10 January 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

Pompeo: US Troops to Withdraw From Syria, Continue Anti-Daesh Fight Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- On 19 December, US President Donald Trump announced victory over Daesh in Syria, adding that the fight against the terrorist group was the only reason the United States remained in Syria.
U.S. Troop Withdrawal From Syria Will Happen, Pompeo Says RFE/RL 10 Jan 2019 -- Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that the U.S. troop withdrawal from Syria announced by President Donald Trump last month will go ahead despite widespread criticism.
Pompeo Pledges Continued Islamic State Fight After US Troop Withdrawal VOA 10 Jan 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday that although the United States is withdrawing its forces from Syria, it remains committed to fighting Islamic State militants and preventing the group from growing.
Pompeo vows US will withdraw troops from Syria Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has vowed that President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw American troops from Syria will go ahead despite criticism from some US and Arab officials.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 10 Jan 2019 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Syria.

Dozens killed as Taliban attack troops in four provinces Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- Taliban militants have killed at least 32 members of security forces and pro-government militias during a series of coordinated attacks on checkpoints in four Afghan provinces.

Defense Policy / Programs

Air Force accepts KC-46A AFNS 10 Jan 2019 -- The Air Force accepted the first KC-46A Pegasus tanker from The Boeing Company Jan. 10.
B-2 bombers deploy to Hawaii PACAF 10 Jan 2019 -- Three B-2 Spirit bombers and more than 200 Airmen, from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, deployed, here in support of U.S. Strategic Command's (USSTRATCOM) Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission, Jan. 10, 2019.
U.S.-Japan Alliance Remains Cornerstone of Peace in Asia, Commander Says AFPS 10 Jan 2019 -- The U.S.-Japan alliance remains the cornerstone for peace and stability in Asia even as it has adapted to changing threats, the commander of U.S. Forces Japan said during a news conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo yesterday.
Amphibious Warfare Tactics Instructors Come Together for first Re-Blue Event NNS 10 Jan 2019 -- Graduates of the Amphibious Warfare (AMW) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI) program participated in the inaugural AMW WTI re-blue event at the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center's (SMWDC) AMW Division on board Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., from Jan. 8-10.
NMCB-3 Seabees Deploy to Support Ongoing Tinian Recovery Efforts NNS 10 Jan 2019 -- Sixty Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 deployed to Tinian to assume charge of ongoing Tinian Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) relief efforts on the island from NMCB-1 during a relief in place/transfer of authority ceremony, Jan. 9.
SWRMC Completes Local ASTM G-67 Testing NNS 10 Jan 2019 -- Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) successfully completed the first aluminum alloy degradation (ASTM G-67) test on Jan. 4, after receiving authorization to perform the testing locally in August.
Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Visits FDNF Ships in Sasebo NNS 10 Jan 2019 -- Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visited Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan to meet with forward deployed naval forces and to hear directly from Sailors and leaders under his command, Jan. 9.

Russian Military Base May Appear in CAR - Defence Minister Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- A Russian military base may appear in the Central African Republic, the framework agreement envisions such a possibility, but the issue has not been discussed so far, CAR Defense Minister Marie-Noelle Koyara said in an interview with Sputnik.

Additional overseas PLA bases 'possible' People's Daily 10 Jan 2019 -- China will consider setting up new overseas support bases for its military if there are such needs, a senior People's Liberation Army strategist said on Wednesday.
China launches preparation for 2019 conscription campaign People's Daily 10 Jan 2019 -- The Conscription Office of the Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China recently released the Notice on Advancing the Preparation for the 2019 Conscription Campaign, setting up instructions for the enlistment campaign this year.
China's military major force in maintaining world peace, stability: expert People's Daily 10 Jan 2019 -- The Chinese military is an important force in maintaining the world's peace and stability, a military expert said on Wednesday.
China Deploys 'Ship-Killer' Missiles in Wake of US Ship's South China Sea Tour Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- Earlier this week, a US guided-missile destroyer conducted a "freedom of navigation" mission in the Paracel/Xisha Islands, which Beijing said amounted to trespassing in China's territorial waters.

Defence Secretary sets sights on next century of British air power UK MOD 10 Jan 2019 -- Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson sets sights on next century of British air power as major fighter jet milestones are reached
UK defense chief says F-35 jets are 'ready for operations' Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- British Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson has officially announced that the costly US-made F-35 stealth fighter jets are "combat ready" and will soon be deployed on operations.
Britain 'Combat Ready' With New Supersonic Jet Amid "Resurgent Russian Threat" Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson is visiting the home to the F-35B Lightning and Tornado jets since the 1970s in Norfolk, England to announce the readiness of F-35s to launch combat missions.

India will receive S-400 systems without delay: Russia Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- Russia says India will receive "without any delays" the advanced Russian-built S-400 air defense missile systems under a contract signed between Moscow and New Delhi some four months ago.
Indian Navy Tests Indigenous Air-Droppable Containers for Logistics Support Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- The containers, domestically developed by the country's defence research body, could drastically improve ships' deployment duration on missions.
'We Cannot Accept it': Ban on Gay Sex in Indian Army to Remain in Place - Chief Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- Despite India's apex court striking down a colonial-era law that criminalised homosexuality, the Indian Army says it strives to maintain its conservative approach in terms of not allowing gay sex in the ranks of its forces.

Iran's Army Air Force begins annual military maneuvers in Isfahan Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has launched two days of military exercises, involving bombers, drones and missiles, with the aim of testing its capabilities in protecting the country's airspace against possible enemy threats.

US, Lockheed Kill Croatia's F-16 Deal With Israel Sputnik 11 Jan 2019 -- Croatia and Israel cancelled a deal for a dozen used Israeli F-16 aircraft on Thursday over issues about who would pay to uninstall Lockheed Martin's intellectual property on the aircraft – concerns voiced by the Trump administration.

Turkey Stands By Deal To Buy Russian Missiles, Attack Kurds In Syria RFE/RL 10 Jan 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says Turkey may buy U.S. Patriot missile systems if conditions are right, but insists such a deal would be impossible if Washington forces Ankara to cancel its agreement to purchase S-400 antiaircraft missiles from Russia.
Turkey Refuses to Cancel S-400 Purchase as Precondition for US Patriot Deal Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- Turkey is ready to consider US proposal on deliveries of Patriot air defense systems, but refuses to abandon the S-400 deal with Russia as a potential precondition for the Ankara-Washington agreement, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday.

Poland, Ukraine Consider Creating Joint Air Defence System - Report Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- The anti-aircraft system is expected to be equipped with a modernised version of the Soviet-made Vympel R-27 air-to-air guided missile, and production of the system is due to begin in Poland before the end of 2020.

Remarks to the Press US Dept. of State 10 Jan 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Remarks at the Al Fattah Al Alim Mosque US Dept. of State 10 Jan 2019 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Press Availability With Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry US Dept. of State 10 Jan 2019 -- Press Availability by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Pompeo Calls for New Spirit of Cooperation Between US, Arab Allies VOA 10 Jan 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with Egyptian leaders Thursday on the third stop of his nine-nation tour of the Middle East. The top U.S. diplomat said his country was pulling out of Syria, but remained steadfast in its determination to fight terrorism. In a speech at the American University in Cairo, he maintained that the U.S. was a "force of good in the region," and "never set out to occupy anyone," unlike Iran. He urged America's Arab allies, however, to shoulder more responsibility in the fight against terrorism.
Pompeo Repudiates Obama's Middle East Vision VOA 10 Jan 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a sharp rebuke of former President Barack Obama's policies in the Middle East as he outlined the Trump administration's vision for the region.
A Force for Good: America Reinvigorated in the Middle East US Dept. of State 10 Jan 2019-- Speech by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 10 Jan 2019

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for January 09, 2019
U.S. Air Force Accepts First Boeing KC-46A Pegasus Tanker Aircraft Boeing 10 Jan 2019 -- The U.S. Air Force has accepted the first Boeing [NYSE: BA] KC-46A Pegasus tanker aircraft, setting the stage for the aircraft's delivery to McConnell Air Force Base, in Wichita, Kan., in the coming weeks.

Other Conflicts

10 January 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 10 Jan 2019

Drone Attack on Military Parade Kills at Least 6 Yemeni Soldiers - Source Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- The Macedonian parliament's crucial debate on the country's name change was delayed until January 11, as Prime Minister Zoran Zaev scrambled to secure the required majority.
New combat drone used in airstrike against Saudi mercenaries: Yemeni Army Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- The spokesman for Yemeni Armed Forces says army troopers and allied fighters from Popular Committees made use of a new domestically-developed combat drone in their air raid against Saudi-backed militiamen loyal to former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi at an air base in the country's southwestern province of Lahij.
Several Saudi-backed militants killed in Yemen's retaliatory drone raid Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- Yemeni armed forces, led by the Houthi Ansarullah movement, have launched a retaliatory drone attack against a gathering of Saudi-backed militants loyal to the ex-regime in the country's southern province of Lahej, killing several of them.

Turkey will start offensive in Syria if US troop pullout stalled: Cavusoglu Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says his country will launch an offensive against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria, in case the United States delays the planned withdrawal of its troops from the war-torn Arab country.
Five British soldiers killed in Daesh rocket attack in Dayr al-Zawr: Report Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- Syrian media say at least five British soldiers have been killed in a rocket attack by Takfiri Daesh terrorists in Syria's troubled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
Pompeo: U.S. Wants 'Every Last Iranian Boot' Out Of Syria RFE/RL 10 Jan 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is seeking to "expel every last Iranian boot" from Syria despite Washington's decision to withdraw troops from the war-ravaged country.
France Reveals Terms of Its Withdrawal From Syria Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- The statement comes a few weeks after the White House announced that the US had begun removing its forces from Syria, but stressed that it did not mean the end of the US-led international coalition's fight against Daesh* terrorists in the Arab country.
Storms and snow in Lebanon worsen plight for Syrian refugees UN News 10 Jan 2019 -- Storm-force winds and snow across Lebanon have worsened the plight for tens of thousands of Syrian refugees who've been forced from their homes by nearly eight years of conflict, a top UN humanitarian official said on Thursday.
UN Warns Against Mass Return of Syrian Refugees From Lebanon VOA 10 Jan 2019 -- The United Nations says conditions are not right for the safe, orderly return of large groups of refugees from Lebanon to the homes they fled in Syria, although fighting in that war-torn country has largely subsided.
Putin, Merkel Agree To Coordinate Syria Peace Efforts Amid U.S. Troop Pullout RFE/RL 10 Jan 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed in a telephone call to coordinate efforts to work toward peace in Syria, the Kremlin says.

Iraqi special forces deployed in Kirkuk after Kurdish flag raising triggered tensions Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- Iraqi Special Operations Forces have been deployed in the Arab country's Kirkuk after the flag of Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) was raised over a political party headquarters, which revived tensions more than a year after Baghdad seized the disputed northern city from the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters.

Over 30,000 flee Boko Haram violence in northern Nigeria: UN Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- The United Nations (UN) has warned about growing violence by Boko Haram militants in northeastern Nigeria, saying tens of thousands of people – mostly women and children –have fled their homes in the conflict-ridden area over the past weeks.

Russia Expresses Anger Over Japanese Comments On Disputed Pacific Island Chain RFE/RL 10 Jan 2019 -- Russia has summoned the Japanese ambassador and accused Tokyo of deliberately ramping up tensions ahead of a planned visit by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for talks with President Vladimir Putin on formally ending World War II hostilities.
Tokyo to Continue Peace Treaty Talks With Moscow on Principle Position Basis Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- Tokyo to continue holding talks on the peace treaty with Moscow, seeking to put into effect its position that envisions the conclusion of the deal after the settlement of the territorial dispute between the two countries, a spokesperson of the Japanese Foreign Ministry told Sputnik on Thursday.

More attacks, 'persisting security challenges' threaten progress in West Africa, Sahel UN News 10 Jan 2019 -- A rising number of attacks by extremist groups, using more sophisticated tactics, risk undermining progress in West Africa and the Sahel, the region's UN envoy told the Security Council on Thursday.

'Everyone must be on board' for peace in Central African Republic: UN's Lacroix UN News 10 Jan 2019 -- The agreement by the Government and armed groups in the Central African Republic to hold talks later this month (CAR) is "an important step to resolve the country's crisis", said the UN peacekeeping chief, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, on Thursday.

News Reports

Felix Tshisekedi Declared Winner in DRC Election VOA 10 Jan 2019 -- After several days of intense speculation on the outcome of the DRC's presidential elections, the country's election board, CENI, proclaimed Felix Tshisekedi the winner.
Western Powers Voice Skepticism, Concern Over DRC Election Results VOA 10 Jan 2019 -- Western skepticism is growing over the Democratic Republic of Congo's announced presidential election results, with France bluntly calling them inconsistent with other findings, and former colonial power Belgium planning to raise the matter at the United Nations Security Council on Friday.
'Refrain from violence' UN chief urges, as presidential election result is announced in DR Congo UN News 10 Jan 2019 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed for all parties to "refrain from violence" in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following the announcement of the provisional results of the long-delayed presidential election.
Protests, Anger Predicted After Congo Names Surprise Election Winner VOA 10 Jan 2019 -- Election officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have sparked surprise and outrage by naming opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi the winner of the nation's presidential election, after counting delays and a poll marred by irregularities, rampant suspicions and chaos.
DR Congo Opposition Leader Cries Foul After Tshisekedi Declared Winner VOA 10 Jan 2019 -- The runner-up of the Democratic Republic of Congo's presidential election is dismissing the official results showing Felix Tshisekedi winning the Dec. 30 vote as a sham.

Statement by Secretary Mnuchin on Congressional Briefing on Russia Sanctions US Treasury 10 Jan 2019 -- U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin issued the following statement today in advance of a bipartisan, classified briefing for Members of the House of Representatives on the sanctions against Russian oligarch and Specially Designated National Oleg Deripaska and three companies he controlled at the time sanctions were imposed, En+ Group PLC (En+), United Company RUSAL PLC (Rusal), and EuroSibEnergo (ESE)
US to Lift Sanctions Against 3 Russian Companies VOA 10 Jan 2019 -- Three Russian companies have cut ties to a sanctioned oligarch and will no longer be under U.S. sanctions themselves, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday.

Indian Army Nabs Suspected Spy for Passing On Crucial Military Intel to Pakistan Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- Nirmal Rai, the alleged spy, earlier worked in Dubai where he came into contact with a Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) operative who advised him to work as a porter for the Indian Army to spy on the force, according to media reports.

Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Returns Home KCNA 10 Jan 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, returned home after successfully wrapping up his historic China visit.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Visits China KCNA 10 Jan 2019 -- Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the State Affairs Commission (SAC) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), visited the People's Republic of China (PRC) from January 7 to 10, Juche 108 (2019) at the invitation of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and president of the PRC.
Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un hold talks, reaching important consensus People's Daily 10 Jan 2019 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chinese president, on Tuesday held talks with Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), who arrived in Beijing on the same day for a visit to China.
Second Trump-Kim summit imminent: South Korea's Moon Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in says he thinks a second meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is "imminent."
China, North Korea laud Kim's visit to Beijing Global Times 10 Jan 2019 -- Beijing and Pyongyang on Thursday hailed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's visit to China as a significant trip to make "new contributions" to the bilateral ties that opened a new chapter in 2018.
N Korean leader 'concerned' about impasse in denuclearization talks with US Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un says he is "concerned" about what he calls a "deadlock" in denuclearization negotiations with the United States, whose president is to meet him in the near future.
Xi Hopes North Korea, US 'Meet Each Other Half-Way' - Reports Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping told North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who is visiting his country, that he hopes North Korea and the US will "meet each other halfway" in their next round of negotiations, Xinhua reported Thursday.
Chinese, North Korean Leaders Agree to Continue Strengthening Bilateral Ties Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed to continue developing bilateral relations and contributing to regional prosperity, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
South Korea's Moon Says Next DPRK Leader Kim's Visit to Seoul to Happen Soon Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- South Korean president Moon Jae-in announced on Thursday that he second US-North Korea summit as well as DPRK leader Kim Jong-un's visit to Seoul would take place "soon".

Iranian Leader Vows To Launch Satellites, Defying U.S. Warnings RFE/RL 10 Jan 2019 -- Iran soon will put two satellites into orbit using domestically made rockets, President Hassan Rohani has said, despite U.S. concerns that the launches could help further develop the country's ballistic missiles.
Iran-made rockets will take new satellites into orbit in coming weeks: Rouhani Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says domestically-manufactured rockets will carry two new satellites into orbit "in the coming weeks."
Zarif scolds Pompeo: Wherever US goes, chaos follows Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has countered US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's claims that "when America retreats, chaos often follows," saying actually the opposite is true.
Iran's Zangeneh tells countries not to comply with US sanctions Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- Iran's Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zanganeh says US sanctions against Tehran are "fully illegal," calling on countries during a visit to Baghdad not to comply with them.

China Says Trade Talks are Making Progress VOA 10 Jan 2019 -- China's Commerce Ministry says that the United States and Beijing made progress in discussions about structural issues such as forced technology transfers and intellectual property rights during trade talks this week. But the lack of details from both sides following the meetings highlights the uncertainty that remains, analysts say.

U.S. tells China to stop coercion, resume dialogue with Taiwan CNA 10 Jan 2019 -- The United States has made it clear to China it should stop coercion and resume dialogue with Taiwan, the de facto U.S. embassy in Taiwan said Thursday, after Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) recently reasserted China's right to use force against Taiwan.
Xi's recent address on Taiwan changes status quo: U.S. senator CNA 10 Jan 2019 -- U.S. Senator Cory Gardner said Wednesday that Chinese President Xi Jinping's (習近平) recent speech on Taiwan changes the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and is a warning to the United States.

Roscosmos Introduces $15Bln Cap on Building Yenisei Super-Heavy Rocket - Source Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- The leadership of Russian space agency Roscosmos has introduced a limit of 1 trillion rubles (approximately $15 billion) for the project of building the first specimen of the super-heavy Yenisei rocket, a source in the aerospace industry told Sputnik.

Belarusian Leader Warns Russia Over Energy Dispute RFE/RL 10 Jan 2019 -- Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has warned Russia that it could lose its ally if Moscow fails to offer Minsk compensation for higher oil prices.

In crushing blow to May's Brexit plan, Parliament allows alternative scenarios Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- The British parliament has approved a crucial amendment to Prime Minister Theresa May's deal to take the country out of the European Union (EU), allowing MPs to come up with their own alternative plans.

Declaration of Ukrainian Autocephaly US Dept. of State 10 Jan 2019 -- "The January 6th announcement of autocephaly for an independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine marks a historic achievement as Ukraine seeks to chart its own future. On this momentous occasion, the United States reiterates its unwavering support for a sovereign, independent Ukraine."

Nicolas Maduro sworn in for 2nd term as Venezuelan president amid intl. criticism Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in for a second term in office amid regional and international criticism that his presidency is "illegitimate" due to last year's disputed vote, which faced irregularities claims as well as an opposition boycott.
Actions Against Venezuela's Corrupt Regime US Dept. of State 10 Jan 2019 -- Press Statement by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

Parliament Debate On Macedonia Name Change Delayed Until January 11 RFE/RL 10 Jan 2019 -- The Macedonian parliament's crucial debate on the country's name change was delayed until January 11, as Prime Minister Zoran Zaev scrambled to secure the required majority.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list