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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 18 Jul 2014 [PDF]
• In Afghanistan, Audit of 23,000 Ballot Boxes Underway VOA 18 Jul 2014 -- U.S. officials say Afghan and international officials hope to audit 1,000 ballot boxes per day, as each of the eight million votes cast in Afghanistan's runoff election are examined for legitimacy.
• Cape Ray Continues Neutralizing Syrian Chemical Materials AFPS 18 Jul 2014 -- Teams aboard the U.S. ship MV Cape Ray continue to neutralize materials from Syria's declared chemical stockpile, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby told reporters today.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Air Force focuses fourth round of VERA/VSIP on headquarters reductions AFNS 18 Jul 2014 -- In an effort to lead its force management actions with voluntary programs, the Air Force announced a fourth round of civilian workforce shaping measures beginning July 21.
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Rear Adm. Kirby in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 18 Jul 2014 -- Presenter: Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's Phone Call with Malaysian Minister of Defense Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein DoD 18 Jul 2014
• Special Operations Forces, USS Independence Train during RIMPAC 2014 NNS 18 Jul 2014 -- Special forces from the U.S., Japan, the Republic of Korea and Peru conducted a covert training mission aboard the littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014.
• 4th LAR Completes its Largest Annual Training Exercise in Years USMC News 18 Jul 2014 -- The Marine Corps is a force in readiness. The 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion proved their readiness during their annual training here, 6 - 20 July, 2014.
• Australian, Mexican militaries conduct SWET during RIMPAC USMC News 18 Jul 2014 -- Australian Army and Mexican Naval Infantry Force service members conducted shallow water egress training at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii pool, July 1, 2014 as part of the 2014 Rim of the Pacific exercise.
• Fighting Bengals fly back to Fightertown USMC News 18 Jul 2014 -- Approximately 200 Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224, also known as the Fighting Bengals, along with Marines with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, returned to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort after a six-month deployment, July 11.
• Truman Passes Torch to Theodore Roosevelt with Ammo Off-load NNS 18 Jul 2014 -- Two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers took significant steps in the next phases of their mission-readiness during a major ammunition movement July 16.
• USS Ross begins First FDNF Patrol NNS 18 Jul 2014 -- The forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) departed Naval Station Rota, Spain, July 18, to conduct naval operations in support of security and stability in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
• Blue Ridge Visits Otaru to Strengthen Enduring Partnership NNS 18 Jul 2014 -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Otaru, July 18, to build upon a strong partnership that continues to provide security, stability, peace and prosperity to the Pacific region.
• U.S. navy chief visits China's warships People's Daily 18 Jul 2014 -- U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert on Thursday visited Beihai Fleet of the Chinese navy in the northern port of Dalian.
• UK defence secretary supports Japan self-defence stance UK MOD 18 Jul 2014 -- Michael Fallon welcomes Japanese announcement on collective self-defence.
• South Korea to manufacture mid-level fighter jet Iran Press TV 18 Jul 2014 -- South Korea military chiefs have endorsed a plan to design and make a mid-level fighter jet for delivery starting in 2025.
• July 18, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 18 Jul 2014

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for July 18, 2014

Other Conflicts

• 18 July 2014 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Jul 2014
• DoD Spokesman: No Hint Russia Has Ceased Rebel Support AFPS 18 Jul 2014 -- Although it's unclear who is helping separatists fighting in Ukraine and how much help is being provided, there are no indications that Russia has stopped its support, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.
• Investigators Need Time, Access, Pentagon Spokesman Says AFPS 18 Jul 2014 -- International investigators will need time and unimpeded access to determine the facts surrounding the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.
• Obama: Missile Downed Malaysia Plane Over Ukraine VOA 18 Jul 2014 -- President Barack Obama says the United States is confident a surface-to-air missile shot down a Malaysia Airlines flight over Ukraine and that it was fired from territory controlled by pro-Russian separatists.
• Russia, Ukraine Leaders Trade Blame for Malaysia Airline Crash VOA 18 Jul 2014 -- Russia and Ukraine have been locked in an exchange of accusations over responsibility for a crashed Malaysia Airlines passenger plane - believed shot down by pro-Russia rebels in the border area. As the war of words continues, analysts say pressure on Russia will only grow.
• VOA Analysis: Ukraine Plane Crash Gives Insurgency Uncertain Future VOA 18 Jul 2014 -- Just under three weeks ago, pro-Russian insurgents bragged on Twitter, and to Russian reporters, about seizing a Ukrainian military base where sophisticated anti-aircraft missile systems were housed.
• Obama: Malaysian Airliner Shot Down, American Killed AFPS 18 Jul 2014 -- At least one American citizen was killed yesterday when Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine, President Barack Obama said today before calling for an immediate cease-fire in the region.
• Russia warns over cross-border shootings from Ukraine Iran Press TV 18 Jul 2014 -- Russia has warned that it may respond in case of more cross-border shootings from Ukraine's eastern regions where Kiev is staging military operations against pro-Russia forces.
• Pro-Russians vows safe access to MH17 crash site Iran Press TV 18 Jul 2014 -- Pro-Russians in Ukraine's volatile eastern regions have agreed to ensure safe access for investigators to the crash site of the Malaysian passenger flight MH17.
• US says missile shot down Malaysia plane Iran Press TV 18 Jul 2014 -- The United States says a missile shot down a Malaysia Airlines passenger aircraft that crashed in eastern Ukraine on Thursday, killing all 298 people aboard.
• Interview: What Will MH17 Investigators Be Looking For At Crash Site? RFE/RL 18 Jul 2014 -- if you'll pardon my language -- all hell broke loose, you would know that something catastrophic obviously occurred.
• Separatists Promise Free Access To Malaysian Plane Crash Site RFE/RL 18 Jul 2014 -- Pro-Russian separatists have promised to allow international investigators free access to the site of the crash of a Malaysian passenger plane.
• UN Security Council, U.S. Call For Independent Probe On Downed Plane RFE/RL 18 Jul 2014 -- The UN Security Council has unanimously called for a 'full, thorough, and independent international investigation' into the downing of a Malaysian airliner with 298 people on board over eastern Ukraine.
• Kyiv Releases Audio Evidence That Donetsk Militants Got Antiaircraft Weapons From Russia RFE/RL 18 Jul 2014 -- The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has released audio purporting to show pro-Russian militants in eastern Ukraine discussing receipt of sophisticated antiaircraft weapons and the crews to man them from Russia.
• Charting Separatists' Use Of Increasingly Sophisticated Weaponry In Ukraine RFE/RL 18 Jul 2014 -- Just a few short months ago, separatist sentiment in eastern Ukraine was underscored by fisticuffs and the occasional appearance of small arms. As unrest rose, Kalashnikovs and Molotov cocktails entered the scene.
• Fact Sheet: What Early Evidence Says About MH17 RFE/RL 18 Jul 2014 -- International officials initially called the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 a crash. Now they're saying the passenger jet was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. Kyiv is blaming Russia and the pro-Moscow separatists. Russia is blaming the Ukrainians. We look at the available evidence.
• UN Security Council Calls for Investigation of MH17 VOA 18 Jul 2014 -- Members of the United Nations Security Council condemned the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight 17 on Friday during an urgent session, calling for a full, thorough and independent international investigation.
• Statement by the President on Ukraine The White House 18 Jul 2014
• The Malaysia Airliner Downing Through The Eyes Of Russian State Television RFE/RL 18 Jul 2014 -- As the story of the downed Malaysia Airlines jet broke, Russian state television scrambled to get out versions of the story that pointed in every possible direction -- except toward Russia and the pro-Moscow militants fighting in eastern Ukraine.
• Downing of Malaysian jet highlights urgency of resolving Ukraine crisis - UN official UN News Centre 18 Jul 2014 -- The apparent deliberate downing of a Malaysian passenger plane over eastern Ukraine highlights the need for an urgent resumption of a ceasefire and a serious effort to end the ongoing crisis, the United Nations political chief told an emergency meeting of the Security Council today.
• Remarks by Ambassador Samantha Power, Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, at the Security Council Meeting on Ukraine U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations 18 Jul 2014
• Obama: Downing of Malaysia Airliner an 'Outrage of Unspeakable Proportions' VOA 18 Jul 2014 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says the deaths of the 298 people aboard the Malaysia Airlines plane that went down over eastern Ukraine are an 'outrage of unspeakable proportions.'
• Putin Calls for Ukraine Cease-fire VOA 18 Jul 2014 -- As the world continued to react to the crash of a Malaysian airliner over war-torn eastern Ukraine, Russia's president called Friday for an immediate cease-fire, while his foreign minister warned that Russia may respond in kind to cross-border shelling from Ukraine.
• Malaysia Boeing MH17 Crash in Ukraine RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- A Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur crashed near the town of Torez in the Donetsk Region on Thursday, July 17, killing all the 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board.
• Putin Hopes Poroshenko Has Acceptable Peace Plan for Ukrainian Crisis RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope on Friday that his Ukrainian counterpart, Petro Poroshenko, will manage to come up with a long-lasting peaceful solution for the current standoff in eastern Ukraine that would satisfy all conflicting sides.
• Lavrov Condemns Claims Terrorists Attacked Malaysian Plane, Urges Unbiased Investigation RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- The claims of the Kiev government that Malaysian aircraft crash in eastern Ukraine was a terrorist attack, are unacceptable and constitute an attempt to manipulate the investigators' opinion, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday.
• Russia Has No Plans to Obtain Malaysian Plane's Flight Recorders - Lavrov RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- Russia has no plans to obtain flight recorders of the Malaysian aircraft that crashed in eastern Ukraine on Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday.
• Lavrov Criticizes US for Not Leading Kiev to Peaceful Crisis Resolution RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- Moscow believes the United States are not doing their best to persuade Kiev into finding a peaceful solution of the crisis in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday.
• Russia Ready to Provide Logistics Support to Malaysian Plane Crash Investigation - Lavrov RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- Russia is ready to provide logistics support to the investigation into the Malaysia Airlines passenger plane crash in eastern Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday.
• Ukraine's Foreign Ministry Says Taking Crashed Plane Black Boxes Abroad Criminal RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- Taking the Malaysia Airlines passenger airplane's flight recorders outside Ukraine would be considered a crime, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said Friday.
• Russian Defense Ministry Says Intercepted Ukrainian Radar Activity on Day of Plane Crash RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- The Russian Defense Ministry says it had intercepted the activity of a Ukrainian radar system on the day the Malaysian plane went down in eastern Ukraine, the ministry's press service said Friday.
• Kiev Seeks International Investigation Into Malaysia Airlines Plane Crash RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- Kiev has asked a number of foreign countries to hold an international investigation into the Malaysia Airlines passenger plane crash in eastern Ukraine, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said Friday.
• Independence Supporters 'Don't Have' Ukrainian Anti-Aircraft Missiles – Prosecutor General RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- Independence supporters in the southeast of Ukraine have not captured Ukrainian anti-aircraft missiles, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Vitaly Yarema said Friday.
• Obama Pledges Assistance to Investigation of Tragic Boeing Crash in Ukraine RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- The United States pledged assistance to the investigative efforts looking into the Malaysia Airlines plane crash in eastern Ukraine, US President Barack Obama told the press.
• Kiev Deploys Battalions of Buk Air Defense Systems Near Donetsk – Russian Defense Ministry RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- Ukrainian battalions of 27 Buk-M1 missile systems able to hit targets across the entire altitude range have been deployed near the city of Donetsk, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement Friday.
• Donetsk Militia Leader Blames Ukraine for Downing Malaysia Boeing RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- The leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic in eastern Ukraine has traded accusations with Kiev saying it was responsible for downing the Malaysian airliner since local militia doesn't have the required technologies.
• Middle East: As fighting worsens, UN chief heads to region to help broker solution UN News Centre 18 Jul 2014 -- Amid an escalation of violence in Gaza, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will leave for the region on Saturday to express solidarity with Israelis and Palestinians, and to help bolster regional and international efforts for a solution.
• Obama Prepared to Send Kerry to Mideast for Talks on Gaza VOA 18 Jul 2014 -- U.S. President Barack Obama said he is prepared to send Secretary of State John Kerry to the Middle East to help end violence between Israel and Hamas fighters in Gaza. But American officials face a far different political climate than the last cease-fire in Gaza two years ago.
• World Reacts to Israel's Gaza Campaign VOA 18 Jul 2014 -- Israel's advance into Gaza continued Friday evening. Reuters quoted Palestinian health officials saying 35 Palestinians, including three children and a 70-year-old woman, have been killed since Israel sent ground forces into Gaza late Thursday. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF ) say they destroyed 21 Hamas rocket launchers and at least four tunnels used by Hamas to enter Israel from Gaza, and warn they may "significantly widen" their operations.
• Casualties Mount as Israel Presses Ground Campaign in Gaza VOA 18 Jul 2014 -- Israel says it has killed at least 17 militants in combat since beginning ground operations in Gaza against the Palestinian group Hamas. Palestinian civilians continue to bear the brunt of the escalating conflict.
• Abbas urges end to Israel war on Gaza Iran Press TV 18 Jul 2014 -- The president of the Palestinian national unity government, Mahmoud Abbas, has called on Israel to halt its deadly ground invasion of the blockaded Gaza Strip.
• Kerry Urges Netanyahu to Avoid Further Escalation in Gaza RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry in a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Friday urged to refrain from further escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip.
• Israeli Military Starts Ground Offensive in Gaza RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- The Israeli military has launched a ground offensive in the Gaza strip aimed at destroying tunnels dug by Palestinian rebels under the joint border, the military command and political leadership of the country announced Thursday.
• US Shows Support, Urges Restraint for Israel VOA 18 Jul 2014 -- U.S. President Barack Obama say he has told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that 'no nation should accept rockets being fired into its borders,' as Israeli troops backed by tanks, aircraft and navy ships continued to advance into the Gaza Strip.
• ISIL kills 1000s of Iraqi civilians: UN Iran Press TV 18 Jul 2014 -- The UN says over 5,500 civilians have been killed and thousands more injured in the foreign-backed militancy across Iraq so far this year.
• UN report documents litany of human rights violations in Iraq, including possible war crimes and crimes against humanity UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 18 Jul 2014 -- A UN report released Friday documents a litany of serious human rights violations committed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and associated armed groups between 5 June and 5 July, including some that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report also documents violations committed by Iraqi security forces (ISF) and associated forces.
• UN reports serious human rights violations, potential war crimes in Iraq UN News Centre 18 Jul 2014 -- The group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its allies are imposing "untold hardship and suffering" on Iraqi civilians, the United Nations said today in a report that also casts doubt as to whether Iraqi security forces (ISF) and associated forces have done enough to protect civilians during hostilities.
• Libya: UN mission condemns assassination of former parliament member UN News Centre 18 Jul 2014 -- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) today strongly condemned the assassination of former member of the General National Congress Fariha Barkawi.
• Libya militants reach truce deal to end airport battle Iran Press TV 18 Jul 2014 -- Rival militant groups in Libya have reached an agreement to begin observing a truce amid a surge of violence in the North African country.
• UN Security Council Tells Libyan Parties To Stop Fighting, Make Democratic Transition RIA Novosti 18 Jul 2014 -- After the UN pulled its international staff out of Libya, the UN Security Council issued a statement condemning "the recent violence in Libya, including the fighting around Tripoli International Airport."
• Gunmen Believed to Be Boko Haram Militants Attack Nigerian Town VOA 18 Jul 2014 -- Gunmen believed to be Boko Haram militants have raided a farming town in northeastern Nigeria, killing dozens of people and burning homes. Locals say parts of the region have been cut off from the government and militants control the roads.
• UN, European officials concerned at deliberate attacks on civilians in Central African Republic UN News Centre 18 Jul 2014 -- The United Nations and European Commission emergency relief coordinators expressed deep concern today over reports of alarming levels of violence in the Central African Republic (CAR), including several cases in which armed groups deliberately targeted camps sheltering displaced people.
• Analysis: Why Timor-Leste's stability could be deceptive IRIN 18 Jul 2014 -- Timor-Leste's current stability could be undermined by a sharp decline in oil revenues and leadership challenges if the country's first president and current prime minister Xanana Gusmão steps down later this year as announced.

News Reports

• Iran, World Powers Agree to Extend Nuclear Talks VOA 18 Jul 2014 -- World powers and Iran have agreed to extend a deadline for reaching an agreement aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program until mid-November, citing progress made, but nowhere near enough to reach a deal.
• Extension of Iran Nuclear Talks US Dept. of State 18 Jul 2014
• Iran-P5+1 discuss extension of nuclear talks deadline Iran Press TV 18 Jul 2014 -- Representatives from Iran and six world powers have met again to discuss extending the July 20 deadline for a permanent accord on Tehran's nuclear energy program.