MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 19, 2017

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• ” ‘A big joke’: Only imperfect U.S. defences can save Canada from North Korean missiles” – “Sept. 18: Whoa. Reread the mutual defence clause …”
• “U.S. military options for N.K. would not put Seoul at grave risk: Mattis” – “Mattis hints at military options on North Korea but offers no details” – “U.S. Fighter Jets Buzz Border with N.Korea”
• “Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with President Xi Jinping of China” (whitehouse.gov) – “Readout Of President Donald J. Trump’s Call With President Moon Jae-In Of The Republic Of Korea” (whitehouse.gov)
• “Trump, Xi agree to maximize pressure on N. Korea” – “Xi, Trump talk upcoming China visit, Korean Peninsula over phone”
• “Chinese Firm Smuggles Missile Parts to N.Korea” – “China entities spur N. Korea’s rapid leap in missile mastery”
• “China calls for peace talks to halt ‘vicious cycle’ in North Korean nuclear crisis” – “Beijing says sabre rattling will only worsen North Korean nuclear crisis” – “Three reasons China will not accept a nuclear armed North Korea” – “China unwilling to accept threats of using force as means to resolve North Korea issue” – “Threats Cannot Help Resolve Korean Peninsula Situation, China Says”
• “U.S. Senate passes bill calling for enhanced extended deterrence for S. Korea”
• “(KOR) National Security Adviser Warns of War”
• “Russia’s envoy meets with N.K. official handling U.S. affairs over nukes”
• “US deploys stealth jets and bombers as China-Russia naval drills held near North Korea”
• “North Korea secretly building nuclear submarine to deploy within 3 years”
• “North Korean Missile Test Raises Questions About Why Allies Didn’t Try To Shoot It Down” – “To Shoot Down Or Not Shoot Down A North Korean Missile”
• What’s PRK Say?  “U.S. Is to Blame for Aggravated Situation of Korean Peninsula; KCNA Commentary”
• “Economic Sanctions and the Nuclear Issue: Lessons From North Korean Trade” (38 North)
• “ON TARGET: News stories aimed for maximum shock value”
• “Korea Solution Needs US to Sign a Peace Treaty”
• “Op-Ed: How To Neutralize North Korea’s Nuclear Threat Without Starting A World War” (Fortuna’s Corner)

The Kurds/#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT
• “Iraqi President cancels US trip to address Kurdistan referendum concerns”
• “Iraqi Supreme Court Orders Suspension Of Kurdish Referendum” – “Iraq’s high court suspends Kurdish independence referendum” – “Iraq top court rules to suspend Kurdish referendum” – “Kurdistan News: Iraq’s top court orders suspension of referendum” – “Iraq supreme court orders suspension of Kurdistan referendum”
• “British defense secretary calls for delay of Kurdish referendum – KRP” – “President Barzani Receives (UK Def) Secretary Fallon” (KRG info-machine)
• “Saudi minister calls on Barzani to accept international mediations”
• “Referendum can be postponed only with guarantees on independence: Barzani”
• “Referendum will not define Kurdistan’s borders: PM Barzani” – “Kurds defiant as Iraq says no to independence vote” – “Barzani: No Options But Independence”
• “PM Barzani: We Will Continue to Cooperate with Baghdad in War on Terrorism”
• “Kurdistan referendum leaves Iraq’s Turkmens in quandary” – “Curfew in Kirkuk as Turkmen, Kurd engage in clashes”
• “(IRQ pres) Abadi and (TUR PM) Erdogan voice opposition to Kurdistan’s referendum in phone call”
• “Turkish jets shell two villages in Kurdistan Region”
• “(TUR PM) Yildirim warns against threats to Turkish interests from Kurdish referendum”
• “In response to the Kurdish independence referendum scheduled for September 25 and the Syrian Kurds’ elections of bodies running local communities on September 22, Turkey sent on Monday field messages to both parties by deploying its forces at the border of the two countries. Sources said that Ankara is deploying its forces and backing the Free Syrian Army to control Idlib and drive out Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham militants, which include factions similar to Fatah al-Sham, as a means to prevent the establishment of a “Kurdish corridor” from Syria’s Afreen to the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, western diplomatic sources told Asharq Al-Awsat on Monday that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu met with Commander of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) Sipan Hamo at the Russian Hmeimim air base in Syria on September 12 to discuss ways of fighting ISIS terrorists …”
• “Greece upgrades its representation in Kurdistan to Consulate General ahead of referendum”
• “Iraqi Kurdistan to Vote on Independence: Middle East Heads for Another Major War” (Strategic Culture Foundation)
• “Battle for Iraq’s Hawija looms amid Kurdish push for independence”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Islamic State Families Moved to Site North of Mosul, Iraq Confirms”
• “Iraq’s army regains ISIL area on Syrian border”
• “Iraqi troops launch operation to liberate more IS-held regions in Anbar”
• “Iraq to deport over 500 wives and 800 children of Islamic State jihadists”
• “U.S. and allies won’t rebuild Syria without political process” – “Anti-Assad Nations Say No to Syria Reconstruction Until Political Process on Track”
• “Syrian army sends more troops across Euphrates, near U.S.-backed forces”
• “With little peace prospects, France pushes new Syria initiative at U.N.” – “US cool on French call for Syria ‘contact group’ “

#Ukraine

• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (1)  “Canada , UK to jointly train Ukrainian military” – “Ukrainian Armed Forces well on their way to NATO compatibility – Commander of Operation UNIFIER” – “UK and Canadian delegations visit training camp of the Ukrainian Invictus Games Team” (UKR MoD)
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (2)  “U.S. Senate allocates $500 mln in security assistance for Ukraine, authorizes lethal aid” – “U.S. Senate approves $500 mln in military assistance to Ukraine” – “US Senate approves $500 million for lethal weapons for Ukraine, – Poroshenko”  – “Poroshenko: U.S. Senate green-lights $500 mln in disbursement, lethal weapons for Ukraine” – “President: The decision to supply American defensive weaponry will increase the cost of Russian aggression” (UKR Pres info-machine) – “President: We appreciate that the U.S. stands by our side in our struggle” (UKR Pres info-machine) – “U.S. decision to provide Ukraine with defensive weapons will open this possibility with other countries, – Poroshenko” – “President sees defensive arms as tool of legal protection of Ukrainian position” – “U.S. weapons to help Ukraine liberate Donbas and return its territories – Poroshenko” – “US credit for Ukraine is Kiev-Washington bilateral affair — Kremlin” – “Kremlin: U.S. lethal weapons supplies to Ukraine won’t promote stability” – “Arming Ukraine Is A Sensible Option”
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (3)  “Anders Fogh Rasmussen visits east of Ukraine” (UKR MoD) – “Former NATO Secretary General calls for supplying Ukraine with weapons” – “Rasmussen: NATO countries could and should provide Ukraine with defensive equipment”
• ” ‘Rapid Trident’ Military Drills Continue In Ukraine”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 17 September 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 19 Sept 2017 – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, September 19, 2017” (UKR MoD) – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, September 18, 2017” – “Essence of Time unit in Donbass report. September 14” (pro-separatist) – “Militants launched 14 attacks on Ukrainian troops in Donbas in last day” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire eight times over 24 hours” – “186 explosions recorded in Donbas on September 15-17, – OSCE SMM” – “Ukrainian forces violate ceasefire 36 times over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command” – “ATO report: terrorists in Donbas violated cease-fire 14 times yesterday, Ukrainian military retaliated, – ATO HQ” – “36 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “ATO report: militants violate truce 14 times in last day, Ukraine army fights back”
• U.N. Peacekeeper Latest  “US-Kiev rejection of Russian initiative proves more war in store for Donbass — DPR” – “MFA Heads of Ukraine, Sweden, Poland discuss deploying UN peacekeepers in Donbas” – “Kiev and Washington support war by rejecting to discuss UN resolution on peacekeepers – Pushilin” – “Future of peacekeeping mission to Donbass depends on stance of Kiev, Washington — Kremlin” – “Washington, Kyiv Dismiss Putin Peacekeeper Plan: Report” – “(RUS) Diplomat comments on Kiev’s refusal to discuss Russian resolution on peacekeepers”
• “Ukraine creates register of suicides among demobilized ATO veterans – Bohomolets”
• “The draft budget for 2018 for the Ministry of Defense provides for 83 billion hryvnia (CAN$ 3.9 billion)” (UKR mil portal, in Ukrainian) – “Financing for National Guard to be raised by UAH 238 mln (CAN$ 11.2 million) in 2018”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Russia’s 8th Motorized Rifle Brigade in Sukhodilsk (UKR). Geo-location” (InformNapalm.org)  – “Russian military aggression in eastern Ukraine. Briefing at the Ukraine Crisis Media Centre (video)” (via UKR MoD) – ” ‘Putin’s aggression in Ukraine: 35 thousand killed and wounded’ and other neglected Russian stories” (Euromaidan Press)
• “Ukraine, Hybrid Warfare, and Reclaiming the Strategic Advantage”
• “Human rights in the territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine along the delimitation line and in so-called Luhansk People’s Republic and Donetsk People’s Republic (2017)” (Human Rights in Ukraine)
• “Nearly 8,000 displaced persons registered in DPR”
• “How to Wage an Information War”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe – Zapad 2017 Watch

• “Canadian journalist: Belarus ensures open access for mass media at Zapad 2017 — Belarus has ensured open access for mass media at the Belarusian-Russian strategic army exercise Zapad 2017, Canadian journalist Raymond Saint Pierre, who took part in the coverage of the second stage of the army exercise on the Osipovichsky area, told BelTA …” (BLR state media) – Biographie de Raymond Saint-Pierre (ICI.Radio-Canada.ca)
• “International observers describe Belarusian-Russian army exercise Zapad 2017 as open, transparent” (BLR state media)
• Ooopsie … “Incident at Zapad 2017 drills: Ka-52 attack helicopter fires missile at spectators (video)” – “At the exercises “West-2017″ the combat helicopter accidentally gave a volley through the crowd of spectators, there are seriously wounded.” (in Russian) – “At the exercises “West-2017″ the helicopter hit rockets by spectators. Two people are injured” (in Russian) – “Helicopter shots spectators at West-2017 drills, two people wounded, – video”
• “Russian military aircrafts violate airspace of Lithuania during West-2017 drills” – “Russian Defense Ministry denies Lithuania’s claims of violation of its airspace” – “Russian Defense Ministry rejects Vilnius ‘airspace violation’ accusations as politicized” – “Lithuanian airspace must be respected – (LTU) defense minister”
• “Putin visits Zapad-2017 to see military eliminate simulated terrorist infiltrators”
• “Conspiracy theories dominate East-West relations: time for realism”
• “Zapad war games: Putin watches his forces ‘fight the West’”
• “Western strategists hire ‘Mother Goose’ to tell stories about Russia Zapad 2017 drills” (Pravda)
• “The Ominous, Massive Military Exercises in Eastern Europe”
• “Is Russia Practicing a Dry Run for an Invasion of Belarus?”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe – Other

• “Kaliningrad Oblast: Russia’s Testing Ground for ‘Warfare of the Future?’ “
• “Latvia feels a lot like home to Nova Scotian soldier”
• “Georgia Hosts Large-Scale, Multinational Military Drills — From September 3 to September 11, Georgia hosted the multinational military exercise Agile Spirit 2017 …”
• “(EST) Defense minister: Funding national defense remains a priority”
• “Germany Ordering Five Warships in Face of Russian Military Aggression”
• “NATO Series Episode 2: The Contemporary Role and Future of NATO” (CGAI Podcast)
• “China, Russia conduct joint anti-submarine exercises in Seas of Japan, Okhotsk”
• “Russia’s Unmanned Aircraft Are Getting Lethal New Munitions”
• “US engineer enamored with spy dramas gets 5 years for trying to sell secrets to Russian agent”
• “U.S. Senate Passes Bill To Fund New Cruise Missile, Fight Russian Propaganda”
• “Kremlin Watch Monitor: How much victimization costs?”
• “Pro-Kremlin disinformation in Germany: absent or present?” (EU vs DISINFORMATION)
• “Can Forrest Gump Defeat Russian Propaganda In Belarus? – OpEd”
• “Lithuania to rule on Russian channel — The Lithuanian Radio and Television Commission (LRTK) will meet this week to discuss the future distribution of the Russian channel TVCI in the country …”
• “Figure of the Week: $45 — Building a botnet, a network of automated social media accounts used to spread disinformation, is cheap. A few hundred US dollars is all it costs to create a Twitter bot army. An investigation by The Daily Beast reveals that 1,000 Twitter accounts can be bought for as little as $45 on Russian-language websites …” (EU vs DISINFORMATION)
• “Monument to inventor of world-renowned Kalashnikov rifle unveiled in Moscow”

#Afghanistan

• “National Afghanistan memorial more than three years away at least”
• “Khan: Why Canada should Return to Afghanistan” – “Bercuson: Canada Should Not Return to Afghanistan”
• “Canada and the “war without end” in Afghanistan”

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming?

• “Canada May Be Unwelcome at Peacekeeping Summit which it is Hosting”

Way Up North

• “Canadian Rangers Increase Presence with Nibinamik Detachment”
• “(RUS) Northern Fleet conducts firing drills in Arctic”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Canada won’t do business with Boeing while it’s ‘busy trying to sue us,’ Trudeau says” – “Trudeau: Canada ‘won’t do business’ with Boeing during trade dispute” – “Canada won’t buy Boeing aircraft until company drops trade complaint against Bombardier: Trudeau” – “Canada won’t buy any Super Hornets amid Bombardier fight, Trudeau says” – “Trudeau threatens to kill purchase of Boeing fighter jets to protest firm’s trade complaint” – “Trudeau: Canada could stop dealing with Boeing over dispute” – “Canada and UK warn Boeing over Bombardier suit” – ” Bombardier row tops agenda of UK-Canada trade talks as Northern Irish jobs hang in the balance”
• Big Honkin’ Ships  “iAOR Will Alternate between CFB Halifax and CFB Esquimalt”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• ” ’25 years I struggled’: Sask. veteran pushing Ottawa to help soldiers affected by anti-malaria drug”
• ” ‘Huge honour’ for North Bay athlete to carry Invictus Games flag” – “The spirit of Invictus”

Other

• “HMCS Montréal deploys to Western Europe — Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal has arrived in Western Europe to participate in Neptune Trident 17-02, an overarching Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) deployment ‎which will include participation in FORMIDABLE SHIELD 17—a U.S.-led, joint NATO live fire Integrated Air Missile Defence exercise involving eight nations, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States …” – “Déploiement du NCSM Montréal en Europe de l’Ouest”
• “Canadian frigate in Caribbean seeks safe site as Hurricane Maria nears”
• “Le capitaine de corvette Mathieu Leroux prend officiellement les commandes du NCSM Donnacona”
  
• “Grieving father locked in custody battle over deceased military daughter’s remains”
• “Canadian, British militaries to improve co-operation, says UK PM Theresa May”
• “La présence de l’armée à une fête familiale fait réagir”
• “Maritime helicopter aircrew conversion training: The next step”
• “Christie Blatchford: Name women to honorary posts or leave them vacant, military commander says”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 18, 2017

#CANvsISIL/The Kurds

• “Canadian special forces out of Mosul, preparing for new battle in Iraq” – DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT
• “Kurdistan’s parliament convenes for first time in two years, approves referendum” – “Iraq’s Kurdish parliament backs Sept 25 independence referendum”
• “Iraq’s top security body rejects Kurdish referendum” – “Iraqi PM Warns Of Military Intervention If Kurdish Referendum Turns Violent” – “Iraq army ‘to intervene’ if Kurds’ referendum escalates” – “Iraq Leader Says He Will Use Force if Kurdish Referendum Turns Violent” – “Iraqi Vice President Says Iraq Will Not Accept ‘Another Israel’ — Iraqi Vice President Nouri Maliki, an opponent of Kurdistan independence, said Sunday that Baghdad will not put up with the emergence of “another Israel” in Iraq’s north, referring to the upcoming independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan …”
• “Turkey holds military drill as Iraq Kurdish referendum nears — Turkey’s military says it has kicked off a previously unannounced drill near its border with Iraq, as the semi-autonomous northern Iraqi Kurdish region prepares to hold a referendum on independence …” – “Turkish PM hints sanctions possible if Kurdistan pursues referendum” – “Turkey underlines determination not to let KRG vote harm Iraq’s integrity” – “Turkey warns Iraq: Kurdish referendum security threat”
• “All military agreements end with KRG in case of split: Iran’s Shamkhani”
• “US, UK, UN Delegation Meet Barzani, Offer Alternative to Referendum” – “No alternative to Kurdish referendum as of yet, says Masoud Barzani”
• “White House demands KRG to ‘call off’ Kurdistan independence ref” – “White House demands KRG to ‘call off’ Kurdistan independence referendum” – “McGurk: U.S. urges Kurdish political leaders to embrace alternative to referendum” – “U.S. not aware of alternative presented by McGurk to Kurdish referendum – State Dept”
• “UN’s Guterres urges Kurds in Iraq to scrap referendum — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says next week’s scheduled referendum detracts from the fight against ISIL …” – “UN chief urges Iraq Kurds to scrap referendum” – “UN claims ‘structured dialogue, constructive compromise’ can resolve Erbil-Baghdad disputes”
• “China and the Independent Kurdish State” (Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies)
• “Russia’s Rosneft Clinches Gas Pipeline Deal With Iraq’s Kurdistan”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “ISIS’s Expanding Campaign in Europe” (ISW)
• “Islamic State claims its ‘soldiers’ carried out London tube bombing” – More on London subway bombing via Google News
• Iraq
  
• “Islamic State Shows Of Its New Batch Of Snipers In The North Of Baghdad” (Asian Defence News blog)
• “Islamic State terrorists Uses Armed Drones Against PMU In The West Of Mosul” (Asian Defence News blog)
• Syria
• “Syria Situation Report: August 31 – September 14, 2017” (ISW)
• “Turkey sends military vehicles, equipment to Syrian border: Anadolu” – “Turkey Dispatches 80 Military Vehicles to Border With Syria”
• “US-backed rebel commander defects to ISIS in southern Syria”
• “US-backed rebels in Syria accuse Russia of airstrikes” – “Russia intentionally bombed near U.S.-backed forces in Syria, claims Pentagon” – “Russians Bomb US Allies And Their Advisers In Surprise Syria Strike” – “Russian Strike Wounds Syrian Democratic Forces Troops” (US DoD) – “Russia struck Syrian Democratic Forces in eastern Syria, US says” (FDD’s Long War Journal) – “Russia denies targeting US-backed forces in Syria” –  “Did Russia Bomb U.S.-Backed Militias in Syria?”
• “UN ministerial meeting on Syria to be held on September 21”
• “Lavrov and Tillerson recommit to deconflicting military situation in Syria”
• “Final de-escalation zones agreed on in Astana” – “Syria war: Turkey, Russia, Iran agree Idlib ‘ceasefire’ zone” – “Troops From Russia, Iran and Turkey to Monitor Syria Safe Zone”
• “Russian Army takes us to Deir al-Zour after a 3-year long IS siege” (Asian Defence News blog) – “Syrian forces capture key district in Deir al Zor” – “Syrian army, allies close in on Islamic State in Deir al-Zor”
• “UN may vote soon to help Iraq collect evidence against IS” – “UN to help Iraq bring Daesh criminals to justice”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “What if: Is Canada ready for a nuclear strike from North Korea?” – Colonel Ted’s take:  “It’s a no brainer … It is past time for Canadian politicians to screw up a little tiny bit of moral courage and do an unpopular but common sense thing: reverse course and join the US in continental ballistic missile defence …”
• “Kim Jong Un Observes and Guides Another Hwasong-12 Test” (North Korea Leadership Watch blog) – “A North Korean missile that flew some 3,700 km over Japan last Friday morning was a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile. It was the first to be launched from a mobile launcher …”
• “S.Korean Missile Sputters into Ocean — The military fired two Hyunmu-2A missiles on Friday in response to North Korea’s missile launches earlier that day, but one sputtered into the ocean …” – “N.Korea Spent US$400 Million on Missile Tests This Year”
• “A former (KOR) presidential secretary for diplomatic affairs has been named the new nuclear envoy for South Korea, the (KOR) foreign ministry said Monday …”
• “Pressure on Pyongyang will force it to abandon nuclear program — South Korean president”
• “President Moon vows strong ‘punishment’ against N. Korea”
• “U.S. Halts Process of Returning Full Troop Control to S.Korea”
• “Moon, Trump Agree on Stronger N.Korea Sanctions”
• “U.S. Options for Basing Forces to Deter North Korea” (Divergent Options paper)
• “As Trump mocks Kim Jong Un as “Rocket Man,” U.S. advisers warn North Korea to end weapons program or face attack” – Donald J. Trump on Twitter: “I spoke with President Moon of South Korea last night. Asked him how Rocket Man is doing. Long gas lines forming in North Korea. Too bad!”
• “Trump advisers escalate military threats against North Korea”
• “Tillerson: U.S. seeks peaceful solution to N.K. issue”
• “Russian senator voices regret over Tillerson’s remarks on North Korea military option”
• “McMaster says there is military option against N. Korea”
• “U.S. sends four F-35 jets, two bombers to Korea”
• “U.S. to send aircraft carrier to Korea next month: (KOR def) ministry”
• “China opposes NK missile test” – “China’s state media blasts US handling of North Korea crisis” – “China Opposes Nuclear Armament by Regional U.S. Allies” – “China looks at North Korea with frustration and even fear” – “La relation entre la Chine et la Corée du Nord s’effrite”
• “China, Russia begin naval drills close to North Korea”
• “China Defense Blog: PLA’s STUFT (Ships Taken Up From Trade) capacity in a North Korean crisis” (China Defense Blog)
• “S. Korea’s defense minister says provision of N.K. aid could be delayed” – “South Korea (government) said Monday that its planned humanitarian assistance to infants and pregnant women in North Korea should be provided regardless of the international sanctions regime …”
• “Secretary-General Condemns Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Latest Missile Launch as ‘Manifest Violation’ of Security Council Resolutions” (UN Sec-Gen) – “UN condemns DPRK ballistic missile launch; stresses country cease such activities” – “UNSCR 2375: What Just Happened Here?” (38 North) – “UN reports on North Korea challenges”
• From the PRK Info-machine   “U.S. Slammed for Trying to Deploy Tactical Nuclear Weapons into S. Korea” (KCNA, via Anglo-Peoples Korea/Songun blog) – “Kim Jong Un Guides Hwasong-12 Launching Drill Again” (KCNA, via Anglo-Peoples Korea/Songun blog) – “Rodong Sinmun Calls for Foiling U.S. Sanctions by Dint of Self-Reliance” (KCNA, via Anglo-Peoples Korea/Songun blog)
• “Could North Korea’s Submarines Sink The US Navy In A War?”
• “Reacting to sanctions, N. Korean merchant in China: ‘We have no work’ “ – “Smuggling routes frozen in Dandong after crackdown” – “How North Korea evades UN sanctions — Smuggling and front companies are just two of the methods Pyongyang uses to get around embargoes to pursue its nuclear weapons programme, according to UN and US reports …”
• “The North Korean Military Threat Is All About Perception, Not Reality” (strategypage.com)
• “Would North Korea Agree to an Iran-Style Nuclear Deal?”
• “North Korea Secretly Building Nuclear Submarine” (Fortuna’s Corner)

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe//Zapad 2017 Watch

• “Zapad watch – summary of an eventful day 4” (Russia Military Analysis blog)
• “Latvian military confirm Belarus’ openness after inspection of Zapad 2017 army exercise” (BLR media)
• “Zapad 2017: Russia-Belarus drills enter 2nd stage as Sweden hosts parallel war games”
• “Russian military using reconnaissance UAVs during Zapad-2017 drills”
• “New types of weapons and hardware tested during Zapad-2017 drills”
• “Russian, Belarusian pilots drill skills of using aviation of common air defense system”
• “Zapad-2017 Anything But A Joint Russian-Belarusian Exercise – OpEd”
• “Head of Russian general staff reassures North Atlantic Treaty Organisation over war games: RIA”
• More on Zapad-2017 via Google News

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe//Other

• “Latvian armed forces report on three Russian warships near border — Latvia spotted Russian ships Andromeda, Kilektor-1 and Bira in the special economic zone …”
• “Spanish Armored Vehicles Deployed In Latvia Operate With Most Advanced Combat Management System In Market”
• “Readout of Secretary Tillerson’s Meeting With Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov” (state.gov) – “Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s meeting with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson” (RUS MFA)
• “China-Russia joint navy drill to enhance strategic partnership” (CHN Communist Party media) – “Chinese warships arrive in Russia’s Primorye region for joint naval drills”
• “Russian New Generation Warfare Handbook” (Asymmetric Warfare Group, via Public Intelligence blog)

#Ukraine

• “New Commander to lead (CAF) Operation UNIFIER in Ukraine”
• Updates from All Sides  UKR govt ATO map, 18 Sept 2017 –  “Ukraine reports 13 attacks in Donbas on Sunday, one Ukrainian soldier wounded in action” – “28 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Militants employ artillery on Luhansk direction 1st time since latest ceasefire settled” – “Kiev’s army intensifies attacks before Poroshenko’s speech at UN” – “Militants bombard Ukrainian positions near peaceful settlements, – HQ” – “LPR reports 5 ceasefire violations over past 24 hours on Ukrainian part” – “Ukrainian army violates ceasefire almost 30 times over 24 hours, 4 houses damaged – DPR Operations Command” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire five times over 24 hours”
• “(UKR) Sokol Killer Drone Analysis”
• “Poroshenko signs NSDC proposals for 2018 security, defense budget” – “Ukrainian president signs decree on 2017 military spending”
• U.N. Peacekeeper Latest  “Future of peacekeeping mission to Donbass depends on stance of Kiev, Washington — Kremlin” – “Moscow’s initiative on UN peacekeepers in Donbas to expand split up of Ukraine” – “Russia announces Ukraine’s future resolution on peacekeepers, Putin’s project – rejected” –  “Russia’s Peacekeeping Proposal in Ukraine Is a Sham” (Human Rights in Ukraine)
• “No civil war in Donbas, no one will talk with militants, – Volker”
• “Ukrainian consul to visit Pavlo Gryb in Krasnodar prison today”
• Elsewhere in the ‘Hood  “Russia’s Armed Forces pullout from Transnistria on UN General Assembly agenda”

Way Up North

• “Arctic environment discussed at the Russian Armed Forces General Staff Military Academy”

Internal Security

• “From Canada to al-Qaeda: New York trial provides a window into Winnipeg’s ‘Lost Boys’ “
• “RCMP shelved hundreds of organized-crime cases after terror attacks”
• “Plusieurs groupes d’extrême droite actifs en Alberta”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “How Bombardier gets governments to do its lobbying” – “Canada last month attempted to end a deepening dispute with Boeing Co by suggesting it could withdraw a threat not to buy Super Hornet jets if the U.S. firm dropped a trade challenge against Canadian planemaker Bombardier Inc, three people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters …” – “Liberals need to end the farce over fighter jets”
• Big Honkin’ Ships  “New navy ship is one that got away from Irving Shipbuilding”
• “RCN begins Halifax frigate communications upgrade”
• “Canada’s STREIT Group reveals new armoured personnel carrier”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Meet 3 of the Ottawa athletes competing in Invictus Games in Toronto” – “Ottawa athletes competing in Invictus Games in Toronto” – “Shaun Francis: Injured soldiers deserve our support — during the Invictus Games and after”
• “Failure to appoint adjudicators creates more delays as veterans battle for benefits”
• “Lionel Desmond, other veterans with PTSD ‘spit out’ by JPSU”
• “Chelmsford (ON) soldier cited for work with vets”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “LGBT Canadians Purged From Military And Public Service Await Overdue Apology”

Other

• Olivier Berthelot, R.I.P.  “Décès soudain à Valcartier d’un jeune lieutenant”
• B.C. Wildfires  “Provincial State of Emergency will expire today — British Columbia’s wildfire-driven provincial state of emergency will expire at 1.m. tonight (Pacific time) – 1 a.m. Mountain …” – “Statement – Ministers Goodale and Sajjan recognize Canadian Armed Forces support in combatting British Columbia wildfires”
• “Le Canada intègre officiellement le Corps de réaction rapide – France” – Quartier-général du corps de réaction rapide (Wikipédia) – Headquarters Rapid Reaction Corps – France (Wikipedia)
• “Court-ordered review of peacekeeper’s case still grinding through DND 2 years later”
• ” ‘Vegetable incident’ court martial ends with not guilty verdict”
• “Charter rights are ignored in military justice system”
• “Military command and control” (Col. Ted)
• “Marking the end of the Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration 2017” – “Canadian Rangers demonstrate their skills with Lee Enfield rifles during Ottawa shooting competition” – “Northern Ontario Canadian Rangers Shoot Against the Best” – “Rangers shoot for success”
• “Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan to make appearance at Canada Army Run”
• “Recognizing Canada’s role in American Civil War” – ” ‘We’re just interested in history’: Canada gets its first monument to the U.S. Civil War” –

World War Two

• “Saluting Canada’s military members at the annual Battle of Britain parade” – “RCAF marks 77th anniversary of the Battle of Britain” – “Statement from the Minister of National Defence and Associate Minister of National Defence marking the 77th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain” – “Royal Canadian Air Force Marks the 77th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain” – “Battle of Britain Sunday” (Col. Ted)
• “Canada remembers those lost during the Bell Island U-boat attacks” – “75th anniversary of the Bell Island U-boats attacks”

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MILNEWS.ca #UKR + Eastern Europe Update as of 171745UTC September 2017

#Ukraine

• New CAF mission boss in UKR  “Un nouveau commandant pour diriger l’opération UNIFIER en Ukraine”
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (1)  “Poroshenko to visit Canada on Sept 22-23” – “Poroshenko going to Canada with working visit on September 22-23” – “Ambassador: Poroshenko in Toronto could discuss Canada’s role in settling conflict in Donbas”
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (2)  “President to make a working visit to the United States of America” (Official website of the President of Ukraine) – “White House confirms Trump-Poroshenko meeting” – “Poroshenko planning to meet Trump on September 21, – media” – “Poroshenko to meet Trump on Sept 21” – “Ukraine hopes to receive not just defensive weapons from US, – Poroshenko”  – “Poroshenko to raise issue of release of Ukrainian hostages during US visit” – “Release of Ukraine hostages in Donbas, Russia on agenda of Poroshenko’s visit to U.S.” – “Poroshenko to discuss with Trump situation in Donbas, cooperation in security and reforms” – “Poroshenko to discuss cooperation in security, situation in Donbas, reforms with Trump” – “Ukraine envoy speaks of Poroshenko’s forthcoming meeting with Trump”
• “US Special Envoy Kurt Volker Hopes to Visit the LDPR to Search for the Elusive “Russian Aggression” “ – “US special representative to discuss Ukraine with Russian president’s envoy in October”
• “Ukraine’s envoy Kuchma: Russia should let OSCE SMM in Crimea”
• Updates from All Sides  “1 Ukrainian Soldier WIA; Volker Says Russian Peacekeeping Plan Would ‘Deepen Division’ Without Monitors’ Access to Border” – “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 14 September 2017” – “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 15 September 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 17 Sept 2017 –  UKR govt ATO map, 16 Sept 2017 – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 09/17/2017” – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 09/16/2017” – “LPR Militia: Ukrainian Armed Forces violates ceasefire 10 times in the past 24 hours” – “Militants attack Ukrainian positions in Donbas 30 times, one soldier wounded” – “Ukrainian gunmen commit 27 ceasefire violations shelling DPR over past 24 hours” –“14 attacks on Ukrainian Army reported in Donbas over day” – “DPR Command: Ukrainian forces fire 800 rounds at the Republic over week” – “Donbas conflict: 10 shellings reported in ATO area over the day” – “Ukraine reports 1 WIA amid 30 enemy attacks in last day” – “Two DPR servicemen killed, two wounded his week by Kiev’s shelling” – “Militants launched 30 attacks on Ukrainian troops in Donbas in last day” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 10 times over 24 hours” – “Militants in Donbas attack Ukrainian troops 14 times from midnight on Friday, no casualties reported” – “Two DPR servicemen killed, two wounded his week by Kiev’s shelling” – “Militants in Donbas attack Ukrainian troops 14 times from midnight on Friday, no casualties reported” – “Ukrainian military violate back-to-school ceasefire, one civilian injured – command” – “DPR Command: Ukrainian forces fire 800 rounds at the Republic over week” – “47 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Nazi Ukraine Forces Once Again Break School Ceasefire, Targeting Women And Children With Artillery Shells, Weapons Supplied By NATO !”
• “Since early 2017 68 civilians killed, 315 injured in Donbas”  – “Civilian casualties in eastern Ukraine 2016” ( Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, 16 September 2017)
• U.N. Peacekeeper Latest
• “U.S. Ukraine Envoy Welcomes Russia Proposal For Peacekeepers, But Sees ‘Obstacles'”
• “Ukrainian FM informs about consultations on cooperation between OSCE, UN peacekeepers in Donbas”
• “Russians cannot be among UN peacekeepers in Donbas – Ukrainian FM” –  “Klimkin says Russians must not be among UN peacekeepers in Donbas”
• “Putin to set multiple conditions for peacekeepers in Donbas – Ukraine MFA”
• “Putin urges Macron to support Russian idea on UN peacekeepers”
• “Russian proposal on peacekeepers in Donbas will further divide Ukraine, not resolve conflict, – Volker”
• “UN peacekeeping mission should be backed by guarantees – Kerry” – “Kerry on the deployment of UN peacekeepers in the Donbas: We need to make sure that this is not a trap” – “Russia’s proposal on UN peacekeepers in Donbas might be a trap – John Kerry” – “Idea of peacekeepers in Donbas should be thoroughly analyzed to avoid a trap, – Kerry”
• “Ex-U.S. ambassador to Kyiv doubts Russia’s readiness to give consent to peacekeeper mission in all areas of uncontrolled Donbas”
• “The Trump Regime Supports Placing UN Peacekeepers In Ukraine, But To Have The Blue Helmets Patrol The Russian-Ukraine Border !”
• “Merkel, Putin discuss access of UN peacekeepers to entire Donbas – media” – “Merkel says UN peacekeepers in Ukraine should have full access” – “Putin’s proposed UN Ukraine peacekeepers must have full access – Merkel” – “Merkel considers that Putin’s proposals on peacekeepers no grounds for easing sanctions”
• “Peacekeepers in Donbas will freeze conflict, won’t help restore Ukraine’s sovereignty”
• “UN peacekeepers in Donbas will be partially subordinated to Russia as UNSC member”
• “A Russian Ruse, or Real Policy Shift on Ukraine ?”
• Other
  
• “Ukraine’s New Tank Can Take On Russia’s Best—But Kiev Can’t Afford It”
• “National Guard wants to attract motivated, English-speaking contract soldiers”
• “The Growing Threat to Ukraine of Naval Mines in the Black Sea”
• From the Pro-separatist Info-machine  “LPR to open first embassies in South Ossetia, Abkhazia – Deinego” – “Denis Pushilin and Eduard Basurin Presented the “White Book” of UAF War Crimes in Donbass” – “Donetsk Republic bans iconic Ukrainian pork delicacy” – “Saving Their Bacon: Donetsk Republic Bans Iconic Ukrainian Pork Delicacy”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe – Zapad 2017 Watch

• “Zapad watch – quick round up of day two” (Russia Military Analysis blog) – “Zapad watch – summary of day three”
• “Senior NATO General Expresses Concerns Over Moscow’s Zapad Maneuvers ‘Transparency'”
• “NATO′s eyes in the sky zoom in on Russian Zapad war games”
• “Welcome to Weisnoria, imaginary state at the heart of Russia’s war games”
• “Observers from seven states arrive in Belarus for Zapad-2017 — defense ministry”
• “Putin to attend Zapad 2017 drills” – “Kremlin on Putin’s Attendance of Russia-Belarus Drills: It’s ‘Standard Practice’ “
• From RUS media:  “Zapad-2017 military exercise aims to repel simulated aggression against Russia, Belarus” – “Russian General Staff notes close cooperation with Belarus during Zapad-2017 drills” – “Russian Baltic Fleet helicopters destroy maneuver enemy submarine during Zapad-2017 drills” – “Russian attack helicopters provide aerial backing to land troops during Zapad-2017 drills”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe – Other

• “Russia in Review, Sept. 8-15, 2017” (Harvard Belfer Center)
• “Lithuania put to the test by fears of separatism at borders”
• “UK Defence Chief appointed as NATO Chairman of Military Committee”
• “US Army, British forces showcase seamless cooperation in Estonian training exercise”
• “Rapid Trident: US, British forces showcase skills in Estonia”
• “Fort Riley soldiers arrive in Poland”
• “Thousands protest military drills in Sweden — Thousands of people in Sweden have staged a protest rally against military drills with NATO and the deployment of forces from the US-led military alliance to their country …”
• “Poland hikes defence spending surpassing NATO target”
• “Second stage of Russian-Chinese naval exercise to involve 11 ships, 2 submarines”
• “Russian state TV’s targets this week: Ukraine, Poland and the US as antiheroes” (EU vs DISINFORMATION)

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 15, 2017

#CANvsISIL/The Kurds

• “Canadian special forces caught in middle as Kurds prepare to vote on independence from Iraq”
• “What Does the Iraqi Kurdish Referendum Mean for Operation IMPACT? … It seems that Canada once fulfils the mission statement of operation IMPACT we could be leaving the KRG on the precipice of a new conflict, rather than as a stable, secure region. The Kurds are one of the most pro-Western groups in the area, and a stable KRG would no doubt be invaluable to Canada’s interests in the region. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail, and the involved parties will find a diplomatic solution to this looming crisis.” (NATO Association of Canada)
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT
• “The Referendum Vote That Could Fracture Iraq”
• “Iraq’s Kurd leaders pressed to shelve ‘very risky’ independence vote”
• “Iraq MPs vote to sack Kirkuk governor over Kurdish referendum”
• “Iraq MPs votes to oust Kirkuk governor days before referendum”
• “Baghdad’s Shiites in bid to oust Kurdish president of Iraq”
• “Iraqi Kurd president says ties with Baghdad are cut over sacking of Kirkuk governor”
• “Karim to continue as Kirkuk Governor, says Iraqi Parliament’s dismissal ‘illegal’ “
• “Kurdistan and Kirkuk defy Iraqi parliament’s vote to remove Governor Karim”
• “Kurdish independence referendum in Iraq risky for region – Turkey”
• “Kurdish official: ISIS-pocket of Hawija cannot be liberated without Peshmerga forces”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “US citizen fighting for ISIS surrenders to US-backed forces in Syria”
• “Two Russian submarines target Islamic State in Syria” – “Russian submarines fire cruise missiles at ISIS”
• “Islamic State Surges in Libya — But Islamist attacks probably won’t compell Libyan rivals to work together …”
• “Syria’s Chemical Weapons: Continuing Challenges” (PDF, Congressional Research Service, 8 Sept 2017)
• “Hamza bin Laden stresses the importance of jihad in Syria”
• “Moscow rejects Israeli request for buffer zone in Syria”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• AGAIN!!!  “North Korea fires missile over Japanese airspace” – “North Korea Test-fires Another Missile Over Japan”
• “La Corée du Nord ne pose pas de menace directe envers le Canada, croit Ottawa”
• “Air Koryo flight left N.Korean missile test site shortly after launch”
• “U.N. Security Council to meet Friday over N.K. missile launch: report “
• “S. Korea seeking to extend aid to N.K. despite provocations”
• “China strongly denounces N.K.’s missile launch “ – “US should ‘do its duty’ to resolve North Korea nuclear crisis, not blame China” – “North Korea Pushing Longtime Ally Beijing Into Corner” – “China’s envoy says dialogue needed to resolve DPRK nuclear crisis” – “China Sold Trucks Used With North Korean Missiles”
• “Kremlin strongly condemns North Korean new missile launch” – “Continued Russian Military Support To North Korea” (Fortuna’s Corner blog)
• “S. Korea fires two ballistic missiles against N. Korea’s provocation “
• PRK Commentary  “End Should Be Put to U.S. Military Presence in S. Korea” (PRK media) – “S. Korean Authorities` Additional Deployment of THAAD Denounced” (PRK media)
• “Your Questions About “The Risk Of Nuclear War With North Korea,” Answered” (Fortuna’s Corner blog)
• “U.S. Wants to Redeploy Sub-Based Nuclear Missiles in Asia-Pacific” – “(KOR president) Moon Opposes Deployment of U.S. Nukes in S.Korea”
• “On UK Visit Tillerson Urges China to Cut North Korean Oil Exports” – “Gas prices in North Korea jump on rumors of possible embargo”
• “Why South Korean media so often misses the mark on North Korea”
• “Thriving Black Market Could Mitigate North Korea Sanctions Impact”
• “Pacific nations crack down on North Korean ships as Fiji probes more than 20 vessels for sanctions busting”

#CAN-#USA Stuff

• “U.S. Wouldn’t Defend Canada From Missile Attack Under Current Policy: Norad Deputy Commander” – “U.S. has no obligation to protect Canada from North Korean ballistic missile attack, MPs told” – “General has sobering news for politicians”
• Saideman’s Semi-Spew:  “Panic Du Jour: US Won’t Protect Canada?”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe – Zapad 2017 Watch

• “Zapad watch – quick roundup of day one” (Russian Military Analysis blog)
• “What can we learn from Russia’s military drills?”
• “All You Need to Know About Massive Russia-Belarus Zapad War Games”
• “Russia is about to kick off a war game that is freaking out NATO — here’s what we know”
• “Zapad 2017: what you need to know about Belarus and Russia’s military exercises”
• “Confusion as Russia and Belarus begin joint war games”
• “Spot a ‘little green man’? Tell the (LVA) Security Police”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe – Other

• “Here’s How The West Is Preparing For War With Russia”
• “If Russia started World War III, here*s how it would go down”
• “Chinese naval fleet departs for joint drill in Russia” – “China’s navy prepares for joint military drill with Russia” – “Drills with Russia put Chinese navy to the test in unfamiliar waters”
• “Telia Lithuania, CyberGym open cybersecurity training centre”

#Ukraine

• “Oh, Those Russians …” (1)  “Kremlin rumored to be ready to replace its leaders in Donbas” – “Why Putin seeks reshuffle in militant leadership”
• “Oh, Those Russians …” (2)  “Russia could cease humanitarian support for occupied areas of Donbas” – “Russia refuses to continue humanitarian support of Donbas terrorists, – Russian media” – “The (RUS) Ministry of Finance was instructed to abandon the “humanitarian support” of Donbass” (in Russian) – “The Kremlin announced a “redistribution” in the humanitarian support of Donbass … Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian president, told journalists that “there is definitely a redistribution” of funds, but this “does not mean a reduction in some directions” of financing, the correspondent of RBC reports …” (in Russian)
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (1)  “Ukrainian marines, pilots successfully complete Agile Spirit 2017 military drills” – “Ukrainian marines successfully participate in Agile Spirit 2017” (UKR MoD) – “U.S. mulling another batch of Humvees for Ukraine – Ambassador Chaly”
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (2)  “U.S. to send next batch of HMMWVs to Ukraine – Chaly” – “Talks with U.S. on provision of lethal weapons to Ukraine enter practical phase – Klympush-Tsintsadze”
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …” (3)  “EU Council extends anti-Russian sanctions due to aggression against Ukraine” – “EU prolongs sanctions over actions against Ukraine’s territorial integrity until 15 March 2018” (EU info-machine) – “EU Renews Russia Sanctions, Keeps Ban On New U.S. Envoy Antonov”
• “OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv on Friday”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 13 September 2017” – “Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 12 September 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 15 Sept 2017 – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, September 15, 2017” (UKR MoD) – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 09/14/2017” – “Essence of Time unit in Donbass report. September 14” (separatist page) – “Two DPR servicemen perish, two more wounded due to Kiev punishers’ fire over week”  – “Ten militants killed, ten wounded in Donbas over past week” –  “Ukrainian forces launch over 30 shells onto LPR over past 24 hours” – “Ukrainian army positions shelled 28 times in past 24 hours, one serviceman killed, two wounded”  – “One DPR soldier perishes under AFU sniper-fire in 24 hours” – “Donbas: One Ukrainian serviceman killed over 24 hours” – “Ukrainian forces use “school ceasefire” for ammunition delivery” –  “19 prisoners transferred from terrorist-held areas to serve their sentences in government-controlled territory, – Ombudsman Lutkovska” – “Ukrainian punishers launch 239 shells on DPR territory over 24 hours” –  “Ukraine suffers losses at Butivka mine amid 28 enemy attacks across conflict zone in last day” – “LPR: Kiev punishers commit ten ceasefire violations over 24 hours” – “In DND announced the transfer of 19 inmates Ukraine” – “37 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” –  “Ukrainian army violates ceasefire 37 times over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 10 times over 24 hours”
  
• Really???  “Ukrainian forces shell Right Sector’s positions near DFS” – “Ukrainian army shells Pravyi Sector troops next to Donetsk water treatment plant”
• U.N. Peacekeeper Latest  “Introduction of UN peacekeepers into Donbas is possible only when Ukraine returns control over border” – “Ukraine to table draft resolution on UN peacekeepers in Donbas after agreement with partners” – “Units of National Guard, National Police ready to introduce UN peacekeepers into Donbas” – “UN peacemakers should protect people in Donbass — Ukraine’s ex-president” – “Int’l peacekeeping mission to Donbas integral part of Minsk Agreement” – “Peacekeepers in Donbas: Risk of legal Russian military on Ukrainian territory”
• “The judges in the case of the downed over Lugansk Il-76 recused himself” – 14 June 2014 Ukrainian Air Force Ilyushin Il-76 shoot-down (Wikipedia)
• UKR President Talks Tough  “Poroshenko suggests creating group of Ukraine’s international friends for peaceful de-occupation of Crimea” – “President: The Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity messed up the Kremlin’s cards in its plans to attack Europe” (UKR Pres info-machine) –  “President: Ukraine has become the de facto Eastern border of the united Europe.” (UKR Pres info-machine)  – “President: The price for aggression must keep rising so that it is unbearably hard to keep what was unlawfully taken” (UKR info-machine)
• “In 2017, Special Forces commanders received USD 200,000 each, – Ukraine’s defense minister …This year, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry assigned 200,000 U.S. dollars to accounts of commanders of Special Forces units. According to Minister Stepan Poltorak, the money was supposed to cover needs of the Special Forces in individual gear, weaponry and ammunition …”
• “Ukraine’s National Invictus Games Team is ready to leave for Toronto” (UKR MoD)
• “In Khmelnytskyi region the Minister speaks about activities to improve the social package for service members” (UKR MoD)
• “Only ATO vets invited to apply for National Police senior posts”
• “IAG looks to production of new armoured vehicles in Ukraine”
• “Right on target: Ukrainian-Polish recon and attack drone successfully tested”

Way Up North

• “Visit of the Joint Arctic Command” (RCN info-machine)
• “Russia is building up its Arctic military presence and Nato should be worried, says new report”
• “(USAF) senior leaders visit Arctic”
• “As Arctic melts, (US) Coast Guard maneuvers through ice, wind – and geopolitics”
• “Petersburg designers work on nuclear catamaran for Arctic projects”

Internal Security

• “An anonymous anarchist takes credit for Ontario pipeline sabotage” – “Hamilton police report mischief to Enbridge pipeline” – “Pipeline opponents appear to be damaging Line 10 — and now police are looking for them” – “Hamilton police report repeated mischief to Enbridge pipeline” – “Police report mischief to Enbridge pipeline” – “Police investigate mischief, trespassing at Enbridge pipeline in Ancaster area”
• “Watchdog forces Canadian cops to reveal details of their phone surveillance program”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “2016 Status Report on Major Equipment Procurement” (CGAI-U of Calgary paper)
• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Boeing-Canada Super Hornet dispute goes global”
• 12 Jan 2017:  “CAE USA Wins US$450 Million Army Contract to Provide Rotary-Wing Flight Training Instructor Support Services” – 15 Sept 2017: “A contract of $450 million US removed to CAE in the United States”  – “L’armée américaine retire un contrat de près d’un demi-milliard à la montréalaise CAE sans trop d’explications” – CAE – Corporate statement: “CAE USA has been advised that following the protest of the initial award to CAE USA, the Initial Entry Rotary-Wing Instructor Support Services contract was granted to the incumbent contractor. CAE USA is disappointed with this decision from the United States Army, and following a debrief will determine next steps, which could include further protest …”
• Wanted:  “Enhance Recovery Capability – Update … The ERC team would like to thank the interested suppliers for attending the Industry Day and one-on-one sessions and, in particular, those suppliers who took the time to return a written response to the RFI (W8486-173321/A) published on April 19, 2017. The project team has reviewed all responses, which have provided valuable input to the approval documentation that is being prepared for Government level project approval. The review of responses identified a number of common suggestions that will be carefully examined. The suggestions that result in changes to the requirements will be incorporated into the draft Request for Proposal (RFP) that will be released for industry consultation. Please note that the draft RFP release is not expected before fall 2019 …” – “RFI – Enhanced Recovery Capability” (April 2017)
• Wanted:  “Shower Trailers … The procurement of and siting of two (2) shower trailers at Camp Crowfoot, located within Canadian Forces Base Suffield (CFB Sx) for the use by the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) …”
• “New Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle facility inaugurated at Base Gagetown” (DND info-machine)

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “2017 Veterans Ombudsman Commendations Announced” (Veterans Ombudsman)
• “Our Vietnam Voices: Born in Canada , but he fought for the US”

Other

• “Armed Forces wildfire response still on task — The Canadian Armed Forces has not made a decision as to when it will officially pull out of Williams Lake and Riske Creek (BC), public affairs officer Lt. Ken Jacobson told the Tribune Wednesday …”
• “Body recovered from St. Lawrence River near CFB Kingston”
• “British military officer injured ‘in Canada (off-duty) drive-by shooting’ “ – “British military member injured in drive-by shooting near Ottawa”
• “Invictus Profile: Simon Mailloux” (DND Info-machine)
• “Celebrating 10 years of Canada Army Run” (Army info-machine)

MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 14, 2017

Internal Security

• “Montreal couple was intent on waging jihad in the Middle East, Crown says” – “Trial begins in Montreal for 2 people charged with terrorism-related offences”
• “What happens when an ISIS member returns to Canada? The story of one Toronto-area man”
• “Un nouveau groupe ultranationaliste montrera ses couleurs le 30 septembre”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Former Al-Qaida Operatives Launch New Militant Group in Pakistan” – “Al-Qaeda-Inspired Group Launches as Islamic State Alternative in Pakistan” (The Counter Jihad Report) –  “What we know about Ansar-ul-Shariah Pakistan”
• “Here’s Where ISIS Wants New Recruits To Go, And It’s Not Syria”
• “Trump Making Good On Promise To ‘Bomb The Shit’ Out Of Terrorists”
• “ISIS Convoy Reportedly Crosses Syria, at Russia’s Request”
• “U.S. says air strikes in Somalia kill six al Shabaab fighters” – “AFRICOM hits Shabaab with 3 ‘precision airstrikes’ “ (FDD’s Long War Journal)
• “Hundreds of former IS fighters fleeing Syria, crossing into Turkey”
• “Russia deploys improved version of MiG-29 fighter aircraft to Syria” – “Russia deploys MIG-29smt fighter jet to Syria for the first time”
• “Sixth Round Of Syria Peace Talks Begins In Astana”

The Kurds

• “Iraqi Kurds prepare for independence referendum that could impact fight against ISIS”
• “President Barzani Participates in the Referendum Gatherings Across Kurdistan” (KRG President info-machine)
• “Kurdistan to Negotiate Statehood with World after Referendum”
• “Turkey’s Kurdish parties reiterate support for Kurdistan referendum”
• “Referendum to continue against all odds: Kurdish lawmaker”
• “Kurds will find it hard to implement independence, says Iraq’s foreign minister”
• “(IRQ) Paramilitary leader warns of “inevitable” civil war after referendum”
• “Arab League rejects Iraq’s Kurdish independence referendum” – “Iraqi Kurdistan’s Referendum on Independence ‘Illegal’ – Arab League” – “Arab League rejects plebiscite in Iraq’s Kurdistan”
• “Turkey: Iraq’s Kurds will pay ‘price’ for independence vote”
• “Kurdistan independence to lead to breakup of Iraq”
• “Kurdistan parliament session postponed to Friday” – “Kurdistan Parliament Session’s Deferred over Regulation”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe — Zapad 2017 Watch

• “Amid Western Concerns, Belarus Says Zapad Drills Will Comply With International Agreements”
• “Over 80 observers attend Zapad 2017 exercise”
• “Russia’s War Games With Fake Enemies Cause Real Alarm”
• “Why Are 100,000 Russian Troops Headed Straight For NATO’s Borders?”
• “Russian war games aim to head off another color revolution”
• ” “Not only Europe, but also Belarus is behind hysteria over West-2017” “
• “Stage Set for Zapad 2017”
• “Lithuania better prepared than ever for Zapad drills – Grybauskaitė”
• “Zapad 2017 drill – what does Russia want?”
• “Russian Top Defense Official Says Zapad Exercises Don’t Pose Threat to Europe”
• “Zapad 2017: Russia’s Huge Military Exercise And What You Need To Know” (UK MoD info-machine)
• “Zapad-2017 strategic exercise kicks off in Russia and Belarus”
• “Zapad 2017: Joint Russian-Belarusian military drills kick off on seven training grounds in Belarus”
• “Zapad 2017 military exercise kicks off today”
• “War games show assertive Russia could spark misunderstandings, says NATO chief”
• “Estonia to send observers to Zapad exercise”
• “Rinkēvičs: we cannot rule out provocations –Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkēvičs said September 14 that while the ZAPAD military exercises being conducted just across the border by Russia and Belarus are not expected to turn into genuine military conflict, they could spawn other attempts to test NATO’s resolve …”
• “U.S. military gear reaches Poland ahead of Russian war games – AP”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe — Other

• “Fearing Russia, neutral Sweden holds biggest war games in 20 years”
• “Russian Defense Ministry confident relations with NATO will be restored”
• “Critics Want Poland’s Defense Minister Suspended over Ties to Russia”
• “(US) DHS Issues Directive to Remove Kaspersky Anti-Virus Software From Federal Data Systems” – “DHS Statement on the Issuance of Binding Operational Directive 17-01”
• “Estonia’s defense industry cluster to cooperate with German cyber authority”
• “These Cigarette Smugglers Are On The Frontlines Of Russia’s Spy Wars”
• “FBI investigates Russian government media organizations accused of spreading propaganda in U.S.”

#Ukraine

• “Canadian defense minister to visit Ukraine in late September — Canadian Minister of National Defense Harjit Singh Sajjan will visit Ukraine at the end of September, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on its official site on Wednesday …”
• “Canada fully supports Ukraine, approves its approach to NATO — High-level strategic advisor from Canada Jill Sinclair has discussed with Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak the reform of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry and the direction of further cooperation between Ukraine and Canada …” – “Senior Adviser Jill Sinclair: Canada supports Ukraine and welcomes Ukraine’s efforts to approach NATO” (UKR MoD) – “Stepan Poltorak: All activities supported by Canada are very successful in Ukraine” (UKR MoD)
• “Leeds (UK) language communications firm wins Canadian Armed Forces contract — thebigword, the Leeds-based language services provider, has secured a new contract to deliver interpreting services to the Canadian Armed Forces in Ukraine. From October, thebigword will provide interpreters to support a CAF mission to train Ukrainian troops …” – “Interpreting for the Canadian Armed Forces” (company news release)
• “Mikser and Ukrainian counterpart discuss situation in eastern Ukraine — Foreign Minister Sven Mikser and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin discussed the situation in eastern Ukraine today, and Mikser reaffirmed Estonia’s wish to maintain the EU’s common policy …” (EST govt info-machine) – “Estonia to Continue Supporting Ukraine Amid Donbass Conflict”
• “OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger to hold news briefing on Thursday as he visits Kyiv, Ukraine”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 12 September 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 14 Sept 2017 – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, September 14, 2017” (UKR MoD) – “Russian proxies attack Ukraine 25 times, one soldier wounded in last day” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire eight times over 24 hours”  – “JCCC: Militants perform provocations to charge Ukrainian army in ceasefire violations” (UKR MoD) – “Ukrainian forces violate ‘school ceasefire’ 53 times over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command” – “One Ukrainian military wounded in Avdiivka area as Russian militants attacked Ukrainian positions 25 times yesterday, – ATO HQ” – “Up to 20 Ukrainian tanks redeployed to Granitnoye vicinity in Donbass south” – “5 attacks on Ukrainian positions reported in Donbas over day” – “53 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “Militants shell 25 times in Donbas, one Ukrainian soldier wounded” – “Russia-backed militants attack ATO positions 25 times over past day, one soldier injured”  – “DPR: Escalation on Donetsk segment of the front line”
• U.N. Peacekeeper Latest  “Ukrainian president, OSCE secretary general discuss approaches to UN peacekeepers’ deployment across occupied Donbas” – “U.S. supports deployment of UN peacekeepers on Russia-Ukraine border” – “UN peacekeepers will help restore integrity of Ukraine, – (US State Dept spox) Nauert”
• “President in the NSDC meeting: We are capable of holding back the Russian army” (UKR Pres info-machine)
• “Ukraine doubles spending on arms, military equipment in 2017” – “Oleksandr Turchynov after the NSDC meeting: Financial support of the country’s security and defense remains one of the top priorities of the budget policy for 2018” (National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine info-machine) – “Ukraine to spend UAH 163 bln on defense and security in 2018” – “Draft state budget for 2018 foresees increased payments to military”
• “All senior (UKR) police chiefs must pass through ATO – Why?” (Odessa Talk blog)
• “President appointed Yehor Bozhok Chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service and introduced him to the staff” (UKR Pres info-machine)
• “SBU finishes pretrial investigation of 132 “officials” in self-proclaimed DPR/LPR”
• “LPR hands son of Lisichansk deputy Prosecutor General to UN Human Rights office in Lugansk”
• “Ukrainian officer’s son who went missing in Belarus under arrest in Russia” – “After Gryb disappeared in Belarus, MFA says Ukrainians aren’t safe not only in Russia”
• “Deinego, as acting foreign minister, to continue to represent LPR at Minsk talks” – “Settlement within Minsk process is key task for LPR Foreign Ministry – Deinego”
• “In Ukraine will build a new terminal for reception of coal”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “S. Korea mulling over US$8 mln (CAN$9.7 million)in aid to N.K. via int’l organs”
• “South Korea plans to provide $8 mln humanitarian aid to North Korea”
• “S. Korea explains N.K. humanitarian aid issue to U.S., Japan in advance”
• “N.K. nuclear test shows progress in increasing weapons yield: 38 North “
• “Korea to Take China to WTO Over THAAD Boycott”
• “Trump to Visit Korea on Asia Tour in November”
• “U.S. not giving up on diplomacy with N. Korea: State Department”
• “Beijing won’t allow peninsula to ‘descend into war and chaos’ “
• “Some North Korean homes damaged from recent nuclear test”
• “N. Korean ships’ overseas operation sharply curtailed amid sanctions”
• “Oil Sanctions Seen as Key to Curbing N Korea Nuclear Program”
• “Why Haven’t Sanctions On North Korea Worked? Two Very Different Theories.” (Fortuna’s Corner blog)
• “S.Korea Conducts Live-Fire Drill of Taurus Air-to-Surface Missile”
• “There’s An Interesting Reason Why South Korea Is Publicly Talking About A ‘Decapitation Unit’ For Kim Jong-un” (Fortuna’s Corner blog)
• “South Korean Special Forces Attempted to Assassinate Kim Il-sung”
• “Putting North Korea Over A Barrel”
• “Why the World Will Have to Live with a Nuclear-Armed North Korea”

#Afghanistan

• American Officer Recognized for Helping #CAN with Returned Hostage  “Presentation of Canadian Honours in Washington, D.C. … Major Jessica Harmon, M.S.M. (United States Army) Fort Campbell, Kentucky, U.S.A. Meritorious Service Medal (Military Division) Between December 2015 and January 2016, Major Harmon, then Captain, demonstrated great leadership and initiative as the re-integration specialist of a Canadian citizen held hostage in Afghanistan …”  – Some backstory @ Army.ca (DISCLOSURE: I’m a moderator @ Army.ca)
• WO Frank Robert Mellish, R.I.P.   “Plaque honouring Frank Mellish installed at KISH”
• “Why Canada should return to Afghanistan”
• “The War in Afghanistan: What Now?” (NATO Association of Canada)

Canada Into Africa?

• “Canada stalls on Mali mission, could hit Security Council bid”
• “Promises were made, but Justin Trudeau has yet to commit peacekeepers to UN mission”
• “Canada short on criteria for November peacekeeping summit in Vancouver”
• Colonel Ted’s take:  “Trudeau dithers”

Way Up North

• “China sent a ship to the Arctic for science. Then it announced a new trade route.”
• “Rosneft tows heavy iceberg in the Arctic — (RUS) State-owned oil giant Rosneft has towed an iceberg weighing over one million metric tons in the Arctic, the company’s Vice President Andrei Shishkin said at the 13th RAO/CIS Offshore 2017 International Conference and Exhibition for Oil and Gas Resource Development of the Russian Arctic and Continental Shelf. The iceberg weighs 13 times more than the one which sunk the Titanic …”
• “Molodtsov: We need to develop the Russian shelf despite oil price fluctuations — Russia needs to prospect for oil and gas on the continental shelf despite oil price fluctuations, Russian Deputy Minister of Energy Kirill Molodtsov told RIA Novosti at the 13th RAO/CIS Offshore 2017 International Conference and Exhibition for Oil and Gas Resources Development of the Russian Arctic and Continental Shelf …”
• “Russia’s Northern Fleet drills involve ten submarines”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “COMMENTARY: Liberals need to stop putting politics before our military pilots, right now”
• Wanted:  “CFSSAR Mountain Rescue … The Department of National Defence Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue (CFSSAR) is seeking qualified subject matter experts (SMEs) to advise and co-instruct ab-initio/basic and advanced mountaineering rescue (not confined space/industrial rescue) in support of Search and Rescue Technician (SAR Tech) occupational training …”
• Wanted:  “RFI – MEOSAR Space Segment … This industry consultation process seeks information from industry on its interest, capacity and ability to produce and deliverthe systems that meet the requirements for the Department of National Defence Medi um Earth Orbit Search and Rescue (MEOSAR) projects Space Segment. This industry consultation process provides industry the opportunity to provide feedback in the development and refinement of the requirement …”
• “Canadian firms part of arms sales to Nigeria”
• “CAE Teams with Elbit to Pursue UK Defence Training”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• Commentary:  “Disabled veterans will do Canada proud at Invictus despite the government, not because of it”
• So, whazzup with this???  “Ombudsman Message: Progress Report on A Systemic Review of Compensation Options for Ill and Injured Reservists” (link still not working as of 14 Sept 0500EDT)

Other

• “Military probes cause of grass fire that burned ranch, 160 cattle (in AB)”
• “Testimony closes in court martial with no witnesses repeating vegetable vomit accusation”
• “NATO and Disaster Relief: Hurricane Harvey and Canadian Assistance” (NATO Association of Canada) – “Does the Canadian government owe an apology to Irma evacuees?” – “Globe editorial: How much should Ottawa have done for Canadians in Irma’s path?”
• “Petawawa Ironman 2017”
• “War of 1812 names for Joint Support Ships are history – Protecteur and Preserver are the new names”
• “Canada was never a ‘nuclear nag’ “

World War Two

• “Honouring the fallen in France — Corporal Crystal Roche writes about marking the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid on the beaches and in the cemeteries of France …” (RCAF info-machine)

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 13, 2017

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War
• “Super Hornet deal still up in the air despite green light in Washington”
• “Congress Notified of Potential $5.23B Super Hornet Sale to Canada While F-35 Questions Remain”
• “US approves Super Hornet sale ahead of Canadian decision”
• “US State Dept. OKs Potential Sale Of 18 F-18s To Canada”
• “State Department OKs possible sale to Canada of $5.23 billion in military equipment”
• “F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft with Support — The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Canada of ten (10) F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft …” (Defense Security Cooperation Agency)
• “Boeing walked away from talks with Trudeau government: ambassador”
• “​US clears suspended Super Hornet export to Canada”
• “Canada, U.K. step up pressure on Boeing to resolve dispute over Bombardier”
• “Canada To Buy 10 Boeing F/A-18E Aircraft Worth US$5.23 billion”
• “US State Department approves potential Super Hornet sale to Canada”
• “With $5B Order, Canada Begins Buying F/A-18E/F Super Hornets”
• In other procurement news — Wanted:  “Panasonic CF-20s for the Department of National Defence … The Department of National Defence has a requirement for 210 Convertible Tablet PCs, as per the List of Deliverables and Prices in the Request for Quotation. This requirement will replace existing Panasonic CF-20 Convertible Tablet PCs currently deployed …”

#HurricaneIrma

• “691 Canadians rescued from Irma-hit Caribbean countries, foreign affairs minister says”
• “691 Canadians rescued from Irma-hit Caribbean countries”

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming/Canada Into Africa?

• “Canada pushes back decision on UN peace mission — Federal government is considering suggestion Canada create a specialized military unit whose goal is the de-militarization of child soldiers …”

#CANvsISIL

• “Canada, Jordan collaborate on border security”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Saudis say they busted spy ring, foiled suicide attack on defense ministry” – “Saudi Arabia says foils Islamic State bomb, foreign spying plots” – “Saudi Arabia foils ′Islamic State′ plot to attack defense ministry”
• “ISIS wants militants to avoid Syria and Iraq, instead focusing on the Philippines”
• “Netanyahu to Ask Trump to Fight Iran’s Presence in Syria, Iraq”
• Iraq
• “Iraqi forces prepare for final phase of ISIL battle”
• “Iraq sentences Russian national to death for IS links”
• Syria
• “Russia in Syria Monitor, Sept. 5-12, 2017” (Harvard’s Belfer Center)
• “Did Russia Drop The Father Of All Bombs In Syria? Here’s What We Know”
• “Russian, Iranian and Turkish experts arrive in Astana for Syria talks”
• “Syrian Army expands control in Deir Ezzor, arrests group of ISIS terrorists in Salamiyeh”
• “Aleppo still badly scarred by war, months after rebel defeat” – “Aleppo Still Badly Scarred by War, Months After Rebel Defeat”
• “Israeli strike in Syria, anxiety over Iranian presence”
• “Syria frees 85% of its territory from foreign mercenaries”
• Libya
  
• “Eye on ISIS in Libya” 13 Sept 2017

The Kurds

• “Barzani vows to press on with Kurdish referendum, defying Iraq parliament”
• “Kurdish official: Kurdistan Parliament will respond to Iraq’s anti-independence vote on Thursday”
• “Iraqi Kurdish leader defends independence vote”
• “Kurdish independence referendum to go ahead in Iraq”
• “Iraqi PM calls for urgent talks with Kurdish leadership”
• “Arab League Chief calls for dialogue ahead of Kurdish referendum”
• “Diyala (IRQ) council decides not to run Kurdish independence vote”
• “Kurds boycott Diyala council’s vote against holding Kurdistan referendum in province”
• “Barzani arrives in Kirkuk to meet governor, Peshmerga commanders”
• “Barzani: Kirkuk Will Remain Symbol of Peace and Coexistence”
• “Barzani insists Kirkuk participates in referendum, Kurdistan respects their will”
• “President Barzani promises ‘special status’ in meeting with Kirkuk components”
• “President Barzani meets with UN’s Jan Kubis two weeks before independence vote” – “President Masoud Barzani met with the Special Representative of the United Nations in Iraq, Mr. Jan Kubis … President Barzani reiterated the position that the referendum of the Kurdistan Region is a decision that was taken by the people of Kurdistan and not it is not an individual or a political party decision …” (KRG info-machine)
• “Erbil to Baghdad: Respect US-backed agreement for army to stay out of disputes — The Kurdish parties have called on the Iraqi government to respect a US-sponsored agreement that stipulates the Iraqi army will not interfere in resolving their political disagreements, a senior Kurdish official told reporters Tuesday …”
• “Kurdish Independence… Fears and Premonitions”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• On the one hand … “Russia ready to discuss extension of New START treaty with US — diplomat”
• … while on the other hand …  “Russia Tests Nuclear-capable Intercontinental Ballistic Missile ‘RS-24 Yars’ “ –  “Russia fires Yars ICBM at test target 6,000 km away” – “Russia Successfully Test- Launches Yars ICBM”  – “Russia test-launches intercontinental ballistic missile RS-24” – “Russia test-launches intercontinental ballistic missile” – RS-24 Yars (Wikipedia)
• Zapad 2017 Watch  “Russia’s Looming Military Exercise: A 21st Century Trojan Horse?” (The Cipher Brief)  – “Russian aircraft arrive in Belarus for Zapad 2017 exercise” – “Zapad 2017: What It Reveals About the Prickly Russia-Belarus Relationship” (The National Interest) – “Zapad-2017: Why Do the Numbers Matter?” (RUSI)
• “Inside The Suwalki Gap”
• “NATO launches war games in advance of Russian exercise” (World Socialist Web Site)
• “US Air Force Dusts Off Old Skills to Fight a New Kind of War in Eastern Europe”
• “Lithuanian military allowed to shoot down unwanted drones”
• “Brexit won’t break Britain’s defence partnership with Europe”
• “Russia Will Have 6,000 More Tanks in Its Army”
• “(RUS) Diplomat says US gives no reply on Russia’s cyber security cooperation initiative”
• “Lithuania mulls Western power grid sync without Latvia, Estonia”
• “Russia sends warship on mission to fight pirates in Atlantic Ocean”

#Ukraine

• “Ukrainian Armed Forces to continue building up combat capabilities due to large-scale war-games – Poltorak” – “Stepan Poltorak: ‘Steadfast Firmness 2017’ proves the army is capable to meet any threats and defend the people” (UKR MoD) – “Ukraine’s Armed Forces cross Dnieper within Unwavering Tenacity drills”
• U.N. Peacekeeper Latest  “UN Peacekeepers in Ukraine May Have Small Arms – Russia’s Draft Resolution” – “Poland is ready to support deployment of UN peacekeepers in Donbas” – “Russia prepared draft resolution for the UNSC about peacekeepers in Donbas” – “Russia’s draft resolution says UN peacekeepers in Donbass may get armed” – “DPR considers UN peacekeepers’ mission reasonable to prevent Ukrainian provocations”
• Updates from All Sides   “Ukraine Conflict Monitor, Sept. 5-12, 2017” (Harvard’s Belfer Center) – “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 11 September 2017” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, September 13, 2017” (UKR MoD) – UKR govt ATO map, 13 Sept 2017 – “Essence of Time unit in Donbass report. September 12” (separatist page)  – “OSCE observers spot 40 tanks near occupied Donetsk” – “Ukraine reports 2 WIA’s amid 27 enemy attacks in last day” – “LPR reports 7 ceasefire violations on Ukrainian part over past 24 hours” – “Two Ukrainian soldiers wounded yesterday, 27 attacks by Russian militants reported, – ATO HQ” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire seven times over 24 hours” (LNR) – “Donbas: Four attacks on Ukrainian positions over day”
• “Ukraine launches scheme to modernise military”
• “Ukraine’s military ups pay in 2017” – “Ukrainian soldiers in Donbas earn UAH 17,000 (CDN$ 791), excluding combat bonus”
• “(RUS) Black Sea Fleet’s escort ship joins naval group in Mediterranean”
• “Putin’s office preparing evacuation of “LPR” envoy in Minsk to Russia – NGO — The “People’s Council” of the so-called “Luhansk People’s Republic” (“LPR”) has reportedly stripped “LPR” representative in the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk Vladislav Deynego of his “deputy” mandate, resulting in a notorious response from members of the self-proclaimed republic, according to Information Resistance, a Ukrainian non-governmental project on information security …”
• From the Separatist/pro-RUS Info-machine  “Ukrainian party gathers signatures for Poroshenko’s impeachment” – “SBU, National Guard, border guards, Interior Ministry get out of Poroshenko’s control” – “Ukrainian party gathers signatures for Poroshenko’s impeachment””
• Mo’ Coal for #UKR  “Arrived in Ukraine next batch of anthracite from South Africa” – “First batch of coal from the U.S. arrived in Ukraine” – “Poroshenko ‘welcomes’ first batch of U.S. thermal coal in Ukraine” – “Irreversible loss of another tool of energy blackmailing for Russia – Poroshenko on arrival of coal to Ukraine from U.S.”
• “Ongoing tensions pose continued dangers for civilians in eastern Ukraine, notes UN report” (UN info-machine) – “Ukraine conflict: They forgot there are people here, civilians tell UN” (UN info-machine) – “Report on the human rights situation in Ukraine — 16 May to 15 August 2017” (PDF)
• “Ukraine: Organizations and sectors – Who does What Where (as of 31 July 2017)” (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “North Korea’s Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site: Satellite Imagery Shows Post-Test Effects and New Activity in Alternate Tunnel Portal Areas” (38 North)
• “The Future of the UN Command” (38 North)
• “China ends radiation monitoring in border regions with North Korea”
• “Smuggling operations at sea targeted in latest UN sanctions against North Korea” – “US warns China, Russia to comply on North Korea sanctions” – “How Russia Quietly Undercuts Sanctions Intended To Stop North Korea’s Nuclear Program” – “Hearing: Sanctions, Diplomacy, and Information: Pressuring North Korea” (U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs)
• “How does North Korea stay afloat?” (Colonel Ted’s take)
• “S. Korea to hold meeting to discuss implementation plans for UNSC sanctions”
• “DPRK FM Categorically Rejects Harshest-ever UNSC`s “Resolution on Sanctions” “ (KCNA statement, via archive.org) https://goo.gl/2ByGB9
• “Trump calls latest UN sanctions on North Korea ‘not a big deal’, contradicting own officials” – “Trump downplays new U.N. sanctions on N. Korea”
• “Ranking U.S. lawmaker seeks sanctions on 12 Chinese banks over N. Korea”
• “North Korea: Are Sanctions Working?” (naked capitalism blog)
• “S. Korea succeeds in live-fire drill of Taurus long-range missile”
• “Time To Prepare For The Worst In North Korea”
• “What would China do if North Korea and the United States go to war?”

#Afghanistan

• “Afghanistan war memorial site next to Canadian War Museum stirs controversy” – “NCC calls for sober second look at location of Afghanistan memorial”

Internal Security

• “Coiteux affirme surveiller de près les milices armées d’extrême droite — Le ministre de la Sécurité publique, Martin Coiteux, se dit très au fait de l’émergence de milices armées d’extrême droite au Québec …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “ANAF: Minister of Veterans Affairs welcomed”

Other

• “Joint Support Ships to be renamed Protecteur and Preserver” (RCN info-machine) – “Les navires de soutien interarmées seront rebaptisés Protecteur et Preserver” – “Navy rejects War of 1812 names for new ships because Canadians have no interest in War of 1812”
• “RCAF triathletes compete in Ironman 70.3 at Mont-Tremblant”

World War Two

• “No. 242 “Canadian” Squadron revisited”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 12, 2017

 

#HurricaneIrma

• “Après l’ouragan Irma, les Forces armées canadiennes lancent l’Opération RENAISSANCE 17-01”
• “Freeland: Military jets were ready to help Irma evacuees if needed”
• “Feds blame airport authorities, Irma’s chaos for preventing planes from evacuating Canadians”
• “Rescue flight to Saint Martin brings hope to stranded Canadians”
• “Canadians evacuated from Caribbean finally home after gruelling week”
• “Helping Canadians stranded by Irma is ‘top priority,’ says Freeland”
• “Planes rescue stranded Canadians in Irma-hit Saint Martin, Turks and Caicos”
• “Media availability on the Government of Canada’s support to Canadians following hurricanes Irma and Jose”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• Latest U.N. Sanctions  “Security Council approves toughest resolution yet against DPR Korea” (UN info-machine) – “Security Council Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Including Bans on Natural Gas Sales, Work Authorization for Its Nationals” (UN Security Council news release)
• “Key points of latest UN sanctions against North Korea” – “Breaking down the UN sanctions on North Korea: What do they mean?” – “North Korea sanctions: What impact will new export bans and import caps have?”
• “Chronology of events leading to adoption of UNSC resolution on N. Korea”
• “UN Approves Watered-Down New Sanctions Against North Korea” – “UN Approves New North Korea Sanctions, Stopping Short of Oil Embargo”
• “Oil prices soaring in N. Korea amid U.N. sanctions” – “Oil will keep flowing but UN sanctions hit North Korea hard”
• “Major US allies in Asia welcome new UN Security Council sanctions on North Korea” – “South Korea, Japan welcome UN sanctions on North” – “Japan, South Korea welcome new UN Security Council sanctions on North Korea” – “China gives full backing to latest UN North Korea sanctions” – “Russia does not accept North Korea’s claims of nuclear power status – UN ambassador” –
• “N. Korea condemns sanctions, warns U.S. of ‘greatest pain’ “ – “Foolish Acts Inviting Fire Thunder” (Rodong Sinmun, PRK media) – “… Since the U.S. is revealing its nature as a blood-thirsty beast obsessed with the wild dream of reversing the DPRK’s development of the state nuclear force which has already reached the completion phase, there is no way that the DPRK is going to wait and let the U.S. feast on it. The DPRK is closely following the moves of the U.S. with vigilance …” (PRK MFA)Ministry of Foreign Affairs DPRK
• “KJU Participates in Three WMD Personnel Events” (North Korea Leadership Watch)
• “DPRK’s Bolstering up Nuclear Deterrent Is Just” (Rodong Sinmun, PRK media)
• “Will New North Korea Sanctions Make a Difference?”
• More on latest UN sanctions via Google News – Via Bing News – Via Yahoo News
• “McCain Calls for Return of Nuclear Arms to S.Korea” – KOR media editorial: “Nuclear Option Is the Only Way Forward for S.Korea” (Chosun Ilbo)
• “North Korea Hackers Step Up Bitcoin Attacks”
• “Analysts: Trump’s Tweets on North Korea May Aggravate Tensions”
• “Negotiate With North Korea? A Russian Tried” (Fortuna’s Corner blog)

#CANvsISIL

• “Young Canadian ISIS recruit says he saw violence on scale he could never have imagined”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Vast new intelligence haul fuels next phase of fight against Islamic State”
• Islamic State perform “farewell prayer” preparing to leave Hawija”
• “Iraq holds 1,300 foreign wives and children of IS suspects”
• “Reinforcements sent to western Anbar preparing for IS havens invasion”
• “Defeating ISIS is only half of it: The battle to rebuild a devastated Iraq”
• “The Real Reason Turkey Doesn’t Want the War in Syria to End”
• “Coalition warplanes bomb Syrian army convoy near Deir Ezzor”
• “Syria army, U.S.-backed forces converge on Islamic State in separate offensives”

The Kurds

• “Iraqi Parliament rejects Kurdistan independence referendum” – “Iraqi parliament votes against Kurdish independence referendum” – “Kurdish MPs Boycott Iraq’s Parliament Decision to Reject Kurdistan Referendum”
• “Barzani says referendum to be held on scheduled date”
• “Referendum Council reaffirms referendum date, reveals parliament reactivation date”
• “Baghdad Intending to Use Hawija Battle Against Kurdistan’s Referendum: Peshmerga Commander” – “Peshmerga denies cooperation with army over Hawija offensive”
• “Barzani to UN: Holding Referendum “Legitimate Right” “ – “Barzani urges tolernce, warns against harsh language in referendum talk” –“A Message from President Masoud Barzani … as our people move toward independence, it is imperative that we hereby assure everyone that we cannot confuse the criminal and inhuman behavior of the Iraqi regimes against the people of Kurdistan and the spirit of brotherhood that binds the people of Kurdistan with the Iraqi people. We affirm that the referendum process will not negatively affect the continuity of that spirit and friendship …” (KRG info-machine)
• “U.S. says Kurdistan will not get int’l support for independence unless it becomes democracy”
• “Leading Kurdish parties push to reactivate Parliament ahead of referendum”
• “For Iraq’s Long-Suffering Kurds, Independence Beckons”
• “Support of Kurdish Diaspora for Referendum is Significant: Representative”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• Zapad 2017 Watch  “Belarus’ Defense Ministry launches Zapad 2017 website” – “Joint strategic exercises of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation “West-2017” “ (BLR exercise page, in Russian) – ” “West-2017″ is another step towards the creation of a common defense space.” (BLR info-machine, in Russian) –“Russian word games over military exercise rattles Eastern Europe” – “Russia has been hiding the true size and sweep of its war games: Western officials”
• “Poland drops passport plan that angered Ukraine , Lithuania”
• “Estonia widens market for defence contracts”
• “Turkey to buy Russian S-400 missile systems – Erdogan” – “Turkey pays deposit to Russia on purchase of S-400 missile systems”
• “Russian military establishes new airfield on Kuril Islands”
• “Russia’s export of naval hardware may go up to $40 bln by 2025”
• “New website – East Stratcom Task Force” (EU Disinformation Review)

#Ukraine

• “Ukraine’s Def. Ministry puts most of Air Force units on alert” – “Almost all military units of Air Forces of Ukraine in state of combat readiness”
• “Participants in Rapid Trident 2017 practice handling weapons and gear” – “Ukraine-U.S. Rapid Trident 2017 military exercises kick off in Lviv region”
• “Steadfast Firmness 2017 exercise undergo in Ukraine on September 12-15 — The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reminds about responsibility for photos and videos of military equipment, military facilities, and attempts to enter their territory. All unknown UAVs over military units and training fields will be downed. Their operators will be arrested and prosecuted …” (UKR MoD)
• “The Ministry of Defense announces the launch of the Command-Staff Exercise in Ukraine throughout the territory of Ukraine “Immaculate Stability 2017” “ (UKR mil portal, in Ukrainian)
• U.N. Peacekeepers, Continued … “Putin ready to ‘expand’ proposals on peacekeepers in Donbas” – “OSCE head welcomes Germany Russia talks on UN peacekeepers in Donbas”  – “UN peacekeepers won’t make Kiev withdraw weapons in Donbass, Ukraine prepares for war – Zakharchenko” – “Putin agrees peacekeepers may be stationed away from engagement line in Donbass”
• Updates from All Sides  “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, September 12, 2017” (UKR MoD) – UKR govt ATO map, 12 Sept 2017 – “Militants launched 36 attacks on Ukrainian troops in Donbas in last day” – “UN reports 26 civilians killed in Donbas in May-August” – “Ukraine army positions in Donbas attacked 36 times in last day” – “Another Russian mercenary killed in Donbas” – “Militants shell 36 times in Donbas over 24 hours” – “12 attacks on Ukrainian positions reported over day” – “Armed DNR militants denied OSCE observers access to Eastern part of Michurine” – “Ukrainian forces violate ‘school ceasefire’ 29 times over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 11 times over 24 hours” – “29 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours”
• “Poroshenko discusses with delegation of French senators situation in Donbas and Crimea” – “Poroshenko, French senators discuss Donbas, Crimea”
• “Ukrainian propagandist: Transcarpathia to follow Crimea, Donbass”
• “Russia launches criminal case against Ukraine’s defense minister, top brass”
• “Ukraine Strengthens and Tightens Its Borders”
• “EU does not recognise so-called ‘elections’ in annexed Crimea” – “EU refuses to recognize regional elections in Crimea, Sevastopol”
• “LPR head appoints Vladislav Deinego acting Foreign Minister”

#Afghanistan

• “Was the blood and treasure Canada spent in Afghanistan worth it? Ask a shattered soldier: Neil Macdonald”

Way Up North

• “Why Didn’t Russia Sell Alaska to Canada ?”
• “Canadian Rangers Play Key Role in National Lifesaving Program”
• “(RUS) Northern Fleet begins evacuating scrap metal from Arctic island”
• “Russia’s Northern Sea Route Is Completely Ice-Free and Shipping Thrives”
• “Rogozin: (RUS) Government to decide on creating a state-owned company for developing the Arctic region before November”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War (1)  “(UK PM) May Asked Trump to Intervene in Boeing-Bombardier Dispute” – “Plainte de Boeing : Londres intervient auprès de Trump”
• F-35 Tug o’ War (2)   Colonel Ted on ” “Politics, pandering and pork,” more on the CF-18 replacement fiasco”
• Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)
• “Veterans Affairs Canada publishes results of National Survey 2017” – “Enquête nationale 2017 d’Anciens Combattants: accès aux avantages et délais restent les points faibles”

Other

• “Trudeau marks 9/11 anniversary in Newfoundland at Come from Away forum” – “Statement by the Prime Minister on the anniversary of 9/11 and the National Day of Service” – “Trudeau marks Sept. 11 in Newfoundland before meeting with cabinet to plan second half of mandate”
• Remember, considered innocent until proven guilty via due process  “Corporal who allegedly forced trainees to eat until sick faces military trial in St. John’s”
• “Montreal Reservists Helping Canadians on Operation LENTUS in British Columbia — Two newly-trained Canadian Army Reservists have had a busy summer conducting Public Duties at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa and employed as Intelligence Operators supporting both flood and wildfire on opposite sides of the country under Operation LENTUS …”
• “Shuswap man helps find Avro Arrow model (in Lake Ontario)”

World War Two

• “Among Canada’s “Few”: The RCAF’s No. 1 Squadron in the Battle of Britain”
• “The unsung heroes of the Battle of Britain: The groundcrew of No. 1 (RCAF) Squadron”

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