MILNEWS.ca Highlights – July 18, 2017

B.C. Forest Fires/CF Help

• “Military deploys to B.C. interior on Op Lentus”
• “Canada Musters Army to Fight Wildfires as 39,000 Flee Homes”
• “Canada wildfires: Australian firefighters deployed to fight British Columbia blazes”
• More on B.C. fires via Google News

CANvsISIL

• “Canadian model-turned-soldier taking it to ISIS”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “ISIS Sanctuary: July 18, 2017” (ISW)
• “A Pedigree of Terror: The Myth of the Ba’athist Influence in the Islamic State Movement”
• “The Jihadi Industry: Assessing the Organizational, Leadership, and Cyber Profiles”
• “New release of The Islamic State’s magazine: “Rome #11” “ (safe copy downloadable) – “Within the Pages of Rumiyah 11” (podcast, New Jersey DHS)
• Not Just ISIS/ISIL … “Al-Qa’ida Affiliates in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa” (NJ DHS)
• “Globe editorial: After IS is defeated, what comes next?”

#Syria

• “Lebanon Preparing for Military Operation Near Syria Border” – “Lebanese PM Reveals Army to Carry out ‘Studied’ Operation in Arsal”
• “Russia Deploys Terminator-2 in Syria: Unique Weapon with no Analogues in the World”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• Report: Malnutrition in North Korea military forcing parents to supply food” – “Defense Drill For Cruise Missile Attack: Soldiers Suffer From Malnutrition, Tuberculosis and Chaos”
• “Installation of Electric Fence at Border Makes Defection and Smuggling Impossible”
• One Testimony, One General, Two Headlines  “North Korea lacks capacity to hit U.S. with accuracy: U.S. general” – “General: North Korean missiles ‘clearly’ have range to reach US”
• “If necessary, U.S. will deploy military means to stop N. Korea: Sen. Gardner”
• “Russia delivers 2400 tonnes of aid to North Korea”
• “Russia reiterates its restrained stance on North Korean issue settlement”
• “Why Is South Korea Desperately Pushing For Talks With The North?”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• CHN-IND Tensions  “India should withdraw troops to avoid escalation of tension: Chinese FM” – “Sikkim stand-off: China unusually aggressive in its stand on Doklam, (IND) Foreign Secretary tells parliamentary panel” – “Pak media report on China attacking India is fake news: Chinese website” – “China dares India, says ready for ‘all-out confrontation'”
• “(U.S.) Gen. Paul Selva: New military operation in Philippines should be weighed”
• “Chinese peacekeepers holds field drill (in Mali) to brace for possible emergencies”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship St. John’s returns from NATO Operation REASSURANCE”
• “Spain’s PM Rajoy Visits Spanish NATO Soldiers in Estonia”
• “Russia Sending TYPHOON-class Sub and Cruiser to the Baltic Sea” – “Russia and China to Send 10 Warships to Baltic for Military Drill” – “Chinese warships en route to Baltic Sea” – “Chinese warships to enter Baltiysk Port for joint maritime drills with Russia”
• “Russia-Belarus Military Drills to Involve Over 10,000 Troops”
• “Facing Russia threat, Ukraine and Georgia join in push West”
• “NATO exercises in Georgia start on July 30”
• “Russian Defense Ministry plans to begin purchases of MIG-35 fighter jets as of 2018”
• “Russian Defense Ministry hopes to get hypersonic airborne missiles in 2020 to 2022”
• “Russia’s MiG Company mulls single and twin-engine options for 5th generation warplane”
• “Russia mulls developing vertical take-off fighter jets for new aircraft carrier”
• “Estonian, Lithuanian, Slovak Foreign Ministers on S.Ossetia Borderization”
• “Russia is waging global cyberwar and the U.S. is silent”

Way Up North

• “China’s ice breaker to try Arctic rim expedition”

Khadr Deal Fracas

• “Moose Jaw MP comes out against Khadr settlement”
• “Omar Khadr payout gains traction in U.S. media after Conservative MP’s op-ed”
• “Omar Khadr: Canada pays ex-Gitmo detainee who killed US soldier millions, but soldier’s widow may never see a dime”
• “Omar Khadr might be no angel, but Canada still violated his rights”
• “This is why many Canadian veterans are troubled over the Khadr settlement”
• Colonel Ted’s take:  “Sometimes you just fight the good fight, even if you’re likely to lose … Is Prime Minister Trudeau right? Would we have lost the case in court? A lot of legal opinion seems to say we would have lost. But, we’ll never know, for sure, will we? We’ll never know because we never “fought the good fight.” …”

Internal Security

• “Montreal police issue warrant for imam who called for Jews to be killed – An arrest warrant has been issued for an imam who made several anti-Semitic statements during a sermon at a Montreal mosque last December …”
• “Canada has its own ‘alt right’ problem, and isn’t hesitating to act fast”
• “Anti-Fascists Disrupt Proud Boys Rally at Queen’s Park”
• “Edward Snowden’s ‘guardian angels’ seek fast-track refugee claim to Canada — Lawyers for seven who sheltered Snowden in Hong Kong say they face danger and call on Canada to speed up refugee applications …”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Wanted:  1.2 Million x AK47 Rounds – Ammo specs (PDF)
• Wanted:  “TRAINING CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT”
• Wanted:  “Learning Services …Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), an Agency of the Department of National Defence (DND) requires the provision of learning services for training research, development, and evaluation on an as and when required basis …”
• “CAE Awarded Defence Contracts in Excess of C$175 million”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Graves of 45000 Canadian veterans in disrepair: audit”

World War Two

• “Canadian War Museum Acquires Dutch Liberation Wooden Shoes”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – July 13, 2017

#CANvsISIL

• “Canadian Armed Forces CC-130J Hercules conducts first sortie under Operation IMPACT” (DND info-machine) – “Canadian Hercules Transport Plane Conducts First Coalition Sortie” – “Nouvelle contribution de l’op IMPACT à la lutte contre l’EI: un CC-130J Hercules effectue sa première sortie”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

#Iraq

• “U.S. Military Still Bombing ISIS After Iraq Declares Defeat of Islamic State in Mosul”
• “Iraq strikes Islamic State in Mosul days after declaring victory”
• “Iraq Collectively Punishing Islamic State Families: HRW” – “Iraq: Alleged ISIS Families Sent to ‘Rehabilitation Camp’ “ (Human Rights Watch)
• “ISIS destroyed in Iraq but will ‘pop up like cockroaches somewhere else’: Fmr. CIA Officer”
• “Defeating ISIS in Mosul is a victory for Iraq. The challenge will be making it last.”

#Syria

• “US troops inside Raqa, IS Syria stronghold: official”
• “Why Trump’s New Syria Cease-Fire Is An Empty Gesture”
• “U.S.-Led Airstrikes Target ISIS Oil Assets In Syria”
• “Two Americans Killed Fighting IS in Syria” – “First, a Symbol of Occupy Wall Street. Then He Waded Into Syria.”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “Chinese Warships Conduct Live-Fire Drills in Mediterranean”
• “China sends Marines to first Chinese military base in Africa” – “Beijing Explains Why China Needs its First Overseas Military Base” – “China troops to overseas base, ‘operational security concerns’ for US” – “PLA base in Djibouti to help China better perform int’l obligations” – “Chinese navy ships head to Djibouti”
• “Analysis: PLA Navy edges toward owning Asia-Pacific”
• “China commissions Type 056 corvette into South Sea Fleet”
• “China’s Aircraft Carrier Enters Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone”
• “Any attempt to split Taiwan from China will be in vain: spokesperson”
• “India, China can handle border differences, senior Indian official says”
• “25th Chinese naval escort taskforce returns to China”
• “India Planning Missile To Target All Of China From South Bases, Says US Report”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• “The U.S. thinks it can shoot down North Korea’s missiles”
• “US threatens China over North Korean sanctions” (World Socialist Web Site)
• “South Korea: No proof cash to Kaesong went to North Korea arms programs”
• “China defends imports of North Korean iron ore”
• “China says North Korea trade up, despite U.S. pressure”
• “China and North Korea, a Fading Alliance”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Canada lifts economic sanctions against Belarus” – “Canada cancels restrictions on trade with Belarus”
• “NATO-Russia Council meeting kicks off in Brussels” – “NATO-Russia Council to consider issue of safe flights over Baltics” – “NATO, Russia set to urge each other to curb ‘unsafe’ Baltic jet maneuvers” – “NATO-Russia Council Expected To Discuss Flight Incidents, Ukraine” – “NATO, Russia set to urge each other to curb ‘unsafe’ Baltic jet maneuvers” – “NATO-Russia Council Expected To Discuss Flight Incidents, Ukraine”
• “US approves $3.9bn Patriot missile systems sale to Romania”
• “The United States demonstrates strong commitment to security in Lithuania by installing a long-range air defense system “Patriot” “ (Lithuanian DefMin, in Lithuanian)
• “Georgia National Guard Soldiers Participate in Saber Guardian 2017 (in Romania)”
• “Defense minister: Estonia and NATO closely following Russian Zapad exercise”
• “Russian Caspian Flotilla ship groups left for tactical exercise”
• “Russian Military Bombs ‘Enemy Submarine’ In Drills Near New U.S. War Games”
• “Baltic Fleet helicopters destroy notional enemy’s submarine with bombs in naval drills”
• “(FIN President) Niinistö: In case of war help for Estonia more than ‘rice and potatoes’ … “If Estonia is attacked, will Finland help?” Faced with this question, Niinistö said he doubted that military conflict in the Baltic states would be entirely local. “If there’s war in that area, there is war somewhere else as well. Then we’re already talking about a big war. If Russia and NATO go to war, they won’t limit themselves to Estonia or the Baltic states. But of course we’re helping Estonia already,” he said. In his somewhat noncommittal answer, the president didn’t specify what kind of help this would be in the case of war, but he did say that Finland’s aid would not be limited to “sending over rice and potatoes”.”
• “The Cyber Security Council discussed the preparation of the National Cyber Security Strategy” (Lithuanian DefMin, in Lithuanian)
• “Ukrainian arms inspectors to conduct observation flight over Lithuania”
• “Russia quietly moves border hundreds of yards into occupied Georgia”
• “Why Russia’s Futuristic New Aircraft Carrier Is A Total Pipe Dream”
• “Interpreting fascism” (EU Disinformation Review)
• RUS Disses New Documentary on Baltic Anti-Soviet Fighters  “NATO makes film about ‘forest brothers’ “ – “Russian Foreign Ministry Slams NATO Film on Baltic Resistance” – “Showing Their True Colors, Fascist Terrorist Organization NATO Release A Documentary Film Praising Nazi Battalions That Fought Against The Great Soviet Red Army !” – “Russian diplomat calls to quash NATO’s attempts to falsify history — Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman reminded that among the Forest Brothers were SS soldiers and thousands of civilians were killed in the acts of sabotage they staged …” – “Forest Brothers: NATO Propaganda Video Openly Glorifies Baltic Nazi Collaborators”
• “Walmart to start selling Estonian war movie”

#Ukraine

• “Stepan Poltorak: I am sure that we have to extend geography of training in participation of NATO instructors” (UKR DefMin)
• Hmmm … “Mass GPS Spoofing Attack in Black Sea? — An apparent mass and blatant, GPS spoofing attack involving over 20 vessels in the Black Sea last month has navigation experts and maritime executives scratching their heads …”
• Meanwhile, Black Sea’s a Busy Place These Days  “The United States, Ukraine co-hosting multinational wargames in Black Sea” – “Diving day at Sea Breeze 2017 (Black Sea) multinational exercise” – “US-Ukraine Drills in Black Sea: Testing Russia or Just Playing ‘Political Game’?” – “Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Carries Out Combat Readiness Drills in Crimea” – “Mother Russia On High Alert, Black Sea Fleet Holding Combat Readiness In Crimea And In The Black Sea ! Bring It On NATO !!!” – “U.S., Ukraine Join Others For Black Sea Naval Exercises” – “NATO conducting large-scale preparations for military aggression against Russia – Expert”
• “Poroshenko Opens Ukraine-EU Summit In Kyiv”
• “Ukraine waiting for defensive weapons from foreign partners”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 11 July 2017” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, July 13, 2017” (UKR MoD) – UKR govt ATO map, 13 July 2017 – “Lugansk Defense: Situation Report, 07/12/2017” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire seven times over 24 hours” – “Ukrainian army violates ceasefire 35 times over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command” – “35 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “ATO report: 1 KIA, 1 WIA in past 24 hours” – “Militants shell 30 times in Donbas, one Ukrainian soldiers killed, one – injured” – “LPR reports seven episodes of shelling by Ukrainian troops in past day”
• “Draft law on de-occupation of Donbas declares Russia as occupant” – “NSDC bill on Donbas: Media published draft version.” – “Summary of Donbas reintegration bill: Russian occupation, liberation, division of powers” – “President will submit the draft law “On the aspects of state policy of the restoration of Ukraine’s state sovereignty over the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions” after consultations with our strategic partners” (UKR National Security & Defense Council) – “Text of ‘Donbass reintegration bill’ published in Ukrainian media”
• “President instructed the Parliament and the Government to analyze the opportunity of establishing the Ministry of Veterans” (Official website of the President of Ukraine)
• “Gulag at Moscow’s consent: media tell about forced-labour camps in Donbas”
• “LPR experts detrmine type and power of IEDs used in Lugansk city center attacks LPR experts detrmine type and power of IEDs used in Lugansk city center attacks”
• “DPR Ministry of Defense demands that Kiev returns remains of soldiers killed in 2014-15”
• “Defence Ministry will take the body of civilian who perished to the west from Donetsk in a grey zone”
• MH-17 Shootdown  “Malaysia says MH17 suspects to face charges could be known by year-end” – “Malaysia confident culprits behind downing of MH17 will be identified”
• “Russia’s customs officially recognize anthracite from militants-seized Donbas mines”
• Past Management (1)  “Yanukovich to appeal to European Court of Human Rights against Ukraine”
• Past Management (2)  “Former Ukrainian PM (Nikolai Azarov) predicts ‘imminent’ regime change in Kiev”  – “Nazi Coup Leader Poroshenko Of Ukraine On The Brink Of Collapse, Regime Nearing It’s End ~ Former PM Azarov”

Way Up North

• “Nanisivik Naval Refueling Station On Track For Fall 2018 Opening”
• “Kremlin comments on postponement of Arktika icebreaker commissioning” – “Rosatom: The delay in putting into service the Arktika icebreaker will not disrupt navigation in the Northern Sea Route”

Khadr Deal Fracas

• “Omar Khadr fights back at US widow’s efforts to go after his assets” – “Omar Khadr fights attempt by soldier’s widow to freeze his assets” – “Convicted terrorist Omar Khadr fights back at widow’s efforts to go after assets”
• “La veuve du sgt. Speer demandera jeudi une injonction contre Omar Khadr”
• “Apology: Omar Khadr deserved some justice”
• “Omar Khadr compensation payout could boost rights of child soldiers”
• “How To Stop Payment on Trudeau’s $10.5 Million Cheque to a Terrorist” (Tory MP Cheryl Gallant page)
• “Khadr a subi « une torture entre guillemets » à Guantánamo, dit un conservateur”
• “Justin Trudeau places his trust in Omar Khadr”
• “Outrage over Omar Khadr defies reason”
• ‘Why I have doubts about the Khadr case — and why you should, too”
• “Plenty of confusion in reaction to Khadr settlement”
• “What 3 legal minds think about the Omar Khadr settlement”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War (1)   Why is this here?   “Julie Payette to be next governor general of Canada: report” – Because of Payette’s husband, an F-35 test pilot for Lockheed-Martin  According to Macleans & CTV, Payette & Flynn are no longer married.
• F-35 Tug o’ War (2)  “Lockheed Martin expands Canadian lobby team”
• F-35 Tug o’ War (3)  “Vance’s CF-18 ‘capability gap’ has credibility problem”
• “MISSING MISSILES…” (Best Fighter 4 Canada blog)
• “Canadian Forces small arms replacement won’t receive funding for another three years”
• Wanted by RCMP:  Various projects to better protect public buildings & those who work there  “Retrofit Canada’s Building Armour … Traditional building armour materials are often prohibitive due to excessive weight exceeding structure limits, excessive thickness for the allowable space or fit and finish not compatible with a residential environment. The purpose of this challenge is to identify and evaluate light-weight solution of ballistic panels (the “Innovation”) to retrofit existing rooms of public officials to match changing threat levels …” –  “Protecting Canada’s Public Officials … RCMP has identified the requirement to introduce a variety of high security door assembly solutions within a series of immediate security upgrades for deployment within the residences of public officials. Traditional armour materials are prohibitive due to excessive weight and challenging to introduce within a residential environment. The purpose of this challenge is to identify and evaluate light weight high security door assembly solutions (the “Innovation”) for sliding and swinging doors that can be deployed within a residential environment …”  – “Enhancing portable ballistic panels … Portable ballistic panels are deployed by RCMP to protect public officials during events in which ballistic threat have been identified. The RCMP has been using such panels for many years but the increase in the number of events requiring this kind of protection, a more portable solution is needed. The purpose of this challenge is to identify and evaluate light weight solution ballistic panels (the “Innovation”) that can be easily deployed to serve as a barrier at events when required …” – More details in bid documents (PDF)
• Wanted:  “Protecting Canada’s Soldiers with lighter and more durable resistant armour … Protection against rifle rounds is provided by hard armour systems or bullet resistant plates. The purpose of the challenge is to identify and evaluate modular, scalable, three component Bullet Resistant Plate (BRP) system prototype (the “Innovation”) that can cover the range of potential threat environments that a soldier may face, while ensuring that the soldier does not carry a heavier plate than is required for any given mission …”
• Wanted:  “Enhancing Canada’s armoured vehicles … Transparent armour is an inherent part of many armoured vehicle fleets, be it tactical, logistic or engineering fleets. Transparent armour is the portion of a vehicle’s armour system with the lowest efficiency in terms of mass per meter square, when compared to its opaque counterparts. The purpose of this challenge is to identify and evaluate vehicular transparent armour systems (the “Innovation”) for large window areas, e.g. 40 x 60 cm, that are lighter in weight, thinner, and possess increased durability when compared to current commercially available glass-based systems …”
• “CAE, GE and Rockwell Collins Join “Team Cormorant” “

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Former military officer says she was sexually assaulted by military physician — A former Canadian Forces officer is frustrated with delays in the military justice system after she alleges she was sexually and physically assaulted by a military doctor. Twenty-one months after the allegations were brought forward, the physician continues to work within the military and the case still hasn’t reached trial …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “You Won’t Believe What Trudeau Did To A Wounded Soldier” (Tory MP Cheryl Gallant page)

Internal Security

• “US Soldier Remained in Army despite Support for ISIS”
• “Oka Crisis 2.0? Mohawk Activists Square Off Against Land Developers”

Other

• “22 Wing Nijmegen heading to Netherlands”
• “After viral video, Canadian defence minister Harjit Sajjan apologises for littering”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – July 12, 2017

#CANvsISIL

• “Canada congratulates Iraqi forces on liberation of Mosul” – “Canada congratulates Iraqi forces on liberation of Mosul, Iraq” (Global Affairs info-machine)
• “US military credits Iraqi militias for helping liberate Mosul” – ‘Recapture of Mosul an Historic Victory, Townsend Says” – “Daesh tightens grip on village near Mosul after defeat”
• “Anti-IS Coalition Aims to Turn Up Heat on Terror Group”
• “No big change seen to U.S. troop levels in Iraq after Mosul victory”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Top US commander in Iraq warns of emerging ‘Isis 2.0’ “ – “Mosul battle: Islamic State 2.0 could emerge if Iraq is not careful” – “U.S. General Says Fight Against IS ‘Far From Over’ In Iraq” – “US troops to stay in Iraq after Islamic State defeated”
• “ISIS has never been weaker, but it can’t be defeated militarily”
• “There’s A Very Good Chance Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi Is Finally Dead” – “Syrian Observatory Confirms ISIS Chief Is Dead” – #SOHR on Twitter: “Confirmed information for the #SOHR about the death Abu Bakr #Baghdadi, the “Amir of the #IslamicState organization” – “Monitoring group says ISIS members confirm leader’s death” – “IS leader in Hawija proclaims himself emir after Baghdadi’s death reports” – “Abu Haitham al-Obeidi, New ISIS Leader? 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know” – “Islamic State’s “Diyala State” reportedly confirms Baghdadi’s death” –  “Top U.S. general: No evidence that Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is still alive” – “Pentagon Officials: No Confirmation of Reports Islamic State Leader Is Dead”
• “Mobilization leader threatens to use force to expel Peshmerga from recaptured areas”
• “Tillerson Signs Pact with Qatar to Curb Terrorism Financing”
• “Eye on ISIS in Libya” 12 July 2017

#Syria

• “A discreet change of the commander of the Russian Armed Forces in Syria” (InformNapalm.org)
• “Russian, Turkish military observers report ceasefire violations in Syria”
• “Why Latest Syria Ceasefire Is Exactly What Putin Wanted”
• “They Wanted to Make it Better: Americans Killed By ISIS In Syria Wanted To Stop Islamic State” – “The Rojava Revoultion is the revolution of all the peoples of the world” (YPG statement) – “YPG’s American Martyr Robert Grodt (Demhat Goldman)” (YPG info-machine)
• “Russia in Syria Monitor, June 28 – July 11, 2017”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “China to downsize army to under a million in biggest troop cut”
• “China sends PLA personnel to man base in Djibouti” – “PLA establishes base in Horn of Africa” – “Djibouti: Chinese troops depart for first overseas military base” – “China sends troops to open first overseas military base in Djibouti” – “China sends troops to open first overseas military base in Djibouti” – “China sets up first support base in Djibouti”
• “Chinese carrier was in our defence zone: Taiwan”
• “PLA Navy embodies China’s responsibility in escort missions at Gulf of Aden”
• “China sends troops to participate in International Army Games 2017”
• “Chinese naval ocean-going task group starts visit to Italy”
• “India, China can handle border differences: India’s foreign secretary”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• “A Preliminary Technical Evaluation of North Korea’s New ICBM”
• “Analyst: North Korea ICBM could carry multiple warheads by 2030”
• “Pyongyang probablement capable de frapper la Californie sous deux ans”
• “North Korea warns military standoff will lead to US self-destruction”
• “THAAD Anti-Missile System Notches 14th Successful Test Intercept” – “U.S. THAAD missile defenses hit test target as North Korea tension rises”
• “Russia, China Unlikely to Support New UN Sanctions Against North Korea”
• “China not exclusively responsible for resolving N. Korea nuclear issue – Beijing”
• “Kim Jong Un: The Hardest Intelligence Target”
• “Russia and the United States. North Korean incident. Whose point of view is correct?”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “The World’s Five Military Empires … Four countries around the world host both Russian and American military bases …”
• “Zapad: A Window into Russia’s Military Mind?” – “Atlantic Council Forum Examines Impact ZAPAD 17 Military Exercises” (CSPAN) – “Waiting for Zapad 2017” – “Moscow Prepares for Zapad 2017”
• “What we learned from the Russian naval salon (МВМС-2017)” (Russian Military Reform blog)
• “Army Commanders” (Russian Defense Policy blog)
• “The Daily Vertical: Strategic Salami Tactics In Georgia”
• “Czechs Preparing for Cyberattacks Before Elections”
• “Russians caught ‘lurking’ near Faslane naval base in Scotland to eavesdrop on British nuclear submarines”
• From the Info-fight  “Inside Russia’s propaganda machine”  – “Too good to be true?” (EU vs Disinformation) – “New falsifications in the airwaves: The Jõhvi cemetery story has further developments.” (Propastop) – “Email Chains and Other Propaganda Tools in Central and Eastern Europe” (EU vs Disinformation)

#Ukraine

• Really, Russia???  “Ukraine’s new border restrictions regarded as ‘new Berlin Wall’: Russian FM” – “Comment by the Information and Press Department on Kiev’s plans to change the rules of entry to Ukraine for Russian citizens … Attempts by Ukraine to fence itself off with a new ‘Berlin Wall’ are utterly deplorable” (RUS MFA) – “Ukraine to toughen border control for Russian citizens”
• “Ukraine’s accession to NATO not to promote stability in Europe: Peskov”
• “Ukraine says it will focus on reforms, not North Atlantic Treaty Organisation membership”
• “Ukraine Recommits To NATO Membership Over Moscow’s Objections”
• “Comment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the decision of the EU Council to initial the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU” (UKR MFA)
• Updates from All Sides  “Ukraine Conflict Monitor, June 28-July 11, 2017” – “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 10 July 2017” – “Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 11 July 2017” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, July 12, 2017” (UKR MoD) – UKR govt ATO map, 12 July 2017 – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 07/12/2017” – “Officer of 79th Airborne Brigade Ruslan Shpynda died during drills at Shyrokyi Lan” – “Ukraine’s military launch 46 projectiles, mortar-shells on DPR territory over 24 hours” – “ATO report: militants increase number of attacks on Ukrainian positions” – “Kiev junta troops violated the “bread ceasefire” about 40 times for the last 24 hours” – “Ukrainian army violates ceasefire 36 times over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire five times over 24 hours”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Detainee Ageyev captured in Donbas confirms being Russia’s “contracted serviceman” “ – “NATO Chief Calls for Removing Nonexistent Russian Forces from Ukraine” (Strategic Culture) – “Russian serviceman, “LNR” militant detained at Donbas checkpoint”
• “Foreign instructors train AFU soldiers to make improvised explosive devices”
• “Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine: 84 foreigners are investigated for participation in separatist groups”
• “The main military prosecutor’s office investigates the facts of the participation of foreign citizens in the activities of terrorist organizations “DNR” and “LNR” “ (Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine)
• “The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine postponed consideration of the bill on restoring sovereignty in the Donbas”
• “LPR Security Ministry has suspects in 7 July Lugansk terrorist attacks probe”
• “Ukraine to receive three bomb squad vans from Estonian Rescue Board”
• “MH17 lawyer says Putin must ‘make amends’ over crash”
• “Yanukovych’s Treason Trial Adjourned Until August 3” – “Yanukovych trial adjourned”
• “U.S. Special Envoy agrees with Ukraine steps toward new impetus in Minsk process”
• “Ukraine: Organizations and sectors – Who does What Where (as of 30 May 2017)” (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

Way Up North

• “(RUS) Military collects 1,100 tons of scrap metal in the Arctic”

Internal Security

• “Canada to wage offensive cyberwar” (World Socialist Web Site)
• “Globe editorial: The new cyber-threats, and how to stop them”
• “U.S. soldier arrested for allegedly pledging allegiance to ISIS”

Khadr Deal Fracas

• Colonel Ted’s take:  “Keeping it civil … We have good, solid evidence of Liberal dishonesty, mismanagement and general ineptitude … we don’t need to rant and rave. We, Conservatives, are not and we must not allow ourselves to be painted as a bunch of angry, old, white men … we are bigger and better than that. We are not the party that spits in the face of the media or calls an elected member a traitor just because we disagree with him or her …”
• “Who’s to blame for the Khadr payout? Stephen Harper, mostly.”
• “Freeze order on Omar Khadr payout needs proof of risk: experts”
• “Terry Glavin: Khadr’s payout looks to Canadians like it’s burying a Liberal scandal”
• “Afghan vets lawyer says his clients have Charter rights too following Khadr payout”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Cost concerns stall Joint Task Force’s planned move to CFB Trenton”
• “Mini PCs for the Department of National Defence … Department of National Defence has a requirement for Mini PCs and Mounting Brackets … This requirement will be installed in confined area’s deployed shelter …”
• “PyroGenesis to Conduct Final Test of Chemical Destruction System Using Real Chemical Warfare Agents — PyroGenesis Canada, a high tech company that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma based systems and plasma torch products has received a $230,168 contract to provide technical support during the next and final testing phase of its tactical Plasma Arc Chemical Warfare Agents Destruction System (“PACWADS” or the “System”) which will now be tested using real chemical warfare agents …”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “The Veterans’ Service Experience: Hearing From You” (Veterans Ombudsman)

Other

• “DND refuses to discuss combat status Canadian exchange officers — New figures show there are 104 members of the Canadian military serving with other nations on exchange programs, but National Defence has refused to say how many of them are deployed in front line operations …”
• “New leader for 412 Squadron (8 Wing Trenton)”
• “Canadian Armed Forces teams depart for the 101st annual Nijmegen Marches” – “Canadian Armed Forces Participation in the 2017 Nijmegen Marches” – “Les équipes des Forces armées canadiennes à l’édition 2017 de la Marche de Nimègue”
• “Special Report on Defence Policy Pt 2: Examining Cash vs Accrual”
• “17 Wing member grapples for Gold”
• “Adam Day, Canadian War Correspondent, Friend – Rest in Peace”
• “Video of Canadian defence minister Harjit Sajjan littering goes viral on social media”
• “The Avro Arrow Was Canada’s Awesome, Pointless Jet Fighter”

World War Two

• “Canadians at the vanguard of the Italian Campaign”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – July 4, 2017

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas

• Again!  “North Korea claims successful launch of Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile” – “Pyongyang tire un nouveau missile, Trump dénonce une «absurdité» “ – “North Korea hails ‘successful ICBM’ test of Hwasong-14” – “North launches ballistic missile into East Sea” – “North Korea tests missile it claims can reach ‘anywhere in the world’ “ –  “North Korean experts warn Pyongyang can strike any region in the world” – “North Korea says first intercontinental ballistic missile test successful”
• “Trump tweets angry response to North Korean missile launch” – #POTUS45 Tweets:  “North Korea has just launched another missile. Does this guy have anything better to do with his life? Hard to believe that South Korea….. – ….and Japan will put up with this much longer. Perhaps China will put a heavy move on North Korea and end this nonsense once and for all!
• “The Latest: US, South Korea analyze North Korea’s ICBM claim”
• “China opposes North Korean missile launches” – “China calls for “restraint” after NKorea claims first successful ICBM test” – “Chinese foreign ministry condemns North Korea’s missile launch”
• More via Google News – More via Bing News
• “China’s UN ambassador says North Korea crisis could ‘get out of control’ “ – “Korea threat increasing, Trump tells China’s Xi” – “North Korea crisis could ‘get out of control’: China’s UN envoy”
• “Moon’s delay tactics on THAAD unlikely to impair Washington-Seoul alliance”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2017” (106 pg PDF, document dated 15 May 2017)
• “Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Phone Call with President Xi Jinping of China” (whitehouse.gov)
• “Informal meeting with President of China Xi Jinping” (Kremlin info-machine) – “Putin Welcomes China’s Xi At Kremlin Ahead Of Talks” – “Xi talks about THAAD deployment, Syria, anti-terror cooperation ahead of Russia trip”
• “China’s Xi warns Trump of ‘negative factors’ hurting US ties” – “China Warns on`Negative’ U.S. Turn as Trump Raises the Heat”
• “Chinese Navy Type 815 Intelligence Ship Transits Tsugaru Strait in Northern Japan” – “China refutes Japan’s accusation of Chinese warship trespassing Japanese territorial waters” – “Chinese naval surveillance ship enters Japanese waters near Hokkaido” – “China dismisses Japanese concerns about warship transiting Tsugaru Strait”
• “Border stand-off: China says it is open for talks with India”
• “PLAAF received 2nd batch of Su-35S”
• “US-Taiwan Arms Deal Temporary Extension Of Status Quo, Nothing More”

#CANvsISIL

• “Iraqi Kurds want same right to self-determination as Quebecers: Diplomat” – “Les Kurdes d’Irak veulent le même droit à l’autodétermination que les Québécois”
• “Liberals dodged Iraq questions”
• “2-year extension of Iraq mission lacks transparency and oversight” (Ceasefire.ca)

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “‘The Closer We Get, The More Complex It Gets.’ White House Struggles With Strategy As ISIS Nears Defeat And Syria”
• “Besieged Islamic State nears the endgame in Iraq and Syria – but Trump still has no strategy”
• “After Mosul, it will take an aggressive nationalism to put Iraq back together again” – “Iraq: Healing Old Wounds from the Long Battle in Mosul” (Doctors Without Borders)
• “U.S. conducts air strike in Somalia against al Shabaab militants”

#Syria

• “Syrian army announces ceasefire in south ahead of Astana talks” – “Syrian army announces ceasefire in southern Syria until Thursday” – “Syria Declares Limited Cease-fire Ahead of Peace Talks” – “Syria declares truce in south of country”
• “U.S.-Backed Forces Close to Trapping ISIS Holdouts in Raqqa”
• “Media: US planes conducted reconnaissance flights near Russian base in Syria” – “Russia promises to respond should the US attack Syria”
• “U.S. ready to let Rssia decide Syria”
• “US warship in Mediterranean wary of ‘tensions’ with Syria’s allies”

#Afghanistan

• “DoD Report: Pakistan is Reason for Afghanistan Stalemate” – “DOD Releases Report on Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan” (DoD, 20 Jun 2017)

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “US defence policy legislation hopes to address ‘Russian aggression’ “
• “Over 5,000 troops and around 100 aircraft involved in drills in Russia’s West”
• “Defence Minister urged to pay attention to the reliability of the strategic missile carriers Tu-160 and Tu-95MS” (RUS MoD)
• “On July 7–8 Vladimir Putin will visit Germany to take part in the G20 summit” (Kremlin info-machine)
• “No ‘specific agenda,’ but Trump, Putin have lots to discuss”
• “Gorbachev disappointed with the US post Cold War ‘victory’ “ – “Gorbachev calls on Russian and US leaders to relaunch dialogue”
• “Russia ready to continue peace treaty talks with Japan, Putin’s aide says”
• “Lithuanian soldiers formally deployed to multinational operations areas in Afghanistan and Iraq” (Lithuanian DefMin)
• “Poland Hopes for Cheaper US Arms Sales Offers, Support in Army Modernization”
• “How close is Russian cyber security firm Kaspersky to Russia’s spies?” – “Handwriting’ of NotPetya cyber attack is similar to actions by BlackEnergy group – Kaspersky Lab”
• “Germany big target of cyber espionage and attacks: government report”
• “The borders have shifted: understanding NATO’s response to cyber warfare”
• “Belarus held massive military parade” – “New arms for Belarus, Russia’s military plans in the region”
• “Belarus: Russian-Belarusian Zapad 2017 military exercises pose no threat”
• “Rally Against Military Exercises West-2017 To Be Held In Minsk On July 7” (Charter’97) – “Belarusians protest against Russian military drills”
• “Senator assures all conditions created for operation of Russian base in Kyrgyzstan”
• “Admiral Grigorovich, the Black Sea Fleet frigate, arrived in Cyprus” (RUS MoD)
• “Russia unveiled concept of new combat gear for “soldier of the future” “
• “Footage has emerged of Russia Bulava (SS-N-32) SLBM failure during 27 Sept 2016 salvo launch” (Asian Defence News blog)
• “DIA’s ‘Russia Military Power’ – A Missed Opportunity” (Russian Military Analysis blog)
• “Russia and China take the lead in hybrid warfare while West struggles to respond”

#Ukraine

• “In Lviv oblast a group of Ukrainian military graduated from training course under JMTG-U … The US, Canadian, the UK, Danish, Lithuanian, and Polish instructors have been training service members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and National Guard under the JMTG-U program.” (UKR MoD)
• “US Secretary of State to visit Ukraine” – “US Secretary of State Tillerson to visit Ukraine on July 9”
• “Kyiv expects NATO secretary general’s visit on July 10” – “Ukraine to NATO: “We are next” “ (Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine) – “Ukraine Asking NATO To Provide Lethal Weapons For Defense” – “NATO Parliamentary Assembly pledges Ukraine support on path to joining alliance” – “NATO calls for peaceful resolution of situation in Donbas, supports Ukrainian sovereignty, territorial integrity”
• “The day a mysterious cyber-attack crippled Ukraine” – “Family firm in Ukraine says it was not responsible for cyber attack”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 2 July 2017” – UKR govt ATO map, 4 July 2017 – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, July 04, 2017” (UKR MoD) – “Donetsk Defense: Situation Report, 07/03/2017” – ” “Ceasefire” in Donbas: 2 KIA’s, 3 WIA’s amid 22 enemy attacks in last day” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire nine times over 24 hours” – “Donbas: 7 shellings, one military died and another one got hurt” – “Kiev forces violate ceasefire 23 times over past 24 hours – DPR Operations Command” – “Two Ukrainian soldiers killed, three injured due to 22 shelling attacks in Donbas over past day” – “Kiev units commit 23 ceasefire violations over past 24 hours, damages reported” – “Over 2700 Ukrainian soldiers killed in Donbas” – “One Ukrainian soldier killed in action, another one wounded in action in Donbas on Monday”
• “Ukraine’s Direct Losses From Donbass Conflict Estimated at $50 Bln – MoD”
• Really???  “LPR State Security Ministry officers defuse Kiev commandos’ mine targeting SMM OSCE cars” – “Saboteur who sought to blast OSCE car could be involved in Prishib terrorist attack – MGB” – “DPR prevents terrorist attack planned by Ukrainian secret services”
• “Ukrainian authorities report ‘DPR main Cossack’ detained” – “Police detain Major General of Donetsk People’s Republic”
• “Russia deploys over 60,000 troops along Ukraine border, in Crimea, Donbas – Def. Ministry”
• “Hromadske TV: Who is the Russian soldier captured in the eastern Ukraine” – “Mother’s plea over Russian fighter captured in Ukraine”
• “UkrOboronProm demonstrates advanced military developments to NATO representatives”
• “Ukrainian company testing combat helmets for battle”
• “Italy suspects Ukraine’s soldier of premeditated murder of photojournalist in Donbas – PGO” – “Ukrainian side receive no motion from Italy on assistance in Rocchelli murder case”
• “Blockade on the part of Ukraine makes (DPR) market richer”
• “China’s Shandong Qingneng Power considering building biofuel TPP in Lviv region” – “China-Based Shandong Qingneng Power Intending To Build TPP In Lviv Region”
• “Kyiv has no info about more than 400 people missing in Donbas” – “Gerashchenko says no progress in solving humanitarian problems, security issues in Donbas”
• “Contact Group on Donbas to discuss Macron formula”
• Elsewhere in the ‘Hood … “Moldovan president pledges Transnistria will be reintegrated into Moldova in few years”

Way Up North

• “Russia sets its sights on reconstructing 18 Arctic airports” – “Sergei Ivanov: Russian authorities intend to renovate 18 Arctic airports”

Internal Security

• “Bill C-59: New dogs for new tricks” (Lux Ex Umbra blog)
• “How U.S. intelligence created games to improve its forecasts, with Canadian help”
• “Khadr to get apology, compensation over $10M as lawsuit settled” – “Ottawa to offer Omar Khadr apology, compensation package” – “Canada will give US$8m to former Guantánamo child prisoner Omar Khadr, who killed US soldier with grenade” – “Canada to apologise, pay former Gitmo prisoner Omar Khadr $8m” – “Canada to apologize, pay former Gitmo prisoner Omar Khadr”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Via Rail is supporting the military with a renewal of its national partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada. Via is providing complimentary train travel for the participants of the 2017 Highway of Heroes Bike Ride in August …”

Other

• “2 navy members linked to Canada Day incident at Indigenous ceremony in Halifax” – “Two Navy members involved in confrontation at Indigenous ceremony on Canada Day”
• “How the tiny fishing village of Pugwash tried to stop a nuclear war — New play looks at legendary scientific conference 60 years after it took over a Nova Scotia community …”
• “British soldiers who died during Rideau Canal build remembered”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 30, 2017

#CANvsISIL

• “Canadian troops will stay in Iraq for the next two years” – “Canada Renews Contribution to the Global Coalition against Daesh” (DND Info-machine) – “Canada extends its mission with the coalition against (ISIL) until 2019”  –
• “Ottawa prolonge la mission contre le groupe EI en Irak jusqu’au printemps 2019”  – “Canada’s Iraq mission extended until 2019 at cost of $371 million” – “Canada extends mission in Iraq to March 2019” – “Canada extends Iraq mission by two years, 200 troops involved” – “Canadian forces to stay in Iraq until 2019”
• “Defence minister extends Iraq military mission by two years and praises sniper’s long-range kill” – “Sajjan stays silent on Canadian combat in Iraq”
• More via Google News

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Iraq and its allies say liberation of Mosul is ‘imminent’ “ – “Iraq declares end of caliphate after capture of historic Mosul mosque” – “Iraq Recaptures Al Nuri Mosque in Mosul From ISIS, but Only Rubble Remains” – “Iraq’s prime minister has declared the ‘end of Daesh’ after capturing an ISIS stronghold” – “Iraq declares end of ISIS caliphate, but the war is far from over”
• “OIR Spokesman: ISIS Cannot Stop Coalition’s Progress — The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is on the run in Syria and Iraq and the terrorist group can’t stop the progress that coalition-partnered Iraqi and Syrian forces have made over the past two years, an Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman said …” (US DoD)
• “Back to Basics: ISIS Is Returning to Its Insurgent Roots”

#Syria

• “Canada announces additional support for prohibition of chemical weapons in Syria … The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, (Thursday) announced an additional Canadian contribution of $2.5 million to strengthen the capacity of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to investigate the use of chemical weapons in Syria …” – “Canada to allocate $1.9 million to investigate Khan Shaykhun chemical incident”
• “OPCW Fact-Finding Mission Confirms Use of Chemical Weapons in Khan Shaykhun on 4 April 2017” (OPCW) – “Chemical weapons watchdog says sarin used in April attack in Syria” – “Diplomats: Watchdog concludes sarin was used in Syria attack” – “A UN panel will try to determine if the Syrian government was responsible for the gas attack that killed dozens in April after a chemical weapons watchdog concluded Sarin gas was used …”
• “US claims that Syria may be preparing chemical attack aimed against Russia — diplomat”
• “Russian diplomat warns US apparently gearing up for new intervention in Syria”
• “US-led Forces Tighten Ring Around IS Stronghold in Syria”
• “Russian top brass notes US-led coalition’s provocations embolden terrorists in Syria”
• “The Russian Defense Minister during a conference call with the leadership of the Armed Forces analyzed the situation in Syria” (RUS MoD, in Russian)
• “Russia Might Respond With Force to the Future US Aggression Against Syria”
• “UN condemns fighting in buffer zone between Syria and Israel”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Battalions on alliance’s eastern flank are fully operational – NATO chief” – “Nato’s Russia-deterrent force ‘fully operational’ “  – “Poland signs declaration on ‘battle ready’ NATO eastern flank”
• “Mattis Pleased With NATO Progress Deterring Russia, Combating Terror”
• “(CAN) Defence Minister attends the NATO Defence Ministers Meeting” – “Réunion des ministres de la Défense de l’OTAN: le Canada résolu à maintenir son engagement envers l’Alliance”
• ‘NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence Highlights Mattis Meeting With Polish Counterpart” (US DoD)
• “Nato Confirms Cyber as Legitimate Military Domain” – “Nato warns cyber attacks ‘could trigger Article 5’ as world reels from Ukraine hack” – “NATO chief: Alliance ‘stepping up across all domains’ “
• “Fmr. Lithuanian Defense Minister: Ukraine is ‘Frontline’ Defending Western Democracies From Kremlin”
• “(EST) Defense minister: NATO to deploy additional forces to Baltics during Zapad”
• “Baltic Standoff Highlights Cold War ‘Lite’ Between Russia and NATO”
• “Russian Navy Fires Rockets in Baltic Sea ‘Duel’ Drill”
• “NATO chief: Military activity has increased in Baltic Sea region”
• “Mike Pence headed to Eastern Europe on Baltic tour”
• “Mattis Plays Clean-Up For Trump Among America’s NATO Allies”
• “Trump to meet with Russia’s Putin on sidelines of G20: official”
• “NATO Seeks to Involve Georgia in “Deterring” Russia”
• “Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Criticizes Georgia for NATO Partnership”
• “Russia’s top diplomat says NATO unable to respond to growing terror threat”
• “Pro-Kremlin cartoons” (EU vs Disinformation)
• “Russia’s contract with Turkey on S-400 delivery agreed”
• “Indian Navy content with Russian-made aircraft carrier”
• “What Are Russian Spies Really Doing?”

#Ukraine

• “In Brussels Stepan Poltorak holds talks with Harjit Sajjan” (UKR MoD) – “Minister of Defense of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak met with Minister of National Defense of Canada Harjit Singh Sajjan” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• “Poltorak holds talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis”
• “Visit to NATO by the Minister of Defence of Ukraine — The Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will meet the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Mr. Stepan Poltorak on Friday, 30 June 2017 …” (NATO)
• “Ukraine’s events will always be on first positions of NATO agenda – Stoltenberg — NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that it is extremely important to tell the world community and the public about the aggressive actions of the Russian Federation against Ukraine …” – ” “We will continue political support and cooperation with Ukraine” – NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Stepan Poltoruk” (UKR MoD, in Ukrainian)
• “Minister of Defence of Ukraine addresses meeting of Defence Ministries of NATO nations contributing to Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan” (UKR MoD) – “NATO grateful to Ukraine for participating in Alliance’s mission in Afghanistan”
• “Stepan Poltorak: Prospects of development of cooperation between Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence and US Department of Defence are our priority” (UKR MoD) – “Ukraine Reportedly Close on Agreement to Receive US Weaponry”
• “Cyber attack fails to inflict major damage on Ukraine’s security facilities” – “Ukraine power company says hit by second cyber attack Thursday” – “SBU, U.S. FBI, British NCA and Europol working on PetyaA”
• Updates from All Sides   “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 28 June 2017” – “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 27 June 2017” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, June 30, 2017” (UKR MoD) – UKR govt ATO map, 30 June 2017 – UKR govt ATO map, 29 June 2017 – “Escalation in Donbas: Ukraine reports 1 KIA, 6 WIA’s in last day” – “44 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “31 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours, damages reported” – “Ukrainian army violates ceasefire 44 times over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Mother of Russian soldier captured by Ukraine troops insists he didn’t retire” – “Ukraine’s Defense Minister speaks of possible exchange of captured Russian intelligence officer” – “Russia gives contradictory stories as mother of Russian soldier captured in Ukraine pleas for his release” (Human Rights in Ukraine)
• “Big landing ships “Azov” and “Cezar Kunikov” are participating in the Blask Sea Fleet training” (RUS MoD) – “Black Sea Fleet’s antisubmarine aircraft crews performed the search for imaginary enemy’s submarine” (RUS MoD)
• “Russian gets 11-year prison sentence for supporting self-proclaimed republic in Ukraine”
• “Two FSB border guards detained in Kherson region at night — On the night of June 30, the border guards of the Kherson detachment, together with the soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kherson region, detained two unknown persons without documents, and subsequently found that the detainees were servicemen of the Border Guard Service of the Russian Federal Security Service …”
• “US State Department: Separatists in the Donbas use children as human shields and as soldiers”
• So, Who to Believe???  “Radiation levels spike amid wildfire in Ukraine’s Chernobyl exclusion zone” (TASS) – “Fire area in Chornobyl zone reduced to eight hectares, radiation background is normal” – “Russian media spread lies about ‘raised level of radiation’ in Chornobyl exclusion zone”
• “DPR Head arrives in Rostov to participate in Integration Committee “Russia – Donbass” “
• “Ukraine conducted special operation to destroy Flight MH17 of Malaysia Airlines”
• “Washington Wants to Sell Coal to Ukraine, Other Countries Around World”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “U.S. plans to sell Taiwan about $1.42 billion in arms” – “U.S. Will Sell $1.42 Billion Worth of Arms to Taiwan” – “Trump strikes at China with arms sales to Taiwan” (The View from Taiwan)
• “U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, new sanctions hurt mutual confidence: Chinese ambassador” – “China strongly protests US arms sales to Taiwan”
• Latest on that CHN-IND Border Thing  “Chinese Ministry of Defence provides photos to prove that the Indian army cross the border” – “India Beefs Up Military Presence Along Border With China as Conflict Looms” – “Indian army chief tours border state with China amid tensions” – “Indian Army Should Learn From ‘Historical Lessons’, Says China”
• And on that CHN mil base for PAK?  “China says Pakistan military base talk pure speculation”  – “Chinese Defence Ministry rejects US Report on Pakistan”
• “China’s new destroyer to protect world peace”
• “Chinese defense chief meets with Philippine foreign secretary”
• “Chinese ocean-going visit naval taskforce arrives in Djibouti”
• “Elimination of bad influence in PLA continues — The resignation of a former deputy commander of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Rocket Force as a lawmaker over suspected violations of law and discipline, the latest case involving a high-ranking military official, shows the military is moving to eliminate the bad influence of former disgraced Central Military Commission (CMC) vice-chairmen, Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou, experts said …”
• And What’s RUS Up To?  “The main stage of the “Seaborne Assault – 2017” is being held at the Pacific Ocean Fleet” (RUS MoD) – “The last stage of the “Seaborne Assault – 2017” contest finished at “Bamburovo” range of the Pacific Fleet” (RUS MoD) – “Acting commander of the EMD’s army inspected the district’s military units on Sakhalin and the Kuril islands” (RUS MoD)
• “(CHN) Intelligence law takes effect, a move to help tackle foreign spies: experts”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• “DoD Has Prepared New Set Of Military Options For Trump On North Korea”
• “North Korea Designations; Non-proliferation Designation” (US Treasury)

#Afghanistan

• “Canada won’t redeploy troops to Afghanistan as NATO promises more soldiers” – “Canada won’t be going back to Afghanistan: Trudeau”
• “NATO Agrees to Send more Troop Trainers to Afghanistan but No Combat Role” – “NATO Pledges Continued Support for Afghanistan Mission” – “NATO says to send more forces to Afghan war”
• “U.S. defense chief: U.S., allies withdrew from Afghanistan too fast”

Way Up North

• “Summer dives set for HMS Terror , as future ownership in limbo”
• And What’s RUS Up To?  “Hydrographers of the Northern Fleet will tell about new geographical discoveries in the Arctic” (RUS MoD, in Russian) – “The Ecological platoon of the Northern Fleet pressed on the island Kotelny 3000 metal barrels” (RUS MoD, in Russian) – “Russia creating advanced ship for Arctic”

Canada Into Africa?

• “France Is Looking for an Exit Strategy From the Hidden War in Mali”

Internal Security

• Former FLQ-ite on No-Fly List  “La liste noire de l’aviation américaine ne vise pas que des islamistes : un ex-membre du Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) a appris avec surprise que son nom figurait sur la « No Fly List » en se faisant interdire l’accès à un vol Montréal-Paris …”
• “Canadian military contractor, Valcom Consulting, targeted by hacker” – “Canadian military contractor targeted by hacker”
• “Canada’s anti-radicalization centre won’t actually be deradicalizing anyone”
• “Five Eyes alliance stress ‘more timely and detailed’ information sharing to detect terrorists”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “VIA Rail Renews its Partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada”
• “Improving Veterans’ access to long term care at Carewest Colonel Belcher (in Calgary)”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Big Honkin’ Ships  “Bidder urges overhaul of design tender in $60B navy frigate program”
• “Tougher, faster assault boats coming to the Canadian Army”
• Wanted:  “Human Mannequin Simulators … The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), through the Canadian Forces Health Services Group (CF H Svcs Gp), has a requirement for a Human Mannequin Simulator (HMS). The Contractor must supply and deliver 8 fully functional HMS with the option to purchase an additional 24 units throughout the contract period …”

Other

• “Navy launches new reserve team, preps for early Canada Day”
• “Liberals downplay military role in Canada 150 celebrations, some historians say”
• “Un nouveau commandant pour le Groupe du renseignement des Forces canadiennes”
• “Petition: No Armed Drones” (ceasefire.ca)

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 26, 2017

#CANvsISIL

• “Skeptics question JTF2 sniper claim, NDP says it shows troops in combat”
• “SOFREP Exclusive: The inside story of Canada’s JTF2 record-breaking sniper kill” – “Tom Mulcair raises red flags after Canadian sniper breaks record in Iraq”
• “National Post View: The Liberals say we’re not ‘combating’ ISIL, yet our snipers are being lauded for record-setting kill shots”
• “Sniping, Combat and Civilian Control of the Military”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT
• Colonel Ted:  “Thank you, Captain Obvious … of course prime Minister Trudeau and the Liberals are stretching the truth about military operations in Syria and Iraq. As with so many other things, including e.g. climate change targets, all the Trudeau liberals have done is try to “re-spin” the Harper Conservative policies …”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Commando Raids on ISIS Yield Vital Data in Shadowy War”
• “DoD Says Top ISIS Moneyman Killed In Coalition Airstrike”
• “Iraqi Forces Squeeze IS Into Final Streets As Mosul Residents Celebrate Eid” – “Islamic State’s last stand in Iraq: Who will liberate Hawija?” – “Iraqi forces retake Mosul’s Old City area, repel IS attack” – “Mosul battle to end in days as troops advance in Old City: Iraqi general”
• “Hezbollah says future Israel war could draw fighters from Iran, Iraq, elsewhere”

#Syria

• “U.S.-backed Syrian groups take Raqqa district from Islamic State”
• “Russian Military Base Engages in US-Iranian Conflict in Syrian ‘Badia Region’ “
• “US to take back weapons from Syrian Kurds after ISIS defeat”
• “US to take militia weapons after IS defeat”
• “Report: CIA boss held secret talks with Syrian spy chief”
• “Will Get Fooled Again – Seymour Hersh, Welt, and the Khan Sheikhoun Chemical Attack” (bellingcat)
• “Syria: Trump‘s Red Line”
• “Israel targets Syria after fresh stray fire: army” – “After IDF retaliates for spillover, Syrian army warns Israel” –  “Israeli Air Strike Hits Syria After Bombing” – “Will the situation on the Golan suck Israel into the Syrian Civil War? “ – “Israeli army says no spillover fire from Syria on Monday morning” – “IDF says stray fire from Syria hit UN position in Golan Heights” – “The IDF denied on Monday morning Israeli media reports earlier in the day of a rocket launching from internal fighting in Syria landing in Israel’s northern Golan Heights region …”
• “Syria: Welcome To The Quagmire”

#Afghanistan

• Point:  “Petrou: Canada Should Join Our Allies and Send Trainers to Afghanistan”
• Counterpoint:  “ON TARGET: Allies should leave Afghanis to their own future”
• “ISIS declares war on Taliban in Afghanistan”
• “Taliban warns US and NATO not to send more troops to Afghanistan” – “Message of Felicitation of the Esteemed Amir-ul-Momineen, Shiekh-ul-Hadith Hibatullah Akhundzada, (May Allah protect him), on the Occasion of Eid-ul-fitr” (via archive.org)
• “US Military: Islamic State Problem ‘Not Getting Better’ in Afghanistan”
• “Russian, Afghan parliament speakers discuss fight against terrorism”

#Ukraine

• RUS Army Media: “Canadian instructors” near UKR front lines?
• “U.S. Secretary of State Tillerson to visit Ukraine in July” – “Tillerson to visit Ukraine in July” – “Poroshenko announces finalization of agreement with U.S. on arming Ukraine” – “Poroshenko expects U.S. decision on defensive arms for Ukraine by October” – “U.S. ready to become more active in Donbas settlement – Poroshenko”
• Updates from All Sides  UKR govt ATO map, 26 Jun 2017 – “Nine ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours” – “LPR reports 13 ‘silence regime’ violations by Kiev forces” – “Donbas crisis: 23 attacks on Ukrainian positions” – “Ukrainian army violates ceasefire 9 times over 24 hours – DPR Operations Command” – “Militants continue to violate ‘harvest ceasefire’ in Donbas” – AFU begin large-scale redeployment, artillery drawn to frontline” – “Ukrainian JCCC warns of possible militant provocations in Donbas”
• “Russian snipers arrive in Donetsk – Tymchuk”
• “Marfa: Identification of Propagandist and Militant Recruiter” (informnapalm.org)
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Russia illegally calls up to military service more than 1,7 thousand Crimeans” – “Russia plans to extradite DPR militant from Crimea on Interpol request” (InformNapalm.org) – “FSB agent detained in Odesa”
• Who’s Buying What from Who?  “Russia, Ukraine plan to sign new contract on uranium supplies” – “Russia, Ukraine plan to sign new contract on uranium supplies in July-August” – “Ukraine to purchase at least 2 million tons of US coal, – Poroshenko” – “Russia to wean off Ukrainian gas turbine engines by mid-2018”
• Past Management Update  “Ukrainian court to continue trying Yanukovych case on June 29”  – “Ukraine’s ex-president ready to take part in court hearings” – “Yanukovych Treason Trial Adjourns After Formally Opening” – “Court continues hearing in Yanukovych case” – “Viktor Yanukovich is ready for the hearing against him”
• From Russian media  “OSCE Says Sees Little Progress in Donbass Demining, Trilateral Group Talks” – “OSCE Chief on Kiev Russia Media Ban: Access Should Be Given to All Info Sources”
• Elsewhere in the ‘Hood  “Contest for best combat vehicle crew in the operational group of the Russian Armed Forces in Transnistria was held” (RUS MoD)

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “The Russian Version of Why There Have Been So Many Incidents Involving US Spyplanes Recently”
• “(RUS) Northern Fleet divers resume surveying of WWII Arctic convoy transporter”
• “Russian arms exporter raked in $24 bln for selling 50 warships since 2000” – “Russia and India may ink deal on frigate supplies by end of July”
• “Belarus can be builder of bridge between East and West, says Hungarian top diplomat” – “Belarus, Russia have strategic allied relations – foreign ministries” – “Russia and Belarus are cooperating to establish of relations between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the joint statement by authorities issued on Sunday reads …”
• “With Trump in Denial About Putin’s Perfidy, Europe Takes the Lead in Countering Russian Political Cyber Hacking and Disinformation Campaigns”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “China, U.S. reach consensus at high-level security dialogue”
• “PLA orbat update (71st, 72nd and 73rd Group Armies)” (China Defense Blog)
• “Military, armed cops end most paid services”
• “China’s aircraft carrier formation sets out for training mission”
• “25th Chinese naval escort taskforce visits Vanuatu”
• “(CHN) 24th Type 054A missile frigate commissioned into service”
• “PLA Chemical Defense Institute participates in int’l nuclear emergency exercise”
• “Pakistan deploys 15,000-strong force for Chinese security — Pakistan has deployed a 15,000-strong military force to protect Chinese nationals working on energy and infrastructure projects in the country, the president said Sunday, after the abduction of a Chinese couple raised safety concerns …”
• “Xi inspects PLA unit in Shanxi, urges leading role of civil-military integration in space industry”
• “China World Leader in Magnetic Submarine Detection Technology”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• “South Korea successfully test-fires Hyunmoo 2 tactical ballistic missile”
• “New U.S. ambassador to China says North Korea a top priority”
• “Why China Hasn’t Stopped North Korea and Probably Won’t”
• “How to avoid war with North Korea”
• “Why There Are No Military Solutions for North Korea”
• “The North Korea Instability Project: North Korean Collapse: Weapons of Mass Destruction Use and Proliferation Challenges”
• “Kim Jong Un Is Freaking Out Over The Threat Of A US Decapitation Strike”
• “North Korea says US student’s death a ‘mystery’ “ – “North Korea denies torturing American detainee Otto Warmbier” – “North Korea: We’re really the “biggest victim” of Otto Warmbier’s death — North Korea says it is a victim of Otto Warmbier’s death …”

Mo’ Peacekeeping Coming?

• “Dithering or a Rethink on Peacekeeping Intentions?”

Canada Into Africa?

• “UN chief welcomes deployment of regional force to combat terrorism in the Sahel”
• “S. Sudan government commends Chinese peacekeeping medical detachment”

Internal Security

• “China agrees to stop conducting state-sponsored cyberattacks targeting Canadian private sector”
• “CSE to get foreign cyber operations mandate” (Lux Ex Umbra blog)
• “Hunt for special adviser on counter-radicalization bogging down — Despite introductory meetings and launch of security clearance process, key role remains empty …”
• “Justin Trudeau pulls teeth of our terrorist watchdogs”
• “Australia to seek greater powers on access to encrypted messaging at ‘Five eyes’ meeting”
• “Canada needs a coherent policy to tackle the Islamist agenda”
• “Cyber defences and global rules should be Canada’s focus” (Ceasefire.ca)
• “Kindness is the enemy of extremism”
• “Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism” (Global Affairs Canada)
• “Most Terrorists in the U.S. Are Right Wing, Not Muslim: Report”
• “Home is where the hate is”
• “DHS Bulletin: Food Product Adulteration Within Reach of Violent Extremists and Insiders”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Wanted (by Environment Canada):  “Operator, Global Atmosphere Watch Observatory, Alert Nunavut … The Climate Chemistry and Measurements Research Section of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), requires a contract operator for its baseline air chemistry observatory at Alert, Nunavut …”
• Wanted:  “EMERGENCY OPERATIONS AIRPSACE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM”
• “Royal Canadian Navy hosts X-Ship Industry Day” – “La Marine royale canadienne organise une journée de l’industrie du navire expérimental”
• “Lockheed Martin Performs BVLOS Inspection Flights in Canada”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• A Reminder:  Under the Charter of Rights & Freedoms, all are presumed innocent until proven guilty via due process  “Cross-Border Investigation Leads to Arrest of Military member” (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team) – “Canadian Armed Forces member charged with child luring, pornography” – More via Google News
• “Canada to apologise for ‘LGBT purge’ of military during Cold War”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “New, Long-term Defence Policy Reflects The Reality Of Canada Today” (Veterans Ombudsman)

Other

• “Le chef de la marine canadienne dit que le pays a besoin de sous-marins pour savoir ce qui se passe sous ses eaux – bien qu’il ne veuille pas révéler si des sous-marins étrangers s’infiltrent bel et bien dans le territoire maritime du Canada …”
• “‘Our population doesn’t look like all white guys’: Canada’s military tries to rebrand as ultra-inclusive” – “New – and bland – military recruiting campaign focused on offering millennials a job” – “With wider search for soldiers, Canada’s military broadens horizons”
• “Top soldier expected to issue directive encouraging participation in Pride”
• “Meet the Canadian woman guarding the Queen”
• “An innovative approach to medical care at Exercise Maple Flag 50”
• Colonel Ted’s Take:  “Water wars (1)” – “Water Wars (2) … If we, Canadians, really want to help bring peace to a troubled world maybe we should start by ignoring the inept and corrupt United Nations and the problematic United States and teaming, instead, with, say, Australia, Britain, Israel, New Zealand and Singapore and offering a potent mix of clean enough, fresh water and good governance models to poor, failing states in Africa …”
• “Mother Canada: the monument dream that won’t die”
• “Scottish-First Nations soldier honoured for role at Vimy Ridge”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – June 21, 2017

Internal Security

• “Canada seeks to boost transparency with new security review agency”
• “How, when and where can Canada’s digital spies hack? Government makes some suggestions in CSE Act”
• “CSE getting ‘proactive’ mandate overhaul in major national security reform bill”
• “Loi antiterroriste: Ottawa veut pouvoir lancer des cyberattaques”
• “Ottawa crée une super-unité de surveillance du renseignement”
• “On national security, Liberals stake out the middle ground”
• “Liberals table bill to remodel national security services, oversight”
• “Canada going on offensive on cyberwarfare”
• “Liberals to create ‘super’ national security watchdog as part of anti-terror law overhaul”
• “New national security approach lets electronic spy agency play cyber-offence”
• “Canada Plans to Boost Oversight of Its Intelligence and Security Services”
• “Canada’s Spies, Police, and Border Agents Are Quietly Coordinating on Biometrics”
• “Le projet de loi C-59 destiné à remplacer la controversée loi antiterroriste des conservateurs a été déposé “

#CANvsISIL

• “Malgré l’escalade militaire en Syrie, le Canada poursuit sa mission”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

#Syria

• “Russia in Syria Monitor, June 13-20, 2017”
• “U.S. Shoots Down Armed, Iranian-Made Drone Over Syria Amid Russian Protests”  – “US Shoots Down Armed Drone Over Southern Syria” –  “US shoots down another Iranian UAV over Syria” – “The U.S. military just shot down another Syrian drone”
• “The Real Reason The Navy, Not The Air Force, Got The First Air-To-Air Kill Since Desert Storm”
• “Is Russia Ready to Fire at US Military Jets in Syria?”
• “Russian diplomat blasts US military presence in southern Syria as ‘illegal’ “
• “Senators want Congress to OK military action in Syria”
• “The US Has No Long-Term Plan In Syria, And That’s Dangerous”

Everyone Else Vs. ISIL

• “Russia has no confirmation of IS leader’s death: Interfax”
• “ISIS media deputy minister killed in Mosul”
• ” ‘Fighting Joe’ Dunford Explains Exactly How Mattis’ ‘Annihilation Campaign’ Against ISIS Will Go Down”
• “Islamic State’s cyber army still ‘largely intact’ despite America’s efforts”
• “The Kurdish region of Iraq is going to vote on independence. Here’s what you need to know.”
• “Italian police arrest asylum seeker over ISIS propaganda”

#Ukraine

• MOAR Sanctions!  “Treasury Designates Individuals and Entities Involved in the Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine” (US Treasury info-machine)  – “Kremlin calls U.S. statement on eastern Ukraine inappropriate” – “Russia considering retaliatory sanctions against U.S.: Kremlin” – “Lavrov Accuses U.S. Of ‘Russophobic Mania’ After New Sanctions Imposed”
• #UKR Boss Drops By #USA  “President Poroshenko: President Trump can help bring peace to Ukraine” (UKR Pres info-machine) – “President met with U.S. Secretary of State” (UKR Pres info-machine) – “Readout of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis’ meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko” – “Ukraine leader says Trump voiced strong support for Kiev during talks” – From the pro-separatist press: “Nazi Coup Leader Of Ukraine Meets US President Trump For Only 10 Minutes, Coca Cola Or Dr. Pepper Tubby !” – “The United States and Ukraine might sign a security agreement stipulating for placement of American military equipment in Ukraine” (To Inform is to Influence blog)
• “US military on visit to Lviv Land Forces Academy” (UKR MoD)
• “Russia Expects United States Will Force Ukraine to Implement Minsk Agreements”
• “Ukraine can only defeat Russia with aid of allies, – MP”
• “Stepan Poltorak holds talks with Minister of Defence of France” (UKR MoD)
• “Minister Sajjan to Address Ottawa’s Ukrainian-Canadian Community (in Ottawa)”
• “Ukraine prepares new law on Donbas military operation”
• “34,000 Ukrainian soldiers in ATO zone, 100 servicemen killed this year” – “There are 34,000 military men of Ukraine’s Armed Forces in ATO zone”
• “Spot Report by the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM): Armed man shoots at and violently attacks SMM in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata” (OSCE) – Play “Guess Which Side Wrote This Version”! “Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemns militants’ attack on OSCE observers” – “Ukraine’s Defense Ministry confirm yesterday’s attack on OSCE observers” –  “Armed provocators detained in DPR after discrediting attack on OSCE SMM” – “Armed men who attacked OSCE SMM detained in DPR” – “OSCE monitors cannot say who attacked them in Yasinovataya. There were 6 armed people in balaclavas” – “Armed man in “DPR”-controlled Yasynuvata shoots at OSCE SMM amid violent attack”
• “OSCE SMM Deputy Chief Monitor visits DPR south with an inspection”
• Updates from All Sides  “Latest from the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), based on information received as of 19:30, 19 June 2017” – “Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 20 June 2017” – “ATO News: Situation Update, east of Ukraine as of morning, June 21, 2017” (UKR MoD) – “Ukraine Conflict Monitor, June 13-20, 2017” – “Lugansk Defense: Situation Report, 06/20/2017” – “36 ceasefire violations recorded in DPR in 24 hours”  – “Kiev forces shell LPR territory six times” – “LPR reports six ‘silence regime’ violations by Kiev forces”
• “Oh, Those Russians …”  “Poroshenko says over 40,000 Russian troops in occupied Donbas” –  “Russian propagandists disclose air defense positions at Khmeimim air base” (InformNapalm.org)
• “Colonel of the National Guard of Ukraine goes missing without trace” – “(UKR) Defense Ministry do not confirm capture of missing National Guard officer”
• “Ukraine to block websites from Donbass and Crimea”
• “DPR activists pass 31 Ukrainian torture victims’ cases to International Criminal Court” – “ECHR files 1,400 DPR residents’ statements on Kiev war crimes” – “Russia opens trumped-up “criminal cases” against Ukrainian soldiers”
• From the Separatist Media  “Due To Low Moral, Drugs And Alcohol, Nazi Ukraine Units Abandon Front Line Positions, The Proud LPR People’s Army Take Control Without A Shot !” – “Defective army, uneducated generals, poor logistics cripple common Ukrainians” – “What can the Armed Forces of Ukraine teach NATO? — Another loud statement of the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister, Pavel Klimkin: he is sure that Ukraine has something to teach NATO and that Ukrainian soldiers are even better than the North Atlantic Alliance’s fighters.Is it so? …” – “US military reserves may be placed on Ukraine’s territory”
• “How An Entire Nation Became Russia’s Test Lab for Cyberwar — Russia’s Cyberwar on Ukraine Is a Blueprint For What’s to Come …”

Cold War 2.0:  Russia/Baltics/Eastern Europe

• “Canadian presence in Latvia reduces danger of Crimean-style takeover, Latvian ex-general says”
• “Canada and other NATO members continue pressing Putin”
• “Partnership of countries of NATO battalion to be more than military cooperation”
• “Lithuanian President and NATO SYG observe eFP Battle Groups’ Training Exercise” (Pentagon Info-machine)
• “NATO Allies bridge the Suwalki Gap” (Pentagon Info-machine)
• “NATO′s Jens Stoltenberg warns Russia during Baltic military drills”
• “Ministers of National Defence and Foreign Affairs met with NATO Secretary General” (Lithuanian DefMin)
• “US participates in NATO drill that approximates Russian invasion between Poland and Lithuania”
• “Norway Sent 200 Soldiers to Russia Border”
• “Latvia boosts defence spending”
• “Armed Russian Jet Comes Within 5 Feet of US Recon Jet” – “Russian Defense Minister’s Plane Harassed by NATO Jet”
• “Russia and China to hold a military exercise in the Baltic Sea”
• “Russia’s Military Precision Strike Capability Prioritizes Iskander-M”
• “Russia to supply batch of Su-30SM jet fighters to Belarus”
• “Russian troops to start Armata tank operational evaluation in 2019”
• “Putin Trying to Create His Own Praetorian Guard to Protect Him Against Internal Revolt”
• “European Response to Russia’s Disinformation and Cyber Aggression: Reaction or Strategy?”
• “Are Russia And The Saudis Planning A Natural Gas Cartel?”

Canada Into Africa?

• “Opération NABERIUS: première rotation de l’Armée canadienne complétée”
• “UN to vote on sending troops to Sahel after French-US deal”
• “Secretary-General Condemns Terrorist Attack in Bamako, Mali”
• “Mali: UN condemns terrorist attack at hotel on the outskirts of Bamako”

Cold War 2.0:  The Koreas 

• “USS Destroyer and Canadian Naval Warships make first docking at Jeju naval base”
• “US spy satellites detect activity at North Korean nuclear test site”  – “US-China to meet as ‘activity detected’ at North Korea nuclear test site”
• “Patriot batteries are Tokyo’s last line of defense against North Korean missiles” – “Japan missile defense drill aims to ease concern over North Korean threat”
• “South Korea says crashed North Korean drone a ‘grave provocation’ “
• “China Counters Trump, Says North Korea Efforts ‘Indispensable’ “
• “State Department presses North Korea to release detained Americans”
• “North Korea faces calls to release remaining U.S. prisoners after Otto Warmbier’s death”
• “Trump faces ‘land of lousy options’ with North Korea after Otto Warmbier’s death”

Cold War 2.0:  China/Asia-Pacific

• “China, US to hold first diplomatic, security dialogue” – “North Korea Discussion Expected at U.S.-China Dialogue, DoD Official Says” (US DoD)
• “Chinese Navy commander meets with US Pacific Fleet commander”
• “China’s Formidable Nuclear Submarine Fleet Coming Soon”
• “China donates military equipment to Serbian Army”
• “A more loyal PLA rebuffs the heresy of separating the Party and military”
• “Scholarly soldiers — The People’s Liberation Army (PLA)’s flagship newspaper recently responded to netizens who suggested that the military is the last refuge for those who fail China’s highly competitive college entrance examinations, or gaokao …”

What’s Canada Buying?

• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Liberal ministers meet Lockheed Martin at Paris Air Show, snub Boeing”
• “U.S. could stand in the way of Canadian purchase of armed drones, DND documents warn”
• Wanted:  “PERSONNEL PARACHUTE, BACK”
• Wanted:  “Instructor … The Department of National Defence (DND) Air Force Aerospace Control Training (AF AEC Training) requires the services of a Contracted Instructor to facilitate the DND developed Air Force On Scene Controller Emergency Response Course (OSCER) …”
• “Even the US army wants the Made in Canada label on its tech devices”

Afghanistan

• “How Trump might break Afghan stalemate”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “Top general urges new approach to injured soldiers”
• “MPs say Ottawa should reach out to soldiers who took mefloquine”

Other

• “Liberals face tough questions on Afghanistan and interim fighter jets”
• “Liberals planning $600M down payment on defence strategy”
• “Highlights from Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 2017 : Video”
• “Joint statement on the occasion of the visit of the Australian Chief of Army to the Canadian Army”
• “Minister Of National Defence Appoints A New Judge Advocate General”
• “Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre to welcome new CO”
• “RCAF firefighter deploys on Iceland mission”

World War Two

• “Portrait of Courage: Alan Arnett McLeod, VC”

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