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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 19 Feb 2014 [PDF]
• US moves to revive talks with Afghan Taliban: Report Iran Press TV 19 Feb 2014 -- The administration of US President Barack Obama has taken serious steps toward a resumption of the so-called peace process with the Afghan Taliban militants in Qatar, a Western media report says.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DOD Official Meets With International Partners in Singapore AFPS 19 Feb 2014 -- The 2014 Singapore Airshow provided the setting last week for a senior Defense Department official to meet with numerous international partners and defense industry officials.
• Tabletop Exercise to Highlight Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield at Washington Navy Yard NNS 19 Feb 2014 -- Emergency responders from Naval District Washington (NDW) and local police and fire personnel are gearing up as Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection (ATFP) exercise Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield (SC-CS), which kicks off this week across NDW.
• USS George Washington Certified Battle 'E'ffective NNS 19 Feb 2014 -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) was awarded the Commander, Naval Air Forces Carrier Battle Effectiveness Award, or Battle 'E', Feb. 15.
• Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 Assumes Authority for Naval Construction Force Operations in the Pacific NNS 19 Feb 2014 -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 relieved NMCB 3 of engineering operations in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility during a relief in place and transfer of authority (RIP/TOA) ceremony at Camp Shields in Okinawa, Japan Feb. 14.
• Next-generation mobility solutions beginning AFNS 19 Feb 2014 -- The initial rollout of modernized commercial mobile technologies, or CMT, has begun across the Air Force.
• USS Kidd Visits Darwin NNS 19 Feb 2014 -- The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) arrived in Darwin, Australia for a port visit, Feb. 15.
• US Warship on Sochi Olympic Security Detail Runs Aground RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2014 -- A US warship dispatched to the Black Sea to provide security at the Sochi Olympics suffered minor damage after running aground at a Turkish port last week, the US Navy said Tuesday.
• New-type inflatable landing boat to be deployed People's Daily 19 Feb 2014 -- The landing equipment of our navy, including dock landing ships, inflatable landing boats and amphibious chariots, is gradually providing a new three-dimensional multiple platform.
• China's navy complete first formal blue water training in 2014 People's Daily 19 Feb 2014 -- The China's navy has smoothly completed its first formal blue water training mission of 2014. During the training, the formation crossed a series of rarely-crossed straits.
• Saudi-Pakistan Military Ties Getting Stronger VOA 19 Feb 2014 -- Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, who is Saudi Arabia's deputy prime minister and defense minister has just concluded an official visit to Pakistan. Some defense experts say that Saudi Arabia's close military ties with Pakistan, though not new, now have a new dimension - namely countering the threat of a nuclear-capable Iran.
• Colombia President fires chief of armed forces Iran Press TV 19 Feb 2014 -- Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos has fired the country's chief of armed forces for "disparaging comments" about the judiciary.
• February 19, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 19 Feb 2014
• Press Gaggle en route Toluca, Mexico The White House 19 Feb 2014

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 19, 2014

Other Conflicts

• UN must bolster rule of law support to Member States, Ban tells Security Council UN News Centre 19 Feb 2014 -- Stressing that the rule of law is at the heart of the work of the United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the Security Council today that it is vital to ensure that the Organization makes the most of its assistance in this area to help post-conflict countries build the foundations for long-term peace and stability.
• Afkham: Possession of islands to Iran, 'undeniable reality' ISNA 19 Feb 2014 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry downplayed the UAE's request for referring the case of the three islands to the UN Security Council, and said the three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Mousa belong to Iran.
• Iran stresses ownership of Persian Gulf islands Iran Press TV 19 Feb 2014 -- Iran has once again stressed sovereignty over three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa in the Persian Gulf.
• Siege warfare in Syria violates humanitarian, human rights laws - UN report UN News Centre 19 Feb 2014 -- An estimated 240,000 Syrian remain trapped in areas under siege resulting in severe hardship, suffering and deaths of civilians, in clear breach of the obligations under international human rights and humanitarian laws, the United Nations today reported.
• Syria: UN Palestine refugee agency condemns deadly bombing near school UN News Centre 19 Feb 2014 -- The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees expressed his "outrage and shock" today, strongly condemning a bomb attack that killed 18 people, including five children, near a school the agency operates in southern Syria.
• Heavy fighting erupts near airport in CAR capital Iran Press TV 19 Feb 2014 -- Violent clashes have reportedly erupted near the airport in the Central African Republic's (CAR) capital, Bangui, after Christian militia attacked a convoy of Muslims being evacuated from the area.
• Central African Republic: amid ongoing violence, UN rights chief urges accountability UN News Centre 19 Feb 2014 -- Authorities in the Central African Republic (CAR) will be held personally accountable for the serious human rights violations committed in the country, Navi Pillay, the United Nations human rights chief today said, urging that every effort be made to break the cycle of violence and revenge, and to restore security and rule of law.
• Doctors Without Borders Seeks Help Treating CAR Wounded VOA 19 Feb 2014 -- The medical charity Doctors Without Borders is appealing for help in treating the thousands of people wounded and injured in the violence currently gripping the Central African Republic (CAR). The charity, known by its French acronym MSF, said there are not enough health care workers on the ground to deal with the overwhelming number of patients.
• S Sudan army loses contact with troops in Malakal Iran Press TV 19 Feb 2014 -- The South Sudanese army says it has lost contact with its forces in the city of Malakal after rebel forces loyal to former vice president, Riek Machar, launched an offensive in the area.
• Bor Residents Rush to Bury Dead Amid South Sudan Fighting VOA 19 Feb 2014 -- Fighting between rebels and the government is still raging in South Sudan, where a political crisis in late December lit the fuse to an explosion of violence that first split the army, and now has turned whole communities against one another. In some towns - which have changed hands several times - the few remaining residents are trying to bury the many dead littering the streets.
• Brute force fails to break Boko Haram IRIN 19 Feb 2014 -- Hoping to snuff out Boko Haram, Nigerian forces launched a crackdown in May 2013, swooping into towns, rounding up hundreds of youths and strafing suspected hideouts of the militia, who, despite being pushed back, continue to torment civilians and target security forces.
• Arms Fuel Sectarian, Insurgent Violence in Nigeria VOA 19 Feb 2014 -- Scores of people have been killed and entire villages burned to the ground in recent days in ongoing battles between herders and farmers in rural northern and central Nigeria. Northern leaders say weapons are being smuggled into Nigeria from other African conflicts and security forces are increasingly outgunned and outmanned.
• On eve of elections, UN in Libya urges voters to contribute to political process UN News Centre 19 Feb 2014 -- As Libyans prepare elect tomorrow the national body that will draft the new Constitution, the United Nations office in the country urged calm and called on voters to contribute positively and "provide the suitable atmosphere" for this important event.
• Analysis: EU aid to Palestinians - help or hindrance? IRIN 19 Feb 2014 -- The European Union (EU) has long been one of the most reliable foreign sources of humanitarian, economic and political aid in the OPT, providing 426 million euros (US$575 million) in 2013 alone.
• US Welcomes Russia-Estonia Border Agreement RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2014 -- The US State Department on Tuesday welcomed the signing of a border agreement between Russia and Estonia that has ended a long-running territorial dispute.
• Unnoticed conflict quietly shatters Pakistan lives IRIN 19 Feb 2014 -- In a classroom in a private school in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital city, a group of fifth graders doing their history lessons are adamant when asked a question about conflict.
• Iraqi troops make advances in operations against militants in Anbar Iran Press TV 19 Feb 2014 -- Security forces in Iraq have made major advances in mop-up operations against al-Qaeda-linked militants in the crisis-hit Anbar province.

News Reports

• Background Briefing on the Situation in Ukraine US Dept. of State 19 Feb 2014
• President Yanukovych And Ukrainian Opposition Leaders Agree 'Truce' And Talks RFE/RL 19 Feb 2014 -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders have agreed to 'a truce' and the start of direct negotiations on ending the country's crisis.
• Ukraine President, Kyiv Protest Leaders Agree to Truce VOA 19 Feb 2014 -- Ukraine's president and the leaders of opposition protests convulsing the capital agreed late Wednesday on a truce, after the deadliest fighting in nearly three months left at least 26 dead and hundreds of others wounded.
• Russia condemns Ukraine protests as attempted coup Iran Press TV 19 Feb 2014 -- Russia has condemned the ongoing protests in Ukraine as an attempted coup, following the death of at least 25 people in fierce clashes between Ukrainian anti-government protesters and police in the capital Kiev.
• Kiev announces nationwide 'anti-terror operation' Iran Press TV 19 Feb 2014 -- Ukrainian government has announced a nationwide 'a anti-terrorist operation" against acts of terrorism in the crisis-hit country.
• Ukraine Protesters, Police In Tense Standoff After Deadly Clashes RFE/RL 19 Feb 2014 -- Antigovernment protesters are in a tense standoff with riot police on Kyiv's Independence Square after a day of deadly clashes.
• EU Considering Ukraine Sanctions, Russia Denounces 'Attempted Coup' RFE/RL 19 Feb 2014 -- EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has summoned the bloc's foreign ministers for emergency talks on Ukraine in Brussels on February 19.
• Explainer: How Ukraine Crisis Went From Compromise To Bloodshed In Just Hours RFE/RL 19 Feb 2014 -- As recently as February 17, when an amnesty for hundreds of demonstrators went into effect, Ukraine's crisis looked like it was deescalating. But beginning on February 18 at least 25 people died.
• Pro-Russian Separatism Rises In Crimea As Ukraine's Crisis Unfolds RFE/RL 19 Feb 2014 -- From the dingy basement of a decaying apartment block on the outskirts of Simferopol, Crimean parliament deputy Sergei Shuvainikov is leading the fight to defend the ethnic Russians of this strategic Black Sea peninsula.
• Ukrainian Security Service Launches 'Anti-Terrorism Operation' RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2014 -- Ukraine's main government security agency declared what it called a nationwide anti-terrorism operation on Wednesday.
• Ukrainian President: Opposition Crossed Line With Call to Arms RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2014 -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said Wednesday that opposition activists had crossed the line by calling for supporters to take up arms at mass protests intended to oust him from power.
• Kiev Descends Into Bloodshed as Crisis Takes Deadly Turn RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2014 -- At least 25 people, including nine police officers, were killed Tuesday in bloody clashes in the Ukrainian capital that are threatening to tip the former Soviet nation into civil conflict.
• Fear of Nationwide Turmoil in Ukraine Mounts as Unrest Spreads RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2014 -- Violent unrest in Ukraine's capital has spread to other cities in the former Soviet nation, highlighting geographical divisions and raising fears that civil conflict could spin out of control.
• Russia, EU Clash as World Condemns Violence in Ukraine RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2014 -- Countries across the world issued condemnations Wednesday of fatal violence in Ukraine as Russia and the European Union clashed over who was to blame.
• Ukrainian President Sacks Chief of Armed Forces RIA Novosti 19 Feb 2014 -- Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has sacked the head of the armed forces, Col. Gen. Volodymyr Zamana, his press service announced Wednesday.
• Ukraine: top UN officials urge peaceful resolution of crisis after deadly clashes in Kiev UN News Centre 19 Feb 2014 -- Concerned by the escalating violence in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, top United Nations officials have urged all sides to exercise restraint and find a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis.
• Ukraine President Names New Army Chief VOA 19 Feb 2014 -- According to media reports, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has replaced the head of the army's general staff. The move came a day after deadly clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters claimed at least 26 lives and left hundreds of people wounded, many seriously. The violence erupted after security forces attempted to clear a fortified protest camp in Kyiv, which since late November has been the epicenter of anti-government rallies.
• Foreign Ministers to Visit Kyiv Before EU Meeting VOA 19 Feb 2014 -- Foreign Ministers from France, Germany, and Poland will travel to Kyiv Thursday before an emergency European Union meeting to consider sanctions against Ukrainian leaders for violence authorities say has killed at least 26 people.
• Ukraine: opposition leaders, Western countries to blame for clashes escalation - Lavrov VoR 19 Feb 2014 -- Several Western countries to blame for failure of understanding between Ukranian government and opposition by encouraging opposition to provocate actions and threatening with sanctions, said Russia FM Sergei Lavrov. Russia urges West to refrain from obtrusive mediation in Ukraine, said Lavrov.
• Ukraine's Security Service starts nationwide counterterrorist operation VoR 19 Feb 2014 -- The Ukrainian Security Service and Antiterrorist Center are beginning an antiterrorist operation in the country, Ukrainian Security Service Head Oleksandr Yakymenko said in a statement released on Wednesday.
• Yanukovych is ready to continue a dialogue with the opposition VoR 19 Feb 2014 -- Ukraine's President Victor Yanukovych intends to continue a dialogue with the opposition as an attempt to settle down the political crisis in the country.
• Attempts to blame Russia for events in Ukraine are unacceptable - Lavrov VoR 19 Feb 2014 -- The attempts made by some Western politicians to blame Russia for the current situation in Ukraine are unacceptable, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
• Army may participate in antiterrorist operation in Ukraine - Defense Ministry VoR 19 Feb 2014 -- The Ukrainian Armed Forces may be involved in action related to an antiterrorist operation within the country. The possibility is mentioned in a report posted on the Ukrainian Defense Ministry website on Wednesday evening.
• Ukraine crisis: world leaders condemns violence, EU eyes sanctions VoR 19 Feb 2014 -- Countries across the world issued condemnations Wednesday of fatal violence in Ukraine as Russia and the European Union clashed over who was to blame.
• Iran nuclear program in line with national interests, intl treaties IRNA 19 Feb 2014 -- Irans pursuance of peaceful nuclear technology is in line with national interests and based on the international treaties, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi said on Wednesday.
• Final agreement possible in 6 month through US good will IRNA 19 Feb 2014 -- Reaching final agreement with the Group 5+1 in six months is possible if the US side shows good intention, spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said on Wednesday.
• IAEA should contribute to Iran-Sextet trust: Zarif Iran Press TV 19 Feb 2014 -- Iran has called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to contribute to the establishment of trust between Tehran and world powers to help resolve the West's nuclear standoff with Iran.
• Iran proceeds with nuclear activities: AEOI Iran Press TV 19 Feb 2014 -- An Iranian nuclear official says Iran is continuing with its nuclear activities, enriching uranium to five-percent purity level.
• Kim Jong Un Sends Open Letter to Voters throughout Country KCNA 19 Feb 2014 -- Supreme leader Kim Jong Un sent an open letter to all voters throughout the country on Tuesday.
• Australian Missionary Detained in North Korea VOA 19 Feb 2014 -- The wife of a Christian missionary from Australia said her husband has been detained in North Korea after being found with religious material while on a tourist visit.
• Restrictions on Turkish Media Tighten VOA 19 Feb 2014 -- Turkey's President Abdullah Gül has signed controversial new Internet control measures into law despite national and international criticism and concerns about reduced freedoms for Turkish media. VOA's Dorian Jones met in Istanbul with the founder of an independent Internet news site that has been at the forefront of the battle over Internet and press freedom.
• Court warns Thai govt. against using emergency powers Iran Press TV 19 Feb 2014 -- A Thai court has warned administration of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra against using state of emergency powers to disperse peaceful protesters across Bangkok.
• UN envoy for Lebanon condemns double bombing in Beirut suburb UN News Centre 19 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Derek Plumbly, condemned today's double bombing in the area of Bir Hassan in the southern Beirut suburbs that killed and wounded a number of people.
• Sunni Militants Claim Beirut Blast VOA 19 Feb 2014 -- Two suicide attackers detonated cars stuffed with explosives Wednesday in Beirut's mostly Shi'ite southern suburbs, close to the Iranian Cultural Center and a nearby Islamic orphanage. Health Minister Wa'el Abou Faour told journalists at least four people were killed and more than 100 were wounded.
• Protests Grip Venezuela VOA 19 Feb 2014 -- Nearly one year after the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, violent protests have erupted against his hand-picked successor, President Nicolas Maduro. The unrest is fed by deteriorating economic conditions and rampant lawlessness that cast fresh doubts on the viability of the socialist experiment Chavez launched in Venezuela more than 15 years ago.
• A Call to Americans to Support Non-Violence and Democratic Institutions In Venezuela from Danny Glover Danny Glover 19 Feb 2014 -- "As a Citizen-Artist, I have always assumed a responsibility to take public positions on difficult and controversial domestic and foreign affairs issues that challenge honest people of principle to find positive negotiations to justly resolve passionately held opposing positions. In this context, I urge my fellow citizens to join me in calling for a stop to the violence now perpetuated by some disgruntled sectors of Venezuelan society and foreign supporters."
• New Nuke Facilities Being Built but Old Questions Remain VOA 19 Feb 2014 -- In the midst of the current debate over whether to build the Keystone oil pipeline from Canada into the United States and the efforts to develop solar and wind power, nuclear energy is hardly being discussed. However, the Nuclear Energy Institute - an industry lobbying group - reports the number of nuclear power plants in the United States is growing.
• Americans fear privacy violations as DHS plans mass surveillance on cars VoR 19 Feb 2014 -- The US Department of Homeland Security is planning to establish a nationwide license-plate recognition database that would collect information from commercial and law enforcement tag readers.
• On final mission to Myanmar, UN expert highlights remaining human rights challenges UN News Centre 19 Feb 2014 -- The independent United Nations expert tasked with monitoring the human rights situation in Myanmar today welcomed the improvements that have been made, but highlighted a number of challenges that, if left unaddressed, could jeopardize the country's entire reform process.
• Humans with bird flu pose no threat to poultry populations, says UN agency UN News Centre 19 Feb 2014 -- The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said today there is no evidence that human patients infected with influenza A(H7N9), a low pathogenic virus in poultry, can transmit the virus to animals, including birds.