MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 30, 2016

Canada Into Africa?

• “Africa peacekeeping mission is just an assumption, says country’s top soldier — Canada’s top soldier says an expectation that this country’s military will be deploying to Africa is premature. Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance said an analysis of where the Armed Forces may go should there be a future deployment is still underway …”
• ” “The Kumbaya thing will not work, especially in Africa,” ex-soldier warns Canadians”
• “Military to provide air transport for French counter-terror mission in Africa” (again?) – “Support to French operations in Mali” (CAF Info-machine, 2013)
• “Canada is (already) conducting small operations in Africa” – “Current Operations:  Africa” (CAF Info-machine)
• “Sudan accused of chemical weapons attacks in Darfur” – “Is Sudan using chemical weapons on civilians in Darfur?” – “Sudan government accused of using chemical weapons in Darfur” – “Sudan: Credible evidence of the use of chemical weapons to kill and maim hundreds of civilians including children in Darfur revealed” (Amnesty International) – “OPCW Examining NGO Report on Allegations of Chemical Weapons Use in Sudan” – “OPCW’s Initial Assessment of NGO Report on Allegations of Chemical Weapons Use in Sudan … Without further information and evidence being made available, it is not possible at this stage to draw any conclusions based on the content of the report.”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Ex-CIA Director, General Pins ISIS on Former Iraq P.M. al-Maliki”
• “Counter-ISIL Strikes Target Terrorists in Syria, Iraq” (Pentagon Info-machine)
• “The Coming of the Russian Jihad: Part 1”

Iraq

• “France launches airstrikes against Islamic State from aircraft carrier: Reports” – “French jets join anti-IS coalition in Iraq” – “French military bolsters Iraq presence for Mosul offensive”
• Prep for Mosul (1)  “Preparations intensify for Mosul offensive in Iraq”
• Prep for Mosul (2)  “UN Prepares for Mass Displacement of Iraqis as Battle Looms to Retake Mosul” – ” ‘Massive crisis’ as 1.5m expected to flee Iraq’s Mosul” – “700,000 will need aid once Mosul offensive begins: UN”
• Prep for Mosul (3)  “Iraqi PM, Kurdish leader agree on plan to retake Mosul” – “Iraqi PM tells Kurds not to use Mosul battle to expand territory” – “Parties demand political and administrational guarantees in post-ISIS Mosul”
• “Iraqi air force kills ISIS governor in Hawija, Iraq”
• “Turkish jets destroy PKK targets in northern Iraq”
• Oil Stuff  “OPEC Deal Could Fall Apart At The Seams As Iraq Revolts” – “Iraq rules OPEC now”

Syria

• “October meeting of NATO defense ministers may take up Syrian situation — source”
• “Large Group of Russian Fighter-Bombers Is Ready to Be Sent to Syria”
• “Overview of Military Situation in Aleppo City on September 30” (southfront.org, pro-RUS OSINT)
• “Aleppo humanitarian catastrophe ‘unlike any’ in Syria, UN says” – “Obama Condemns ‘Barbarous Russian and Syrian Regime Airstrikes’ in Aleppo” – “UN slams Russia, Syria for killing children in Aleppo” – “Syria: MSF urges Syrian government and its allies to stop indiscriminate bombing in Aleppo” (Médecins Sans Frontières)
• “3,800 civilians dead in Russian strikes in Syria: monitor”
• “92 violations of truce registered in Syria over 24 hours — Russian Defense Ministry”
• From RUS state media  “US Refusal to Work With Russia on Syria ‘Gift’ for Terrorists” – “US Airstrikes on Syrian Army Possible Cover for Daesh Offensive – Ambassador” – “US-Pushed ‘No-Fly’ Zone in Syria ‘Nothing But Air Cover to Terrorists’ “
• “Russia refuses to budge on Syria”
• “Russia Knows Very Well Where American Intelligence Experts Are Stationed In Syria, So Beware Of Any Threats To Russians !”
• “Ankara to complete Syria border wall within 5 months”
• “Syrian Arab Republic – 2016 UN Inter-Agency Humanitarian Operations (as of 28 September 2016)” (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

The Kurds

• “Canada MP for recognition of Saddam’s Anfal as genocide against Kurds”
• “Islamic leader calls on KRG to reactivate parliament, review salary system” – “Muslim scholar calls on Iraqi Kurdistan govt to reactivate parliament”\ – “Radical Kurdish cleric Mullah Krekar says Kurdistan is bastion of infidelity”
• “Baghdad and Erbil Agree on Closer Cooperation” – “Barzani optimistic about future of Erbil-Baghdad relations” – “Erbil-Baghdad have ‘agreed to solve’ all disputes, Kurdish president says” – “KRG minister unimpressed with Baghdad’s financial pledges to region”
• “Survey Shows 85% of Turkey’s Kurds Demand Peace Talks”

Libya

• “Majority of Daesh Militants to Leave Syria for Libya by End of 2016” – “Driving Out ISIS From Libya: What Lies Ahead?” (Nanyang Technological Univ.)
• “It Sure Seems Like Egypt and the UAE Are at War In Libya”
• “Russian Foreign Ministry says arms supplies not discussed with Libya”
• “US Airstrike Hits Daesh Resupply Point in Libya’s Sirte”
• “Hundreds trapped in Libya’s Benghazi amid fighting: Amnesty”
• “Libya: Civilians trapped in Benghazi in desperate conditions as fighting encroaches” (Amnesty International)
• “Controlling Libya’s Wealth: Haftar’s Long Game”
• “Opening of Libyan oil ports leads to boost in production”

Way Up North

• “Canada , Russia to hold conference on Arctic co-operation” – “Canada-Russia Arctic conference set” – “Canada-Russia Arctic Conference Happening Despite ‘Profound’ Differences On Ukraine, Syria”
• “Russia and China to exploit Arctic”

Cold War 2.0

• “Dion vs. Putin ends predictably”
• “An expert’s guide to Putin’s propaganda playbook”
• “Chief of the Russian General Staff noted that it was necessary to expand cooperation of the CIS countries in fields of defence and security” (RUS MoD)
• “Operational evaluation of Russia’s Lada-class lead submarine meets expectations” – “Russia to upgrade only part of nuclear-powered Antey submarines”
• “Russia’s army chief calls on CIS countries to extend defense cooperation”

Internal Security

• “Canadian suspect in terror probe took selfie with Justin Trudeau” – “Man in Trudeau selfie linked to RCMP terror investigation — Police raided Montreal home just months before man snapped photo with PM …”
  
• “SIRC (Security Intelligence Review Committee) Annual Report 2015-2016” – “Statement from CSIS Director on SIRC Annual Report”
• “Ottawa can’t have it both ways on anti-terror law”

Time to Review Canada’s Military

• “Reviewing the Summer of the Defence Review”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “The (RCAF)’s (other) Whirlybirds (Part 1)” (NATO Association of Canada)
• NDP petition online:  “Stop the sale of Canadian weapons to human rights abusers”
• Wanted:  Someone to move a hangar on the west coast  “Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), on behalf of the Department of National Defence (DND), require the relocation of 443 (MH) Squadron from various locations at Victoria International Airport to their new hangar at 9755 Willingdon Road, North Saanich, British Columbia …”
• Wanted:  Someone to take care of the buildings, grounds @ Dwyer Hill  “Defence Construction Canada (DCC) is calling for Facilities Maintenance firms to provide proposals to carry out the required Facilities Maintenance Services for buildings and associated areas for the Dwyer Hill Training Centre in Richmond, Ontario …”
• Wanted:  Someplace to stay next year during the 100th anniversary of Vimy  “The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will conduct Op DISTINCTION events to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France in April 2017 …”
• “Serco to continue Canadian (Goose Bay) base support”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Veterans Affairs senior bureaucrats raked in bonuses while closing offices, feuding with ex-soldiers”

Other

• 3D’s Mark Collins:  “Canada Should Just Say “Yes” to Missile Defence, Cont’d (plus Russian cruise missile threat)”
• “La frégate multi-missions française Languedoc au Vieux-Port de Montréal”
• “Infanteer has been there, done that and painted a lot of it”

---

 

#MILNEWS.ca #UKR Update as of 300045UTC September 2016

 

• Mo’ MH-17 Shootdown Reaction  “(CAN Foreign) Minister Dion comments on criminal investigation into downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17” – “The United States welcomes the interim report of the Joint Investigation Team on the shoot down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 …” (US State Dep’t) – “US welcomes MH17 inquiry, notes Russian link” – “US Propaganda Campaign to Demonize Russia in Full Gear over One-Sided Dutch/Aussie Report on Flight 17 Downing” – “Who Shot Down MH17? The View From Moscow And Kyiv” – “Russian Officials Dig In On MH17, As Critics Decry ‘Politics Of Denial'” – “Russian aviation official urges Ukraine to bear responsibility for MH17 crash” – “Was Evidence Faked to Blame Russia for Downing of MH17 Civilian Plane?” – “Russian military disputes Dutch MH17 probe” – “The Ukraine Junta Are Responsible For The Crash Of Flight MH17 Malaysia Airlines And The Murder Of 298 People ~ President Zakharchenko DPR” – “Donetsk republic leader blames Ukraine for MH17 crash”
• Updates From All Sides  “Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 28 September 2016” – “OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv (Friday)” – UKR govt ATO map, 29 Sept 2016 – “Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of September 29, 2016” (UKR MoD) – ” “Ceasefire” in Donbas: Russian proxies attack Ukraine 25 times in last day” – “Mass Desertion In The Ukraine Junta Military As The Donbass Campaign Is A Complete Disaster !” – “Ukraine may arrange provocations in the DPR”
• “In Volyn officials of civil prosecution decided to donate one-day salary to buy the necessary ammunition for the 14 scouts OMBR …” (UKR DefInt, in Ukrainian)
• “The President introduced its NSDC decision “On urgent measures for the financing of the National Security and Defense of Ukraine in 2016” “ (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Russia builds fortifications on the border of Crimea” – “Aerial recon shows military hardware of Russian-terrorist forces in Donetsk”
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …”  “Maple Arch exercise has been conducting for several years in row at military ranges of Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine. This year the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre of the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Land Forces Academy of Ukraine will host joint training of foreign and Ukrainian military …” (UKR MoD) – “US Should Send Lethal Weapons to Kiev if Donbass Remains Destabilized” – “United States transferred three mobile laboratories equipped for the Armed Forces of Ukraine” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• “Media publish correspondence between Donbas militants, Kremlin propaganda mentors”
• “Putin, Merkel discuss Ukraine, agree on future contacts in Normandy format -Kremlin”

---

 

 

MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 29, 2016

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Unconventional Warfare is Not the Answer to Your Problem” 
• “Iranian Kurds Bolster Anti-IS Forces in Iraq, Syria”
• “A More Fitting Label for “Would-Be” Jihadists”
• “Daesh Owes Its Existence to US ‘Philosophy of Dominance’ Which Led to Iraq War”

The Kurds

• “Ottawa wants Kurdish assurances before sending weapons to Iraq” – “Canada wants ‘assurances’ before sending arms to Kurds” – “Canada’s Unfulfilled Promise to Provide Arms to the Peshmerga”
• “(IRQ PM) Abadi says Kurdish leaders have no will to separate from Iraq”
• (At Least Some) Kurd Bosses to Visit Baghdad  “Kurdish Delegation Headed by Barzani Will Visit Baghdad on Thursday” – “Top-level Kurdish delegation in Baghdad ahead of looming Mosul offensive” – “Barzani to meet senior Iraqi officials in Baghdad” – “Gorran, KIG refuse to participate in delegation to Baghdad”
• “Rojava: Syrian Kurdish Forces and IS Swap Prisoners”
• “PKK Puts Forces on Alert in Support of PUK Influential Faction”
• “Iranian Kurds bolster anti-IS forces in Syrian Kurdistan, Iraqi Kurdistan”

Iraq

• “Pentagon: Tests confirm no mustard agent in Iraq attack”
• Preparing to Push into Mosul (1)  “Carter: 600 Troops to Deploy to Enable Iraqis to Retake Mosul From ISIL” – “U.S. to Deploy 600 More Troops to Iraq” – “U.S. adds more troops to Iraq ahead of Mosul offensive” – “More US troops to reach Iraq ahead of Mosul battle”
• Preparing to Push into Mosul (2)  “Maliki Committed to Delay the Mosul Assault as He Eyes PM’s Office”
• Preparing to Push into Mosul (3)  “Peshmerga ready for Mosul offensive; awaiting Iraqi Army readiness” – “Sadr Opposes Militias’ Participation in Mosul Assault”
• “Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday condemned a string of terrorist bombings in neighboring Iraq that killed around 100 civilians over the past days …”
• “UN food relief agency reaches town in northern Iraq for first time in two years”
• IRQ’s Oil  “ISIS no longer controls any Iraqi oil” – “Islamic State Loses Grasp on Last Oil Wells in Iraq” – “Iraq questions Opec method on oil output estimates” –  – “Iraq mediating between Saudis and Iran to support oil prices”

Syria

• “France Wants UN Resolution on Aleppo, Force Russian Veto” – “France Wants U.N. Resolution for Cease Fire in Aleppo”
• “Aleppo “slaughterhouse”: 96 kids killed in 5 days, hospitals flattened, Syrian activists say” – ” “The murder of the innocents in Aleppo must stop” — UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake” (UN Children’s Fund) – ” ‘No words left’ to describe suffering of children in Aleppo –UNICEF”
• “After strikes on Syrian hospitals, Secretary-General says ‘Even slaughterhouse is more umane’, urging action as Security Council debates health care in conflict”
• “U.S. Says it Will End Syria Talks with Russia Unless Bombing of Aleppo Stops” – “U.S. Threatens to End Syria Talks With Russia if Aleppo Bombings Continue” – “US to Russia: Stop Aleppo assault or Syria talks end”
• “Russia’s Brutal Bombing of Aleppo May Be Calculated, and It May Be Working”
• “Russian Defense Ministry: Terrorists are preparing strikes with chemical weapons in Aleppo” – “Push to Sanction Syria for Using Chemical Weapons Hits Russian Resistance”
• “US Warns Moscow from Further Operation in Syria: “More Russian Aircraft Will Be Shot Down” “ – ” ‘Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags’: US warns Moscow if Syria violence goes on”
• “Russia says U.S. statement on Syria amounts to supporting terrorism -agencies”
• “Russia willing to support 48-hour truce in Syria , US called for 7 days” – “Moscow against seven-day truces in Syria — diplomat”
• “Russian Military Campaign Preserved Syria’s State Integrity”

Libya

• “Weekly Eye on ISIS in Libya Update – September 27, 2016”
• “Obama to extend airstrikes on IS in Libya for a third month”
• “Islamic State Hit Hard in Libya , but al-Qaeda Stronger Than Ever” – “Libya braces for chaos as ISIS retreats”
• “France to host int’l meeting on Libya next week” – “France Backs Libya’s Unity Government”
• “UN Official Deplores Human Rights Abuses in Libya”
• “Libya looks set to escape wider OPEC output cutback”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Canadian armoured-vehicle maker not flattered by foreign imitation — Toronto-based Inkas Group seeks government help in thwarting a company in the Mideast that has copied its name and logo…“
  
• “Serco Awarded Multi-Million Dollar DND Contract”
• “Calian’s SED Division Signs $8 Million Contract to Provide Two Earth Observation Antenna Systems to DND’s Polar Epsilon 2 Project”
• Wanted:  Strap-on Armour  “The Government of Canada is in the process of reviewing technologies for protection against kinetic energy threats. The Government of Canada will be assessing the performance and features of various categories of potential Add on Armour solutions. The intent is for the provision of the Add on Armour (AOA) Panels for testing and option analysis purposes as a result to gain a better understanding of the current state of the existing technology …”
• “The Department of National Defence has a requirement for the provision of homemade explosive training …” -More details in Statement of Work
• Wanted:  One.  Clip-on.  Sight.  “The Contractor must provide one (1) clip-on optically image fused sighting device meeting the following specifications …” – Specs
• Wanted:  “LEOPARD 2 CORROSION PREVENTIVE COMPOUND”
• Wanted:  Padding for shipping code-making-and-breaking hardware  “The Defence Cryptographic Modernization Project (CMP) Network Encryption Family (NEF) Sub-Project has a requirement to procure foam inserts for deployable kits …”
• “The Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE), of the 2 Canadian Air Division, DND has a requirement for apprentice-level instructional services for Aircraft Structures Technicians to augment CFSATEs production capability …”
• Summary:  “Canada Defense Spends on Military Vehicles: 2016 to 2024”

Way Up North

• “Canadian Air Force Completes Search and Rescue Exercise in Yellowknife”
• “Government of Canada takes part in first-ever White House Arctic Science Ministerial”
• “The Arctic is being utterly transformed – and we’re just starting to learn the consequences”
• “Climate change could expose Cold War relic and its toxic contents”

Mo’ Peacekeeping?

• “Gender in Modern Peacekeeping: How to enhance effectiveness and accountability” (NATO Association of Canada)
• “How Canada Can Protect Schools in War Zones”

Cold War 2.0

• “Russian-Chinese agreement on cooperation in combating terrorism, separatism and extremism submitted for ratification to the State Duma” (President of Russia)
• “On Topwar.ru on 15 September, Aleksandr Staver and Roman Skomorokhov asked whether President Vladimir Putin, like his predecessor Stalin, has decided to curb (at least temporarily) his key program. Today it’s rearmament rather than collectivization. The authors assess the program and its problems from a conservative viewpoint. They assert the arms program is not being fulfilled and the MOD budget is being cut (whether admitted or not) …”
• “NATO Warns West ‘Losing Information War’ Against Russia, IS”
• “Vladimir Putin’s Outlaw State”

Internal Security

• “C-51 : de l’information échangée sans garde-fou”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• DND/CF Ombudsman:  “Simplifying the Service Delivery Model for Medically Releasing Members of the Canadian Armed Forces”
• Veterans Ombudsman:  “Comments on Issues Raised by the DND/CF Ombudsman in Service-Delivery Model Report”
• The Minister:  “Minister Hehr reaffirms Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting medically releasing members of the Canadian Armed Forces”

Other

• “Royal Canadian Navy to examine crew mix for Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels”
• “Security measures still unchanged after 500 blank Canadian Forces ID cards went missing in 2014”
• “Canadian Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialists in the Solomon Islands”
• “Canadian Debate Reprises Over Role in US Missile Shield”
• “Prince William, Kate to visit military families at children’s party”
• “HMCS Charlottetown welcomes the Canadian Forces Artists Program”

---

 

MILNEWS.ca #UKR Update as of 290025UTC September 2016

• MH17 Shootdown  “MH17 missile ‘came from Russia’, Dutch-led investigators say” – “Presentation preliminary results criminal investigation MH17 28-09-2016” (Openbaar Ministerie, NLD government) – “Presentation: Preliminary results of criminal investigation into MH17 (Full text)” – “President: Solid proof of who to blame for MH17 tragedy was published today” (Official website of the President of Ukraine) – “Poroshenko wants use of UN Security Council leverage to punish guilty of MH17” – “MH17 int’l probe’s only sources are Ukrainian intel & internet – Russian MoD” – “Russian defense ministry doubts objectivity of MH17 crash investigators’ report” – “Russia ‘Disappointed’ In MH17 Investigation, Dismisses Probe As ‘Biased’ “ – “Moscow considers MH17 probe biased, politically motivated — foreign ministry” – “Kremlin gives no comment whether Russia ready to extradite those responsible for MH17 downing if needed” – “Russian Arms Manufacturer of BUK Missile System Presents Report on MH17 Downing” – “Investigators of MH17 crash fail to match real damage — missile manufacturer” – More via Google News
• “British Man (identified as separatist militiaman) Appears In U.K. Court On Ukraine Terrorism Charges” – “Man from Oldham charged with terrorism offences” (police statement) – More via Google News
  
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 27 September 2016” – UKR govt ATO map, 28 Sept 2016 – “Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of September 28, 2016” (UKR MoD) – “Ukrainian army suffers no casualties in Donbas in past 24 hours” – “OSCE disproves claims of alleged monitoring suspension in Luhansk region” – “FACT CHECK In response to claims that the #OSCE SMM stopped monitoring in Luhansk region” (OSCE FB) – “New ceasefire efforts in Donbas fail: OSCE reports surge in explosions”
• “NSDC supports allocation of additional 6.9 billion hryvnia (CDN $348 million) for Army and law enforcement agencies in 2016” – “NSDC of Ukraine considered the issue of additional funding for security and defense sector within the budget this year” (NSDC statement, in Ukrainian)
• “I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends …”  “Illinois National Guard experts share experience with LITPOLUKRBRIG Command soldiers” (UKR MoD) – “UK instructors conduct survivability training for Ukrainian military” (UKR MoD)
• “Recent poll reveals how many Ukrainians support Donbas’ special status”
• Elsewhere In the ‘Hood  “OSCE urges Moldova and Transdnistria to step up settlement negotiations”

---

 

MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 28, 2016

#CANvsISIL

• “Five things that have changed about Canada’s military mission against ISIL”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT
• “Forces kurdes : Ottawa veut des garanties avant d’envoyer des armes”

Syria

• “US equals Daesh, Russia equals humanitarian aid” (EU)
• “Syrian conflict: Why it’s time to hold Russia to account”

Mo’ Peacekeeping?

• “Colombia peace agreement sets stage for Canadian Peacekeepers”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Military Police launch Sexual Offence Response Team” (Canada News Centre) – Backgrounder:  “Sexual Offence Response Team” – “La Police militaire met sur pied l’Équipe d’intervention en cas d’infraction sexuelle”
• “Gay firefighter wins compensation for abuse on Halifax military base”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “NDP bringing motion to have MPs screen arms exports”
• Remember where you read it first😉  MILNEWS.ca, 26 Sept 2016:  Wanted:  Research into trying to detect chemical agents using light? – “The Canadian Military Wants to Detect Airborne Bioweapons With Lasers”
• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Canada looking at data in fighter jet purchase: Boeing executive”

Cold War 2.0

• “Vladimir Monomakh, newest strategic nuclear submarine, arrived at the Pacific Fleet”
• “Cyprus may allow Russia to use country’s ports and airports for conducting rescue operations in the Middle East in case of emergency, the Cypriot ambassador to Moscow said Tuesday …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Injured veteran’s wife pens intimate portrait of her family life”
• “Wounded Warriors Canada riders cycle through Northumberland County”
• “How a sports program called Soldier On is helping veterans who are hurting”

Other

• Colonel Ted on PMJT having to make tough decisions soon  “… I have, myself, discussed others that will divide Prime Minister Trudeau’s supporters: How to replace the CF-18s through a fair and open competition that is, before it starts, rigged to exclude the F-35; How to give seriously injured/disabled veterans a fair, better pension instead of just without going back to a prohibitively expensive system that pays too much for minor injuries, like partial hearing loss but fails to provide first class care and support for those with serious injuries …”
• “The CDA Institute is pleased to announce that Dr. James A Boutilier has been selected as the recipient of the Vimy Award for 2016. This prestigious award is presented annually to one prominent Canadian who has made outstanding contributions towards the security and defence of Canada and the preservation of our democratic values …”
• “Can Canada resist the American “warfare” state?” (Ceasefire.ca)
• “Canadian Armed Forces to conduct training in Port Stanley area”
• “Cold War veterans reunite in Courtenay”

---

 

MILNEWS.ca #UKR Update as of 280030UTC September 2016

• MH-17 Shootdown  “Report due on MH17 cause but victims’ families doubt justice will be served” – “Joint Investigation Team to Name Launch Site of Missile Used to Down MH17 Flight” – “The Guardian: Flight MH17 investigators to pinpoint missile launch in rebel-held Ukraine”
• “(ISR) President Rivlin in Ukraine for Babi Yar Commemoration” – “Rivlin addresses Ukraine Parliament 75 years after Babi Yar” – “President Reuven Rivlin Speaks to Ukrainians About Tragedy of Babi Yar” – Babi Yar (Wikipedia) – “Kiev and Babi Yar” (Holocaust Encyclopedia)
• “OSCE mission demands secure access to disengagement areas in Donbas – Hug” – “Hug: Disengagement of forces in Donbas should begin now”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 26 September 2016” – UKR govt ATO map, 27 Sept 2016 – “Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of September 27, 2016” (UKR MoD) – “Kiev army targeted civilians in Zytsevo again”
• U.N. Human Rights Council:  “KATE GILMORE, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, presenting the High Commissioner’s oral update on the situation of human rights in Ukraine, said that during the period from mid-May to mid-August, there had been a significant increase in hostilities along the contact line in eastern Ukraine and that the Office had recorded a two-thirds increase in the numbers of civilians killed or wounded in areas of Donetsk and Luhansk as compared to the previous reporting period …”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Geopolitics 101: Russia’s Actions in Syria Impacts Ukraine’s Conflict” – “Warship of the Black Sea Fleet launched a cruise missile at a surface target in course of the exercise” (RUS MoD) – “Storage of Ukrainian Weapons Captured by Russian Occupiers in Crimea Revealed” (InformNapalm.org)
• “Three ATO soldiers receive prosthetic components under NATO Trust Fund on Medical Rehabilitation” (UKR MoD)
• UKR Troops In/Out of the Military  “No need in seventh wave of mobilization – Defense Ministry” – “The President of Ukraine signed a decree on demobilization of troops sixth wave of partial mobilization” (UKR DefInt, in Ukrainian) – ” Thanks to a successful campaign for recruitment of military service under contract, today announced no need for another wave of partial mobilization …” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian) – “Maj. Gen. Talalay: Majority of mobilized servicemen of 6th wave will be demobilized in October 2016” (UKR MoD) – “Ukraine’s Defense Ministry elaborates on military reserve”

---

 

 

#MILNEWS.ca Highlights – September 27, 2016

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Canadian military cutting loose soldiers without secure supports: ombudsman – Canada’s military ombudsman is calling on the armed forces to stop cutting loose ill and injured service members before they know what services and benefits the soldiers are getting from Veterans Affairs …” – “Watchdog urges reform to financial-support access for discharged soldiers” – “Military ombudsman rips dizzying delay in ex-soldier benefits” – “Joint Transition Project: Closing the Seam” (CF Ombudsman) – “Joint Transition Project – Closing The Seam” (Veterans Ombudsman)
• “Veterans struggling with mental health issues are receiving skills training and the support they need to obtain and retain employment … The Mood Disorders Society of Canada is receiving $2.9 million in funding from the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities for its Transitions to Communities program …” – “Liberals Give $2.9M Boost To Program Helping Veterans Find Work”

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “ISIS may strike Europe with car bomb & chemical attacks, warns EU counter-terrorism chief” – “Kerchove warns of IS attacks in Europe” – “ISIS are plotting wave of car bomb attacks across Europe, intelligence chiefs fear” – “EU Official Warns of Possible Use of Chemical Weapons by Daesh in Europe” – “#Terror attacks: Civil Liberties MEPs debate with Gilles de Kerchove”
• “Hack for Islamic State, Get 20 Years in the Slammer”
• “Decapitation…ISIS’ Tool to Spread Fear”

Libya

• “Un Canadien enlevé en Libye”
• “175 US air strikes against ISIS in Sirte since Aug 1” – “Drop in US airstrikes on Sirte”
• “EU to postpone Libyan coast guard training”
• “Reconciliation, Unity and Peace: Kobler’s Message to Libyans” (UN Department of Political Affairs)
• “New conflict between State Council and HoR”
• “LIA Recovers $127 Million from Lehman and Cornhill Capital”
• “West Supports Resumption of Libyan Oil Exports as Means to Fight ISIS” – “Libya September (Oil) Output Will Be 30% Lower”

Iraq

• “US expects more chemical attacks on its forces in Iraq”
• “Isis in Mosul: Recapturing the Islamic State stronghold in Iraq explained in 3 maps” – “The Battle for Mosul: Isis will fight to the last man to hold its greatest prize” – “Shiite militias: Abadi alone will decide who marches into Mosul” – “UNHCR’s Iraq chief: Lessons learned in Falluja should help Mosul”
• “Turkish warplanes hit PKK targets in the Qandil mountains of northern Iraq” – “Turkish warplanes hit PKK targets in northern Iraq”
• “Suicide blasts kill at least 10 in Baghdad’s Shia districts”
• “Iraq’s governing Shia-Kurdish alliance at risk after dismissal of Kurdish minister”
• “Iraqi FM could be Sacked”
• “Iraq to ‘Make Great Efforts’ to See Oil Prices Grow” – “Iraq ‘Optimistic’ About Oil Market Stabilization Agreement”
• “Iraq – Latest displacement influx (as of 25/09)” (European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office)

Syria

• “Canada: NDP Supporting “Terrorist-Linked” White Helmets for Nobel Prize is a Serious Mistake!” (Centre for Research on Globalization)
• “Map Update: Military Situation in Northern Aleppo on September 27, 2016” (southfront.org, pro-RUS OSINT) – “Massacre in Aleppo Leaves Medical NGO Pleading for No Fly Zones and Aid” (Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations) – “Horror Reaches New Highs In Aleppo As Russian-backed Government Targets Civilians, Aid Workers”
• “With Syria Truce Broken, Refugee Flows to Europe Seen Continuing” – “Syria says truce still viable after week of air strikes” – “Next Round of Syrian Peace Talks Could Be Last – Syrian Opposition Group” – “Total of 668 Settlements Have Joined Syrian Ceasefire – Russian Defense Ministry”
• “Russian Defence Ministry increases the number of online monitoring posts in the Syrian Arab Republic”
• “Russia Came to Rescue Just as Syria Was ‘Close to Falling in the Arms of Daesh’ “
• “Syrian Talks Revival Depends on West’s Ability to ‘Isolate’ al-Nusra Front”
• “Syria: An Option Remains” (Duck of Minerva)
• “Jbhat Fatah al Sham Field Commander Says US Provides Group With TOW Missiles” – “US Denies Providing Anti-Tank Missiles to Nusra Front”
• “Syrian Special Forces foil ISIS offensive in Deir Ezzor” – “Syrian Army and ISIS Clashing for Deir Ezzor’s Industrial District”
• “US ‘talked to ISIS’ ahead of airstrike on Syrian forces”
• “Jabhat Al-Nusra Joins US-backed Militants Attacking Government Forces in Northern Hama”
• “WFP Reaches Four Besieged Syrian Towns For First Time Since April” (World Food Programme)

Cold War 2.0

• Via the Pentagon Info-machine  “Force Command, and Lt. Gen. Stephen Bowes, commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command, during their visit to Camp Adazi, Latvia September 24, 2016 …” – “U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Fredrick Benjamin Hodges, native of Quincy, Fla., Commanding General of United States Army Europe, Speaks with Lt. Gen. H. L. Domröse, commander of the Latvian Joint Force Command, and Lt. Gen. Stephen Bowes, commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command, shortly after arriving to Camp Adazi, Latvia September 24, 2016 …” – “U.S. Army Europe Commander visits Soldiers at Camp Adazi in Latvia”
• “Canada and NATO: Key Outcomes from the Warsaw Summit” (Library of Parliament post/report)
• “Russia-NATO Update – Part I – September 2016” (MEMRI)
• “In Europe, a resurgent Russia, wary allies and a military mission to be defined”
• ‘Russian military base will soon appear on US borders”
• “Southern MD servicemen arrived in Pakistan to take part in Friendship-2016, first joint exercise” (RUS MoD) – “Russian soldiers at the opening exercises “Friendship-2016″ in Pakistan showed their weapons, equipment and mining equipment” (RUS MoD, in Russian)

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming/Canada Into Africa

• “Decision on House vote peacekeeping mission into Africa ‘putting the cart before the horse’: Defence minister”
• “Address by Minister Dion at the International Peace Institute and Independent Commission on Multilateralism ministerial breakfast, held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly” (Canada News Centre)
• “Canada is proud to support Colombia’s efforts to bring the longest-running conflict in the Western Hemisphere to a peaceful end … Minister Dion announced $21 million in additional Canadian support for peace implementation in Colombia … The contribution announced today includes support for police reform, landmine clearance, human rights protection for conflict-affected communities, reintegration of former combatants, transitional justice and electoral observation during the October 2 national plebiscite …” – “Backgrounder – Support for peace implementation in Colombia”
• “Colombia peace deal shows power of mediation” (Ceasefire.ca)

Internal Security

• “NDP MP Randall Garrison introduces bill to repeal anti-terror Bill C-51” – “NDP introduces repeal of Bill C-51” (federal NDP statement)
• “10 Minute (ok, 15) Primer: Canadian Secrecy Law and National Security” (National Security Law Blog)

Way Up North

• “Nunavut shipwreck confirmed as Sir John Franklin’s HMS Terror” – “Nunavut shipwreck confirmed as Sir John Franklin’s HMS Terror” – “HMS Terror wreck: Inuit aboriginals and Canada to work out artifact ownership”
• “Braconnage : Ottawa veut éviter que l’Arctique ne devienne comme l’Afrique”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Grouping of Combined Arms Forces is deployed in the Barents Sea in the course of exercise held at the Northern Fleet” (RUS MoD) – “Joint tactical exercise held in the Arctic among the ships of the Northern and the Pacific Fleets” (RUS MoD)

What’s Canada Buying?

• “DRDC is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The partnership will provide up to 20 research supplements of $120,000 ($40,000 annually over three years) to support unclassified university-based research dedicated to the development of non-weapon-specific technologies with dual-use applications in defence and security areas …”
• “AZCAN to duplicate vehicles from Canada to Azerbaijan: CEO”

Other

• Fadi Mansour, R.I.P.  “34e Régiment du génie de combat: le capitaine Fadi Mansour retrouvé sans vie chez lui”
• “Un jeune de 17 ans arrêté à Saguenay pour avoir pointé un laser sur un CF-18”
• “CUTLASS FURY participants aid in Atlantic rescue”
• “Canadian Forces culture in desperate need of change”
• “Reservists’ summer training combines unique contributions, points of view: 5th Canadian Division”
• “Crown case against Afghan war hero collapses”
• “Bombs and biology: sustaining Canada’s largest military training area”

World War Two

• ” ‘A dead airman in Canada is just as dead as a dead airman in Europe’ “

---