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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Press Conference by Secretary Panetta in Madrid, Spain DoD 15 Jan 2013
• Press Conference by Secretary Panetta and Minister Aguiar-Branco in Lisbon, Portugal DoD 15 Jan 2013
• Panetta Answers Mali Questions in Europe AFPS 15 Jan 2013 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta discussed U.S. assistance to the French in Mali during news conferences today in Lisbon, Portugal, and here in the Spanish capital.
• Panetta: No US Troops to Mali VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says the United States is not considering sending ground troops to Mali to work with French forces.
• Afghan, Coalition Forces Arrest Taliban Facilitator AFPS 15 Jan 2013 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in the Khugyani district of Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province.
• Afghan Deputies Trade Blows Over Impeachment Of Ministers RFE/RL 15 Jan 2013 -- Two Afghan lawmakers have traded blows during a parliamentary session in Kabul.
• Iran refutes reports on intrusion of US fighter planes into Iranian airspace IRNA 15 Jan 2013 -- Deputy commander of Iran Army's Khatam al-Anbiya air defense base Brigadier General Shahrokh Shahram refuted rumors that some US fighter planes have entered Iran's airspace.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US Delegation in Seoul for Security Talks VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- A high-level U.S. delegation arrived Tuesday in South Korea for talks on issues including regional security and North Korea.
• Panetta Travels to Rome to Meet With Italian Leaders AFPS 15 Jan 2013 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta arrived here today on the third leg of his tour of European capitals.
• Panetta Arrives in Spain on Second Leg of European Trip AFPS 15 Jan 2013 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta arrived here today on his weeklong visit to European allies.
• Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa Deploys USMC News 15 Jan 2013 -- Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa deployed from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 8, 2013.
• Harry S. Truman Strike Group Begins COMPTUEX NNS 15 Jan 2013 -- Harry S. Truman Strike Group began its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) after departing Naval Station Norfolk Jan. 14.
• USS Germantown departs for Spring Deployment NNS 15 Jan 2013 -- The forward deployed USS Germantown, part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, departed Tuesday, Jan. 15, for its spring deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
• NMCB 133 Conducts First Mission in Tajikistan NNS 15 Jan 2013 -- U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 deployed to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in November as part of a Global Peace Operations Initiative, the first Seabee mission in Tajikistan.
• Gunship guru saves $14 million AFNS 15 Jan 2013 -- Bill Walter, an Air Force Special Operation Command Strike Requirements Branch program analyst, has a long history of brainstorming money-saving ideas and seeing them to fruition.
• Military plays security support role for inauguration Army News 15 Jan 2013 -- Soldiers from around the nation will provide security assistance to the Secret Service, the FBI, the National Park Police and other law enforcement agencies during the 2013 inauguration event here, Jan. 21.
• Presidential Memorandum - Delegation of Certain Functions Under Section 6 of Public Law 112-150 The White House 15 Jan 2013
• Army helicopters aid stranded oil rig Army News 15 Jan 2013 -- A storm New Year's Eve ran an arctic drilling rig aground on an Alaskan island and two new Chinook helicopters from Fort Wainwright, Alaska, came to the rescue.
• Russia Pledges $1 Bln Arms Loan to Bangladesh RIA Novosti 15 Jan 2013 -- Russia will issue a $1 billion loan to Bangladesh for purchases of Russian-made arms and military equipment, Russian President Vladimir Putin said after talks with Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
• Russia Launches Three Military Satellites RIA Novosti 15 Jan 2013 -- Russia has launched three Cosmos series military-purpose satellites, the Aerospace Defense Forces spokesman said.
• NATO Secretary General releases annual report on women, peace and security NATO 15 Jan 2013 -- NATO Secretary General detailed the Alliance’s efforts over the past year to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in its operations and activities in his second annual report on this issue.
• HMS Somerset returns to sea after £20 million refit UK MOD 15 Jan 2013 -- The Type 23 frigate has a new lease of life as one of the most advanced fighting ships in the fleet due to a £20 million docking and upgrade in her home port of Devonport Naval Base in partnership with Babcock Marine.
• Beijing to trigger arms race by testing anti-satellite missiles CNA 15 Jan 2013 -- China's imminent test-firing of an anti-satellite missile is set to prompt an arms race with the United States and Russia.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 1/15/2013 The White House 15 Jan 2013
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, January 15, 2013 US Dept. of State 15 Jan 2013

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for January 15, 2013
• HeliVert Flies First Russian AW139 Helicopter RIA Novosti 15 Jan 2013 -- The first Western helicopter to be built under license in Russia successfully performed its maiden flight last month.

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 15 January 2013 United Nations 15 Jan 2013
• French Troops Take on Coordinated, Entrenched Islamists in Mali VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- French troops entering Mali to quell an Islamist insurgency face a tough battle against a well-coordinated coalition of militant groups.
• France Continues Mali Air Strikes, Sends Tank Convoy North VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- A convoy of French tanks rolled out of Mali's capital Tuesday, heading to northern regions controlled by Islamist militants.
• French Troops Prepare for Possible Ground Assault in Mali VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- French forces are preparing for a possible ground assault in Mali against al-Qaida-linked rebels who have continued to push south despite five days of French aerial bombardments.
• Nigeria Set for Mali Troop Deployment VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- Nigeria says it will deploy troops to Mali within 24 hours, with more to follow in the coming week. This comes as French troops continue to battle Islamist militants in the north of Mali, waiting for support from West African countries.
• Russian UN Envoy Says No Claims to French Actions in Mali RIA Novosti 15 Jan 2013 -- Russia has no claims to military activities of France in Mali after it joined military operation against the Islamist insurgency in the African country.
• Humanitarian situation in Mali deteriorates after latest wave of fighting – UN UN News Centre 15 Jan 2013 -- The latest round of military clashes over the weekend between the Malian army and radical Islamist groups have sparked a new wave of displacement and led to a worsening of the humanitarian situation in the North African country.
• Abuses Reported in Northern Mali VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- Amnesty International says Islamist militias have committed many abuses against civilians in northern Mali, including the use of child soldiers, amputations and stonings.
• Tens of Thousands Displaced by Intensified Mali Clashes VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- The U.N. refugee agency says thousands of Malians have become internally displaced or are seeking refuge in neighboring countries as clashes escalate between French troops and Islamist rebels.
• France Tightens Domestic Security After Mali Operation VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- France has increased its domestic security, due to concern about possible threats following the launch of French military action against al-Qaida linked rebels in Mali.
• Pakistan Says One Of Its Soldiers Killed In Exchange With Indian Troops RFE/RL 15 Jan 2013 -- The Pakistani military says "unprovoked" firing by Indian troops has killed a Pakistani soldier in the latest violation of a ceasefire in disputed Kashmir.
• Report: At Least 52 Killed in Syria University Blast VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- A Syrian rights group says two explosions killed at least 52 people at the University of Aleppo, in Syria's largest city.
• Blast At Syria's Aleppo University Causes Casualties RFE/RL 15 Jan 2013 -- An explosion has hit the university in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, causing casualties.
• Russia Closes Aleppo Consulate RIA Novosti 15 Jan 2013 -- The Russian Consulate General in the northwestern Syrian city of Aleppo has suspended operations.
• At Least Eight Children Killed in Syria Airstrikes on Rebels RIA Novosti 15 Jan 2013 -- Children were reported among other casualties after Syrian fighter jets delivered airstrikea on rebel strongholds near Damascus.
• Russia Against Hague Trial for Syria RIA Novosti 15 Jan 2013 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry slammed the request by a few dozen countries that the Syria crisis be referred to the International Criminal Court.
• Syria: UN official urges protection of children following reports of surge in casualties UN News Centre 15 Jan 2013 -- A top United Nations official condemned the reportedly high number of casualties of children in and around the Syrian capital of Damascus.
• Taiwan has contingency plan for disputed Diaoyutai Islands CNA 15 Jan 2013 -- Taiwan's military is keeping tabs on the situation relating to a disputed island group in the East China Sea and is prepared for all contingencies.
• Japan's Prime Minister Heads to SE Asia VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s three-nation visit to South East Asia this week is seen partly as a regional diplomatic push and partly as an effort to expand trading markets.
• Ban urges Central African parties to abide by agreements forged to end crisis UN News Centre 15 Jan 2013 -- Welcoming the signing of a ceasefire and other agreements that halted a rebel advance on the capital of the CAR, Secretary-General Ban called for all parties in the country to fulfil their commitments.
• Burma Attacks in Kachin Prompt Global Criticism VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- Reports say at least three people were killed and several injured after Burmese government forces launched mortar attacks.
• Russia Unable to Get Black Box from Downed Chopper in Sudan RIA Novosti 15 Jan 2013 -- Russia did not receive a black box from its UN helicopter that was shot down in Sudan last month.
• UN Takes Next Steps in Drawdown of Military Presence in Liberia VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- The United Nations Mission in Liberia has begun the next phase in its drawdown of military troops in the country.

News Reports

• UN Nuclear Experts to Visit Tehran VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- United Nations nuclear watchdog experts will visit Tehran Wednesday with hopes of furthering their investigation into Iran's controversial nuclear program.
• IAEA Seeks Parchin Access, Tehran Says No RFE/RL 15 Jan 2013 -- The head of an IAEA delegation says he hopes to win access to Iran's Parchin military complex during talks in Tehran this week.
• Supreme Leader’s Fatwa banning nuclear arms ultimate guideline for Iran IRNA 15 Jan 2013 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said the religious edict issued by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei banning production, proliferation, use and stockpiling of nuclear arms is the ultimate guideline for Iran.
• Iran Tells Reporters: Quit Working For Outsiders RFE/RL 15 Jan 2013 -- Relatives of political journalist Ali Asgar Ramezanpour, who works from London, say they have been told by Iran's intelligence officials to "tell him to quit his activities and return to Iran or expect more pressure."
• Who Stands To Benefit From Qadri's March? RFE/RL 15 Jan 2013 -- The protest march led by Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri has electrified Pakistan by throwing a wrench into the government's plans for an orderly run-up to new elections.
• Pakistani Cleric Qadri Energizes Calls for Reform VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- Tahir-ul Qadri returned to a hero's welcome in Pakistan in December, attracting thousands with calls for reforms ahead of this year's elections.
• Pakistani Supreme Court orders arrest of Prime Minister in corruption case IRNA 15 Jan 2013 -- Pakistani Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the arrest of the country’s Prime Minister, Raja Pervez Ashraf in a corruption case.
• Pakistan's Supreme Court Orders Arrest Of Prime Minister RFE/RL 15 Jan 2013 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered the arrest of the prime minister in connection with a corruption case linked to power projects.
• Protest Leader Calls for 'Peaceful Revolution' in Pakistan VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- Populist Pakistani cleric Tahir-ul Qadri has called for a peaceful revolution in the country and the dissolution of the current government.
• Cleric Tells Crowd Pakistani Government Is A Failure RFE/RL 15 Jan 2013 -- An influential Islamic cleric has told tens of thousands of antigovernment demonstrators in the Pakistani capital that the country's government suffers from a "complete failure of political leadership."
• UN envoy strongly condemns killing of Iraqi parliament member UN News Centre 15 Jan 2013 -- The top United Nations envoy in Iraq has strongly condemned the killing of Ifan Al-Issawi.
• Iraqi Sunni Lawmaker Killed in Suicide Bombing VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- A suicide bomber has killed an influential Sunni lawmaker and one of his bodyguards in Iraq's western Anbar province.
• Suicide Bomber Kills Iraqi Sunni Lawmaker RFE/RL 15 Jan 2013 -- A Sunni member of the Iraqi parliament has been killed by a suicide bomber in the country's western province of Anbar.
• US: Morsi Should Repudiate 2010 Anti-Semitism Remarks VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- The United States said Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi should repudiate remarks he made in 2010 calling on Egyptians to "nurse our children and our grandchildren on hatred” for Jews and Zionists.
• State Media: No Change at China's Forced Labor Camps VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- Local officials in charge of China's controversial forced labor camps say they are operating as usual.
• Kenya Group to Urge Arrest For ‘Hate Speech’ VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- The chairman of Kenya’s National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) says his organization will soon recommend the arrest and prosecution of Kenyans who are using social media to publish “hate speech.”
• Kenya's IDPs fault government for delayed resettlement IRIN 15 Jan 2013 -- Of the 600,000 people forcibly displaced in Kenya during the fierce 2007-2008 post-election violence, hundreds have yet to be resettled, despite government pledges to find them new homes.
• Sudan continues crackdown on opposition groups IRIN 15 Jan 2013 -- A number of Sudanese opposition party leaders are in custody following the signing of an accord, dubbed the 'New Dawn Charter', under which they agreed to overthrow the government of President Omar al-Bashir.
• 10 Sentenced in Ethiopian al-Qaida Case VOA 15 Jan 2013 -- An Ethiopian court has convicted ten people of having links to al-Qaida, but did not issue life sentences as the prosecution requested.
• Uzbekistan Starts Paying Compensation For Sokh Violence RFE/RL 15 Jan 2013 -- Kyrgyz media is reporting that Uzbekistan has started paying compensation to some Kyrgyz citizens for property damage incurred during the violence in and around Uzbekistan's Sokh district earlier this month.
• Russia to Lend Bangladesh $500 Million for NPP Construction RIA Novosti 15 Jan 2013 -- Russia will allocate a $500 million loan to Bangladesh to finance the first phases of a joint project to build the country’s first nuclear power plant.