Good Thursday Morning May 13
I hope that your week has been going well.
Regards,
Skip.
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This day in Naval History May 13
1846 Congress declares war against Mexico. Commodore David Conner is responsible for the landing of the Army at Vera Cruz. In April 1847, Commodore Matthew C. Perry relieves Conner. On Feb. 2, 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed ending hostilities.
1908 The Navy Nurse Corps is established by Public Law No. 115, though nurses have been volunteering onboard Navy ships prior to the Civil War.
1908 The Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, later called Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, is authorized for the enlargement and dredging of the Pearl Harbor channel and locks to admit the largest ships as it becomes a coaling station for the U.S. Navy.
1944 USS Francis M. Robinson (DE 220) sinks Japanese submarine RO 501 (ex-German U 1124) en route to Japan on her maiden voyage, 400 miles south-southwest of the Azores.
1964 The first all nuclear-powered task group, USS Enterprise (CVAN 65), USS Long Beach (CGN 9) and USS Bainbridge (DLGN 25), is organized and deploys to the Sixth Fleet. The task group departs in July and circumnavigates the globe without refueling, returning that October.
Thanks to CHINFO
Executive Summary:
• CNO Adm. Mike Gilday and Mrs. Gilday released a video message for Mental Health Awareness Month.
• Trade press covered the McAleese FY2022 Defense Programs Conference.
• Trade press reported on PTDO UNDERSECNAV Geurts' comments about Navy's efforts to grow the fleet under constrained budgets.
• Trade press reported about USS Harry S. Truman's completion of the first-ever extended carrier incremental availability.
Today in History: May 13
1607 English colonists land near the James River in Virginia.
1648 Margaret Jones of Plymouth is found guilty of witchcraft and is sentenced to be hanged.
1779 The War of Bavarian Succession ends.
1846 The United States declares war on Mexico after fighting has already begun.
1861 Britain declares its neutrality in the American Civil War.
1864 The Battle of Resaca commences as Union General William T. Sherman fights towards Atlanta.
1888 Slavery is abolished in Brazil.
1912 The Royal Flying Corps is established in England.
1913 Igor Sikorsky flies the first four-engine aircraft.
1944 Allied forces in Italy break through the German Gustav Line into the Liri Valley.
1958 French troops take control of Algiers.
1968 Peace talks between the United States and North Vietnam begin in Paris.
1981 Pope John Paul II survives an assassination attempt.
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Thanks to Carl
The People Behind the Way We Live [Infographic]
Do you know how most of the inventions you use every day really came to be? Check out the following infographic for some interesting facts about many "technologies" that we now take for granted.
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Thanks to Tom
View the Latest Edition of "This Week @NASA" (Published May 7, 2021)
Folks –
I cannot explain this but, I am getting a message on ALL my computers that the TWAN site is labeled malicious and blocked. Perhaps someone jacked it? If you experience it, join the club this week. I will pursue…..
Enjoy the rest of the info, especially the 4K images of MARS!!!
AGENCYWIDE MESSAGE TO ALL NASA EMPLOYEES
Points of Contact: Jim Wilson, jim.wilson@nasa.gov and Andre Valentine, andre.valentine-1@nasa.gov, Office of Communications, NASA Headquarters
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View the Latest Edition of "This Week @NASA" (Published May 7, 2021)
View the latest "This Week @NASA" produced by NASA Television for features on agency news and activities. Stories in this program include:
Crew-1 Astronauts Safely Return to Earth
Nelson Sworn-in as NASA Administrator
60th Anniversary of Alan Shepard Spaceflight
New Target Launch Date for Commercial Crew Mission
High Voltage Testing of All-Electric X-Plane
Natural Radio Signal Detected in Venus' Atmosphere
To watch this edition of "This Week @NASA" dated May 7, 2021, click on the image below:
Watch the Video
To access this edition of "This Week @NASA," you may also visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RRCD07Jips
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This notice is being sent agency-wide to all employees by NASA INC in the Office of Communications at NASA Headquarters.
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Mars 4K Images: (WOW!!!)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZEyAs3NWH4A
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ROLLING THUNDER REMEMBERED Thanks to the Bear
LOOKING BACK 55-YEARS to the Vietnam Air War—... For The List for Thursday, 13 May 2021... Bear🇺🇸⚓️🐻
OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER...
From the archives of rollingthunderremembered.com for 13 May 1966...
"The Cambodia Sanctuary"...
http://www.rollingthunderremembered.com/rolling-thunder-remembered-13-may-1966-sanctuary/
Vietnam Air Losses
Access Chris Hobson and Dave Lovelady's work at: https://www.VietnamAirLosses.com.
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This Day in U S Military History…….April 5
1865 – The last battle of the Civil War, fought near the Rio Grande River, ends in a Confederate victory. Soon after, word arrives of the surrender of the Confederate armies in the east and these men give themselves up to Union forces on June 2nd. The Civil War is officially over at the cost of more than 600,000 dead.
1943 – US forces now outnumber the Japanese defenders on Attu Island by 4 to 1. However, the Americans are unable to extend their front beyond the landing areas. Bad weather and the terrain hinder progress.
1944 – Forces of the US 5th Army continue to attack. The Polish 2nd Corps suffers heavy losses in unsuccessful attacks against the German 1st Parachute Division holding Cassino. The French Expeditionary Corps, however, captures Castelforte as well as Monte Maio and advance to the Liri River at Sant'Appollinaire. The US 2nd Corps and British 13th Corps make limited advances during the day.
1944 – An American escort destroyer sinks the Japanese submarine I-501 (formerly U-1224) off the Azores. The submarine had been presented to the Japanese by the German Kriegsmarine.
1945 – On Okinawa, fierce fighting continues along the Shuri Line. The US 6th Marine Division suffers heavy losses but completes the capture of Dakeshi Ridge. On the east coast, elements of the US 96th Division penetrate the strip east of the Shuri line and take part of Conical Hill.
1972 – Seventeen U.S. helicopters land 1,000 South Vietnamese marines and their six U.S. advisors behind North Vietnamese lines southeast of Quang Tri City in the first South Vietnamese counterattack since the beginning of the communist Nguyen Hue Offensive. The marines reportedly killed more than 300 North Vietnamese before returning to South Vietnamese-controlled territory the next day. Farther to the south, North Vietnamese tanks and troops continued their attacks in the Kontum area. On May 1, North Vietnamese troops had captured Quang Tri City, the first provincial capital taken during their ongoing offensive. The fall of the city effectively gave the North Vietnamese control of the entire province of Quang Tri. Farther south along the coast, three districts of Binh Dinh Province also fell, leaving about one-third of that province under communist control. These attacks were part of the North Vietnamese Nguyen Hue Offensive (later called the "Easter Offensive"), a massive invasion by North Vietnamese forces on March 30 to strike the blow that would win them the war. The attacking force included 14 infantry divisions and 26 separate regiments, with more than 120,000 troops and approximately 1,200 tanks and other armored vehicles. The main North Vietnamese objectives, in addition to Quang Tri in the north and Kontum in the Central Highlands, included An Loc farther to the south. The situation at Quang Tri would not be rectified until President Nguyen Van Thieu relieved the I Corps commander and replaced him with Maj. Gen. Ngo Quang Truong, whom Gen. Bruce Palmer, Jr., later described as "probably the best field commander in South Vietnam." Truong effectively stopped the ongoing rout of South Vietnamese forces, established a stubborn defense, and eventually launched a successful counterattack against the North Vietnamese, retaking Quang Tri in September.
Medal of Honor Citations for Actions Taken This Day
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BADDERS, WILLIAM
Rank and organization: Chief Machinist's Mate, U.S. Navy. Place and date: At sea following sinking of the U.S.S. Squalus, 13 May 1939. Entered service at: Indianapolis, Ind. Born: 16 September 1900, Harrisburg, Ill. Other Navy awards: Navy Cross, Navy-Marine Corps Medal. Citation: For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the rescue and salvage operations following the sinking of the U.S.S. Squalus on 13 May 1939. During the rescue operations, Badders, as senior member of the rescue chamber crew, made the last extremely hazardous trip of the rescue chamber to attempt to rescue any possible survivors in the flooded after portion of the Squalus. He was fully aware of the great danger involved in that if he and his assistant became incapacitated, there was no way in which either could be rescued. During the salvage operations, Badders made important and difficult dives under the most hazardous conditions. His outstanding performance of duty contributed much to the success of the operations and characterizes conduct far above and beyond the ordinary call of duty.
CRANDALL, ORSON L.
Rank and organization: Chief Boatswain's Mate, U.S. Navy. Place and date: At sea following sinking of U.S.S. Squalus, 13 May 1939. Born: 2 February 1903, St. Joseph, Mo. Entered service at: Connecticut. Citation: For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as a master diver throughout the rescue and salvage operations following the sinking of the U.S.S. Squalus on 23 May 1939. His leadership and devotion to duty in directing diving operations and in making important and difficult dives under the most hazardous conditions characterize conduct far above and beyond the ordinary call of duty.
DUNAGAN, KERN W.
Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army, Company A, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry, Americal Division. Place and date: Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 13 May 1969. Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: 20 February 1934, Superior, Ariz. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Maj. (then Capt.) Dunagan distinguished himself during the period May 13 and 14, 1969, while serving as commanding officer, Company A. On May 13, 1969, Maj. Dunagan was leading an attack to relieve pressure on the battalion's forward support base when his company came under intense fire from a well-entrenched enemy battalion. Despite continuous hostile fire from a numerically superior force, Maj. Dunagan repeatedly and fearlessly exposed himself in order to locate enemy positions, direct friendly supporting artillery, and position the men of his company. In the early evening, while directing an element of his unit into perimeter guard, he was seriously wounded during an enemy mortar attack, but he refused to leave the battlefield and continued to supervise the evacuation of dead and wounded and to lead his command in the difficult task of disengaging from an aggressive enemy. In spite of painful wounds and extreme fatigue, Maj. Dunagan risked heavy fire on 2 occasions to rescue critically wounded men. He was again seriously wounded. Undaunted, he continued to display outstanding courage, professional competence, and leadership and successfully extricated his command from its untenable position on the evening of May 14. Having maneuvered his command into contact with an adjacent friendly unit, he learned that a 6-man party from his company was under fire and had not reached the new perimeter. Maj. Dunagan unhesitatingly went back and searched for his men. Finding 1 soldier critically wounded, Maj. Dunagan, ignoring his wounds, lifted the man to his shoulders and carried him to the comparative safety of the friendly perimeter. Before permitting himself to be evacuated, he insured all of his wounded received emergency treatment and were removed from the area. Throughout the engagement, Maj. Dunagan's actions gave great inspiration to his men and were directly responsible for saving the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. Maj. Dunagan's extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*OLSON, KENNETH L.
Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light). Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 13 May 1968. Entered service at: Minneapolis, Minn. Born: 26 May 1945, Willmar, Minn. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Olson distinguished himself at the cost of his life while serving as a team leader with Company A. Sp4c. Olson was participating in a mission to reinforce a reconnaissance platoon which was heavily engaged with a well-entrenched Viet Cong force. When his platoon moved into the area of contact and had overrun the first line of enemy bunkers, Sp4c. Olson and a fellow soldier moved forward of the platoon to investigate another suspected line of bunkers. As the 2 men advanced they were pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire from an enemy position 10 meters to their front. With complete disregard for his safety, Sp4c. Olson exposed himself and hurled a hand grenade into the Viet Cong position. Failing to silence the hostile fire, he again exposed himself to the intense fire in preparation to assault the enemy position. As he prepared to hurl the grenade, he was wounded, causing him to drop the activated device within his own position. Realizing that it would explode immediately, Sp4c. Olson threw himself upon the grenade and pulled it in to his body to take the full force of the explosion. By this unselfish action Sp4c. Olson sacrificed his own life to save the lives of his fellow comrades-in-arms. His extraordinary heroism inspired his fellow soldiers to renew their efforts and totally defeat the enemy force. Sp4c. Olson's profound courage and intrepidity were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
*WINDER, DAVID F.
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 13 May 1970. Entered service at: Columbus, Ohio. Born: 10 August 1946, Edinboro, Pa. Citation: Pfc. Winder distinguished himself while serving in the Republic of Vietnam as a senior medical aidman with Company A. After moving through freshly cut rice paddies in search of a suspected company-size enemy force, the unit started a thorough search of the area. Suddenly they were engaged with intense automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire by a well entrenched enemy force. Several friendly soldiers fell wounded in the initial contact and the unit was pinned down. Responding instantly to the cries of his wounded comrades, Pfc. Winder began maneuvering across approximately 100 meters of open, bullet-swept terrain toward the nearest casualty. Unarmed and crawling most of the distance, he was wounded by enemy fire before reaching his comrades. Despite his wounds and with great effort, Pfc. Winder reached the first casualty and administered medical aid. As he continued to crawl across the open terrain toward a second wounded soldier he was forced to stop when wounded a second time. Aroused by the cries of an injured comrade for aid, Pfc. Winder's great determination and sense of duty impelled him to move forward once again, despite his wounds, in a courageous attempt to reach and assist the injured man. After struggling to within 10 meters of the man, Pfc. Winder was mortally wounded. His dedication and sacrifice inspired his unit to initiate an aggressive counterassault which led to the defeat of the enemy. Pfc. Winder's conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit and the U.S. Army.
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Thanks to Mike
HOW LONG DO WE HAVE?
This is the most interesting thing I've read in a long time. The sad thing about it, you can see it coming.
I have always heard about this democracy countdown. It is interesting to see it in print. G
God help us, not that we deserve it.
How Long Do We Have?
About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh , had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:
'A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government.'
'A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury.'
'From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.'
'The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years'
'During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:
1. from bondage to spiritual faith;
2. from spiritual faith to great courage;
3. from courage to liberty;
4. from liberty to abundance;
5. from abundance to complacency;
6. from complacency to apathy;
7. from apathy to dependence;
8. from dependence back into bondage'
Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul , Minnesota , points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000 Presidential election:
Number of States won by: Democrats: 19 Republicans: 29
Square miles of land won by: Democrats: 580,000 Republicans: 2,427,000
Population of counties won by: Democrats: 127 million Republicans: 143 million
Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by: Democrats: 13.2 Republicans: 2.1
Professor Olson adds: 'In aggregate, the map of the territory Republican won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great country. Democrat territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare...' Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the 'complacency and apathy' phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the 'governmental dependency' phase.
If Congress grants amnesty and citizenship to twenty million criminal invaders called illegal's and they vote, then we can say goodbye to the USA in fewer than five years.
If you are in favor of this, then by all means, delete this message. If you are not, then pass this along to help everyone realize just how much is at stake, knowing that apathy is the greatest danger to our freedom.
WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE,
ONLY BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE
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AMERICAN AEROSPACE EVENTS
FIRSTS, LASTS, AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR MAY 13
THANKS TO HAROLD "PHIL" MYERS CHIEF HISTORIAN AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE AGENCY
May 13
1908: First radio reception on a balloon in the US received while flying from Fort Myer, Va., to Woodwardville, Md. (24)
1911: Lts Henry H. Arnold and Thomas DeWitt Milling completed their training at Simms Station, Dayton, to become the first Army pilots to graduate from the Wright School. (4)
1940: Igor Sikorsky flew his VS-300 (Vought-Sikorsky) helicopter in its first free flight. Earlier flights were tethered. (21)
1941: In a mass flight over the Pacific, 21 B-17s took off from Hamilton Field, and landed on 14 Mayat Hickam Field 13 hours 10 minutes later. (21) 1942: The first US bombardment squadron, the 15th, sent to England without aircraft. It flew the first US AAF operations over Western Europe on 4 July against enemy airfields in the Netherlands.
1948: The first US built two-stage rocket, the Bumper-WAC, launched from White Sands. (6)
1952: KOREAN WAR. Fifth Air Force F-86 Sabres destroyed five MiG-15s in aerial combat. In the morning 12 F-86s attacked targets in Sinuiju, Sinuiju Airfield, and Uiju Airfield in northwestern Korea. In early afternoon, Sabres hit the marshaling yards at Kunu-ri, and, in late afternoon, bombed Sinuiju with 1000-pound bombs. Unfortunately, Col Walker M. Mahurin, the 4 FIG Commander who had led all three missions, was shot down and captured. (28)
1957: Three USAF F-100C Super Sabres set a distance record for single-engine jet aircraft by flying 6,710 miles from London, England, to Los Angeles in 14 hours 5 minutes. (24) 1958: Trans World Airlines hired the first black stewardess. (8)
1962: Project FIELD GLASS. Through 7 June, an F-100 detachment of the 510 TFS from Clark AB deployed to Takhli RTAFB, Thailand, in response to an increasing threat on the Laotian border. On 16 May, the rest of the 510 TFS deployed to Takhli. On 7 June, a TDY F-100 squadron from Cannon AFB, N. Mex., replaced the 510TFS. (17)
1967: For the second time, the 8 TFW's pilots shot down seven MiGs in a single day's action over North Vietnam. (16)
1968: The DoD called up three more ANG and six more AFRES units with 22,000 people to extended active duty to augment regular Air Force units involved in the Vietnam War. (16) (21)
1976: TYPHOON OLGA. Through 1 June, after Typhoon Olga hit the Philippines, ARRS helicopters saved 734 flood victims. (2)
1985: The AFFTC at Edwards AFB completed its evaluation of the KC-135R Stratotanker under minimum interval takeoff conditions. The improved tanker demonstrated an ability to take off at 12-second intervals. (16)
1995: The 931 AREFG at McConnell AFB became the first KC-135 associate unit to fly an operational mission with an all-reserve crew. The aircraft refueled a B-2 Bomber during one of its flight tests. Previously, the reserve crews flew on active duty aircraft. (16) (18)
2004: The final C-141 airdrop of paratroopers took place at Fort Benning, Ga. Army Private Jason Stewart, a native of Chandler, Ariz., became last paratrooper to jump from a C-141, when he jumped from C-141C (No. 65-0229) of the 452 AMW (AFRC) at March ARB, Calif. (22)
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World News for 13 May thanks to Military Periscope
USA—Executive Order To Strengthen Government CybersecurityWashington Post | 05/13/2021President Joe Biden has signed an executive order designed to bolster the federal government's digital defenses, reports the Washington Post.Signed on Wednesday, the order directs the Commerce Dept. to establish cybersecurity standards for companies that provide software to the federal government.Officials hope that establishing standards at the federal level will have positive ripple effects in the private sector.The order also directs agencies to move toward authenticating users based on behavior, rather than solely a password or location.It also calls for major incidents to be reported within three days, a review board for significant incidents, the abolition of contractual barriers for reporting federal breaches and increased testing of programs before purchase.The order instructs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to publish preliminary guidelines for software supply-chain security within six months, with final guidelines to be provided within a year.The move follows several high-profile breaches in the public and private sector, including the recent Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and the SolarWinds hack that was first acknowledged in December.
USA—F-15E Shows Off Ability To Carry 5 JASSM Cruise Missiles53rd Wing | 05/13/2021The 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., has completed a proof-of-concept validating an expanded cruise missile load on the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet, reports the 53rd Wing, which oversees the unit.On Tuesday, the squadron validated the ability of the F-15E to carry five AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs) under Project Strike Rodeo. The F-15E is currently capable of carrying a maximum of two of the missiles.The successful proof-of-concept is slated to be followed by flight testing.The project was launched in January and involved the development of a new weapons loading tool and new loading procedures. Existing loading tools are unable to support the fitting of the JASSM on the conformal fuel tank stations.
USA—7 Linked To Hezbollah Financial Branch Hit With SanctionsU.S. Treasury Dept. | 05/13/2021The U.S. has sanctioned seven Lebanese nationals over their connection to Hezbollah and its financial agency, reports the U.S. Dept. of Treasury.Those sanctioned on Tuesday are affiliated with the Lebanese terrorist group and its financial firm, Al-Qard al-Hassan (AQAH).Ibrahim Ali Daher, the head of Hezbollah's central finance unit that oversees the group's budget and spending, was targeted with the measures.The six others used personal accounts at various Lebanese banks to evade sanctions against AQAH and transfer over a half-billion dollars on behalf of the Hezbollah financial firm.The measures freeze all U.S.-based assets that are directly or indirectly owned by the sanctioned individuals, including assets in which they have greater than 50 percent stake, and prohibit them from carrying out transactions in the U.S. or with U.S. nationals.
USA—45th Space Wing Officially Becomes Space Force Launch DeltaSpace News | 05/13/2021The Space Force has officially renamed the Florida unit that oversees the Eastern Range, reports Space News.On May 11, the 45th Space Wing was redesignated as Space Launch Delta 45 during a ceremony at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla.The wing was originally established in November 1991 to oversee the Eastern Range extending 10,000 miles (16,090 km) from the Florida coastline.The unit has supported more than 800 government and commercial launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center since its creation.Space Force also plans to rename the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., which is assigned a similar mission, to Space Launch Delta 30.The launch wings are also set to realign under the new Space Systems Command later this year, the service said. The new Los Angeles-based command will replace the Space and Missile Systems Center.
United Kingdom—Karadzic To Serve Life Sentence In British PrisonBritish Broadcasting Corp. | 05/13/2021Former Bosnian Serb militant leader Radovan Karadzic will be transferred to the U.K. to serve a life sentence after being convicted of genocide, reports the BBC News.On Wednesday, the U.K. Foreign Office announced that Karadzic would be transferred from a U.N. detention unit in the Netherlands to a prison in the U.K.The 75-year-old was found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity in 2016 for his role in the murder of more than 7,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica in 1995.He was originally sentenced to 40 years in prison. This was increased following a failed appeal in 2019.British officials said they would work to make sure the transfer took place "as expeditiously as possible."
Ukraine—New Domestically Developed Drone Approved For OperationsDefence-Blog | 05/13/2021The Ukrainian military has formally approved a new uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) for service, reports Defence Blog.On Tuesday, the armed forces granted approval for the use of the Leleka-100 UAV for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.Also known as Ciconia, the domestically developed system received positive reviews during evaluations, said a Ukrainian defense analyst.The system has been used by the military in recent years on a trial basis, completing thousands of sorties, according to the analyst.The Leleka-100 is capable of autonomous flight, uses advanced inertial navigation and can perform day and night missions.
China—J-10 Fighters With Indigenous Engine Now In ServiceDefense News | 05/13/2021For the first time, an operational J-10 fighter jet has been seen powered by an engine developed domestically in China, reports Defense News.A J-10C Vigorous Dragon fighter equipped with a WS-10B Taihang powerplant was shown in pictures of a live-fire exercise posted by China National Radio. The engine was identified based on its distinctive exhaust nozzle.This is the first time that the indigenous engine has been observed onboard an operational aircraft.This indicates that China is now confident in the performance and reliability of the engine, which has been tested since at least 2011, analysts said. The engine was not seen on production aircraft until the fourth batch of J-10Cs in 2019.It is not clear when the initial engines were delivered.Despite issues, the twin-engine J-11 and J-16 aircraft have been powered by the WS-10 since 2010. Meanwhile, previous J-10 models have been powered by AL-31 engines imported from Russia.
Philippines—4 BIFF Fighters Killed In Maguindanao ClashManila Bulletin | 05/13/2021At least four militants have been killed in fighting with Philippine forces in the southern Maguindanao province, reports the Manila Bulletin.On Wednesday, federal and state troops killed four members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)-Karialan faction in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao province, said Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, the commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.The troops intercepted the militants as they traveled toward neighboring Buluan, reported the Philippine Daily Inquirer.They were planting an improvised explosive device (IED) when security forces arrived.Security forces recovered at least one firearm from the scene.The slain militants were believed to be members of a cell that occupied the public market in the town of Datu Paglas on May 8 and has been pursued by security forces since.
Burma—Civilian Forces Fight Back Against JuntaIrrawaddy | 05/13/2021At least 21 Burmese soldiers have been killed in fighting with civilian defense forces, reports the Irrawady (Burma).On Monday, rebels ambushed a military convoy of around 60 troops as it was traveling through Taze township along the Taze-Kalaywa highway, the Sagaing Region People's Defense Force said.Three government soldiers were killed and 14 injured in the hour-long clash, according to residents. No civilian defense force casualties were reported.Meanwhile, on Tuesday, civilian resistance fighters killed another three troops when a convoy of around 100 soldiers attempted to enter without reason the village of Talokmyo in the Myingyang township of the Mandalay region, a resident told the publication.Several troops and two civilian fighters were reportedly injured in the clash.Finally, at least 15 Burmese soldiers were killed in two separate clashes in Tamu in the northwestern Sagaing region on Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.Civilians in Tamu formed the Tamu Security Group, also known as the Tamu People's Defense Force, in late March after troops killed an unarmed protester in a night raid.
Pakistan—Foreign Minister Rules Out Hosting U.S. Bases Following Afghan PulloutAsian News International | 05/13/2021Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has ruled out the possibility of hosting U.S. troops following their withdrawal from Afghanistan, reports the Asian News International.On Tuesday, Qureshi told the Pajhwok Afghan News that Pakistan would not permit any U.S. bases within its territory.The minister also stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with Afghanistan and welcomed a recent cease-fire between the Taliban and Afghan government.Pakistan sees its role in the conflict as that of a facilitator and would work to support positive relations between the Afghan and U.S. governments, said the minister, as quoted by the Arab News (Riyadh).Qureshi also denied that the U.S. had pressured Islamabad to accept an American military facility.
Afghanistan—Taliban Captures District Outside KabulKhaama Press | 05/13/2021Taliban fighters have seized the Nirkh district in the central Maidan Wardak province, reports the Khaama Press (Afghanistan).On Tuesday, government forces in the district collapsed following heavy fighting.The Afghan Interior Ministry said that military and security forces made a tactical retreat after inflicting heavy losses on the Taliban.The Taliban said it captured the district compound, district police headquarters, district intelligence department and an army base.The group also said that it had killed numerous government fighters and captured others along with their equipment.Maidan Wardak province borders Kabul province to the west.
Israel—IDF Targets Terrorist Leaders In Gaza StripJerusalem Post | 05/13/2021The Israel Defense Forces says it has killed several top militant leaders in the Gaza Strip as fighting continued into its fourth day, reports the Jerusalem Post.By Thursday, more than 1,200 rockets had been fired from Gaza into Israel, with most intercepted by air defense systems, said Israeli officials.Israeli officials say that they have conducted more than 650 strikes on Hamas targets, killing 60 militants, including 10 senior commanders, since Operation Guardian of the Walls began on Monday.Palestinian media report that at least 83 Palestinians have been killed, including 17 children, and 487 wounded.On early Wednesday a joint operation by the IDF and Shin Bet internal security service targeted top Hamas military command members in Gaza City and Khan Younis.The fatalities included Bassem Issa, the head of the Gaza City brigade since 2017, and Jamaa Tahla, the head of Hamas cyber networks and missile improvement projects, officials said. Gamal Zabda, the head of development and projects for Hamas, and Khazem Katib, the deputy chief of staff who also headed the engineering department of the group's production division, were also reported killed.Another 13 members of the weapons manufacturing team for Hamas were said to be killed in Israeli strikes.On Tuesday, the IDF said it killed two Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants involved in the group's rocket programs.At least seven Israelis, including a child and a soldier, have been killed in Palestinian rocket attacks, reported Reuters.Intercommunal violence has also intensified, with mob attacks reported in the Tel Aviv suburb of Bat Yam, the northern coastal town of Acre and the northern town of Tamra, reported the New York Times.There are also reports that Israel may be preparing for a ground assault on Gaza. Israeli ground troops have been redeployed along the border in preparation for a possible attack, including two infantry brigades and an armored brigade, reported the Washington Post.Israeli defense officials cited by Haaretz (Tel Aviv) said that operations might soon conclude due to rising fears of violence within Israel and the possibility of toppling Hamas.
Somalia—African Union Extends Somali Mission Mandate Through End Of YearEast African | 05/13/2021The African Union has decided to extend its mission in Somalia through the end of December, reports the East African (Nairobi, Kenya).On Tuesday, the mandate for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was extended through Dec. 31, 2021 during a meeting of the 15-member A.U. Peace and Security Council.The decision will now be forwarded to the U.N. Security Council, which grants the actual mandate, for a vote.The A.U and U.N. planned to gradually withdraw most non-technical personnel from Somalia by the end of the year, but the political crisis surrounding disputed presidential election has delayed the process.In April, the peace and security council directed AMISOM troops to monitor Somali troop movements and the scheduled departure of some forces was postponed.
Niger—Militants Kill 5 In Village In WestAgence France-Presse | 05/13/2021At least five people have been killed in a militant attack on a village in Niger's western Tillaberi region, reports Agence France-Presse.On Wednesday, militants on motorbikes attacked the village of Fantio as residents celebrated Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.Two other residents were seriously injured, said a local official.The village is in the tri-border region, where the frontiers of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso meet, where numerous militant groups operate.There were no immediate claims of responsibility.
Nigeria—Boko Haram Attack On Maiduguri RepulsedThis Day | 05/13/2021Nigerian security forces have broken up an attempted Boko Haram assault on the capital of the northeastern Borno state, reports This Day (Lagos).On Tuesday evening, insurgents attacked the Jiddari Polo community on the outskirts of Maiduguri.Police, paramilitary and Civilian Joint Task Force fighters responded to the attack and fought off the insurgents, reported the Leadership newspaper (Abuja). An air force gunship reportedly took part in the fighting.Eight militants were killed, and several others injured in the 30-minute gun battle, said an unnamed security source.Several women and children were also reported missing. A number of houses were burned.
aSudan—2 Protesters Killed At Event Demanding Accountability For 2019 MassacreSudan Tribune | 05/13/2021Two Sudanese protesters have been killed and 37 wounded after troops opened fire on a demonstration commemorating the anniversary of a bloody attack on peaceful protesters in Khartoum, reports the Sudan Tribune (Paris).On Tuesday, troops opened fire on a demonstration outside of the army headquarters in the capital.The event marked the two-year anniversary of a massacre at the site, which activists say claimed the lives of up to 200 civilians.Protesters have called for those that ordered the 2019 killings to be charged, including Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo "Hemetti" and his brother, Abdel Rahim.On Wednesday, the defense ministry said that several soldiers had been arrested in connection with the killings the previous day and would be quickly handed over to prosecutors.
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