24 April 2019 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

CJTF-OIR Strike Summary April 7- 20, 2019 CENTCOM 24 Apr 2019 -- Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve and its partners continue to target and pursue the enduring defeat of Daesh.
Iraq Defence Official Says US Troops Not Involved in Any Military Operations Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- The US troops in Iraq only assist the country's army in fighting Daesh* and do not carry out any military operations, Muhammad Abadi, general secretary of the Iraqi Defense Ministry, told Sputnik on Wednesday.

Afghan Civilian Casualties Down; Coalition Forces Killed More Than Taliban RFE/RL 24 Apr 2019 -- A report by the United Nations says U.S. and Afghan government forces killed more civilians than the number killed by Taliban fighters and other militants for the first time during a three-month period since the UN began keeping records on civilian casualties in 2009.
US Official: Afghan Peace Deal Could Trigger Internal Woes VOA 24 Apr 2019 -- A peace treaty to end more than 17 years of war in Afghanistan could usher in a new era of instability and erase many of the gains made by international reconstruction efforts, a key U.S. official cautioned Wednesday.

Defense Policy / Programs

Enhancements underway for Corps' handheld targeting system USMC News 24 Apr 2019 -- The Marine Corps is integrating new technologies into an existing handheld GPS targeting system that helps Marines locate adversaries on the battlefield.
A history of service, a legacy of iron Army News 24 Apr 2019 -- A thunderous roar rang across the seemingly endless desert, as waves of Bradley Fighting Vehicles assigned to 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division cascaded over the golden sand dunes supporting exercise Strike Focus at Orogrande Range Camp, N.M., April 12, 2019.
Department of Defense Launches New Chief Technologist Website DoD 24 Apr 2019 -- Today, the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) launched a new public website, https://www.cto.mil.
Navy to Christen Expeditionary Fast Transport Guam DoD 24 Apr 2019 -- The Navy will christen its newest high-speed transport vessel, the future USNS Guam (T-HST 1), during a 10 a.m. Japan Standard Time ceremony Saturday, April 27, in Okinawa, Japan.
Navy to Christen Guided-Missile Destroyer Lyndon B. Johnson DoD 24 Apr 2019 -- The Navy will christen its newest Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyer, the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002), during a 10 a.m. EST ceremony Saturday, April 27, at General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works shipyard in Bath, Maine.
Warfighters Need 'Uncompromised' Technology, Official Says DoD News 24 Apr 2019 -- Adversaries shouldn't already have read the manual on a new U.S. gun before the first soldier has had a chance to fire one, the Defense Security Service's director of counterintelligence said here today.
Polar Security Cutter Contract Awarded to Recapitalize Nation's Arctic Capabilities NNS 24 Apr 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy, through an Integrated Program Office (IPO), awarded VT Halter Marine Inc., Pascagoula, Mississippi, a fixed price incentive (firm) contract for the Detail Design and Construction (DD&C) of the Coast Guard's lead Polar Security Cutter (PSC).
Fire in Southern Guam Contained by HSC-25 NNS 24 Apr 2019 -- The Guam-based "Island Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 provided aerial firefighting for southern Guam, along the northeastern edge of the Naval Magazine, when a brush fire quickly began to spread and threaten local homes of Santa Rita.
U.S. Naval War College holds 17th Regional Alumni Symposium in Bergen, Norway NNS 24 Apr 2019 -- U.S. Naval War College (NWC) held its 17th Regional Alumni Symposium (RAS) in Bergen, Norway, April 10-12, 2019. The event was co-sponsored by the Royal Norwegian Navy and explored a wide range of topics under the overarching theme of challenges facing the Arctic and cyber security.
Newport Arctic Scholars Initiative Symposium Held in Norway NNS 24 Apr 2019 -- Seventeen Newport Arctic Scholars Initiative (NASI) researchers and their co-lead scholars from seven Arctic nations met for their capstone meeting at the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy in Bergen, Norway, April 8-9, 2019.
Outdated, Unimaginative: US Pilots Training With Old Tech, Irrelevant Foes Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- US military air training ranges aren't up to snuff, a new report finds, noting that pilots have to train against outdated systems and are hampered by other archaic practices and situations that "did not replicate the threats pilots would face in combat."
Flightless Bird No Longer: US B-1B Bomber Fleet Cleared to Resume Flights Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- The first of the US Air Force's B-1B Lancer bombers were cleared to resume flights recently after the entire fleet had its wings clipped over concerns regarding the aircraft's drogue chute, part of the system that ejects airmen's seats in the event of an emergency.
AFMETCAL updates NextGen US Air Force 24 Apr 2019 -- The Air Force Metrology and Calibration Division recently released an update to its in-house developed NextGen software program.
U.S. Nuclear Umbrella Extends to Allies, Partners, Defense Official Says DoD News 24 Apr 2019 -- Allies and partners around the world should and do take comfort in the fact that the U.S. has both the will and the means to use its nuclear weapons, if necessary, to protect them from aggression, the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy said here today.
Trump Space Force Aimed at Reviving Reagan-Era Star Wars Insanity – Russian MoD Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- The Trump administration has committed considerable resources to expanding the scope of the US' modernisation of its nuclear forces, proposing a new 'Space Force' branch for the armed forces and withdrawing from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF), a key arms agreement signed at the twilight of the Cold War to secure peace in Europe.

Norway Considers Selling Salvaged Frigate for Scrap Metal to Cut Losses Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- Following a fateful collision in the aftermath of NATO drills in late 2018 and after spending four months under water, the KNM Helge Ingstad is estimated to have lost half of its value. The salvaging of the frigate alone cost $85 million.

Role of aircraft carrier Liaoning shifts from training to combat: executive officer Global Times 24 Apr 2019 -- Originally designated a training and test ship, China's first aircraft carrier the Liaoning is starting to play a combat role following recent modifications and intensive training exercises, the vessel's executive officer revealed amid the celebrations of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's 70th anniversary.
Xi reviews multinational fleet, champions maritime community with shared future People's Daily 24 Apr 2019 -- Dozens of military vessels flying different national flags lined up in waters off east China's port city of Qingdao as fighter jets streaked across the sky in formations.

Iran's 'friendship' flotilla docks at Kazakh port Aktau IRNA 24 Apr 2019 -- An Iranian Navy flotilla comprised of two guided-missile destroyers docked at Aktau port in Kazakhstan on Wednesday.

Russia Started Assembling Su-30SM Fighters for Naypyitaw - Myanmar Army Chief Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- Russia has started assembling the six Su-30SM fighters that will be delivered to Myanmar under a 2018 bilateral contract, Myanmar Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing told Sputnik.

Pakistan Test Fires Its Own Anti-Ship Cruise Missile in North Arabian Sea Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- Pakistan's navy has been developing multiple types of missiles designed to target naval and other hostile marine vessels and had conducted live weapons tests on numerous occasions since 2016.

Russia to start deliveries of S-400 to Turkey in July Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- Russia says it will start delivering its S-400 anti-missile system to Turkey in July, despite US warnings against the move.
Turkey says will satisfy need for advanced warplanes in 'another place' if US blocks transfer of F-35s Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says Turkey will look elsewhere for an alternative to American F-35 fighter jets if Washington blocks the delivery of its advanced stealth warplanes to Ankara.

Remarks by President Trump Before Marine One Departure The White House 24 Apr 2019
Remarks by Vice President Pence in Press Gaggle at Motor City Solutions The White House 24 Apr 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts for April 24, 2019

Other Conflicts

24 April 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 Apr 2019

China complains about undue foreign navigation in maritime space Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- China has urged countries to refrain from using the freedom of navigation practice as a pretext to infringe upon the rights of others.

Blast in Syria's militant-held Jisr al-Shughour leaves 17 dead Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- More than a dozen people have lost their lives and dozens of others sustained injured when a powerful explosion ripped through the center of a city controlled by foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants in Syria's northwestern city of Idlib.
Russia Records 2 Ceasefire Violations in Latakia Over 24 Hours – Russian MoD Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- The Russian Center for Reconciliation in Syria said Tuesday that over the past 24 hours, it registered two ceasefire breaches in the province of Latakia within Syria's Idlib de-escalation zone.

LNA Plans to Take Tripoli in 2-3 Weeks - Head of LNA General Commander's Office Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- The Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar is planning to take Tripoli in two or three weeks, believes that the operation will not take long, Khairi Tamimi, the head of the LNA General Commander's Office, told Sputnik on Wednesday.
UN Evacuates Refugees From Tripoli Detention Center VOA 24 Apr 2019 -- The United Nations has evacuated about 325 refugees from a government-run detention center in Tripoli after some were allegedly attacked for protesting bad conditions.

Ukraine Condemns Russian Move To Ease Citizenship For Those In Separatist-Held Areas RFE/RL 24 Apr 2019 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree simplifying the procedure for people living in parts of eastern Ukraine held by Russia-backed separatists to obtain Russian citizenship, drawing a swift and angry response from Kyiv and criticism from the West.

Kushner Promises 'Unconventional Approach' With New Israel-Palestine Peace Plan Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- US President Donald Trump's son-in-law is believed to be the main architect of the upcoming, mysterious peace plan, which Trump dubbed a "deal of the century."

News Reports

NYT: Potential Russian Meddling in 2020 US Election Sensitive Issue for Trump VOA 24 Apr 2019 -- Special Counsel Robert Mueller concluded that Russia engaged in "sweeping and systematic" interference in the 2016 U.S. election to help Donald Trump become president, but a new account says the issue is still too sensitive to discuss in front of Trump as it relates to what Moscow might do when he runs for re-election in 2020.
GCHQ rejects claims that it was asked by Obama admin. to spy on Trump Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- The British Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) has rejected claims that it was asked by the administration of former President Barrack Obama to spy on then-President Elect Donald Trump after the 2016 presidential election.

Sri Lanka's President Asks Defence Secretary, Police Chief to Resign - Reports Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- Days after Sri Lanka witnessed a series of bombings which left 359 dead and hundreds of others wounded, the country's President, Mathripala Sirisena, has asked the nation's Defence Secretary and Police Chief to resign over having failed to prevent the attacks despite having received intelligence reports warning of potential terrorist activity.
Sri Lanka Leader Shuffles Top Security Officials Over Easter Attacks VOA 24 Apr 2019 -- Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has asked two top security officials to resign in the wake of the deadly Easter Sunday blasts, as officials revealed new details about the suicide bombers who carried out the attacks that killed more than 350 people.

Sudan military rulers urge talks ahead of 'million-man' march Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- There is expected to be a million-man march in Sudan on Thursday, according to protest leaders who demand a peaceful transition to civilian rule; and at the same time the military council has called for talks with the Alliance for Freedom and Change.
Sudan Protesters Call for 'Million March' for Civilian Rule VOA 24 Apr 2019 -- Sudan's protest leaders have called for a million people to march on Thursday to demand the military give power to a civilian council. The call came after the head of Sudan's transitional military council said it would hand over power "within days" if civilian groups can agree on who will be in a new government.

Former State Department Employee Pleads Guilty to Conspiring with Foreign Agents US Dept. of Justice 24 Apr 2019 -- Defendant Admitted Receiving Tens of Thousands of Dollars in Benefits From Two Chinese Agents in Exchange for Internal State Department Documents

Israeli spies may infiltrate into Lebanon under tourism guise, intel agency warns Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- The Lebanese intelligence agency has warned that people affiliated to Israel's Mossad spy agency and in close collaboration with the Tel Aviv regime's authorities could infiltrate into the Arab country arranging tourism trips.

Butina Asks US Court to Go Ahead With Sentencing as Planned - Filing Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- Defence lawyers for Russian national Maria Butina have asked a US federal court to go ahead with her sentencing as scheduled on Friday regardless of whether it grants her request to exclude a statement by a former FBI agent from the hearing, court documents showed on Tuesday.

China welcomes Russian input on Peninsula Global Times 24 Apr 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia is a "win win" opportunity as it will help Pyongyang seek political and economical assistance, as well as offering Russia an opportunity to increase its input on the Peninsula issue, said Chinese analysts.
N Korea Dismisses Main Interlocutor in Denuclearisation Talks With US - Reports Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- Pyongyang has dismissed North Korea's main interlocutor in denuclearisation talks with the United States Kim Yong Chol as head of United Front Department of the North Korean Workers' Party, Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday.
Report: N. Korea Using Cryptocurrency to Fund Weapons Program VOA 24 Apr 2019 -- North Korea is using cryptocurrency markets to evade global sanctions and is likely using the virtual money to fund its weapons of mass destruction programs, according to a new report from the London-based Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
North Korea's Kim in Russia for Meeting With Putin VOA 24 Apr 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has arrived in the far eastern region of Russia for his first ever meeting with Vladimir Putin, which Kim says is the initial step toward closer ties with Moscow.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Leaves for Russian Federation KCNA 24 Apr 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, left here by a private train at dawn on Wednesday to visit the Russian Federation.

China steps up criticism of US sanctions on Iran oil IRNA 24 Apr 2019 -- China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday stepped up its response to a decision by the US to stop exempting several countries, including China, from its sanctions on Iran.
Leader rules out impacts of US sanctions on Iran's oil export IRNA 24 Apr 2019 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Wednesday ruled out impacts of US sanctions on Iran's oil, saying that Iran exports oil to the amount it needs.
Zarif: US no credible negotiating partner IRNA 24 Apr 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the US is not a trustable negotiating partner because Americans devalue international regulations and even their own previously made decisions.
We will export oil as much as we intend: Ayatollah Khamenei ISNA 24 Apr 2019 -- On the occasion of the National Week of Labor and Laborers, a group of laborers from across the country met with the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei at the Hussayniyeh of Imam Khomeini (r.a) on Wednesday.
We're ready to both defend, negotiate: Iranian President ISNA 24 Apr 2019 -- Stressing that today, resistance and standing up to the aggressor is the only way, Iranian President said, "The Americans have designed a new plot against the Iranian nation every day during the past 40 years; yet they have failed every time and these failures will continue".
US's behavior worse than bandits: Iran FM ISNA 24 Apr 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif says US is in no position to grant or cancel waivers to countries buying oil from Iran.
France, EU, UK vow to remain committed to JCPOA ISNA 24 Apr 2019 -- Following Washington's decision to end sanctions waivers on Iran oil imports, France, EU and UK vowed to remain committed to Iran nuclear deal.
'Iran to fight US economic terror with defensive might' Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami says the country reserves the right to fight America's "economic terrorism" with its defensive military might, after Washington announced that it won't renew sanctions waivers for oil purchases from the Islamic Republic.
Zarif warns US against preventing Iran from using Hormuz Strait to sell oil Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has warned the US against any measure to prevent Tehran from using the Strait of Hormuz as a safe transit passage for the sale of its oil.
President Rouhani: Iran will not talk with US as long as it keeps lying Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- President Hassan Rouhani says Washington's claims of seeking negotiations with Iran are "mere lies" and that the United States, in fact, intends to force the Iranian nation to its knees.
South Korea wants US to backtrack on Iran decision Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- South Korea is sending a delegation to the United States to seek an extension of waivers which Washington ended on Monday with the aim of bringing Iran's oil exports to zero.
Leader: Iran to export as much oil as it needs; US cannot block sales Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the US administration's hostile attempts to block Iran's oil sales will lead nowhere, and that the country will export "as much crude as it needs and wishes" in defiance of American sanctions.
Iran warns Trump administration against dangerous game it's playing Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- The Iranian foreign minister has described the Trump administration's officials as "pawns in Netanyahu's game", warning them against the consequences of the "extremely dangerous" Israeli game they are playing.
Iran Says U.S. Efforts To Block Oil Exports Will Have 'Consequences' RFE/RL 24 Apr 2019 -- Iran's foreign minister has warned of "consequences" if the United States continues efforts to prevent Tehran from selling oil on international markets.
Rohani Says Iran Will Only Negotiate With Washington If The U.S. Lifts Pressure, Apologizes RFE/RL 24 Apr 2019 -- Iran has responded to calls from Washington to renegotiate its landmark nuclear deal with world powers, with President Hassan Rohani saying Tehran would be willing to negotiate only when the United States lifts pressure and apologizes for what he called "illegal actions."
Iranian Leaders Defiant in the Wake of US Oil Sanctions VOA 24 Apr 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says his country must resist U.S. sanctions because the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump does not intend to negotiate in good faith with the Islamic republic.

China Officially Arrests Ex-Interpol Chief on Suspicion of Bribery - Statement Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- China's Prosecutor General's Office has arrested the former president of Interpol and China's former vice-minister of Public Security, Meng Hongwei, on suspicion of bribery, a statement from the office said on Wednesday.
Missing Ex-Interpol President Formally Detained in China, Faces Graft Charges Sputnik 24 Apr 2019 -- The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the ruling Chinese Communist Party said late last month that former president of Interpol Meng Hongwei had been removed from all of his official positions and is expected to face legal prosecution for corruption-related violations.
Hong Kong Democracy Activists Get Up to 16 Months in Prison VOA 24 Apr 2019 -- Eight of the top leaders of Hong Kong's 2014 Umbrella Movement democracy protests were sentenced to up to sixteen months in prison on Wednesday after they were found guilty of public nuisance charges earlier this month.

China to build scientific research station on Moon's south pole Global Times 24 Apr 2019 -- China aims to build a scientific research station in the south polar region of the moon and realize manned lunar exploration mission in about ten years, said a senior space official on Wednesday.
China's Long March-5B rocket to make maiden flight in 2020 Global Times 24 Apr 2019 -- China's Long March-5B carrier rocket is scheduled to make its maiden flight in the first half of 2020, according to the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO).

Zarif slams US for keeping silent on Saudi 37 executions IRNA 24 Apr 2019 -- Iranian foreign minister on Wednesday criticized US for keeping silent toward Saudi execution of 37 men, saying being a member of Bolton, Bin Salman, Bin Zayed and Netanyahu team gives immunity for atrocity crimes.
Zarif reacts to US approach toward recent executions in Saudi Arabia ISNA 24 Apr 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif in a tweet reacted to recent executions in Saudi Arabia and US administration's approach toward the issue.
Mass beheadings by Saudi draw global condemnation Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- World leaders and several human rights organizations have expressed shock and condemnation over Saudi Arabia's recent mass execution of nearly 40 people in a single day, as a crackdown led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman against dissidents widens in the kingdom.
UN rights chief 'strongly' condemns 'shocking' mass executions in Saudi Arabia UN News 24 Apr 2019 -- Despite repeated appeals by the United Nations human rights system, Saudi Arabia's decision to go ahead with the beheading of 37 men, drew strong condemnation on Wednesday from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet.

Treasury Targets Sanctions Evasion Conduits for Major Hizballah Financiers US Treasury 24 Apr 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) further targeted the global business operations of Hizballah by designating two individuals and three entities acting as conduits for sanctions evasion schemes. Specifically, OFAC designated Belgium-based Wael Bazzi for acting for or on behalf of his father and Hizballah financier, Mohammad Bazzi.

Scottish first minister calls for independence referendum by 2021 Press TV 24 Apr 2019 -- Scotland's' first minister Nicola Sturgeon says the region should hold a new referendum on independence from the United Kingdom in the next two years.

Ukraine's President-Elect Calls For Talks With IMF To Lower Natural Gas Price RFE/RL 24 Apr 2019 -- Ukrainian President-elect Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called on the government and the state energy company Naftogaz Ukrainy to hold talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to lower the household price for natural gas as of May 1.

E. Africa, Recovering From Cyclone Idai, Braces for New Storm VOA 24 Apr 2019 -- The government of Comoros shut down schools, airports and public offices Wednesday as Tropical Cyclone Kenneth passed over the island nation, with wind gusts topping 200 kilometers an hour.

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