Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 21 Sep 2012 [PDF]
• Forces Arrest Taliban, Haqqani Leaders in Afghanistan AFPS 21 Sep 2012 -- Afghan and coalition security forces arrested a Taliban leader, as well as a Haqqani chief, during a security operation in the Sayyid Karam district of Pakitya province.
• Panetta Announces Completion of Afghanistan Surge Drawdown AFPS 21 Sep 2012 -- The drawdown of U.S. surge forces in Afghanistan is complete as scheduled, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced.
• Panetta: US Surge Troops Complete Afghan Withdrawal VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says all 33,000 troops who went to Afghanistan as part of a surge of forces three years ago have now left the country.
• U.S. Says 'Surge' Troops Out Of Afghanistan RFE/RL 21 Sep 2012 -- The United States says the last of the 33,000 “surge” troops ordered into Afghanistan by President Barack Obama nearly three years ago have withdrawn from the country.
• Inspector Questions Accounting of Afghanistan Fuel AFPS 21 Sep 2012 -- The U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction has urged commanders in Afghanistan not to grant the Afghan government increased responsibility for fuel used by its security forces until questions about how the fuel is managed and accounted for are answered.
• Foreign Military Bases in Afghanistan Raise Concern - Churkin RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2012 -- Russia wants to know what is the purpose of foreign military bases that will remain in Afghanistan after the completion of the U.S.-led antiterrorism operation in 2014.
• Southern Strike III takes swing at enemy forces, supplies Army News 21 Sep 2012 -- The air assault team of Afghan, Albanian, and U.S. forces focused on interdicting enemy supplies of improvised explosive device materials and preventing enemy forces from fleeing across the border.
• Community development program aids local Afghans, keeps military-aged males off battlefield Army News 21 Sep 2012 -- Approximately 550 skilled and unskilled laborers worked to build a walkway and an improved drainage system here thanks to a community development program.
• Threat of Terrorist IED’s Growing, Expanding, General Says AFPS 21 Sep 2012 -- The threat posed by crude homemade bombs known as improvised explosive devices is growing and spreading across the globe, and will be the terrorists’ weapon of choice for decades.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Joint Press Conference with Secretary Panetta and New Zealand Defence Minister Coleman, Auckland, New Zealand DoD 21 Sep 2012 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta; New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman
• Panetta Eases Restrictions on New Zealand Ship Visits AFPS 21 Sep 2012 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced that he has eased the restrictions on New Zealand navy ship visits to Defense Department and Coast Guard facilities in the United States and around the world.
• Panetta Honors Past, Present New Zealand Troops AFPS 21 Sep 2012 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta placed a wreath in memory of New Zealand’s fallen and pinned U.S. medals on five Kiwi Afghanistan veterans during a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
• Remarks by Deputy Secretary of Defense Carter, Vice Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Winnefeld and former Sen. Hagel at the Department of Defense's National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony DoD 21 Sep 2012 -- Presenter: Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter; Vice Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. James Winnefeld; and former Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb.; and Chaplain Major Jason Nobles, command chaplain, U.S. Army Military District of Washingto
• USS Anzio Kicks-off Exercise in Caribbean NNS 21 Sep 2012 -- Guided-missile cruiser USS ANZIO (CG 68) moored in Key West, Florida, Sept. 20, the kick off location for UNITAS 53, a two-week multinational interoperability training exercise off the coast of Florida and in the Central Caribbean.
• New Commanding Officer Takes Helm of Abraham Lincoln NNS 21 Sep 2012 -- The leadership of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) held a change of command ceremony in the ship's hangar bay, Sept. 21.
• USS Maryland (SSBN 738) Combines Commands NNS 21 Sep 2012 -- The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maryland (SSBN 738) combined the blue and gold crews during a crew combination ceremony at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Sept. 21.
• NAVFAC Southwest Awards $28 Million to Build MCAS Yuma Hangar NNS 21 Sep 2012 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest awarded a $28 million contract, Sept. 6, to Harper Construction Company Inc., San Diego, Calif., for construction of an aircraft maintenance hangar at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma.
• Multinational Ships Get Underway for UNITAS Atlantic, Conduct Air Defense Exercise NNS 21 Sep 2012 -- Naval forces from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States departed Naval Air Station Key West Sept. 20 and conducted air defense exercises to begin the at-sea phase of the Atlantic Phase of UNITAS, an annual multinational exercise hosted by Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet.
• Ships Sortie for At-Sea Phase of UNITAS Atlantic NNS 21 Sep 2012 -- Thirteen ships representing the seven countries participating in the Atlantic Phase of UNITAS 2012 sortied to their operating area in the Caribbean, Sept. 20.
• USS Anzio Launches Air-to-Air Missile During UNITAS NNS 21 Sep 2012 -- The Ticonderoga- class guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) conducted a standard missile (SN-2) launch and a live fire gunnery exercise during a drone exercise supporting UNITAS Atlantic 53-12, Sept. 21, which is being hosted by U.S. Fourth Fleet.
• JCSE Team Successfully Completes Mission during Pacific Partnership 2012 NNS 21 Sep 2012 -- Seven members from the Joint Communications Support Element, a subordinate command of the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, returned home Sept. 14, following a four-month deployment in support of Pacific Partnership 2012 (PP12), a humanitarian assistance mission in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Training Support Center CO Relieved NNS 21 Sep 2012 -- The commanding officer of Training Support Center San Diego was relieved of command Sept. 21 by Commander, Naval Education and Training Command.
• Army applies Soldier feedback, NIE results as it readies network upgrade for fielding Army News 21 Sep 2012 -- Known as WIN-T, the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical is essentially the Soldier's Internet, providing high-speed, high-capacity voice, data and video communications.
• U.S. Supports Development of Peacekeeping Capacity in Africa AFRICOM 21 Sep 2012 -- The United States is committed to helping African countries develop effective peacekeeping capability.
• KC-46 enters critical design review phase AFNS 21 Sep 2012 -- The Air Force KC-46A program director described the critical development phases of the next-generation refueling aircraft.
• USS Ponce Showcases Capabilities During IMCMEX 12 NNS 21 Sep 2012 -- The US Navy's first Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce will showcase its much anticipated capabilities in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility during International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2012.
• George Washington Arrives in Guam for Friendship, Goodwill NNS 21 Sep 2012 -- The U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier pulled into Guam for a routine, four-day port visit Sept. 21.
• USS Key West Departs for New Homeport NNS 21 Sep 2012 -- Friends and families of the crew from USS Key West gathered at the submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to say goodbye as the submarine departed for its new homeport of Naval Base Guam.
• Petroleum, water unit fades into history Army News 21 Sep 2012 -- The 49th Quartermaster Group, once the active Army's only petroleum and water unit, quietly faded into the annals of history during an inactivation ceremony at Seay Field.
• Glacier Expedition a Success for NUWC Newport and NASA NNS 21 Sep 2012 -- To meet data collection challenges in remote arctic waters, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration contacted Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport to tap its expertise.
• JPAC strives to bring home POW/MIA Army News 21 Sep 2012 -- Somewhere deep underwater and on the battlefields of World War II are more than 73,000 Americans missing in action.
• Civilians Can Help Prevent Military Suicides, Official Says AFPS 21 Sep 2012 -- Defense Department civilians need to understand and recognize the warning signs for suicide just as their military counterparts are being trained to do.
• New Su-30SM Fighter Makes Maiden Flight RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2012 -- The Russian Air Force’s first Su-30SM advanced fighter jet made its first flight.
• Russia to Explain Carrier Trials Failure to India in Oct. RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2012 -- Russia and India will discuss in October the situation around technical failures found in sea trials of an aircraft carrier refitted for India by a Russian shipyard.
• Uganda in Talks for More Su-30 Fighter Jets RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2012 -- Uganda is in talks with Russian state arms export company Rosoboronexport over an option purchase of six more Sukhoi Su-30 multirole fighter jets.
• Russian Deputy PM To Discuss Troop Presence In Tajikistan RFE/RL 21 Sep 2012 -- Russian Deputy Prime Minster Igor Shuvalov has arrived in Dushanbe to discuss issues with Tajik officials including a possible extension of a troop deployment in Tajikistan beyond 2014.
• Navy's key deployment of 2012 prepares to head for the Med UK MOD 21 Sep 2012 -- More than 3,000 sailors and Royal Marines are geared up for a three-month deployment to the Mediterranean - the key workout in 2012 for the UK's new maritime task force.
• Schweinfurt flexes combat capability muscle with NATO exercise Army News 21 Sep 2012 -- Pitted between closing and remaining operational, it can also host a large-scale NATO exercise in its own backyard.
• Airborne supply experts train for rapid reaction role UK MOD 21 Sep 2012 -- The supply and maintenance support provided to the British Army's Rapid Reaction Force has been put to the test on Exercise Active Chariot.
• Fishing boat interrupts drill off Penghu CNA 21 Sep 2012 -- A fishing boat briefly interrupted a drill held by the Penghu Defense Command off the outlying island of Penghu.
• Taiwan Defense Ministry denies stashing surplus funds from arms purchase CNA 21 Sep 2012 -- The Ministry of National Defense denied an accusation that it has stashed large sums of surplus funds from arms procurement projects.
• IRGC Navy Commander: Iran enjoys highest capabilities in naval mines IRNA 21 Sep 2012 -- Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi announced that the Islamic Republic of Iran enjoys the highest capability in naval mines.
• Iran Shows Off New Air Defense System RFE/RL 21 Sep 2012 -- Iran has displayed a new air defense system it says was designed to confront American warplanes in case of a U.S. attack.
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, September 21, 2012 US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for September 21, 2012

Other Conflicts

• 21 September 2012 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Sep 2012
• Press Conference on Launch of CAPMATCH, United Nations Online Platform for Exchanging Experiences in Post-Conflict Transitions United Nations 21 Sep 2012
• Syria Crisis Likely to Overshadow UN General Assembly VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- On Tuesday, world leaders will meet in New York for their annual gathering at the United Nations General Assembly. The crisis in Syria is likely to dominate this year's meetings.
• Assad Says Rebels Will Not Win VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says opposition fighters will not be victorious in their fight against the government, but says the "doors of dialogue" remains open.
• Assad: Rebels Will Not Win RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2012 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said rebels fighting his government "will not be victorious," in his first interview in weeks.
• Taiwanese vessel approaches Diaoyutais to assert claim CNA 21 Sep 2012 -- A platform supply ship from Taiwan approached the disputed Diaoyutai Islands Friday to protest Japan's nationalization of the island chain.
• S.Korea Fires Warning Shots at N.Korean Fishing Boats VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- South Korea says it has fired warning shots toward six North Korean fishing boats that crossed the disputed Yellow Sea border between the two countries.
• US to Remove Iran Group Off Terror List VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- U.S. officials say the Obama administration is planning to remove an Iranian militant group once allied with former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein from the U.S. terrorism list.
• U.S. Reportedly To Remove Exiled Iranian Group From Blacklist RFE/RL 21 Sep 2012 -- U.S. officials say Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will tell Congress she intends to remove the Iranian exile group Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization from the U.S. list of foreign terrorist organizations.
• Security Council voices grave concern at deteriorating situation in northern Mali UN News Centre 21 Sep 2012 -- The Security Council reiterated its grave concern about the continuing deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in northern Mali.
• US Urges Greater Sahel Cooperation Against AQIM VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- The Obama administration says West African leaders should work with Mauritania and Algeria to help stop the spread of al-Qaida affiliated terrorists in Mali.
• Somalia: Security Council strongly condemns bombings in Mogadishu UN News Centre 21 Sep 2012 -- The Security Council has strongly condemned yesterday's bombings in Mogadishu, adding that it is 'deplorable' that ordinary Somalis are being targeted after the important gains made in recent weeks in completing the country's transition.
• US Says Fight for Kismayo Could be Decisive Blow Against al-Shabab VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- The U.S. State Department says East African troops advancing on the Somali port of Kismayo could deliver a decisive blow to Islamic extremists who oppose Somalia's new government.
• SOMALIA: Principles and pragmatism IRIN 21 Sep 2012 -- The advance by African Union troops on the insurgent-held Somali port city of Kismayo brings into focus a challenge often faced by humanitarian actors in conflict zones.
• Ban, Security Council call on Sudan and South Sudan to resolve outstanding issues UN News Centre 21 Sep 2012 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council today welcomed the resumed negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan and urged them to resolve all remaining issues.
• Joint statement by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary William Hague US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2012
• SOUTH SUDAN: As refugee numbers swell, disease puts pressure on relief efforts IRIN 21 Sep 2012 -- Aid agencies say water and food provision has improved in four camps housing more than 105,000 refugees from Sudan's Blue Nile State.
• UN launches new emergency operation to assist 1.2 million people in DR Congo UN News Centre 21 Sep 2012 -- The United Nations food relief agency announced it has launched a new emergency operation for the next nine months which aims to assist some 1.2 million people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• UN Seeks Extra Funding for DRC Displaced VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- United Nations agencies are appealing for additional funding to help people uprooted by conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• One Israeli, 3 Militants Killed in Border Attack VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- An Israeli soldier and three suspected militants have been killed in a clash near the Sinai peninsula, the latest in a series of violent attacks in the region.

News Reports

• Secretary Clinton Remarks With Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2012
• Secretary Clinton Remarks With Tunisian Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem Before Their Meeting US Dept. of State 21 Sep 2012
• At Least 16 Pakistanis Die In Film, Cartoon Protests RFE/RL 21 Sep 2012 -- Authorities in Pakistan say at least 16 people have died in protests.
• Violent Protests Spread Across Pakistan Over Video VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- Pakistan's government summoned a U.S. diplomat, as violent demonstrations sparked by an anti-Islamic film privately produced in the United States erupted across the country.
• Violent anti-Islam film protests claim 13 lives in Pakistan IRNA 21 Sep 2012 -- The people in Pakistan showed unity to strongly condemn the blasphemous film made in the United States and the demonstrators burnt American flags and effigies of President Barrack Obama and producers of the movie.
• 3 Killed, Dozens Injured in Pakistan ‘Innocence’ Riots RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2012 -- At least three people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between Pakistani police and protesters over a film that has sparked riots across the Islamic world.
• Pakistan summons U.S. envoy over anti-Islam film IRNA 21 Sep 2012 -- Pakistan summoned the U.S Chargé D'Affaires Richard Hoagland to the Foreign Ministry and a strong protest was lodged with him over the blasphemous video.
• Anti-Islam Film Protest Muted Among India's Muslims VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- In India, calls from Muslim leaders for restraint and a swift government ban on a controversial anti-Islam film have ensured that protests against the film have been sporadic.
• Religious, Political Leaders Weigh in on Anti-Muslim Video Protests VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- The nature of worldwide protests against an anti-Muslim video made at a California film studio has ranged from orderly to deadly.
• Analysts See Double Standard in European Free Speech Laws VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- French embassies, consulates and international schools in 20 Muslim countries were closed on Friday after cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad were published earlier this week by a French satirical magazine.
• UN rights chief welcomes efforts to restore calm in wake of anti-Islam film, cartoons UN News Centre 21 Sep 2012 -- The UN human rights chief has welcomed the efforts of senior Muslim figures to restore calm amidst violence related to an anti-Islam film and cartoons
• Zionist regime unable to attack Iran: Firouzabadi IRNA 21 Sep 2012 -- The occupying force of Zionist regime is not able to attack Iran, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Seyed Hassan Firouzabadi said.
• Iran's nuclear issue has diplomatic solution: Russia IRNA 21 Sep 2012 -- Iran's nuclear issue can only be resolved through political and diplomatic tools, Russia Foreign Ministry spokesman, Alexander Lukashevich said.
• Ban hails Aung San Suu Kyi’s role in Myanmar’s reconciliation, reaffirms UN support UN News Centre 21 Sep 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted the role played by Nobel laureate and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar’s reconciliation efforts.
• Hundreds Convicted for Turkey Plot VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- A court in Istanbul has convicted dozens of former armed forces members of attempting to overthrow Turkey's Islamic-based government.
• Turkish Court Convicts More Than 300 Officers Over Coup Plot RFE/RL 21 Sep 2012 -- A Turkish court has convicted about 330 military officers on charges of plotting to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• Japan Retains Prime Minister Amid Changing Political Landscape VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- Japan's prime minister coasted to re-election in his party's presidential election
• Noda Keeps Japanese PM Post RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2012 -- Incumbent Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was reelected as leader of the Democratic Party on Friday, retaining his post.
• New Ethiopian PM Backer of Dominant Party Rule VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- Hailemariam Desalegn is Ethiopia's second leader since the EPRDF came to power in 1991.
• Hailemariam Sworn in as Ethiopia's PM VOA 21 Sep 2012 -- Hailemariam Desalegn has been sworn in as prime minister of Ethiopia. The new Ethiopian leader has pledged to continue the policies of his predecessor.
• U.S. Asks For More Time To Close Down Aid Operations In Russia RFE/RL 21 Sep 2012 -- The United States says it has asked Russia for more time to end the U.S. Agency for International Development's work in the country.
• Russia’s Ruling Party Denies USAID Funding RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2012 -- Russia’s ruling party lashed out at allegations by Washington that it had taken advantage “over the years” of programs run by a U.S. development aid mission.
• United Russia Received USAID Money - U.S. State Department RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2012 -- The ruling United Russia party took part "over the years" in programs run by a U.S. development aid mission.
• Press Conference on Annual Treaty Event, High-level Meeting on Rule of Law United Nations 21 Sep 2012
• Ahead of high-level Assembly meetings, Ban urges Member States to advance rule of law UN News Centre 21 Sep 2012 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on Member States to sign, ratify or accede to various international treaties during next week's Treaty Event as part of the Organization's continuing effort to strengthen the rule of law around the world.
• Six Belarusian Groups Call For Vote Boycott RFE/RL 21 Sep 2012 -- Six Belarusian opposition groups have called on voters to boycott this weekend's parliamentary elections in that country.