Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 08 Jun 2011 [PDF]

• Bin Laden Deputy Issues Eulogy Video VOA 07 Jun 2011 -- Al-Qaida's second in command has issued a message eulogizing the terrorist group's leader, Osama bin Laden.
• Al-Qaeda No. 2 'Vows Jihad' In Bin Laden Eulogy RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- Ayman al-Zawahiri, Al-Qaeda's number two and operational leader, has threatened to pursue his late leader's jihad against the West.
• NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 07 Jun 2011
• NATO Statement on Libya NATO 08 Jun 2011
• Press conference by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen after the working lunch of NATO Ministers of Defence with non-NATO Contributors to Operation Unified Protector NATO 08 Jun 2011
• NATO and partners will stay the course on Libya NATO 08 Jun 2011 -- NATO Defence Ministers met with the Defence Ministers of the partner countries that are contributing to Operation Unified Protector to protect civilians in Libya.
• NATO Endorses Decision to Extend Libya Operation AFPS 08 Jun 2011 -- NATO defense ministers have endorsed the decision to extend Operation Unified Protector by 90 days, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
• Gates Calls on NATO Allies to Do More in Libya AFPS 08 Jun 2011 -- NATO is on the road to success in Libya, but the alliance’s member nations must do more, a U.S. government official speaking on background said.
• NATO Plans for Libya Without Gadhafi VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- NATO says it is committed to its military campaign against forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi and is preparing for a Libya without the authoritarian leader.
• NATO to continue Libya operation for 'as long as necessary' RIA Novosti 08 Jun 2011 -- NATO will continue its mission in Libya for as long as it takes, the alliance said, after formally endorsing an extension of its campaign.
• Tension escalates between US president, German chancellor on Libya IRNA 08 Jun 2011 -- Tension escalated between President Obama and German Chancellor Merkel as they worked to minimize differences concerning military intervention in Libya.
• Al-Qaida Claims Responsibility for Deadly Iraq Attacks VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- An al-Qaida group has claimed responsibility for recent bombings in the Iraqi city of Tikrit that left at least 34 people dead.
• The Army Watercraft Returns Army News 08 Jun 2011 -- The Landing Craft Utility 2018, Five Forks, crewed by the 709th Transportation Detachment, departed Kuwait Naval Base on May 10, 2011.
• Afghan, Coalition Forces Capture Insurgent Leader AFPS 08 Jun 2011 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a key facilitator for the Kunduz attack network and two of his associates during operation in the Archi district of Afghanistan’s Kunduz province.
• Taliban says shoots down U.S. drone RIA Novosti 08 Jun 2011 -- A U.S. unmanned aerial vehicle has been shot down by Taliban forces in Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province.
• Questions Grow Over Afghanistan's Post-U.S. Future RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- Questions abound over what Afghanistan will look like once U.S. forces start withdrawing.
• Obama, Karzai Discuss Afghan Transition VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- President Barack Obama has expressed sorrow to Afghan President Hamid Karzai over civilian deaths that U.S.-led airstrikes recently caused in Afghanistan.
• Obama says U.S. achieved many objectives in Afghanistan RIA Novosti 08 Jun 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama: His country has achieved "a big chunk" of its strategic objectives in Afghanistan.
• Obama Pick For Afghan Envoy: U.S. Can't Afford To 'Walk Away' RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama's choice for the new U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan says Washington can't afford to "walk away" from the country.
• US Ambassador Nominee: Afghanistan's Fate Linked to Pakistan VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- The veteran diplomat nominated to be the next U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan says the country's future will depend on what happens in neighboring Pakistan.
• Aberdeen contracting center assisting Afghan National Police Army News 08 Jun 2011 -- Contract would provide funding for the training and mentoring for Afghanis enrolled in the U.S.-sponsored Afghanistan National Police training program.
• US Senate Panel Questions Success of Nation-Building in Afghanistan VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- Members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee are expressing skepticism about the success of nation-building in Afghanistan.
• US Congressional Panel Finds Afghan Aid Effort Marginally Successful VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- A U.S. congressional investigation has concluded that the American government's attempt at nation-building in Afghanistan has been only marginally successful.
• U.S. Senate Report: Afghanistan Could Face Economic Crisis After 2014 RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- A new U.S. congressional report warns that Afghanistan could face a deep financial crisis after foreign troops leave as scheduled in 2014.
• First Mobile MRI Systems to be Sent to Afghanistan Theater NNS 08 Jun 2011 -- Naval Medical Logistics Command announced the award of a contract for two mobile Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems, to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury of wounded warriors in Afghanistan.
• Suspected US Missile Strikes Kill at Least 20 in Pakistani Tribal Region VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- Pakistani officials say a pair of U.S. missile strikes has killed at least 20 suspected militants in North Waziristan.
• 18 other Pakistanis die in US drones strike IRNA 08 Jun 2011 -- Two US drone aircraft fired missiles into Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal region on Wednesday and killed at least 18 people.
• Suspected U.S. Drone Attacks Kill At Least 16 In Pakistan RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- Pakistani local officials say missiles fired from U.S. drones killed at least 16 suspected militants in northwest Pakistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• The Future of War: Keynote Address at the CSIS Global Security Forum 2011 DOD 08 Jun 2011
• Lynn: U.S. Must Prepare for Future Warfare Trends AFPS 08 Jun 2011 -- The Pentagon must factor in major trends likely to shape the national security environment, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said.
• Lynn Cites Importance of Programs to Prevent Conflict AFPS 08 Jun 2011 -- Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III expressed concern that as the U.S. government tightens its fiscal belt, programs critical to preventing conflict could fall victim.
• US Becoming More Leery of Long Wars VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- The counterinsurgency approach the United States and its allies have used to fight their enemies and help build democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan seems to be fading in its popularity.
• USAF funds future ICBM studies AFNS 08 Jun 2011 -- First of several studies to determine the best options for maintaining or replacing Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile weapon systems underway.
• Chief of Naval Personnel Talks about Balanced Force NNS 08 Jun 2011 -- The Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, met with Navy personnel leadership to discuss force balance and the upcoming Enlisted Retention Board.
• SECNAV Stresses Alternative Energy at Current Strategy Forum NNS 08 Jun 2011 -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus spoke on the importance of pursuing alternative energy during a keynote speech at the U.S. Naval War College's 62nd annual Current Strategy Forum.
• Navy Surgeon General Discusses Advancements in TBI Treatments NNS 08 Jun 2011 -- The top medical officer for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps discussed military medical research advancements in the areas of traumatic brain injury and post traumatic stress.
• Mullen: U.S., Egypt Maintain Strong Military Bond AFPS 08 Jun 2011 -- The U.S. military remains committed to a strong bilateral relationship with Egypt’s armed forces, continuing a practice that has endured for 30 years, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said.
• Prophet Enhanced offers increased flexibility, survivability, collaboration Army News 08 Jun 2011 -- Prophet Enhanced serves as the Army's premier ground signals intelligence platform.
• Edwards team tests new brake system for C-130 AFNS 08 Jun 2011 -- Members of the 418th Flight Test Squadron C-130 Hercules Wheel Brake System Improvement program are testing the performance of carbon brakes and the new Mark IV Digital Antiskid Control Unit.
• New York Army National Guard Signal Soldiers Meet a Challenge Army News 08 Jun 2011 -- Soldiers from the 369th and the 101st Signal Battalion, had the training, the skills, and the leadership to get the Army's Joint Network Node and Satellite Transportable Terminal system up and running in six hours.
• Monterey Sailors Integrate EPAA in Romania NNS 08 Jun 2011 -- USS Monterey arrived in Constanta for a scheduled three-day port visit as part of the European Phased Adaptive Approach, June 6.
• Denmark, Ukraine, and U.S. Dive into Sea Breeze 2011 NNS 08 Jun 2011 -- Danish, Ukrainian, and U.S. Navy divers conducted one of many joint dive evolutions during the multinational exercise Sea Breeze 2011 at the Ukrainian Western Naval Base, June 8.
• Multinational Forces Gather, Begin Baltic Operations 2011 NNS 08 Jun 2011 -- Maritime forces from 13 countries began participating in Baltic Operations 2011, a multinational naval exercise in the Baltic Sea June 3.
• Africa Partnership Station Visits Cameroon NNS 08 Jun 2011 -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa personnel kicked off the Africa Partnership Station (APS) 2011 training hub in Cameroon, with a ceremony aboard the Douala Naval Base, June 7.
• Australian Defence Force Medical Personnel Work with Pacific Partnership NNS 08 Jun 2011 -- Medical professionals from the Australian Defence Force departed the Pacific Partnership 2011 mission as a new team reported to take the reins in Darwin, Australia, June 8.
• Research, development command to consolidate headquarters at APG Army News 08 Jun 2011 -- The US Army is relocating personnel from Fort Belvoir, Virginia to APG as part of its force restructuring actions.
• $37.8 Million Awarded To Universities For Research Equipment DoD 08 Jun 2011
• Department Recognizes Environmental Stewards AFPS 08 Jun 2011 -- The Defense Department recognized its best stewards of the nation’s natural and cultural resources at a Pentagon ceremony marking the 2011 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards.
• Air Force to host renewable energy symposium at Davis-Monthan AFB AFNS 08 Jun 2011 -- Air Force officials will look to strengthen their industry partnership efforts at the Air Force's Renewable Energy Industry Symposium June 28 through 29.
• BRAC: On time and on target Army News 08 Jun 2011 -- The past 10 years have brought a great deal of change to our Army.
• Construction Contract Awarded for Beaufort Joint Strike Fighter Training Facility NNS 08 Jun 2011 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast awarded contract for construction of the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter Training Facility and Training Hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C.
• NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Awards Barracks Projects in North Carolina NNS 08 Jun 2011 -- The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic awarded three contracts for the design and construction of three separate Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) projects at a Marine Corps facilities in North Carolina, June 3.
• Bliss breaks mold: first military installation to house two base supply centers Army News 08 Jun 2011 -- In cooperation with Fort Bliss Garrison command, the San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind opened Bliss’ second base service center.
• Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the meeting of the NATO-Russia Council at the level of Defence Ministers NATO 08 Jun 2011
• Press conference by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen following the meeting of the NATO-Russia Council at the level of Defence Ministers NATO 08 Jun 2011
• Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the North Atlantic Council at the level of Defence Ministers NATO 08 Jun 2011
• Russia may develop nuclear offensive, arms race - Serdyukov RIA Novosti 08 Jun 2011 -- Russian Defense Minister Serdyukov: Russia would develop offensive nuclear force if NATO fails to come to agreement over the European defense shield.
• NATO and Russia building trust through defence cooperation NATO 08 Jun 2011 -- For the first time in three years, the 29 NATO-Russia Council (NRC) Defence Ministers met in Brussels today to discuss a broad range of defence issues.
• Russian defense minister to attend NATO-Russia Council meeting RIA Novosti 08 Jun 2011 -- Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov will attend a NATO-Russia Council meeting at the level of defense ministers in Brussels.
• NATO Defence Ministers adopt new cyber defence policy NATO 08 Jun 2011 -- Following the direction provided by the Strategic Concept, the Defence Ministers have adopted the revised NATO Policy on Cyber Defence.
• India, Pakistan added 20-30 nuke warheads in past one year IRNA 08 Jun 2011 -- India and Pakistan have added 20-30 nuclear warheads in their arsenal in the past one year.
• India's latest warship 'INS Kabra' joins Navy IRNA 08 Jun 2011 -- India's latest warship 'INS Kabra' was on commissioned at Naval Base at Kochi in Kerala state.
• China Opens Military Procurement to Civil Bidders VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- Chinese state media say the government has for the first time published a list of companies that are authorized to supply military equipment.
• Retired general widely criticized for 'China's army' remark CNA 08 Jun 2011 -- Retired Taiwanese general denounced for reportedly suggesting that the ROC Army and the PLA be called "China's Army."
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 6/8/2011 The White House 08 Jun 2011
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, June 8, 2011 US Dept. of State 08 Jun 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for June 08, 2011
• Joint Unmanned Air System Programme named as Telemos BAE Systems 08 Jun 2011 -- BAE Systems and Dassault Aviation have further strengthened their relationship by announcing Telemos as the name of the programme that will deliver their joint response for a next generation Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
• DCNS India signs a contract with a local Partner under the Scorpene submarines programme (P75) DCNS 08 Jun 2011 -- DCNS India signs a contract with a local Partner under the Scorpene submarines programme (P75)
• First Airbus Military C295 with AEW&C rotodome completes maiden flight EADS 08 Jun 2011 -- The first Airbus Military C295 development aircraft fitted with an Airbone Early Warning sand Command (AEW&C) rotodome has successfully completed its first flight on 7th June 2011 at Airbus Military's site in Seville (Spain).
• Advanced Firefinder Radar System Supporting U.S. Troops in Theater Operations Raytheon 08 Jun 2011 -- ThalesRaytheonSystems today announced that advanced Firefinder radars have been fielded in theater supporting and protecting U.S. troops and allies. Reliability and maintainability improvements have been added to the AN/TPQ-37 Firefinder Weapon Locating Radar system that support an extended service life with reduced life-cycle costs. Currently fielded in Iraq, upgraded Firefinders are scheduled to be deployed into Afghanistan in the coming months.
• Northrop Grumman Solar Array Capabilities Enable MESSENGER Probe to Operate in Extreme Temperatures Orbiting Mercury Northrop Grumman 08 Jun 2011 -- Key technologies and hardware developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) gave the first spacecraft to orbit Mercury a power system that works to its maximum even in the searing heat that surrounds the planet closest to the sun.

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 8 June 2011 United Nations 08 Jun 2011
• Gadhafi Forces Attack Libyan Port City of Misrata VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- Government forces in Libya have carried out a heavy assault on the rebel-held city of Misrata on the same day that NATO vowed to keep up its air campaign.
• Russian presidential envoy heads to Tripoli, ready to meet Gaddafi RIA Novosti 08 Jun 2011 -- Russian presidential envoy to Libya Mikhail Margelov planning a trip to Tripoli and was ready to meet with Gaddafi.
• Libyan rebels ask Russia to open mission in Benghazi RIA Novosti 08 Jun 2011 -- Libyan rebels have invited Russia to open an information mission in Benghazi.
• Gaddafi's son Hannibal planned terrorist attacks in Europe RIA Novosti 08 Jun 2011 -- One of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's sons, Hannibal, said to have planned a series of terrorist attacks in Europe.
• Germany mulls police training in rebel-held Benghazi IRNA 08 Jun 2011 -- The German government is pondering plans to train police in the Libyan rebel-held city of Benghazi.
• Migrant Workers Stranded in Conflict-Ridden Libya VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- The International Organization for Migration expresses great concern about the plight of thousands of migrant workers stranded in conflict-ridden Libya.
• Free webinar: James Foley, correspondent formerly in Libyan custody GlobalPost 08 Jun 2011 -- GlobalPost is pleased to invite you to a webinar with correspondent James Foley, recently released after being detained by the Gaddafi regime for 44 days.
• Protesters Urge Yemen's Interim Leader to Start Transition VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- Anti-government protesters in Yemen are urging the country's interim leader to form a transition council that would create a new government.
• Sudanese leader still committing crimes in Darfur, Security Council told UN News Centre 08 Jun 2011 -- Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir continues to commit crimes against humanity and carry out genocide against the residents of Darfur.
• ICC Prosecutor: Bashir Still Committing Crimes in Darfur VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor says Sudan's government continues to commit genocide and crimes against humanity in Darfur.
• Warning of impact on civilians, UN relief official urges halt to Sudanese fighting UN News Centre 08 Jun 2011 -- The top UN humanitarian official in Sudan called for an immediate halt to the fighting in the state of Southern Kordofan.
• Gaza Border with Egypt Reopens After Dispute VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- The border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip has reopened, four days after being closed amid disagreements between Egyptian and Hamas officials about procedures at the site.
• UN Force Launches Offensive against DRC Armed Groups VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- The spokesman for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo [MONUSCO] says his group has launched a 10-day military offensive against armed groups in Rutshuru.
• Abkhazia, S.Ossetia reject Georgia's draft refugee resolution RIA Novosti 08 Jun 2011 -- Abkhazia and South Ossetia reject the Georgia-sponsored draft UN resolution recognizing the rights of refugees from Georgia's breakaway regions to return to their homes.
• Russia Says Will Study Georgia Violence Allegations RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- Russia says it will take a look at allegations from Georgia that Russia is responsible for sponsoring terrorist acts in Georgia and in the country's breakaway regions.
• Abkhazia to elect new president on August 26 RIA Novosti 08 Jun 2011 -- Abkhazia will go to the polls to elect a new president on August 26, following the death of President Sergei Bagapsh on May 29.
• Implementation of cross-strait agreements to be reviewed CNA 08 Jun 2011 -- Taiwan and China will hold their first meeting to review the implementation of previous agreements signed in high-level talks.

News Reports

• Reports of Syrian Defections Signal Further Splits VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- Reports of defections among Syrian security personnel are raising questions about how well the leadership can control the country.
• US Works to Intensify Diplomatic Pressure on Syria VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to discuss the escalating violence in Syria on the sidelines of a Libya Contact Group meeting.
• Britain, France To Put Forward UN Resolution On Syria RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- British PM Cameron: Britain and France will put forward a UN Security Council draft resolution condemning the "repression" by Syria.
• International Community Turns Up Pressure on Syria VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- British PM Cameron said Paris and London are presenting a resolution to the UN Security Council condemning Syria's crackdown.
• EU allies seek resolution on Syria RIA Novosti 08 Jun 2011 -- France and Britain are seeking a UN resolution condemning the Syrian government's crackdown on protesters.
• Military Backlash Sends More Syrians Fleeing to Turkey VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- A rising number of Syrians in the north are fleeing into neighboring Turkey amid fears of possible military retaliation.
• Syrian Refugees Flee Threats, Enter Turkey VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- A group of 122 Syrian refugees has crossed into neighboring Turkey, as civilians flee a restive border town following a government vow to respond "decisively" to recent violence.
• Obama Welcomes End Of Emergency Law In Bahrain RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has met with the crown prince of Bahrain at the White House, and has welcomed the Gulf kingdom's decision to lift an emergency law.
• Tunisian Elections Postponed Again VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- Tunisia's interim prime minister says the country's elections have been further postponed until October 23.
• Clinton Travels to Middle East, Africa VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has set off on a four-nation trip where she will take part in talks on Libya as well as an African economic conference.
• Iran Vows To Triple Uranium-Enrichment Capacity RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- International tensions over Iran's disputed nuclear program look set to rise further.
• Iran to Triple Higher-Enriched Uranium Production VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- Iran's nuclear chief says the country will move its production of higher enriched uranium to a new site.
• Iran says to install new centrifuges ISNA 08 Jun 2011 -- Iran is going to install 164-centrifuge cascades of new generation machines soon.
• Iran produces fuel plates without much delay: atom chief ISNA 08 Jun 2011 -- Iran said on Wednesday that it would produce fuel plates without any considerable delay.
• Japan to Impose Changes in Nuclear Regulatory System VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- The Japanese government says it will create an independent agency to regulate the country's nuclear industry.
• Damage by Radiation Increases in Japan KCNA 08 Jun 2011 -- Danger of radiation is getting more serious due to the recent torrential rain that hit the quake-stricken areas including Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.
• UN rights group asks China to report on missing monks UN News Centre 08 Jun 2011 -- An independent UN human rights group called on Chinese authorities to report on the fate of some 300 Tibetan monks.
• Aggrieved Chinese Face Swift Police Repression VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- While there were scores of witnesses for Friday's protest, the details remain vague.
• The Georgian Political Landscape After May 26 RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- The demonstrations in Tbilisi that culminated in the violent dispersal of protesters by police early on May 26 did not achieve their stated goal of forcing the resignation of Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.
• The Arab Spring, Kyrgyzstan, And Reaping What We Sow RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- Pundits and politicians have offered no shortage of explanations as to what inspired the Arab Spring.
• In Osh, One Neighborhood, Two Histories - And No Trust RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- Nearly all the houses on Tosunbekova's street were destroyed in the June clashes that broke out between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks.
• Amnesty, HRW Say Kyrgyz Government Failing To Deal With Aftermath Of Osh Clashes RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- International watchdog groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have issued dual reports criticizing the government of Kyrgyzstan.
• Rights Groups Attack Kyrgyzstan's Handling of 2010 Ethnic Riots VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- Two human rights groups have concluded that Kyrgyzstan's failure to prosecute those responsible for last year's deadly ethnic riots could ignite new violence.
• Interpreter Replaced In Trial Of Former Kyrgyz President RFE/RL 08 Jun 2011 -- The judge in the trial of former Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev and 27 of his former associates has ruled that the Kyrgyz-Russian interpreter being used in the case should be replaced.
• UN committed to helping Myanmar on road to peace and democracy - Ban UN News Centre 08 Jun 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban reaffirmed the commitment of the UN to remain engaged with the South-East Asian nation on its path to peace and democracy.
• Kurds Unite in Southern Turkey in Run-Up to Election VOA 08 Jun 2011 -- As Turkey heads to the polls Sunday, the Islamic-rooted AK party is enjoying a comfortable lead.