Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 25 Jan 2012 [PDF]
• Statement by the President on Successful Hostage Rescue The White House 25 Jan 2012
• Statement by Secretary Panetta on Hostage Rescue Operation in Somalia DOD 25 Jan 2012
• Officials: Medical Concern for Somalia Hostage Prompted Rescue AFPS 25 Jan 2012 -- Joint special operations forces team rescued of two hostages - one of whom was seriously ill - from an armed encampment in Somalia.
• U.S. Forces Rescue Kidnapped American, Danish Humanitarian Workers in Somalia AFRICOM 25 Jan 2012 -- By the order of the President of the United States and under the direction of US Africa Command, early Wednesday morning, January 25, 2012, U.S. Special Operations Forces rescued an American citizen and a Danish citizen from captivity in Somalia.
• Special Operations Forces Rescue Hostages in Somalia AFPS 25 Jan 2012 -- Special operations forces rescued an American woman and Danish man who had been held captive in Somalia for three months, President Barack Obama announced.
• American, Dane Safe After US Rescue Operation in Somalia VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- U.S. military officials say two Westerners - an American and a Danish national - are safe after being rescued from gunmen in Somalia by U.S. special operations troops.
• Obama Praises Rescue Of Somalia Hostages RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- President Barack Obama has praised U.S. special forces for rescuing two foreign aid workers, including an American, who had been held hostage by pirates in Somalia since October.
• Combined Force Kills Insurgents in Afghanistan AFPS 25 Jan 2012 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in the Kot district of Afghanistan’s Faryab province.
• Peace process can only be successful if it is led by Afghans, says new UN envoy UN News Centre 25 Jan 2012 -- Afghanistan’s peace process can only be successful if it is Afghan-led and inclusive, the new United Nations envoy to the country stated.
• New UN Envoy: Afghans Should Lead Peace Talks VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- The new United Nations envoy to Afghanistan says any peace talks with the Taliban must be Afghan-led in order to be successful.
• Georgia to Almost Double its Troops in Afghanistan in 2012 RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2012 -- Georgia plans to strengthen its almost 1,000-strong peacekeeping contingent in Afghanistan by 700 more troops in 2012.
• Landstuhl Medical Center Saves Lives, Advances Medicine AFPS 25 Jan 2012 -- Medical-surgical teams at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center save the lives every day of warriors wounded in Afghanistan and, until recently, wounded in Iraq.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Bold Alligator 2012 to Revitalize Amphibious Operations NNS 25 Jan 2012 -- Commander, United States Fleet Forces (USFF) and Commander, Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM) will lead the East Coast's largest joint and multinational amphibious assault exercise in the past ten years officials announced Jan. 25.
• ACU4 Certifies French Ship FS Mistral in Preparation for Bold Alligator 2012 NNS 25 Jan 2012 -- Assault Craft Unit Four (ACU4) Sailors trained with the crew of French projection and command ship (BPC) FS Mistral (L9013) Jan. 24-25, to certify the ship's well deck for operations with the U.S. Navy's landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) in preparation for Bold Alligator 2012.
• Sailors Cross-Train aboard Vicksburg during COMPTUEX NNS 25 Jan 2012 -- The Operations department aboard Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) took on some additional crew members while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 19.
• Kandahar Role 3 Students Take HMMVV Egress Assistance Trainer Class NNS 25 Jan 2012 -- Kandahar Role 3 Hospital course non-medical support-staff Sailors attended a High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) Egress Assistance Trainer familiarization class Jan. 18, at the Marine Corps Base Tactical Vehicle Simulation Center aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif.
• US 3rd Fleet Commander Discusses Training Navy, Marine Corps Team at West 2012 NNS 25 Jan 2012 -- The commander of U.S. 3rd Fleet discussed the importance of providing Sailors and Marines realistic, relevant training during a panel discussion Jan. 24, at 'West 2012,' a conference and exposition co-sponsored by the U.S. Naval Institute and the Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association.
• USS Nicholas Deploys NNS 25 Jan 2012 -- Guided-missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47) departed Naval Station Norfolk Jan. 17 for a regularly scheduled deployment to South America after recently completing the Basic Phase training and certification.
• Squadrons Team Up For E-2D Evaluation NNS 25 Jan 2012 -- Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1 combined forces with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 to bring a joint detachment to Naval Air Station Jacksonville Jan. 16, to help meet its schedule for the E-2D Hawkeye Initial Operational Test and Evaluation.
• Mesa Verde visits Barcelona NNS 25 Jan 2012 -- After 314 days deployed from their homeport of Norfolk, Va., the Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) enjoyed a final liberty port visit in Barcelona, Spain, Jan. 20-23.
• VAW-123 Support Personnel Prepare for Enterprise's Final Deployment NNS 25 Jan 2012 -- As the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) enters the second week of its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) Jan. 23, Sailors assigned to the carrier's squadrons continue to work around the clock to ensure their aircraft and the personnel who make them fly are ready for Big E's upcoming deployment.
• State and federal agencies establish continuum of response and capabilities Army News 25 Jan 2012 -- Over the last several decades, the United States has developed an array of homeland defense measures aimed at ensuring the safety of our citizens from the forces of man as well as providing measures for recovery from incidents and accidents that arise from the forces of nature.
• Army Materiel Command saves $191 million in Afghanistan Army News 25 Jan 2012 -- Army Materiel Command's life cycle management command personnel nested in the 401st Army Field Support Brigade realized cost savings and cost avoidance of more than $191 million during 2011 by means that ranged from picking through the trash to securing special engineering approval to perform depot level repairs.
• Army engineering team builds solutions in Afghanistan Army News 25 Jan 2012 -- American Soldiers in Afghanistan confronted with a technological hurdle have a new resource they can engage.
• Contracting support to CENTCOM nearly doubles in combat areas Army News 25 Jan 2012 -- The Army Contracting Command is almost doubling its support to the war fighter in theater this fiscal year, sending almost 100 contingency contracting officers to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar.
• Annual pre-deployment exercise attracts joint participation Army News 25 Jan 2012 -- 'The simulations were real, the sounds were real -- I left there feeling that I could actually save someone's life,' said Capt. Gina Ferguson, 634th Contingency Contracting Team, Fort Riley, Kan., of the training she received during Joint Dawn 2012 exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan. 19- Feb 3.
• Army's largest renewable energy project part of $61 million energy contracts Army News 25 Jan 2012 -- The Army has awarded three Energy Savings Performance Contracts with a total value of $61 million, including one that will result in the largest renewable energy project executed to date by the Army.
• The Army's Best Kept Secret Floats Army News 25 Jan 2012 -- The 824th Transportation Company, a Reserve unit from Moorehead City, N.C., just arrived in Kuwait to start their yearlong deployment. The home away from home has a unique feature, it floats.
• Odierno: Army seeks increased partnerships in Asia Army News 25 Jan 2012 -- The Army is looking for increased opportunities to partner with allies in Asia, including both Korea and Japan.
• U.S. Marine To Serve No Time Over Iraq Killings RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- A U.S. Marine convicted over the killing of 24 civilians in Iraq will not serve time in jail.
• Hale Urges Stable Environment to Promote Fiscal Improvements AFPS 25 Jan 2012 -- The Pentagon comptroller thanked Congress for its role in helping the Defense Department improve its auditing processes.
• U.S., Canada Strengthen Bilateral Security Relationship AFPS 25 Jan 2012 -- The United States and Canada expanded their security relationship by entering into two new agreements and renewing another that promote closer cross-border cooperation and lay out both countries’ roles and responsibilities in the event of a natural disaster or attack.
• Kalashnikov Rifle Maker Sales up 57.4% in 2011 RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2012 -- Izhmash, the manufacturer of Kalashnikov AK assault rifles, said its sales were up 57.4 percent last year.
• Leave the landing light on UK MOD 25 Jan 2012 -- Welcome to the deck of one of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, due in service by the end of the decade.
• HMS Liverpool to visit London on farewell tour UK MOD 25 Jan 2012 -- HMS Liverpool recently returned from a seven-month deployment off Libya where she played a key role as part of NATO's task force during the conflict.
• Britain Discouraging 'Occupy'-Style Protests Around Olympics VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- Britain is sending a warning to anyone hoping to launch "Occupy"-style protests during the London Olympics.
• Olympic security training continues with military aviation exercise UK MOD 25 Jan 2012 -- Royal Air Force and Royal Navy aircraft are in operation over the skies of Yorkshire as part of a major training exercise to prepare for this year's Olympic Games.
• India proposes panel to address border issues with Myanmar IRNA 25 Jan 2012 -- In a bid to strengthen military ties with Myanmar, India has proposed a number of measures.
• India conducts flight trials of micro, mini air vehicles IRNA 25 Jan 2012 -- Flight trials of Micro and Mini Air Vehicles were conducted at Hoskote near Bangalore.
• Ukraine Boosts Military Budget by 30% RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2012 -- Ukraine’s 2012 military spending will increase by around 30 percent, to about $2 billion or 1.1 percent of GDP.
• January 25, 2012 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 25 Jan 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for January 25, 2012
• Northrop Grumman Awarded Microscale Power Conversion Contract Northrop Grumman 25 Jan 2012 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop more efficient radio frequency (RF) transmitter technology through the Microscale Power Conversion program.
• Thales and Steyr Mannlicher sign cooperation agreement Thales 25 Jan 2012 -- Bringing together unique Australian and Austrian expertise, Thales Australia and Steyr Mannlicher have signed an agreement to cooperate on global market opportunities. Steyr Mannlicher is the original designer of the Australian Defence Force’s F88 assault rifle, which was manufactured and subsequently developed further by Thales Australia.

Other Conflicts

• 25 January 2012 - Press Conference by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at United Nations Headquarters United Nations 25 Jan 2012
• UN humanitarian arm allocates $104 million to underfunded crises UN News Centre 25 Jan 2012 -- The United Nations humanitarian office announced today the allocation of $104 million to support 13 neglected emergencies around the world.
• Russia Opposes UN Moves to Punish Syria VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- Russia says it will not support United Nations actions on Syria that may include sanctions or military intervention.
• Russia Opposes Syria Sanctions, Says 'Open To Constructive Proposals' RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- Russia's foreign minister says Moscow is "open to constructive proposals" for dealing with the crisis in Syria.
• Russia offers to host Syria peace talks RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2012 -- Moscow would agree to host talks between the Syrian authorities and opposition forces in a bid to end the violence.
• Russia Open to Dialogue on Syria - Lavrov RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2012 -- Russia is “open to constructive proposals” on settling violence in Syria but remains opposed to any UN resolution requiring all nations to abide by unilateral sanctions imposed by the West.
• Russia Slammed At UN For Supplying Arms To Syria RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- British, French, and American representatives to the UN have slammed Russia for supplying arms to Syria.
• Ban to visit Middle East to encourage Israelis and Palestinians to re-engage UN News Centre 25 Jan 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will travel to the Middle East next week to encourage the Israelis and the Palestinians to re-engage to move the peace process forward.
• Nigerian President Replaces Police Chief After Attacks VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- Jonathan's office announced Wednesday that Inspector-General Hariz Ringim has been placed on "terminal leave" until his retirement in coming months.
• Sudan Military May be Poised for Major Offensive VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- Analysts say new satellite images of Sudan’s Southern Kordofan State indicate a major government military offensive is about to begin against the Nuba people.
• Militia Leader Reported Killed In Baghdad RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- Reports from Iraq say a leader of a Sunni militia fighting Al-Qaeda militants has been killed in Baghdad.
• DR Congo: UN peacekeeping chief stresses need for stability and reconciliation UN News Centre 25 Jan 2012 -- The United Nations peacekeeping chief stressed the need for stability and reconciliation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Libya facing challenging transition, but authorities striving to succeed UN News Centre 25 Jan 2012 -- Libya is going through a difficult transition, having inherited weak state institutions and an absence of political parties.
• Diplomat: New Libyan Clashes Due to Local Dispute VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- The UN's top diplomat in Libya, Ian Martin, confirmed that recent fighting in the town of Bani Walid was due to a local dispute.
• Cyprus: Ban calls for decisive steps towards final settlement after intensive talks UN News Centre 25 Jan 2012 -- The latest round of United Nations-facilitated talks between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities have ended in New York after “robust and intensive” discussions.
• Outgoing UN envoy stresses importance of reconciliation for Liberia UN News Centre 25 Jan 2012 -- The outgoing United Nations envoy in Liberia today stressed the need for reconciliation in the country, adding that this is an essential step to consolidate stability and to ensure that the progress achieved by the democratic elections held last year can continue.
• Belgrade Dismisses War Crimes Claims Against Army Chief RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- Serbia's war crimes prosecutor has rejected war crimes allegations raised by a Belgrade-based human rights group against the country's new armed forces chief of staff.
• Court Upholds Srebrenica Genocide Conviction Of Former Bosnian Serb Police Officer RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- Bosnia-Herzegovina's war crimes court has upheld a 31-year prison sentence against a former Bosnian Serb police officer.
• 4 Former Yugoslav Army Soldiers Jailed In Montenegro For War Crimes RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- A court in Montenegro has sentenced four former Yugoslav army soldiers to up to four years in prison for war crimes committed against ethnic Croatian prisoners of war during the 1991-1995 Croatian conflict.

News Reports

• Reports: Plot To Kill Israeli Ambassador In Azerbaijan Foiled RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- Reports say two Azerbaijani citizens have been arrested in connection with an alleged plot to kill the Israeli ambassador to Baku.
• Obama: Iran 'More Isolated Than Ever' VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says the world is united in its response to Iran, leaving the country "more isolated than ever."
• Obama Vows to Stop Iran Nuclear Program by All Means RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2012 -- The US will use all available options to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, President Barack Obama said.
• Iran summons Danish envoy ISNA 25 Jan 2012 -- Iran summoned Denmark ambassador to the country following the new round of oil sanction imposed by the European Union against the Islamic Republic.
• Iran calls pressure, sanction strategy "failed" ISNA 25 Jan 2012 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast called the approach of pressure, threat and sanction against the Iranian nation "failed strategy."
• Iran Ups Interest Rates To Stem Currency Crisis RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has agreed to increase bank interest rates in an effort to halt a fall in the value of Iran's currency.
• Zionists want to deviate attentions from their crimes: Envoy IRNA 25 Jan 2012 -- The ambassador and deputy head of Iran’s representative mission in the United Nations referred to efforts of the Zionist regime's representative to elude from answering to questions posed by the numerous crimes of this illegitimate regime.
• Egyptians Mark First Anniversary of Uprising VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- Tens of thousands of Egyptians have gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square to mark one year since the start of an uprising that toppled long-time president Hosni Mubarak.
• Tens Of Thousands Gather In Cairo On Anniversary Of Anti-Mubarak Revolt RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- Tens of thousands of Egyptians gathered in central Cairo to mark the first anniversary of the mass revolt that forced Hosni Mubarak to resign as president.
• Egyptian Women Mark Year After Popular Uprising VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- Egyptian women, embattled for decades under autocratic rule, are among the tens of thousands pouring into central Cairo’s Tahrir Square to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the popular uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak.
• One Year On, Egyptians Back on Tahrir RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2012 -- Thousands of Egyptians gathered on Wednesday on Cairo's central Tahrir Square to meet the first anniversary of the uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak.
• UAE Tries to Muffle Critical Human Rights Report VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- Officials in the United Arab Emirates have attempted to prevent a leading rights group from publicizing a report that criticizes the UAE's record on free speech.
• Pakistani Prime Minister Drops Criticism Of Army RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- Pakistan's prime minister has distanced himself from earlier remarks that the military had acted unconstitutionally.
• Tibet Exiles Express Concern Over China's Killing of Protesters VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- Increasing violence between Chinese security forces and Tibetan protesters is raising alarm.
• Violence Spreads In Tibetan Areas Of China RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- Deadly clashes between Chinese security forces and ethnic Tibetans in the southwestern part of China have spread to another area.
• Japanese Report Details 'Worst-Case' Nuclear Scenario VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- The Japanese government predicted a worst-case scenario at the height of its nuclear crisis last year.
• Liberian Opposition Leader Welcomes President’s Speech VOA 25 Jan 2012 -- The leader of Liberia’s main opposition expects members of his party to be part of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s second term administration as a sign of an inclusive government.
• McFaul Pledges To Continue Reset, Not Support Revolution RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- Washington's new envoy to Russia has dismissed as "nonsense" suggestions that he was sent to Moscow to promote a revolution.
• U.S. May Lift Russia Trade Restrictions This Year - Envoy RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2012 -- The United States may scrap Cold-War era trade restrictions on Russia in the very near future, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul said.
• McFaul Denies U.S. Involvement in Opposition Rallies RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2012 -- The United States is not involved in any opposition rallies in Russia, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul said.
• Golos Election Group Vows Strong Monitoring Effort, Despite Pressure RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- Russia’s only independent election monitor announced that it plans to deploy 2,000 observers during presidential election.
• Prokhorov Allowed To Run For President, Medvedev May Run Again After Putin RFE/RL 25 Jan 2012 -- Russia’s Central Election Commission has registered Mikhail Prokhorov as a presidential candidate.
• Most Poll ‘Violations’ False - Election Commission RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2012 -- Russia’s Central Election Commission: Almost 90% of the 1,686 violation reports it received after the December 4 State Duma elections proved to be untrue.
• Jailed Belarus Opposition Activist Asks for Pardon RIA Novosti 25 Jan 2012 -- Belarusian former presidential candidate Andrei Sannikov has asked President Alexander Lukashenko for a pardon.
• Thales Alenia Space has completed integration of service module for the fourth ATV Thales 25 Jan 2012 -- Work on ATV4 (Automated Transfer Vehicle) reflects the key role of Europe and Italy in supporting the international Space Station.