• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 01 Nov 2013 [PDF]
• ANA leads assault on insurgents in Maiwand District Army News 01 Nov 2013 -- Soldiers with the Afghan National Army and Combined Task Force Dragoon conducted a clearing operation in the village of Koka, Afghanistan, Oct. 24, 2013, to rid the area of local Taliban activity.
• Pakistani Taliban Leader Killed in Drone Strike VOA 01 Nov 2013 -- The leader of the Pakistani Taliban has been killed in a drone strike. Hakimullah Mehsud was one of the most wanted men in Pakistan and a top target for the CIA-led drone campaign aimed at crushing the militant group. His death Friday deals a serious blow to the militant organization, and analysts say it is a huge success for the United States, and it likely will further fragment what is already a divided group.
• Drone Strike Kills Pakistani Taliban Leader RFE/RL 01 Nov 2013 -- Pakistani Taliban sources have confirmed the group's leader, Hakimullah Mehsud, was killed by a suspected U.S. drone strike on November 1 in Northern Waziristan.
• Pakistani Taliban Chief Killed in Suspected US Strike VOA 01 Nov 2013 -- A suspected U.S. drone strike in Pakistan killed at least three people including Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud.
• British soldiers protecting major Helmand base UK MOD 01 Nov 2013 -- A company of soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment have taken control of protecting one of the UK's last bases in Afghanistan.
• US to Buy 30 Russian Helicopters for Afghanistan Next Year RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2013 -- The United States will next year buy 30 Russian-made helicopters for the Afghan army, Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said Friday.
• Pakistan govt. slammed over drone deaths data Iran Press TV 01 Nov 2013 -- Pakistan's Defense Ministry has come under fire from opposition parties and rights groups that say it underestimated the number of civilians killed in US drone strikes.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Trial By Fire: NASNI Builds Navy's First Submarine Firefighting Trainer NNS 01 Nov 2013 -- Smoke bellows out the ventilation ducts. The glow of the blazing fire emanates down the passageway. Firefighters move with precision and purpose, pausing to unleash a torrent of water towards the fire as they kneel before it. Such was the scene at the Navy's first submarine firefighting trainer, located at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) Oct. 29.
• Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 Holds Change of Command NNS 01 Nov 2013 -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 held a change of command ceremony at the squadron's hangar aboard Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Nov. 1.
• USS Thach Decommissioned After 29 Years of Service NNS 01 Nov 2013 -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) was decommissioned after more than 29 years of naval service during a ceremony on board Naval Base San Diego, Nov. 1.
• Navy's New Fire Scout Unmanned Helicopter Takes its First Flight NNS 01 Nov 2013 -- The Navy's newest variant of the Fire Scout unmanned helicopter completed its first day of flying Oct. 31 at Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu.
• Pacom Chief: Fiscal Climate Threatens to Hollow U.S. Military AFPS 01 Nov 2013 -- Unpredictable funding and the indiscriminate cuts being forced by sequestration are steadily eroding military readiness and threaten to leave a hollow force ill-prepared for future demands, the commander of U.S. Pacific Command told American Forces Press Service today.
• COMNAVSURFLANT Headquarters Relocates NNS 01 Nov 2013 -- The commander of Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT), cut the ribbon to the command's new building Nov. 1, officially recognizing the relocation of his headquarters from Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads to Naval Station Norfolk.
• APS 13 'hits hard' with last African engagement in Cameroon USMC News 01 Nov 2013 -- U.S. Marines and sailors with Africa Partnership Station 13 spearhead their final joint engagement after months of training along the West African coast. The group of warriors embarked on a three-month deployment with a unique mission: strengthen global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative security in Africa.
• U.S., Canadian Forces Exercise Arctic Search-and-rescue Ops AFPS 01 Nov 2013 -- The call came in two days ago: an aircraft with 40 passengers aboard had gone down in a remote area somewhere along the Alaskan-Canadian border. The Federal Aviation Administration, which had been monitoring the flight, received the distress call before losing contact with the aircraft.
• Guard Program Builds Partner Capacity, Relationships in Centcom AFPS 01 Nov 2013 -- U.S. Central Command is leveraging a popular National Guard Bureau program to increase partner capability while fostering close professional and person relationships between U.S. and partner military members within its area of responsibility.
• Preserving out-of-this-world food Army News 01 Nov 2013 -- Getting enough vitamins in one's diet is tough enough on this planet. Consider the health of astronauts in extended spaceflight.
• Statement by Secretary Hagel on former Rep. John Y. McCollister DoD 01 Nov 2013
• NATO to Kick Off Military Exercise Near Russia RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2013 -- The United States and its European allies are set to begin military exercises near Russia's western borders Saturday, a training operation that has raised hackles in Moscow but will be observed by a Russian Defense Ministry delegation.
• US, Romania begin work on Aegis Ashore missile defense complex NNS 01 Nov 2013 -- Top U.S., Romanian and NATO officials broke ground OCt. 28 on a new ballistic missile defense facility being built to boost regional stability and strengthen the alliance's collective security stance.
• Chinese nuclear submarine has high resistance to attack People's Daily 01 Nov 2013 -- The coastal defense force of the Chinese navy is an independent unit of troops which engages in coastal protection, and is deployed in important sections.
• China, India may set up military hotline: spokesperson People's Daily 01 Nov 2013 -- China and India are considering establishing a hotline between the headquarters of the countries' armed forces, according to a recently signed agreement, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.
• Russian Bombers to Continue Patrols Over South America RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2013 -- Two Russian Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bombers currently on a tour-of-duty in South America will carry out a series of patrol missions over the region in line with the program of combat training, the Defense Ministry said.
• Russian Navy's Newest Missile Subs Not Operational – Source RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2013 -- The Russian Navy's newest ballistic missile submarines are not ready to begin operations in their primary role of carrying out nuclear deterrent patrols due to a failed test firing of the Bulava missile last year, a high command source told RIA Novosti on Friday.
• Investigators Seize Over $20M from Defense Ministry Fraud Suspects RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2013 -- Russian law enforcers have confiscated over 750 million rubles ($23.3 million) from the managers of a Defense Ministry services company they suspect were involved in a military real-estate fraud, the Investigative Committee spokesman said.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 11/01/2013 The White House 01 Nov 2013
• November 1, 2013 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 01 Nov 2013

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for November 01, 2013

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 01 Nov 2013
• INTERVIEW: Head of OPCW-UN team awaits next steps on destruction of Syria's chemical weapons UN News Centre 01 Nov 2013 -- The Joint Mission of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the United Nations overseeing the destruction of Syria's weapons programme confirmed yesterday that the Government has destroyed critical production equipment, rendering them inoperable. By doing so, Syria has met the deadline set by the OPCW Executive Council to complete the destruction of such equipment by 1 November.
• UN agency reaches 'record' number of Syrians with food, but many remain cut off UN News Centre 01 Nov 2013 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said that it is reaching close to 3.3 million people in Syria – a record for its operations – but many are still without food in areas cut off by fighting, particularly in Damascus and the capital's besieged suburbs.
• Brahimi comments on Geneva Syria talks Iran Press TV 01 Nov 2013 -- UN-Arab League Special Representative for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi says the proposed Geneva conference on the Syrian crisis could not be held without the participation of the foreign-backed opposition coalition.
• Syrian forces retake strategic northern city of Safira Iran Press TV 01 Nov 2013 -- Syrian troops have regained control of the key city of Safira in the country's north after days of fierce fighting against foreign-backed militants.
• Israel Reportedly Strikes Syrian Base RFE/RL 01 Nov 2013 -- Reports say Israeli warplanes have struck inside Syria, although Tel Aviv has refused to confirm any strike.
• Geneva conference must include Syrian Government and opposition, says Arab League-UN envoy UN News Centre 01 Nov 2013 -- The proposed Geneva II conference to find a political solution to the Syrian crisis must include representatives from the Government as well as the opposition, the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States, Lakhdar Brahimi, told a news conference in Damascus today.
• UN Envoy: 'Everyone Ready to Assist' Syria Peace Talks VOA 01 Nov 2013 -- The international envoy to Syria is holding out hope fresh peace talks can still take place in a matter of weeks.
• UN Food Agency Falls Short of Syria Aid Goal VOA 01 Nov 2013 -- The World Food Program says it has distributed food aid to a record 3.3 million Syrians in October, up from 2.7 million in September but still short of its four-million person target.
• China dismisses Japan's claims on military activities People's Daily 01 Nov 2013 -- China said on Thursday that Japan should get accustomed to China's reasonable and legitimate military activities rather than making groundless accusations, as it has done recently.
• Japan denies meddling in China drills Iran Press TV 01 Nov 2013 -- Japan says it has not interfered in China's recent naval exercises as Beijing lodged a formal diplomatic protest over the issue.
• Obama, Maliki Discuss Iraqi Needs to Fight al-Qaida VOA 01 Nov 2013 -- At the White House, President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki discussed Iraq's requests for new military and other assistance to help fight resurgent al-Qaida networks threatening Iraq's stability.
• Nearly 1,000 killed in Iraq in October: Official data Iran Press TV 01 Nov 2013 -- Official figures show that more than 960 people were killed and hundreds of others wounded due to a surge in terrorist attacks across Iraq in October, making it the country's bloodiest month since 2008.
• Mali: Ban welcomes Netherlands' decision to contribute to peacekeeping mission UN News Centre 01 Nov 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the decision of the Government of the Netherlands to supply personnel and equipment to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali, and reiterated his call to Member States for further assistance.
• Ban expresses hope in Turkish Cypriot, Greek Cypriot leaders can overcome impasse UN News Centre 01 Nov 2013 -- Concerned by the deadlock in the negotiations between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed the hope that the two sides would overcome the impasse next week during a visit from his Special Adviser on Cyprus.
• UN chief, World Bank President announce joint visit to help Sahel region tackle 'cycle of crises' UN News Centre 01 Nov 2013 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim announced today they are teaming up for a trip to the Sahel next week to address pressing issues in the vast African region such as pervasive poverty, food insecurity and conflict.
• Central African Republic: UN agency calls for more funding to ramp up food aid UN News Centre 01 Nov 2013 -- Concerned by the rising food insecurity in the Central African Republic, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today said that it plans to boost its humanitarian efforts, while also calling for more financial support.
• Russia, Japan Agree to Hold Peace Treaty Talks Next Year RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2013 -- The top diplomats of Russia and Japan on Friday agreed to hold peace treaty consultations early next year, the Japanese foreign minister said after meeting with his Russian counterpart.
• 'What they're saying about Abyei' IRIN 01 Nov 2013 -- The contested region of Abyei recently held a "unilateral" referendum to determine whether it will remain part of Sudan or be restored to South Sudan, a move analysts fear could fuel conflict in the region.
• Sri Lanka's long-term IDPs - what next? IRIN 01 Nov 2013 -- Years after fighting ended in Sri Lanka - up to more than 20 years for some - tens of thousands of people are still unable to return to their homes, a situation researchers say is unlikely to change soon.
• North Mali schools off to a hard start IRIN 01 Nov 2013 -- The ravages of Mali's conflict, which paralysed education for almost two years, have disrupted the start of a new school year in the country's north, where damaged schools, staff shortages and insecurity have set back learning.
• Final group of Angolans leaves Botswana for home, marking end of returns programme – UN UN News Centre 01 Nov 2013 -- The last group of Angolan refugees arrived in their home country from Botswana on Wednesday afternoon, marking the end of the voluntary repatriation programme, a United Nations agency said today.

News Reports

• Pakistan views US phone-tapping illegal IRNA 01 Nov 2013 -- Pakistan has described phone-tapping by the United States as illegal and said it has also raised the issue of phone-taping after reports suggested that the US has also surveillance of phones in Pakistan.
• Kerry admits surveillance on foreign governments 'reached too far' Iran Press TV 01 Nov 2013 -- Secretary of State John Kerry has admitted that surveillance of foreign countries and governments by the National Security Agency (NSA) has "reached too far," amid rising tensions between the US and many of its allies.
• Snowden wants to discuss US spy scandal in Berlin Iran Press TV 01 Nov 2013 -- US intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden has said he is willing to travel to Berlin to discuss US spying scandal, urging the international community to help persuade Washington to drop its charges against him.
• Gen. Alexander blames US diplomats for foreign surveillance Iran Press TV 01 Nov 2013 -- General Keith Alexander, director of the US National Security Agency (NSA) has defended his agency's surveillance of friendly foreign governments but said the orders came from American diplomats and policymakers.
• Brazil, Germany submit anti-spy resolution to UN Iran Press TV 01 Nov 2013 -- An anti-spying draft resolution written by Germany and Brazil has been submitted to the United Nations amid the US surveillance scandal.
• Snowden 'Willing To Help' German Inquiry RFE/RL 01 Nov 2013 -- Germany's interior minister says German authorities are prepared to meet with Edward Snowden to discuss allegations of U.S. surveillance of Chancellor Angela Merkel.
• Snowden Offers to Testify in Germany on US Phone Tapping RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2013 -- Fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden says he is willing to meet with officials in Germany to discuss alleged US surveillance programs aimed at the country's leadership.
• Germany Open to Talks with US Intelligence Leaker VOA 01 Nov 2013 -- Germany says it would like to talk to U.S. intelligence leaker Edward Snowden about what he knows about the vast American spying programs, including the alleged monitoring of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's cellphone.
• Seoul Considers Dropping North Korea Sanctions VOA 01 Nov 2013 -- South Korea says is debating lifting sanctions imposed on North Korea after the 2010 sinking of a South Korean warship. South Korea's opposition argues the trade limits originally aimed at punishing North Korea for sinking the ship are also hurting South Korea.
• Iran not committed to answer all questions on safeguards agreements IRNA 01 Nov 2013 -- Deputy foreign minister and member of Iran's nuclear negotiating team said that Islamic Republic of Iran is not committed to answer all questions of the IAEA on safeguards agreements.
• Piracy ransoms amount to more than $339 million over seven-year period - UN report UN News Centre 01 Nov 2013 -- Pirates off the coast of Somalia and the Horn of Africa have made between $339 million and $413 million in ransom profits, fuelling a wide range of criminal activities on a global scale, according to a United Nations-backed report released today.