Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- April 7, 2016

Iraqi security forces ride in vehicles travelling to Mosul to fight against militants of Islamic State at an Iraqi army base in Camp Taji in Baghdad, February 21, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed Saad

Wall Street Journal: Iraq Stumbles Early in Northern Military Campaign

Army’s effort, seen as first step in reclaiming Mosul, is rocky, as some troops get bogged down

MAKHMOUR, Iraq—Two weeks ago, the Iraqi army launched an operation seen as the first step in retaking Mosul from Islamic State. Troops logged multiple victories within hours. Now, there is little talk among military officials of an imminent push on Iraq’s second-largest city.

Days after the offensive began, the army got bogged down just outside the northern town of Makhmour, held up by an estimated 100-200 Islamic State fighters in a village on high ground called al-Nasr, according to U.S. military officials. On Wednesday, it was still struggling to take the small village after more than a week of trying.

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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- April 7, 2016

Iraq puts northern offensive against Islamic State on hold -- Reuters

Iraq halts ISIL offensive as more ground troops needed. -- Al Jazeera

Iraqi Shi'ite paramilitaries say will join offensive to retake Mosul. -- Reuters

Mosul Campaign Hampered by Fear of Iraq’s Shia Army -- Washington Free Beacon

US Ready to Set up More Firebases for Iraqi Push to Mosul: Pentagon -- Military.com

U.S. Pushes for More Bases to Fight ISIS in Iraq -- Daily Beast

Ruppersberger: More special ops forces needed in Iraq -- Baltimore Sun

Obama Meets With Military Leaders, Stresses Capabilities, Counter-ISIL Effort -- US Department of Defense

House Democrat warns Iran is destabilizing Iraq -- The Hill

Canada’s defence policy review won't delay CF-18 replacement comp -- Flight Global

Russia continues discussing sixth-generation fighter project -- IHS Jane's 360

We need to talk… Stoltenberg says NATO seeking Russia meeting -- RT

Air Force wants to improve airfields in eastern Europe with more defense dollars -- Stars and Stripes

Indian Army Seeks New Source of Surface-to-Air Missile Defense System -- Defense News

Japanese military jet missing with crew of 6 -- AP

Indonesia to Deploy Missile System on South China Sea Island -- Sputnik

Indonesia Interested in Buying Russian Weapons - Armed Forces Commander -- Sputnik

Egypt, France To Sign Arms Deal Mid-April -- Defense News

Report: Saudi Coalition Used US Bomb in Yemen Market Strike -- AP

U.S. Navy Will Spend $81.4 Billion on Ships, Subs Through 2021 - Bloomberg

US Navy Seeks To Boost Shipbuilding: Amphibs, Subs, Destroyers -- Breaking Defense

Cost of 3 stealthy destroyers grows by $450 million -- AP

Heckler & Koch to build new US Army sniper rifle -- IHS Jane's 360

‘Punisher’: Shoulder-fired grenade launcher XM 25 could transform US Army -- RT

Overall US military aircraft exports strong in 2015 -- Flight Global

Reaper Demand Drives Uptick in Air Force UAS Spending -- Defense News

New iRobot Spinoff Eyes Big Pentagon Contracts -- National Defense

Exclusive: White House declines to support encryption legislation - sources -- Reuters

SEALs now train like UFC fighters, but a lawmaker questions why -- Navy Times

Male Soldier Allegedly Beat Female Comrade for Hooking Up -- Daily Beast

History of remote weapons in pictures -- FOX News

F-35’s UK Debut: A Warning to Russia? -- Lara Seligman, Defense News