07 March 2019 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
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Current Operations

U.S. Stops Reporting Civilian Deaths From Drone Strikes Outside War Zones RFE/RL 07 Mar 2019 -- President Donald Trump has revoked a policy requiring U.S. intelligence officials to report civilian deaths in drone strikes outside of war zones.
Trump cancels reporting deaths by US assassination drones Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- US President Donald Trump has canceled the Obama-era plicy of reporting deaths caused by US assassination drones.

US to Retain Residual Ground Forces in Syria, Details Being Developed – CENTCOM Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- The US continues to withdraw American forces from Syria while developing plans for a residual force intended to help locals battle an evolving guerrilla campaign by the Daesh*, the commander of CENTCOM told Congress on Thursday.

U.S. General: Current Conditions 'Don't Merit' Troop Withdrawal From Afghanistan RFE/RL 07 Mar 2019 -- U.S. Army General Joseph Votel, head of the U.S. Central Command, has said that the current political situation in Afghanistan and the status of negotiations with the Taliban currently under way "don't merit" a troop withdrawal, despite President Donald Trump's goal of a drawdown.
At Least Three Killed, Presidential Candidate, Bodyguards Injured In Kabul Mortar Attack RFE/RL 07 Mar 2019 -- An Afghan presidential candidate and eight bodyguards of a rival candidate have been injured by a barrage of mortars that exploded in western Kabul, near a ceremony honoring a prominent Shi'ite leader who was killed by the Taliban more than 20 years ago.
Multiple explosions rock western Kabul IRNA 07 Mar 2019 -- Multiple explosions rocked ceremonies commemorating the anniversary of martyrdom of Abdolali Mazari, leader and founder of Afghan Vahdat Islami Party.
Afghan chief executive, ex-president unharmed after rocket attack in Kabul Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- An event attended by Afghanistan's current chief executive and former president in the capital, Kabul, has been attacked with rockets, killing at least three people and injuring 22 others.
Afghan CEO, Karzai, Presidential Candidates Caught in Attack VOA 07 Mar 2019 -- Unidentified attackers fired mortars at a gathering in the Afghan capital, Kabul, attended by several presidential candidates, former president Hamid Karzai, and Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

Defense Policy / Programs

Army reveals plans to improve military housing to Congress Army News 07 Mar 2019 -- Army senior leaders introduced an action plan to lawmakers Thursday that outlines steps to remedy military housing issues.
South Carolina National Guard implements Southeastern Army Aviation Training Site Army News 07 Mar 2019 -- The South Carolina National Guard has implemented an aviation concept aimed at better preparing the state and region in aviation domestic operations and homeland defense, known as the Southeastern Army Aviation Training Site (SEAATS).
Will US Military Complete Planned Troop Cuts in Africa? VOA 07 Mar 2019 -- The commander of U.S. forces in Africa has cast doubt on whether the Pentagon will complete plans to cut forces in Africa by 10 percent as the Department of Defense announced late last year.
XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator completes inaugural flight US Air Force 07 Mar 2019 -- The XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator, a long-range, high subsonic unmanned air vehicle completed its inaugural flight March 5, 2019, at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The Air Force Research Laboratory partnered with Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems to develop the XQ-58A.

NATO Secretary General: Poland is a strong and committed Ally NATO 07 Mar 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg arrived in Poland on Thursday (7 March 2019) for talks with President Andrezj Duda and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. It is almost twenty years since Poland joined the Alliance.
NATO Chief Rules Out Nuclear Missile Deployment to Europe Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday ruled out deploying ground-based nuclear missiles to Europe, at a press conference in Warsaw, Poland.

Flushed With Pride? Russia Outfitting New Tank With A Toilet RFE/RL 07 Mar 2019 -- War is hell - but for Russian tank crews, it's about to get a bit more comfortable. The designer of a new battle tank that is under development says the latest plans for the armored vehicle include a built-in toilet for its three-person crew.
Su-27 Fighter Jet Scrambled to Intercept US Spy Plane Near Russian Airspace Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- A Russian Su-27 fighter jet was scrambled to identify and intercept an air target approaching the Russian airspace over the Baltic Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry said Thursday.
Russian fighter intercepts U.S. spy plane near Russian airspace: military People's Daily 07 Mar 2019 -- A Russian Su-27 fighter jet has intercepted a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft approaching the Russian airspace over the Baltic Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

US-South Korea military drills 'a violent violation': North Korea Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- North Korea has strongly denounced ongoing joint military exercises between South Korea and the US, saying the drills pose an "all-out challenge" to efforts towards peace on the Korean peninsula.
US and S Korean Activity 'Flagrant Violation' of Declarations - N Korean Media Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- This week's joint drills by US and South Korea are a blatant violation of deals reached at the North's summits with their leaders, the North Korean state media KCNA said Thursday.

New aircraft 'to gather intel in S.China Sea' Global Times 07 Mar 2019 -- China has reportedly developed a new type of electronic warfare aircraft with extra antenna installations.

India, Russia Ink $3.3 Billion Deal for Third Russian Nuclear Submarine - Source Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- The deal, worth around $3.3 billion, is the biggest deal since October 2018, when the two countries signed a $5.43 billion deal for five units of S-400 air missile defence systems.
Defiant Indian Media Outlet Justifies Publishing Rafale Papers - Reports Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- India's Supreme Court is hearing a case on the multi-billion dollar Rafale fighter jet purchase deal; the current government has been accused of corruption and bypassing established procedures. An Indian newspaper had published reports incriminating the government, based on leaked classified documents which the government has said were 'stolen'.

Taiwan open to all fighter jet options: MND (update) CNA 07 Mar 2019 -- Taiwan is open to all possible fighter jet options as long as they help beef up the nation's air defense capabilities, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Thursday in response to media reports that it last week asked the U.S. to sell the country 66 F-16Vs.

Department Press Briefing - March 7, 2019 US Dept. of State 07 Mar 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts for March 7, 2019

Other Conflicts

7 March 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Mar 2019

Admiral Accuses Beijing of Militarising S China Sea After US Naval Encroachment Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- In February, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed dissatisfaction with US vessels entering waters near the Spratly Islands, an archipelago in the South China Sea that Beijing continues to regard as its "indisputable sovereignty", without authorisation.

US, UK bombs caused 1,000 civilian casualties in Yemen: Report Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- A US-based human rights group has revealed that British and American have killed and maimed nearly 1,000 civilians, including over 120 children, in the Saudi war in Yemen, a new report has revealed.

Syria rejects OPCW report on Douma chlorine attack as 'distortion of facts' Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- The Syrian government says it "categorically rejects" a report by the global chemical weapons watchdog that banned weapons were used in a Damascus suburb last year, accusing the West of fabricating lies through its mercenaries in the Arab country.
Damascus Accuses OPCW of Distorting Facts in Report on Douma Chemical Attack Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- Syrian Foreign Ministry said Thursday that the latest report by the OPCW on the alleged chemical attack in the Syrian city of Douma distorts the facts and was prepared by non-professional and biased experts who ignored the possession of chemical weapons by terrorists.
Release of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission Report on Investigation Into Chemical Weapons Use in Douma, Syria, on 7 April 2018 US Dept. of State 07 Mar 2019 -- The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) released its final report on March 1, 2019, regarding its investigation into chemical weapons use in Douma, Syria, on April 7, 2018.
Russia, Syria urge Jordan to admit refugees from Syria's Rukban camp Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- The Russian and Syrian coordination centers on returning refugees have urged Jordan to open its border to displaced Syrians, who have been stranded in a camp near the frontier with the country.
Freed SDF Fighters Speak of Last Days in IS Captivity VOA 07 Mar 2019 -- U.S.-backed forces fighting Islamic State (IS) in Syria said they have rescued three of their fighters who had been detained by the militant group in its last stronghold in eastern Syria.
IS Baghuz Exit Is 'Calculated Decision,' US Commander Warns VOA 07 Mar 2019 -- Hundreds more men, women and children trudged out of the last corner of the Islamic State's self-declared caliphate in Syria on Thursday, increasingly defiant that the terror group's defeat was imminent.

Iraq captures high-ranking Daesh cmdr. over 2014 Camp Speicher massacre Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- Iraqi government forces have arrested a high-ranking commander of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group wanted for the June 2014 massacre of hundreds of military soldiers at an air force camp in the country's central city of Tikrit.

India extends detention of two separatist leaders amid tensions in Kashmir Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- Indian authorities have extended the detention of two separatist leaders arrested days after a car bomb killed dozens of paramilitary troops in the disputed Kashmir.
2 Dead, 30 Injured in Grenade Attack in Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- A local police official told media that the injured people were rushed to hospital and a search is underway to find the perpetrator of the attack. Army and local police have cordoned off the site of the attack, which took place near a bus stop.
Pakistan Not Aware of Any Deal Barring Use of F-16 Jets Against India - Def Min Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- India has insisted that the dogfight that took place between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Pakistan involved a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet, which it claims is a violation of the US-Pak warplane purchase agreement.
Pakistan Changes Story on Jaish-e-Mohammed Militant Group Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- Contradicting earlier official statements on the whereabouts of the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Pakistan's military spokesman now claims that the group does not exist in the country. However, former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf, in an interview on Wednesday, alleged that JeM had attempted to assassinate him twice.
Pakistan Seizes 400 Facilities Run by Banned Extremist Groups VOA 07 Mar 2019 -- Authorities in Pakistan said Thursday that a nationwide counter-extremism effort has brought under government control 216 religious seminaries and educational institutions run by outlawed Islamist groups.
Pakistan takes control of religious schools in continued crackdown Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- The Pakistani government has taken control of more than 180 purported religious schools as part of a crackdown on militant organizations operating in the country.

Joint UN, OSCE engagement can address crisis in Ukraine, other 'dark spots of conflict' in Europe UN News 07 Mar 2019 -- What is happening in and around Ukraine is "unacceptable, the Chairperson-in-Office for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) told the United Nations Security Council on Thursday.
Deputized As Election Monitors, Ukrainian Ultranationalists 'Ready To Punch' Violators RFE/RL 07 Mar 2019 -- They patrol the streets of the Ukrainian capital in matching urban camouflage and march in lockstep through Kyiv with torches.

Israeli Military Says Used Missile Defences After Rocket Launch From Gaza Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- The Israeli military registered a rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on the southern areas of Israel and activated its missile defences after it, the press service of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has said.
Israeli Tank Hits Hamas Position in Response to Shelling From Gaza Strip - IDF Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- An Israeli tank struck on Thursday a post belonging to Hamas in the Gaza Strip in response to shelling against Israel from the territory of the enclave, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) press service said.

Powerful car bomb explosion hits Somali capital, leaves four dead Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- A deadly car bomb explosion claimed by al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab militants has hit near the presidential palace in Somalia's capital, security officials and witnesses say.
Mogadishu Car Bomb Blast Kills 5 VOA 07 Mar 2019 -- At least five people were killed and nine others injured Thursday in a car bomb blast outside a restaurant in Mogadishu, near Somalia's presidential palace.

South Sudan's New Government Likely Won't Be Formed by Deadline VOA 07 Mar 2019 -- Officials in South Sudan say obstacles in setting up and training a unified army will likely delay formation of a planned transitional unity government.

News Reports

What Impact Do Oil Sanctions Have on Venezuela? VOA 07 Mar 2019 -- Almost all of Venezuela's revenues come from the sale of oil, and the United States is the biggest importer of Venezuelan crude.
US Doesn't Plan to Military Intervene Venezuela - Abrams Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- US Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abrams announced that Washington did not have plans of military intervention to Venezuela.

Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, March 7, 2019 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 07 Mar 2019
Russian MPs Approve Bills Restricting Online Criticism of Kremlin VOA 07 Mar 2019 -- The lower house of Russia's parliament has passed two bills that restrict online criticism of the government and authorizes the imposition of jail sentences or fines on those who publish erroneous information about the authorities.
Russian Duma Passes Bills Banning 'Fake News' And 'Insults' RFE/RL 07 Mar 2019 -- Russia's State Duma has approved legislation that would block websites that publish what the authorities deem to be "fake news" and penalizing websites that "insult" authorities, state symbols, and what the legislation vaguely describes as Russian "society."
Russian Lower House Outlaws Spreading of Fake News, Insulting of State Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- The Russian lower house passed on Thursday a law prohibiting the dissemination of fake information.
US Doubts Russia to Succeed in Creating Sovereign Internet - NSA Chief Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- The United State doubts that Russia will be able to create a sovereign internet because its citizens will be anxious to access apps and tools, US National Security Agency (NSA) Director Gen. Paul Nakasone said during a cyber conference in San Francisco.
Six Steps Russia Is Taking Toward Restricting Its Internet RFE/RL 07 Mar 2019 -- The Russian State Duma on March 7 passed twin bills to stop the spread of "fake news" as well as information that "disrespects" Russia's government, its symbols, and society.

Moon Seeks to Bring Trump, Kim Back to Table VOA 07 Mar 2019 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in says he's ready to step in and be the mediator between the United States and North Korea after the two nations failed to reach an agreement in Hanoi last week. However, it remains to be seen what the South Korean leader can do to move U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un closer to a deal both sides can be happy with.

Ayatollah Khamenei appoints Iran's new Judiciary chief Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has appointed veteran judicial official, Hojjatoleslam Ebrahim Raeisi, as new head of Iran's Judiciary.
India says seeks US waiver to maintain current oil import from Iran Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- India has said that it plans to maintain Iran oil import at the current level and is negotiating with the US to secure an extended exemption from US sanctions targeting Iran's energy sector.
Rouhani hails Iran as one of key decision makers for regional security Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani hails Iran's successful role in efforts to restore peace and security to the Middle East, saying the county has now turned into a key decision maker for regional security.
Iran, Iraq reaffirm resolve to bolster neighborly ties Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- Iraq's top parliamentarian holds talks with high-ranking Iranian officials on a wide range of issues, including ways to bolster bilateral relations, uproot terrorism and strengthen regional peace.
'Serious Rights Violator' Appointed Head Of Iran's Judiciary RFE/RL 07 Mar 2019 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has appointed a controversial hard-line cleric accused of gross human rights violations as head of the country's influential Judiciary.
Netanyahu Threatens to Deploy Israeli Navy to Enforce US Oil Sanctions on Iran Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- Earlier, despite threats to bring Tehran's crude oil exports down "to zero," Washington granted 'temporary waivers' on Iranian oil to major importers including China, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Greece, and Turkey, as well as Taiwan. Unless they are renewed, these waivers may expire in May.

China's Huawei sues US over ban on products Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- Chinese telecom giant Huawei has filed a lawsuit against a United States law that bans American government agencies from purchasing the Chinese company's equipment, calling the ban unconstitutional.
China's Huawei Sues US Government Over Ban VOA 07 Mar 2019 -- Chinese tech giant Huawei has sued the U.S. government, arguing that legislation Congress passed last year restricting its business in the United States is "unconstitutional."

China's Largest Solid-Fuel Carrier Rocket Scheduled For Maiden Launch in 2019 People's Daily 07 Mar 2019 -- Chinese legislators have urged the country to formulate its own space law to boost the development of commercial space sector and pay more attention to the outflow of talents.
China's lunar rover studies stones on moon's far side People's Daily 07 Mar 2019 -- China's lunar rover has conducted scientific detection on some stones on the far side of the moon, which might help scientists find out whether they are from outer space or native to the moon.

36 nations, including Europeans, rap Saudi Arabia for 1st time at UN rights body Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- As many as 36 countries, including all 28 members of the European Union, have taken Saudi Arabia to task for the first time at the United Nations Human Rights Council over Riyadh's glaring rights violations.

Ebola Epidemic in DRC Out of Control as Death Toll Rises – MSF Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has gotten out of control, as the death toll continues to escalate and it is still unclear how some of the people got the disease, according to Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) charity.

Lienchiang Cross-Strait Matters Forum focuses on sea transportation CNA 07 Mar 2019 -- The Lienchiang, Mainland-Lienchiang, Matsu Cross-Strait Matters Forum was held in Matsu on Tuesday to discuss issues of interest to both sides, particularly sea transportation.

EU gives UK 48 hours to come up with Brexit solution Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- The European Union has given Britain until Friday to table a workable solution to the Irish border dilemma if they want a breakthrough in stalled Brexit talks before the March 29 deadline.

Bouteflika warns of 'chaos' as protests continue against his candidacy Press TV 07 Mar 2019 -- Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who is facing protests against his bid for a fifth term in office, has called for vigilance, saying foreign or domestic groups may seek to stoke chaos in the North African country.
Algeria's Bouteflika Warns of 'Chaos' as Protests Challenge His Re-Election Bid Sputnik 07 Mar 2019 -- A group of lawyers has unsuccessfully attempted to prevent 82-year-old President Abdelaziz Bouteflika from standing for re-election for a fifth consecutive term. His decision to run in the April election caused the biggest protests seen in the country since 2011.

Controversial Romanian Agency Again Summons Front-Runner For EU Prosecutor RFE/RL 07 Mar 2019 -- A controversial Romanian investigative agency has summoned the country's former chief anticorruption prosecutor, a front-runner in the race to lead the newly formed EU antifraud office, for a second hearing in less than a month.

Russia's MTS To Pay $850 Million To Settle Uzbek Bribery Case RFE/RL 07 Mar 2019 -- Russia's largest cell provider, MTS, will pay $850 million to settle a bribery and corruption case tied to the daughter of Uzbekistan's late president.

Thai Court Bans Opposition Party for Nominating Princess to be PM VOA 07 Mar 2019 -- A top court in Thailand has ordered the termination of a major opposition party because of its nomination of the king's sister as a candidate for prime minister just over two weeks before the March 24 election.

Mozambique's Former Finance Minister Indicted Alongside Other Former Mozambican Officials, Business Executives, and Investment Bankers in Alleged $2 Billion Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme that Victimized U.S. Investors US Dept. of Justice 07 Mar 2019 -- More Than $200 Million in Alleged Bribes and Kickbacks Paid to Mozambican Government Officials and Investment Bankers in Corrupt Maritime Loans for Mozambique

The Rise of South Africa's Third Party VOA 07 Mar 2019 -- This dusty South African mining town is perhaps best known for its darkest day: the 2012 police shooting of 34 striking mineworkers.

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