18 March 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

US to keep 1,000 troops in Syria despite Trump's full withdrawal plan: Report Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- The US plans to keep about 1,000 troops in Syria, despite an earlier announcement by President Donald Trump to completely withdraw them from the Arab country, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

22 Afghan forces killed in Taliban attack IRNA 18 Mar 2019 -- At least 22 Afghan forces were killed in an attack attributed to the Taliban terrorist group, a local official said Monday.

Defense Policy / Programs

FY 20 Military Intelligence Top-Line Budget DoD 18 Mar 2019 -- The Department of Defense released today the Military Intelligence Program top-line budget request for Fiscal Year 2020. The total, which includes both the base budget and Overseas Contingency Operations funding, is $22.95 billion and is aligned to support the national defense strategy.
Readout of Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan's Meeting with French Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly DoD 18 Mar 2019
Media Availability with Acting Secretary Shanahan Prior to an Enhanced Honor Cordon Welcoming French Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly DoD 18 Mar 2019
Shanahan, French Counterpart Discuss Syria, Iraq During Pentagon Meeting DoD News 18 Mar 2019 -- Acting Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan welcomed French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly to the Pentagon today for talks centering on activities in the Middle East.
USS Chief Arrives in Manila NNS 18 Mar 2019 -- The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Chief (MCM 14) arrived in Manila, Philippines, March 17, for a port visit.
Pacific Partnership 2019 Introduces Enroute Medical Care Helicopter Exercise NNS 18 Mar 2019 -- Pacific Partnership personnel partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine emergency responders to train in enroute medical care helicopter operations in Tacloban, March 16.
Pacific Partnership 2019 Participates in Community Health Engagement in Tacloban NNS 18 Mar 2019 -- U.S. servicemembers, Philippine servicemembers and Tacloban city health care professionals working collaboratively as part of Pacific Partnership 2019 hosted a community health engagement at Tigbao Diit Elementary School to provide medical services and education to the local community, March 15.
SECNAV Names Future Destroyer in Honor of US Navy Medal of Honor Recipient NNS 18 Mar 2019 -- Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer has named a future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, DDG 130, in honor of Medal of Honor recipient, Hospital Corpsman Master Chief William Charette.
NECC Digs into Exercise Pacific Blitz 2019 NNS 18 Mar 2019 -- Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) forces began participation in the joint Exercise Pacific Blitz 2019 (PacBlitz19), March 12.
Truman Gets Back to Sea NNS 18 Mar 2019 -- The Nimitz Class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) departed Naval Station Norfolk, March 16, following a three-month availability period used to upgrade systems, conduct maintenance, and provide targeted training.
The Joint Tactical Networking Center Hosts Industry Day to Showcase the Tactical Communications Marketplace NNS 18 Mar 2019 -- The Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC), in collaboration with Department of Defense (DoD) Service Labs and test agencies, hosted an Industry Day in Aberdeen, Maryland, March 6 to demonstrate the capabilities and functionality of the Tactical Communications Marketplace (TCM) application and Capability Characterization initiative.
F-35 multilateral conference sets stage for operational integration in Indo-Pacific US Air Force 18 Mar 2019 -- F-35 Lightning II subject matter experts from the United States, Australia, Japan and South Korea met to improve 4th and 5th generation aircraft theater interoperability during the second Pacific F-35 User Group Conference at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, March 12 -14.

US Not Seeking to Build Military Base, Station Troops in Slovakia - Ambassador Sputnik 18 Mar 2019 -- The United States, which is now negotiating a defense cooperation agreement with Slovakia, has no intention to build a US military base in the central European nation or permanently station its troops there, US Ambassador in Bratislava Adam Sterling said on Monday.

Fort Trump Could Be Traded for Additional US Troop Deployment in Poland– Report Sputnik 18 Mar 2019 -- Despite Polish politicians repeatedly confirming the construction of a new military base at the country's own expense, Washington has been cautious in making promises and so far has only been considering taking up Warsaw's offer to deploy troops.

NATO Alliance Marking 70 Years, Looks to Counter Threats DoD News 18 Mar 2019 -- As NATO prepares to mark its 70th anniversary, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance may have changed many times, but it has not compromised its foundational principle: the commitment of its member nations to protect and defend one another.
Secretary General praises NATO's Open Door policy at enlargement anniversary event NATO 18 Mar 2019 -- NATO's Open Door policy extends our shared area of peace and stability and enriches our Alliance with new voices, new experiences, and new capabilities, said Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. He delivered a keynote speech today (18 March) at a German Marshall Fund (GMF) event titled "NATO at seventy – post-Cold War enlargement and the future of Transatlantic security".

Russia to deploy nuclear-capable bombers in Crimea Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- Russia has announced plans to deploy nuclear-capable strategic bombers to the Crimean Peninsula in response to the US missile defense deployment in Romania.

British army servicing Saudi jets bombing civilians in Yemen: Minister Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- A British government minister has admitted that his country is servicing fighter jets supplied to Saudi Arabia which are being used in an indiscriminate bombardment of civilians in Yemen.

China develops anti-stealth radars Global Times 18 Mar 2019 -- Chinese arms companies recently made multiple terahertz radiation radar systems with a technology seen by experts as an efficient air-to-ground reconnaissance tool and a potential counter to stealth aircraft.
Over 150,000 civilians apply for jobs in military Global Times 18 Mar 2019 -- More than 150,000 people have applied for civilian jobs in the Chinese military as more people are attracted to work for the People's Liberation Army.

No sign of imminent N Korea missile launch: South Korean defense chief Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo says there is still no sign that North Korea is preparing for an imminent missile launch as reported by US media outlets.
Bolton warns North Korea not to test missiles Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- US national security adviser John Bolton has warned North Korea not to renew missile tests as negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have ended in a stalemate.

S Korean Forces Accidentally Launch Anti-Aircraft Missile During Check - Reports Sputnik 18 Mar 2019 -- A routine maintenance check at a South Korean air force base in Chuncheon on Monday ended with an anti-aircraft guided missile getting accidentally launched and exploding in midair, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing a military official.

Defense Industry

Contracts for March 18, 2019
Russian Helicopters Accuses Slovakia of Illegal Repairs of Afghan Mi-17 Choppers Sputnik 18 Mar 2019 -- Russian Helicopters holding told Sputnik on Monday that it disclaims any responsibility for safety of operation of another Russian-made Mi-17V-5 helicopter in service with the Afghan air force, which has been illegally overhauled by the Slovak company LOTN.

Other Conflicts

18 March 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Mar 2019
Sexual misconduct allegations keep UN in spotlight Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- Allegations of sexual misconduct, namely exploitation and abuse, keep the United Nations in the spotlight.

Beijing Plans to Build 'City' on 'Blueprint' Island in South China Sea Sputnik 18 Mar 2019 -- The Chinese government has plans for a large military settlement on a reclaimed reef in the contested Paracel Islands, where adversaries such as the US strongly oppose Chinese expansion.

Syria underlines liberation of all occupied areas IRNA 18 Mar 2019 -- Syria's defense minister on Monday stressed liberation of all areas occupied by terrorist groups.
Syria accuses US-coalition of committing war crimes IRNA 18 Mar 2019 -- Syria has confirmed that the statement issued by the United States, France and Britain on Syria is a historical document of lie, hypocrisy, deception and falsification.
Illegal foreign forces must leave Syria: Iran Chief of Staff ISNA 18 Mar 2019 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces says foreign forces, who are illegally present in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib and east of the Euphrates, should leave these areas at the earliest.
US 'flagrant' support for terrorism must stop: Syria Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- The Syrian Foreign Ministry has vehemently lambasted the US administration's support for terrorist organizations and war crimes in Syria, stressing that the move would fail to undermine Syria's determination in combating terrorism and the foreign occupation until the last inch of its territory is liberated.
Defense minister: Foreign military presence in Syria amounts to 'occupation' Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- The Syrian Ministry of Defense has denounced as an "act of occupation" the presence of foreign forces in the country without authorization from the government in Damascus, stressing that Syria reserves the right to defend its security and sovereignty against any act of aggression.
Anti-terror fight to continue until all terrorist groups defeated: Iran military chief Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- Iran's top military commander has warned about efforts by stooges of the global arrogance to fuel insecurity in the Middle East, stressing that the fight against terrorists will continue until their full elimination.
Damascus Accuses US and Its Allies of War Crimes in Syria Sputnik 18 Mar 2019 -- The Syrian Foreign Ministry responded to the statement issued by the US-led coalition partners that refused to take part in the reconstruction of Syria noting that these states are not invited to contribute to the reconstruction after those war crimes committed against the Syrian people.
Militants Shell 4 Syrian Provinces, Ceasefire Violated - Russian MoD Sputnik 18 Mar 2019 -- Militants breached the truce regime in the Syrian provinces of Latakia, Hama, Idlib and Aleppo over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria said on Sunday.

Iran not involved in Turkey operation against PKK: Military source Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- An informed Iranian military source has denied Turkish interior minister's comments that Tehran carried out a joint operation with Ankara against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group.

Gaza investigators call on Israel to review 'rules of engagement' as Gaza protest anniversary looms UN News 18 Mar 2019 -- Human Rights Council-appointed investigators urged Israel on Monday to revise its military rules of engagement, shortly before the one-year anniversary of the start of mass demonstrations at the country's border fence with Gaza, that have left hundreds of Palestinians dead and thousands more injured.
Israel depriving Palestinians of access to clean water supplies, stripping their land of minerals: UN rights expert Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- A United Nations human rights investigator says the Israeli regime is depriving millions of Palestinians of access to clean water supplies while extracting natural resources in the occupied territories "in an apparent act of pillage."

Myanmar military court to probe violence against Rohingya Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- A military court in Myanmar will investigate the army's conduct during a crackdown on the persecuted Rohingya Muslims that forced thousands to flee to neighboring Bangladesh in August 2017.

Kyrgyz-Tajik Negotiators Reach Agreement, Reopen Border Crossing After Deadly Clashes RFE/RL 18 Mar 2019 -- A disputed section of the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan reopened on March 18 following the successful conclusion of four days of bilateral talks.

Shooting Erupts Between Indian, Pakistani Forces in Makwal Sector, Jammu Sputnik 18 Mar 2019 -- Relations between India and Pakistan have been strained of late over incidents near the border in the Jammu and Kashmir region. Late in February the Pakistani Air Force announced it had downed two Indian jets following an air raid by the Indian Air Force against an alleged terrorist camp on Pakistan's soil.

Death Toll in Jihadist Ambush on Malian Soldiers Hits 23 VOA 18 Mar 2019 -- Officials in Mali have put the death toll from Sunday's militant attack on an army camp in the village of Dioura at 23.

News Reports

US, Russian Diplomats to Discuss Venezuelan Crisis VOA 18 Mar 2019 -- U.S. and Russian diplomats are meeting in Rome this week to discuss "the deteriorating situation in Venezuela."
Venezuela's Maduro plans deep government restructuring: Vice president Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- After tackling a massive nationwide blackout, Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is planning a "deep restructuring" of his government to protect the country in the face of an ongoing political crisis fueled by the US-backed opposition, his deputy says.
Massive Blackout Hits Venezuela's Caracas Again, Reason Behind Outage Unknown Sputnik 18 Mar 2019 -- A massive power outage occurred again in various parts of the Venezuelan capital of Caracas and nearby localities, eyewitnesses of the incident told Sputnik on Monday.

Russia's Putin Signs Into Law Bills Banning 'Fake News,' Insults RFE/RL 18 Mar 2019 -- President Vladimir Putin has signed legislation enabling Russian authorities to block websites and hand out punishment for "fake news" and material deemed insulting to the state or the public.

'Break the cycle' of disaster-response-recovery, urges top UN official, as death toll mounts from Cyclone Idai UN News 18 Mar 2019 -- The destruction unleashed by Cyclone Idai on Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, continues to claim lives and displace thousands, in what the UN's top disaster risk reduction official called on Monday "the worst extreme weather event to occur so far this year".

Iran Hints at Using Foreign Militias in Domestic Crackdown VOA 18 Mar 2019 -- An influential Iranian cleric says Iran might bring Shiite militias to the country from other parts of the Middle East to fight threats to the government.
Mogherini insists on EU-China cooperation to adhere JCPOA ISNA 18 Mar 2019 -- EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini stressed on assuring EU and China's commitment to Iran's nuclear deal, alone with other areas of their cooperation.
President at session of Administrative Council of Bushehr Province: Opening 4 phases of South Pars in one day matter of national pride ISNA 18 Mar 2019 -- Iranian President described the opening of four phases of South Pars Gas Field in one day a matter of national pride and said, "Without the JCPOA, opening 15 phases of South Pars in such a short time would have been impossible".
Rouhani: Iran to take legal action against US over sanctions Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani says the government will sue US officials behind draconian sanctions on the country in Iranian courts before taking the case to international courts of justice.
Tehran to File Legal Case Against US Over Sanctions - Iranian President Rouhani Sputnik 18 Mar 2019 -- Iran's president also noted that the restrictions have affected the value of the country's currency, the rial, noting, however, that they would overcome these issues.

US Wages Wide-Ranging Campaign to Block Huawei VOA 18 Mar 2019 -- Over the past several weeks, the U.S. government has launched a seemingly unprecedented campaign to block the Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies from competing in the global rollout of next-generation 5G mobile networking technology, claiming that the company is effectively an arm of the Chinese intelligence services.

China's key political meetings secure pivotal underpinning for all-round well-off society People's Daily 18 Mar 2019 -- As the "two sessions," a key event in China's political calendar, came to an end Friday, the country has created decisive underpinning for navigating through complexities toward its goal to build a moderately prosperous society (Xiaokang) in all respects.
China issues white paper on anti-terrorism, human rights protection in Xinjiang People's Daily 18 Mar 2019 -- The State Council Information Office on Monday issued a white paper on the fight against terrorism and extremism and human rights protection in Xinjiang.
Anti-terrorism efforts stressed in white paper on Xinjiang Global Times 18 Mar 2019 -- Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region government has prioritized preventive anti-terrorism and taken multiple measures, including setting up training centers and improving residents' livelihoods, to protect people from the harm of terrorism and extremism, according to a white paper released on Monday.
China: Nearly 13,000 'terrorists' detained in restive west since 2014 Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- China says it has arrested tens of thousands of "terrorists" since four years ago in its volatile western Xinjiang region, which is home to millions of Muslim minorities, including Uighurs.

UK parliament speaker blocks resubmission of Brexit deal Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- The speaker of the British parliament has announced in a shocking statement that the government would be barred from returning to the chamber for a third vote on its controversial European Union withdrawal agreement if the deal on offer is the same as the one defeated two times this year.
UK Government May Be Barred From 3d Vote on Brexit Deal – House Speaker Sputnik 18 Mar 2019 -- A motion that is the same or "substantially the same" as the motion that has been rejected by the House of Commons, cannot be legally brought to the UK Parliament for another vote, according to John Bercow.
UK Gov't Steps Up Preparations for No-Deal Brexit - PM Spokesperson Sputnik 18 Mar 2019 -- After multiple failed attempts to pass the government's Brexit deal, the British parliament backed a motion Thursday seeking to extend the withdrawal period beyond March 29, in abid to prevent the UK from leaving the bloc without a deal in place.
EU Centrists Fear British Participation in Euro-Election in May VOA 18 Mar 2019 -- The European Union appears set to agree to a delay on Britain's exit from the bloc, but officials in Brussels are anxious about the impact that might have on European parliamentary elections in May.

Can Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Help Dent Modi's Popularity? VOA 18 Mar 2019 -- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the latest high-profile member of India's famous Nehru-Gandhi dynasty to enter the political arena, has embarked on an unusual three-day boat rally to launch the Congress Party's campaign in the battleground state of Uttar Pradesh. But questions have been raised about whether she can boost the fortunes of the party that was decimated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.

Dutch Police Arrest Suspect in Tram Shooting VOA 18 Mar 2019 -- Following an hours-long manhunt, Dutch police have arrested a suspect in a shooting incident on a tram that left three people dead and five others wounded in the city of Utrecht Monday.

Fourth month of protests in Sudan, demonstrations go on Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- Crowds of anti-government demonstrators in Sudan have taken to the streets of the capital Khartoum, chanting "freedom, peace, justice", three months after unprecedented protests erupted in the country against President Omar al-Bashir over economic woes.

Algeria unions refuse to back new PM's govt. formation efforts Press TV 18 Mar 2019 -- Over a dozen Algerian unions have refused to support the newly-appointed prime minister's efforts to establish a new administration aimed at appeasing the protesters demanding the resignation of ailing President Abdel Aziz Bouteflika.

Former Kyrgyz President Atambaev Says He Is Sorry For Bringing His Successor To Power RFE/RL 18 Mar 2019 -- Former Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev has issued a public apology for helping to bring his successor to power and vowed "to try to rectify my mistake," likening his onetime ally to an autocrat.

UN will do 'utmost to prevent and mitigate any risk of violence' in DR Congo, pledges Mission chief UN News 18 Mar 2019 -- Despite the relatively peaceful passage of December's presidential election in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN Special Representative to the country told the Security Council she "remained concerned" over developments in the east, where dozens of armed groups continue to operate.
UN: Envoy Urges DRC to Form New Government Soon VOA 18 Mar 2019 -- The United Nations' top official in the Democratic Republic of Congo has urged President Felix Tshisekedi to form a new government without delay, as the country continues its first peaceful transition of power in its nearly 60 years as an independent nation.

Indonesian Vice Presidential Debate Shines Overdue Light on Education VOA 18 Mar 2019 -- In the first vice presidential debate in Indonesia leading up to the April 17 elections, both candidates – businessman Sandiaga Uno and renowned Islamic cleric Ma'ruf Amin – agreed on one problem: Indonesia's education system needs repairs.

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