Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 27 Sep 2012 [PDF]
• Coalition-Afghan Partnering Operations Resuming AFPS 27 Sep 2012 -- Afghan and NATO troops are resuming partnered operations which were suspended earlier this month because of a series of deadly insider attacks, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced during a news conference here today.
• Combined Force Detains Insurgents, Seizes Narcotics AFPS 27 Sep 2012 -- A combined security force detained several suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban facilitator in the Washer district of Helmand province today, military officials reported.
• U.S. Government Assistance to Yemen US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2012

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD News Briefing with Secretary Panetta and Gen. Dempsey from the Pentagon DoD 27 Sep 2012 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey
• Panetta Discusses Syria, Libya, Asia-Pacific Issues AFPS 27 Sep 2012 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta told reporters today that unilateral U.S. military intervention in Syria would be 'a serious mistake.'
• OSD visit provides joint basing perspective AFNS 27 Sep 2012 -- Often, when the words 'joint-basing' are spoken in conversations between service members, they invoke myriad responses.
• AETC awards Sheppard $10.5 million AFNS 27 Sep 2012 -- Brig. Gen. Michael Fantini, 82nd Training Wing commander, announced last week that Sheppard Air Force Base would receive more than $10 million in funds from Air Education and Training Command to support several demolition and renovation projects on the base, reinforcing the Cost Conscious Culture, or C3, at Sheppard.
• Army Surgeon Shares PTSD Struggles to Help Others AFPS 27 Sep 2012 -- As the Army conducts a worldwide stand-down today to draw attention to preventing suicide within the force, those who have survived attempts to take their own lives may take notice. One is Dr. Tara Dixon.
• Army Releases August Suicide Data DoD 27 Sep 2012 -- The Army released suicide data today for the month of August. During August, among active-duty soldiers, there were 16 potential suicides: three have been confirmed as suicides and 13 remain under investigation.
• IMCMEX12 Military Exercise Concludes NNS 27 Sep 2012 -- International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2012 (IMCMEX12) concluded at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Sept. 27, after two weeks of seminars and training operations.
• Navy Engineers Develop Smart Water Conservations Systems for Improved Irrigation NNS 27 Sep 2012 -- Engineers at the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) are demonstrating a new water irrigation system, with the first installation at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Sept. 27.
• Multinational Live-fire Exercise in Caribbean Tests Skills in Air, Water NNS 27 Sep 2012 -- Six countries participated in a helicopter live-fire exercise in the Caribbean Sea, Sept. 25, during UNITAS, an annual multinational exercise that involves naval forces from 13 partner nations to promote interoperability and cooperation with each other and is hosted by U.S. 4th Fleet.
• Navy Successfully Tests NIFC-CA With Army Airborne Sensor NNS 27 Sep 2012 -- The Navy and Army successfully executed a joint live-fire test to demonstrate Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) capability at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., Sept. 21.
• NSSA 2M Lab's Quick Fix Keeps USS Montpelier Operational NNS 27 Sep 2012 -- Norfolk Ship Support Activity's (NSSA) Miniature/Micro-Miniature (2M) Electronic Repair Lab restored the Electronic Warfare System aboard USS Montpelier (SSN 765) to full capability Sept. 5., using a specialized test routine to troubleshoot two AN/WLR-8 (V) circuit cards.
• Stavridis: Cooperation Key in Tackling Piracy Threat AFPS 27 Sep 2012 -- Hoping to build on successes over the past year in combating piracy, the top U.S. commander in Europe and other key stakeholders in the fight gathered in London this week to help chart the way forward.
• III Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general's statement on arrival of Osprey USMC News 27 Sep 2012 -- The arrival of MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft in Japan has been the subject of much public interest. The Marine Corps has worked closely with our government of Japan partners to ensure a smooth transition of the aircraft into Japan. The basing and operation of the MV-22B in Japan is an example of the United States' commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and the importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.
• Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group resupplies, relaxes in Hawaii USMC News 27 Sep 2012 -- After spending a week at sea, Marines and sailors aboard the USS Rushmore, part of the USS Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group, were given a break when they arrived at U.S. Naval Station Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Many took the opportunity to relax on Hawaiian beaches or shop for souvenirs before continuing on their Western Pacific deployment.
• Churchill Sailors Translate for Counter-Piracy Exercise NNS 27 Sep 2012 -- Three Sailors from guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) used their language skills to contribute to the success of the first bilateral counter-piracy exercise ever conducted between the U.S. and China near the Horn of Africa, Sept. 17.
• Space shuttle arrives home for one last 'endeavor' AFNS 27 Sep 2012 -- For the Edwards community who has been actively involved in NASA's Space Shuttle program since flight testing began in the 1970's, it was a bittersweet day when Space Shuttle Endeavour arrived one last time Sept. 20, piggy-backed on NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.
• Naval force gears up for Cougar 12 UK MOD 27 Sep 2012 -- More than 3,000 sailors and marines are gearing up for a three-month training deployment to the Mediterranean - this year's key workout of the UK's high-readiness task force.
• HMS Blyth takes command of NATO task group UK MOD 27 Sep 2012 -- HMS Blyth, the Clyde-based minehunter currently deployed in the Mediterranean, has taken up position as 'command platform' of a NATO task group in the region.
• NATO Secretary General holds talks with UN counterpart Ban Ki-moon NATO 27 Sep 2012 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discussed ways to improve the Alliance’s cooperation with the United Nations during talks on Thursday (27 September) with Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General.
• Why NATO matters for you: Speech by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the City College of New York NATO 27 Sep 2012
• Remarks by NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow at the Security and Defence Agenda Rountable ''Next steps in Missile Defence'' NATO 27 Sep 2012
• Russia To Sell Old Su-30 Fighters To Belarus RFE/RL 27 Sep 2012 -- Russian media reports say Moscow plans to sell Belarus old Sukhoi Su-30 military planes formerly used by India.
• China Denies Second Aircraft Carrier Reports RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2012 -- China is not building a second aircraft carrier, Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said on Thursday.
• Commander downgrades importance of US, regional states war games in Middle East IRNA 27 Sep 2012 -- Commander of ground forces of the Army Brigadier-General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said on Thursday that the US and certain regional states joint military exercises underway in the Middle East are being carried out in desperation.
• UN chief urges countries to show 'true leadership' and join nuclear-test-ban treaty UN News Centre 27 Sep 2012 -- Stressing that the entry into force of the United Nations-backed treaty banning nuclear tests would be a milestone in advancing the cause of nuclear disarmament, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today renewed his call on those States that have not yet signed on to do so without delay.
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Jay Carney en route Virginia Beach, Virginia, 9/27/2012 The White House 27 Sep 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for September 27, 2012

Other Conflicts

• 27 September 2012 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Sep 2012
• UN launches guidance to ensure effective conflict mediation UN News Centre 27 Sep 2012 -- The United Nations today launched new guidance to assist mediators as they help settle disputes and conflicts peacefully, outlining eight key fundamentals to ensure an effective process.
• Background Briefing Previewing the Ad Hoc Ministerial Meeting on Syria US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2012
• UN Security Council Discusses Syrian Crisis RFE/RL 27 Sep 2012 -- The UN Security Council has held a high-level meeting on the Syria crisis, now into its 18th month with no end in sight.
• Russia Urges Compliance With Geneva Agreements on Syria RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2012 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called on members of the Action Group for Syria to strictly adhere to agreements on the settlement of the Syrian crisis reached at a ministerial meeting in Geneva on June 30.
• Several Syrian Military Defectors Rejoin Assad Regime – Media RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2012 -- At least five former military officers who had joined the ranks of Syrian rebels admitted on Wednesday that they were wrong and refused to fight against the government, al-Quds al-Arabi online news portal reported.
• With numbers still rising, UN and partners seek $488 million to aid Syrian refugees UN News Centre 27 Sep 2012 -- The United Nations and its humanitarian partners today issued a revised appeal for nearly $488 million to assist the rapidly increasing numbers of Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey.
• UN: Syrian Refugee Exodus to Reach 700,000 VOA 27 Sep 2012 -- Up to 700,000 refugees could flee Syria by the end of the year, the U.N. refugee agency says, a huge increase from its previous forecast.
• Secretary Clinton on Signing of Agreements between Sudan and South Sudan US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2012
• South Sudan Opposition Leader Calls Deal 'Pie Shell' Agreement VOA 27 Sep 2012 -- The minority leader in South Sudan's parliament, Onyoti Adigo Nyikwac, is embracing the deal announced Thursday between Sudan and South Sudan. Nyikwac said it will build the trust and confidence that the two parties badly need in order to resolve remaining issues. But at the same time, he urged the ruling parties in Juba and Khartoum to include opposition parties in future talks, asserting that those unresolved issues will affect all South Sudanese people.
• Sudans Reach Deal on Oil, Demilitarized Border VOA 27 Sep 2012 -- Sudan and South Sudan signed agreements Thursday to demilitarize their border and resume the transport of southern oil through the north. The signed agreements do not deal with the oil-producing Abyei region and several other disputed border regions.
• Sudan - South Sudan Deal Reached RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2012 -- Delegations from Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan on Thursday closed talks by signing agreements on cooperation in several areas, including security, oil production, trade, and rights.
• Ban hails agreements between Sudan and South Sudan on post-secession issues UN News Centre 27 Sep 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today congratulated the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan for signing agreements on security, the common border and economic relations during talks in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
• Japan Says 'No Compromise' on Disputed Senkaku Islands RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2012 -- Japan will never compromise with China in the dispute over a chain of islands in the East China Sea but will make a strong effort to avoid further deterioration of relations with its powerful neighbor, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said.
• No ready resolution to Diaoyutais dispute: national security chief CNA 27 Sep 2012 -- There is no ready resolution to the territorial dispute between China, Taiwan and Japan over the Diaoyutai Islands, but a consensus is taking shape among the concerned parties that they should engage in dialogue rather than confrontation, Tsai De-sheng, the chief of the National Security Bureau, said Thursday.
• New foreign minister vows to protect Diaoyutais fishing rights CNA 27 Sep 2012 -- Taiwan's new foreign minister David Y.L. Lin reiterated the country's territorial claim over the Diaoyutai Islands and vowed to protect Taiwanese fishing rights there, shortly after he assumed his duties Thursday.
• Taiwan Coast Guard escort mission not 'acting': official CNA 27 Sep 2012 -- The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) was not 'acting' in its countering of Japanese coast guard vessels while escorting Taiwanese fishing boats during a protest in waters near the disputed Diaoyutai Islands in the East China Sea, an official said Thursday.
• Taiwan urges Japan to recognize Diaoyutais dispute CNA 27 Sep 2012 -- Taiwan once again called on Japan to recognize the existence of the territorial dispute over the Diaoyutai Islands, a Foreign Ministry official said Thursday in response to Japan's rejection of the controversy over the island group.
• Japan should reflect upon role in Diaoyutais dispute: president CNA 27 Sep 2012 -- President Ma Ying-jeou said Thursday that it was Japan that sparked the recent massive protest by Taiwanese fishing boats in waters near the disputed Diayoutai Islands in the East China Sea and that Japan should reflect deeply upon its actions.
• NIGERIA: Anger over amnesty programme IRIN 27 Sep 2012 -- The Nigerian government plans to integrate 3,642 additional former Niger Delta fighters into its amnesty programme, but some ex-militia leaders have denounced the move, saying it excludes the bulk of their disarmed men and will create disagreements and crisis among them.
• At high-level meeting, Ban urges political solution to crisis in eastern DR Congo UN News Centre 27 Sep 2012 -- Stressing the need to end the suffering caused by the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has uprooted over 300,000 civilians since earlier this year, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for an urgent and peaceful resolution based on dialogue.
• Palestinians Accuse Israel of Blocking Peace Process VOA 27 Sep 2012 -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas blamed Israel for the broken down Middle East peace process saying Israel is rejecting a two-state solution and is instead trying to force the collapse of the Palestinian Authority.
• Israeli, Palestinian Leaders to Address UN VOA 27 Sep 2012 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will repeat his warnings about the potential threat of a nuclear-armed Iran when he addresses the U.N. General Assembly Thursday.
• Rwanda Denies Supporting M23 in DRC, Cites 'Historical Reality' VOA 27 Sep 2012 -- Rwanda is rejecting United Nations allegations that it is backing a militia group in eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon wants an end to outside support for those rebel groups.

News Reports

• Background Briefing: Readout on the United Nations Security Council P-5+1 Ministerial US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2012
• Israel Seeks 'Red Lines' on Iran; Palestinians Want UN Upgrade VOA 27 Sep 2012 -- Israel's prime minister urged the international community to place a 'clear red line' on Iran's controversial nuclear program as he addressed the U.N. General Assembly Thursday. Separately, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas blasted Israel for its illegal settlement activity and said his government will seek upgraded U.N. status within the year.
• Ahmadinejad: Security Council monopolizing entire UN power IRNA 27 Sep 2012 -- IRI President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad criticizing current UN apparatus, said at a press conference after his last UN General Assembly address, 'Members of UNSC have confiscated the entire power of the UN.'
• President reacts to arrest of his media advisor, IRNA chief IRNA 27 Sep 2012 -- IRI president asked in his press conference about his arrested media affairs advisor, Iran Publications caretaker and IRNA Managing Director Ali-Akbar Javanfekr, said, 'I would elaborate on the matter later on.'
• Secretary Clinton Remarks at the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2012
• Background Briefing: Readout of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2012
• Background Briefing: Readout of the Secretary's Meeting With Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi US Dept. of State 27 Sep 2012
• MYANMAR: Final push on political prisoners needed IRIN 27 Sep 2012 -- Human rights groups are calling for the final release of hundreds of political prisoners still being held in Myanmar.
• Thein Sein: Burma 'Now Part of Family of Nations' VOA 27 Sep 2012 -- Burma's president said his country is on an irreversible path toward democracy and is ushering in a new era as a member of the family of nations.
• Germany Says Couple Spied For Russia RFE/RL 27 Sep 2012 -- German prosecutors have filed espionage charges against a married couple accused of spying for Russia.
• Mexico Arrests Drug Lord 'El Taliban' RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2012 -- Mexican law enforcement has arrested drug kingpin Ivan Velazquez Caballero, dealing a serious blow to the nation's biggest drug cartel, Los Zetas, the government said.
• ATV-3 Freighter to Help Orbital Station Avoid Space Junk RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2012 -- NASA and Russian managers of the International Space Station (ISS) have delayed until at least Friday a second attempt to undock the European Space Agency's ATV-3 cargo spacecraft as they plan to use it to steer the ISS clear of approaching space debris.
• Concern over China's Taiwan affairs staff reshuffle: official CNA 27 Sep 2012 -- The government is concerned about China's upcoming reshuffle of its Taiwan affairs staff because whether there is good chemistry or consensus among the new officials could affect future dialogue across the Taiwan Strait, an official said Thursday.
• Calls For Blasphemy Ban Resurface At UN RFE/RL 27 Sep 2012 -- When Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari took the podium to address the UN General Assembly on September 25, he wasted no time taking on one of the most divisive issues of the day.
• Lauding Yemen's progress, Ban calls for continued support to protect 'fragile gains' UN News Centre 27 Sep 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today congratulated Yemen for the progress it has made in its democratic transition and called on the international community to support the Middle Eastern nation so it can 'protect its fragile gains' and address its humanitarian needs.