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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 15 May 2009 [PDF]
• Marines, Iraqi Police Uncover Weapons, Detain Bomb Suspects AFPS 15 May 2009 -- U.S. Marines and Iraqi police uncovered several weapons caches near Karmah, Iraq, May 12 and 13.
• ESC group works to meet Iraqi air traffic control needs AFNS 15 May 2009 -- Electronic Systems Center group helping Iraqi air force officials rebuild their military air traffic control capabilities.
• South Afghanistan Clash Kills 22 Militants VOA 15 May 2009 -- Local officials said 22 Taliban insurgents have been killed in fighting in southern Afghanistan.
• Another British soldier killed in Afghan explosion IRNA 15 May 2009 -- Britain's Ministry of Defence announced that another UK soldier had been killed in an explosion in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
• Pakistan Claims Advances in Swat Offensive VOA 15 May 2009 -- Pakistan: Security forces have made further advances in the militant-dominated Swat valley and neighboring districts, killing 55 Taliban militants.
• Swat Braces For Key Battle As Displacement Crisis Peaks RFE/RL 15 May 2009 -- Move seen as a prelude to a bloody urban battle against Taliban militants ensconced in Swat's regional capital, Mingora.
• Pakistan Lifts Swat Curfew, Residents Flee VOA 15 May 2009 -- Pakistani authorities temporarily lifted a curfew in the war-torn Swat valley, allowing thousands of people to flee.
• Pakistan army says Taliban shaving off beard, fleeing war zone IRNA 15 May 2009 -- Pakistan army said on Friday that Taliban militants have shaved off beards and are fleeing Swat valley.
• Predator crashes in eastern Afghanistan AFNS 15 May 2009 -- An Air Force MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft crashed May 14 in eastern Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Defense Department Announces Proposed Rule Changes to Military Commissions DoD 15 May 2009 -- The President has determined to reform military commissions as an available forum, along with the federal courts, for the prosecution of detainees at Guantanamo.
• Human Rights Groups Blast Obama Guantanamo Decision VOA 15 May 2009 -- President Obama's decision to continue using military commissions has surprised and angered human rights activists.
• President Seeks to Reform, Revive Military Commissions AFPS 15 May 2009 -- President Obama moved a step closer toward reforming and reviving military commissions.
• Guantanamo Military Tribunals to Resume VOA 15 May 2009 -- Obama administration expected to revive military-run trials for terror suspects being detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
• Debate Intensifies on New US Strategy on Pakistan, Afghanistan VOA 15 May 2009 -- President Obama's new strategy on Pakistan and Afghanistan is coming under greater scrutiny in the US Congress.
• US House Approves Iraq-Afghanistan Funding VOA 15 May 2009 -- US House of Representatives approved a nearly $97 billion spending measure that funds the continuing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• U.S. Helicopters Train with Korean Vessel Navy NewsStand 15 May 2009 -- Two MH-53E "Sea Dragon" helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14, Detachment 1 practiced operating with Republic of Korea (ROK) ship Dokdo (LPH 6111) May 1 off the coast of Pohang.
• International Frigate Working Group Held In Mayport Navy NewsStand 15 May 2009 -- The Naval Sea Systems deputy commander for Surface Warfare (SEA 21) and commander, FFG 7 Class Squadron hosted an International Frigate Working Group May 12-15 in Mayport, Fla., that brought together all current operators of Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates.
• Georgia Welcomes Bemvindo Tikuna Navy NewsStand 15 May 2009 -- USS Georgia (SSGN 729) (Blue) welcomed Brazilian Naval Submarine Tikuna (S 34) during a port visit to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay May 5.
• HM-14 Flies in Foal Eagle Navy NewsStand 15 May 2009 -- Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14, Detachment 1, participated in bilateral mine countermeasure training exercises with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy in exercise Foal Eagle, March 13 – 20, in the area around Yeosu, Korea.
• CNIC Visits Yokosuka During Western Pacific Tour Navy NewsStand 15 May 2009 -- The commander of Navy Installations Command (CNIC) paid a visit to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) during his tour of western pacific U.S. Navy installations May 4.
• "Scrub-Ex" Brings GW Closer to Qualification Navy NewsStand 15 May 2009 -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) Sailors sprayed the ship's flight deck and hangar bay with the fire-fighting solution Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) May 8.
• NMCB 11 Shifts Focus and Headquarters Navy NewsStand 15 May 2009 -- The Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 are currently deeply entrenched in the process of relocating the battalion headquarters, supplies and equipment from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait to Naval Station Rota, Spain.
• Total Force Comes Together for Logistics Ceremony Navy NewsStand 15 May 2009 -- Employees from Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Norfolk got a new employer when the Navy transferred the supply, storage and distribution site to Defense Logistics Agency's (DLA) Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC) during an activation ceremony held in Portsmouth, Va., May 4.
• EOD Techs Share Universal Tactics Navy NewsStand 15 May 2009 -- Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, Detachment Europe, at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota trained with their Spanish navy counterparts from Cartagena, Spain, during Exercise Magre 09-01, May 12 – 15.
• Seabees Partner with Filipino Counterparts to Make a Difference Navy NewsStand 15 May 2009 -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40 took part in the voluntary demonstration of response (VDR) on Luzon Island, the Republic of the Philippines, May 8.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare Drills Enhance Readiness, Maritime Dominance Navy NewsStand 15 May 2009 -- A joint forces battle group successfully completed a series of intense combined anti-submarine warfare exercises (CASEX) to officially kick off exercise Joint Warrior (JW), a multinational evolution off the coast of the United Kingdom, May 12.
• First GW Maintenance Period in Japan Finishes on Time Navy NewsStand 15 May 2009 -- USS George Washington (CVN 73), the nation's only forward deployed naval forces (FDNF) aircraft carrier, completed its first selected restricted availability (SRA) on schedule in Yokosuka, Japan, May 7.
• DoD, OPM Announce Defense Business Board NSPS Review DoD 15 May 2009 -- Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III and Director of the Office of Personnel Management John Berry asked the Defense Business Board yesterday to establish a task group to conduct a review of the National Security Personnel System
• Air Force leaders testify on infrastructure budget AFNS 15 May 2009 -- Four pillars of the USAF budget strategy: People, readiness, infrastructure, and modernization.
• Marine Corps Ready for Review's Scrutiny, Commandant Says AFPS 15 May 2009 -- USMC lean and built for a fight, including the scrutiny of the upcoming Quadrennial Defense Review.
• Lackland chosen as cyber numbered Air Force headquarters AFNS 15 May 2009 -- USAF officials announced Lackland Air Force Base is the preferred alternative for the permanent location of 24th Air Force.
• Air Force Names Lackland Alternative for Cyber Numbered Headquarters AFPS 15 May 2009 -- USAF announced that Lackland AFB, Texas, is the preferred alternative for the permanent location of 24th Air Force.
• Air Force officials standardize informal uniform AFNS 15 May 2009 -- As a result of the 96th Air Force Uniform Board, a standardized informal uniform is now authorized for wear.
• Russia, U.S. to open START talks May 19 in Moscow RIA Novosti 15 May 2009 -- First round of full-format Russia-US talks on a new strategic arms reduction treaty will be held May 19-21 in Moscow.
• Gates Tells Middle East Allies Not to Worry VOA 15 May 2009 -- US Defense Secretary Gates sought to reassure moderate Arab countries during last week's trip to the Middle East.
• TACC East helps coordinate Southern Fury USMC News 15 May 2009 -- In a combat environment, every foot patrol, logistics convoy, aerial resupply or F/A-18 flight is vital to the big picture.
• Further delays in major UK defence projects IRNA 15 May 2009 -- Britain's major defence projects are continuing to suffer further delays and increased costs according to the latest annual report.
• Russia says planned European security treaty not aimed at NATO RIA Novosti 15 May 2009 -- President Medvedev: Russia's proposals for a new European security treaty are not aimed against NATO.
• Russian President Again Calls for New Europe-wide Security Pact VOA 15 May 2009 -- Russian President Medvedev has repeated his calls for a new comprehensive European security pact.
• No easing combat preparedness: president CNA 15 May 2009 -- Ma: Taiwan cannot afford to relax efforts to strengthen arsenal or maintain preparedness because China has maintained its posture against Taiwan.
• Sri Lanka to buy military helicopters from Russia RIA Novosti 15 May 2009 -- Sri Lanka has ordered a number of military transport helicopters and other weaponry from Russia.
• 7 injured as MIG-27 fighter aircraft of Indian Air Force crashes IRNA 15 May 2009 -- Seven villagers injured as MIG-27 fighter aircraft of Indian Air Force crashed in Rajasthan state.
• Seven people injured in Indian MiG-27 jet crash RIA Novosti 15 May 2009 -- An Indian Air Force MIG-27 Flogger ground support aircraft crashed in northwest India, injuring 7 civilians on the ground.
• AU Defense Ministers Consider Standby Force Concept VOA 15 May 2009 -- African defense ministers are examining revolutionary concept in continental peacekeeping.
• IMO informed of Iranian warships' mission in Somali waters IRNA 15 May 2009 -- The International Maritime Organisation has been informed of the mission of 2 Iranian warships in Somali waters and the Gulf of Aden.
• Press Briefing by a Senior Administration Official on the Vice President's Upcoming Trip to Southeastern Europe The White House 15 May 2009
• Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 5-15-09 The White House 15 May 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 15, 2009
• Boeing Awarded Contract to Develop Counter-Electronics HPM Aerial Demonstrator Boeing 15 May 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] was awarded a $38 million contract April 27 to develop and test a nonlethal, high power microwave (HPM) airborne demonstrator for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Counter-electronics High power microwave Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP).
• General Dynamics and Elbit Systems of America Form Joint Venture to Provide Tactical UAVs to U.S. Market General Dynamics 15 May 2009 -- General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products and Elbit Systems of America, LLC, have formed a new company named UAS Dynamics, LLC, to provide unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to the Department of Defense (DoD) and other potential U.S. government customers through programs such as the recently announced U.S. Marine Corps’ Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (STUAS)/Tier II program.
• Northrop Grumman's Hunter Reaches 75,000 Flight Hours Operational Milestone Northrop Grumman 15 May 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Hunter Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), in use with the U.S. Army since 1996, recently surpassed 75,000 flight hours in service, 50,000 of which were flown in combat.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 15 May 2009
• DRC: Rwandan militia on killing spree ahead of joint operation IRIN 15 May 2009 -- At least 150 people have been killed in recent attacks by Rwandan Hutu fighters in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to local and humanitarian sources.
• SRI LANKA: High incidence of combat wounds among evacuees IRIN 15 May 2009 -- Relief workers in Sri Lanka report hundreds of war wounds among people fleeing the last pocket of the long-running conflict.
• Sri Lanka: UN expert on genocide prevention calls for end to conflict UN News Centre 15 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Adviser on the prevention of genocide today said that “it is not too late” for Sri Lanka’s Government forces and rebels to end their brutal conflict, underscoring the toll the clashes are taking on civilians.
• Sri Lanka Vows to Free All Trapped in Combat Zone by Sunday VOA 15 May 2009 -- Sri Lanka army: "Final push" is under way to capture the remaining sliver of beach held by Tamil Tiger rebels.
• Sri Lanka war to end in 48 Hours: President IRNA 15 May 2009 -- Sri Lanka: Conflict with the LTTE rebels is to end within the next 48 hours with the rescuing of all civilians caught in fighting.
• UN Official Hints at War Crimes in Sri Lanka VOA 15 May 2009 -- UN human rights office: War crimes and crimes against humanity may have been committed during the conflict in Sri Lanka by both the government and rebels.
• Sri Lanka rejects UN call to end offensive against Tamil Tigers RIA Novosti 15 May 2009 -- Sri Lanka's defense minister has criticized calls to halt an offensive against Tamil Tiger separatists, saying the military needs to permanently wipe out insurgent forces.
• Mogadishu Fighting Sets Back Stability Efforts VOA 15 May 2009 -- The United Nations refugee agency said it is deeply concerned about the weeklong clashes in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
• Somalia: Security Council instructs extremists to end bloodshed in capital UN News Centre 15 May 2009 -- Security Council demanded that extremists groups in Somalia immediately end their offensive in Mogadishu.
• African Peace Keepers Deny Somalia Residents Accusation VOA 15 May 2009 -- The Africa Union Peace Keeping Mission in Somalia has sharply denied accusations it was shelling homes of innocent civilians.
• Niger Delta Militants Declare 'All Out War' VOA 15 May 2009 -- The main militant group in Nigeria's restive Niger Delta region has declared all out war In the area.
• US Laments Russian Veto of Georgia Peacekeeping Plan VOA 15 May 2009 -- The United States expressed disappointment after Russia effectively vetoed a plan to keep peace monitors in Georgia after June.
• In Brief: UN-trained policeman killed in eastern Chad IRIN 15 May 2009 -- Armed men shot dead a Chadian policeman when they attacked the post of national police specially trained to protect refugees, displaced persons and humanitarian staff in eastern Chad.
• Chechen leader cancels amnesty for militants after Grozny blast RIA Novosti 15 May 2009 -- The president of the volatile Russian republic of Chechnya said he was canceling amnesty for militants following a suicide attack in the capital that killed two police officers earlier on Friday.
• Ban welcomes new date for long-awaited Ivorian election UN News Centre 15 May 2009 --Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the announcement by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire of 29 November 2009 as the date for the West African nation’s long-awaited presidential election.
• COTE D'IVOIRE: Election date – for real this time? IRIN 15 May 2009 -- The Ivorian government has announced it will hold a long-overdue presidential election on 29 November – one year after the latest of several election deadlines came and went. Prime Minister Guillaume Soro has called the new date “realistic”, vowing that disarmament and voter registration will be completed in time.
• Experts Divided on Likelihood of Obama Bringing Middle East Peace VOA 15 May 2009 -- The leaders of Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Authority are due in Washington over the next three weeks.
• UK awaiting to assess war crimes charges against Israel IRNA 15 May 2009 -- The British government is still waiting to assess whether it will bring or support war crimes charges against Israel during its recent massacre of over 1,400 Palestinians in Gaza.

News Reports

• Posthumous Memoir Condemns 1989 Tiananmen Crackdown VOA 15 May 2009 -- Leader ousted for opposing the crackdown has broken his silence with a posthumous memoir that condemns the 1989 killings as a "tragedy."
• Journalist Roxana Saberi Not Ready to Tell Her Story Yet VOA 15 May 2009 -- American journalist Roxana Saberi has arrived in Austria to recuperate after spending four months in an Iranian prison.
• Georgian opposition pulls out of constitutional reform talks RIA Novosti 15 May 2009 -- Georgia's opposition parties that have been demonstrating for over a month demanding the president step down are refusing to take part in a constitutional commission.
• UN rights chief calls for Aung San Suu Kyi's immediate release UN News Centre 15 May 2009 -- Top UN human rights official appealed to authorities for her immediate and unconditional release.
• International Pressure Mounts on Burma Over Detention of Aung San Suu Kyi VOA 15 May 2009 -- International pressure for the release of Burma's opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, from prison is mounting.
• Fundamentalists Call for Kuwaiti Women to Boycott Elections VOA 15 May 2009 -- Kuwaiti voters go to the polls for their parliamentary elections Saturday.
• NEPAL: Political impasse delays humanitarian assistance IRIN 15 May 2009 -- The ongoing political impasse in Nepal has affected the flow of humanitarian assistance and development work, local and international aid workers say.
• Global Swine Flu Cases on the Rise VOA 15 May 2009 -- The United States has confirmed its fourth death from swine influenza A-H1N1.
• First case of A/H1N1 swine flu confirmed in Ecuador RIA Novosti 15 May 2009 -- The first human case of A/H1N1 influenza has been confirmed in Ecuador, the country's health minister said Friday.
• Taiwan to donate US$5 million worth of flu medicine to WHO CNA 15 May 2009 -- Taiwan will donate US$5 million worth of vaccines or medicine to the World Health Organization to help it fight flu outbreak.
• WHO confirms 7,520 cases of A/H1N1 influenza in 34 countries RIA Novosti 15 May 2009 -- WHO confirmed 7,520 cases of swine flu in 34 countries, with 65 deaths, over a thousand more infections than yesterday.
• Global Swine Flu Cases Rise by 1,000 VOA 15 May 2009 -- WHO says the number of confirmed swine influenza A-H1N1 cases around the world has risen by more than 1,000 in one day.
• Mexico may have covered up threat of swine flu outbreak - Castro RIA Novosti 15 May 2009 -- Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro: Mexico may have concealed the threat of an outbreak of the swine flu virus.