Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 26 Oct 2011 [PDF]
• Panetta Warns Iran Not to Interfere in Iraq VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is warning Iran not to take advantage of the pending U.S. troop pullout from Iraq to stir up trouble there.
• "Dagger" Brigade cases colors after yearlong deployment to Iraq Army News 26 Oct 2011 -- The 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division - Center cased their unit colors Oct. 25 at a ceremony at Camp Liberty, Iraq.
• Iraq Car Bombs Kill at Least 5 VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- Iraqi officials say two car bombs in northern Iraq have killed at least five people and wounded 22 others.
• Military Post Offices in Iraq to Close Nov. 17 AFPS 26 Oct 2011 -- The US Postal Service will stop accepting mail addressed to military post offices in Iraq starting Nov. 17, Defense Department officials said.
• Combined Force Captures Haqqani Network Leader AFPS 26 Oct 2011 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani network leader in the Sabari district of Afghanistan’s Khost province.
• Commandos conduct clearing operation in Kandahar Army News 26 Oct 2011 -- Afghan National Army Commandos from the 3rd Commando Kandak, combat advised by coalition Special Operations Forces, completed a clearing operation in Kandahar province.
• Karzai to Announce Next Round of Afghan Security Transition VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- Afghan security forces will soon take control of security in 17 areas of Afghanistan, ahead of the complete withdrawal of foreign combat troops from the country by 2014.
• Afghan Governors Meet In Kabul Ahead Of Second Security Transition RFE/RL 26 Oct 2011 -- Afghan officials say the country's security forces are expected to fully or partially take charge of security in 17 of the country's 34 provinces,.
• Taliban Warns Afghanistan Against Loya Jirga RFE/RL 26 Oct 2011 -- The Taliban is warning that it will target a Loya Jirga or "grand assembly," which the Afghan government plans to hold next month.
• Officials: Bomb Hidden in Fuel Tanker Kills 10 Afghan Civilians RFE/RL 26 Oct 2011 -- Officials say a bomb hidden in a fuel truck has killed at least 10 people in northern Afghanistan.
• CREW: helping defeat IEDs Army News 26 Oct 2011 -- CREW systems are helping Soldiers to defeat deadly improvised explosive devices by blocking radio signals that can be used by insurgents to detonate the devices remotely.
• Swiss couple seeks release in Pakistani Taliban video IRNA 26 Oct 2011 -- Pakistani Taliban have released two videos of the kidnapped Swiss couple who have been held hostage for the past four months.
• NATO Delays Decision To End Libya Mission RFE/RL 26 Oct 2011 -- NATO has decided to delay a formal decision to end its air campaign in Libya by the end of the month.
• Libya Seeks Delay in Ending UN No Fly Zone VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- A senior Libyan diplomat has asked the U.N. Security Council to delay adoption of a resolution ending the NATO-enforced No Fly Zone over Libya.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Town Hall Meeting with Secretary Panetta with U.S. Military Aboard the USS Blue Ridge at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan DoD 26 Oct 2011
• US Secretary of Defense Visits 7th Fleet Flagship USS Blue Ridge NNS 26 Oct 2011 -- Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta visited U.S. 7th Fleet command flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Oct. 26 during his first tour of Asia-Pacific countries since becoming secretary of defense.
• USS Philippine Sea Visits Bulgaria NNS 26 Oct 2011 -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) arrived in Burgas, Oct. 25, for a regularly scheduled port visit as part of U.S. 6th Fleet's strategy to enhance regional stability in the Black Sea by strengthening maritime partnerships.
• HSM-78 Prepares for Establishment NNS 26 Oct 2011 -- Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78, the second HSM squadron to stand up in San Diego, prepared for its establishment at Naval Air Station North Island by hanging the squadron's sign Oct. 25.
• Panetta Lauds Japanese-U.S. Relief Effort AFPS 26 Oct 2011 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta told U.S. sailors aboard the USS Blue Ridge that “in the end, the best service we do is … reach out and help our fellow human beings in need.”
• Panetta Pledges Security Support for South Korea AFPS 26 Oct 2011 -- The United States remains steadfast in its resolve to provide security support for South Korea, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta told service members.
• Panetta Calls South Korea Key U.S. Global Partner AFPS 26 Oct 2011 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta termed the security partnership between the two nations a great force for peace, stability and prosperity on the Asia-Pacific region.
• Panetta thanks troops during Korea visit Army News 26 Oct 2011 -- Leon E. Panetta marked his first visit to Korea as Defense Secretary with a Town Hall Meeting inside Collier Community Fitness Center.
• Panetta Affirms Commitment to South Korea's Defense VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has reaffirmed the American commitment to protect South Korea against provocations from the North.
• U.S. does not consult China on arms sales to Taiwan CNA 26 Oct 2011 -- The United States has never notified or consulted with Beijing prior to deciding to sell arms to Taiwan, U.S. officials said.
• Brigade fires Patriot missiles in New Mexico Army News 26 Oct 2011 -- The 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade supported the Patriot Field Surveillance Program and fired 12 second-generation Patriot missiles on July 30 at McGregor Range, N.M.
• Newest Patriot battalion exceeds the standards Army News 26 Oct 2011 -- A year ago, just 30 Soldiers and officers were present for duty as 4th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery was activated as a Patriot missile battalion.
• Multinational test supports coalition battle network integration Army News 26 Oct 2011 -- Coalition members have come together at White Sands Missile Range this month to test the compatibility of their countries network and communications systems.
• Officials Stress Keeping Faith on Military Retirement AFPS 26 Oct 2011 -- The Defense Department has no proposals or recommendations on revamping military retirement at this time.
• Arsenal Builds Up To Energy Savings Army News 26 Oct 2011 -- New buildings built along Patton Road and Martin Road and out toward the Redstone Airfield are impressive showcases of aggressive standards for energy conservation.
• Steam Energy Carries Heat To Arsenal Army News 26 Oct 2011 -- Unique waste-to-energy facility that provides steam to Redstone Arsenal to heat and cool its buildings.
• Energy Expenses Drain Taxpayers' Dollars Army News 26 Oct 2011 -- Redstone's utility bill remains a heavy burden. In fiscal 2011, the installation's utility costs amounted to $57,660,087.56.
• Consolidation Streamlines Household Moves, Saves Money AFPS 26 Oct 2011 -- Changes that start next year at U.S. Transportation Command will help to make their household goods shipments more efficient and cost-effective.
• Flight safety body denies Mi-8 grounding order RIA Novosti 26 Oct 2011 -- Russian flight safety authority Rosaviatsia denies it has any plans to temporarily ground the nation’s fleet of Mil Mi-8T helicopters.
• China interested in setting up bases in Pakistan IRNA 26 Oct 2011 -- China is interested in setting up military bases either in Pakistani tribal region or the Northern areas which are closer to the Chinese province of Xinjiang.
• Pakistan buys hi-tech system for F-16 fighter jets IRNA 26 Oct 2011 -- Pakistan has bought ALQ-211, Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS) from US for F-16 fighters.
• Ankara to discuss missile shield with Tehran friendly: Turkish envoy ISNA 26 Oct 2011 -- Turkish ambassador to Tehran said his country would explain reasons for deployment of NATO missile shield.
• Thai Navy Deploys to Help Save Bangkok From Floods VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- Authorities in Thailand are turning to desperate measures as they try to prevent the Chao Phraya River from overflowing its banks and inundating central Bangkok.

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for October 26, 2011
• Thales sonars key to Royal Navy minewarfare operations Thales 26 Oct 2011 -- A Royal Navy minehunter fitted with Thales sonar has located and destroyed a 2,000-pound mine and torpedo lying on the seabed off the port of Tobruk in eastern Libya.

Other Conflicts

• 26 October 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 26 Oct 2011
• International law increasingly vital, says head of UN World Court UN News Centre 26 Oct 2011 -- It is vital that international law underpin developments on the global stage, especially in an ever increasingly globalized and interconnected world, the head of the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) said today.
• ICC chief highlights 'invaluable' cooperation with UN UN News Centre 26 Oct 2011 -- While the International Criminal Court (ICC) is an independent organization, its relationship and cooperation with the United Nations have continued to be as vital as ever, the President of the tribunal told the General Assembly today.
• International law increasingly vital, says head of UN World Court UN News Centre 26 Oct 2011 -- It is vital that international law underpin developments on the global stage, especially in an ever increasingly globalized and interconnected world.
• Ban stresses role of NGOs in helping transitional countries build institutions UN News Centre 26 Oct 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban stressed that non-governmental organizations can play a crucial role in supporting countries in transition.
• After liberation, elections and security top priorities in Libya UN News Centre 26 Oct 2011 -- The United Nations remains committed to supporting Libyans as they build a new framework for their country.
• Obama Says Qaddafi Missed Chance For Democracy RFE/RL 26 Oct 2011 -- U.S. President Obama says former Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi missed his chance to bring democracy to his country.
• Gaddafi son threatens Libyan ‘traitors’ with revenge RIA Novosti 26 Oct 2011 -- Seif al Islam Gaddafi, one of the killed Libyan dictator’s sons, has vowed to make the lives of “the traitors” who toppled his father “hell.”
• Gaddafi's family to sue NATO RIA Novosti 26 Oct 2011 -- Relatives of the late former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi will sue NATO in the International Military Court in the Hague on “war crime” charges.
• At Least 19 Killed in Yemen Fighting VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- Violence in Yemen has killed at least 19 people, despite a cease-fire declared by the government and forces loyal to a dissident general.
• Is Kenya Battling al-Shabab Alone? VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- As Kenyan fighters push into Somalia in pursuit of al-Shabab militants, speculation is rising about which foreign forces may be backing the operation.
• UN: Fighting on Somalia-Kenya Border Restricting Famine Relief VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- UN: recent military activity along the Kenya-Somalia border is restricting famine relief efforts and preventing Somalis from fleeing to refugee camps in Kenya.
• Pakistani Kashmir Chief Justice injured in murder attack IRNA 26 Oct 2011 -- Chief of Justice of Pakistan administered Kashmir High Court was seriously injured in an attack.
• Clashes in Philippines Could Threaten Government Peace Talks VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- Philippine defense officials say fighting between government forces and the country’s largest Muslim rebel group has displaced some 20,000 residents of two southern provinces.
• Security official backs stronger Taiwan presence in South China Sea CNA 26 Oct 2011 -- A national security official backed the idea of strengthening Taiwan's defense capabilities in the South China Sea.
• Taiwan MND rebuts report on South China Sea deployment CNA 26 Oct 2011 -- The Ministry of National Defense rebutted a report that the government has decided to deploy missiles on Taiping Island.
• Beijing welcomes proposed peace accord with Taiwan RIA Novosti 26 Oct 2011 -- The Chinese leadership supports a peace accord proposed by Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou.
• Azerbaijan to raise Nagorny Karabakh issue in UN Security Council RIA Novosti 26 Oct 2011 -- Azerbaijan plans to bring up the issue of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict settlement at the United Nations.
• Hariri Assassination Still Clouds Lebanese Politics VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- Lebanon’s new Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, is facing his toughest test yet in office.
• In UN-backed talks, Israel and Palestinians agree to offer peace proposals UN News Centre 26 Oct 2011 -- The United Nations and its diplomatic partners in the search for peace in the Middle East met separately today with Israeli and Palestinian officials in Jerusalem, with both sides agreeing to come forward with comprehensive proposals on territory and security within three months.
• Ban stresses importance of accountability as Sri Lanka recovers from civil war UN News Centre 26 Oct 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban reiterated the importance of dealing with accountability issues.

News Reports

• U.S. Congress Members Split On Response To Alleged Iranian Plot RFE/RL 26 Oct 2011 -- Members of the U.S. Congress appear to be split as to how Washington should respond to an alleged Iranian plot.
• Clinton Concerned Over Trend Toward Military Rule in Iran VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps is becoming more involved in running the country.
• Clinton: U.S. Seeks More Interaction With Iranian People VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: Government of Iran is a dictatorship and United States wants to assure Iranians that their aspirations for freedom are legitimate.
• Syria's Assad Meets With Arab Officials Trying to Halt Violence VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- At least 20 people were killed in violence in Syria, as President Bashar al-Assad met with an Arab League delegation.
• Arab Officials Meet Assad As 13 Killed In Syria RFE/RL 26 Oct 2011 -- A delegation of senior Arab officials has met with Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, as renewed violence in the country claimed at least 13 more lives.
• Arab ministers head to Syria for mediation talks RIA Novosti 26 Oct 2011 -- An Arab delegation will meet with Syrian officials in Damascus in an attempt to launch dialogue between President al-Assad and the opposition.
• Tunisia's Islamists In Coalition Talks With Secularists, Leftists RFE/RL 26 Oct 2011 -- An apparent election victory for Tunisia's moderate Islamist party, Ennahda, has sent a message across the region that long-sidelined Islamists are challenging for power after the Arab Spring.
• Leader of Tunisian Islamist Party Eyes Prime Minister Role VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- Members of the Islamist party leading in the vote-counting in Tunisia's historic election say the party intends to name one of its top leaders as its candidate for prime minister.
• Egyptian Court Jails 2 Policemen in Death of Activist VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- Egyptian judicial sources say a court Wednesday sentenced two policemen to seven years in prison each for their role in the 2010 death of Egyptian democracy advocate Khalid Said.
• Press Conference by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs on Food Insecurity in Democratic People's Republic of Korea United Nations 26 Oct 2011
• U.S. says talks with North Korea in Geneva constructive RIA Novosti 26 Oct 2011 -- Talks between delegations from the United States and North Korea in Switzerland’s Geneva this week were constructive.
• In Brief: Activists call for delay in Myanmar's ASEAN chairmanship IRIN 26 Oct 2011 -- Activists are calling on the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations to postpone Myanmar's chairmanship until all political prisoners are released.
• Uganda Crackdown on Opposition Mutes Protest Movement VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- Uganda's government has taken swift measures this month to thwart a resurgence of the so-called Walk to Work protest movement.
• Ugandan Opposition Activist Charged with Treason for Planning Protests VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- Another Ugandan activist has been jailed on charges of treason.
• Security Council looks forward to peaceful second round in Liberian presidential poll UN News Centre 26 Oct 2011 -- The Security Council today praised Liberians for the orderly conduct of the first round of presidential elections earlier this month and voiced hope for an equally peaceful second round in a country that the United Nations helped to recover from a disastrous civil war.
• Liberia's Runoff Election Campaigning Begins Despite Boycott Threat VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- Campaigning for Liberia's second round presidential election has begun following Tuesday’s announcement of the final results from the October 11 first round vote.
• China's Rare Earth Minerals Supply Manipulation Could Backfire VOA 26 Oct 2011 -- Last week, China’s biggest producer of rare earths elements suspended production for the 17 minerals essential for manufacturing modern technologies.