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Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 19 May 2014 [PDF]

Defense Policy / Programs

• GPS IIF-6 successfully launched from Cape Canaveral AFNS 19 May 2014 -- The Air Force successfully launched the sixth Global Positioning System IIF satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., May 16.
• Premium DOD exercise hones special operations skills AFNS 19 May 2014 -- More than 1,500 special operations forces, or SOF, from around the services participated in Emerald Warrior, a two-week joint service, inter-agency and partner nation exercise that concluded here May 9.
• Pentagon Sends Aid for Balkans Flood Relief AFPS 19 May 2014 -- The Defense Department will ship 26 tons of humanitarian relief to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as early as tomorrow following severe flooding in the Balkans, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters today.
• U.S. Troops to Take Part in Jordanian Exercise AFPS 19 May 2014 -- U.S. forces along with those from more than 20 other nations will begin military exercises in Jordan next week.
• 11th MEU conducts EFEX USMC News 19 May 2014 -- The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit has conducted several varying training evolutions during its predeployment cycle. The MEU is currently conducting, along with Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5, Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of southern California on the USS Makin Island, USS San Diego and USS Comstock. The purpose of this now second at-sea period is to hone mission essential tasks, execute specified MEU and Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) operations, and establish the foundation for a cohesive warfighting team for future exercises and operations.
• Pennsylvania Guard Partners With Lithuanian Troops AFPS 19 May 2014 -- The recent Vigilant Guard 2014 domestic emergency preparedness exercise conducted across the state integrated several Lithuanian military and civil response officers as part of Pennsylvania's long-standing relationship with the Baltic nation.
• DARPA to Showcase Latest Cyber, Big Data Ideas AFPS 19 May 2014 -- The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency will display more than 100 projects and 29 programs in the Pentagon's courtyard May 21 to demonstrate cybersecurity technologies and spark feedback from warfighters, a DARPA scientist said during a May 16 interview with the Pentagon Channel here.
• USS Jason Dunham Starts Simulated War Games NNS 19 May 2014 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) began the theater anti-submarine warfare (TASW) phase of Submarine Commander's Course-40 (SSC-40) outside of the Bahamas, May 19.
• Estonian Minesweeper Joins NATO Spring Storm Drills RIA Novosti 19 May 2014 -- The Estonian minesweeper Sakala joined NATO's Spring Storm military drills on Monday, the General Staff of the Estonian Defence Forces announced.
• NATO Chief Says Europe Facing New 'Less Predictable' Security Situation RFE/RL 19 May 2014 -- NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said there has been no sign of a Russian troop withdrawal from the Ukrainian border, contradicting an earlier Kremlin statement claiming that Russia was pulling its soldiers back.
• Latvia conducts largest military exercises in 20 years VoR 19 May 2014 -- The National Defense Forces of Latvia have begun a week-long series of military exercises, the largest in the country's history, the Latvian military announced Monday. The exercises will include land, sea and air drills, with the participation of over 2,200 servicemen and self-defense troops.
• PLA buys more domestic brand vehicles People's Daily 19 May 2014 -- More than 1,000 Red Flag H7 limousines have been delivered to the People's Liberation Army (PLA), as foreign brands are being phased out in procurement by China's military force, the PLA Daily reported on Monday.
• U.S. Charges Five Chinese Military Hackers for Cyber Espionage Against U.S. Corporations and a Labor Organization for Commercial Advantage US Dept. of Justice 19 May 2014 -- A grand jury in the Western District of Pennsylvania (WDPA) indicted five Chinese military hackers for computer hacking, economic espionage and other offenses directed at six American victims in the U.S. nuclear power, metals and solar products industries.
• US Indicts 5 Chinese Military Members for Cyber Spying VOA 19 May 2014 -- A U.S. grand jury has indicted five members of the Chinese military for allegedly cyber spying on American companies in the nuclear power, metals and solar products industries, the Department of Justice said on Monday.
• Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Carlin Speaks at the Press Conference Announcing U.S. Charges Against Five Chinese Military Hackers for Cyber Espionage US Dept. of Justice 19 May 2014
• Attorney General Eric Holder Speaks at the Press Conference Announcing U.S. Charges Against Five Chinese Military Hackers for Cyber Espionage US Dept. of Justice 19 May 2014
• US files criminal charges against Chinese military Iran Press TV 19 May 2014 -- The Justice Department has filed criminal charges against members of the Chinese military, accusing them of conducting economic cyber-espionage against the United States, officials said.
• China slams US hacking claims against military personnel Iran Press TV 19 May 2014 -- China has slammed the US for indicting five Chinese military personnel for hacking, warning that the allegation will jeopardize relations between the two countries.
• Maintaining NATO's Technological Edge NATO 19 May 2014 -- The largest ever test of NATO's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities began on Monday (19 May 2014) at Ørland Air Station in Norway.
• Taiwan holds computer war games to ward off simulated China aircraft carrier attack VoR 19 May 2014 -- Taiwan Monday launched computerized war games featuring its newly acquired AH-64 Apache helicopters helping counter a simulated attack by a Chinese aircraft carrier group, officials and media said, according to AFP. The five-day drill, part of the island's biggest annual military maneuvers to be held in September, is aimed at testing the island's defense capability against the fast expanding military might of the giant neighbor, defense ministry officials said, declining to go into details.
• Compromise possible on European missile shield - Russian Defense Ministry VoR 19 May 2014 -- The United States disregards the Russian Defense Ministry's proposals related to the European missile shield, but a compromise is still possible, which will strengthen both NATO's and Russia's security, said Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov. 'I last held talks on this problem in New York in December 2013. We handed our American counterparts proposals on how this situation could be dealt with.
• Artful enters the water UK MOD 19 May 2014 -- Britain's third £1 billion Astute Class nuclear submarine, Artful, was lowered into the water at Barrow-in-Furness on Saturday, 17 May.
• Iran to Build New Sub for Caspian Fleet by 2015 RIA Novosti 19 May 2014 -- Iran expects to complete construction of a new submarine for its Caspian fleet by the second quarter of next year, the News.Az outlet reported Monday.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 5/19/2014 The White House 19 May 2014
• May 19, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 19 May 2014

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 19, 2014

Other Conflicts

• 19 May 2014 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 19 May 2014
• Libyan elite unit joins retired general's forces Iran Press TV 19 May 2014 -- Libya is bracing for greater chaos as more troops are joining the forces commanded by retired General Khalifa Haftar.
• Calling for end to violent turmoil in Libya, UN urges peaceful settlement of differences UN News Centre 19 May 2014 -- The United Nations mission in Libya today voiced deep concern over the recent violence in the country, and called on all sides to address differences through political means and on authorities to quickly address the lawlessness.
• Libya Condemns Rogue General's Attack on Parliament VOA 19 May 2014 -- Libya's army chief ordered the deployment of Islamist-led militias to the capital Tripoli on Monday in response to the storming of parliament by forces loyal to a renegade ex-general. The move paves the way for a possible showdown between rival militia fighters.
• Syrian Opposition's Defense Minister Resigns – Report RIA Novosti 19 May 2014 -- The Syrian opposition government's Minister of Defense Asaad Mustafa has resigned, TV news channel Al-Arabiya reported Monday.
• Nearly 8% of Chemical Weapons Remain in Syria – OPCW RIA Novosti 19 May 2014 -- Syria is still in possession of nearly 8 percent of its chemical weapons arsenal, the director general of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) told reporters on Monday.
• China Evacuates Thousands from Vietnam VOA 19 May 2014 -- Thousands of Chinese workers are being evacuated from Vietnam by ship following anti-China rioting last week that left two people dead and more than 140 injured.
• Chinese ships ferrying evacuees home from Vietnamese port People's Daily 19 May 2014 -- VUNG ANG, Vietnam, May 19 -- Some 4,000 Chinese nationals affected in the recent anti-foreign violence in Vietnam are heading home Monday from this central Vietnamese port.
• China evacuates citizens from Vietnam Iran Press TV 19 May 2014 -- Thousands of Chinese nationals have been evacuated from Vietnam amid growing tensions over territorial disputes between the two countries.
• Separatists and sceptics: refugees divided on future of northern Mali IRIN 19 May 2014 -- Fighting has once again escalated in northern Mali's Kidal region, with clashes between Tuareg separatists and the army reportedly killing 36 people on 16 and 17 May. Despite the failure of the 2012 rebellion in northern Mali and the loss of most of the territory they briefly laid claim to, Tuareg separatists say the fight for an independent territory of Azawad is not over. Activists from the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) now living as refugees in neighbouring Burkina Faso say their original demands still stand.
• Children need more support at Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp IRIN 19 May 2014 -- Physical space and timely protection support for children are among the most pressing needs in northwestern Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp amid a continuing flood of people, for the most part minors, fleeing conflict in South Sudan.
• Security Council, Ban commend Guinea-Bissau as electors count ballots UN News Centre 19 May 2014 -- With ballot counting underway in Guinea Bissau's presidential run-off, the United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the successful conclusion of the second round of voting and urged the political parties to peacefully address any grievances arising from the elections through the appropriate channels.
• Mali Deploys More Troops to Rebel Stronghold VOA 19 May 2014 -- Tensions are mounting in the northern Malian town of Kidal as the government deployed more troops there Monday, after fighting between soldiers and Tuareg MNLA rebels killed at least 36 people during the weekend. Renewed hostilities could affect talks being organized between the rebels and the government.
• IRC: Be Generous to South Sudan VOA 19 May 2014 -- Representatives from donor countries begin meeting in Oslo Tuesday to decide how much aid to give to South Sudan. The meeting follows more than five months of conflict in the country. The International Rescue is calling on donors to be generous to help relieve rising malnutrition, especially among children.
• UN Warns of Looming Food Crisis in Somalia VOA 19 May 2014 -- The United Nations warns that Somalia is at risk of another famine due to drought, rising food prices and the lingering threat posed by al-Shabab militants. The U.N. says a funding shortfall is forcing agencies to scale down humanitarian work when it is needed most.
• Serbian ex-army chief Mladic launches defense case at UN genocide trial VoR 19 May 2014 -- Former Bosnian Serb army chief Ratko Mladic's defense case opened at the Yugoslav war crimes court on Monday, with the testimony of a former Serb army officer who claimed he was never ordered to fire on civilians in the besieged Bosnian capital during the country's bloody war. The officer, Mile Sladoje, told the three-judge panel at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), where Mladic faces charges of genocide and crimes against humanity, that his troops 'never were snipers' during the notorious 1990s siege in which 10,000 people died.

News Reports

• Thai Army Declares Martial Law, But Says It's Not a Coup VOA 19 May 2014 -- Thailand's Army Chief has declared martial law following months of political turmoil, but insists he is not seizing power through a military coup. In the capital, Bangkok, troops moved in to take up positions at the main political rally sites, television stations, and key transport routes to the city.
• Ukraine neo-Nazis at war with civilians: Putin Iran Press TV 19 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused "neo-Nazi forces" fighting against pro-Moscow activists in Ukraine of waging a war against civilians.
• Russia urges Kiev to withdraw troops from E Ukraine Iran Press TV 19 May 2014 -- Russia has urged the interim government in Kiev to immediately withdraw its troops from eastern Ukraine while ordering the end of drills by Russian forces in regions bordering Ukraine.
• Humanitarian situation in E Ukraine worsening: UN Iran Press TV 19 May 2014 -- The United Nations has warned of a worsening humanitarian situation in eastern Ukraine amid continued assaults by the army on pro-Russian protesters.
• Russia Ready to Discuss Gas Discounts if Ukraine Pays April Debt RIA Novosti 19 May 2014 -- Russia is prepared to discuss energy discounts after Kiev pays its April 1 bill for Russian natural gas, which Ukraine and the European Commission have confirmed stands at $2.2 billion, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said Monday.
• Ukraine Official: 32 Victims of Odessa Violence Possibly Poisoned VOA 19 May 2014 -- A top Ukrainian Interior Ministry official said Monday that 32 pro-Russian protesters who perished in the Odessa trade union building that burned down during violence in the southern Ukrainian port city earlier this month may have been poisoned with chloroform.
• U.S. And NATO Say No Russian Troop Withdrawal RFE/RL 19 May 2014 -- The United States and NATO say they've seen no sign Russian troops have moved away from the border with Ukraine, after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had ordered such a move.
• Putin Orders Troops to Return to Permanent Bases After Drills Near Ukraine RIA Novosti 19 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered the return of all troops involved in drills in the Rostov, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions on the border with Ukraine to their permanent bases, the Kremlin said.
• Kyiv's Bid To Ban Communist Party Could Provoke 'Radical Opposition' RFE/RL 19 May 2014 -- Acting Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchynov has asked the Justice Ministry to evaluate evidence of illegal activities by the Ukrainian Communist Party and to consider banning it.
• Putin Orders Troops Away from Ukraine Border VOA 19 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops he said were staging military drills in areas near Ukraine to return to their home bases.
• Ukraine Standoff has Worldwide Implications VOA 19 May 2014 -- The continuing East-West standoff over Ukraine is being watched closely elsewhere in Europe and around the world, where the United States and its allies are trying to convince various countries to modify their policies.
• Lugansk People's Republic turns to UN for recognition VoR 19 May 2014 -- The parliament of the self-proclaimed 'Lugansk People's Republic' has sent a letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon requesting recognition of the republic's sovereignty and independence. 'We are convinced that it is our natural right deriving from the founding international documents to refer an appeal of the people of the Lugansk People's Republic to the international community and request that recognition of our state system be considered,' the letter says.
• Chloroform found in Odessa House of Unions - Ukrainian Interior Ministry VoR 19 May 2014 -- Chloroform was discovered in the House of Unions in Odesa, where several dozen people were killed in flames on May 2, chief of the Ukrainian Interior Ministry's Main Investigative Department Vitaly Sakal announced.
• Ukrainian servicemen in Donetsk region left to mercy of fate – reports VoR 19 May 2014 -- Ukrainian servicemen deployed at roadblocks near the town of Krasnoarmeysk in the eastern Donetsk have been left by their commanders 'to the mercy of fate'.
• Russia Orders Troops Back, Calls For 'Rethinking' Ties With West RFE/RL 19 May 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops stationed near Ukraine's border to return to their home bases.
• China warns N Korea against fourth nuclear test - sources VoR 19 May 2014 -- China has used various diplomatic channels to warn North Korea not to conduct a fourth nuclear test, multiple China-based diplomatic sources told Reuters, after the reclusive state renewed its threat of 'counter-measures' against perceived US hostility.
• Kim Jong Un Looks round Taesongsan General Hospital KCNA 19 May 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, together with Ri Sol Ju went round the Taesongsan General Hospital.
• Nuclear talks will result in final deal: Rouhani Iran Press TV 19 May 2014 -- Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has expressed optimism that the ongoing nuclear negotiations with the Sextet of world powers will result in a final agreement.
• Statement by Attorney General Eric Holder on the Conviction of Abu Hamza al-Masri US Dept. of Justice 19 May 2014
• New York Jury Convicts Islamic Preacher of Terror-Related Charges VOA 19 May 2014 -- A federal jury in New York has convicted former London-based radical Islamic preacher Abu Hamza on all 11 counts of providing material support to terrorists.
• Iraq PM coalition gains most parliamentary seats Iran Press TV 19 May 2014 -- A coalition led by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has won the most seats in the country's April 30 parliamentary polls.
• Iraq: Ban welcomes initial parliamentary election results UN News Centre 19 May 2014 -- Welcoming the announcement of the initial results of Iraq's Council of Representatives election, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today looked forward to the final tally and subsequent timely formation of a new government.
• Shutdown of US GPS Stations No Threat to Russian Satellite Projects RIA Novosti 19 May 2014 -- Moscow's decision to shut down 11 US GPS ground stations located on Russian territory will not affect the ERA-Glonass accident response project and other satellite services currently employing GPS signals, the national navigation services provider NIS Glonass said Monday.
• UN humanitarian chief rallies support for flood-hit Balkan regions UN News Centre 19 May 2014 -- Deeply concerned by the devastating floods in the Balkans – days of rainfall have reportedly submerged entire villages and triggered landslides across the region – the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator is rallying the international community to provide speedy assistance that can help save lives and put people on the road to recovery.
• In Shanghai, Ban urges China's continued support for sustainable development UN News Centre 19 May 2014 -- The partnership between the United Nations and China was in the spotlight today in Shanghai where just-arrived Secretary General Ban Ki-moon met with President Xi Jinping and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi before outlining key global challenges at the city's premiere institute for the study of international politics, economy and security strategy.