MILNEWS.ca Highlights – July 19, 2016

#CANvsISIL

• From Mark Collins @ 3D’s:  “ISIS Fight: Canadian Army Intelligence Team Going to Iraq”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Against ISIL

• “The French-Language Media Entity Ansar At-Tawhid And Its Role In ISIS Terror Activity – Part II: Spreading ISIS’s Message In French” (MEMRI.org)
• “UN fears ISIL in Libya could relocate from Sirte”
• “Islamic State flag found in room of German train attacker”

Syria/Refugees in Canada

• “This fall, federal public servants are expected to go to Northern Iraq to figure out how to get hundreds of people from there to Canada as refugees.  It’s the first time Canadian staff will go to Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, expressly for that purpose …”
• “Do more to help Yazidis, say Tories as audit of 546 refugees shows they only let in 3 — An audit of over 546 Syrian refugees let into Canada by the previous Conservative government shows there were only three Yazidis were among them …” – A bit of backstory:  “Targeted for extermination’: Harper says prioritizing Christian and religious minority refugees isn’t discriminatory” – “Opposition (Conservatives) urges Liberals to recognize other genocides committed by ISIS”

Iraq

• “Iraq Situation Report: July 13-18, 2016″ (ISW)
• “France launches airstrikes on IS in Iraq ‘every day’, minister”
• “Iraqi forces blow up ISIS suicide truck heading for compound using RPG”
• “Iran Arming Militias in Iraq, Violating International Laws: U.N. Security Council”
• Humanitarian Bits  “US hopes to raise over $2 billion in Iraq aid” – “Iraq: Flash Update – 18 July 2016” (UN High Commissioner for Refugees) – “UNHRD Operations Update – Response to the Crisis in Iraq, as of 15 July 2016” ( World Food Programme) – “UN Representative in Iraq says Progress against Daesh Shows Iraqis Capable of Defeating the Terrorists, Urges More International Humanitarian Support” (UN Assistance Mission for Iraq)

Syria

• “Kerry Announces Secret Agreement with Russia to Cooperate in Syria”
• “Boris Johnson: Russia must join push to oust Syria’s Assad”
• “Airstrikes on Daesh-held Syrian villages killed 56”
• “Ceasefire in Syria violated three more times by terrorists”
• “Turkey’s justice minister confirms arrest of pilots downed Russian Su-24 in Syria — media”
• Humanitarian Bits  “Syria Crisis: CARE statement on Aleppo besiegement” (CARE) – “Swiss provide ambulances for Syrian conflict victims” – “Switzerland donates ambulances to Syria’s suffering population” (Government of Switzerland) – “Netherlands to provide food aid to beleaguered Syrian refugees” (Government of the Netherlands)

The Kurds

• “Nadia Murad in Canada to Speak of IS Genocide Against Yazidis”
• “US-KRG military deal ‘unconstitutional’ claim Baghdad MPs”
• “Last minute cancellation of Maliki’s visit to Halabja, locals gathered to protest his trip” – “Maliki Cancels Trip to Halabja Due to Expected Protest” – “Maliki Seeking PUK, Gorran Support to Return to Power”
• “Barzani Pledges Utmost Effort to Preserve Rights of Christians”
• “New deal could break political deadlock in Kurdistan, party official says”
• “Kurdistan Parliament committee calls on U.N. to provide teachers’ salaries”
• “The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has responded to an Iranian official who accused the KRG of allowing Saudi Arabia to activate Kurdish parties on the border with Iran …”

#NiceAttack

• “Ukrainian man studying in Alberta died in last week’s attack in France, embassy confirms” – “Ukrainian student who studied in Alberta killed in Nice attack” – “Embassy told only one Ukraine victim in Nice”
• “After Nice attack, French Muslims feel fear and alienation”

#TurkeyCoupAttempt

• “The Fight Against ISIS Will Suffer Because of Turkey’s Coup”
• “Turkish warplanes patrol skies as country remains on edge after failed coup”
• “Canada’s response to Turkey is fraught with risk”
• “In Turkey, the coup is over. Now, the battle begins.”
• “The Turkish Coup Attempt In Arab, Iranian Cartoons” (MEMRI.org)

Cold War 2.0

• “French attacks help propel Canada to NATO front line”
• “Kremlin alarmed over turbulence at Russia’s borders — The Kremlin comments on the developments in Turkey, Armenia and Kazakhstan …”
• “Canadian Frigate Charlottetown Joins US, NATO Exercises in Black Sea” – “Le NCSM Charlottetown en opération en mer Noire dans le cadre de l*Opération REASSURANCE”– Via the Info-machine: “HMCS Charlottetown operates in the Black Sea during Op REASSURANCE” – Op REASSURANCE page
  
• “Kremlin Watch Monitor ǀ July 19, 2016” (European Values Think Tank)

Canada Into Africa?

• “Canada’s Next Peacekeeping Mission Could See Troops In Mali”

Way Up North

• Commentary  “Arctic satellites should serve northerners”
• “How Satellites Will Enable Canada to Surveil the Arctic With Drones”

What’s Canada Buying?

• Big Honkin’ Ships  “Firms told they need shipyard’s OK to lobby federal government on Canadian warship program”
• F-35 Tug o’ War  “Opinion: Canadian government must include F-35 jets in the search for a new fighter plane”

Internal Security

• “Crashed drone found near Parliament Hill”

Time to Review Canada’s Military

• “Minister Hajdu to host Defence Policy Review roundtable with academics and experts — As part of Canada’s ongoing Defence Policy Review, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, will host a roundtable discussion in Ottawa with academics and experts on gender issues (today) …”

Other

• Off to RIMPAC, even though … “CF-18s sent on Pacific training exercise despite reported jet shortage” – “Eight CF-18 fighter jets in Hawaii as part of huge training exercise in Pacific”
• “Preparing for Contemporary Operations in a Strategic Communications World” (CGAI.ca)
• “Revitalizing 4 Wing (Cold Lake)”
• Via the Pentagon Info-machine  “A Canadian sniper observes rounds being fired from a Canadian .50 caliber sniper rifle by a U.S. Soldier here July 18. The range gave multinational partners at Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine an opportunity to experience various sniper rifles from the U.S., Canada and Ukraine …”
• “… Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and Ottawa Senators captain Chris Neil were involved in a program Monday at Canadian Forces Base Leitrim in Ottawa south that will provide new sports equipment and programs to armed forces personnel and their families. The link between the hockey players and the military: Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program, which is providing $300,000 in gift cards and sports gear at military bases across the country …” – “Sport used to promote healthy lifestyle for Canadian Armed Forces”

World War Two

• “The art of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – July 18, 2016

#CANvsISIL

• “Canada’s “eyes in the skies” over Iraq get sharper”
• “Op IMPACT: les yeux du Canada dans le ciel d’Irak encore plus aiguisés”
• “Intelligence personnel bound for Op IMPACT train ‘as they fight’ “
• “Des fonctionnaires canadiens en mission en Irak cet automne”
• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT
• “Joint statement by Minister Dion and Minister Bibeau on air strikes in Syria”
• “Nice: Justin Trudeau promet une lutte du Canada contre le «terrorisme sous toutes ses formes» “
• “Michael Den Tandt: West needs to come to grips with reality and fight ISIL on the ground”
• Colonel Ted’s take:  “Risk reduction”

Everyone Else Against ISIL

• “Syria Situation Report: July 9- 15, 2016” (ISR)
• “Are we defeating IS? Does it matter?”
• “ISIS’s Campaign in Europe: March 25th – July 15th 2016” (ISW Blog)
• ” “The Terrorists R Us.” The Islamic State “Big Lie” … The ISIS is not an independent entity, nor is it an “outside enemy” which threatens global security, as conveyed by the Western media. It is a CIA sponsored intelligence asset …” (Centre for Research on Globalization)

Syria/Refugees in Canada

• “Accueil des réfugiés au Canada: après les Syriens, les Irakiens ?”

#TurkeyCoupAttempt

• “Canadians Advised Not To Travel To Turkey After Attempted Coup” – “Canada advises Canadians in Turkey to stay indoors”
• “Statement by Minister Dion on evolving situation in Turkey” – “Canada very concerned with situation in Turkey”
• “Turkish Canadians unite outside Toronto consulate after coup attempt”
• “Failed Coup Attempt in Turkey” (ISW Blog)
• “US rejects asylum to Incirlik base commander detained for complicity in failed coup attempt”
• “Thirty governors dismissed in Turkey”
• Commentary  “A new Turkish nightmare set to begin” – “The coup failed in Turkey because mutineers didn’t capture the king”
• “Turkish military to report for Sea Breeze 2016 drills ‘as planned’ “

NATO/Eastern Europe/Russia

• “EDITORIAL: Canadian troops to Riga the right call”
• “Canadian Army Troops support RAPID TRIDENT”
• “Sea Breeze 2016 naval drills kick off in Black Sea” – “US-Ukrainian ‘Sea Breeze 2016’ Exercises Threaten to Blow Up the Black Sea” – “Sea Breeze 2016 drills kick off in Ukraine” – “Russia ready to respond to any provocation in Black Sea — lawmaker”
• “Russia Ready to Ensure Safety in Light of NATO’s Incursion – Lavrov”
• “Latvia spots another Russian warship near its territorial waters”
• “Beware what you consume! Watch and share top disinformation recipes cooked up by pro-Kremlin media!” (EU Mythbusters)

Canada into Africa?

• “Matthew Fisher: Truck attack in France ups the ante for Canada’s peacekeeping mission in Mali”
• Colonel Ted on what peacekeeping REALLY means these days  “Consequences”

Sexual Assault/Harassment in the CF

• “Chief of the Defence Staff addresses sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces”

 

Whazzup With the CF Pay System?  

• “Without regular pay from National Defence, student caught in desperate catch-22” – “National Defence ombudsman calls for hard deadlines on Phoenix pay fix”

Way Up North

• “Clear And Present Danger: Rapidly Warming Threatens Cold War Radar Sites”
• “United Nations To Review Russia’s Arctic Shelf Expansion Claim August 8-12”
• “Russia’s New Unique Underwater Drone For Arctic Waters”
• “Chinese Research Facility On Iceland Farmland”
• “NATO To Consider Climate Change Impact And Military Build-Up In Arctic Seas”

Time to Review Canada’s Military

• “National Defence Policy Revew Town Hall Held In Surrey”
• “Opinion: Liberals need to cut top fat off defence budget”
• CANADIAN DEFENCE MATTERS:  “Defence Policy Review Public Consultation Document 2016, Question 8 – What do these things have in common?”

Canada’s Saudi Arms Deal

• “Ottawa Cannot Continue To Deny Dangers Of Saudi Arms Deal”

Veterans & Helping Veterans (or Not?)

• “A helping hand for military veterans”
  More New Bosses
• “Passation de commandement de l’École de leadership et de recrues des Forces canadiennes”
• “New journey for 1 Canadian Field Hospital”
• “1RCR welcomes new commanding officer”

Other

• “CRASH DURING 2016 COLD LAKE AIR SHOW”
• “Canadians need to step up to international demand”
• “After sexual violence revelations, Canada must help restore confidence in UN peacekeeping”
  
• “RIMPAC 2016: des nouveaux officiers canadiens apprennent des Américains” – “Canadian Army Soldiers, U.S. Marines Conduct Training During RIMPAC 16” – More from the Pentagon Info-machine
• More from the Pentagon Info-machine:  “Canadian Army Col. M.H. St-Louis, Commander of 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, speaks to French Navy Lt. Cmdr. Numa Durbec, head of international affairs office in the joint HQ, New Caledonia, during an amphibious landing demonstration at the USPACOM Amphibious Leaders Symposium (PALS) on Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 13, 2016 …”
• “Military marchers head to the Netherlands for 100th annual Nijmegen Marches” – “Caissie Cape man joins 50000 in 4-day march in Holland”
• “U.S. military takes SFU power-generating project for a test walk”
• “Naval Training System gets a refit”
• “Judging the Canadian Satellite Design Challenge”
• “The waiting game” (CAN & US sigs analysts in the field in Wainwright)
• “Exercise Precise Reponse – behind the scenes profiles”
• “(American) Iraq war resister (deserter, surely?) in Vancouver seeks government help to stay in Canada” – “After spending the last seven years living in sanctuary in a Vancouver church, U.S. Army veteran and war resister (deserter) Rodney Watson joined New Democrat MP Jenny Kwan on Saturday to renew his appeal for resisters like him to be legally allowed to stay in Canada …”
• “Thirty years ago this month: Remembering Rescue 807 crash victims”

World War One

• John Jakomolin, R.I.P.:  “New Cree headstone given to fallen soldier 99 years after his death”

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MILNEWS.ca #CANvsISIL Highlights – 171920UTC July 2016

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Against ISIL

• “Turkey allows US to resume Syria and Iraq airstrikes from Incirlik airbase” – “Turkey re-opens airspace for U.S. base, strikes against ISIS resume”
• “Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIL in Syria, Iraq” (US DoD)
• “Kerry: ISIS ‘is on the run’ despite recent terror attacks”
• “Weekly Eye on ISIS in Libya Update – July 11, 2016”
• “The Islamic State in Defeat: Is Nice the Future?”

Syria

• “Syria Opposition Says Russia-U.S. Deal Won’t Save Peace Process”
• “Syrian army cuts off rebel-held Aleppo” – “Syrian army takes main road into Aleppo” – “Syrian army seizes only road into rebel-held Aleppo” – “Syrian regime besiege rebel parts of Aleppo”
•  “Russian Air Forces Carried Out Number of Airstrikes in Southern Aleppo”
• “ISIS slaughters dozens of Kurdish civilians north Syria”
• “Syrian Pilot is Executed by ISIS in Deir Ezzure”
• “Israeli Defense Forces Fire Missiles at Drone Coming From Syria” – “Israel fires missiles to send back unmanned Syrian drone from its airspace” – “IDF probing whether drone in north was sent by Hezbollah”
• Humanitarian Bits  “Syrian Arab Republic: Whole of Syria Who does What Where per Governorate (May 2016)” (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

Iraq

• “Sadr threatens to target US troops participating in Mosul liberation”
• “Masum calls Berlin to support Iraq , remove ISIS damage”
• “Turkish Troops Won’t Leave Bashiqa in Northern Iraq: Source”
• “Liberalization operation of al-Doulab begins”
• “Four areas west of Ramadi liberated”
• “Iraq Parliament Forms Panel to Amend Constitution”

The Kurds

• “Sulaimani airport resumes flights to Turkey’ – “Turkey coup attempt was against legitimate rule, says Barzani”
• “ISIS militants prepare attacks within sight of Peshmerga”
• “Barzani Pledges Utmost Effort to Preserve Rights of Christians”

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MILNEWS.ca #CANvsISIL Highlights – 160005UTC July 2016

Breaking News

• Attempted Coup Under Way in Turkey:  European Commission news aggregator – Google News – Bing News – Yahoo News – Twitter #turkey

#CANvsISIL

• DND’s latest on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Against ISIL

• #NiceAttack: “Jihadi Reactions To Nice Terror Attack: ‘We Want Paris Before Rome’ “ – “ISIS Supporters Express Joy Over Nice Truck Attack, Claim It Came In Retaliation For French And Coalition Airstrikes In Iraq, Syria” – “Threats Preceding Nice Attack” – “Possible Terrorist Attack in Nice, France against Bastille Day Crowd”
• “Russian embassy uses Nice attack to slam NATO”

Iraq

• “Iraq: security reform, State control of armed groups priorities at ‘critical junction,’ UN envoy says” – “SRSG’s statement to the Security Council” (UN Assistance Mission for Iraq)
• “Is There a Future for Yezidis in Iraq ?”
• “UN: Iraq can defeat IS but must work on what happens after”
• “Size of force in Iraq may grow as U.S. helps rebuild airfield”
• “Iraq Seeking Syria’s Support to Defeat IS”
• “Iraq will Lose Its Kurdish North: CIA Former Officer”
• “Shi’ite Militia Groups to US: Iraq Needs No Foreign Troops”
• “Iraq: Flash Update – 15 July 2016” (UN High Commissioner for Refugees)

Syria

• “Russian Airstrikes in Syria: June 18 – July 13, 2016” (ISW)
• “Obama’s Syria Plan Teams Up American and Russian Forces” – “Kerry to offer Russia military coordination on Syria: Washington Post” – “U.S., Russia Agree to ‘Concrete Steps’ to Ease Syrian Conflict” – “Moscow and Washington know what’s needed to restore Syria truce: Kerry” – “US, Russia consider first-ever coordination on Syrian airstrikes”
• “No Ceasefire Violations Registered in Syria in Past 24 Hours”
• “Attack On Border Camp Draws Jordan Closer To Syrian Conflict; Official Syrian Press: Jordan Is Reaping What It Sowed”
• “Lessons from Nice: Syria not the end of the road in battle against ISIS”
• Humanitarian Bits  “Aleppo, Syria is about to run out of food” – “UN rights chief: situation increasingly desperate for 200,000 trapped in Syrian towns” – “Syria – Regional: Emergency Dashboard, June 2016” (World Food Programme) – “Syrian Arab Republic Situation Report – June 2016” ( Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)

The Kurds

• “Barzani: Defeating IS Top Priority”
• “Barzani: I will not stand in next presidential elections”
• “Barzani meets CENTCOM chief to discuss Mosul liberation”
• “IS Being Crippled by Losing Leading Figures: Peshmerga Commander”
• “Russia to support Peshmerga in the battle for Mosul”
• “Consulate announces U.S. provided Peshmerga with $5 million in aid”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – May 12, 2016

Philippines Kidnapping

• “Abu Sayyaf releases four Indonesian sailors held hostage” – “4 Indonesian citizens held hostage in Philippines released”

Alberta Wildfires

• “Fort McMurray wildfire: Justin Trudeau to survey damage on Friday” – “Ottawa puts all hands on deck for Fort McMurray in advance of Trudeau visit”
• From the Info-machine  “The Government of Canada will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Fort McMurray in the wake of the devastating Northern Alberta wildfires.  The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, … announced the creation of a new ad hoc Cabinet committee to coordinate federal efforts to help the thousands of Canadians affected by the wildfires that raged through Northern Alberta in May of 2016 …” – more on what Canada’s doing
• “Canadian oilfield workers readying return after wildfire”
• “Trudeau was right to refuse Russia’s help with Fort Mac fire”

Syria/Refugees

• “McCallum to defend Syrian refugee plan as sponsors complain of ‘disarray’ “
  

Canada’s Saudi Arms Deal

• “Canada must ‘stick to its word’ on Saudi arms deal, Trudeau says” – “Vente de blindés: Trudeau ne bronche pas”
• “Des blindés utilisés contre des dissidents n’alarment pas Dion”
• “On the Saudi arms deal, hard evidence of soft hypocrisy”
• “Saudi arms sale: Still time to reverse a terrible mistake”

Way Up North

• “L’Arctique, un territoire névralgique pourtant méconnu”

Veterans & Helping Veterans

• “Team Canada smashes medal record at Invictus Games in Orlando”
• “Penticton vet campaigning to bring Australian support group on PTSD to Canada”

Other

• “Military meeting to highlight reservists eligible for same benefits as regular armed forces”
• “Strong military needed at home”
• “Royal Military College of Canada giving honorary doctorate of law to David Bercuson”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – May 4, 2016

Auditor General on Canada’s Army Reserves

• “Canada’s Army Reserve Lacks Soldiers, Training, Equipment: Auditor General” – “Canadian Forces Army Reserve lacks soldiers, training, resources: AG” – “Armée: une réserve en sous-effectif conclut le Vérificateur général”
• Summary, OAG report on Army Reserves: “… We concluded that although Army Reserve units received clear guidance for domestic missions, the Canadian Army did not require Army Reserve groups to formally confirm that they were prepared to deploy on domestic missions …”
• “Report 5—Canadian Army Reserve—National Defence”
• List of Recommendations
• “The Canadian Army (Commander) responds to the 2016 Auditor General Spring Report on the Canadian Army Reserve” – “Canadian Army welcomes Auditor General’s report on Reserve”

Auditor General on Veterans Affairs’ Drug Benefits

• OAG report on VAC Drug Benefits: “… We concluded that Veterans Affairs Canada did not adequately manage the drug component of its Health Care Benefits Program …”
• “Report 4—Drug Benefits—Veterans Affairs Canada”
• “List of Recommendations”
• “Statement by the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs, in response to the 2016 Spring Reports of the Auditor General of Canada”
• “Veterans Affairs Must Rein In Medical Pot Use, Costs: Auditor General” – “Canada’s AG says amount of medical marijuana given Vets dangerous” – “Canadian Cannabis Producers Face New Threat as Government Could Reduce Veteran Reimbursement” – “Auditor general asks Veterans Affairs to take reality check on medical pot use”

Veterans & Helping Veterans

• “Mental illness does not spell end of military career: Veterans Affairs Minister”
• “Canadian legion admits accessing government files on veterans without their consent”
• “Wounded warriors: Afghanistan trauma takes a greater toll on military careers than other disorders”
• “Invictus Games:  More military heroes, less publicity hound world leaders needed” – “Office of the Premier – Toronto to Host 2017 Invictus Games”

Philippines Kidnapping

• “Daesh-affiliated militants in Philippines threaten to kill remaining hostages” – “(PHL military) condemns ASG video threatening to behead 3 hostages” – “Abu Sayyaf hostages in Philippines make video plea” – “Filipino militants threaten 3 hostages after beheading 1” – “Videos show Canadian hostages John Ridsdel’s beheading, Robert Hall pleading for life” – “Philippines: les islamistes menacent de tuer d’autres otages dont le Canadien Robert Hall” – more via Google News
• “When Canadians are kidnapped, rescue missions must be an option”
• “Terror lingers for Canadian kidnapping victim Amanda Lindhout”
• “Beheaded Hostage Triggers Debate Over Whether Governments Should Pay Ransoms”

#CANvsISIL

• “Iraq’s political chaos makes Canada’s war there trickier: Walkom”
• “Carter, allies mull war effort against Islamic State” – “Carter: Campaign against ISIS ‘Far from Over’ “
• “Kenya: Police Foil Plan By Interns to Use Anthrax in Terror Attack” – “Kenya arrests three over ‘ISIS’ anthrax attack plot”
• “The Cyber Threat: Cybercom’s War on ISIS”
• “UN Security Council Reminds the World: Don’t Bomb Hospitals or Kill Doctors” – “Security Council Adopts Resolution 2286 (2016), Strongly Condemning Attacks against Medical Facilities, Personnel in Conflict Situations” (UN Security Council)

Syria

• “Turkey Ready to Send Ground Troops to Syria If Necessary – Prime Minister”
• “Russian, US military work out joint approach to uphold Syria truce – Khmeimim center” – “Syrian Talks Depend on Russia, US Agreeing on Gov’t Transition”
• “Kurds Should Take Part in Syria Talks If ‘They Back Geneva, UNSC Decisions’ “
• “Ferocious fighting in Syria’s Aleppo after rebel offensive” – ” ‘Dozens killed’ in major Aleppo battle” – “Syrian state media say rebel shelling kills 3 in Aleppo”
• “Syrians Are Joining Islamic State Because Of Economic Woes Not Religious Fanaticism, Says Survey”

Iraq

• “Navy SEAL killed in Iraq identified as an Arizona native” – “Identity of US Navy SEAL Killed in Iraq Revealed” – “Going to aid of Iraqi militia, SEAL killed outside Mosul”

Libya

• “US Working With Libya To Assess Possible Needs In Counter-Islamic State Fight”
• “13 Ukrainian medics freed from captivity in Libya – (UKR For Minister) Klimkin” – “MFA: 13 Ukrainian physicians released from ISIS captivity” – “Some 13 Ukrainian medics freed from captivity in Libya”

Time to Review Canada’s Military

• “CDA Institute guest contributor Zachary Wolfraim, a PhD candidate at King’s College London, warns against mythologizing the past in Canada’s defence policy review …”
• “Armed Forces need a vision Canadians will stand up for”
• “From Peacebuilding to Sustaining Peace”

Internal Security

• “Government should not be involved in torture, victim of abuse says”

Ballistic Missile Defence

• “The Conference of Defence Associations Institute (CDA Institute) has released Vimy Paper 31: “Canada, NORAD, and Missile Defence: Prospects for Canadian Participation in BMD” by David McDonough …”
• “Canada, NORAD, and Missile Defence: Prospects for Canadian Participation in BMD” (PDF)
• “Canada preparing to join US ballistic missile defense”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Replacement for CC-150T Polaris will wait until CF-18 Replacement”
• “Government of Canada Announces 2016 Call for Proposals Submission Period for Science and Technology Investments in Public Safety and Security”

Other

• “Recrutement plus difficile pour les Forces canadiennes en temps de paix”
• New CF Ombudsman Advisory Council member named
• “2009 Canadian Space Agency Report on Indigenous Canadian Launcher said “Yes!” But CSA Didn’t Move Forward” – more
• “Demo Hornet honours Second World War training program and Canadian communities”

World War Two

• “WWII exhibit remembers Canadian troops in Hong Kong”
• “Nova Scotia-based RCAF squadrons mark 75-year milestones in June”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – April 27, 2016

Philippines Kidnapping

• “(PHL) Brigadier General quits post after Canadian beaheading”
• “John Ridsdel: Forensic tests underway to see if headless body matches that of Canadian” – “Headless body feared to be Canadian hostage turned over to Marines”
• “Canadian hostage beheaded ‘to send a message’ “
• “Philippines’ Aquino denounces Abu Sayyaf’s ‘language of force’ after execution” – “Philippines’ Aquino vows to ‘neutralise’ Abu Sayyaf kidnappers” – “Regular troops hunt down extremists who beheaded Canadian”
• “Officials ‘Determined’ To Find Terrorists Who Beheaded Canadian Hostage John Ridsdel: Trudeau”
• “Safety of 23 hostages, politics hamper Philippine search for terrorists who beheaded Canadian”
• “Canadian hostage beheaded despite US$426k ransom … raised by friends, families and relatives …” – “Abu Sayyaf rejected PHP20-million ransom offer for beheaded Canadian”
• “Canada ’does not and will not’ pay ransom to terrorists, Justin Trudeau says”
• “Canada PM Trudeau says no to ransoms after Ridsdel beheading”
• “Trudeau says Canada ‘does not and will not pay ransom to terrorists’ “
• “John Ridsdel’s execution renews debate over whether to pay ransoms”
• “Timeline of Abu Sayyaf Islamic militant group in Philippines” – “Abu Sayyaf: Islamist extremists or profiteering criminals?” – Colonel Ted:  “What is Abu Sayyaf?”
• Commentary/analysis  “A hostage’s death in the Philippines tests a new government” – “Terrorist ransom: A lose-lose for any government” – “Canadian hostage’s murder tests Trudeau’s mettle: Editorial”

Ukraine/Eastern Europe

• Pentagon Info-machine video:  “Canadian troops join forces with their Latvian, German, US and Lithuanian counterparts in Latvia to practise tactical air insertions and extractions from Latvian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters as part of NATO exercise Summer Shield 2016 …” – more video

Internal Security

• ” ‘Trick them, kill them’: Former Ottawa imam issues call to arms after son killed in Libya”
• “Muslim Canadians increasingly proud of and attached to Canada, survey suggests”

Time to Review Canada’s Military

• “Minister Sajjan to hold media availability … prior to the first roundtable meeting with key stakeholders as part of consultations on Canada’s defence policy review (this morning in Vancouver) …”
• “Liberals brainstorming on how Canada can return to UN peacekeeping”

Way Up North

• “Air shows proposed in 97 northern communities to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday” – Canadian Arctic Aviation Tour 2017-Arctic Aviation 150 (Facebook) – Canadian Arctic Aviation Tour 2017 – Wings Over The North (web page)

Other

• “Firefighter hurt in blaze at Gatineau DND building” – “Fire in Quebec DND building could force staff to work nights, share desks” – “Gatineau DND building remains off limits after fire, roof collapse”
• “Lockdown lifted at Halifax area military base; suspicious person reported” – “CFB Shearwater base reopens after report of threat”
• “Des troupes du Quartier général et Escadron des transmissions se relaieront entre Montréal et Québec”
• “Commander of the Canadian Army welcomes the Commander of the Chilean Army on his visit to Canada” – “Le commandant de l’Armée canadienne, Marquis Hainse, accueille son homologue chilien”
• “(London ON) Forked River brew honours military”
• “406 ‘Lynx’ Squadron ready to celebrate 75 years”

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MILNEWS.ca Highlights – April 26, 2016

Philippines Kidnapping

• “Executed Canadian hostage John Ridsdel’s family ‘devastated’ by his death”
• “Executed Canadian hostage John Ridsdel remembered as ‘warm, gracious person’ “
• “Second Canadian still held hostage by al-Qaida-linked terrorists in Philippines”
• “L’otage canadien John Ridsdel a été exécuté”
• “Go get Canadian’s killers, (PHL President) Aquino tells police, military” – “Philippines condemns ‘inhuman’ beheading of Canadian”
• “Muslim leaders condemn ASG for beheading Canadian” – “The Philippine military is coming under increased pressure to rescue more than 20 foreign hostages after their Muslim extremist captors beheaded a Canadian man”
• “Waiting to be freed: 22 foreign hostages in Sulu”
• “Military, police voice condolences over ASG beheading of Canadian”
• “Devastation, anguish after Canadian John Ridsdel killed in Philippines: Analysis”
• “Timeline of John Ridsdel’s kidnapping and execution in the Philippines”
• News search results “John Ridsdel”  MILNEWS.ca – Google News – Yahoo News – Bing News

#CANvsISIL

• Latest from the Info-machine on Operation IMPACT

Everyone Else Against ISIL

• “Iraq Situation Report: April 12 – 25, 2016”

Internal Security

• “Le Canada menace une femme et son fils de les renvoyer en Algérie”

What’s Canada Buying?

• “Conservative MP Cheryl Gallant misfires again (on who sold the Chinooks in 1991)” – “Defence Cuts Risk Lives” (MP page) – “Defence Cuts Risk Lives” (Dropbox.com)
• “Bureaucrats blocked former Tory government’s desire to buy navy landing ships” – “Des bureaucrates ont freiné les ambitions militaires des conservateurs”
• “CF-18 Life-Extension Risks; Canada looks to fly fighters past the age of 40.”

Canada’s Saudi Arms Deal

• “Canada’s Sale of Military Equipment to Saudis Ignores Rights Violations”
• “Canada ignoring a commitment to human rights with Saudi arms sale”

Other

• “Canadian Forces could move military test facility from Alberta to Ottawa area”
• “Canadian Forces to invest at least $100M in green infrastructure”
• ‘We need to be very selective’: Dion treads carefully on Canada’s peacekeeping role”

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A bit more on the death of John Ridsdel

Some initial follow-up media coverage …

• “… Former Ontario premier Bob Rae, who was friends with Ridsdel, confirmed that he had been working with the family to try to secure his release. Appearing on CTV’s Power Play program, Rae said the government was “very directly involved,” but that the kidnappers refused to lower their demands.  “A ransom was paid for (the Italian captive), but it was nowhere near the amounts of money that continued to be bandied about (for Ridsdel),” he said. “It’s been an extremely frustrating and very, very difficult situation for the families to navigate.”  Rae, who also served as federal interim Liberal leader, said the government has a policy of not paying directly for a Canadian’s release, which he described as a “principled” position that it will not be directly involved in paying any ransom …”  (National Post)
• “Who are Abu Sayyaf, the group apparently behind the death of Canadian John Ridsdel?” (National Post)
• “What you need to know about Abu Sayyaf, the group that kidnapped John Ridsdel” (Global News)
• “Abu Sayyaf has 25-year record of kidnappings and bombings” (CBC.ca)

More on Abu Sayyaf here (Public Safety Canada), here (Council on Foreign Relations) and here (Wikipedia, with usual GIGO caveats).

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“Islamist militants behead Canadian man in southern Philippines”

This from the Washington Post:

A severed head was left Monday on a street in the southern Philippines, authorities said, five hours after a ransom deadline set by Islamist militants holding Western hostages and others. Canada’s prime minister identified the victim as a 68-year-old Canadian.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said John Ridsdel of Calgary, Alberta, was killed in a “cold-blooded murder” by the militants. Trudeau said Canada would work with the Philippine government and international partners to bring those responsible to justice.

The beheading underscored fears of widening violence by Islamist guerrillas, known as the Abu Sayyaf group, as it forges possible allegiances with the Islamic State.

It also raised fears of other execution-style killings among those held. Abu Sayyaf has taken hostages for decades — and killed captives — as part of a rebellion it has claimed to be waging on behalf of the Muslim minority in Asia’s only predominantly Roman Catholic nation. The Philippine government has denounced the Abu Sayyaf group as a terrorist organization that also operates more like a criminal gang, engaging in kidnapping for ransom, extortion and drug trafficking, among other crimes …

More @ the link.

Canada’s reaction to date – this from the PM:

“I am outraged by the news that a Canadian citizen, John Ridsdel, held hostage in the Philippines since September 21, 2015, has been killed at the hands of his captors.

“Canada condemns without reservation the brutality of the hostage-takers, and this unnecessary death. This was an act of cold-blooded murder and responsibility rests squarely with the terrorist group who took him hostage.

“The Government of Canada is committed to working with the Government of Philippines and international partners to pursue those responsible for this heinous act and bring them to justice.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Ridsdel. They have endured a terrible ordeal, and this is a devastating moment for all of them. Our thoughts are with them as they come to terms with this loss, and I would ask that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

“The Government of Canada’s first priority is the safety and security of its citizens. The Government of Canada will not comment or release any information which may compromise ongoing efforts or endanger the safety of the remaining hostages.”

More, tomorrow morning.

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