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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 24 Apr 2014 [PDF]
• 3 Americans Killed in Kabul Hospital Attack VOA 24 Apr 2014 -- An Afghan security guard on Thursday opened fire at an international hospital in Kabul, killing three American doctors. The assailant was shot and wounded by his colleagues and has been hospitalized under police custody. The attack is said to be the sixth deadly incident this year in Afghanistan in which foreign civilians have been targeted.

Defense Policy / Programs

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• Joint Statement from the Second Meeting of North American Defense Ministers DoD 24 Apr 2014
• Media Availability with Secretary Hagel, Mexico City, Mexico DoD 24 Apr 2014 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel
• Hagel Looks to Strengthen Ties With Canada, Mexico AFPS 24 Apr 2014 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met here last night with Canadian Defense Minister Rob Nicholson, ahead of today's North American Defense Ministerial conference, which brings together the defense leaders from the United States, Canada and Mexico.
• US, Romanian Ships Conduct NATO Underway Engagements in Black Sea NNS 24 Apr 2014 -- The forward deployed guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50) participated in a bilateral underway engagement with ships from the Romanian Navy in the Black Sea, April 23.
• USS Donald Cook Departs Black Sea NNS 24 Apr 2014 -- The forward deployed guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) departed the Black Sea, April 24.
• Makin Island Undergoes Mid-Cycle Inspection NNS 24 Apr 2014 -- USS Makin Island (LHD 8) completed its Mid-Cycle Inspection (MCI) April 24.
• 50 Years Later the C-2A Greyhound is Still Completing the Navy's Mission NNS 24 Apr 2014 -- Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 celebrates 50 years of utilizing the C-2A Greyhound, marking a huge milestone for this aircraft platform.
• USNS Montford Point Sails Away After Completing CCS Installation NNS 24 Apr 2014 -- The Navy's first Mobile Landing Platform, USNS Montford Point (MLP 1), set sail for San Diego April 20, following installation of the ship's Core Capability Set (CCS) at Vigor Marine, LLC in Portland, Oregon.
• USS Wayne E. Meyer Visits Busan during Western Pacific Deployment NNS 24 Apr 2014 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea, April 24 as part of a regularly scheduled port visit.
• NATO states lead Russia jets out of North Sea space Iran Press TV 24 Apr 2014 -- British, Dutch and Danish warplanes have scrambled to intercept a pair of Russian bombers approaching airspace of NATO member states over the North Sea.
• Russian Bombers Conduct Test Flights Over Northern Europe RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- Russian Tu-95MS "Bear" strategic bombers, accompanied by supersonic Mikoyan MiG-31 interceptors, have conducted test flights over neutral waters of the North Sea, a senior Air Force official told reporters Thursday.
• Germany Blocks Military Exports to Russia Worth $7.2Mln – Report RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- German authorities have withheld approval for nearly 70 applications to the country's manufacturers for arms exports to Russia amid the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the Sueddeutsche Zeitungen newspaper reported Thursday.
• Lavrov Says West Ignores Moscow's Opinion RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- The West, first and foremost the United States, is pretending that it can ignore Russia's opinion in European affairs and is harming Moscow's interests, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.
• Glonass Failure Caused by Faulty Software – Roscosmos RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- Recent failures in Russia's Glonass satellite-based global navigation system were caused by mathematical mistakes in software, the head of the Russian space agency said Thursday.
• Kim Jong Un Guides Multiple-Rocket Launching Drill KCNA 24 Apr 2014 -- Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army (KPA) Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and first chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK, guided the multiple-rocket launching drill of women's sub-units under KPA Unit 851.
• National Meeting Marks Anniversary of KPA Founding KCNA 24 Apr 2014 -- A national meeting was held at the People's Palace of Culture on Thursday to celebrate the 82nd anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army.
• KPA Turns to Be Invincible Army KCNA 24 Apr 2014 -- Greeting the anniversary of the Korean People's Army (KPA), the DPRK people are recalling the feats performed by the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il and Marshal Kim Jong Un in building up invincible armed forces
• Regional naval code inked People's Daily 24 Apr 2014 -- Member states of a regional naval symposium on Tuesday signed up to a framework maritime communication deal which is designed to reduce misunderstandings and avoid maritime accidents.
• China's aircraft carrier Liaoning will undergo its first interim maintenance People's Daily 24 Apr 2014 -- China's first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, returned to Dalian Shipyard dock to undergo its first interim service on April, 17, 2014.
• India successfully test-fires surface-to-surface Akash missile IRNA 24 Apr 2014 -- India Wednesday test-fired the indigenously developed surface-to-air Akash missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) complex at Chandipur near Balasore in Odisha state, with the results being analysed.
• HMS Tireless stands down in search for missing aircraft UK MOD 24 Apr 2014 -- The Royal Navy submarine has concluded its contribution to the search for the signal from the black box of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370.
• A watchful eye on UK sea and airspace UK MOD 24 Apr 2014 -- HMS Dragon and RAF Typhoons have been in contact with their Russian counterparts this week.
• Joint Press Conference with President Obama and Prime Minister Abe of Japan The White House 24 Apr 2014
• April 24, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 24 Apr 2014

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for April 24, 2014

Other Conflicts

• 24 April 2014 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 Apr 2014
• Obama: U.S. Treaty Commitment to Japan is "Absolute" AFPS 24 Apr 2014 -- President Barack Obama, making the first state visit by an American president to Japan in nearly two decades, made clear today the United States would be obligated to come to Japan's defense in any confrontation with China over islands both nations claim in the East China Sea.
• Obama backs Japan in China island row, urges China to help contain N Korea VoR 24 Apr 2014 -- US President Barack Obama vowed Thursday to protect Japan from potential attack by China over a tense territorial dispute, but also urged Beijing to help stop North Korea from further developing its 'dangerous' nuclear program. Obama described China's role in keeping its wayward ally in check as 'critically important' after South Korea said heightened activity at the North's main nuclear test site could point to an imminent test - its fourth.
• Misreading Obama's commitment over Diaoyu islands is dangerous People's Daily 24 Apr 2014 -- After serving his guest at Tokyo's most celebrated sushi restaurant, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe finally got a long-awaited commitment from U.S. President Barack Obama.
• Obama's four-nation Asia trip: a peacemaker or a troublemaker? People's Daily 24 Apr 2014 -- 'The American 'rebalancing strategy' in the Asia-Pacific is not intended as a move to constrain China,' said US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel earlier this month. Hagel also said that the US welcomes the rise of a prosperous, powerful and responsible China, which is in the interests of both sides. These words have been repeated by American politicians - in as much as they welcome China's rise, but the country should be 'responsible'. What is behind these words is the implication that China has not yet become a responsible country, a reference to the establishment of our air identification zone in the East China Sea and the safeguarding of Chinese sovereignty in the East and South China Sea.
• Syria: OPCW-UN confirms progress in removing, destroying chemical weapons UN News Centre 24 Apr 2014 -- More than 90 per cent of Syria's chemical weapons material has been removed and destroyed in country, the head of the Joint Mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the United Nations today confirmed.
• Syria rejects new accusation of using chemical arms Iran Press TV 24 Apr 2014 -- Syria has categorically denied new accusations by the foreign-backed Syrian opposition that Damascus has used chemical arms in its fight against extremist militants in the country.
• UN envoy discusses Fatah-Hamas reconciliation deal with Palestinian President UN News Centre 24 Apr 2014 -- The reconciliation deal reached by rival Palestinian factions Fatah and Hamas will be implemented on the basis of previous commitments such as the recognition of Israel and non-violence, a senior United Nations envoy was told today.
• Israel, US Condemn Palestinian Plan to Form Unity Government VOA 24 Apr 2014 -- Long-divided Palestinian leaders from the West Bank and Gaza Strip have announced plans to form a unity government in the near future. While Palestinians celebrate the news, Israel and the United States have expressed concern about what it means for the fragile Mideast peace process.
• Israel Suspends Peace Talks with Palestinians VOA 24 Apr 2014 -- Israel's Security Cabinet has decided to suspend peace negotiations with the Palestinians in response to a plan by Palestinian rivals Fatah and Hamas to reconcile and form a unity government.
• Darfur: UN official urges support for peace process amid unfolding 'new dynamics' UN News Centre 24 Apr 2014 -- Stepped-up rebel attacks, clashes fuelled by local political rivalries, and mass displacement sparked by the abuses of a pro-Government militia have again left long-troubled Darfur at a crossroads, said the United Nations peacekeeping chief today, appealing to the Security Council and its African Union (AU) counterpart for political support to move the warring factions towards lasting peace.
• UN Mission in South Sudan condemns attack on barge convoy carrying aid supplies UN News Centre 24 Apr 2014 -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan has strongly condemned today's attack on a convoy of barges delivering urgently needed food and fuel supplies to its base in Malakal in Upper Nile state.
• South Sudan Denies Army Chief Sacking Linked to Conflict VOA 24 Apr 2014 -- South Sudan's Minister of Information said the removal of the country's army chief by President Salva Kiir is a normal release and retirement that usually takes place in the army.
• UN: Gunmen Fire on Food Barges in South Sudan, 4 Wounded VOA 24 Apr 2014 -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan says four people were wounded Thursday when gunmen attacked barges bringing supplies to a U.N. base.

News Reports

• Violence in eastern Ukraine prompts UN call for immediate de-escalation UN News Centre 24 Apr 2014 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is deeply concerned about continued violence in eastern Ukraine, which has led to loss of life, further instability and which is contributing to a climate of fear and anxiety, his spokesperson said today.
• Kerry Threatens More Sanctions, Says Russia is 'Stoking Instability' in Ukraine VOA 24 Apr 2014 -- Secretary of State John Kerry says Russia is 'stoking instability' in Ukraine, and the Obama administration will impose additional sanctions against Moscow if it does not keep promises made last week to help de-escalate the crisis.
• Ukrainian Forces Clash with Pro-Russia Militants VOA 24 Apr 2014 -- Fighting between Ukrainian security forces and pro-Russia militants in eastern Ukraine has left at least five militants dead, with Russian President Vladimir Putin calling it a 'crime' and threatening "consequences."
• Ukraine's Slavyansk: 5 killed, one injured, but self-defense fighters rebuff attack of Kiev's special task force VoR 24 Apr 2014 -- The people's self-defence fighters in Ukraine's Slavyansk city together with a reinforcement that arrived from Krasny Liman, have rebuffed an attack of the Ukrainian military who are engaged in a special operationat the entrance to Slavyansk, local media reported on Thursday. During the 'special operation' 5 people were killed, and one seriously wounded, according to the reports.
• General mobilization announced in Ukraine's Donetsk People's Republic VoR 24 Apr 2014 -- The leadership of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic has declared a general mobilization in the region because of the Ukrainian security operation in Slavyansk. 'A combined arms operation has been launched in Slavyansk. This means only one thing: a civil war,' the leadership of the Donetsk People's Republic said.
• First move to de-escalate conflict should be made by Kiev - Lavrov VoR 24 Apr 2014 -- It is the Kiev authorities that need to make a first step in de-escalating the conflict in southeastern Ukraine, while understanding that the use of armed forces against the people in that region is a crime, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
• US, EU orchestrated color revolution in Ukraine: Russia Iran Press TV 24 Apr 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused the United States and the European Union of having orchestrated a "color revolution" in Ukraine.
• Ukraine army retakes Mariupol city hall Iran Press TV 24 Apr 2014 -- The Ukrainian government says its military forces have regained control of the city hall in the country's southeastern port of Mariupol.
• Ukrainian armed troops enter Slavyansk town Iran Press TV 24 Apr 2014 -- At least five protesters have been killed and one injured as Ukrainian troops enter eastern city of Slavyansk, which is held by pro-Russia protesters.
• U.S. OSCE Official Pushes Russia On Geneva Accord RFE/RL 24 Apr 2014 -- A top U.S. diplomat has slammed Moscow for allegedly failing to implement the commitments it made in last week's agreement in Geneva to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine.
• Ukraine's Party of Regions Calls for Peaceful Resolution to Eastern Uprising RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- The armed conflict in Ukraine's southeastern town of Slaviansk needs to be de-escalated peacefully, as opposed to continuing the "anti-terrorist" operation, the deputy chief of the Party of Regions said Thursday.
• Right Sector Extremists Attacking Civilians in East Ukraine – Russian Defense Minister RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- National guard units, as well as battalions from the ultra-nationalist Right Sector movement, are attacking civilians in southeastern Ukraine, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Thursday.
• Russia Says Kiev Aims to Crash Protests in East Ukraine with Troops, Heavy Weaponry RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- Kiev has ordered the Ukrainian army to launch a major crackdown on protesters in southeastern Ukraine involving thousands of troops and heavy military equipment, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Thursday.
• Russia to Hold Military Drills in Response to Ukraine Crackdown RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced Thursday that Russia will conduct military drills in response to the developing situation in Ukraine's southeast, where a special operation has targeted the country's own citizens.
• Kiev Must Take First Steps to Defuse Crisis in Ukraine – Lavrov RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- Moscow believes that Kiev should take the first steps to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.
• 5 Killed, 1 Injured in Special Operation in Ukraine's Slaviansk RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- The special operation against pro-federalization protesters underway in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slaviansk has left five members of local self-defense forces dead and one policeman injured, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said Thursday.
• US Should Demand Kiev Take Responsibility for Events in Ukraine – Lavrov RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- The United States can and must force the new Ukrainian authorities to realize their responsibility for what is happening in the country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.
• US Prevents Unity Gov't in Ukraine by Protecting Kiev Regime – Lavrov RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- Washington's protection of the coup-imposed Kiev authorities is holding back the formation of a national unity government in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.
• OSCE Military Observers at Ukraine-Russia Border – Kiev's Security Service RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- A group of OSCE military observers is present at a Ukrainian checkpoint at the border with Russia that is surrounded by federalization supporters, the press center of the Ukrainian Security Service said Thursday.
• Clashes in Slaviansk Caused by Kiev's Irresponsible Policy – Lavrov RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday that deadly clashes in Slaviansk and Mariupol are the result of Kiev's irresponsible policies that rely on extremism.
• Slaviansk Still Out of Control, Special Op Continues – Kiev RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- The situation in eastern Ukraine's Slaviansk remains out of control, so a special operation by authorities continues, the country's Security Service said Thursday without disclosing details of the operation.
• Kiev Must Start Internal Dialogue to Settle Conflict – Putin RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- The authorities in Ukraine should start dialogue within the country and not legalize radical organizations in order to settle the conflict in the country, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
• Kiev Deploying Army Against Ukrainians Would Be Serious Crime – Putin RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- If Kiev has actually deployed its army in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slaviansk, then that is a serious crime against its own people, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.
• Ukraine's Party of Regions Urges Constitutional Reform RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- The leader of Ukraine's Party of Regions urged the country's acting authorities on Thursday to begin constitutional reform and develop a legislative package in order to stave off economic collapse.
• Russia's Lavrov Hopes for Practical Actions for Peace in Ukraine RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday that he hopes dialogue between all parties affected by the crisis in Ukraine will soon take place in order to de-escalate tensions in the country.
• West Tried to Stage Another Color Revolution in Ukraine – Lavrov RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- The United States and European Union have attempted to stage yet another "color revolution" in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.
• Russia Begins Drills Near Ukrainian Border RFE/RL 24 Apr 2014 -- Russia says it has launched new military drills near the Ukrainian border in response to Ukrainian action against pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
• Moscow Rejects Washington's Claims on Crimea as Groundless RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- Moscow is ready to participate in sincere dialogue with the US on Ukraine, but rejects Washington's "groundless and unsubstantiated claims" on Crimea, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
• Ukraine Forcing EU to Rethink Russia Policy VOA 24 Apr 2014 -- The head of the European Union's delegation to Russia has cast doubt on the effectiveness of last week's mutiparty agreement to reduce tensions in Ukraine. Vygaudas Usackas spoke to reporters about EU-Russia relations as Ukraine called on Russia to explain its military drills near their border.
• N Korea seals nuclear test tunnel - Seoul official VoR 24 Apr 2014 -- North Korea has apparently sealed a tunnel at its nuclear test site, a government official said Thursday ahead of US President Barack Obama's arrival in Seoul for a two-day visit.
• Russia Set to Boost Space Cooperation With India, China RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- Russia is set to develop its space cooperation with India and China, the head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos Oleg Ostapenko said on Thursday.
• No Plans to Produce Zenit Rocket in Russia – Roscosmos RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- The Russian space agency believes it would be illogical to start the production of Ukrainian-made Zenit space launch rockets in Russia, the agency's head said Thursday.
• Russia Gives Green Light to Super-Heavy Rocket Project RIA Novosti 24 Apr 2014 -- A project to build a new super-heavy carrier rocket was included into the draft new Federal Space Program (FSP) Roscosmos chief Oleg Ostapenko said on Thursday.
• Russia gives green light to super-heavy rocket project VoR 24 Apr 2014 -- A project to build a new super-heavy carrier rocket was included into the draft new Federal Space Program (FSP) Roscosmos chief Oleg Ostapenko said on Thursday. 'A [super] heavy carrier rocket was included into the new FSP. Work is still under way, with the first stage envisaging the construction of a rocket capable of lifting from 70 to 80 metric tons,' Ostapenko said, adding that such rockets would be enough for projects scheduled for the next 20 or 30 years.
• No sign of H7N9 spread from single Chinese patient CNA 24 Apr 2014 -- All 94 people who came into contact with a sick Chinese tourist have tested negative for the H7N9 avian flu virus with which the woman is infected, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Thursday.
• Spike in MERS Raises Concerns about Precautions VOA 24 Apr 2014 -- A spike in the cases of the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Saudi Arabia has alarmed international health officials. But regionally, authorities are offering few preventative measures for the MERS virus.