Turkish President Erdogan Accuses Russia Of Arming Kurdish PKK Militants In Their War Against Turkey

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by his wife Emine Erdogan, greets supporters during a rally to mark the 563rd anniversary of the conquest of the city by Ottoman Turks, in Istanbul, Turkey, May 29, 2016. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Reuters: Turkey's Erdogan accuses Russia of arming PKK militants

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has accused Russia of providing anti-aircraft weaponry and rockets to militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), government officials said on Monday, confirming reports in local media.

Speaking to reporters on board his airplane after a visit to the southeastern province of Diyarbakir over the weekend, Erdogan accused Moscow of transferring weaponry to the PKK via Iraq and Syria, the pro-government Star newspaper said.

"At this moment, terrorists are using anti-aircraft guns and missiles supplied by Russia. The separatist terrorist organization is equipped with these weapons. They have been transferred to them via Syria and Iraq," the newspaper reported Erdogan as saying.

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Update: Turkey Accuses Russia Of Arming PKK (RFE)

WNU Editor: Russia's response .... Turkey Must Prove Russia Supplying PKK With Weapons – Moscow (Sputnik). what's my take .... so much for talk on reconciliation .... Turkish Official Predicts Relations With Russia Will Mend Shortly (RFE).

President Obama's Visit To Hiroshima Is Panned By Critics On Both The Right And Left

Dave Boyer, The Washington Times: Obama’s Hiroshima visit panned by critics on left, right

President Obama burnished his legacy as the president who went to Hiroshima, but critics on the left and right say the historic visit probably won’t make a bit of difference for his dream of a world without nuclear weapons.

“In terms of his avowed goal of nuclear disarmament, no,” said Dean Cheng, a specialist on Asia and national security at the Heritage Foundation. “The Chinese aren’t going to give up nuclear weapons, the Russians aren’t going to give up nuclear weapons.”

Peace groups praised the president’s visit Friday to the site of the first nuclear bomb attack, where Mr. Obama called for a “moral revolution” to rid the world of nukes. But they said Mr. Obama’s lofty rhetoric doesn’t match his record in office.

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WNU Editor: U.S. critics may have panned it, but the criticism from Asia has (in some quarters) been hostile over no mention of Japanese atrocities. As to what is my take .... a visit to Hiroshima was always on his "bucket list" .... it is now off his list.

Under President Obama 2,500 Americans Have Died in Afghanistan And Iraq

U.S. President Barack Obama places a challenge coin on a memorial as he and first lady Michelle Obama pay their respects for the dead soldiers at the conclusion of service in Fort Hood, Texas April 9, 2014. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Rolling Stone: Some 2,500 Americans Have Died in Afghanistan and Iraq Under Obama

Under Obama, America has been at war for longer than under any other U.S. president

In Barack Obama's keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention — the speech that catapulted him onto the national stage — the bright-eyed, loose-limbed senator from Illinois spoke of America's responsibility to its soldiers.

"We have a solemn obligation," Obama said, "not to fudge the numbers or shade the truth about why they're going, to care for their families while they're gone, to tend to the soldiers upon their return, and to never ever go to war without enough troops to win the war and secure the peace."

In that spirit, here are some of those numbers.

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WNU Editor: This total does not include subcontractors.

A Growing War Of Words Between China And The U.S.

U.S. fighter jets are put on standby at a U.S. aircraft carrier near the South China Sea. (Photo : Reuters)

South China Morning Post/AP: US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter warns China against building ‘Great Wall of self-isolation’

China has sought to strengthen its claim to almost the entire South China Sea by building new islands atop coral outcroppings and adding airstrips, harbours and military infrastructure.

China could be erecting “a Great Wall of self-isolation” with its increasingly provocative moves against its neighbours, Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said on Friday.

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WNU Editor: China responds .... China lashes out at US Defense Secretary criticisms (AP).

I guess this is going to become the "new normal" .... U.S. Naval, air Maneuvers Become 'new Normal' in Asia Pacific (AP).

Five U.N. Soldiers Killed In Ambush In Central Mali

Reuters: Five U.N. soldiers killed in central Mali attack

Five United Nations peacekeepers were killed and one other seriously injured in an ambush in central Mali on Sunday, the United Nations said.

A convoy of soldiers in the U.N. Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was attacked 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of Sevaré, the U.N. said.

The nationalities of the soldiers were not released and so far no group had taken responsibility for the attack.

It comes 10 days after five MINUSMA peacekeepers from Chad were killed in an ambush in the northern region of Kidal. Two days ago five Malian soldiers were killed near the town of Gao.

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More News On Five U.N. Soldiers Killed In Ambush In Central Mali

Mali: United Nations peacekeepers killed in attack -- BBC
Extremists Attack, Kill 5 UN Peacekeepers in Central Mali -- AP
UN Peacekeepers Killed in Mali Ambush Attack -- VOA
U.N. peacekeepers killed in Mali ambush -- UPI
Suspected Militant Attack In Mali: UN Peacekeepers Killed In Ambush -- IBTimes
Mali: UN strongly condemns ambush that leaves five 'blue helmets' dead -- UN News Centre
UN peacekeepers killed in Mali convoy ambush -- Al Jazeera
5 Togolese UN peacekeepers killed in central Mali ambush -- AA
Mali: UN condemns attack on 'blue helmets' on International Day of Peacekeepers. -- IBTimes

Tweet For Today

How it happened: from Chad's independence to the conviction of Hissene Habre pic.twitter.com/5tL1sdQP3k

— AFP Africa (@AFPAfrica) May 30, 2016

Former Chad Leader Hissene Habre Sentenced To Life For Committing War Crimes And Crimes Against Humanity

Reuters: Chad's ex-leader Habre, Cold War-era ally of West, gets life in prison for atrocities

Former Chad president Hissene Habre, a Cold War ally of the West, was convicted on Monday of war crimes and crimes against humanity for ordering the killing and torture of thousands of political opponents during his eight-year rule.

The verdict capped a 16-year battle by victims and rights campaigners to bring the former strongman to justice in Senegal, where he fled after being toppled in a 1990 coup in his impoverished central African nation.

Habre, 73, was sentenced to life in prison by the Special African Chamber (CAE), a tribunal created in 2013 by Senegal and the African Union. He was also convicted of rape.

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More News On Former Chad Leader Hissene Habre Sentenced To Life For Committing War Crimes And Crimes Against Humanity

Chad ex-dictator found guilty, sentence to life for abuses -- AP
Chad ex-dictator Habre gets life sentence for regime's crimes -- AFP
Hissene Habre: Chadian ex-dictator found guilty of war crimes, sentenced to life in prison -- ABC News Online
Hissene Habre: Chad's ex-ruler convicted of crimes against humanity -- BBC
Chad's ex-ruler sentenced to life in prison -- UPI
In landmark trial, former Chad dictator found guilty of crimes against humanity -- Washington Post
Ex-Chad leader sentenced to life for war crimes -- CNN
Chad's Former Dictator Hissene Habre Found Guilty of Crimes Against Humanity -- VICE News and Reuters

World News Briefs -- May 30, 2016

Kurdish Peshmerga forces keep watch in a village east of Mosul, Iraq, May 29, 2016. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari

The Guardian: Kurdish forces in big push against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria

Peshmerga fighters tighten noose around Mosul as Iraqi forces target Falluja and Syrians advance north of Raqqa stronghold

Kurdish peshmerga forces backed by the US-led coalition have launched attacks on Islamic State east of Mosul as the campaign to oust the militants stepped up with three offensives across Iraq and Syria.

As the peshmerga assault got under way, Iraqi forces were gathering around the Islamic State stronghold of Falluja further south, and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) advanced north of the militants’ other de facto capital, Raqqa.

However, analysts warned that it would take years to finally defeat the militants in the region.

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MIDDLE EAST

Iraq troops in 'final assault' on Islamic State in Falluja. Fight for Fallujah: Iraqi forces launch operation to storm city. Iraqi forces push into Fallujah as IS bombings kill 24.

Bombs kill at least 35 in Baghdad; casualties from two other explosions unknown.

U.S.-led coalition troops seen near front line in new Iraq offensive.

U.S.-backed Syrian alliance widens offensive near IS capital.

Syria war: Casualties mount in air strikes on Aleppo.

Chief Syrian opposition peace negotiator quits over failed talks.

Iran pilgrims to miss Hajj amid row with Saudi Arabia.

Jordanian King appoints caretaker PM to oversee new elections.

Israeli police recommend Netanyahu's wife be indicted for financial irregularities, reports say.

ASIA

Philippine troops kill 54 Islamist militants in the south. Philippines Military: 54 Muslim rebels killed in South.

Japan puts military on alert for possible North Korea missile launch.

South China Sea fears grow before tribunal rules on disputed islands.

Afghan official says Taliban attacks killed 12 policemen.

Family of driver killed in US strike on Taliban leader file criminal case.

Philippine Congress proclaims Duterte winner of presidential election.

Great Barrier Reef corals threatened by mass bleaching.

AFRICA

Five U.N. soldiers killed in central Mali attack. Mali: United Nations peacekeepers killed in attack.

Forces backed by Libya's unity government seek to encircle Islamic State-held Sirte.

Nigeria's Buhari says government to talk to Niger Delta leaders.

Egypt military court sentences 8 to death.

Mozambique: Renamo leader Dhlakama reveals assassination plot.

Chad ex-dictator Habre sentenced to life in prison for war crimes. Hissene Habre: Chad's ex-ruler convicted of crimes against humanity.

Uganda to halt military, security ties with North Korea: South Korea.

Two Tunisians killed in landmine blast near Algerian border: ministry.

Daallo Airlines blast: Somalia sentences two to life in prison.

EUROPE

More than 700 migrants feared dead in three Mediterranean sinkings. Between 700-900 migrants may have died at sea this week: NGOs.

NATO urged to show stronger resolve on Russia, boost defense.

Five Ukrainian troops killed by rebels near Donetsk.

Hungary bolsters anti-migrant fence on Serbia border.

Eurozone economic sentiment improves for second month.

French government and union remain deadlocked in wave of unrest.

Poland's ruling party leader vague on support for EU's Tusk.

AMERICAS

Obama marks Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery.

Colombian ELN rebels 'regret' journalists' kidnap.

Armed squad kills 11 people in Venezuela.

Lufthansa to suspend flights to Venezuela.

Peru's Fujimori seen winning presidential election next week: poll.

Kidnapped Mexican footballer Alan Pulido rescued 'safe and sound'. Alan Pulido: Seized Mexico footballer freed.

Anger after Toronto police raid dozens of marijuana shops.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Report: ISIS selling sex slaves on Facebook.

Brother of Paris attacker on trial over militant training. French jihadi network that groomed Bataclan killer on trial.

ISIS may attack Euro 2016 England, Russia fans with ‘suicide bombs & chem weapons drones’ – report.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil prices dip as Iraq raises exports.

Russian-Chinese passenger jet to take on Boeing & Airbus.

France going 'all the way' to collect tax from Google, McDonald's.

Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- May 30, 2016

Paul Floyd, Stratfor: Remembering America's Allies on Memorial Day

This year on Memorial Day, Stratfor would like to consider the countless individuals from across the globe who have worked and fought alongside the U.S. military. Memorial Day in the United States is dedicated to remembering the men and women who served and who died in service to country and mission. Yet these dedicated personnel are not alone; they are assisted by other foreign nations and by the security forces and civilian residents of the country in which the U.S. military is operating. Many brave individuals continue to partner with the United States and its allies. Many have returned to their normal lives in some semblance of peace. Some have left their homeland through choice or coercion, and still more have laid down their lives in pursuit of a better tomorrow.

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Military And Intelligence News Briefs -- May 30, 2016

The Surprising History of Memorial Day -- Joel Peterson, Huffington Post

Memorial Day’s True Legacy -- Mark Thompson, Time

Russia to modernise sole aircraft carrier in 2017 -- IHS Jane's 360

Crimea’s Chauda practice range to test new types of Russian aircraft — commander -- TASS

Russian PM Approves $15Bln Defense Industry Development Program until 2020 -- Sputnik

Renewed program adopted for Russian defense industry for 2016-2020 — PM -- TASS

Russia Developing Own Railgun on Par With US 'Battlefield Meteorite' -- Sputnik

Could Russia's Cold War Super-Jet Last 100 Years? -- National Interest

The Illusion of Russian Military Might -- Roger McDermott, National Interest

UK to stockpile tanks in Eastern Europe – report -- RT

Draft paper: Germany to boost military role on world stage -- DW

Airbus Concedes Some A400M Problems Are ‘Homemade’ -- Defense News/AFP

Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia vow enhanced security cooperation -- PhilStar

Seoul: Uganda Vows To Halt Military Ties With North Korea -- AFP

South will develop its own type of SLBM: source -- Korea JoongAng Daily

Debate Over Role of ‘People’s Army’ in Israel Reflects Wider Fissures -- New York Times

Israeli Ex-Generals Push 'Security First' Plan for West Bank, Gaza -- Defense News

CIA ex-boss: secretive spooks tolerated in UK more than in US -- The Guardian

US Blocks Cluster-Bomb Sales To Saudis: Report -- Defense News/AFP

Strategic Weapons: China Boosts Range And Accuracy -- Strategy Page

U.S. Naval, air Maneuvers Become 'new Normal' in Asia Pacific -- AP

Admiral Sees Army Rockets, Artillery Backing Navy in South China Sea -- Defense Tech

Congress Nails Runaway Blimp's Coffin Shut -- Defense News

The Defense Department Wants Your Ideas For A Military Space Plane -- Vocativ

US Army to test driverless vehicle technology in Michigan -- AP

Too Much Power: Pentagon's Supergun Has a Super Weak Spot -- Sputnik

Air Force turns its attention to small UAS platforms -- Defense Systems

McCain Panel Makes Ambitious Attempt To Streamline Balkanized Military Chain Of Command -- Loren Thompson, Forbes

How the U.S. military's fallen are identified, prepared for burial -- Tampa Bay Times

Heavy Fighting Is Being Reported Between Philippine Soldiers And Muslim Rebels In The South Of The Country

Image from Wikipedia

Al Jazeera: Philippine army 'kills scores' in Maute rebel clashes

Scores of fighters and two soldiers killed during battle between Maute rebel group and army, military spokesman says.

Intense fighting between Philippine troops and a little-known group apparently inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has killed 54 fighters in the country's south, officials said.

Regional military spokesman Major Filemon Tan said on Monday that the operations against the Maute rebel group began last Thursday in southern Lanao del Sur province's Butig town and were still continuing.

He said two soldiers were killed and nine others wounded in the clashes.

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More News On Heavy Fighting Being Reported Between Philippine Soldiers And Muslim Rebels In The South Of The Country

Philippine troops kill 54 Islamist militants in the south -- Reuters
Philippines: 54 Muslim militants killed in the south, officials say -- Asian Correspondent/AP
Two Philippine soldiers killed in clashes with militants -- Gulf News/AFP
Philippines Military: 54 Muslim Rebels Killed in South -- VOA
54 militants killed in Lanao del Sur -- Manilla Bulletin
Philippines: 56 killed in clashes in Muslim south -- Anadolu Agency