Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 23 Jan 2012 [PDF]
• Combined Patrols Find Drugs in Afghanistan AFPS 23 Jan 2012 -- Combined Afghan and coalition forces found two large drug caches in Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.
• Afghan Military Official Says Attacks On NATO Soldiers 'Isolated' Cases RFE/RL 23 Jan 2012 -- A senior Afghan military official says recent incidents of security forces opening fire on NATO soldiers are isolated cases and not the result of increased Taliban infiltration of Afghan security forces, RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan reports.
• USACE districts collaborate to provide essential services in Afghanistan Army News 23 Jan 2012 -- Teamwork is a tenet of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as it fulfills its mission to provide engineering services to the nation in peace and war, and nowhere is that better exemplified than the collaboration that exists among the districts of the Transatlantic Division in delivering services that support construction in Afghanistan.
• Officials Stand Behind U.S. Report on Pakistan Incident AFPS 23 Jan 2012 -- U.S. officials stand by their assertion that the Nov. 26 attack that resulted in the deaths of 24 Pakistani soldiers was in self-defense, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby said here today.
• US jets, helicopters committed omission in raid IRNA 23 Jan 2012 -- Pakistani Army Monday said that the US/NATO and ISAF forces had made a 'major omission' in their border operation in November, which had caused deaths of 24 Pakistani soldiers.
• US drone strike kills 4 in NW Pakistan IRNA 23 Jan 2012 -- At least four people were killed in a US drone strike in northwest Pakistan on Monday, security sources said.
• Pakistan Rejects US Findings on Deadly Border Attack VOA 23 Jan 2012 -- Pakistan's military has formally rejected the findings of a U.S. inquiry into last year's NATO attack that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers along the Afghan border.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Army Agency Completes Mission to Destroy Chemical Weapons US Army Chemical Materials Agency 23 Jan 2012 -- The U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency (CMA) completed the destruction of the chemical weapons stockpile at Deseret Chemical Depot (DCD) in Utah on Jan. 21, 2012.
• Old satellite teaching new lessons AFNS 23 Jan 2012 -- Since Jan. 13, the 2nd Space Operations Squadron here has been busy disposing of an old and trusted satellite.
• DOD Announces Recruiting and Retention Numbers for Fiscal 2012, Through December DoD 23 Jan 2012 -- The Department of Defense announced today recruiting and retention statistics for the active and reserve components for fiscal 2012, through December.
• Laughlin named busiest airfield in AF for 2011 AFNS 23 Jan 2012 -- Laughlin was officially announced the busiest airfield and combined air traffic control tower in the Air Force for 2011 on Jan. 10 by the Air Force Flight Standards Agency for having a total of 337,439 operations.
• SECNAV Visits USS Ingraham in Panama NNS 23 Jan 2012 -- While pier side in Vasco Núñez de Balboa (VNB), Panama, the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) welcomed aboard Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus, Jan. 15.
• Commander ESG 3 Visits Essex to Talk Hull Swap NNS 23 Jan 2012 -- The commander of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 visited forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) Jan. 23 to discuss the upcoming hull swap with USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).
• Whidbey Island, 22nd MEU Give Back in Naples NNS 23 Jan 2012 -- Deployed Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) spent five days in Naples, Italy during a scheduled port visit Jan. 17-22.
• New Concept Emphasizes Joint Force's Speed, Synergy AFPS 23 Jan 2012 -- With military budgets shrinking as threats grow in number and complexity, the Defense Department still must ensure the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps can defend national security in the coming decades.
• 158th Infantry Brigade holds Change of Responsibility Army News 23 Jan 2012 -- 158th Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Christopher S. Forbes hosted a change of responsibility ceremony Jan. 20 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center where Sgt. Maj. Robert G. Todd relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. William L. Gardner II.
• Military panel urges agility as budgets decline Army News 23 Jan 2012 -- The U.S. military must become more agile to defeat future adversaries as budgets shrink, defense officials said Jan. 19.
• 773rd CST takes on EMAT responsibilities Army News 23 Jan 2012 -- The Emergency Medical Assistance Team, based in Schwetzingen, Germany, cased its colors and deactivated at Tompkins Barracks here Jan 11, ending its six-year Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosive (CBRNE) reconnaissance mission in Europe.
• Army chief of staff visits Alaska Army News 23 Jan 2012 -- Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno underscored Alaska's importance as one of the Army's premiere training locations during a Jan. 20 visit to U.S. Army Alaska headquarters here.
• Army South strengthens partnership with Chilean army Army News 23 Jan 2012 -- U.S. Army South's commanding general traveled to Chile as part of Army South's effort to build partner nation capacity through engagement and personal exchanges.
• UN rights chief speaks out against US failure to close Guantanamo detention facility UN News Centre 23 Jan 2012 -- The United Nations human rights chief today spoke out against the failure by the United States to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and to ensure accountability for serious violations – including torture – that took place there.
• Russia to Receive 30 Vityaz Air Defense Systems by 2020 RIA Novosti 23 Jan 2012 -- The Russian Air Force will receive over 30 Vityaz and 100 Pantsir-S air defense systems by 2020, spokesman Col. Vladimir Drik said on Monday.
• Russian Helicopters Delivers First Mi-171A2 Fuselage RIA Novosti 23 Jan 2012 -- Russian Helicopters' Ulan Ude factory has delivered the first fuselage for the Mil Mi-171A2 to its Mil Moscow plant for completion of one of two test aircraft, the company said on Monday.
• Russian Army Buys Cutting-Edge Mine Detectors RIA Novosti 23 Jan 2012 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has begun buying a new mine-detection device able to spot inactivated mines, hidden underground or inside buildings, Southern Military District spokesman Colonel Igor Gorbul said on Monday.
• Officer Jailed for Burning Paper-Wrapped Soldier RIA Novosti 23 Jan 2012 -- A commander of a Russian military unit who wrapped a soldier in toilet paper from head to toe and then set him on fire was found guilty by a Kursk Region court, a military investigation department said on Monday.
• Russia Hands Over Nerpa Nuclear Sub to India RIA Novosti 23 Jan 2012 -- Russia's K-152 Nerpa nuclear-powered attack submarine has been handed over to the Indian Navy, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported on Monday.
• Russia to Sell 36 Yak-130 Jets to Syria RIA Novosti 23 Jan 2012 -- Russia and Syria have signed a $550-million contract on the delivery of 36 Yakovlev Yak-130 Mitten combat trainer, the Kommersant daily quoted on Monday a source close to Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport as saying.
• HMS Westminster deploys to Middle East UK MOD 23 Jan 2012 -- Royal Navy warship HMS Westminster sailed from Portsmouth today, 23 January 2012, for a seven-month deployment to the Middle East and Indian Ocean.
• January 23, 2012 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 23 Jan 2012
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 1/23/12 The White House 23 Jan 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for January 23, 2012
• Boeing Receives Additional US Air Force JDAM Contract Boeing 23 Jan 2012 -- The Boeing Company received a $126 million contract from the U.S. Air Force on Nov. 30 for approximately 5,000 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits. Deliveries will begin in June 2013 and continue through May 2014.
• General Dynamics Rifleman Radio and GD300 Go to Afghanistan with U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment General Dynamics 23 Jan 2012 -- The General Dynamics C4 Systems JTRS HMS Rifleman Radio (AN/PRC-154) and the General Dynamics Itronix GD300 wearable computer deployed this month to Afghanistan with elements of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
• Hamilton Sundstrand delivers its first Central Atmosphere Monitoring System IIA to the U.S. Navy Hamilton Sundstrand 23 Jan 2012 -- In a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by U.S. Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano and other government officials on Jan. 12, Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation dedicated its new state-of-the art lean manufacturing line for the next generation Central Atmosphere Monitoring System, designated the CAMS IIA.
• CACI Awarded $189 Million in Previously Unannounced Intelligence Contracts CACI 23 Jan 2012 -- CACI International Inc announced today that it has been awarded approximately $189 million in previously unannounced contracts with federal government clients in the Intelligence Community (IC).

Other Conflicts

• 23 January 2012 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 Jan 2012
• Syria Rejects Arab League Transfer Plan RFE/RL 23 Jan 2012 -- Syria has rejected a new Arab League road map for peace that would see President Bashar al-Assad handing power to a deputy.
• EU Tightens Syria Sanctions RIA Novosti 23 Jan 2012 -- The European Union foreign ministers on Monday adopted new sanctions against Syria, the EU press service said.
• Syria Denies Arab League Call for Power Transfer VOA 23 Jan 2012 -- Syria has rejected a new Arab League initiative to end the country's 10-month-old opposition uprising.
• ICC sends prominent Kenyans to trial for crimes related to post-election violence UN News Centre 23 Jan 2012 -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) today ruled that four prominent Kenyans, including the deputy prime minister, are to stand trial for crimes against humanity and other offences allegedly committed following general elections in late 2007.
• ICC: 4 Kenyans to Face Trial for Post-Election Violence VOA 23 Jan 2012 -- The Hague-based International Criminal Court, or ICC, has ruled that four Kenyans accused of masterminding Kenya's 2007-to-2008 post-election violence must stand trial, while charges against two other Kenyans were dropped due to insufficient evidence.
• Press Conference by Head of South Sudan Mission United Nations 23 Jan 2012
• South Sudan: UN envoy urges sending more Government forces to troubled state UN News Centre 23 Jan 2012 -- The top United Nations envoy in South Sudan stressed today that the best way to protect civilians in the strife-torn state of Jonglei is through military deterrence and urged the Government to deploy more troops and police in the area to patrol buffer zones between rival communities and defuse tensions.
• SOUTH SUDAN: Moving beyond violence in Jonglei IRIN 23 Jan 2012 -- Wounded civilians from both sides of an escalating conflict between the Lou Nuer and Murle communities in South Sudan's Jonglei state lie side by side in the steaming heat of a hospital ward in the new country's capital, Juba.
• French Senate Debates Armenian Genocide Bill RFE/RL 23 Jan 2012 -- The French Senate is debating a bill that would make it a crime to deny that the mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks nearly a century ago was genocide.
• No Breakthrough in Karabakh Summit Talks RIA Novosti 23 Jan 2012 -- The latest round of talks between the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders on Nagorny Karabakh yielded no breakthroughs, but the presidents agreed to step up efforts to achieve a lasting peace.
• UN tribunal welcomes arrest of former member of Serb paramilitary forces UN News Centre 23 Jan 2012 -- The United Nations war crimes tribunal for the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s welcomed the arrest of Radovan Stankovic, a former member of a Serb paramilitary unit who faces multiple charges for crimes against humanity.
• Darfur: Security Council condemns attack on UN-African Union peacekeepers UN News Centre 23 Jan 2012 -- The Security Council today strongly condemned this weekend's attack on a United Nations-African Union patrol in Darfur, which resulted in one death, and called on the Sudanese Government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
• General Assembly President and Somali Minister discuss security in Mogadishu UN News Centre 23 Jan 2012 -- The President of the General Assembly, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, held talks today with the Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, in which he discussed the developments in the security situation in the country.
• UN-facilitated talks between Cypriot leaders begin in New York UN News Centre 23 Jan 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met today with the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities as they began two days of United Nations-facilitated talks on reunifying the divided Mediterranean island nation.

News Reports

• Swedish FM urges stepped up EU diplomacy on Iran nuclear deadlock IRNA 23 Jan 2012 -- Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt on Monday called on the European Union to step up diplomatic efforts to resolve the stalemate over Tehran's nuclear program, according to German Press Agency dpa.
• Iran not to allow creating tension in Strait of Hormuz: Envoy ISNA 23 Jan 2012 -- Iranian ambassador to Bulgaria Gholamreza Bagheri-Moghaddam said the country would not allow anyone to create tension in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Ahmadinejad says sanctions not to impede Iran's progress ISNA 23 Jan 2012 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad stressed sanctions have not and would never affect Iran's progresses.
• Iran says not to 'smile' in case of threat against interests ISNA 23 Jan 2012 -- An Iranian Parliamentarian said the country's response to any threat against its interests would not be 'smile.'
• Iran dismisses Sarkozy's remarks on nuclear issue ISNA 23 Jan 2012 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast dismissed French President Nicolas Sarkozy's remarks on Iranian nuclear issue.
• EU Ministers Adopt Iran Oil Embargo; Russia Says It Won't Help RFE/RL 23 Jan 2012 -- Iran's most valuable asset. Negotiations are currently ongoing with several countries, including Saudi Arabia, to replace the Iranian imports.
• EU Bans Iranian Oil Imports RIA Novosti 23 Jan 2012 -- The European Union slapped an embargo on Iranian oil supplies on Monday, the Council of the European Union said in a press statement.
• Experts from UN nuclear watchdog agency to visit Iran next week UN News Centre 23 Jan 2012 -- Experts from the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will visit Iran next week in an effort to resolve outstanding issues related to the country's nuclear programme, it was announced today.
• EU Imposes Oil Embargo on Iran VOA 23 Jan 2012 -- The European Union has imposed an oil embargo on Iran, effective July 1 - taking away 20 percent of Iran's current oil sales. The embargo is intended to increase pressure on Iran's government to allow inspections to ensure its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes, as Iran's leaders say it is.
• Putin: Ethnic Tensions could 'Destroy' Russia RIA Novosti 23 Jan 2012 -- Prime Minister Vladimir Putin combined on Monday a stark warning that rising nationalism poses a threat to Russia’s very future with calls for a clampdown on “disrespectful” internal migrants.
• Kazakh Police Raid Opposition Party Office RFE/RL 23 Jan 2012 -- Kazakh security services have searched the Almaty office of the unregistered Algha (Forward) party, as well as the homes of the opposition party's leader and several activists.
• Russia Readies ISS Space Freighter Launch RIA Novosti 23 Jan 2012 -- A Soyuz-U launch vehicle carrying the Progress M-14M cargo spacecraft will be transported to a launch site at the Baikonur space center on Tuesday, Russian space agency Roscosmos said.
• Islamist Named Speaker of Egypt House VOA 23 Jan 2012 -- Egypt's lower house of parliament convened Monday for the first time since democratic elections ushered in a new crop of lawmakers, many of them representing Islamist parties.