Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 09 Feb 2012 [PDF]
• Combined Force Captures Taliban Facilitator AFPS 09 Feb 2012 -- An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator and detained another suspected insurgent in the Nawa district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
• Karzai Condemns Deadly NATO Air Strike RFE/RL 09 Feb 2012 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai has "strongly condemned" a NATO air strike that killed at least eight children in eastern Afghanistan.
• Karzai Extends Deadline For Bagram Prison Handover RFE/RL 09 Feb 2012 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai extended on February 9 a unilateral deadline for the transfer of full control of Bagram Prison to the Afghan authorities.
• 12th Mechanized Brigade to replace 20th Armoured Brigade in Helmand UK MOD 09 Feb 2012 -- 12th Mechanized Brigade will replace 20th Armoured Brigade in April 2012 as the lead formation of British troops in Helmand province.
• U.S. Marine Unit Photographed With 'Nazi SS' Flag RFE/RL 09 Feb 2012 -- The U.S. Marine Corps says one of its scout sniper teams in Afghanistan had posed for a photo in front of a flag with a logo resembling that of the Nazi SS.
• Afghans Accuse Authorities Of Passport Scam RFE/RL 09 Feb 2012 -- A shortage of blank passports in Afghanistan has led to a flourishing black market for the little blue books, according to Afghans who say they have had to go underground to obtain them.
• U.S. Drone Strike Reportedly Kills Pakistan Al-Qaeda Leader RFE/RL 09 Feb 2012 -- A U.S. drone missile strike in Pakistan is reported to have killed Badar Mansoor, the leader of a Pakistani Taliban faction with close ties to Al-Qaeda.
• US Drone Kills Top Militant in NW Pakistan VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- Pakistani intelligence sources say a U.S. drone strike in northwest Pakistan has killed a senior militant with links to al-Qaida.
• US drones in Pakistan multiply militants: FM IRNA 09 Feb 2012 -- The U.S. drones hitting targets on Pakistani territory is illegal, and involvement of the Pakistani spy agencies with Taliban not even worthy of comment, Pakistan’s foreign minister said.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Possible Guantanamo Detainee Transfer Questioned VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- A new U.S. congressional report says the US cannot ensure that former detainees at the Guantanamo Bay military prison will not become involved in insurgent activities.
• General: President, Military Insisted on Strategy-driven Budget AFPS 09 Feb 2012 -- The new defense strategy guidance laid out by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta last month is a blueprint for the budget proposal President Barack Obama will announce next week.
• DOD News Briefing on Women in Service Review DoD 09 Feb 2012
• Department Opens More Military Positions to Women DoD 09 Feb 2012
• New Policies Reflect Realities of Modern Warfare, Officials Say AFPS 09 Feb 2012 -- Defense Department policy changes announced today reflect both women’s increased roles in and out of combat and the fact that war is no longer linear.
• DOD Opens More Jobs, Assignments to Military Women AFPS 09 Feb 2012 -- Military women, particularly soldiers, will see more than 14,000 new job or assignment opportunities because of policy changes the Defense Department announced.
• Army to open six jobs, combat battalion staff positions to women Army News 09 Feb 2012 -- The Army announced its intent today to open six occupational specialties and more than 13,000 positions to women.
• AF 'Energy Horizons' paper AFNS 09 Feb 2012 -- The Air Force's Energy Horizons paper was released Feb. 9 and describes how the Service plans to increase energy supply, reduce demand and change the culture to meet mission requirements.
• Pacom Nominee Calls Regional Allies Bedrock of Strategy AFPS 09 Feb 2012 -- Japan, South Korea and other traditional allies will remain the bedrock of U.S. strategy in the Pacific even as the nation reaches out to others, President Barack Obama’s nominee to lead US Pacific Command said.
• U.S. Army Pacific commander tours ongoing expansion in Japan Army News 09 Feb 2012 -- The commander of U.S. Army Pacific was at the headquarters installation of his previous command for a firsthand look at the significant transformations.
• Navy to Build Two New Oceanographic Research Vessels NNS 09 Feb 2012 -- The Navy has awarded $70 million to a West Coast-based shipyard to begin building the second of two modern oceanographic research vessels.
• Poseidon Lands at Naval Air Station Jacksonville for Weapons Certification NNS 09 Feb 2012 -- A three-day conventional weapons technical proficiency inspection for Patrol Squadron 30 ordnance personnel supporting the P-8A Poseidon aircraft began Feb. 6.
• Landing support crucial to amphibious assault USMC News 09 Feb 2012 -- Landing support Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group were crucial on the shores of Onslow Beach.
• French LCAT Visits Wasp NNS 09 Feb 2012 -- Amphibious assault ship USS Wasp welcomed France's newest amphibious craft Feb. 7 as part of the joint operations that make an essential piece of Exercise Bold Alligator 2012.
• NWDC Keeps Bold Alligator Under Control NNS 09 Feb 2012 -- The commander of Navy Warfare Development Command provided the media an opportunity to observe how Bold Alligator 2012.
• 'War Eagles' Visit Singapore to Increase Interoperability NNS 09 Feb 2012 -- Sailors from the "War Eagles" of Patrol Squadron 16 conducted a training exercise with the Singapore Armed Forces in Singapore Jan. 29 through Feb. 2.
• Aging infrastructure threatens U.S. security, says USACE nominee Army News 09 Feb 2012 -- A national strategy is needed to determine U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project priorities and funding, said Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
• Public Works Department Introduces Electric Vehicles on Base NNS 09 Feb 2012 -- New battery powered vehicles arrived at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi (NASCC) Jan. 20 that will help reduce petroleum usage and decrease pollution caused by motor vehicle exhaust.
• Army Looks to Ensure Consistent PTSD Diagnosis AFPS 09 Feb 2012 -- The Army is investigating how post-traumatic stress disorder is diagnosed to ensure consistency at all hospitals, the service’s surgeon general told Congress.
• Historian Explains War of 1812’s Impact on National Defense AFPS 09 Feb 2012 -- The War of 1812 was a watershed moment in the nation’s development of a strong national defense system.
• Deputy PM Rogozin Urges Russian Defense Industry Upgrade RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin urged an upgrade of the country’s defense industry.
• Russian Army Must ‘Instill Fear in Enemies’ – Rogozin RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- The Russian defense industry must produce only those types of weaponry that would allow the Armed Forces to operate effectively in the conditions of modern warfare, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said.
• St. Petersburg Radar to be Put on Alert in Feb. RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- This month a new radar of the Voronezh class will be put on alert duty near Russia’s second largest city of St. Petersburg as part of Russia’s early warning system.
• Russia’s Bulava-Carrying Subs to Enter Service in Summer RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- Russia’s newest nuclear-powered submarines, the Yury Dolgoruky and the Alexander Nevsky, will be put into operation in the summer.
• Russian Navy to Drop Lada Class Subs – CinC Vysotsky RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- The Russian Navy has decided against construction of Lada class submarines (Project 677) and will instead modernize its existing boats.
• Russia to Convert Belgorod Submarine for Special Missions RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- Russia’s Sevmash shipyard is to convert the multirole Project 949AM nuclear submarine Belgorod for a “series of special missions.”
• Russia Set to Build World’s Most Powerful Laser Station RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- Russia is set to build the world’s most powerful dual-purpose laser station at the approximate cost of 45 billion rubles ($1.5 billion).
• Taiwan MND rebuts failure to spot Chinese 'spy' vessel CNA 09 Feb 2012 -- The Ministry of National Defense dismissed a report that the navy failed to recognize a Chinese "spy" vessel.
• Taiwan dismisses nuclear waste storage concerns CNA 09 Feb 2012 -- Taiwan's nuclear safety regulator dismissed a report that raised doubts about the security of facilities storing spent reactor fuel in Taiwan.
• Peace-seeking naval patrols in int’l waters to continue: Sayyari IRNA 09 Feb 2012 -- Peace-seeking naval patrol of Iranian naval ships would continue in international waters, Commander of Islamic Republic of Iran Navy Rear Admiral Emir Habibollah Sayyari said.
• Commanders of Iran, Oman navies meet IRNA 09 Feb 2012 -- Commanders of Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and Omani Royal Navy met and conferred in Tehran.
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, February 9, 2012 US Dept. of State 09 Feb 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 09, 2012
• Israel Aerospace Industries Awarded $36 Million Contracts for Electronic Counter-Measures Pods for Fighter Aircraft Israel Aerospace Industries 09 Feb 2012 -- Israel Aerospace Industries Awarded $36 Million Contracts for Electronic Counter-Measures Pods for Fighter Aircraft
• Israel Aerospace Industries Awarded $35 Million Contracts to Supply Its ELM-2022A Airborne Maritime Surveillance Radars to Foreign Customers Israel Aerospace Industries 09 Feb 2012 -- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) was awarded $35 million contracts to supply the ELM-2022A advanced multi-mode airborne maritime surveillance radar to two foreign customers.
• Israel Aerospace Industries Awarded a $150 Million Contract for Supplying Fighter Aircraft Fire Control Radars Israel Aerospace Industries 09 Feb 2012 -- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)'s ELTA Systems will provide fire control radars for installation on a foreign customer's fighter aircraft.
• Raytheon Releases Software Upgrade for Airborne Communication System Raytheon 09 Feb 2012 -- Raytheon Company is tripling the satellite capacity for all AN/ARC-231 airborne radio terminals at no cost to the end-user. The enhancement is provided by an upgrade to Integrated Waveform (IW) software, following successful field tests hosted by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 9 February 2012 United Nations 09 Feb 2012
• Security Council hears call for closer ties between UN and European security bloc UN News Centre 09 Feb 2012 -- A closer partnership between the United Nations and the 56-member Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe is vital.
• Analysts: Iran’s Nuclear Program Could Provoke War VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- The Obama administration is talking with Israeli officials and monitoring developments about a possible Israeli attack on Iran.
• Israel Debates Possible Fallout From Attack on Iran VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- In recent months, Israeli leaders have stepped up their rhetoric about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
• Activists: Assad Forces Kill 60 in Syria's Homs, Hospitals Overwhelmed VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- Syrian rights activists say government forces have bombarded the rebellious central city of Homs for a sixth day.
• Syrian Forces Pound Homs, Western Diplomacy Continues VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- Syrian government forces continued their attacks on several rebellious areas across the country.
• UN official urges Syria to immediately end violations against children UN News Centre 09 Feb 2012 -- After another day of deadly violence in Syria, a senior United Nations official added her voice to calls on the country’s Government to stop the killing and maiming of children.
• Shells Target Syrian Flashpoint City VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- Syrian rights activists say government forces have continued their assault on the central city of Homs.
• Syrian Homs Security Crackdown Continues RFE/RL 09 Feb 2012 -- What's described as a major Syrian government security operation in the central city of Homs has been continuing, and Syrian opposition activists say up to 31 civilians have been killed.
• Violence Continues in Homs, 117 Killed RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- At least 117 people were killed in the Syrian city of Homs in the bombardment that has continued there since February 4.
• Russia, China Seek Cooperation with Arab League on Syria RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- The Arab League, Russia and China will jointly coordinate efforts to end the violence in Syria.
• UN, Arab League May Send Joint Observer Mission to Syria RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- The United Nations and the League of Arab States are considering sending a joint observer mission to Syria in a renewed effort to stop violence.
• Russia Against Outside Intervention in Syria – Defense Ministry RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- Russia’s Defense Ministry reiterated its position stated earlier by the Foreign Ministry: Russia will do its best to avoid military intervention in Syria.
• No Recognition for Friends of Syria Group – Russian Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- Moscow does not consider the U.S-backed Friends of Syria Group legitimate, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said.
• Iran calls for release of all kidnapped citizens in Syria soon IRNA 09 Feb 2012 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Hossien Amir-Abdollahian hoped for freedom of the remaining abducted Iranian nationals in Syria soon.
• Al-Qaida: Somalia's al-Shabab Has Joined Network VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- Al-Qaida's leader says the Somalia-based militant group al-Shabab has joined the terrorist network.
• Somali Minister Decries Latest Al-Shabab Attack VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- A Somali deputy national security minister has expressed disappointment over Wednesday’s suicide car bombing outside a hotel in the capital, Mogadishu.
• Peace Eludes South Sudan's Jonglei State VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- Inter-tribal fighting in South Sudan's Jonglei state is testing the government's ability to maintain security, while church-led peace efforts have stalled, raising the possibility of more violence.
• In South Sudan, work begins on UN-backed training centre for ex-soldiers UN News Centre 09 Feb 2012 -- The UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan has helped to launch the construction of a training centre in the west of the country that is aimed at helping former soldiers disarm, demobilize and return to civilian life.
• No Need to Tighten Sudan Sanctions - Russia RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- Russia sees no reason to tighten UN sanctions on Sudan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said.
• Rights Group Criticizes Russia, China for Supplying Sudan with Weapons VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- Amnesty International says that weapons from Russia and China are being used by the Sudanese government to commit serious human rights violations against civilians.
• ICRC: Fighting in Northern Mali Displaces 30,000 VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross says at least 30,000 people have been displaced in northern Mali, where Tuareg fighters have launched a renewed rebellion against the government.
• Clashes With PKK In Southeastern Turkey Leave 14 Dead RFE/RL 09 Feb 2012 -- Thirteen militants and one Turkish soldier have been killed in southeastern Turkey in clashes between security forces and Kurdish fighters.
• In meeting with Serbian official, Ban welcomes easing of tensions in northern Kosovo UN News Centre 09 Feb 2012 -- The situation in northern Kosovo and the ongoing process of European Union-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade topped talks between Secretary-General Ban and Serbia’s FM Jeremic.
• UN Hails Resumption Of Serbia-Kosovo Dialogue RFE/RL 09 Feb 2012 -- The assistant secretary-general for UN peacekeeping operations, Edmond Mulet, has told the UN Security Council the resumption of dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, after a three-month break, is helping ease tensions.
• Kosovo: A view from the street NATO 09 Feb 2012 -- Kosovo has seen much progress since its declaration of independence in 2008.
• Russian Bombers Prompt Complaints From Japan RFE/RL 09 Feb 2012 -- Russia's Defense Ministry says two Russian strategic bombers have returned to their base in Siberia following a 16-hour training patrol over international waters north of Japan.
• Japan Scrambles Fighters to Meet Russian Bombers RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force had to scramble fighter jets in response to flights by Russian military aircraft near Japanese airspace.

News Reports

• Iranian satellite sends photos from Earth IRNA 09 Feb 2012 -- For the second consecutive day, Navid satellite sent to stations the latest photos it has taken from Earth, project manager of Navid Satellite project, Hossein Bolandi said.
• Egyptian Charges Against US Groups Deepen Rift with Washington VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- Egypt's decision to bring criminal charges against 19 Americans and other activists is deepening a rift between Washington and Cairo at a time of growing instability in the Middle East.
• Pakistan PM files appeal in court contempt case IRNA 09 Feb 2012 -- Pakistan PM Gilani filed an appeal against a Supreme Court’s order of summoning him in contempt of court proceedings.
• Pakistan Supreme Court Takes Hard Line Against PM VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court says it will drop contempt charges against Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani if he complies with an order to reopen old corruption cases against the president.
• Human Rights Activist Describes White House Meeting on China VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- The head of a prominent human rights organization has spoken about a meeting he and three other rights activists had with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
• Biden Meets Chinese Human Rights Activists VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has met with activists about what the White House calls a “deterioration” in China’s human rights situation.
• Human Rights Seen as Key Focus During Chinese VP's Visit VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- The threats to stability come at a time when the U.S. and China are increasingly reliant on each other - and are economic competitors.
• China Shows New Assertiveness as VP Prepares for US Visit VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- China is continuing to stress the need for Sino-American cooperation, as Vice President Xi Jinping heads to the United States next week.
• U.S. Charges Chinese Company With Theft Of Industrial Secrets RFE/RL 09 Feb 2012 -- U.S. prosecutors have accused the Chinese company Pangang Group with conspiracy to commit economic espionage.
• Senior UN official urges all sides in the Maldives to avoid political retribution UN News Centre 09 Feb 2012 -- A senior United Nations official urged all sides in the Maldives to exercise restraint and avoid acts of political retribution.
• Maldives Issues Arrest Warrant for Former Leader VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- A criminal court in the Maldives has issued an arrest warrant for the country's first democratically elected president, who says he was ousted in a coup earlier this week.
• Libya: UN welcomes adoption of electoral laws UN News Centre 09 Feb 2012 -- The United Nations political mission in Libya welcomed the North African country’s adoption of new electoral laws.
• ISRAEL: The tribulations of being an Ethiopian Jew IRIN 09 Feb 2012 -- An estimated 125,000 Ethiopian Jews live in Israel, but while they are supposed to be full citizens with equal rights, their community has continued to face widespread discrimination and socio-economic difficulties.
• US Approves First New Nuclear Plants in Decades VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved licenses for new nuclear reactors for the first time in more than three decades.
• U.S. Approves First Nuclear Reactors Since 1978 RFE/RL 09 Feb 2012 -- The U.S. government has approved the construction of the first nuclear reactors to be built in the country since 1978.
• Kremlin attacks on US Embassy: Electioneering or End of Reset? VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- For three years, Michael McFaul worked in the White House to promote a “reset’ in relations between the United States and Russia.
• Putin Not to Meet PACE Observers – Spokesman RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- Russian PM Putin does not intend to meet with representatives from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe who have arrived in Russia to observe the presidential election.
• Romanian Parliament Approves New Government RFE/RL 09 Feb 2012 -- Romania's parliament has approved a new government led by former foreign espionage chief Mihai Razvan Ungureanu.
• Russia Questions U.S. Justice Over Bout Appeal – Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- The New York court's rejection of an appeal by Russian citizen Viktor Bout raises questions about the independence and impartiality of the judicial system of the United States.
• Viktor Bout to Be Sentenced on March 12 – U.S. Court RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2012 -- A New York court has rejected an appeal from Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout against his conviction on arms trafficking charges and set his sentencing for March 12.
• Internationally Acclaimed Spanish Judge Disbarred VOA 09 Feb 2012 -- Spain's Supreme Court has disbarred a crusading judge known for pursuing dictators and others accused of violating human rights.