12 June 2019 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

Defense Policy / Programs

2nd MEB Marines Return to Europe to Support BALTOPS 19 USMC News 12 Jun 2019 -- U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade return to Europe for the third time in just over half a year to support another combined exercise with 17 NATO allies and European partners.
Navy to Christen Littoral Combat Ship Minneapolis-Saint Paul NNS 12 Jun 2019 -- The Navy will christen its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21), during a 10 a.m. CDT ceremony Saturday, June 15, in Marinette, Wisconsin.
Air Force looks at faster, smarter hardware acquisition and big data to help solve T-6 OBOGS issues US Air Force 12 Jun 2019 -- Nineteenth Air Force hosted a forum of experts from both in and outside the Department of Defense as part of the on-going process to improve the safety of the T-6 On-Board Oxygen Generating Systems during a conference May 29-30 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.
Hill AFB F-35As arrive at Spangdahlem AB US Air Force 12 Jun 2019 -- The U.S. Air Force has deployed one squadron of F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft, Airmen and associated equipment to Spangdahlem Air Base, from the 388th Fighter Wing and the Air Force Reserve 419th FW, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to participate in exercises and conduct training with other Europe-based aircraft as part of a Theater Security Package.
Key Lawmakers Seek Greater Transparency From Pentagon VOA 12 Jun 2019 -- Two of the lawmakers responsible for Congressional oversight of the U.S. military want to see more openness, including more on-camera briefings from top officials.

Trump says US sending 1,000 troops to join the 4,000 already in Poland Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- US President Donald Trump says the country is sending an additional 1,000 American soldiers to Poland to join the 4,000 already there.
Additional 1,000 US Troops to Be Sent to Poland VOA 12 Jun 2019 -- The United States and Poland have signed a joint declaration affirming closer defense cooperation, which President Donald Trump says makes clear not only their strategic partnership "but deep common values, shared goals and a very strong and abiding friendship.”
U.S. Agrees To Station 'About 1,000' More Military Personnel in Poland RFE/RL 12 Jun 2019 -- The United States has agreed to station "about 1,000” more military personnel in Poland as the government of the East European nation seeks to counter what it perceives as a growing Russian threat.
Remarks by President Trump and President Duda of the Republic of Poland at the Polish-American Reception The White House 12 Jun 2019
Joint Declaration on Defense Cooperation Regarding United States Force Posture in the Republic of Poland The White House 12 Jun 2019
Remarks by President Trump and President Duda of the Republic of Poland Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 12 Jun 2019
Remarks by President Trump and President Duda of the Republic of Poland in Joint Press Conference The White House 12 Jun 2019
US Working to Approve Poland's Request for F-35s Amid Turkey Fighter Row Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- Earlier, a source told Sputnik's sister agency that Warsaw has been closely monitoring the F-35 spat between Washington and Ankara, hoping to jump the queue if Turkey is dropped out of the program.

Pompeo Hails Georgia's NATO Aspirations, Backs Territorial Integrity RFE/RL 12 Jun 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has praised Georgia's "leadership role as an aspiring NATO nation" and condemned "Russia's ongoing occupation" of the South Caucasus country's territory.

Spain Agrees to Accept More US Troops, Bypassing Parliament − Reports Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- Madrid had previously amended the 30-year-old agreement with the United States whenever the latter requested to accommodate additional troops. This time, the government is understood to have interpreted the new deployment as part of the already-stationed US contingent, which will allow it not to involve MPs in the discussion.

Chinese aircraft carriers' frequent passage through Miyako Strait to become standard practice: media Global Times 12 Jun 2019 -- China's aircraft carriers will more frequently cross through sea lanes, including the Miyako Strait, for deployment in the west Pacific and Indian oceans which will become standard practice, according to an article published by the social media account run by a Party newspaper.

After ASAT Test, India Inches Closer to Developing Hypersonic Cruise Missile Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- It was believed that the prototype of the HSTDV has been ready for the last few years but the previous government was reluctant to give the go ahead for its maiden test flight, as it may have geopolitical ramifications.

Iran self-sufficient in air defense equipment production IRNA 12 Jun 2019 -- Commander of the Iranian Army's Air Defense Force referred to new air defense system named "the 15th of Khordad, and said Iran is self-sufficient in the field of air defense.

Israel Won't Allow Enemies to Set Up 'Attack Bases' Near Its Borders – Netanyahu Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- The Israeli military launched a barrage of missiles toward targets in the Tell Al-Harrah heights in southwest Syria in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with the area reportedly containing a Syrian air defence perimeter, which Syrian troops established last July after freeing the region from al-Qaeda linked terrorists.

Congress Pushes Oversight of Saudi Arms Transfers VOA 12 Jun 2019 -- A growing number of U.S. Democratic and Republican lawmakers are expressing concern about the Trump administration's emergency certification of arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

Shortening of F-35 pilot training program not in line with Washington-Ankara alliance: Turkish DM Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has criticized Washington for its recent decision to halt the training of Turkish pilots on F-35 stealth fighter jets at an airbase in the US state of Arizona over Ankara's plans to buy advanced Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems, stating that the measure is against "the spirit of alliance.”
Turkish Defence Minister Says US Letter on S-400 Deal Contradicts Spirit of Alliance Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- kish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on Saturday that US threats to remove his country from the F-35 pilot training program over Ankara's plans to buy the Russian S-400 missile systems were not in the spirit of the alliance.
US-Turkey Tensions Escalate Over Russian Missiles VOA 12 Jun 2019 -- Turkey's Defense Minister Hulusi Akar dismissed the Pentagon's latest warning over Ankara's imminent procurement of Russian missiles on Thursday as "language unbecoming of an ally."

Department Press Briefing – June 12, 2019 US Dept. of State 12 Jun 2019
Remarks by Vice President Pence in Press Gaggle | Billings, MT The White House 12 Jun 2019

Defense Industry

Contracts for June 12, 2019
Sikorsky Snatches Up $542 Million Contract to Build New Presidential Choppers Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- The US Navy awarded Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, a $542 million contract on Monday to build six new VH-92A helicopters to transport the American president and their respective staff.

Other Conflicts

12 June 2019 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Jun 2019
Conflict prevention, mediation: among 'most important tools' to reduce human suffering, Guterres tells Security Council UN News 12 Jun 2019 -- Conflict prevention and mediation are two of "the most important tools at our disposal to reduce human suffering” United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council on Wednesday.

Study Ranks Afghanistan As World's Least Peaceful Country, Points To 'De-Escalation' In Ukraine RFE/RL 12 Jun 2019 -- According to a new study, the world became "very slightly" more peaceful for the first time in five years, but remains "considerably less peaceful now" than a decade ago due to conflicts in the Middle East, a rise in terrorism, increasing numbers of refugees, and other factors.

USS Ronald Reagan, JS Izumo Sail Together in the South China Sea NNS 12 Jun 2019 -- The Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) participated in a cooperative deployment with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships JS Izumo (DH-183), JS Murasame (DD-101) and JS Akebono (DD-108) June 10-12.
US Warship Flexes Muscles in South China Sea Drills With Japan Amid Tensions With Beijing Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- Beijing has repeatedly protested the passage of US warships in the South China Sea, accusing Washington of violating Chinese sovereignty. Tensions between China and the US have recently further escalated in the wake of the protracted trade war and the blacklisting of Huawei.

US defense system couldn't intercept missile fired at Saudi Abha airport: Yemeni Army Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- The spokesman for Yemeni Armed Forces says US-built surface-to-air missile defense systems stationed at Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia's southwestern province of Asir could not intercept the cruise missile fired by army troopers and allied fighters from Popular Committees at the strategic facility.
Saudi Arabia confirms Yemeni missile attack on Abha airport, reports casualties Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- The Saudi-led coalition waging war on Yemen has confirmed a retaliatory missile strike by Yemeni armed forces on the Abha International Airport in the kingdom's southwestern Asir region.
Command of the Joint Forces of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen: A terrorist act targets Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport SPA 12 Jun 2019 -- Colonel Turki Almalki, the official spokesman of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, said that at (02:21 am) Wednesday morning a hostile projectile fired by Houthi militia hit the arrivals hall at Abha International Airport in Asir Province in southwestern Saudi Arabia, through which thousands of civilian passengers of different nationalities pass daily.
Yemen condemns Houthi militia's attack on Abha International Airport SPA 12 Jun 2019 -- The Government of Yemen has condemned with the most powerful words Iran-backed Houthi terrorist militia's attack against Abha international airport which resulted in wounding 26 people from different nationalities.
Yemeni Information Minister denounces Houthi militia's attack against Abha airport SPA 12 Jun 2019 -- Yemeni Minister of Information Muamer Al-Iryani strongly denounced Iran-backed Houthi militia's projectile attack against Abha International Airport, describing the incident as dangerous escalation.
Houthi Attack on Saudi Arabia's Abha Airport Injures 26 - Saudi TV Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- Yemeni TV channel Al-Masirah TV reported earlier on Wednesday that Houthi rebels carried out an attack on Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia with a cruise missile.
Militants Blow Up Oil Pipeline in Southeastern Yemen - Source Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- Unidentified militants blew up an oil pipeline in the Shabwah Governorate in southeastern Yemen, a source in the provincial administration said on Tuesday.
Yemen's Houthis Strike Saudi Arabia's Abha Airport - Report Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- Yemen's Houthi rebels carried out an attack on Abha Airport in Saudi Arabia with a cruise missile, Yemeni TV channel Al-Masirah TV reported Wednesday.

Syrian air defense systems shoot down Israeli missiles in western Dara'a Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- Syrian air defense systems have intercepted a number of "hostile” missiles fired by the Israeli military, more than a week after government force foiled another Israeli act of aggression against the country.

Kosovo Marks 20 Years Since NATO Intervention That Helped Stop The War RFE/RL 12 Jun 2019 -- Kosovo is marking 20 years since NATO troops were deployed to help stop a bloody Serb crackdown on ethnic Albanian nationalists in the then-Serbian province.

EU Ambassadors Agree To Extend Crimea Sanctions For Another Year RFE/RL 12 Jun 2019 -- European Union ambassadors have agreed to extend the bloc's investment ban on the Crimean Peninsula by another year.

Mali peace process in a 'critical phase', says head of UN Mission UN News 12 Jun 2019 -- Addressing the Security Council at UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, the head of the UN Mission in Mali, MINUSMA, said that amid ongoing violence, including scores of civilian deaths and deadly attacks on UN peacekeepers, a critical phase of the peace process had now been reached.

News Reports

Trump Claims Mystery Part of Mexico Immigration Deal VOA 12 Jun 2019 -- Mexico is due to deploy National Guard troops to its southern border with Guatemala on Wednesday as part of an agreement to cut the number of people who travel through Mexico in hopes of entering the United States.

UN Security Council slams violence by Sudan's junta Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- The United Nations Security Council has censured the recent carnage of over 100 protesters in Sudan by the country's security forces.
New Military Coup Attempt Thwarted in Sudan, Arabic Media Claims Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- A new military coup attempt has been thwarted in Sudan, resulting in the detention of at least 68 police officers, Al-Arabiya reported on Wednesday, citing its sources.
Sudan's Opposition and Military to Resume Talks VOA 12 Jun 2019 -- The talks between Sudan's protest leaders and the Transitional Military Council are expected to resume this week, following concessions on both sides.

Rodong Sinmun Praises Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un KCNA 12 Jun 2019 -- There is no statesman for all ages and in all places like Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un who brought about a radical change in the destiny and position of the country and ushered in a new era of eternal peace and prosperity in the worst adversity in such a short brief of time, says Rodong Sinmun in an editorial article Wednesday.
A Year After Singapore, Prospects for Trump-Kim Breakthrough Look Bleak VOA 12 Jun 2019 -- After U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met last June in Singapore for the first time, Trump declared on his way home "there is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea."

Treasury Targets IRGC-Qods Force Financial Conduit in Iraq for Trafficking Weapons Worth Hundreds of Millions of Dollars US Treasury 12 Jun 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on an Iraq-based Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) financial conduit, South Wealth Resources Company (SWRC), which has trafficked hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of weapons to IRGC-QF-backed Iraqi militias.
U.S. Sanctions Iraq-Based Company Affiliated With IRGC RFE/RL 12 Jun 2019 -- The United States has sanctioned an Iraqi company that it said had helped Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) evade sanctions by smuggling hundreds of millions of dollars worth of weapons.
US imposes sanctions on Iraqi company over Iran ties Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- The United States has imposed illegal sanctions on an Iraqi company, citing its ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Japan's Abe Urges Patience in Effort to Ease US-Iran Tensions VOA 12 Jun 2019 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe warned of another military conflict in the Middle East if the global community is not more patient in the quest to ease escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.
New plot by Trump's government to undermine INSTEX IRNA 12 Jun 2019 -- Washington targeted Iranian-European channel of finance and trade known as INSTEX, and by undermining it as ineffective is willing to force the Islamic Republic of Iran towards its favored direction namely negotiation for the new nuclear deal.
Rouhani: US anti-Iran economic war main cause of regional tensions IRNA 12 Jun 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday ongoing tensions in the region are rooted in the US economic war on the Iranian nation and when the war stops, positive events will start to emerge in the region and world.
Larijani: Iran resisting US pressures IRNA 12 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani in a meeting with the head of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Serbian parliament stressed that the Americans are seeking to exert pressure on Iran by intensifying sanctions, but Iranians will resist the pressures.
US spreading anti-Iran sentiment: Iran FM IRNA 12 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday that the US is spreading anti-Iran sentiment on a daily basis.
Rouhani: US maximum pressure did not work IRNA 12 Jun 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said here on Wednesday that the US maximum pressures and sanctions have become ineffective and did not work.
Iran urges JCPOA signatories to implement commitments equally IRNA 12 Jun 2019 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Wednesday that all signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) should equally implement their commitments.
US' maximum pressure doesn't affect Iranian people: President Rouhani ISNA 12 Jun 2019 -- Iran's President stated that today, the general conditions of the country are very good despite what enemies are stating, and added, "The Iranian nation should know that the pressures of the United States against our country have reached its highest point, and will overflow from now on".
If Europe concerned, exercise its commitments under JCPOA ISNA 12 Jun 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi stressed on Wednesday that if the European friends are concerned about preserving Iran nuclear deal, they should urge all sides to exercise their commitments.
US' economic war with Iran root cause of growing tensions in ME: Araqchi ISNA 12 Jun 2019 -- Iranian deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Seyyed Abbas Araqchi says security in the Persian Gulf is an "integrated and inseparable" concept.
PM Abe calls Iran significant country, voices Japan's readiness to help ease tensions Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says his country aims to play a role in easing tensions surrounding Iran, as he highlights peace and tranquility in the Middle East are very important for the entire world.
EU's Schmid due in Tehran this week to discuss ways to save JCPOA, ease Iran-US tensions Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- The secretary general of the European Union's External Action Service (EEAS) is to pay an official visit to Iran this week as part of a tour of the Persian Gulf to discuss ways to ease tensions in the region and preserve a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers.
US losing capacity for pressure on Iran: Rouhani Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the United States has practically exhausted its capacity for pressure on Iran and such pressure is losing steam.
Tehran to Maas: All signatories, not just Iran, must comply with nuclear deal Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- Iran criticizes the German foreign minister for delivering a warning to Tehran against potential withdrawal from a 2015 multilateral nuclear deal, saying all the signatories are required to meet their end of the bargain, otherwise they should recognize Iran's right to reconsider its commitments.
Japan's Abe On Tehran Mission To Help Ease U.S.-Iran Tensions RFE/RL 12 Jun 2019 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says a military conflict should be avoided at all costs amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran.
Iran Does Not Intend to Start a War With Anyone, Even With US - President Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- As tensions between Washington and Tehran have been rising, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said earlier this week that whoever starts a war with Tehran will not be the one who finishes it.
Iranian President: US Exhausted Potential of Pressure on Tehran Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Washington had exhausted the potential of its pressure on Tehran and opined that the situation in the country had improved compared to last year.

US Calls for Restraint as Hong Kong Protests Turn Violent VOA 12 Jun 2019 -- The United States is encouraging all sides to exercise restraint as massive protests in Hong Kong took a violent turn Wednesday with police clashing with protesters who opposed a controversial extradition bill.
Hong Kong Police Use Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets to Break Up Anti-Extradition Law Protest VOA 12 Jun 2019 -- A massive demonstration outside the headquarters of Hong Kong's government turned violent Wednesday as police clashed with protesters who oppose a controversial extradition bill.
HK residents slam violence against extradition bill Global Times 12 Jun 2019 -- Violent activities continued in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and have caused the city's Legislative Council to postpone a meeting to scrutinize the extradition bill that could allow the Chinese mainland to extradite criminals from Hong Kong.
Hong Kong delays debate on extradition bill as protests swell Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- Hong Kong has been brought to a standstill by tens of thousands of protesters who have moved to occupy key roads to a government complex, just hours before a proposed extradition bill was due to be debated in the city's legislature.
China lashes out at US for 'irresponsible' comments on Hong Kong Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- China has denounced as "irresponsible and erroneous" the US comments about a proposed amendment to a Hong Kong law that would allow suspects to be sent to mainland China to face trial.
Clashes in Hong Kong Over Extradition Bill Leave 22 Injured – Reports Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- At least 22 were injured in Hong Kong after a protest against a controversial extradition bill turned violent on Wednesday, the South China Morning Post said.
China Rebuffs Claims That Beijing Will Send Army to Disperse Hong Kong Protests Sputnik 12 Jun 2019 -- The information allegedly claiming that Beijing may send army units to disperse protests against the controversial amendments to the extradition bill in Hong Kong is false and these rumours are spread merely to cause panic, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday.
Foreign Secretary statement on protests in Hong Kong UK FCO 12 Jun 2019 -- Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has called for calm and urged the Hong Kong government to listen to concerns about its proposed extradition laws.

Toqaev Inaugurated As Kazakhstan's President Amid New Arrests RFE/RL 12 Jun 2019 -- Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has been inaugurated as Kazakhstan's new president amid the ongoing arrest of protesters, who have challenged an election that was marred by what international observers called "widespread voting irregularities."

U.S. and Argentina Convene Workshop on Countering Hizballah's Terrorist Activities in the Western Hemisphere US Dept. of State 12 Jun 2019 -- The United States and the Government of Argentina convened a workshop on countering Hizballah's terrorist and illicit activities in the Western Hemisphere on June 11-12 in Buenos Aires.

UK parliament rejects move to block no-deal Brexit Press TV 12 Jun 2019 -- Members of the British parliament have rejected a key move by the opposition Labour Party meant to block a potential disorderly withdrawal from the European Union.

Tusk: EU Should Start North Macedonia, Albania Talks, But Process Will Take Time RFE/RL 12 Jun 2019 -- European Council President Donald Tusk has said that the EU should launch accession talks with both North Macedonia and Albania, but warned there will be no quick decision.
EU Urged To Move Ahead On Accession Talks With North Macedonia, Albania RFE/RL 12 Jun 2019 -- The European Union is being pressed to begin accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania before the end of the month as promised despite resistance from some bloc members.

Q&A: Moldovans Have Nowhere Left To Fall, And Maybe That's A Good Thing RFE/RL 12 Jun 2019 -- On June 8, Moldova entered a perilous period of dual power, with one government and president backed by parliament and another backed by the Constitutional Court. The crisis is the result of inconclusive February elections that left parliament divided between the pro-Russia Socialist Party, the pro-European ACUM party, and the Democratic Party, controlled by oligarch Vlad Plahotniuc.

Documents Suggest Russian Contractor Key Figure for Kremlin in Africa VOA 12 Jun 2019 -- A Russian military contractor indicted last year by U.S. special counsel Robert Mueller for meddling in domestic American politics is emerging as a key figure in a wide-ranging Kremlin influence operation aimed at boosting Russian clout in Africa at the expense of Western powers, according to documents obtained by an investigative unit funded by an exiled critic of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

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