal to inspectors IRNA 28 Sep 2018 -- Iran's foreign minister urged the Zionist regime of Israel to admit to and open its 'undeclared' nuclear arsenal to UN inspectors.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for September 28, 2018
Russian Il-20 Aircraft Could Be Equipped With New EW Devices - Tech Concern Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- Russia's Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies (KRET) said Friday it was ready to re-equip the fleet of Russian Il-20 reconnaissance planes with advanced electronic warfare devices following the recent Il-20 tragedy in Syria.

Other Conflicts

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

US B-52 Bomber Flies with Japanese Jets in East China Sea Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- The US Pacific Air Forces released photos on Thursday showing two Japanese fighter jets escorting a US B-52 bomber across the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan earlier this week.
Japan and US Jointly Conduct Air Force Drills Over East China Sea – Statement Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- The Japan Air Self-Defense Forces (Koku-Jieitai) have conducted joint drills with the US B-52 strategic bomber over the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan, the Japanese military said on Friday.

UN Human Rights Council renews mandate of investigators on Yemen Press TV 28 Sep 2018 -- The UN Human Rights Council has extended the mandate of Yemen war crimes investigators, despite attempts by Saudi Arabia and a number of its allies to bully their way out of accountability for abuses in an atrocious military campaign against the impoverished Arab country.
Saudi allies in Yemen cut cooperation with UN mission Press TV 28 Sep 2018 -- Saudi Arabia and its allies in Yemen have strongly criticized a UN human rights mission as its mandate comes up for renewal over what they called a biased report on "war crimes" in the country.

Lavrov:US presence in Syria illegal, violates UN resolutions IRNA 28 Sep 2018 -- Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov said that Western states are working to topple legitimate governments and replace international reference points to achieve their own political interests.
Official admits US cannot force Iran out of Syria Press TV 28 Sep 2018 -- Neither Russia nor the US can force Iranians out of Syria as their presence is at the official request of the Damascus government, a senior US official said.
US Says Will Not Force Iran Forces Out of Syria, Hopes Govt. Will Not Need Them Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- The United States will not force the Iranian forces out of Syria, and hopes that the Syrian government at some point will not feel the need to have them in the country, US Special Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey told reporters.
Erdogan accuses US of breaking promises on Syria's Manbij Press TV 28 Sep 2018 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has censured the United States over its non-compliance with a deal reached in June on the withdrawal of Washington-backed Kurdish militants from Syria's northern city of Manbij.
'US Did Not Keep Its Promises': Erdogan Blasts Washington Over Manbij Roadmap Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- Turkish President accused the United States on Friday of failing to fulfill promises to withdraw the self-defense forces of the Syrian Kurds from Syria's Manbij.

Violence and displacement in Ebola-hit DR Congo threatens humanitarian response UN News 28 Sep 2018 -- Increasing violence in Ebola-affected areas of north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) threatens the safety of tens of thousands of people there, the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, said on Friday.

3 militants, trooper killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfights People's Daily 28 Sep 2018 -- Three militants and a trooper were killed Thursday in two separate gunfights in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

Abbas censures Trump's two-state remarks, urges reversal of hostile decisions People's Daily 28 Sep 2018 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday that the hostile policy actions of the Trump administration against the Palestinians have undermined the two-state solution, urging Washington to reverse these decisions.
Palestine Files Proceedings in ICJ Against US Over Moving Embassy in Jerusalem Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- The state of Palestine has commenced proceedings against the United States in the International Court of Justice over its move to establish the US embassy in Israel to Jersusalem, the court said in a press release on Friday.

South Sudan's 'relentless conflict' leaves almost 60 per cent suffering desperate food crisis UN News 28 Sep 2018 -- "Relentless conflict" in South Sudan has now left more than six million people facing crisis levels of hunger, three UN agencies have said, amid ongoing efforts to deliver aid to the war-weary country.
Conflict can lead to positive change, 'if we learn from it', South Sudan tells UN Assembly UN News 28 Sep 2018 -- Drawing lessons from conflict – particularly the causes and ultimate resolution – can be a vehicle for positive change, South Sudan's Vice-President told world leaders gathered at the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting his country's efforts to ensure lasting peace.
UN: South Sudan Faces Catastrophic Food Shortages VOA 28 Sep 2018 -- More than 6 million people in South Sudan – or nearly 60 percent of the population – face desperate food shortages, with many on the brink of famine, warns a joint report by three leading United Nations agencies.

UN officials urge support as Darfur attempts to 'turn the page' from conflict to peace UN News 28 Sep 2018 -- Stating that while the Darfur region of Sudan, which for years was torn by strife and displacement, is now increasingly stable, top United Nations officials on Friday urged continued international support to ensure that hard-won gains take hold.

Rebel Attacks Rise in Ebola-Infected Areas in Eastern DRC VOA 28 Sep 2018 -- A rise in violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is displacing more people and hampering humanitarian efforts, including operations to stop the spread of Ebola, the United Nations refugee agency warns.

Violence Resurfaces in Philippines Despite Autonomy Deal With Muslims VOA 28 Sep 2018 -- Deadly violence has resurfaced in parts of the long-restive southern Philippines despite an autonomy-sharing deal with local Muslim groups, and authorities are eyeing terrorism by political factions excluded from the deal.

News Reports

Evidence Indicates China Set to Target US Elections VOA 28 Sep 2018 -- China may be taking a page of the playbook used by Russia to meddle with the 2016 U.S. presidential election, targeting U.S. political action committees and various think tanks with spear-phishing emails.

Lebanon Accuses Israel of 'Once Again Making Excuses to Justify Aggression' Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- Beirut has responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's UN General Assembly speech, which included threats that Tel Aviv wouldn't let the Hezbollah militant group get away with efforts to build up an arsenal of precision-guided missiles.
Address shared challenges by supporting 'collective efforts' and reform, Albania's President says at UN UN News 28 Sep 2018 -- At the United Nations General Assembly's annual debate on Friday, Albanian President, Ilir Meta told world leaders that "we continue to see the UN as a multilateral instrument through which peaceful international order is safeguarded."

Lavrov at UNGA: Russia Warns Against New Chemical Weapon Provocations in Syria Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has addressed the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly in New York City. Addressing the UN on Friday, the Russian foreign minister criticized what he called "unilateral approaches" by some countries to a variety of complex global problems, ranging from the Middle East peace process to the Iran nuclear deal, commitments to the World Trade Organization, agreements on climate change, and more.

Third Russian Possibly Involved in Salisbury Poisoning VOA 28 Sep 2018 -- British investigators now say a third Russian military intelligence officer was involved in the poisoning in March this year of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the southern English cathedral town of Salisbury.
Report: Third Alleged Russian Agent Involved In Skripal Mission Identified RFE/RL 28 Sep 2018 -- A third suspected Russian military intelligence officer who carried out a reconnaissance mission before the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter has been identified by British counterterrorism police and the security services, The Telegraph newspaper reported on September 27.
Kremlin: No Information of Anyone Named Chepiga Ever Awarded by Putin Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that he had verified media reports about a state award handed out to Anatoly Chepiga – alleged by UK investigative bloggers from Bellingcat to be the real name of Ruslan Boshirov, a suspect in the Skripal poisoning case.
UK-Based Bellingcat, The Insider to Issue 'Information About Petrov' - Reports Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- The UK-based investigative blogger group Bellingcat and The Insider Russia media outlet are going to issue information about the real identity of Alexander Petrov, who is suspected by London of being involved in the Salisbury incident, within 7-10 days, The Guardian newspaper reported on Friday.

South Korea Plans to Inspect Site of Inter-Korean Road Connection Next Month Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- Seoul plans in mid-October to conduct an inspection at the site of the planned cross-border connection of the railways and highways of the two Koreas, South Korea's presidential spokesman said on Friday.
Russia, China dispute US call for tougher sanctions against North Korea Press TV 28 Sep 2018 -- Russia and China have called for an easing of UN sanctions on North Korea at a UN Security Council meeting, disputing US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's appeal for a stricter enforcement despite warming bilateral relations.
U.S. Clashes With China, Russia Over Easing UN Sanctions On North Korea RFE/RL 28 Sep 2018 -- The United States has clashed with China and Russia at the United Nations over their call for an easing of sanctions against North Korea.
China Vows to Strictly Enforce UN Sanctions on North Korea – Foreign Minister Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- China promises to fully enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during his address to the UN General Assembly on Friday.

Araqchi: EU's SPV will go into force by Nov IRNA 28 Sep 2018 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi said on Friday that EU's special purpose vehicle (SPV) intended for easing banking and trade transactions with Iran will take effect on November 4.
World laughs loud at Netanyahu's absurd show: Iran IRNA 28 Sep 2018 -- The claims made by the Zionist regime's prime minister against Iran's nuclear program did not deserve a response, Iran's foreign ministry said, adding that the ridiculous show and allegations were predictable as long as Benjamin Netanyahu was concerned.
Netanyahu 'crying wolf': Iran's FM IRNA 28 Sep 2018 -- Iran's foreign minister said the Israeli Prime Minister is 'crying wolf' and that the Zionist regime of Israel is not in a position to question other countries' peaceful nuclear programs.
Iran nuclear deal serves international community's interests: China FM Press TV 28 Sep 2018 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says the 2015 nuclear agreement Iran signed with major world powers is beneficial to the entire world and must be upheld.
Iran warning to US, Saudi, UAE: Don't cross our red lines Press TV 28 Sep 2018 -- A senior IRGC commander says Saudi Arabia and the UAE must await the Iranian nation's crushing response if they keep crossing the Islamic Republic's red lines.
Israel in no position to level nuclear accusation at Iran: Zarif Press TV 28 Sep 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his baseless claims against Iran at his UN speech, saying Tel Aviv is in no position to level such accusations against Tehran.
Russian Foreign Minister Lashes Out At U.S.; Vows To Preserve Iran Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 28 Sep 2018 -- Russia's foreign minister lashed out at the United States and the West more broadly, denouncing accusations that Moscow was interfering in other countries' affairs.
Rohani Claims Trump Bid To Isolate Tehran Backfired At UN RFE/RL 28 Sep 2018 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani has claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump failed to achieve the isolation of Iran that he sought at the United Nations, with the international community mostly ignoring his demands.
Iran's FM Refutes Netanyahu's Info About Secret Nuclear Warehouse in Tehran Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman refuted the statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a nuclear materials storage site in Tehran, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Iran's IRGC to Saudis, UAE: 'You're Not Invincible, Don't Cross Our Red Lines' Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- Tensions between Tehran and its Arab neighbors escalated this week after Iranian officials accused Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the United States and Israel, of being responsible for a deadly terror attack during a military parade in the southern Iranian city of Ahvaz last weekend.
Iran Slams Netanyahu: Israel Only State in Our Region With Secret Nuke Program Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- Tehran has dismissed Netanyahu's remarks, which he made during his speech at the UN General Assembly Thursday. In his speech, the Israeli prime minister claimed that Iran had a secret facility in Tehran, which it used to store large amounts of equipment and material for a secret nuclear weapons program.
Israel Accuses Iran Of Having 'Secret Atomic Warehouse' Near Tehran RFE/RL 28 Sep 2018 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran of having a secret atomic warehouse near Tehran in a UN speech that was dismissed as false by Iranian officials.
Israeli PM says Iran hiding radioactive material, equipment People's Daily 28 Sep 2018 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said that Iran has hidden "massive amounts of equipment and materiel," indicating that the country is eyeing nuclear weapon program.

At UN, China says it will not be 'blackmailed' or yield to trade pressure UN News 28 Sep 2018 -- International trade is "win-win by nature" and should not be a zero-sum game, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told world leaders at the United Nations today, saying that China "will not be blackmailed or yield to pressure."
China says will not give in to US 'blackmail' Press TV 28 Sep 2018 -- China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stated that his country would not surrender to mounting US pressure, assuring world nations that despite the tensions between Beijing and Washington there was "no cause for panic."

Russian Orthodox Church Threatens Break With Istanbul-Based Patriarchate RFE/RL 28 Sep 2018 -- The Russian Orthodox Church is threatening to sever ties with the leader of the worldwide Orthodox community if he grants autonomy to Ukraine's Orthodox Church.

Dutch Police Arrest 7 People Suspected of Major Terror Attack Plot Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- The Dutch police on Thursday arrested seven people on suspicion of plotting a major terrorist attack in the east of the country, the country's Public Prosecution Service said.

Honduras reaffirms ties with Taiwan CNA 28 Sep 2018 -- Marlon Tabora-Munoz, ambassador of Honduras to the United States, said Thursday his country will continue its strong and long relationship with Taiwan amid speculation that bilateral ties have become unstable.
Tuvalu, St. Vincent call for Taiwan's participation in U.N. CNA 28 Sep 2018 -- Two of Taiwan's diplomatic allies, Tuvalu and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on Thursday advocated for Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations system, during the General Debate session of the U.N. General Assembly.

On Ordered Departure at Consulate Basrah US Dept. of State 28 Sep 2018 -- Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo has made the determination to place Consulate Basrah on ordered departure.

On the Ministerial Meeting on Advancing Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace US Dept. of State 28 Sep 2018 -- Special Briefing by John J. Sullivan, Deputy Secretary of State; Robert Palladino, Deputy Spokesperson; Robert L. Strayer, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cyber and International Communications and Information Policy

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