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Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 29 May 2014 [PDF]
• Denmark Army ends mission in Afghanistan, bids farewell to coalition partners USMC News 29 May 2014 -- Soldiers with the Danish Contingent gathered for an end of mission ceremony aboard Camp Bastion as they bid farewell to their coalition counterparts, May 20.
• Marines of 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines take control of the fight in southern Helmand province USMC News 29 May 2014 -- Marines and sailors with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, completed the turnover with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, and took control over Patrol Base Boldak and its area of operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 20, 2014.
• Hagel: Post-2014 Troop Level to Protect Afghan Progress AFPS 29 May 2014 -- President Barack Obama's post-2014 troop commitment in Afghanistan was "the right decision," Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said yesterday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Obama Foreign Policy Speech Draws Criticism, Some Praise VOA 29 May 2014 -- U.S. President Barack Obama used a speech Wednesday to broadly define his approach to foreign policy for the remainder of his presidency, while also attempting to silence critics who say he has ceded America's position of dominance in the world.
• Background Briefing by Senior Department of Defense Officials enroute to Singapore DoD 29 May 201 4-- Presenter: Senior Department of Defense Official
• Media Availability with Secretary Hagel enroute to Singapore DoD 29 May 2014 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel
• U.S., Romania conduct joint training, build partnership AFNS 29 May 2014 -- More than 80 Airmen and Soldiers stationed in Germany came together to take part in the Carpathian Spring 2014 May 9 - 24, in Bucharest, Romania.
• Airmen help their Norwegian partners train AFNS 29 May 2014 -- Airmen from the 426th Air Base Squadron recently participated in training alongside rescue crews from the Royal Norwegian air force's 330th Rescue Squadron, May 13.
• Israelis, U.S. complete Juniper Cobra 14 medical evacuation exercise AFNS 29 May 2014 -- During a simulated life-or-death scenario, U.S. and Israeli medical teams completed a medical evacuation exercise May 20 throughout Israel.
• Hagel: Health System Review to Begin 'Immediately' AFPS 29 May 2014 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told reporters traveling with him on a multi-country 12-day trip that he began asking military leaders about Defense Department hospitals and health care facilities around the world about a week ago.
• LCS 2 Tests 57 mm Gun in Preparation for RIMPAC NNS 29 May 2014 -- USS Independence (LCS 2) successfully completed a test event with the ship's Mk 110 57 millimeter gun May 20.
• 7th Fleet, Indonesian Navy Leaders Share Knowledge On board USS Blue Ridge NNS 29 May 2014 -- Senior leaders from the U.S. 7th Fleet and Indonesian Navies met for a professional exchange of ideas in a variety of technical and tactical topics on board the 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) March 26.
• Truxtun Departs Muscat, Oman NNS 29 May 2014 -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) departed from Muscat, Oman, May 13, after a port visit.
• First flights for Global Hawk over the UK UK MOD 29 May 2014 -- The United States Air Force remotely-piloted aircraft has flown in UK airspace for the first time.
• US wants more missile systems in the Pacific, China opposes Iran Press TV 29 May 2014 -- The Pentagon's second-ranking officer has said that the United States is considering plans to deploy more regional missile systems in the Pacific.
• French Intelligence Ship Leaves Black Sea, 2 NATO Warships Now in Region RIA Novosti 29 May 2014 -- The French Dupuy de Lôme intelligence ship left the waters of the Black Sea on Thursday morning, a military and diplomatic source told RIA Novosti.
• Russia May Begin Constructing Advanced Military Drones in 2014 – Defense Ministry RIA Novosti 29 May 2014 -- Russia may begin to develop advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UAV) with longer flight endurance in 2014, Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov told reporters Thursday.
• China urges Shangri-La Dialogue to boost trust, cooperation People's Daily 29 May 2014 -- Senior military and political officials from nearly 30 countries will gather in Singapore on Friday for the 13th Asia security summit, known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, to discuss regional security and cooperation.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 5/29/2014 The White House 29 May 2014
• May 29, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 29 May 2014

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 29, 2014

Other Conflicts

• 29 May 2014 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 May 2014
• UN 'blue helmets': troop contributions from non-traditional countries on rise UN News Centre 29 May 2014 -- The United Nations keeps the peace in some of the world's most violent places, and increasingly its peacekeepers are from Member States that are first-time contributors to UN peacekeeping operations with military personnel or civilian staff.
• UN honours 'blue helmets,' seeks to build modern, adaptive peacekeeping force UN News Centre 29 May 2014 -- Hailing the "long and proud" history of United Nations peacekeeping – with over one million "blue helmets" having served in more than 70 operations on four continents since 1948 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon led the Organization today in honouring those men and women who lost their lives in the past year, while looking to the future, envisioning a modern, global force that can effectively tackle emerging peace and security challenges.
• FEATURE: New challenges spur UN peacekeeping to become 'a force for the future' UN News Centre 29 May 2014 -- From deploying new technologies such as drones and robots to boosting the number of women in its ranks, United Nations peacekeeping is striving to confront new challenges and offer best value for funding as it serves communities around the world.
• Abkhazia parliament asks president to resign VoR 29 May 2014 -- The parliament of Abkhazia has adopted a resolution on Thursday asking the Abkhaz President Alexander Ankvab to resignation voluntarily, ITAR-TASS reports. The parliament also passed a vote of non-confidence in Prime Minister Leonid Lakerbaia. Both motions, that were approved by 20 out of 21 lawmakers who were present at the session, came into force immediately after the vote.
• Putin's Aides Meet Abkhaz Leader, Opposition Over Crisis RFE/RL 29 May 2014 -- Officials from Russian President Vladimir Putin's administration have been meeting with the de facto president of Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia region, Aleksandr Ankvab, and with opposition leaders who have seized control of Ankvab's headquarters in Abkhazia's capital, Sukhumi.
• Despite Security Council measure, calls for aid access in Syria being ignored – UN relief official UN News Centre 29 May 2014 -- Three months after the Security Council unanimously approved a resolution aiming to boost humanitarian aid access in Syria, a senior United Nations official is once again appealing for rapid, unhindered and safe access to besieged Syrians.
• Syrian army makes more gains against militants Iran Press TV 29 May 2014 -- Syrian military forces have continued operations against militants across the country, inflicting more blows on the foreign-backed armed groups.
• Alleged Chlorine Gas Attacks Focus Renewed Attention on Syria VOA 29 May 2014 -- The international organization overseeing the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons is now focusing on investigating possible chlorine gas attacks in that country.
• Nigeria's Leader Orders Full-Scale Assault on Boko Haram VOA 29 May 2014 -- Nigeria's president said on Thursday he had ordered "a full-scale operation" against Boko Haram Islamist militants.
• Nigeria's President goes all-out for Boko Haram VoR 29 May 2014 -- Nigeria's president said on Thursday he had ordered 'a full-scale operation' against Boko Haram Islamist militants and sought to reassure parents of 219 schoolgirls being held by the group that their children would be freed. Speaking on Nigeria's Democracy Day, Goodluck Jonathan said he had authorised security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that Boko Haram, which operates in the country's northeast, is defeated.
• Security Council extends UN missions in Abyei, Guinea-Bissau, Somalia UN News Centre 29 May 2014 -- The Security Council today extended the United Nations peacekeeping force in Abyei – an area contested by Sudan and South Sudan – as well as the missions assisting Guinea-Bissau and Somalia with their efforts to advance stability, security and development.
• Vietnamese Fisherman Vows to Return to South China Sea VOA 29 May 2014 -- The captain of a Vietnamese fishing boat that sank Monday after allegedly being rammed by Chinese vessels vowed to resume fishing in the South China Sea.
• Rogue Libyan General Resumes Airstrikes Near Benghazi VOA 29 May 2014 -- Witnesses say warplanes launched at least two missile strikes on Jihadist bases Thursday near the eastern city of Benghazi.
• How Long Can You Keep A Secret? For Kosovo's Wartime Rape Victims, The Answer Is: Maybe Forever RFE/RL 29 May 2014
• Central African Republic: Ban deplores recent attacks, urges end to 'cycle of violence' UN News Centre 29 May 2014 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today strongly condemned recent attacks in the Central African Republic (CAR) and encouraged the country's Transitional Authority to do everything within its means to prevent further violence and to hold the perpetrators to account.

News Reports

• Helicopter Crash Kills 12, Not 14, Near Slaviansk – Ukraine's National Guard RIA Novosti 29 May 2014 -- Twelve Ukrainian servicemen, including a general, were killed when a helicopter was shot down in the eastern Ukrainian city of Slaviansk on Thursday, the country's National Guard said, correcting the number of victims previously given by acting President Oleksandr Turchynov.
• All Bodies in Donetsk Airport Hostilities Identified, 33 of Them Russian RIA Novosti 29 May 2014 -- All the bodies of federalists killed in the May 26 hostilities at the Donetsk airport have been identified, and 33 of them are Russian nationals, the prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic said Thursday.
• 1,200 Ukrainian Soldiers Dead in Slaviansk Special Op – People's Mayor RIA Novosti 29 May 2014 -- About 1,200 Ukrainian army soldiers have been killed during a special operation in Slaviansk, and eight helicopters and 15 armored vehicles were destroyed, Slaviansk people's mayor Vyacheslav Ponomaryov said Thursday.
• Detained OSCE Observers in Donetsk Safe and Sound – Ukrainian Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 29 May 2014 -- The members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) monitoring group detained in Ukraine's Donetsk region earlier this week are safe and sound, acting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchytsia said at a briefing in Kiev on Thursday.
• Separatists Shoot Down Ukrainian Helicopter VOA 29 May 2014 -- Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have shot down a Ukrainian military helicopter, killing 12 government troops, including a general.
• Ukraine's Slavyansk under mortar attack: refugees, children unable to leave town - local self-defense HQ VoR 29 May 2014 -- Howitzers and mortars are being fired at Slavyansk on Thursday afternoon; however, refugees who tried to flee in their cars and buses have been told to go back, the local self-defense headquarters said. 'At this moment, the town is under fierce howitzer and mortar firing, no air strikes have so far been carried out by the Ukrainian army. But cars and buses are being turned back at checkpoints of the Ukrainian army who would not let civilians out of the town,' the headquarters said.
• All bodies in Donetsk Airport hostilities identified, 33 of them Russian VoR 29 May 2014 -- All the bodies of federalists killed in the May 26 hostilities at the Donetsk airport have been identified, and 33 of them are Russian nationals, Alexander Borodai, the prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic said Thursday.
• Ukraine's Foreign Ministry turns down humanitarian aid from Russia VoR 29 May 2014 -- Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has turned down an official note of the Russian Foreign Ministry asking for permission to provide humanitarian aid to residents of Ukraine's eastern regions.
• Russia to Kiev: Stop this fraternal war Iran Press TV 29 May 2014 -- Russia has called on Ukraine to immediately stop what it calls a fraternal war in the country, while urging the West to steer Kiev away from a "national disaster."
• 14 soldiers killed as gunship downed in East Ukraine Iran Press TV 29 May 2014 -- At least 14 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed as pro-Russia protesters shot down an army helicopter.
• Ukrainian Helicopter Shot Down By Rebels, 14 Troops Killed RFE/RL 29 May 2014 -- Ukrainian authorities say between 12 and 14 soldiers, including an army general, were killed when pro-Russian separatists shot down a military helicopter near Slovyansk, while Russia urged the West to press Kyiv to stop the military operation and avert a 'catastrophe.'
• What Are Eastern Ukraine's (Legitimate) Grievances With Kyiv? RFE/RL 29 May 2014 -- When Ukraine's President-elect Petro Poroshenko visits Donetsk after his inauguration next month, he is likely to get an earful of demands from eastern Ukrainians who are unhappy with Kyiv.
• Kyiv's Deadline Looms On $2 Billion Russian Gas Debt RFE/RL 29 May 2014 -- A deadline is looming for Ukraine to pay off its natural gas debts to Russia's state-controlled Gazprom or face a supply cut that also would impact other parts of Europe.
• Snowden Denies Affiliation with Russian Government RIA Novosti 29 May 2014 -- National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden, who is currently living in Russia under temporary asylum status after leaking United States' secret documents, says he had no ties with the Russian authorities.
• China denies any involvement in cyber theft Iran Press TV 29 May 2014 -- China has denied its government's involvement in any form of cyber theft, accusing the United States of fabricating facts.
• Saudi Arabia reports 13 more MERS deaths Iran Press TV 29 May 2014 -- Saudi Arabia's Health Ministry has recorded 13 more deaths from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the kingdom.
• Report on Results of DPRK-Japan Inter-Governmental Talks KCNA 29 May 2014 -- The DPRK-Japan inter-governmental talks were held in Stockholm, Sweden from May 26 to 28.
• Japan to lessen N Korea sanctions after kidnapping probe starts Iran Press TV 29 May 2014 -- Tokyo says it would ease sanctions against North Korea after Pyongyang had agreed to reinvestigate the kidnapping of Japanese nationals to train spies.
• Thai army chief meets advisers on security Iran Press TV 29 May 2014 -- Thailand's military chief is meeting with advisers to map out a strategy to stabilize the country after last week's coup, an army source says.
• Egypt's Sissi Crushes at Polls, Turnout Questioned VOA 29 May 2014 -- Egyptian officials say preliminary results give former Egyptian army chief Abdel Fattah el-Sissi a sweeping victory in his presidential bid against Hamdeen Sabahi. But, the vote has raised many questions about a Sissi presidency.
• Sisi campaign declares victory in presidential vote Iran Press TV 29 May 2014 -- Egypt's former military chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has won the majority of the votes in the country's presidential election, according to results announced by his campaign.
• Explainer: What's Going On In Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan? RFE/RL 29 May 2014 -- Tajik authorities say they are probing gunfights that killed at least four people and sparked antigovernment protests in the remote Gorno-Badakhshan Province. The government in Dushanbe blames the violence on local drug dealers. Protest leaders, however, say the latest crisis has much deeper roots in the autonomous region that was the scene of deadly clashes in 2012.
• Putin Kicks Off Eurasian Union, Without Ukraine VOA 29 May 2014 -- Moscow increasingly speaks of Russia's "sphere of influence.' And, on Thursday, President Vladimir Putin took a major step in securing that position by creating a shared market of former Soviet states to help integrate economic policy.
• Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus Sign Treaty Creating Economic Union RFE/RL 29 May 2014 -- The leaders of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus have signed a treaty in Astana on the creation of a Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EES).
• Proton Rocket Failure Probe Finds No Evidence of Deliberate Misconduct RIA Novosti 29 May 2014 -- The interdepartmental state commission investigating the recent Proton-M carrier rocket launch failure has so far found no evidence supporting the theory that it was caused by deliberate misconduct, Russia's space agency Roscosmos said Thursday.
• Russian Soyuz with New Crew Docks at ISS in Automatic Mode RIA Novosti 29 May 2014 -- A Russian Soyuz spacecraft carrying a trio of crew members docked automatically with the International Space Station on Thursday, some six hours after the launch, a spokesman for the Russian space agency Roscosmos said.