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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 24 Sep 2014 [PDF]
• U.S., Partner Nations Conduct 13 Strikes Against ISIL in Syria AFPS 24 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces and partner nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, attacked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria today, using a mix of fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct 13 airstrikes against 12 ISIL-controlled modular oil refineries in remote areas of eastern Syria near Mayadin, Hasakah, and Abu Kamal and an ISIL vehicle near Dayr az Zawr, also in eastern Syria, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
• Britain Edges Closer to Military Action Against IS VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- British Prime Minister David Cameron has recalled parliament so lawmakers can debate taking military action against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. Despite being Washington's closest ally in Afghanistan and Iraq, Britain has stopped short of joining the coalition of countries carrying out airstrikes, led by the United States. British lawmakers will debate the issue Friday.
• Netherlands to Contribute 6 Fighter Jets to Mission Against IS in Iraq RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- The Dutch government has decided to send six F-16 fighter jets to Iraq to help the US-led international coalition in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, Deputy Prime Minister Lodewijk Asscher said Wednesday.
• US Using Stealth Aircraft in Syria to Avoid Detection by Country's Air Defense RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- The use of fifth generation US stealth F-22 Raptor fighters against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization in Syria could be explained by the United States' fear of Syrian air defense forces, military experts told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
• Australian Air Force Jets, Personnel Arrive in UAE, Preparing Anti-IS Operations RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- Royal Australian Air Force fighter jets and personnel have arrived to the United Arab Emirates to take part in operations against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization, Australian Associated Press reported Wednesday.
• Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Iraq, Syria AFPS 24 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq and Syria, using a mix of attack aircraft, bombers, fighters and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct eight airstrikes Sept. 22 through today, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
• Warplanes flying from Turkey bomb ISIL positions in Syria: Reports Iran Press TV 24 Sep 2014 -- Military aircraft flying from Turkey have launched a series of aerial strikes against the strongholds of Takfiri ISIL militants in northern Syria.
• US-led coalition bombs ISIL near Syrian Kurdish town Iran Press TV 24 Sep 2014 -- The United States and its Arab allies have reportedly carried out fresh airstrikes against the Takfiri ISIL terrorists near a Kurdish town in Syria.
• US Launches 2nd Round of Syria Airstikes VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- A U.S.-led coalition bombed Islamic State targets in Syria for a second day on Wednesday, targeting the militants' transportation capabilities.
• France vows to continue ISIL airstrikes in Iraq Iran Press TV 24 Sep 2014 -- France has vowed to continue its military operations against ISIL militants until the Iraqi army would be able to gain the upper hand in its battle against the Takfiri terrorists operating in the Middle East region.
• Background Briefing on Afghanistan US Dept. of State 24 Sep 2014
• NATO Confident in Afghan Security Following Political Power Sharing VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says he is confident that Afghan forces can take charge of security behind a new government in Kabul that comes as part of a political power-sharing agreement following this year's historic elections. The NATO secretary general spoke with VOA at the United Nations about Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine.
• AF EOD mission completed in Afghanistan AFNS 24 Sep 2014 -- From the front lines, explosive ordnance disposal Airmen have been clearing the way during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom for the past 12 years, providing safe passage for all other warriors to follow.
• Left behind in North Waziristan IRIN 25 Sep 2014 -- Humanitarian attention during the ongoing Pakistan army offensive against militants in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) has focused on the roughly one million internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have fled. But a less accessible group of people exist: those who stayed behind.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Remarks by the President at U.N. Security Council Summit on Foreign Terrorist Fighters The White House 24 Sep 2014
• Remarks by President Obama in Address to the United Nations General Assembly The White House 24 Sep 2014
• Obama Asks All Nations to Join Fight Against ISIL AFPS 24 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama was blunt during his speech to the United Nations General Assembly today: "The terrorist group known as ISIL must be degraded, and ultimately destroyed."
• Obama: 'Reject Cancer of Violent Extremism' VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama on Wednesday called on the world 'to join him in an effort to degrade and ultimately destroy' Islamic State militants.
• Obama Calls For End To 'Network Of Death' RFE/RL 24 Sep 2014 -- Addressing the UN General Assembly, U.S. President Barack Obama has called on the world to help destroy the Islamic State (IS) militants' 'network of death' and to stand up for Ukraine's sovereignty against Russia's 'aggression.'
• US Drones Tracking Bin Laden Operated from Germany Without Berlin's Consent: Reports RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- American drones, used for hunting down al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, were operated from NATO's Ramstein Air Base in Germany without the knowledge of the German government, German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported Wednesday, citing US military officials, who took part in the operation.
• Minuteman III test missile launches from Vandenberg AFNS 24 Sep 2014 -- A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile Sept. 23 at 7:45 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
• Air Force leaders sign Total-Force Aircrew Management charter AFNS 24 Sep 2014 -- Senior Air Force leaders signed a Total Force Aircrew Management charter Sept. 18, during the Aircrew Summit at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
• Readout of Secretary Chuck Hagel's Calls with the Former Japanese Minister of Defense and the New Japanese Minister of Defense DoD 24 Sep 2014
• Navy Successfully Tests Norwegian Missile from LCS 4 NNS 24 Sep 2014 -- The U.S. Navy successfully performed a live-fire demonstration of a Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from USS Coronado (LCS 4) Sept. 23, scoring a direct hit on its intended target, a Mobile Ship Target (MST).
• USS Gary Departs for Final Deployment NNS 24 Sep 2014 -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Gary (FFG 51) departed on an independent deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility, Sept. 24.
• USNS Wheeler Participates in Offshore Petroleum Discharge System Exercise with Korean Partners NNS 24 Sep 2014 -- Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessels USNS Wheeler (T-AG 5001) and USNS Fast Tempo participated in an Offshore Petroleum Discharge System (OPDS) exercise off of Dogu Beach, Pohang, Republic of Korea (ROK) from Sept. 12-22.
• US Military Concludes Massive Drill in Western Pacific VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- The U.S. military has conducted a major joint exercise in the western Pacific ocean. The exercise comes amid rising concern about encounters involving China and other countries in disputed waters of the East and South China Sea, and airstrikes against Islamic militants in Syria.
• US to sell cruise missiles to Poland amid tensions with Russia Iran Press TV 24 Sep 2014 -- The United States is planning to sell advanced cruise missiles to Poland in a $500 million arms deal amid Washington's tensions with Moscow over the crisis in Ukraine.
• Obama Calls on Russia to Renounce Use of Force AFPS 24 Sep 2014 -- In a speech at the United Nations General Assembly today, President Barack Obama called on Russia to stop its journey down the path of force and embrace diplomacy and peace with respect to Ukraine.
• Eastern Military District Brigade Defends Cape in Vostok-2014 Drills RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- A motorized infantry brigade of the Eastern Military District with the aviation defended Cape Klerk from the simulated "enemy" attack in Primorye, despite the adverse weather conditions, the representative of Russian Defense Ministry told journalists on Wednesday.
• Ukraine, Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan top NATO-UN talks in New York NATO 24 Sep 2014 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen discussed a range of security threats around the world with the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday (23 September 2014) in New York.
• Philippine, Japanese navies to hold sea drills People's Daily 24 Sep 2014 -- The navies of the Philippines and Japan will conduct sea drills off the western Philippine province of Palawan on Thursday, a military official said Wednesday.
• China vows to strengthen defense cooperation with Kazakhstan People's Daily 24 Sep 2014 -- China is ready to strengthen defense cooperation with Kazakhstan and other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), said Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Tuesday.
• China, Japan restart maritime talks People's Daily 24 Sep 2014 -- China and Japan have restarted high-level consultations on maritime affairs, according to a press release issued by the Chinese foreign ministry on Wednesday.

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for September 24, 2014

Other Conflicts

• General Assembly President opens annual debate urging leaders to 'stand united' UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- As he opened the annual United Nations forum for world leaders today, the President of the General Assembly appealed to them to seize this 'unprecedented historic opportunity' to improve the livelihoods of all people and set them on a path to achieving sustainable development.
• UN Chief Tells General Assembly Human Rights 'Under Attack' RFE/RL 24 Sep 2014 -- Opening the UN General Assembly debate in New York, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has warned that human rights are 'under attack' throughout the world.
• At UN Assembly, Ugandan President among African leaders highlighting continent's unified vision UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- Calling for economic and security partnerships, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the first of several African leaders today addressing the high-level opening of the 96th United Nations General Assembly, highlighted the growing potential of investment and partnerships with countries on the continent.
• Energy Efforts Support a Sustained, Ready Force NNS 24 Sep 2014 -- The assistant secretary of the Navy (Energy, Installations and Environment) visited Naval Station Rota, Spain, Sept. 23, to meet with regional and base leadership and discuss energy initiatives currently in place on the installation.
• In address to UN Assembly, Turkish President urges support for victims of terrorism UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- With more than 1.5 million refugees seeking refuge in Turkey, President Tayyip Erdogan today called for international support to aid victims of terrorism, while also making a case for reform of the United Nations Security Council.
• Iraqi Prime Minister Backs Anti-IS Cooperation Among Washington, Arab Countries RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi welcomed the cooperation between the United States and their Arab allies in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in an interview with television channel CNN.
• Iraq army counters ISIL attack on Baiji oil refinery Iran Press TV 24 Sep 2014 -- The Iraqi army, backed by Sunni tribesmen and Shia volunteers, has countered an attack by the ISIL terrorist group on the country's largest oil refinery.
• IS Fighters Advance in Syria Despite US Strikes VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- U.S. planes pounded Islamic State (IS) positions in Syria for a second day on Wednesday, but the strikes did not seem to slow the militants' advance in a Kurdish area where fleeing refugees told of villages burnt and captives beheaded.
• Syrian army makes gains around Damascus Iran Press TV 24 Sep 2014 -- The Syrian army has made fresh gains in its fight against the foreign-backed militants around the capital Damascus, Press TV reports.
• Russia's Lavrov Calls US Interference in Ukrainian Internal Affairs 'Inappropriate' RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- Events in Ukraine are an internal affair of that country, and it is inappropriate to dictate the conflicting sides how to implement ceasefire agreements, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.
• Ukraine Might Receive 'Special' Non-NATO US Ally Status in November: Kiev RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- Ukraine hopes to be granted a 'special' Non-NATO US ally status in November, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry representative Yevhen Perebiynis said in an interview with the 112 Ukraine television channel.
• Ukraine PM Skeptical About Cease-fire in East VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk has appealed to the international community to keep sanctions against Russia in place until Kyiv regains 'control of its entire territory,' including Crimea.
• Ukraine Says Cease-Fire In East Violated, Soldiers Injured RFE/RL 24 Sep 2014 -- Kyiv says sporadic fighting has occurred between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine despite a cease-fire agreement.
• South Sudan: civilians fleeing violence nears 2 million with no likelihood of return soon UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- The United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights said today that gross violations committed by all parties to the conflict in South Sudan have declined but the number of civilians forced to flee the violence now nears 2 million "with no likelihood that people will return to their homes soon."
• South Sudan's Bentiu camp still a draw for IDPs IRIN 24 Sep 2014 -- The 47,000 people who have fled to the UN base in Bentiu, South Sudan, lack most things. In some parts of the camp, 158 people are forced to share one latrine. Women and children swelter for hours waiting for their turn at a borehole. August downpours destroyed mattresses and clothes and replacements are virtually impossible to come by.
• Commending Yemenis on peace pact, Ban urges partners to step up support UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today commended the Yemeni parties for reaching a peace pact, and called on the country's partners to scale up support to ensure a successful democratic transition.
• Amid signs of progress in Somalia, UN chief urges continuing support for peace process UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- Somalia's peace process is "gathering momentum" amid political progress and improving security, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, while also warning that there was "much work still ahead" for the Horn of Africa country.
• International Criminal Court opens second probe into Central African Republic violence UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced that she is opening a second investigation into the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) with respect to crimes allegedly committed since 2012.
• Boko Haram Pursues Nigerian Refugees Fleeing Into Cameroon VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- The United Nations refugee agency says Boko Haram insurgents have increased cross-border attacks as they pursue refugees from northern Nigeria who fled into Cameroon, seeking safety. The UNHCR says it is stepping up efforts to move the refugees away from the volatile border to a safer area inland.

News Reports

• Explainer: What Is The Khorasan Group? RFE/RL 24 Sep 2014 -- Islamic State (IS) militants may have stolen the headlines recently, but when a U.S.-led coalition launched air strikes at targets inside Syria this week, a lesser-known extremist group jumped to the fore.
• Security Council high-level summit tackles growing threat of foreign terrorist fighters UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- Responding to an unprecedented flow of foreign terrorist fighters and the growth of facilitation networks fuelling conflicts around the world, the United Nations Security Council today adopted a resolution to resolutely address this growing threat to international peace and security.
• 'We will triumph over terrorism,' Nigerian President tells UN Assembly UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- Even though the United Nations Charter underlines the imperative to "save succeeding generations from the scourge of war", Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria told the General Assembly today that the world continued to witness the ravages of war and human suffering, at times manifested as a "vicious and aimless" insurgency with "agonizing consequences."
• FACT SHEET: Comprehensive U.S. Government Approach to Foreign Terrorist Fighters in Syria and the Broader Region The White House 24 Sep 2014
• Mid-east, Gulf leaders strive for international response to terrorism in Syria UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- Taking the podium today at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, leaders from the Gulf and Middle East regions called for a collective strategy to contain and address extremists in Iraq, Syria and other parts of the world, while also calling for international efforts to reconstruct Gaza.
• Analysts: Despite Criticism, Russia Likely to Benefit From Islamic State Airstrikes VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- Russia loudly and quickly condemned the U.S-led airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria this week, but Moscow in fact may stand to benefit from weakening the militants, analysts said.
• Philippine Militants Threaten to Kill Two Germans Over Berlin Supporting Anti-IS Coalition RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- Philippine militants from the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have threatened to kill two German captives held since April should Germany continue to support US-led operations targeting Islamic State (IS) militants, a statement published by the SITE Intelligence Group Wednesday said.
• Designations of Foreign Terrorist Fighters US Dept. of State 24 Sep 2014 -- As part of the effort to counter the threats posed by foreign terrorist fighters, the Department of State has designated ten individuals and two groups as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which imposes sanctions and penalties on terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.
• Rouhani: Iran at nuclear talks table based on sound logic, transparency IRNA 24 Sep 2014 -- Iran's presence at nuclear negotiations table is based on logic and transparency and final resolving of this issue will serve interests of both sides, the region, and the world, said President Hassan Rouhani in a meeting with the press here Tuesday.
• India's Spacecraft Successfully Reaches Mars VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- India successfully placed a spacecraft into orbit around Mars, making it the first country to reach the Red Planet in its first attempt. The low-cost, inter-planetary mission puts the spotlight on India's growing ambitions in space exploration and its homegrown technology.
• India puts satellite into Mars orbit Iran Press TV 24 Sep 2014 -- India has successfully placed a satellite into Mars' orbit, becoming the fourth country to conduct the interplanetary mission.
• As host of UN hub against Ebola, Ghana calls for cooperated efforts to halt outbreak UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- We cannot afford to let fear keep us away, the President of Ghana today told the United Nations General Assembly calling for a sustained, coordinated international effort to stem the outbreak of the Ebola virus which he calls a "disease of isolation."
• Ebola crisis highlights need for strong resourceful states, Kenyan leader tells UN assembly UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- The Ebola epidemic now sweeping several West African countries underlines the imperative to build strong States that can withstand crises and respond to emergencies," Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta told the United Nations General Assembly today on the opening day of its annual high-level segment.
• South Africa's President pledges to support Ebola-affected nations, conflict-ridden countries UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- The recent outbreak of Ebola in West African has exposed the lack of infrastructure and limited resources in Africa, said South Africa's President Jacob Zuma today as he pledged to continue, in every possible way, to assist the people and Governments of hardest-hit Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.
• Obama: U.N. Will Mobilize Countries to Fight Ebola Outbreak AFPS 24 Sep 2014 -- In a speech this morning before the United Nations Security Council summit on foreign terrorist fighters, President Barack Obama likened this distant yet urgent problem to another remote but rising global threat -- the Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa.
• Sierra Leone Restricts Cross-Border Movement, Intensifies Army Patrols VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- Sierra Leone has intensified army patrols and restricted cross-border movements along the borders with Guinea and Liberia as part of the government's efforts to contain the Ebola disease, according to Col. Michael Samura, spokesperson for Sierra Leone's army.
• WFP: N Korean Rations Plunge to Lowest Level in 3 Years VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- The World Food Program says North Korea's food ration for August was only 250 grams per person per day, the lowest figure since 2011 and significantly below Pyongyang's target of 573 grams.