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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 15 Apr 2014 [PDF]
• Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 transfers authority to MWSS-274 as last wing support unit in Afghanistan USMC News 15 Apr 2014 -- It was a cool and bright sunny morning as Marines and sailors with Marine Wing Support Squadrons 372 and 274 gathered for a transfer of authority ceremony aboard Camp Bastion, Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 7.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Military Commission Judge Mulls Probe of Defense Claim AFPS 15 Apr 2014 -- The judge in the military commission proceedings for five suspects in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States called for a recess today to prepare an order allowing defense attorneys time to determine whether current or past defense team members were contacted by a government agency.
• US Army Corps of Engineers in Saudi Arabia - Laying the Foundation: Roosevelt meets King Abdul Aziz Army News 15 Apr 2014 -- On February 14, 1945, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt met with King Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia aboard the USS Quincy in the Great Bitter Lake on the Suez Canal. This meeting would have lasting implications on U.S. - Saudi relations for years to come.
• DOD Seeks Efficiencies in Sustainment, Logistics AFPS 15 Apr 2014 -- When the Defense Department is looking to save money, it turns to sustainment and logistics, the undersecretary of defense for acquisitions, logistics and technology said today.
• DOD Releases Estimated Impacts of Sequestration-Level Funding Report DoD 15 Apr 2014-- Today, the Department of Defense released a report that documents the damaging cuts to military forces, modernization, and readiness that will be required if defense budgets are held at sequester-levels in the years beyond fiscal 2015. This report fulfills a commitment made by Secretary Hagel to provide details on the effects of these undesirable budget cuts.
• 21st Space Wing reaches inspection milestone AFNS 15 Apr 2014 -- The Air Force Inspector General recognized the 21st Space Wing as the first active-duty or Reserve wing in the Air Force to fully implement the Air Force Inspection System, or AFIS, and become commander's inspection program capable.
• Battaglia Discusses Growth, Transition With Mayport Sailors AFPS 15 Apr 2014 -- The senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with sailors here yesterday to learn about the base's strategic home-porting and recapitalization plans and advise the sailors about transition assistance resources.
• DoD Announces Comprehensive Review of Military Justice System DoD 15 Apr 2014-- The Department of Defense announced today that it has undertaken a comprehensive review of the military justice system.
• Fueling the fight from ship to shore: Bulk Fuel Co. demonstrates capabilities of an Amphibious Assault Fuel System USMC News 15 Apr 2014 -- For the first time since 1997, Marines with Bulk Fuel Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, began construction of an Amphibious Assault Fuel System aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 2, 2014.
• USS Donald Cook Welcomes President of Romania NNS 15 Apr 2014 -- The forward deployed guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) welcomed aboard Romanian President Traian Bsescu while the ship was in port in Constanta, April 14.
• US to send new warship to Black Sea: Romanian President Iran Press TV 15 Apr 2014 -- As tensions grow between Ukraine and Russia, Romanian President Traian Basescu says the US will send another warship to the Black Sea after its guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook leaves.
• U.S., NATO Remain Concerned About Situation in Ukraine AFPS 15 Apr 2014 -- The United States is concerned about reports of increased violence in Ukraine, and continues to call on Russia to de-escalate the situation, Pentagon officials said today.
• NATO Secretary General says Ukraine crisis amplifies need to boost defence cooperation NATO 15 Apr 2014 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Tuesday (15 April 2014) that the Ukraine crisis has amplified the need to strengthen cooperation between NATO, the European Union and with close partners.
• NATO Chief Says Military Response to Situation in Ukraine Not Discussed RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- NATO is not discussing a military response to the situation in Ukraine and is counting on political and diplomatic decisions to resolve the crisis, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Tuesday.
• Prague Deems NATO Military Intervention in Ukraine Impossible RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- The Czech Republic sees NATO military involvement in resolving the crisis in Ukraine as an impossibility, the country's minister of defense said Tuesday.
• Scotland's Independence Could Seriously Weaken UK Maritime Strength RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- An independent Scotland would seriously weaken the United Kingdom's global maritime strength, Britain's most senior naval officer has warned.
• Scotland's secession will damage UK's defense capabilities - British Navy chief VoR 15 Apr 2014 -- Scotland's possible secession form the United Kingdom, if approved at the September independence referendum, will weaken the UK's defense capabilities, chief of the British Navy, First Lord of the Sea Admiral George Zambellas, wrote in his comments in The Telegraph.
• Russian Air Force to Receive 16 New MiG Fighters RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- The Russian Defense Ministry has signed a $470 million contract with the MiG corporation for the delivery of 16 advanced MiG-29 SMT fighters, the ministry said Tuesday.
• Iranian Army equipped with new system for reconnaissance ISNA 15 Apr 2014 -- Commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili reiterated that the country's Army has been equipped with a new system with identification and reconnaissance capabilities.
• China's President Xi urges greater military use of space VoR 15 Apr 2014 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the air force to adopt an integrated air and space defence capability, in what state media on Tuesday called a response to the increasing military use of space by the United States and others. While Beijing insists its space programme is for peaceful purposes, a Pentagon report last year highlighted China's increasing space capabilities and said Beijing was pursuing a variety of activities aimed at preventing its adversaries from using space-based assets during a crisis.
• China, Belarus seek stronger military cooperation People's Daily 15 Apr 2014 -- China and Belarus vowed to strengthen military relations in Beijing on Tuesday.
• April 15, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 15 Apr 2014
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 4/15/2014 The White House 15 Apr 2014

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for April 15, 2014

Other Conflicts

• 15 April 2014 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 Apr 2014
• South Sudan: UN official calls ongoing violence 'an outrage' to country's people UN News Centre 15 Apr 2014 -- The number of people seeking shelter at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) base in the Unity state capital, Bentiu, has doubled over the past few days, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Toby Lanzer said in Juba today.
• South Sudan Rebels Claim Seizing Oil Hub Bentiu VOA 15 Apr 2014 -- Rebel fighters in South Sudan say they have re-taken control of Bentiu, the capital of oil-producing Unity State.
• Rebels recapture key oil town in South Sudan Iran Press TV 15 Apr 2014 -- Rebels in South Sudan say they have recaptured the oil-rich Unity state capital Bentiu from government troops.
• Armed men kidnap 100 schoolgirls in Nigeria Iran Press TV 15 Apr 2014 -- Heavily armed men have abducted more than 100 girls from a secondary school in the violence-wracked northeastern part of Nigeria, local sources say.
• UN rights expert urges Israel to prevent takeover of West Bank building by settlers UN News Centre 15 Apr 2014 -- An independent United Nations human rights expert today urged Israel to prevent settlers from taking over Al-Rajabi House, a building in the West Bank city of Hebron that was built by Palestinian families but whose ownership was granted to the settlers after a protracted legal battle.
• Syrian Army troops liberate town near capital Iran Press TV 15 Apr 2014 -- Syrian Army troops continue to gain ground in their fight against foreign-backed armed groups, and have taken full control of a town in northeast of the capital Damascus.
• Unclear path for Sri Lankan war probe IRIN 15 Apr 2014 -- Human rights activists and academics in Sri Lanka remain divided over how best to proceed in the investigation of alleged war crimes committed during the final days of the country's decades-long civil war.

News Reports

• Ukraine: Misinformation, propaganda and incitement to hatred need to be urgently countered - UN human rights report UN OHCHR 15 Apr 2014 -- Misinformation, propaganda and incitement to hatred need to be urgently countered in Ukraine to avoid the further escalation of tension in the country, according to a UN human rights report* issued on Tuesday.
• Ukraine Launches 'Special Operations' Against Separatists VOA 15 Apr 2014 -- Ukrainian armed forces on Tuesday launched a 'special operation' against militiamen in the country's Russian speaking east, authorities said, recapturing a military airfield from pro-Moscow separatists.
• In Eastern Ukraine, The Hunt For A Smoking Gun - And A Real Russian Holding It RFE/RL 15 Apr 2014 -- As separatists continue to hold government buildings throughout the Ukrainian east, a desperate search is on to prove that Russian forces are behind the coordinated actions, much as they were in Crimea.
• UN: Corruption, Propaganda Behind Ukraine Tensions VOA 15 Apr 2014 -- The United Nations says widespread corruption, propaganda and misinformation are to blame for escalating tensions in Ukraine. In a report released Tuesday, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights calls for perpetrators of rights violations to be held accountable for their actions.
• Human Rights report on Ukraine gives impression of being fabricated - Moscow VoR 15 Apr 2014 -- The document on the human rights situation in Ukraine, prepared by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, abounds in flagrant selectiveness and was not worth visiting the country for, Moscow says.
• Kiev launches military operation in northern Donetsk region - media reports VoR 15 Apr 2014 -- Ukraine's coup-appointed acting President Aleksander Turchynov has announced that an 'anti-terrorist operation' was launched in the northern parts of the Donetsk region early on Tuesday morning, Interfax reports.'The anti-terrorist operation started overnight Monday,'Turchinov said. The aim of the full-scale action is 'to protect the citizens of Ukraine', the acting president claimed.
• US backs Ukraine's 'measured' military operation against protesters Iran Press TV 15 Apr 2014 -- The United States has backed the Ukrainian government's military operation against anti-Kiev protesters in the east of the country, describing it as 'measured."
• Troops storm airfield in east Ukraine: report Iran Press TV 15 Apr 2014 -- Ukrainian troops have stormed the Kramatorsk airfield in eastern Ukraine, with Pro-Russian protesters wounded and casualties expected during the skirmish, a report says.
• Anti-terror operation started in Ukraine: President Iran Press TV 15 Apr 2014 -- Ukraine's acting president has announced "an anti-terror operation" in the east of the country amid escalating pro-Russian protests in the region.
• Tymoshenko Calls For Defense Against Russian 'War' RFE/RL 15 Apr 2014 -- Yulia Tymoshenko has called on Ukrainians to come together to defend the country against what she describes as a 'war' launched by Russia aimed at seizing Ukrainian territory.
• Lavrov Warns Against 'Criminal' Use Of Force RFE/RL 15 Apr 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has again warned against the use of force to resolve the crisis in eastern Ukraine where pro-Russia separatists have seized government buildings in at least 10 towns.
• Fear, Anger In Kyiv Over Inaction In Eastern Ukraine RFE/RL 15 Apr 2014 -- Tires burning. Hundreds calling for the president's resignation. Fears of activists storming the parliament. Sound familiar? That was a scene from Kyiv this week.
• 4 Protesters Killed in Army Attack on Airfield in Eastern Ukraine RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- At least four protesters were killed and two other wounded on Tuesday as the Ukrainian troops stormed an airfield in Ukraine's eastern city of Kramatorsk, a spokesman for local People's Militia told RIA Novosti.
• Allegations of Russian Troops in East Ukraine 'Absurd' - Kremlin RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- The Kremlin on Tuesday blasted as 'absurd' reports from Western countries alleging the presence of Russian troops in eastern Ukraine.
• Army Attacks Protesters in Eastern Ukraine, First Wounded Reported RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- The Ukrainian army started on Tuesday a special operation in a crackdown on pro-federalism militia in eastern Ukraine, with reports emerging of first casualties among protesters.
• Russia Halts Handover of Arms to Ukraine to Prevent Civilian Bloodshed RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- The Russian Defense Ministry on Tuesday suspended the transfer of weapons from Crimea to Ukraine in an effort to prevent Kiev authorities from using them against pro-federalization protesters in southeastern regions of the country.
• Ukrainian Crisis Could Require New Round of Talks at UN Security Council - Moscow RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- The events that continue unfolding in Ukraine could necessitate a new round of talks at the United Nations Security Council, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said Tuesday.
• 'Credible Allegations' Prove Anti-Referendum Sentiment in Crimea Suppressed - UN Report RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- Local activists and journalists who did not support Crimea's March 16 referendum on joining Russia have faced persecution, according to a report published Tuesday by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
• Ukraine's Parliament Declares Crimea, Sevastopol 'Occupied Territory' RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- The Ukrainian parliament approved a law Tuesday declaring Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, which became Russia's newest regions last month, as "temporarily occupied territory."
• Ukraine Massing Troops in East for Protest Crackdown - Self-Defense Leader RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- The Ukrainian army has built up divisions centered on the border between eastern Ukraine's Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, a deputy commander of the Donbas self-defense forces said Tuesday.
• Ukraine's Interim Leader Announces Start of Operation Against Protesters in Donetsk Region RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- Ukraine's parliamentary speaker and interim President Olexander Turchynov has announced the start of a military operation in the north of Donetsk Region, where demonstrations by pro-federalization protesters are ongoing.
• Lavrov Rejects Kiev's Claims of Russian Plan to Cancel Geneva Talks RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov rejected allegations on Tuesday levied by Kiev that Russia could cancel the upcoming four-party talks on the Ukrainian crisis in Geneva.
• Lavrov Slams 'Unacceptable' Use of Force in Southeastern Ukraine RIA Novosti 15 Apr 2014 -- Moscow believes that the use of force in southeastern Ukraine is unacceptable and condemns preparations for a violent crackdown on protesters in the country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
• Ukraine: UN rights office urges halt to propaganda, incitement to hatred UN News Centre 15 Apr 2014 -- While corruption and widespread inequality were among the root causes of the massive street protests that erupted last year in Ukraine, the fear-mongering and incitement to hatred that has followed must be urgently countered to avoid the further escalation of tensions in the country, according to a United Nations human rights report issued today.
• Readout of the President's Call with President Putin The White House 14 Apr 2014
• Russia Warns Ukraine Against Use of Force VOA 15 Apr 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned Kyiv that if it uses force against pro-Russian protesters in Ukraine, Moscow will pull out of a multilateral conference on the issue scheduled for later this week.
• Putin urges Obama to help prevent bloodshed in Ukraine VoR 15 Apr 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin urged on Monday his US counterpart Barack Obama to use all available leverage to prevent the looming bloodshed in Ukraine, the Kremlin said. Putin and Obama discussed in a phone conversation various aspects of the current Ukrainian crisis in light of the recent escalation of tensions in southern and eastern regions of the country.
• Iraqi authorities close down Abu Ghraib prison Iran Press TV 15 Apr 2014 -- The Iraqi justice minister has announced the closure of a prison in west of the capital Baghdad, and evacuation of all inmates over security concerns.
• Iraq closes infamous prison in Abu Ghraib VoR 15 Apr 2014 -- Iraq's notorious prison Abu Ghraib, infamous for torture and abuse of prisoners, has been closed, Justice Minister Hassan al-Shimmari announced on Tuesday. 'The Ministry of Justice has completed the evacuation of 2,400 prisoners from the facility. They are convicted of terrorism and will be transferred to prisons located in central and north provinces,' Iraqi media cited al-Shimmari as saying.
• Nat'l security matter of prime importance: President Xi People's Daily 15 Apr 2014 -- President Xi Jinping stressed on Tuesday that ensuring national security is 'a matter of prime importance' as China presses ahead with its modernization drive.
• China faces 'most complex time in history' at home and abroad - Xi Jinping VoR 15 Apr 2014 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping held the first meeting of a new national security commission on Tuesday, saying China needed a coordinated approach to domestic and foreign challenges, including social unrest, in 'the most complex time in history'.
• Washington Post, Guardian share Pulitzer for NSA coverage VoR 15 Apr 2014 -- The Guardian and the Washington Post shared a Pulitzer Prize Monday for reporting on leaks from former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden that revealed a global surveillance network monitoring millions of Americans and foreigners.
• US Army denies clemency for WikiLeaks source Manning VoR 15 Apr 2014 -- A US Army general has denied clemency to the soldier formerly known as Bradley Manning for leaking hundreds of thousands of documents to anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks, upholding a 35-year sentence. Major General Jeffrey Buchanan, the convening authority in Manning's court-martial, approved the August findings and sentence of military Judge Denise Lind last week, but his decision was only made public Monday.
• N Korea marks Kim Il-Sung birthday with loyalty pledge VoR 15 Apr 2014 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un paid respects to his grandfather Kim Il-Sung on April 15 as the country marked the birthday of its late founder with renewed calls for loyalty to the ruling Kim dynasty, reports AFP.
• H7N9 surveillance eases as risk reduces: CDC CNA 15 Apr 2014 -- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced Tuesday that the level of its surveillance on the H7N9 avian flu strain will return to normal, ending the operation of its H7N9 Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).