Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 18 Oct 2012 [PDF]
• Afghan, Coalition Force Arrests Taliban Leader AFPS 18 Oct 2012 -- An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader today in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
• Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and the President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai - Opening remarks NATO 18 Oct 2012
• Karzai: Afghanistan Ready to Take Over Security VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- President Hamid Karzai says Afghanistan's police and military forces are ready to take full responsibility for security if the U.S.-led coalition decides to pull out of the country early.
• NATO strategy and timeline in Afghanistan unchanged, Secretary General says in Kabul NATO 18 Oct 2012 -- NATO will stick to its goal, strategy and timeline to hand over full security responsibility to Afghan forces by the end of 2014.
• British general reports on Afghanistan progress UK MOD 18 Oct 2012 -- Lieutenant General Adrian Bradshaw gave a briefing to media in the MOD's Main Building yesterday, 17 October.
• NATO Pledges Continued Support for Afghanistan VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- NATO's top official said that the international alliance remains committed to enabling Afghan forces to assume full responsibility for the nation's security after 2014 when the NATO coalition ends its combat mission.
• NATO Delegation Visits Kabul RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said the international community remains committed to help enable Afghan forces assume full responsibility for their country's security after 2014.
• Four bodies of Afghan soldiers found in Pakistani border region IRNA 18 Oct 2012 -- Four bodies of Afghan soldiers have been recovered in a Pakistani tribal region, sources in the area said.
• Afghan Woman's Beheading Latest In Alarming Trend RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- A disturbing spate of violent attacks against women has gripped western Afghanistan, where over a dozen women have been killed this year.
• Afghan Warlord Accused Of Murder Allegedly Bailed Out By Vice President RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- An Afghan lawmaker alleged that the country's second vice-president, Muhammad Karim Khalili, recently bailed out a warlord accused of murder, kidnapping and bribery, among other crimes.
• Conference marks first garrison command in Afghanistan Army News 18 Oct 2012 -- Running BAF as a garrison started as an idea between Maj. Gen. Timothy McHale, retired, and Maj. Gen. John MacDonald, retired, who wanted to standardize base operations in a combat environment.
• Pakistan arrests Taliban leader IRNA 18 Oct 2012 -- Pakistani police have arrested a senior wanted Taliban leader in country's northwest, police sources said.
• 8 militants killed in air strikes in NW Pakistan IRNA 18 Oct 2012 -- Eight militants were killed and seven others injured when Pakistani fighter jets targeted militants hideouts in north western tribal region.
• Drone Strike In South Yemen Kills Nine Al-Qaeda Suspects RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- A drone strike near the southern Yemeni city of Jaar has reportedly killed nine Al-Qaeda suspects.
• Drone Strikes Kill 7 in Southern Yemen VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- Yemeni security officials say suspected U.S. drone strikes have killed at least seven al-Qaida-linked militants in southern Yemen.
• In Yemen, Presence of Elite Marine Unit Raises Ire VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- The mid-September deployment of an elite team of 50 Marines to the U.S. embassy in Yemen has fueled growing opposition to Washington’s role in the small Arab nation.

Defense Policy / Programs

• 9/11 'Mastermind' Khalid Sheikh Muhammad Appears At U.S. Tribunal RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- The self-styled mastermind of the 9/11 attacks in the United States that killed nearly 3,000 people has appeared wearing camouflage at his Guantanamo military tribunal.
• Statement by George Little on Completion of Degelen Mountain Nonproliferation Work DoD 18 Oct 2012
• Readout of Deputy Secretary Carter's Meeting with Iraq Prime Minister and Minister of Defense DoD 18 Oct 2012
• John C. Stennis Strike Group Enters US 5th Fleet NNS 18 Oct 2012 -- The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group entered the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility Oct. 17.
• United States - Thailand Defense Strategic Talks DoD 18 Oct 2012
• U.S. Partners Encourage Pacom Commander AFPS 18 Oct 2012 -- Top U.S. commander in the region said he’s encouraged by their willingness to partner more closely with the United States in what he called a foundation of the U.S. strategy there.
• Falcon Brigade training for new global threat Army News 18 Oct 2012 -- After 36 hours at Pope Army Airfield, double-checking their gear and rehearsing their mission, nearly 1,300 paratroopers took off into the night Oct. 9, on board 21 C-130 and C-17 aircraft.
• JLTV program moves into EMD phase Army News 18 Oct 2012 -- The U.S. Army-led Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, or JLTV program, is beginning a 33-month Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase, also known as EMD.
• Updating a legend: Air Cav tests replacement for Kiowa Army News 18 Oct 2012 -- Senior aviators from III Corps and the 1st Cavalry Division tested a new helicopter Oct. 12 at Robert Gray Army Airfield on West Fort Hood that could potentially replace the OH-58 Kiowa.
• USS Nimitz, CSG 11 begins Composite Training Unit Exercise NNS 18 Oct 2012 -- USS Nimitz, Carrier Strike Group 11 and embarked Carrier Air Wing 11 began Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) Oct. 17.
• US, Indian Navies to Hold INDIAEX 2012 NNS 18 Oct 2012 -- The U.S. and Indian navies will conduct exercise INDIAEX 2012, a bilateral exercise designed to demonstrate cooperation between the U.S. submarine rescue system and Indian submarines.
• VMFA(AW)-242 conducts exercise in Philippines USMC News 18 Oct 2012 -- Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 Marines prepared and executed simulated bombing runs at an air-to-ground range in Crow Valley, Philippines Oct. 12, 2012.
• Region EURAFSWA Installations Complete Exercise Reliant Challenge NNS 18 Oct 2012 -- Navy installations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East completed training exercise Reliant Challenge 2013, Oct. 18, which tested the shore establishment's ability to meet operational support requirements during contingencies.
• Obama Nominates Rodriguez as Next Africa Command Chief AFPS 18 Oct 2012 -- President Obama has nominated Army Gen. David M. Rodriguez to succeed Army Gen. Carter F. Ham as the commander of U.S. Africa Command, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said.
• A history of 'there first' For AF special ops AFNS 18 Oct 2012 -- Although Air Force Special Operations Command was officially established in 1990, its history dates all the way back to World War II.
• Advances Create Vulnerabilities, Cybercom Commander Says AFPS 18 Oct 2012 -- The U.S. lead in cyber technology innovation has created both advances and vulnerabilities, the commander of U.S. Cyber Command said.
• USS Carr Recovers $26 Million of Cocaine During Operation Martillo NNS 18 Oct 2012 -- USS Carr recovered approximately 324 kilograms of cocaine Oct. 11 with an estimated street value of $26 million while supporting Operation Martillo and U.S. 4th Fleet.
• Statement on Alleged Assault in Okinawa DoD 18 Oct 2012
• Energize: ONR Supports New Energy Partnership NNS 18 Oct 2012 -- The Office of Naval Research remains committed to the development of alternative energy sources for the warfighter.
• Air Force aims to invigorate energy efficiency programs AFNS 18 Oct 2012 -- The deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for energy spoke to a group of industry and civic leaders, and a handful of international military partners, about the service's energy saving initiatives.
• NAVFAC Southwest Awards Contract for Advanced Water Treatment Plant NNS 18 Oct 2012 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest awarded a $76.68 million contract Sept. 29, for the design and construction of an advanced water treatment plant at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
• NAVFAC Southwest Awards Contract for Potable Water Conveyance Line NNS 18 Oct 2012 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest awarded a $57.3 million contract Sept. 28, for the design and construction of a potable water conveyance line at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
• DOD News Briefing on Efforts to Enhance the Financial Health of the Force with Secretary Panetta, Assistant Director Petraeus, and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Milam from the Pentagon DoD 18 Oct 2012
• AF officials extend separation, retirement application window for active-duty Airmen AFNS 18 Oct 2012 -- Air Force Personnel Center officials have extended the window for eligible active-duty Airmen to submit their retirement or separation applications.
• Russia Warns of 'Technical Response' to NATO Missile Plans RIA Novosti 18 Oct 2012 -- Russia may deliver a "technical response" to NATO over its plans to deploy a European missile defense program.
• US Defense Research Agency, a Model for Russia RIA Novosti 18 Oct 2012 -- Russian officials have compared the country’s new defense research agency—signed into law by President Vladimir Putin this week—to the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
• Russia Potential Aggressor for NATO RIA Novosti 18 Oct 2012 -- NATO considers Russia one of the key potential cyber-aggressors for the North Atlantic alliance, the Kommersant business daily quoted its sources in NATO's headquarters as saying.
• Russian Aerobatics Team Boss Fired RIA Novosti 18 Oct 2012 -- The commander of Russia’s famed Strizhi (Swifts) aerobatics team, Lt. Col. Valery Morozov, has been fired from the air force for taking bribes.
• HMS Monmouth deploys to the Gulf UK MOD 18 Oct 2012 -- The Royal Navy frigate HMS Monmouth left Plymouth yesterday on a seven-month maritime security deployment to the Gulf.
• Basij completely ready to bury enemies' dreams, IRGC official IRNA 18 Oct 2012 -- Lieutenant commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said that Basij forces were completely prepared for a full-fledged defense against any threats.
• Basij forces start maneuver in eastern Tehran IRNA 18 Oct 2012 -- Over 15,000 Basij forces and commanders of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps started a three-day maneuver in an eastern district of this capital city morning to demonstrate their combat power against any possible attacks of enemies.
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, October 18, 2012 US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for October 18, 2012

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 18 October 2012 United Nations 18 Oct 2012
• Middle East and North Africa will remain priority for ‘many years to come’ – UN rights chief UN News Centre 18 Oct 2012 -- The Middle East and North Africa will continue to present major human rights challenges – and opportunities – for “many years to come,” the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Right said.
• Eradicating sexual violence in conflict not ‘a mission impossible’ – UN senior official UN News Centre 18 Oct 2012 -- The elimination of sexual violence in conflict is not impossible, a United Nations senior official said.
• UN Rights Chief Says Syria Conflict Widening VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- United Nations Human Rights Chief, Navi Pillay warns Syria's civil war is threatening to engulf the region in conflict.
• 43 Killed By Airstrikes in Northern Syria, Activists Say VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- Syrian activists and medical officials say a series of government air strikes on rebel areas in the country's north has killed at least 43 people, including many children.
• Airstrikes in Northern Syria Kill at Least 20 VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- Syrian activists and medics say a series of government air strikes on rebel areas in the country's north has killed at least 20 people.
• Bomb Explodes Near Interior Ministry in Damascus RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- A bomb attached to a motorcycle has exploded near Syria's Interior Ministry and intelligence headquarters in Damascus, causing an unspecified number of casualties.
• UN Syria Envoy to Make Truce Bid RIA Novosti 18 Oct 2012 -- United Nations and Arab League special envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi is to visit Damascus in a bid to forge a truce agreement in the country during the Eid festival period.
• Turkey ‘Admits’ Russian Air Cargo Legal RIA Novosti 18 Oct 2012 -- The Turkish authorities recognize the legitimacy of the cargo seized from a Moscow-Damascus passenger plane but have a problem with its processing.
• Analysis: Syria and the regional food chain IRIN 18 Oct 2012 -- The Syrian crisis has disrupted food imports and exports in the region, raising food prices in Jordan, Iraq and Turkey.
• China, S. Korea Criticize Japanese Ministers' War Shrine Visit VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- China and South Korea are criticizing the latest visits to a controversial Tokyo war shrine by members of the Japanese cabinet.
• China's expanding military capabilities pose threat to Taiwan: report CNA 18 Oct 2012 -- China's expanding military transportation capabilities have become increasingly threatening to Taiwan.
• Japan urged to recognize Diaoyutais sovereignty dispute CNA 18 Oct 2012 -- Japan should recognize the existence of the sovereignty dispute over the Diaoyutai Islands in the East China Sea, a former Republic of China representative to the United States said.
• Burma-Bangladesh Hydrocarbon Deal Hailed as Model for China Disputes VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- Oil and gas development in the Bay of Bengal is being opened in areas previously disputed by Bangladesh and Burma.
• Iran-UAE Island Dispute Could Escalate VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- Together, Abu Musa, Greater Tunbs and Lesser Tunbs amount to fewer than 26 square kilometers of sand and scrub.
• ECOWAS, UN Officials Set to Meet Over Mali VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- Officials from the Economic Community of West African States plan to meet representatives of the United Nations to review plans to deploy troops to Mali, where Islamist militants control the north. The meeting is to be held in Mali’s capital, Bamako.
• Mali Military Intervention Support Growing VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- High-level delegations from the United Nations, West African bloc ECOWAS, and the African and European Unions meet with Malian leaders Friday to hammer out details for proposed military intervention to retake Mali's north.
• MALI: Islamists lure back northerners IRIN 18 Oct 2012 -- Hundreds of displaced northerners in southern Mali are risking life under Sharia law to return home, lured by the prospect of jobs, free water and electricity, and in some parts, relatively cheaper food.
• New AU Chief Visits Mali VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- The new African Union Commission chairperson has arrived in Mali before an international meeting aimed at ending the country's political and military crisis.
• US Jury Convicts Somali National of Supporting Al-Shabab Terrorists VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- A U.S. federal jury has convicted a 46-year-old Somali national of conspiring to recruit young men from the Midwestern U.S. state of Minnesota to join the al-Qaida-linked terrorist group al-Shabab.
• DRC Demands Uganda Explain Role in Restive N. Kivu VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- The Democratic Republic of Congo has asked Uganda to explain what involvement it may have with rebels in Congo's North Kivu province.
• Nigerian Christian Group Concerned About Lack of Security VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- The president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says his group is not satisfied with the level of security in some parts of the country, where Christian churches have been attacked by armed groups.
• Colombia: No Cease-fire Without FARC Peace Deal VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- The Colombian government has ruled out any cease-fire with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia rebels until there is a final agreement on a peace plan.

News Reports

• N. Korean Defections Raise Questions about Security, Loyalty VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- Three defections across the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea are raising questions about the global flashpoint.
• Kim Jong Il's Grandson Steps Into The Spotlight RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- Kim Han Sol, the 17-year-old grandson of late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, has given his first extensive TV interview to Elisabeth Rehn for a Finnish television channel.
• Chinese Riot After Death of Truck Driver VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- As many as 10,000 Chinese rioted in southwest Sichuan province after residents said a truck driver was beaten to death by police during a routine traffic stop.
• US Praises 'Very Positive' Rights Dialogue with Burma VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- The United States is describing its first ever human rights dialogue with Burma as "very positive," saying it now has an "open channel" to discuss sensitive topics with Burmese leaders.
• Iraqi Authorities Put Out Arrest Warrant For Central Bank Chief RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- An Iraqi judiciary spokesman says Iraqi authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the longtime governor of the country's central bank.
• Secretary Clinton Remarks on Energy Diplomacy in the 21st Century US Dept. of State 18 Oct 2012
• Africa may see less ‘strong-man attitudes’ in elections as its economy grows, says UN official UN News Centre 18 Oct 2012 -- Africa’s rise may see a decline in strong-man attitudes during electoral processes, according to a senior United Nations official.
• Carter Center Observers to Monitor Sierra Leone Election VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- The vice president for peace programs at the US-based Carter Center, John Stremlau, said former Zambian President Rupiah Banda will lead the organization’s poll observer mission to monitor Sierra Leone’s November 17th general election.
• NEPAL: Government hobbles human rights commission IRIN 18 Oct 2012 -- Mismanagement of Nepal’s National Human Rights Commission’s and its lack of independence, as well as frequent changes of government and an ongoing constitutional stalemate, have weakened the group’s ability to pursue war-era crimes.
• Udaltsov Aide Charged, Faces 10 Years In Jail RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- Konstantin Lebedev, an aide to opposition Left Front movement leader Sergei Udaltsov, has been formally charged with plotting to organize mass riots and could be jailed for up to 10 years.
• Putin Backs Ban on Muslim Head Scarfs at Schools RIA Novosti 18 Oct 2012 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he was against allowing students to wear Muslim head scarfs at schools, but welcomed the idea of returning to school uniforms.
• Putin Opposes Head Scarves In Schools RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- President Vladimir Putin has spoken out against the wearing of head scarves in Russian schools.
• Will Femen Face A Pussy Riot-Style Crackdown? RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- It has now been just over a month since a topless activist from the Ukrainian feminist protest group Femen brought down a cross in Kyiv.
• Renowned Turkish Pianist on Trial for Insulting Islam VOA 18 Oct 2012 -- A world-renowned Turkish pianist is on trial on charges of inciting religious hatred and insulting Islam in comments he made on Twitter in April.
• Turkish Pianist In Court For Irreverent Tweets RFE/RL 18 Oct 2012 -- The 42-year old artist appeared in an Istanbul court on October 18 to face charges of "publicly insulting religious values that are adopted by a part of the nation" and "inciting hatred and public enmity."
• Argentina, Australia, Luxembourg, Republic of Korea and Rwanda obtain non-permanent seats on UN Security Council UN News Centre 18 Oct 2012 -- The United Nations General Assembly has elected Argentina, Australia, Luxembourg, the Republic of Korea and Rwanda to serve as non-permanent members on the Security Council for two-year terms beginning on 1 January 2013.