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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 29 Apr 2014 [PDF]
• Georgian Liaison Team, 31st Georgian Light Infantry Battalion conduct air raid led by Afghan National Army soldiers USMC News 29 Apr 2014 -- A platoon of Georgian soldiers with the 31st Georgian Light Infantry Battalion and Marines with the Georgian Liaison Team conducted an air raid led by Afghan National Army soldiers in Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 12.
• Afghan soldiers conduct patrol training exercise in Afghanistan USMC News 29 Apr 2014 -- Marines with Task Force Belleau Wood advised Afghan National Army soldiers with 4th Tolai, 6th Kandak, 4th Brigade, 215th Corps, on patrolling techniques during a training exercise aboard Camp Shorabak, Afghanistan, April 19.
• Combat engineer Marines conduct Transfer of Authority Ceremony in Afghanistan USMC News 29 Apr 2014 -- Marines and sailors with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion relieved 1st CEB during a transfer of authority ceremony aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, April 20.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Rear Admiral Kirby in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 29 Apr 2014 -- Presenter: Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's Meeting with Czech Republic Minister of Defense Martin Stropnicky DoD 29 Apr 2014
• Hagel Steps Up Consultations With Eastern European Allies AFPS 29 Apr 2014 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has stepped up his consultations with Eastern European NATO allies in light of Russia's activities along its border with Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.
• Legacy airframe and modern technology CONECT AFNS 29 Apr 2014 -- Air Force Global Strike Command took delivery of a significantly enhanced Boeing B-52H Stratofortress in a ceremony here, April 25.
• Welsh Promotes Balance of Stewardship, Capability AFPS 29 Apr 2014 -- The Air Force chief of staff today explored the proper force ratio between the service's active duty and reserve components in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
• MPSRON Three participates in Balikatan 2014 NNS 29 Apr 2014 -- Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 flagship USNS 2ND LT John P. Bobo (T-AK 3008) arrived in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, April 23 for Balikatan 2014.
• From Bataan to Typhoon, Obama Praises U.S.-Philippine Alliance AFPS 29 Apr 2014 -- From the jungles of Bataan to the rubble following Typhoon Yolanda, American and Philippine troops have worked together to make the region a better place, President Barak Obama told American and Philippine service members near Manila yesterday.
• What Marines need to know about Crimea USMC News 29 Apr 2014 -- Crimea, an autonomous republic in Ukraine, became the focus of attention in early 2014 when mass protests in central and western Ukraine forced the pro-Moscow president of the country to flee to Russia. Russia-backed forces in Crimea then took control of the republic and in a hastily organized referendum, the Russian ethnic majority in the region voted to join Russia. The Russian government quickly annexed the republic.
• USS Carney Departs Turkey NNS 29 Apr 2014 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) departed Bodrum, Turkey after completing a scheduled port visit, April 29.
• Blue Ridge Begins Patrol NNS 29 Apr 2014 -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) departed Yokosuka to patrol the Indo-Asia-Pacific region April 29.
• USS Taylor Arrives in Romania NNS 29 Apr 2014 -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50), homeported in Mayport, Fla., arrived in Constanta, Romania, for a scheduled port visit, April 28.
• Allies enhance NATO air-policing duties in Baltics States, Poland, Romania NATO 29 Apr 2014 -- Fighter jets from Poland, the United Kingdom and Denmark take over NATO air policing duties over the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on Thursday (1 May 2014) as part of enhanced collective defence measures agreed to by Allies earlier this month.
• Explosions Rock Ammo Depot Near Russia's Lake Baikal – Source RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2014 -- At least three explosions rocked a military ammunition depot located to the east of Russia's Lake Baikal, a local official told RIA Novosti Tuesday.
• Russian Navy Ships Take Part in Anti-Drug Drills in Caribbean RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2014 -- Two Russian navy ships, together with forces from Nicaragua and Honduras, have taken part in anti-narcotics naval exercises in the Caribbean, a spokesman for Russia's Northern Fleet said Tuesday.
• Russia Accuses NATO of 'Provocative' Actions VOA 29 Apr 2014 -- Russia has accused the United States and NATO of what it called 'provocative' statements as the crisis in Ukraine unfolds alongside a NATO military build-up in eastern Europe. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are continuing to seek the release of seven observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, who are being held by pro-Russian gunmen in eastern Ukraine.
• N Korea says nuclear test is still an option VoR 29 Apr 2014 -- North Korea said Tuesday it would strengthen its nuclear deterrent following President Barack Obama's 'dangerous' Asian tour, and would not rule out another atomic test, AFP reports.

• Honouring victims, UN urges full ratification of Chemical Weapons Convention UN News Centre 29 Apr 2014 -- Marking the Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and General Assembly President John Ashe today urged the six reticent Member States to sign and/or ratify the Chemical Weapons Convention which aims to eliminate an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.
• April 29, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 29 Apr 2014

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for April 29, 2014

Other Conflicts

• 29 April 2014 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Apr 2014
• As Obama Leaves Asia, One Last Swipe at China VOA 29 Apr 2014 -- President Barack Obama took another implicit swipe at China's foreign policy Tuesday as he wrapped up a week-long, four-nation tour of Asia.
• Upcoming national elections 'important milestone' for Iraq, Ban says ahead of polls UN News Centre 29 Apr 2014 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has highlighted the importance of Wednesday's national elections for peace and stability in Iraq and called for creating the necessary conditions to enable all citizens to participate in the polls.
• Chemical watchdog announces probe into alleged chlorine gas attacks in Syria UN News Centre 29 Apr 2014 -- The head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said today it will seek to "establish the facts" surrounding allegations of the use of chlorine in Syria, where it is already working jointly with the United Nations to rid the country of its chemical weapons.
• Attacks Kill 50 in Syria VOA 29 Apr 2014 -- At least 50 people have been killed in bomb and mortar attacks in two Syrian cities.
• Kerry Heads to Africa for Talks on South Sudan, CAR VOA 29 Apr 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is traveling to Africa for talks on violence in South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
• Released Detainees Ready to Help South Sudan Negotiations VOA 29 Apr 2014 -- The recently released detainees accused of plotting to overthrow South Sudan's President Salva Kiir are ready to meet both the country's leader and former vice president Riek Machar as part of a bid to help resolve the crisis, according to Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, a released detainee.
• South Sudan: UN brings aid to displaced civilians ahead of rains; calls for month-long truce UN News Centre 29 Apr 2014 -- The United Nations refugee agency is preparing to airlift relief supplies to South Sudan today for 100,000 displaced people ahead of the rainy season, while the top UN relief official there is calling for a month-long truce to enable people to move around safely and cultivate their fields.
• Security Council lifts Côte d'Ivoire's rough diamond ban, tweaks arms embargo UN News Centre 29 Apr 2014 -- The United Nations Security Council today voted unanimously to lift a ban on importing rough diamonds from Côte d'Ivoire and to partially lift the arms embargo, differentiating between lethal and non-lethal arms.
• Facing 'moment of truth,' Mid-east parties must make tough choices to salvage peace efforts - UN envoy UN News Centre 29 Apr 2014 -- In the wake of Israel's decision to break off talks with the Palestinians after a Fatah-Hamas unity deal, and amid a "volatile" situation on the ground with negative trends in the West Bank and a fragile calm in Gaza, a United Nations envoy today challenged the parties to use this "moment of truth" to reflect on the hard choices required to keep peace from slipping further away.
• Security Council extends UN Western Sahara mission through April 2015 UN News Centre 29 Apr 2014 -- The Security Council today extended for another year the mandate of the United Nations mission tasked with monitoring the ceasefire in Western Sahara and organizing a referendum on self-determination for the people of the territory.
• After deadly attack, UN agency urges safety for displaced in Central African Republic UN News Centre 29 Apr 2014 -- At least two people were killed and six others injured in the Central African Republic (CAR) after an attack on an 18-truck humanitarian convoy relocating 1,300 Muslims to safety in the country's north, a spokesperson for the United Nations refugee agency today confirmed, renewing calls for protection of displaced people.

News Reports

• Statement on the U.S. Reaction to Russian Troops Entering Ukraine US Dept. of State 29 Apr 2014
• Ukraine: UN political chief says events over past four days 'should alarm us all' UN News Centre 29 Apr 2014 -- Describing "alarming" developments in Ukraine – from the capture of European observers to the violent takeover of Government buildings by separatist groups, and the shooting of the mayor of a major eastern city – a senior United Nations official this evening appealed to all sides to "work expeditiously" at putting the crisis-torn country on the path to stability.
• Pro-Russia Separatists Seize More Ukraine Buildings VOA 29 Apr 2014 -- Hundreds of pro-Russian separatists overran more Ukrainian government buildings near the Russian border Tuesday, seizing a prosecutor's office in Luhansk and attacking a police station with clubs and automatic weapons.
• Recovery of Ukrainian Assets Discussed in London VOA 29 Apr 2014 -- A two-day international meeting convened Tuesday in London designed to recover Ukrainian financial assets that were stolen from the nation at the outset of the on-going crisis there.
• Second set of US sanctions against Russia not related to situation in Ukraine - President Putin VoR 29 Apr 2014 -- The EU's new sanctions against Russia can be explained by the fact that Europe is trying to find those responsible for the processes ongoing in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said. New EU sanctions against Russia occur as Europe is trying to find someone to blame for the processes taking place in Ukraine. 'As for the second set, it is not even clear what it is about, I can hardly explain what is the reason for it, because there is no link between what is happening now in Ukraine and Russia', Putin told reporters.
• US to continue cooperating with Russia on Iran and Syria - State Department VoR 29 Apr 2014 -- Despite the US introducing sanctions against Russia, Washington will continue active cooperation with Moscow to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue and the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria. This was announced by Thomas Countryman, Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation at a press conference in New York.
• Pro-Russian Separatists Fire on Luhansk Police Station, Capture Government Building VOA 29 Apr 2014 -- Pro-Russian separatists fired on a police station in the city of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine Tuesday after seizing the regional government headquarters.
• Russian state border in north Crimea to be fully equipped in early May VoR 29 Apr 2014 -- The Russian state border in the north of Crimea will be fully equipped with necessary facilities during May holidays, the head of Russia's Federal Agency for the Development of the State Border Facilities (Rosgranitsa) said Tuesday, the CrimeaInform news agency reported, according to Itar-Tass.
• Pro-Russian Demonstrators Seize Buildings In Luhansk RFE/RL 29 Apr 2014 -- Several thousand pro-Russian demonstrators in the eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk have seized the regional administration building, the prosecutor's office, the main police station, and the local television center.
• Leading Candidate Withdraws From Ukrainian Presidential Election RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2014 -- Oleh Tsarev, a Ukrainian presidential candidate and an active pro-federalization supporter, announced Tuesday he is withdrawing from the upcoming May 25 presidential election in the country.
• Self-Defense Forces Seize Government Building in Ukraine's Luhansk RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2014 -- Self-defense forces in the eastern Ukrainian city of Luhansk have taken control of a government building, the coordinator of the local people's community told RIA Novosti Tuesday.
• Moscow May Recognize Ukraine Election – Russian Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2014 -- Russia may recognize the results of upcoming elections in Ukraine on certain conditions, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Tuesday in an online interview with Russia's Gazeta.ru.
• Ukraine Claims Yanukovych Took $32 billion to Russia RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2014 -- Ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and his entourage took at least $32 billion with them to Russia, the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office said in a statement.
• Russia Criticizes Western Sanctions VOA 29 Apr 2014 -- Russia has accused the European Union of a 'complete lack of understanding' of Ukraine's domestic politics, as the EU released the names of 15 new targets of sanctions due to their roles in the Ukraine crisis.
• Russia rejects US, EU sanctions in all their forms - Lavrov VoR 29 Apr 2014 -- Moscow repudiates US and EU sanctions on Russia over the Ukrainian standoff and calls for national reconciliation in Ukraine through all-inclusive political dialogue, Russian foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday, RIA Novosti reports. 'We denounce sanctions in all their forms, including those that have been announced by the United States and the EU against all common sense due to events in Ukraine,' Lavrov during talks with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla in Havana.
• Russia says EU should be 'ashamed' of itself over sanctions, response ready VoR 29 Apr 2014 -- Russia on Tuesday criticised new European Union sanctions imposed on Russian officials over Moscow's role in the Ukraine crisis, saying the EU was under following Washington's lead and should be ashamed of itself.
• EU Names 15 New Targets For Ukraine Sanctions RFE/RL 29 Apr 2014 -- The European Union has released the names of 15 individuals targeted by fresh sanctions over their roles in the Ukraine crisis.
• Kiev Authorities Aggravate Crisis With Illegitimate Actions – Russian Lawmaker RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2014 -- Kiev authorities are aggravating the crisis in Ukraine by taking illegitimate actions instead of contributing to its settlement, Russian State Duma Speaker Sergei Naryshkin said during a session of parliament Tuesday.
• Russia Repudiates Sanctions, Calls for Dialogue in Ukraine – Lavrov RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2014 -- Moscow repudiates recently imposed US and EU sanctions against Russia over the Ukrainian standoff, and calls for national reconciliation in Ukraine through all-inclusive political dialogue, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
• Tokyo's Sanctions Against Russia Will Not Go Unanswered – Moscow RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2014 -- Moscow will respond to Tokyo's sanctions against a number of Russian citizens, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
• Japan Announces New Sanctions Against Russia Over Ukraine RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2014 -- The Japanese government said Tuesday it will impose additional sanctions against Russia over the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the Kyodo news agency reported.
• Russian Foreign Ministry Dismisses New EU Sanctions RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2014 -- The European Union's new sanctions targeting 15 Russian and Ukrainian individuals cannot help but cause rejection, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
• EU Slaps Sanctions on 15 Russian, Ukrainian Officials RIA Novosti 29 Apr 2014 -- The European Union has imposed sanctions on 15 additional Russian and Ukrainian officials, according to an EU Council implementing decision signed in Brussels Tuesday.
• Russia stops maneuvers near Ukraine's border after Ukrainian government's peaceful promises VoR 29 Apr 2014 -- Russian military units have withdrawn from maneuvers in regions near Ukraine's border after Ukraine's authorities announced that they would not use force against civilians. This is what the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Monday.
• US, NATO increasing military presence near Russia's borders with unprecedented force - Defence Minister VoR 29 Apr 2014 -- Russia's Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, in his recent phone talk with his US counterpart Chuck Hagel, said that the US and NATO are increasing its military presence near Russia's borders in Eastern Europe with unprecedented force, RIA Novosti reports.
• Rude Homecoming For Iranian Dissidents RFE/RL 29 Apr 2014 -- Ali has a message for dissidents and oppositionists who are considering returning to Iran. Don't even think about it. The journalist, and many others on the wrong side of the authorities, fled the country following the broad crackdown on dissent that followed Mahmud Ahmadinejad's contentious reelection as president in 2009.
• US President's Asian Tour Censured by FM Spokesman KCNA 29 Apr 2014 -- The spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK issued the following statement on Tuesday:
• As MERS Infections Rise, Asia Reflects on SARS VOA 29 Apr 2014 -- The deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) has killed more than one hundred people so far, but many questions remain about its origins and method of transmission.
• UN human rights chief deplores Egypt's 'outrageous' mass death sentences UN News Centre 29 Apr 2014 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights today strongly condemned the imposition of the death penalty on hundreds of people in Egypt, after mass trials that she said clearly breached international human rights law.
• Despite new era, anti-corruption agenda struggles in Yemen IRIN 29 Apr 2014 -- The 2011 street revolts that drove Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh from office and spurred an internationally-monitored democratic political transition were considered a boon for anti-corruption activists, who had spent the past decade trying to foster good governance reforms in a prevailing system of graft to little effect.