September 2017 Security News

DoD Accelerates Hurricane Relief, Response Efforts in Puerto Rico AFPS 30 Sep 2017 -- The Defense Department is accelerating relief operations and the deployment of additional response capacity to Puerto Rico to meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency's need for a comprehensive commodities distribution network able to reach isolated communities and provide sustained medical support for the island's residents, Army Lt. Col. Jamie Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement this morning.
Federal Emergency Response Working Smoothly, Puerto Rico's Governor Says AFPS 30 Sep 2017 -- Puerto Rico's governor said the commonwealth and federal team combating Hurricane Maria's devastation is working smoothly and every resource he has asked for is either on the island or on the way.
USNS Comfort Departs for Puerto Rico NNS 29 Sep 2017 -- The Military Sealift Command hospital ship, USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), departed Naval Station Norfolk today and is now underway and making final preparations to support relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
USS Wasp to Support Relief for US Territories in Caribbean NNS 29 Sep 2017 -- U.S. Southern Command released the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) from support of post-Hurricane Maria relief operations in Dominica Sept. 29, and the ship will now join relief efforts for U.S. territories in the Caribbean.
Islamic State Regrouping in Libyan Desert, Experts Warn VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- As the Islamic State group faces military defeats in Syria and Iraq, the group has an eye on war-torn Libya, hoping to re-emerge there and organize in the country's desert, officials and experts warn.
Military in Puerto Rico Will Stay Until 'All Needs Are Met,' DoD Liaison Says AFPS 29 Sep 2017 -- Federal officials in Puerto Rico stressed today that the island has suffered catastrophic damage and that it will take time to recover from the devastation Hurricane Maria wrought upon the commonwealth.
Georgia Training Center Goes Operational for Hurricane Relief Support AFPS 29 Sep 2017 -- For the first time in its history, the Air Dominance Center, a training facility at an Air National Guard base here, is being used in an operational capacity in support of hurricane relief operations.
National Guard continues exodus of gear and personnel to Caribbean in Hurricane Maria's aftermath Army News 29 Sep 2017 -- While the United States eyes hurricane relief efforts in its Caribbean territories, the National Guard continues to respond with vital assets, resources and Guard members.
Army Corps of Engineers' Readiness Support Center provides critical hurricane relief support Army News 29 Sep 2017 -- It was a Saturday afternoon in September, a time when Joel Hendrix would usually be at his home settling in to watch Alabama college football. Instead, he, his wife Beth, two dogs and cat were driving 2,600 miles in five days from a 120-day assignment in the Army Corps' of Engineers South Pacific Division back to the South Atlantic Division, all the while sending emails and making phone calls as he closely monitored Hurricane Irma as it made landfall across Florida.
Trump Touts Puerto Rico Relief Effort as Critics Fault Washington's Response VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- President Donald Trump is touting his administration's disaster response in Puerto Rico, even as officials in the U.S. territory warn that much more help will be needed to fend off mass hunger and disease on the hurricane-ravaged island.
US Officials Doubt IS Leader's Latest Message Will Spark New Attacks on West VOA 29 Sep 2017 -- U.S. intelligence officials examining the latest audio statement claiming to be from Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi say, so far, they have no reason to doubt its authenticity.
Illinois ANG provides communications in Puerto Rico AFNS 28 Sep 2017 -- The Illinois Air National Guard is helping to provide critical communications to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria.
BEEliners bring humanitarian aid to St. Croix AFNS 28 Sep 2017 -- ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands (AFNS) – As Army and Marine Corps helicopters delivered humanitarian aid throughout St. Croix, an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Travis Air Force Base, California, landed Sept. 23, 2017 at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, St. Croix, bringing humanitarian aid to residents affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
DoD Provides Update on Hurricane Relief Efforts AFPS 28 Sep 2017 -- The Defense Department continues ongoing relief operations in Puerto Rico and is leaning forward to rapidly deploy additional response capacity, expanding airfield throughput and positioning key leaders forward in support of Federal Emergency Management Agency efforts to stabilize the situation and sustain life, Defense Department spokesman Army Lt. Col. Jamie Davis said today.
Pennsylvania National Guard Joins Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Efforts AFPS 28 Sep 2017 -- The Pennsylvania National Guard sent 14 crew members and two CH-47 Chinooks yesterday to assist Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
Fort Bragg Soldiers Assist St. Thomas Hurricane Relief Efforts AFPS 28 Sep 2017 -- Soldiers of the 602nd Area Support Medical Company, 261st Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 44th Medical Brigade, based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, arrived here Sept. 12, within 24 hours of notification to start disaster relief efforts in response to Hurricane Irma.
Northcom Appoints DoD Liaison to FEMA for Response Operations AFPS 28 Sep 2017 -- U.S. Northern Command is sending the commander of its Joint Force Land Component Command to serve as the Defense Department's primary liaison to the Federal Emergency Management Agency as hurricane response efforts transition from a sea-based to a land-based operation.
Service Members Work With Puerto Rican, Federal Agencies to Help Island Recover AFPS 28 Sep 2017 -- The Puerto Rican government is working closely with federal agencies -- including the Defense Department -- to recover from the catastrophe that was Hurricane Maria, officials on the island said via teleconference today.
Pennsylvania National Guard sends aircraft, crews to assist in Puerto Rico's relief Army News 28 Sep 2017 -- The Pennsylvania National Guard sent 14 crew members and two CH-47 Chinooks yesterday to assist Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
Readout of Deputy Secretary Shanahan's Call with Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosselló DoD 28 Sep 2017
At Security Council, top counter-terrorism officials stress 'All of UN' approach to tackle scourge UN News 28 Sep 2017 -- Addressing the Security Council, the head of the newly-created United Nations counter-terrorism office today outlined a framework to devise a cohesive, well-coordinated programme to support Member States as well as the priority areas of such work.
Pentagon Names Three-Star General to Head Up Puerto Rico Relief VOA 28 Sep 2017 -- The Pentagon has appointed Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan to lead all military hurricane response efforts in Puerto Rico.
France must bring counter-terrorism law in line with international rights obligations - UN experts UN News 27 Sep 2017 -- Warning of possible "discriminatory repercussions," especially for Muslims, two United Nations rights experts expressed concern over a new law that may perpetuate the emergency measures France introduced in 2015 – establishing a permanent state of emergency.
Airmen Keep Hurricane Relief Supplies Flowing to the Caribbean AFPS 27 Sep 2017 -- Air National Guard airmen with the 165th Air Terminal Operations Center at Savannah Air National Guard Base here were operating around the clock this week to send disaster relief to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
DoD Officials Provide Update on Hurricane Relief Efforts AFPS 27 Sep 2017 -- In Puerto Rico, enhanced communications and completed assessments are providing a clearer picture of the extent of the storm damage and the magnitude of the response challenge, Defense Department spokesman Army Lt. Col. Jamie Davis said today.
Northcom Protects Nation from Natural, Man-Made Threats, Commander Says AFPS 27 Sep 2017 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is demonstrating his intent as he pushes his country to develop nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them, said Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson at the Women in Defense Conference here today.
At Security Council, UN official urges greater cooperation for more effective aviation security UN News 27 Sep 2017 -- Highlighting multifaceted threats to aviation security in the context of international peace and security, the head of the United Nations civil aviation body urged greater cooperation among Member States, at all levels, to make global aviation security more effective.
437th AW crew provides quick-response relief following Hurricane Maria AFNS 26 Sep 2017 -- Members of the 14th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency completed a humanitarian mission in support of Hurricane Maria to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Sept. 23, 2017.
Kentucky ANG establishes air hub for Hurricane Maria relief AFNS 26 Sep 2017 -- Thirty two members of the 123rd Contingency Response Group departed the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville Sept. 23, 2017, to establish an air cargo hub that will support Hurricane Maria relief operations across the Caribbean.
DoD, Partner Agencies Support Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands Hurricane Relief Efforts AFPS 26 Sep 2017 -- The Defense Department and partner agencies are supporting ongoing assessment and response operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, Pentagon spokesman Army Lt. Col. Jamie Davis said today in a statement.
Virginia National Guard sends troops to Virgin Islands Army News 26 Sep 2017 -- The first group of Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team departed Sunday for the U.S Virgin Islands from Blackstone Army Airfield in Blackstone, Virginia, to join a multi-state, multi-agency response effort to recent hurricanes.
Virginia Task Force One assists storm victims in the Virgin Islands Army News 26 Sep 2017 -- A hyperactive hurricane season has crippled the Virgin Islands, with all three islands being affected by Hurricanes Irma or Maria. Even the most resilient people will eventually need assistance.
Air Guard Assists With Receiving Area for Hurricane Relief Responders AFPS 25 Sep 2017 -- Waves of first responders and their families shuffled through a 165th Airlift Wing reception center here over the weekend as part of Hurricane Maria relief processing and operations.
DoD Continues Round-the-Clock Support Following Hurricanes in Caribbean AFPS 25 Sep 2017 -- The federal government's priority is continuing to provide lifesaving and life-sustaining resources to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the wake of recent hurricanes in the Caribbean Sea, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Rob Manning told reporters today.
Missouri Army National Guard to support Virgin Islands relief effort Army News 25 Sep 2017 -- The Missouri Army National Guard has sent helicopters and crews to the Virgin Islands to assist with hurricane response efforts.
Trump's New Travel Ban Targets Iran; Adds North Korea, Venezuela RFE/RL 25 Sep 2017 -- President Donald Trump has issued new restrictions on people trying to enter the United States from eight nations - adding North Korea and Venezuela to a list that also includes Iran - to replace his expiring travel ban.
US Supreme Court Cancels Arguments on Travel Ban After New Policy VOA 25 Sep 2017 -- The U.S. Supreme Court has canceled arguments on President Donald Trump's travel ban in light of a new order that was signed Sunday.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Dismisses US Travel Ban VOA 25 Sep 2017 -- Venezuela's foreign minister has dismissed his country being added to the U.S. administration's travel ban and said President Donald Trump acted like the "world's emperor" at the United Nations General Assembly last week.
FEMA stands up ISB at JB San Antonio to support Hurricane Maria relief efforts AFNS 22 Sep 2017 -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency stood up an Incident Support Base at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Kelly Field, Texas to aid Hurricane Maria relief efforts with support from the 502nd Air Base Wing, Sept. 21, 2017.
Trump to replace travel ban with new restrictions on more countries Press TV 23 Sep 2017 -- US President Donald Trump is preparing to ban or restrict visas for travel to the United States from about ten countries as a replacement to the current travel ban that expires over the weekend, officials said.
Trump Weighs Replacing Temporary Travel Ban With New Restrictions RFE/RL 23 Sep 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is considering replacing his temporary travel ban on people from six predominantly Muslim countries with an order targeted at countries that have not satisfied U.S. demands for stringent safeguards against extremists, U.S. officials said.
U.S. States Say Voting Systems Were Targeted By Russian Hackers RFE/RL 23 Sep 2017 -- The U.S. government on September 22 notified 21 states that their voting systems were targeted by hackers in last year's presidential election, and several of the most closely contested states said the hackers were linked to the Russian government.
National Guard Assets Support Communications During Natural Disasters AFPS 22 Sep 2017 -- After communication systems in hurricane-affected areas of the Gulf Coast and American territories in the Caribbean were decimated, a decade-old National Guard asset that eliminates communication gaps was activated, according to National Guard officials.
Military Officials Outline Hurricane Relief Efforts AFPS 22 Sep 2017 -- The numerous natural disasters of the past couple of weeks have cut a wide swath across the United States from Florida and the Caribbean region to the West Coast, Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek P. Rydholm, deputy to the chief of the Air Force Reserve told Pentagon reporters today.
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Generals Rydholm and Holland in the Pentagon Briefing Room to Provide an Update on Support to Hurricane Relief Efforts DoD 22 Sep 2017 -- Admiral Kurt Tidd, Commander, Southern Command
NAVSUP FLC San Diego Supports Mexico Humanitarian Assistance Efforts NNS 22 Sep 2017 -- NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) San Diego personnel assisted in the coordination and delivery of more than 50,000 pounds of humanitarian aid supplies as part of earthquake relief efforts for Mexico, Sept. 20.
GCHQ Warns of Massive Looming Cyberattack That Will Demand 'National Response' Sputnik 22 Sep 2017 -- UK intelligence agency GCHQ's National Cyber Security Center has warned the UK will fall victim to a major "preventable" cyberattack, even more severe than the WannaCry strike.
US Officials: New Travel Restrictions May Be on Horizon VOA 22 Sep 2017 -- The top homeland security official in the United States has suggested to President Donald Trump new standards for visitors and immigrants applying to enter the country.
Remarks by Admiral Tidd in a Roundtable Discussion DoD 21 Sep 2017 -- Admiral Kurt Tidd, Commander, Southern Command
Expeditionary Marines and Sailors wrap up Hurricane Irma relief efforts in Key West USMC News 21 Sep 2017 -- The Marines and Sailors of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) wrapped up their relief efforts in Key West in the wake of Hurricane Irma, this week./li>
621st CRW Airmen deploy in response to Hurricane Irma AFNS 21 Sep 2017 -- The 821st Contingency Response Group from Travis Air Force Base, California, alerted a 64-person contingency response element to Marathon Regional Airport, located in the Florida Keys, where they arrived in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Sept. 11, 2017.
Kentucky ANG deploy to Caribbean for Hurricane Maria relief operations AFNS 21 Sep 2017 -- Seven Special Tactics Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard departed the Kentucky ANG base, Louisville, Sept. 20, 2017, for the Caribbean where they will open airfields for humanitarian aid deliveries and resident evacuations in the wake of Hurricane Maria, the third major hurricane to hit the region in the past month.
Oregon Army National Guard aviators douse wildfires across the state Army News 21 Sep 2017 -- Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, answered the call to help their state following Governor Kate Brown's emergency declaration order. The governor's declaration enabled the Oregon National Guard to be activated in support of the Oregon Department of Forestry as needed to assist with wild land firefighting efforts across the state.
Army National Guard ready for relief efforts after Hurricane Maria slams Puerto Rico Army News 21 Sep 2017 -- National Guard troops and members of federal agencies throughout the Caribbean region are ready to respond after Hurricane Maria made landfall yesterday in Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm, with winds of 150 mph, weather officials said.
National Guard Plans Relief Efforts as Hurricane Maria Slams Puerto Rico AFPS 20 Sep 2017 -- National Guard troops and members of federal agencies throughout the Caribbean region are hunkering down and making disaster relief preparations as Hurricane Maria made landfall today in Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm, with winds of 150 mph, weather officials said.
Army, sister services ready to respond as Hurricane Maria makes landfall in Puerto Rico Army News 20 Sep 2017 -- U.S. service members with Joint Task Force Leeward Islands moved their aircraft from San Juan to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, on Monday so they can continue their humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission once Hurricane Maria passes.
Iwo Jima, New York Wrap Up Recovery Efforts in Key West NNS 20 Sep 2017 -- USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS New York (LPD 21), along with multiple embarked Navy and Marine Corps units completed initial recovery operations in support of federal and state officials, September 16, following Hurricane Irma's devastation of Key West, Florida.
Panama vows to combat drug trafficking, asks for help to eliminate 'blood money' driving scourge UN News 20 Sep 2017 -- The most effective way to solve problems that affect the world's people is always placing human beings at the centre of all decisions, the President of Panama told the United Nations General Assembly today, stressing that his country, which joins North and South and which is bordered by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, would continue to be a beacon of cooperation and understanding.
Evolution of Cyber Requires Change As Normal Concept, Rogers Says AFPS 19 Sep 2017 -- The cyber world will look quite different in two years and five years than it does today, Navy Adm. Michael S. Rogers, commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency, said today.
Joint Task Force Leeward Islands Prepares for Hurricane Maria AFPS 19 Sep 2017 -- U.S. service members with Joint Task Force Leeward Islands moved their aircraft from San Juan to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, yesterday so they can continue their humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission once Hurricane Maria passes.
How to Wage an Information War VOA 18 Sep 2017 -- "One clear lesson is that you can't fight propaganda with propaganda," says Tetiana Popova. "If you do that you lose credibility yourself and bring all facts into doubt," adds the former Ukrainian deputy minister for information policy.
British terrorism threat level lowered from "critical" to "severe" People's Daily 18 Sep 2017 -- British Home Secretary Amber Rudd said on Sunday that the United Kingdom's terrorism threat level has been lowered from "critical" to "severe" after being raised to the highest possible in the wake of the Friday explosion at a subway station in west London.
Second Arrest Over London Subway Bombing RFE/RL 17 Sep 2017 -- Police in Britain say a second man has been arrested in connection with a bomb attack on the London metro that injured more than two dozen.
Britain Eases Threat Level After Police Arrest Second Suspect VOA 17 Sep 2017 -- Britain eased its terrorist threat level Sunday from "critical" to "severe" after police arrested a second suspect in the bombing of a subway train in London.
601st AOC's AMD provides critical link during hurricane relief AFNS 16 Sep 2017 -- In the throes of a hurricane, emerging requirements for military air assets throughout the affected area can create a chaotic web of demand signals with varying levels of priority.
Britain raises terror threat level to critical People's Daily 16 Sep 2017 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May said Friday that the terror threat level is raised to critical, which means a further terrorist attack in Britain may be imminent.
British police arrest man linked to London tube bombing Press TV 16 Sep 2017 -- The British police have arrested a man in the southern port of Dover in connection to a London commuter train bombing that injured 30 people a day earlier.
Russia's Digital Weapons Refined on Virtual Battlefield' of Ukraine VOA 16 Sep 2017 -- It was a Friday in June, a short workday before a public holiday weekend in Ukraine, and cybersecurity expert Victor Zhora had left the capital, Kyiv, and was in the western city of Lviv when he got the first in a torrent of phone calls from frantic clients.
British Police Evacuate Area in London Suburb After Arrest in Subway Bombing VOA 16 Sep 2017 -- Armed British police searched a home Saturday in a London suburb and evacuated the surrounding area as a precaution after an earlier arrest in connection with Friday's rush hour bombing on a London subway train that injured 30 people.
Troops behind the scenes help send Guard aid to Florida Army News 15 Sep 2017 -- With the help of approximately 45 Wisconsin National Guard Airmen, three C-17 Globemaster and seven C-135 Stratolifter military aircraft, more than 600 members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and 40 short tons of cargo left Wisconsin Sept. 11 en route to Florida to assist with Hurricane Irma recovery efforts there.
Britain raises terror threat level after London bomb attack: May Press TV 15 Sep 2017 -- Britain has raised its national threat level to maximum after a bomb exploded on a crowded London Underground train during the morning rush hour, injuring at least 29 people.
IS Claims London Subway Attack That Injured 22 RFE/RL 15 Sep 2017 -- The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for what London police say was a "terrorist" bomb attack on a London Underground train that injured more than 20 people.
Britain PM Theresa May Raises Threat Levels to Critical After London Bombing Sputnik 15 Sep 2017 -- Theresa May, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has raised the UK's national threat level to "critical." This means that the British government believes a terrorist attack is imminent.
McCain, Fitzgerald Collisions Prompt Naval Investigators to Probe Cyber Attacks Sputnik 15 Sep 2017 -- A team from the US Navy's 10th Fleet has traveled to Singapore to determine if the USS McCain's deadly August steering failure was caused by cyber intrusion. The investigation, which marks the first time that the Navy has dispatched its Cyber Command 10th fleet abroad, could take months.
22 Hurt in London Subway Blast VOA 15 Sep 2017 -- A makeshift explosive device detonated early Friday on a packed rush-hour commuter train in London, injuring at least 22 people in what police say was a terrorist attack. Emergency workers said none of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening.
May Raises British Threat Level to 'Critical' After Subway Bomb VOA 15 Sep 2017 -- Britain has raised its terror threat level to "critical" after a bomb attack on the London subway Friday that has been claimed by Islamic State.
Airmen provide humanitarian relief to Caribbean Islands AFNS 14 Sep 2017 -- Airmen across the U.S. came together to support the Hurricane Irma relief effort, Sept. 12, 2017, at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
FEMA, Air Force utilize vital airfield for hurricane staging area AFNS 14 Sep 2017 -- Joint Base Charleston enabled Hurricane Irma recovery operations by helping to stand-up a Federal Emergency Management Agency installation support base at the North Auxiliary Airfield, Sept. 8, 2017.
Marines Assist Irma Relief Efforts in Caribbean, Florida AFPS 14 Sep 2017 -- Since the beginning of the Hurricane Irma disaster relief effort, Marines have successfully evacuated 1,600 citizens stranded on Caribbean islands that took Irma's full impact, and delivered more than 52,000 pounds of supplies and equipment here.
USNS Spearhead Picks Up Supplies In Route to St. Martin NNS 14 Sep 2017 -- USNS Spearhead (T-EPF 1) stopped at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Sept. 13, to pick up humanitarian relief supplies to support Joint Task Force Leeward Islands (JTF-LWI) on the Franco-Dutch island Saint Martin.
Kremlin Hits Out At U.S. Decision To Ban Kaspersky Software Products RFE/RL 14 Sep 2017 -- Russia says Washington's move to ban U.S. federal agencies from using Kaspersky Labs software products "runs counter to fair competition" and is designed to hurt the Russian antivirus company's global market position.
Army Continues to Support Irma Response AFPS 13 Sep 2017 -- More than 17,000 soldiers and Army civilians have been mobilized as part of the Total Army response to Hurricane Irma, Army spokesman Col. Patrick Seiber said yesterday.
Pennsylvania National Guard sends aircraft, crew to support Irma response Army News 13 Sep 2017 -- More than 40 Pennsylvania National Guard members and four CH-47 Chinook helicopters are currently assisting with the response to Hurricane Irma.
Wisconsin Army National Guard, other Army state units contribute to Irma response Army News 13 Sep 2017 -- As the nation marked the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in on Monday, more than 2,500 Wisconsin National Guard troops began loading up into military trucks or aircraft, en route to Florida to assist the ongoing Hurricane Irma relief efforts.
DHS Statement on the Issuance of Binding Operational Directive 17-01 Department of Homeland Security 13 Sep 2017 -- After careful consideration of available information and consultation with interagency partners, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke today issued a Binding Operational Directive (BOD) directing Federal Executive Branch departments and agencies to take actions related to the use or presence of information security products, solutions, and services supplied directly or indirectly by AO Kaspersky Lab or related entities.
USS Iwo Jima, USS New York and USS San Jacinto Begin Key West Recovery Operations NNS 13 Sep 2017 -- The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56), along with various embarked air and amphibious landing assets, arrived on station off of Key West, Florida, Sept. 12, to support Hurricane Irma relief efforts.
U.S. Government Agencies Ordered To Remove Kaspersky Software RFE/RL 13 Sep 2017 -- The U.S. government has ordered all U.S. federal agencies to phase out use of Kaspersky Lab software products, citing "ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies."
Kaspersky Lab Denies Claims of Attempts to Conduct Cyberespionage Sputnik 13 Sep 2017 -- Kaspersky Lab cybersecurity firm denies accusations of attempts to conduct cyberespionage and says they are based on inaccurate assumptions of company's links to Russian authorities.
US Orders Federal Agencies to Remove Kaspersky Products VOA 13 Sep 2017 -- U.S. security officials on Wednesday ordered government agencies to get rid of products and services from Kaspersky Lab, a Moscow-based cybersecurity firm.
Top US Official: Russia 'Ever More Aggressive' in Cyberspace VOA 13 Sep 2017 -- Russia is not backing down in cyberspace, instead ramping up the pace of its operations against the United States, according to the nation's top intelligence official.
Outgoing US Ambassador to Russia Saw Evidence Russia Hacked US Election VOA 13 Sep 2017 -- John Tefft, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Russia, says he believes Russia engaged in cyberattacks during the 2016 presidential election.
Update: DoD Response to Hurricane Irma September 12, 2017 (5:00 pm EDT) DoD 12 Sep 2017 -- The Department of Defense has initiated response operations in Florida and continued response operations in the Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico.
Official source: State Security Presidency was able to detect, thwart Daesh terrorist organization s terrorist plot against two headquarters of Ministry of Defense in Riyadh SPA 12 Sep 2017 -- An official source said that, the State Security Presidency - following up on terrorist threats targeting the kingdom s security and capabilities and tracking those responsible - was able to carry out a qualitative operation in detecting and thwarting a terrorist plot by Daesh terrorist organization against two headquarters of Ministry of Defense in Riyadh by suicide operation with explosive belts. The results of the security operation resulted in the following:
Nellis AFB to support Hurricane Irma rescue operations AFNS 12 Sep 2017 -- In mid-afternoon Sept. 8, 2017, the 66th Rescue Squadron and 823rd Maintenance Squadron assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, received a call from U.S. Northern Command to ready teams to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency search and rescue efforts in the Florida Keys following the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
Wisconsin National Guard among latest units to supplement Irma aid Army News 12 Sep 2017 -- As the nation marked the 16th anniversary of the terror attacks in New York City, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, more than 2,500 Wisconsin National Guard troops began loading up into military trucks or aircraft -- en route to Florida to assist the ongoing Hurricane Irma relief efforts.
USNS William McLean; Delivering in Support of Hurricane Irma Relief Efforts NNS 12 Sep 2017 -- ATLANTIC OCEAN (September 12, 2017)- Military Sealift Command's dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12) has commenced logistic support operations in the vicinity of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma.
Riyadh Claims to Have Foiled Plot to Suicide Bomb Saudi Defense Ministry Sputnik 12 Sep 2017 -- Saudi Arabia has arrested two Yemeni nationals and two Saudi citizens under suspicions of planning a suicide bombing attack against the Riyadh headquarters of the Saudi Defense Ministry.
Is US Losing a Key Part of the War on Terror? VOA 12 Sep 2017 -- Sixteen years after the United States launched its war on terror, there are nagging concerns that aspects of the war have not gone well. And when it comes to the battle of ideas, some experts and officials fear the U.S. may be losing.
Oregon National Guard supports firefighting efforts for Chetco Bar Fire Army News 11 Sep 2017 -- A sky full of ash looms overhead while Oregon Army and Air National Guard members work around the clock to help contain the threats of wildfires across the state. As of September 8, 2017, nearly 600 Oregon Guardsmen have volunteered to join the fight against the wildfires, working alongside local, state and federal agencies to battle one of the worst fire seasons in Oregon's history.
Analysts: Success of Pakistan's New Counterterrorism Policy Hinges on Implementation VOA 11 Sep 2017 -- Counterterrorism authorities in Pakistan are planning to introduce a new policy to curb extremism in the country. But analysts say only a thorough and effective implementation of the strategy would help the country rid itself of the carnage.
Air Force delivers doctors, aid to Florida AFNS 11 Sep 2017 -- Three C-17s from Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina and Dover Air Force Base, Delaware flew more than 300 doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to Orlando, Florida, Sept. 9, 2017, in anticipation of Hurricane Irma's landfall Sept. 10.
Travis AFB transports critical aid in support of Hurricane Irma relief operations AFNS 11 Sep 2017 -- A C-17 Globemaster III departed Travis Air Force Base, California, during the early morning hours Sept. 9, 2017, enroute to Puerto Rico to deliver a team of search and rescue personnel assigned to Federal Emergency Management Agency's Texas Task Force 1 in support of Hurricane Irma relief operations.
Kentucky Air Guardsmen evacuate personnel following Hurricane Irma AFNS 11 Sep 2017 -- For the second time in two weeks, special operators and aircrews from the Kentucky Air National Guard deployed to support hurricane rescue operations, evacuating more than 170 U.S. citizens from the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Maarten today.
Oregon National Guardsmen Help Battle Wildfires AFPS 11 Sep 2017 -- A sky full of ash looms overhead while Oregon Army and Air National Guardsmen work around the clock to help contain the threat of fires consuming the Oregon hills near here since July.
Northcom Positions Military Assets to Support Irma Relief Missions AFPS 11 Sep 2017 -- U.S. Northern Command is working through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support authorities in Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to provide lifesaving and life-sustaining relief to those in affected areas.
Almost 10K Army personnel engaged in Irma response and relief operations Army News 11 Sep 2017 -- The Total Army, which includes active duty, Reserve, and Army National Guard personnel, remains involved in or prepared to support state, territory and other federal agencies as part of Hurricane Irma relief operations, Army spokesman Col. Patrick Seiber said yesterday.
Update of DoD Response to Hurricane Irma DoD 11 Sep 2017 -- The Department of Defense is well postured with naval, air, and ground assets to initiate response operations in Florida today and will continue response operations throughout the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico (VIPR) region.
Justice Department Asks Supreme Court to Uphold Refugee Ban VOA 11 Sep 2017 -- The Trump administration asked the country's highest court on Monday to block a lower court ruling that would allow refugees with formal assurances from U.S. resettlement agencies to come to the United States.
Press Briefing by PresSecretary Sarah Sanders and Homeland Security Advisor Tom Bossert The White House 11 Sep 2017
Army Assets Ready to Respond to Hurricane Irma AFPS 10 Sep 2017 -- More than 7,400 Army personnel, including active duty, reserve and National Guard soldiers, as well as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civilian members are involved in or prepared to support state, local and territory agencies or other federal agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of Hurricane Irma relief operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the continental United States, including Florida, according to a statement released by Army public affairs officials yesterday.
DoD Continues Hurricane Irma Response Operations AFPS 10 Sep 2017 -- The Defense Department is well-postured for Hurricane Irma response operations in Florida with maritime and air-ground assets, as the department also continues its response operations throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean locales, DoD spokesman Army Lt. Col. Jamie Davis said today in a statement.
Colorado Air National Guard Sends Commo Unit for Irma Response AFPS 10 Sep 2017 -- A special communications section of the Colorado Air National Guard is staging to Mississippi to assist civilian authorities in areas impacted by Hurricane Irma.
Riyadh may have sponsored 9/11 'dry run': New lawsuit data Press TV 10 Sep 2017 -- New evidence in a lawsuit, which holds Saudi Arabia responsible for the September 11, 2001 attacks, shows that the kingdom may have funded a "dry run" prior to the incident.
Former Al-Qaida Operatives Launch New Militant Group in Pakistan VOA 10 Sep 2017 -- A new al-Qaida-inspired militant group, which has recently emerged in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi claims to act as a platform for militants who have grown disaffected with the Islamic State militant group (IS) in the country.
DoD Continues Caribbean, Florida Hurricane Response Operations AFPS 09 Sep 2017 -- The Defense Department continues its response to "significant" levels of destruction throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands and other Caribbean locales, while posturing forces to support the response to Hurricane Irma in Florida, DoD spokesman Army Lt. Col. Jamie Davis said today in a statement.
USS Iwo Jima, USS New York, USS San Jacinto Poised to Support Irma Relief Efforts NNS 09 Sep 2017 -- The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) departed Naval Station Norfolk Sept. 8 to support possible humanitarian relief operations in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
Dobbins ARB provides hurricane evacuation support AFNS 08 Sep 2017 -- Late on the evening of Sept. 6, 2017, the first of several C-130 Super Hercules carrying evacuees landed at the Dobbins Air Reserve Base flight line. What began as a typical aircraft arrival scene with airfield managers guiding the planes in, became a bit more unique as Marine Corps aircrews offloaded suitcases of different shapes and colors and arranged them in rows on the flight line. Families exited the aircraft – some with children and pets – and made their way off the flight line, beginning the next leg of their long journey to safety.
Kentucky Guardsmen deploy to Caribbean for Hurricane Irma response AFNS 08 Sep 2017 -- Soldiers from the Kentucky Army National Guard's 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade departed from the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Sept. 7, 2017, for the Caribbean to assist with rescue and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
Military Logisticians Prepare for Hurricane Irma AFPS 08 Sep 2017 -- Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency on Labor Day in anticipation of Hurricane Irma's pending arrival, and while communities began stocking up on food and water, Florida's Army and Air National Guard were already activating military personnel.
As Irma bears down on US, Army National Guard members deploy throughout affected region Army News 08 Sep 2017 -- As the now-Category 4 Hurricane Irma bears down on Florida with an expected weekend landfall, the South Carolina National Guard is escalating efforts to respond to the effects from Irma, as projection models indicate South Carolina is in the path of the storm when it makes landfall in the upcoming days.
US Army Corps of Engineers prepares for Hurricane Irma, continues to respond to Harvey Army News 08 Sep 2017 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is closely coordinating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, other federal partners, and state and local agencies in preparing for Hurricane Irma.
US Justice Department Set to Appeal Travel Ban Ruling to Supreme Court VOA 08 Sep 2017 -- The U.S. Justice Department is expected to appeal the latest travel ban court ruling to the Supreme Court.
DoD Leans Forward to Support Preparation and Response Efforts for Hurricane Irma DoD 07 Sep 2017 -- The Department of Defense is fully engaged with federal, state, territorial and international mission partners and remains postured to respond to requests for assistance to territories and states affected by Hurricane Irma. General Lori Robinson, Commander, U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), is the lead for DoD's domestic response.
Facebook Says Russia-Based Operation Bought Ads Targeting U.S. Voters RFE/RL 07 Sep 2017 -- Facebook has informed U.S. investigators that the social network recently discovered it sold advertisements to a Russia-based operation targeting U.S. voters during last year's presidential election.
Facebook Revelation on Russian-bought Political Ads 'Tip of the Iceberg' VOA 07 Sep 2017 -- Revelations that Russian-linked accounts paid for thousands of political ads to appear on Facebook during last year's presidential election may be just "the tip of the iceberg," according to a top U.S. lawmaker.
Reserve wing continues fire fighting efforts AFNS 07 Sep 2017 -- Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing sent a second Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 to Fresno Air Tanker Base, California Sept. 6, 2017, to support ongoing aerial fire fighting efforts in the Western U.S.
EPLOs provide critical coordination to FEMA disaster relief efforts AFNS 07 Sep 2017 -- As three CH-47 Chinooks flew into Joint Base San Antonio-Seguin Auxiliary Airfield from the west, , Col. Harry Hughes, an emergency preparedness liaison officer, quickly worked through how to alleviate a back-up of overflow truck traffic onto the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Incident Support Base.
Northcom Begins Support for Hurricane Irma AFPS 07 Sep 2017 -- U.S. Northern Command began supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Hurricane Irma response today as the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp arrived in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
California Guard Heads Out to Fight Fires, Assist With Hurricane Irma AFPS 07 Sep 2017 -- California National Guard soldiers completed fire hand crew training yesterday at Camp Roberts and are heading out to the Salmon-August Complex Fire near Etna, the Mission Fire near Oakhurst and wherever else they're needed.
EU Defense Ministers Hold Cyberwar Game In Tallinn RFE/RL 07 Sep 2017 -- European Union defense ministers have gathered in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, for an informal meeting that included a cyberexercise aimed at testing the bloc's ability to respond to a potential attack by hackers on its military structures.
2 Men Sentenced to Death for 1993 Mumbai Attacks VOA 07 Sep 2017 -- An Indian court sentenced two men to death Thursday for their involvement in the 1993 bombings in Mumbai that killed more than 250 people.
UN: Poverty, Abuse of Power Push Young Africans Into Violent Extremism VOA 07 Sep 2017 -- Poverty, deprivation and state abuse of power are driving young Africans to join violent extremist groups, such as Boko Haram, al-Shabab and Islamic State, according to a "first-of-a-kind" study by the U.N. Development Program.
Pakistan Says US Can't Win War on Terror Without It VOA 07 Sep 2017 -- Pakistan has vowed to stay engaged with the United States to help fight terrorism in neighboring Afghanistan, but said the war "cannot be won by excluding or confronting" Islamabad.

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September 2017 Security News