Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 12 Sep 2012 [PDF]
• Officials Confirm Recent Taliban Death, Arrests AFPS 12 Sep 2012 -- Afghan and coalition security forces today confirmed the death or arrest in recent days of three key Taliban operatives.
• NATO Afghan Bases Past 2014 'Controversial' - Lavrov RIA Novosti 12 Sep 2012 -- NATO's plans to retain military bases in Afghanistan after its combat troops withdraw by the end of 2014 are 'controversial,' Russia's foreign minister said on Wednesday.
• Dealing with redundant ammunition in Afghanistan UK MOD 12 Sep 2012

Defense Policy / Programs

• Embassies Around the World on Alert, Marines Sent to Benghazi VOA 12 Sep 2012 -- The killing of the ambassador and three diplomats in Libya and the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Egypt are raising concerns worldwide as all overseas embassies review their security practices. The events occurred on the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, which leads many to believe they were pre-planned.
• Obama Directs Security Boost at U.S. Diplomatic Posts AFPS 12 Sep 2012 -- The United States condemns in the strongest terms the outrageous and shocking attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other American personnel, President Barack Obama said this morning.
• Panetta Strongly Condemns Benghazi Attack AFPS 12 Sep 2012 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta condemned yesterday's attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi in the 'strongest possible terms,' a senior government official said.
• Official Details Benghazi Attack, Vows to Support Libya AFPS 12 Sep 2012 -- A senior government official revealed details of yesterday's deadly attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four State Department officials and wounded three others.
• F-35A maintenance training on track AFNS 12 Sep 2012 -- As the Air Force begins its Operational Utility Evaluation of the F-35A Lightning II, maintenance training to support the joint strike fighter is also preparing for key program milestones.
• Deployed Airmen build Azerbaijan partnership through mutual respect AFNS 12 Sep 2012 -- A traveling contact team consisting of ten 435th Contingency Response Group Airmen and the USAF Europe Country Desk Officer journeyed to Baku, Azerbaijan Sept. 2 to 8 to lead an exchange event focusing on airfield management, airspace management and base communication architecture to bolster the Azeris military capability.
• AF joins NATO partners in Ramstein Rover 2012 AFNS 12 Sep 2012 -- The U.S. Air Force joins 15 other nations in Ramstein Rover 2012 here from Sept. 5-22.
• DOD Pursues Improvement in Operational Contractor Management AFPS 12 Sep 2012 -- Efforts to improve management of civilian contractors performing critical mission support functions are creating a cultural shift in the way the military prepares for battle, senior Defense Department officials told the House Armed Services Committee.
• Troops Should Be Comfortable Seeking Help, Leaders Say AFPS 12 Sep 2012 -- Service members facing behavioral health challenges should feel comfortable asking for help, Defense Department leaders said here this week.
• Army rolls out networked Capability Set 13 Army News 12 Sep 2012 -- To meet the aggressive schedule the Army set for Capability Set 13 fielding, dozens of engineers and support personnel at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, in Warren, Mich., have spent the last six months immersed in design, integration and production activities on the first five 'super configuration' mine-resistant, ambush-protected prototype vehicles equipped with CS 13 assets.
• Enhanced Use Lease Project canceled at Saufley Field NNS 12 Sep 2012 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast announced Sept. 11 the termination of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and exclusive negotiations with the Saufley Group, LLC, for an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) at Saufley Field.
• Navy Logistics Supports Japan Disaster Drill NNS 12 Sep 2012 -- Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka Site Atsugi personnel assisted Japan's Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) with relief supply operations Aug. 27 onboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi in preparation for a full-scale disaster drill that took place in and around Tokyo Sept. 1.
• Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific Commander Relieves HSC-25 XO NNS 12 Sep 2012 -- The executive officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO FIVE (HSC-25), has been relieved due to misconduct.
• U.S. Fleet Forces to Conduct Change of Command NNS 12 Sep 2012 -- Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr., will be relieved by Adm. William E. Gortney as Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) in a ceremony on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) at 2 p.m., Friday, Sept 14.
• Intelligence collaboration focus of net-centric operations conference AFNS 12 Sep 2012 -- The 10th annual Net-Centric Operations conference held here Sept. 10 featured a diverse array of speakers who extolled the value of collaboration in acquiring, supporting and operating intelligence-gathering systems and cyber tools.
• KC-130J escorts Ospreys to Arabian Sea, USS Iwo Jima USMC News 12 Sep 2012 -- Marines with Detachment A, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, primarily spend their day patrolling the skies of Afghanistan as an in-flight gas station for other aircraft. However, a five-man crew successfully completed a slightly different mission, Sept. 6.
• Air-ground task force trains to safely evacuate American citizens USMC News 12 Sep 2012 -- Thousands of Americans live and work in countries all over the world. Unfortunately, some of these countries have great civil unrest, and at any time, be places deemed unsafe for Americans to reside. Despite dire situations, Americans can rest assured there is a unit trained and prepared to evacuate them in their time of need.
• Russian Strategic Bombers Carry out North Patrols RIA Novosti 12 Sep 2012 -- Two Russian Tu-95MS Bear-H strategic bombers have successfully completed a routine patrol mission over the Barents, North and Norwegian seas, the Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
• Taiwan's 'Wan Chien' missile likely to be deployed 2014 CNA 12 Sep 2012 -- Testing has been completed on long-range air-to-surface missile (ASM) developed by Taiwan, military sources said Wednesday.
• Coast guards to rehearse escorting fishing boats near Diaoyutais CNA 12 Sep 2012 -- The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said Wednesday it will dispatch two vessels the following day to rehearse procedures regarding the escort of fishing boats to waters near the disputed Diaoyutai Islands.
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Jay Carney en route Las Vegas, NV, 9/12/2012 The White House 12 Sep 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for September 12, 2012

Other Conflicts

• 12 September 2012 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Sep 2012
• UN chief welcomes General Assembly's adoption of resolution on human security UN News Centre 12 Sep 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the General Assembly's adoption of a resolution on human security, describing it as 'both timely and significant,' and marking 'an important milestone in a common understanding of human security at the United Nations.'
• Activists: Car Bomb Kills 18 in Syria VOA 12 Sep 2012 -- Syrian activists say a car bomb killed 18 people Wednesday in northern Syria.
• Syrian Air Defenses Are First Targets if No-Fly Zone Established VOA 12 Sep 2012 -- Rebels fighting Syrian government forces have been urging the West to establish a no-fly zone over the country, but are getting little international support.
• Heavy Fighting Reported Near Syrian Airport VOA 12 Sep 2012 -- Syrian troops and rebels have clashed in the commercial capital, Aleppo, near the city's government-held airport, as battles intensify ahead of a visit by the new international peace envoy to Syria.
• Japan Awaits China's Next Move On Disputed Islands VOA 12 Sep 2012 -- Japanese patrol boats are circling a small group of islands in the East China Sea, guarding against any encroachment by Chinese ships sent by Beijing to invoke its claim of sovereignty over the islands.
• U.S. calls for calm amid Tiaoyutais row CNA 12 Sep 2012 -- The United States looked forward to 'cooler heads' prevailing among claimants to the disputed Tiaoyutai Islands in the East China Sea, a senior State Department official said Tuesday.
• Taiwanese representative leaves Japan amid Tiaoyutais row CNA 12 Sep 2012 -- Taiwan's representative Shen Ssu-tsun left Tokyo for Taipei Wednesday to report on the circumstances surrounding Japan's decision to nationalize the disputed Tiaoyutai Islands in the East China Sea.
• Taiwan rejects Philippines' renaming of South China Sea CNA 12 Sep 2012 -- Taiwan does not recognize a unilateral move by the Philippines to rename the South China Sea as the West Philippine Sea of the Republic of the Philippines, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.
• Somalia: UN condemns attack on hotel during new president's press conference UN News Centre 12 Sep 2012 -- The United Nations envoy to Somalia has strongly condemned's attack on a hotel in the capital, Mogadishu, where the country's new President was giving a press conference and which resulted in one death and several injuries.
• Suicide Bombers Target New Somali President VOA 12 Sep 2012 -- Three suicide bombers attacked a hotel Wednesday in downtown Mogadishu where newly-elected Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was meeting with a delegation from the Kenyan foreign ministry. At least seven people were killed, including the bombers and at least one African Union soldier.
• Somalia's New President Faces Humanitarian Challenges VOA 12 Sep 2012 -- Somalia's new President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud takes office during an easing of the humanitarian crisis in his country. But a top humanitarian official warns there are many problems yet to be resolved and many people still displaced.
• UN rights expert calls on new Somali authorities to seize chance to build better future UN News Centre 12 Sep 2012 -- Welcoming the election of Somalia's new president, an independent United Nations human rights expert today called on the incoming Government and the international community to seize the chance to build a better future for the war-torn Horn of Africa nation.
• SOMALIA: Mammoth task ahead for new president IRIN 12 Sep 2012 -- Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's election as president of Somalia has been heralded as the start of a new era for the troubled Horn of Africa state, which has been mired in conflict for over two decades. Residents of the capital, Mogadishu, say the new president has his work cut out for him.
• LEBANON: Refugee hosts feeling the pinch IRIN 12 Sep 2012 -- Fewer tourists, lower levels of investment by Gulf states and reduced opportunities for cross-border trade with Syria are adversely affecting Lebanon's most vulnerable people, including the hosts of many of the tens of thousands of Syrian refugees.
• OSCE to Monitor Ceasefire in Karabakh Conflict Zone RIA Novosti 12 Sep 2012 -- The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will on Wednesday check the way a ceasefire is being observed on the contact line between the armed forces of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh, the unrecognized republic's Foreign Ministry reported.
• DR Congo: regional proposal for neutral force being considered, peacekeeping head says UN News Centre 12 Sep 2012 -- A proposal for a neutral force to help quell the violence that is causing massive suffering in the eastern Democratic of the Congo (DRC) is under consideration by United Nations peacekeeping operations, according to a top official currently visiting Africa's Great Lakes region ahead of a high-level meeting on the issue later this month.
• Security Council extends UN presence in Sierra Leone, calls for credible elections UN News Centre 12 Sep 2012 -- The Security Council extended until the end of March 2013 the United Nations mission assisting Sierra Leone with peacebuilding and long-term development, and called on all actors to ensure that upcoming elections are held in a peaceful, inclusive and credible manner.
• South Sudan Opens New Road Linking Juba to Border VOA 12 Sep 2012 -- While there are problems with many washed out roads in Juba and other cities and towns across the country this rainy season, South Sudan, with the help of the United States, is making great strides on other major transportation projects. the government inaugurated the Juba-Nimule road, a 192-kilometer highway connecting the capital, Juba, with the Ugandan border.

News Reports

• Benghazi attack a 'sobering reminder' of Libya's challenges, UN official tells Security Council UN News Centre 12 Sep 2012 -- Yesterday's attack on the American diplomatic presence in Benghazi, Libya, which killed the United States ambassador and three other diplomats, was a 'sobering reminder' of the serious security challenges that persisted even as the country made steady progress toward democracy, the United Nations' top political official told the Security Council.
• Ban, Security Council condemn 'in strongest terms' attack on US consulate in Libya UN News Centre 12 Sep 2012 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council condemned 'in the strongest terms' yesterday's attack against the United States Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, which resulted in the deaths of four US diplomats, as well as Libyan employees of the Consulate.
• Obama Condemns Libya Attack That Killed US Ambassador VOA 12 Sep 2012 -- President Barack Obama on Wednesday condemned the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya that killed four Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevens on Tuesday. Obama also responded to criticism from Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
• UN Condemns Killing of US Diplomats VOA 12 Sep 2012 -- The United Nations Security Council and the secretary-general have added their voices to those strongly condemning the killing of four U.S. diplomatic staff members in Libya, including the ambassador.
• Remarks by the President on the Deaths of U.S. Embassy Staff in Libya The White House 12 Sep 2012
• Clinton: Libya Attack Should Shock Conscience of All Faiths VOA 12 Sep 2012 -- The United States ambassador to Libya and three embassy staff were killed after a mob angered over an amateur American-made short film that mocks Islam's Prophet Muhammad stormed the U.S. consulate in the eastern city Benghazi late Tuesday.
• Statement by the President on the Attack in Benghazi The White House 12 Sep 2012
• Attack in Libya Should Shock World's Conscience, Clinton Says AFPS 12 Sep 2012 -- The attack in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the deaths of four Americans should 'shock the conscience of people of all faiths around the world,' Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said here today.
• U.S. Ambassador, Staff Killed In Attack On Benghazi Consulate RFE/RL 12 Sep 2012 -- President Barack Obama has confirmed that U.S. Ambassador John Christopher (Chris) Stevens and three other State Department officials were killed when an angry mob stormed the U.S. Consulate in Libya.
• U.S. Ambassador 'Killed in Libya' - al Jazeera RIA Novosti 12 Sep 2012 -- The U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other embassy staff have been killed in an attack on the U.S. consulate in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, al Jazeera television reported, citing local officials.
• In China, Still No Word on VP Xi VOA 12 Sep 2012 -- Chinese officials and state media remained silent Wednesday on the status of the country's leader-in-waiting, Xi Jinping, as rumors continued to swirl regarding his 11-day absence from public life.
• World Powers Voice Fears About Iran's Enrichment Work RFE/RL 12 Sep 2012 -- World powers at a meeting of the UN's nuclear watchdog have presented a draft resolution expressing “serious concern” about Iran’s expanded uranium-enrichment program.
• UN human rights expert condemns use of torture for confessions in Egyptian court UN News Centre 12 Sep 2012 -- The Government of Egypt must quickly investigate allegations of torture in its courts and discontinue the trials of those whose testimonies were obtained under duress, an independent United Nations expert urged today.
• Japanese Freighter Undocks From Space Station RIA Novosti 12 Sep 2012 -- A Japanese cargo freighter undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, successfully ending its resupply mission, a spokesman for Russian Mission Control said.
• Russia to Develop Space Debris Removal System RIA Novosti 12 Sep 2012 -- Russia's space agency Roscosmos is planning to develop a system to remove hazardous debris from orbit, the agency's Deputy Chief Sergei Savelyev said on Wednesday.
• Analysis: Zimbabwe - crisis over? IRIN 12 Sep 2012 -- At the height of Zimbabwe's humanitarian crisis in 2002, seven million people were in need of food aid. A decade later, the number of people in need has declined to a million, though it could go up by another 600,000 in 2013.
• ASIA: Too much water lost to urban leaks IRIN 12 Sep 2012 -- South and Southeast Asia are home to 60 percent of the world's population but have only 36 percent of its water resources - a situation likely to be exacerbated by population growth, rapid urbanization, industrialization, environmental degradation, groundwater overuse and climate change unless urgent remedial action is taken, say experts.