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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 09 Dec 2013 [PDF]
• Analysis: How to get aid to remote Philippine typhoon survivors IRIN 09 Dec 2013 -- A number of remote Philippine islands are still cut off from sufficient aid, electricity and water nearly one month after the category 5 Super Typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) barrelled into the archipelago. The typhoon made landfall six times, battering the central islands and leaving a path of almost total destruction in nine of the country's 17 regions.
• HMS Illustrious continues Philippines aid effort UK MOD 09 Dec 2013 -- Royal Navy amphibious helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious has nearly completed her mission in the Philippines.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Hagel Visits Pakistani Prime Minister, Army Chief AFPS 09 Dec 2013 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel took part today in what a senior defense official called a "positive, warm and engaging" meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's Visit to Islamabad, Pakistan DoD 09 Dec 2013 -- United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Minister of Defense Khwaja Asif, Minister of Finance Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Raheel Sharif, National Security and Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz, and other Pakistani officials on Dec. 9 in meetings in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
• Navy to Audit Port Services NNS 09 Dec 2013 -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus spelled out in a memorandum last week his expectations for the review and audit of procedures, administration, and performance of all husbanding and port services contracts.
• Statement on Additional U.S. Support to France and the African Union in the Central African Republic DoD 09 Dec 2013 -- Last evening in Kabul, Secretary Hagel spoke with French Minister of Defense Yves Le Drian about the security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), where, under the authority of a UN Security Council Resolution, French forces are assisting the African Union-led international support mission to provide humanitarian assistance and establish an environment that supports a political transition to a democratically elected government.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's Visit to Saudi Arabia DoD 09 Dec 2013
• Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 13 Marines train with Companie de Fusilier Marine Commandos USMC News 09 Dec 2013 -- Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 13 recently completed the first week of training as part of the fourth iteration of maritime assistance force engagements this year with the Companie de Fusilier Marine Commandos in Thiès, Senegal.
• Communication Marines keep units connected at Forager Fury II USMC News 09 Dec 2013 -- Communication Marines will provide communication at Tinian's North and West Field to increase operational proficiency during Exercise Forager Fury II.
• MWSS-171 supports Marines during Exercise Max Thunder USMC News 09 Dec 2013 -- Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 provided Marines with everything they needed during operation Max Thunder, but most failed to recognize their considerable contribution.
• Ike Initiates Improved Shipyard Painting Technique NNS 09 Dec 2013 -- Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) began work on a new 'wet painting' technique, Dec. 4, that is designed to change the way industrial painting is done on all aircraft carriers throughout the Navy.
• Freedom Departs U.S. 7th Fleet on Asia-Pacific Deployment NNS 09 Dec 2013 -- The littoral combat ship, USS Freedom (LCS 1), crossed the international date line while transiting the Pacific Ocean, Dec. 10, marking her departure from the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).
• Navy Honors F/A-18 for 35 Years of Distinction NNS 09 Dec 2013 -- The F/A-18 Hornet community celebrated the 35th anniversary of the aircraft's first flight during a ceremony Dec. 9 in the Rear Adm. William A. Moffett building atrium at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.
• Pentagon Under Fire Over Russian Helicopters – Report RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2013 -- The US Defense Department is facing allegations that it misled Congress over the purchase of Russian helicopters for Afghan security forces amid revelations that a Pentagon study recommended an American-built aircraft for the job, the Associated Press reported.
• Russia Sends First Fighter Jets to Belarus Base RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2013 -- A Russian fighter jet unit has arrived at a Belarusian airbase where it will be stationed on alert duty as part of an integrated regional air defense network, Belarusian news agency BelaPAN reported.
• Russia Activates Aerospace Defense Radar Aimed at Europe RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2013 -- Russia has begun testing a new radar designed to detect highly maneuverable aerial targets – including cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles – at a range of up to 3,000 kilometers (over 1,800 miles), allowing it to cover most of Europe.
• China dismisses Japan's opposition to South China Sea ADIZ People's Daily 09 Dec 2013 -- China dismissed the Japanese Defense Minister's remarks on the South China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
• Iran launches home-made defense shield ISNA 09 Dec 2013 -- Iran launched the first home-made cyber defense shield dubbed 'Shahpad' (the smart network of defense security cover), after several years of studies and research.
• Iran Navy's 28th fleet to leave India's Mumbai port Iran Press TV 09 Dec 2013 -- Iran's 28th naval fleet of war vessels is set to depart from India's western port city of Mumbai for other major ports in Southeast Asia, says an Iranian naval commander.
• December 9, 2013 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 09 Dec 2013
• Press Gaggle by Jay Carney and Ben Rhodes aboard AF1 en route Johannesburg, South Africa The White House 09 Dec 2013

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for December 09, 2013
• Enhancing Competitiveness – EADS Outlines Plan for Defence and Space Restructuring EADS 09 Dec 2013 -- EADS today presented a restructuring plan for its future Airbus Defence and Space Division (Airbus DS) to the European Works Council.

Other Conflicts

• 9 December 2013 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 09 Dec 2013
• UN marks 65th anniversary of landmark treaty on preventing, punishing genocide UN News Centre 09 Dec 2013 -- Top United Nations officials joined international experts today in New York to mark the 65th anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide – referred to as a living symbol of the enduring commitment to 'never again.'
• Syria forces take control of strategic highway Iran Press TV 09 Dec 2013 -- Syrian government forces have taken control of a strategic highway which links the capital Damascus to the country's north.
• Syrian army troops capture al-Nabek town Iran Press TV 09 Dec 2013 -- The Syrian army has made more gains in its fight against foreign-backed militants operating inside the country establishing full control over the town of al-Nabek.
• Russia in Talks on Moving Chemical Weapons from Syria - Deputy FM RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2013 -- Russia is in talks about providing safe transport of chemical weapons out of Syria, a deputy foreign minister said Monday.
• Syria Retakes Road Needed for Chemical Weapons Removal VOA 09 Dec 2013 -- Syrian activists say President Bashar al-Assad's forces have regained control of the main highway connecting Damascus to the coast that is needed to extract hundreds of tons of toxic chemicals for destruction.
• UN agencies alarmed as humanitarian situation in Central African Republic deteriorates UN News Centre 09 Dec 2013 -- The United Nations says that aid agencies in the Central African Republic (CAR) remain preoccupied by the alarming deterioration of the humanitarian situation, particularly in the capital, Bangui, and in Bossangoa.
• French troops clash with fighters in Central African Republic Iran Press TV 09 Dec 2013 -- French soldiers in the Central African Republic (CAR) have exchanged fire with heavily-armed fighters near the airport in the capital city of Bangui.
• French Troops Disarm CAR Rebels Following Brief Shootout VOA 09 Dec 2013 -- French troops operating in the Central African Republic report they came under brief fire Monday as they sought to disarm the country's former rebel fighters, following a recent swell of violence that left hundreds dead.
• Gaza: UN confirms permission to import building materials, urges action on energy crisis UN News Centre 09 Dec 2013 -- The Government of Israel has decided to resume the transfer of construction materials for United Nations projects in Gaza, the top UN envoy for the Middle East confirmed today, while stressing the urgency of addressing the energy and other needs of Palestinians in the territory.
• Precarious security situation in Libya shows need for dialogue with militias - UN envoy UN News Centre 09 Dec 2013 -- The continued "precariousness" of security in Libya highlights the need for dialogue between the Government and the main armed militias, the top United Nations official in the North African country told the Security Council today.
• Sinai: Destined to suffer? IRIN 09 Dec 2013 -- Many Egyptians have lauded the authorities' ongoing "counter-terrorism" campaign in the remote Sinai peninsula, seeing it is a necessary fight against militants who have increased attacks against security services in recent months, following the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi.

News Reports

• Report on Enlarged Meeting of Political Bureau of Central Committee of WPK KCNA 09 Dec 2013 -- In this connection, the Political Bureau of the C.C., the WPK convened its enlarged meeting and discussed the issue related to the anti-party, counter-revolutionary factional acts committed by Jang Song Thaek. The meeting, to begin with, fully laid bare the anti-party, counter-revolutionary factional acts of Jang Song Thaek and their harmfulness and reactionary nature.
• Kim Jong Un Calls for Ushering in Period of Great Prosperity in Construction KCNA 09 Dec 2013 -- Supreme leader Kim Jong Un sent a letter 'Let Us Usher in the Period of Great Prosperity in Construction by Thoroughly Embodying Party's Idea on Juche-based Architecture' to participants in the great workshop for officials in the field of construction on Sunday.
• North Korea's Public Purge Signals Leadership Transition VOA 09 Dec 2013 -- North Korea has confirmed that leader Kim Jong Un's uncle and mentor, Jang Song Thaek, has been ousted in a public purge. Political analysts say the highly publicized dismissal is meant as a warning to ensure loyalty as the young leader consolidates power.
• Rouhani: Iran not to give up nuclear rights ISNA 09 Dec 2013 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reiterated that the country would not give up its peaceful nuclear activities.
• Geneva deal attests to Iran enrichment right: Russia Iran Press TV 09 Dec 2013 -- Russia says the interim deal between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Sextet paves the way for the recognition of Tehran's "inalienable right" to uranium enrichment.
• Obama trying to stop sanctions on Iran Iran Press TV 09 Dec 2013 -- US President Barack Obama is dispatching two of his top diplomats to Capitol Hill next week to prevent new sanctions from being passed on Iran.
• US lawmakers insist on final deal without Iranian enrichment Iran Press TV 09 Dec 2013 -- Two US lawmakers who handle intelligence matters say the Obama administration should not accept a long-term deal with Iran that would include uranium enrichment.
• US tech firms demand spying overhaul Iran Press TV 09 Dec 2013 -- In response to revelations that the US National Security Agency is collecting Internet records of millions of people in the United States and across the world, leading technology companies are calling for sweeping changes to US surveillance laws, a report says.
• US Intelligence Agencies Reportedly Monitor Online Games VOA 09 Dec 2013 -- U.S. and British spies play online games, not as a form of entertainment but a way to look for secret communications, financial transactions and terrorist plans.
• Putin Reorganizes State Media Into New Conglomerate RFE/RL 09 Dec 2013 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the closure of RIA Novosti, Russia's major state-run news agency, as part of a reorganization of state-owned media assets. Also being closed is the state-owned Voice of Russia radio.
• RIA Novosti to Be Liquidated in State-Owned Media Overhaul RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2013 -- The Kremlin announced Monday the dissolution of RIA Novosti, the country's major state-run news agency, amid a significant reorganization of state-owned media assets.
• Protesters, Police Face Off In Ukraine RFE/RL 09 Dec 2013 -- Riot police have begun dismantling protesters' barricades that have been blocking access to government buildings in Kyiv.
• Police Repel Protesters From Ukraine Government HQ RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2013 -- Interior Ministry troops in Ukraine's capital on Monday repelled demonstrators from a position they had taken up outside the Cabinet office in a renewed effort to clear major protest sites.
• Police Move Into Central Kiev, Protesters Fear Crackdown RIA Novosti 09 Dec 2013 -- Ukrainian security forces moved into Kiev on Monday prompting fears among anti-government protesters that the authorities plan to use force to clear tent camps and barricades in the city center.
• Ukraine Police Move Against Pro-Europe Demonstrators VOA 09 Dec 2013 -- Ukrainian riot police moved Monday to curb pro-European demonstrators in Kyiv by dismantling barricades set up by protesters outside government building and storming the headquarters of the largest opposition party.
• Analysis: Pakistan's judges and military clash over rule of law IRIN 09 Dec 2013 -- Mohabat Shah has stood silently before the bench at Pakistan's Supreme Court nearly every day last week. Shah's four-year search for his son, Yasin, has come down to a handful of court hearings that are testing the power of Pakistan's civilian government over its military.
• Iraqi Government must clarify whereabouts of mission Iranian exiles – UN experts UN News Centre 09 Dec 2013 -- A group of independent United Nations human rights experts today called on the Iraqi Government to clarify the whereabouts of seven residents of Camp Ashraf, who were allegedly abducted last September after an attack that left 52 people dead, guarantee their safety and prevent their extradition to Iran.
• Guinea-Bissau: Security Council warns of potential sanctions if elections hindered UN News Centre 09 Dec 2013 -- The United Nations Security Council today urged a return to constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, which has postponed presidential and legislative elections until next year, and warned that it would consider further measures – such as sanctions – against anyone who hampers such efforts in the West African country.
• Amid fair trial concerns, UN experts urge Bangladesh to halt impending execution UN News Centre 09 Dec 2013 -- Two independent United Nations human rights experts today urged the Bangladeshi Government to halt the execution of Abdul Quader Mollah, whose death sentence could be carried out as early as tomorrow, amid concerns that he did not receive a fair trial.