Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 24 Jul 2012 [PDF]
• Combined Force Detains 2 Suspected Insurgents AFPS 24 Jul 2012 -- An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in Logar province.
• RAF Gunners join forces with US Marines in Helmand UK MOD 24 Jul 2012 -- Gunners from 51 Squadron RAF Regiment have just completed a key operation alongside the United States Marine Corps to ensure the area around Camp Bastion in Helmand province is kept safe.
• 13 Afghan Police 'Defect' To Taliban RFE/RL 24 Jul 2012 -- Officials in Afghanistan say a police commander and 12 junior officers have defected to the Taliban after poisoning seven colleagues.
• 3 Killed in Attack Near Kabul VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Gunmen have killed an American engineer and two Afghans in an area north of Kabul.
• Gunmen Kill U.S. Civilian In North Afghanistan RFE/RL 24 Jul 2012 -- Officials in Afghanistan say an American civilian who reportedly worked on development projects in northern Afghanistan, and two Afghans, have been killed in an attack claimed by Taliban militants.
• Pakistan army rejects Afghan rocket shelling claim IRNA 24 Jul 2012 -- Pakistan army has rejected claim by Afghan officials that four people were killed after hundreds of shells and rockets were fired into Afghanistan’s border region from the Pakistani territory.
• Joint live fire exercise shows Afghan progress Army News 24 Jul 2012 -- Afghan and U.S. Army Soldiers executed a joint live fire exercise for leadership from Regional Command East and International Security Assistance Force July 19 in Paktika Province.
• Gunmen Attack NATO Supply Trucks in Pakistan RFE/RL 24 Jul 2012 -- Gunmen in northwest Pakistan have attacked a convoy of container trucks carrying supplies to NATO troops in Afghanistan.
• Pakistani Taliban attack NATO supply trucks, kill driver IRNA 24 Jul 2012 -- Taliban militants in Pakistan’s Khyber agency attacked trucks, carrying supplies for NATO forces in Afghanistan, killing one driver.
• Protector MPs return home from yearlong deployment Army News 24 Jul 2012 -- After a yearlong deployment overseas 1st squad, 3rd platoon, 988th Military Police Company finished the last leg of their delayed flight from Afghanistan.
• PAKISTAN: Pressure mounts on Afghan refugees IRIN 24 Jul 2012 -- Pakistan is putting pressure on the estimated 2.8 million Afghan registered and unregistered refugees to return to their homeland by the end of 2012.
• U.S. Drone Strike Kills 11 Militants in Pakistan RIA Novosti 24 Jul 2012 -- At least 11 militants have been killed in a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan’s troubled North Waziristan tribal district on the Afghan border.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Top US Security Envoy Holds Talks in Beijing VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- The U.S. National Security Advisor is in Beijing to meet with China’s top leaders and to discuss military and security issues as well as the China’s position on the Syrian conflict and Iran.
• DOD News Briefing with George Little from the Pentagon DoD 24 Jul 2012
• DOD News Briefing with Gen. Schwartz from the Pentagon DoD 24 Jul 2012
• Statement from George Little on the CSIS Report DoD 24 Jul 2012
• Air mobility tactics, electronic warfare experts analyze adversaries AFNS 24 Jul 2012 -- Approximately 50 combat operations experts met at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base here July 16-20 for a working group on air mobility tactics.
• Panetta Lifts F-22 Raptor Flight Restrictions AFPS 24 Jul 2012 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta is satisfied the Air Force has identified the cause of hypoxia-like symptoms 12 F-22 pilots suffered, and restrictions he placed on use of the fifth-generation fighter will be lifted gradually.
• Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia Meets in New York US Dept. of State 24 Jul 2012
• U.S.-Azerbaijan Security Dialogue US Dept. of State 24 Jul 2012
• DIA Change of Director DoD 24 Jul 2012
• Panetta: Under Burgess, DIA Evolved Into Global Agency AFPS 24 Jul 2012 -- The Defense Intelligence Agency has evolved into a global agency that operates wherever U.S. forces are engaged and at every point along the chain of command.
• Biden Blasts Romney Speech Criticizing Obama Foreign Policy VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden issued a stinging rebuttal to a speech by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney condemning President Obama's foreign policy.
• Romney, Obama Clash Over US Foreign Policy VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Foreign policy has taken center stage in the U.S. presidential election campaign.
• HM-15 Honors Fallen Shipmates NNS 24 Jul 2012 -- Friends and service members gathered for a memorial service held aboard Naval Support Activity, Bahrain, July 23 to honor the lives of two fallen shipmates assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15, also known as the 'Blackhawks.'
• Exercise Sea Breeze 2012 Ends On High Note NNS 24 Jul 2012 -- The multinational Exercise Sea Breeze 2012 concluded with a closing ceremony at the Odessa Officer's Club in Odessa, Ukraine, July 21.
• Swift Conducts Crew Turnover in Naples NNS 24 Jul 2012 -- The Blue Crew of High-Speed Vessel Swift exchanged command with Swift's Gold Crew during a port visit to Naples, Italy.
• Korean War defining conflict for new Air Force AFNS 24 Jul 2012 -- While July 27th is one of the lesser-known days of remembrance for the U.S., for the Air Force, recognizing the signing of the Korean War armistice on this day in 1953 marked an era when the service came into its own.
• Army tightens body fat standards for some recruits Army News 24 Jul 2012 -- All male recruits age 17-20 who enlisted after May 16, must now have a body fat percentage of 24 or less before they begin basic training. For female recruits in that age category, their body fat must be at 30 percent or less.
• Panetta: Program Will Help Transitioning Troops Get Jobs AFPS 24 Jul 2012 -- A redesigned program for service members separating from the military will help veterans better apply the experience they’ve gained in uniform.
• Russian Arms Ship Loads up with New Secret Cargo RIA Novosti 24 Jul 2012 -- The Russian arms ship at the center of a diplomatic row between Russia and the West is loading up with a new unknown cargo at the St. Petersburg port.
• Iran’s Arms Deal Claim ‘Standard Procedure’ - Foreign Min. RIA Novosti 24 Jul 2012 -- Iran’s legal claim over Russia’s scrapping of a 2007 contract for five S-300 surface-to-air missile systems is a “standard procedure” stipulated by the contract.
• Turkish Army's Economic Might Under Growing Scrutiny VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party has forced the country’s once all-powerful army firmly back into the barracks and out of political life.
• Extra 1,200 Service personnel to provide security for Olympics UK MOD 24 Jul 2012 -- The Ministry of Defence is deploying an additional 1,200 members of the Armed Forces to provide resilience and flexibility as the busiest period of the London 2012 Games approaches.
• Britain Calls 1,200 More Troops for Olympics VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Britain's government has decided to deploy 1,200 additional troops to protect venues at the London Olympics, after a private security firm failed to supply enough guards.
• North Korea Deploys Attack Helicopters Near Sea Border RIA Novosti 24 Jul 2012 -- North Korea has placed several dozen combat helicopters near its sea border with South Korea.
• China Will Boost Friendship with DPRK: Senior Chinese Official KCNA 24 Jul 2012 -- Zhou Yongkang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, met with the visiting delegation of the DPRK Ministry of People's Security led by Minister Ri Myong Su.
• Talks between Security Delegations of DPRK, China Held KCNA 24 Jul 2012 -- Talks were held between delegations of the DPRK Ministry of People's Security and the Ministry of Public Security of China in Beijing.
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, July 24, 2012 US Dept. of State 24 Jul 2012
• Secretary Clinton Remarks With Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 24 Jul 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for July 24, 2012

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 24 July 2012 United Nations 24 Jul 2012
• Secretary Clinton Remarks at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Forward-Looking Symposium on Genocide Prevention US Dept. of State 24 Jul 2012
• Clinton: US Increasing Help for Syrian Rebels VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the United States is increasing its efforts to help Syrian rebels fighting to topple President Bashar al-Assad.
• Syrian Opposition: Assad Government Must Go VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- The spokesman for the Syrian National Council says the main opposition grouping is still demanding President Bashar al-Assad leave power.
• Syrian Rebels Say Chemical Weapons Moved To Border Areas RFE/RL 24 Jul 2012 -- Syrian rebels are accusing government forces of moving chemical weapons close to the country's borders.
• Obama Warns Syria Against Use of Chemical Weapons RIA Novosti 24 Jul 2012 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has warned the Syrian authorities that they would be held accountable if they decide to use their arsenal of chemical weapons.
• Russia Reminds Syria of Chemical Weapons Ban Obligations RIA Novosti 24 Jul 2012 -- Moscow expects the Syrian authorities to strictly comply with the country’s obligations under the ban on chemical weapons.
• Iraq Reopens Syrian Border Crossings, Pledges Help To Refugees RFE/RL 24 Jul 2012 -- Only four days after Iraq sealed its border with Syria, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has ordered all border posts to be reopened to refugees fleeing the violence in Syria.
• Violence in Syria forces more than 10,000 Iraqi refugees to leave country – UN UN News Centre 24 Jul 2012 -- Violence and threats have forced more than 10,000 Iraqi refugees in Syria to flee the country over the past week.
• UN official expresses concern over incidents on Lebanon-Syria border UN News Centre 24 Jul 2012 -- In a meeting with Lebanon’s Prime Minister, a United Nations senior official expressed concern over the over recent incidents along the country’s borders with Syria.
• SYRIA: Anticipating a hungry winter IRIN 24 Jul 2012 -- The fields in the fertile al Ghab plain stretching across eastern Syria would normally be full of crops at this time of year, but this summer some are lying fallow.
• Russians Warned Against Syria Travel RIA Novosti 24 Jul 2012 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a travel warning advising Russian nationals to refrain from traveling to Syria.
• Philippines Summons Chinese Ambassador VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- The Philippines has filed two more diplomatic protests with Beijing about territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
• Taiwan reinforces military deployment in South China Sea CNA 24 Jul 2012 -- Taiwan's military is standing ready to deploy mortars and anti-aircraft guns on Taiping Island in the South China Sea.
• South China Sea Dispute at 'Impasse,' Report Says VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- An international research organization says the South China Sea territorial dispute has reached an impasse and the prospects of finding a resolution are diminishing.
• Iraq Attacks Cloud Debate over Syria Intervention VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Bomb attacks across Iraq killed more than 100 people Monday, prompting fears that extremist groups could be making a comeback just months after the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country.
• DOD: Iraqis Capable of Responding to Insurgent Attacks AFPS 24 Jul 2012 -- The insurgent violence that left at least 100 people dead across Iraq yesterday poses a potential challenge to the Baghdad government.
• Death Toll in Iraq Attacks Hits 115 VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Iraqi officials say at least 115 people have now died after Monday's massive string of attacks across the country.
• U.S. Condemns Deadly Attacks In Iraq RFE/RL 24 Jul 2012 -- The United States has condemned a wave of shootings and bomb attacks in and around Baghdad that has left more than 100 dead and scores injured.
• UN puts forward roadmap for relocation of Iranian exiles from camp in Iraq UN News Centre 24 Jul 2012 -- The United Nations mission in Iraq presented a roadmap to the Government suggesting a series of steps to complete the peaceful relocation of Iranian exiles from Camp Ashraf to Camp Hurriya.
• Iraqi government issues deadline to evacuate Ashraf camp from MKO elements IRNA 24 Jul 2012 -- Iraqi government issued deadline to evacuate Ashraf camp from elements of terrorist Mojahedin Khalq Organization after repetitive refusal by MKO.
• Sudan Rejects South Sudan Oil Offer VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Sudan is giving a cool response to several South Sudanese proposals aimed at rejuvenating peace talks and oil production.
• Sustainable peace for Darfur in sight, but long way to go, says UN-African envoy UN News Centre 24 Jul 2012 -- A sustainable peace for the people of Darfur is in sight but the challenges still facing the Sudanese region are many.
• At least 30 Militants Killed in Tajik Anti-Mafia Raid RIA Novosti 24 Jul 2012 -- At least 30 militants were killed and 40 were arrested during a special operation in eastern Tajikistan against a mafia-style group believed to be linked to the murder of a top Tajik security official.
• Tajik Officials: About 40 Dead in Fighting Between Troops, Militants VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Tajik officials say at least 12 troops have been killed in clashes with militants led by a former warlord accused of murdering a security services chief.
• Indian Troops Ordered to Shoot on Sight in Assam State VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- In India, authorities have issued shoot on sight orders and dispatched additional troops to the northeastern state of Assam.
• Attack on Ivorian camp underscores need to combat impunity for past abuses – UN UN News Centre 24 Jul 2012 -- The UN human rights agency has condemned the attack that took place on a relocation camp for internally displaced persons in Côte d’Ivoire last week.
• On visit, Ban notes importance of normalized relations between Kosovo and Serbia UN News Centre 24 Jul 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban stressed the importance of dialogue and engagement across the region, highlighting the importance of the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia.

News Reports

• Conclusion of U.S.-China Human Rights Dialogue US Dept. of State 24 Jul 2012
• Activists Call on US to Pressure China on Human Rights VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Rights groups are calling for Washington to pressure China over its crackdown on dissent as U.S. and Chinese officials wrap up their two-day human rights dialogue.
• France Says Architect Who Flew to China for Questioning is Okay VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- France says a French architect who flew to China for questioning in connection with a major political scandal is in regular contact with French authorities.
• Chinese Woman Alleges Forced Sterilization VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- A 46-year-old woman from Jiangxi, China, is protesting that local officials forced her to be sterilized.
• Nuclear Iran, Global Powers Holding Meeting In Istanbul RFE/RL 24 Jul 2012 -- The next round of nuclear negotiations are getting under way on July 24 between Iran and the so-called P5+1 group.
• New Egyptian PM to Form Government – TV RIA Novosti 24 Jul 2012 -- Egypt's new President Mohamed Morsi has appointed Hesham Qandil, a former water resources minister, as Prime Minister and tasked him with forming a new government.
• Egypt Marks 60th Anniversary of 1952 Revolution VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- In Cairo’s Tahrir Square, a spokesperson for the Karama party urged a small crowd to complete the goals of the revolution: “bread, freedom, and human dignity.”
• Palestinians can enter Egypt needless of visa IRNA 24 Jul 2012 -- Egyptian government announced here Monday evening Palestinians can from now on enters Egypt’s soil without acquiring visas.
• Notice - Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Actions of Certain Persons to Undermine the Sovereignty of Lebanon or its Democratic Processes or Institutions The White House 24 Jul 2012
• Message - Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to the Actions of Certain Persons to Undermine the Sovereignty of Lebanon or its Democratic Processes or Institutions The White House 24 Jul 2012
• Iraqi Government Bars Chevron From Oil Fields RFE/RL 24 Jul 2012 -- The Iraqi government has announced that it is barring U.S. oil company Chevron from working at any of Iraq's oil fields unless Chevron voids a deal it signed with Kurdish authorities in northern Iraq.
• Strong Pakistani Police Cited as Key to Stability VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Pakistan’s fight against internal terrorism will be significantly bolstered by improving basic policing efforts throughout the country.
• Somalia: UN envoy welcomes progress towards adoption of new constitution UN News Centre 24 Jul 2012 -- The UN envoy for Somalia has welcomed the progress made in the selection of the 825 members of the national body that will convene this week to discuss, vote on and adopt a new provisional constitution.
• Outgoing US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Fears Violent Elections VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- The outgoing U.S. ambassador to Zimbabwe, Charles Ray, says he fears the African nation's next elections could be violent, judging by recent trends.
• Ghana's President John Atta Mills Dead at 68 VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Ghana's President John Atta Mills has died at the age of 68.
• South Korean President Apologizes for Graft Scandals VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has apologized to the nation for corruption allegations facing his brother and some of the president's top aides.