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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 17 Dec 2014 [PDF]
• Military Airstrikes Hit ISIL in Syria and Iraq AFPS 17 Dec 2014 -- U.S. and partner-nation military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported.
• US assassination drone kills 9 in Afghanistan Iran Press TV 17 Dec 2014 -- At least 9 people have been killed in a US airstrike in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar a day after 18 were killed in similar attacks.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Japan, Australia to Provide F-35 Maintenance Sites in Pacific Region AFPS 17 Dec 2014 -- Japan and Australia will be sharing maintenance and upgrade duties for the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter based or operating in the Pacific region, the program executive officer for the aircraft announced today.
• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work's meeting with Philip Dunne, UK Ministry of Defense, minister for Equipment, Support, and Technology DoD 17 Dec 2014
• AF announces no involuntary force management programs for FY15 AFNS 17 Dec 2014 -- Air Force officials announced there is no longer a need to conduct involuntary force management programs for fiscal year 2015 following a year of significant reductions designed to meet the Defense Department strategic and budgetary guidance.
• Red Reef 15 Closes With Joint Demonstration NNS 17 Dec 2014 -- U.S. Marines and Sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), along with members of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces officially concluded exercise Red Reef 15 with a joint demonstration in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dec. 16.
• NATO pays tribute to ISAF mission, as new chapter opens in relations with Afghanistan NATO 17 Dec 2014 -- The North Atlantic Council met for the last time in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) format today (17 December).
• US Reaffirms Support to NATO Presence in Eastern Europe Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- The United States is committed to continue to provide collective security to its NATO allies, the US Department of Defense (DOD) has announced amid Russia's concerns over the alliance's increased military presence in Eastern Europe.
• NATO increasing flights near Russia: Russian commander Iran Press TV 17 Dec 2014 -- NATO is using the current crisis in Ukraine as a pretext to increase its aircraft flights near Russia's western borders, Russian Air Force chief says.
• Russian Mistral Ship Sailors to Leave France Before End of 2014:Shipbuilder Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- Some 400 Russian sailors stationed at Saint-Nazaire, France where they were training to man a French-built Mistral-class helicopter carrier will leave the port city before the end of 2014, French shipbuilding company DCNS told AFP Wednesday.
• Russia's Arms Exports in 2014 Worth $13Bln: Kremlin Aide Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- Russia exported $13 billion worth of weaponry in 2014, Vladimir Kozhin, the presidential aide for military-technical cooperation, said Wednesday.
• Publication of the Al-Sweady inquiry report UK MOD 17 Dec 2014 -- Sir Thayne Forbes has published his independent report into allegations of murder and ill-treatment of detainees in Iraq in 2004.
• Defence Support Group sold for £140 million UK MOD 17 Dec 2014 -- The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract for £140 million with Babcock International for the sale of Defence Support Group.
• US F-35s sold to UK face new problem Iran Press TV 17 Dec 2014 -- US test pilots have discovered that the British military's newly purchased next-generation F-35 jetfighters may "shut down" in mid-flight if their fuel overheats.
• Ukraine Must Create One of Europe's Most Powerful Armies: Security Council Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine must create one of the most powerful armed forces in Europe, the recently appointed head of the country's National Security and Defense Council said Wednesday.
• Ukrainian Armed Forces Receive Winter Clothing From UK: Defense Ministry Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's Armed Forces have received winter clothing and medical equipment from the United Kingdom, a spokesperson for the country's Defense Ministry said Wednesday.
• Russia Concerned Over Possible Lethal Weapon Supplies to Ukraine: Deputy FM Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- Western countries should promote the start of a political dialogue in the conflict-torn Ukraine, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said, stressing that Russia is concerned by the possibility of lethal weapon supplies to Kiev.
• Military newspaper vows no sanctuary for corruption People's Daily 17 Dec 2014 -- The PLA Daily, flagship newspaper of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), vowed there will be no privilege or sanctuary of impunity for anyone in the country's battle against corruption.
• India Considering Leasing Second Russian Nuclear Submarine: Reports Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- The Indian Navy is considering leasing a second Akula-class nuclear-powered submarine from Russia, The Hindu reported.
• December 17, 2014 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 17 Dec 2014
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 12/17/2014 The White House 17 Dec 2014

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for December 17, 2014

Other Conflicts

• 17 December 2014 - Press Conference by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at United Nations Headquarters United Nations 17 Dec 2014
• Donors pledge over $400 million for 2015 UN rapid humanitarian response fund UN News Centre 17 Dec 2014 -- International donors have pledged $418.6 million for a United Nations fund aimed at enabling the speedy delivery of humanitarian aid into the epicentres of crisis zones around the world, falling short of a broader appeal made by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Organization's top relief official.
• Ukraine's President: Peace Talks Could Resume Dec. 21 VOA 17 Dec 2014 -- Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko says his government could resume peace talks with Russian-backed separatists and Russia's government Sunday in Minsk.
• During Ukraine visit, senior UN official pledges broad support for Government UN News Centre 17 Dec 2014 -- The top United Nations political official today voiced the Organization's "unwavering commitment" in helping Ukraine address the range of political, humanitarian, security and development challenges it continues to face amid ongoing fighting in the country's east.
• Kurds retake villages around N Iraq town Iran Press TV 17 Dec 2014 -- Iraq's Kurdish fighters have retaken three villages near the militant-held Kurdish town of Sinjar in the northern Iraqi Nineveh Province.
• Security Council renews cross-border aid delivery to Syria for a year UN News Centre 17 Dec 2014 -- The United Nations Security Council has today renewed for 12 months the use of routes across conflict lines and several border crossings in Syria so that humanitarian assistance can reach communities in need, as it expressed outrage at the escalating violence that has killed nearly 200,000 people.
• EU Court Orders Hamas Removed from Terror List VOA 17 Dec 2014 -- A European court has ruled that the Palestinian militant group Hamas must be removed from a European Union list of designated terror groups.
• Libya: UN mission encouraged by "step in the right direction" towards dialogue UN News Centre 17 Dec 2014 -- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said today that it is encouraged by the positive response it has received to its invitation for a UN-convened Libyan political dialogue.
• S. Sudan Neighbors Expect Surge of Refugees in 2015 VOA 17 Dec 2014 -- East African nations are expecting South Sudan's refugee numbers to rise drastically in the coming year as more people flee violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis in the country. Kenya's top diplomat also says her country will keep pressure on South Sudan's political leaders to agree on a peace deal.
• In South Sudan, Lots of Anger But No Protests VOA 17 Dec 2014 -- Refugee Michael Deng Gaduel is one of about 50,000 who have sought safe haven from the fighting at a United Nations site near Bentiu - a strategic town near some of South Sudan's most important oil fields. It has changed hands many times during the year-old conflict. On a recent morning, the 26-year-old primary school teacher recounted his difficult experience.
• Amid heightened tensions, Security Council extends UN mission in Golan UN News Centre 17 Dec 2014 -- The United Nations Security Council this morning extended the mandate of its mission in the Golan until 30 June 2015, as it condemned recent fighting in the area and stressed that both Israel and Syria must "scrupulously" abide by the terms of the disengagement accord to prevent any breaches of the ceasefire.
• Central African Republic: UNICEF warns two out of five children without vital aid UN News Centre 17 Dec 2014 -- Two out of five children urgently needing humanitarian aid in Central African Republic are without it, thanks to a critical lack of funding and continued conflict, a year after extreme violence tore through the country, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) has said today.

News Reports

• Announcement of Cuba Policy Changes - Press Statement by John Kerry, Secretary of State US Dept. of State 17 Dec 2014
• Ban Ki-moon hails decision by US, Cuba to normalize relations UN News Centre 17 Dec 2014 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the "very important step" taken by the leaders of the United States and Cuba towards normalizing relations between the two countries.
• Background Conference Call on Policy Changes in Cuba and the Release of Alan Gross The White House 17 Dec 2014
• Chairman Menendez's Statement on U.S. – Cuba Relationship Senator Menendez 17 Dec 2014 -- Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), issued this statement regarding the U.S. – Cuba relationship.
• Chairman Menendez's Statement on the Release of Alan Gross Senator Menendez 17 Dec 2014 -- Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), issued this statement following the release of Alan Gross.
• Rubio Comments On Reports Of Change In U.S. Policy Toward Cuba, Release Of Alan Gross Senator Rubio 17 Dec 2014 -- U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today issued the following statement regarding reports that President Obama is set to dramatically change U.S. policy toward Cuba following the release of Alan Gross, an American who was held hostage by the Castro regime in Cuba for five yearse
• Obama Announces Major Shift in Cuban Policy Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- US President Barack Obama delivered a speech on improving relations between the United States and Cuba, as the White House seeks to normalize full diplomatic relations with Cuba, by opening up an embassy and easing on travel and economic restrictions.
• Statement by the President on Cuba Policy Changes The White House 17 Dec 2014
• FACT SHEET: Charting a New Course on Cuba The White House 17 Dec 2014 -- Since taking office in 2009, President Obama has taken steps aimed at supporting the ability of the Cuban people to gain greater control over their own lives and determine their country’s future. Today, the President announced additional measures to end our outdated approach, and to promote more effectively change in Cuba that is consistent with U.S. support for the Cuban people and in line with U.S. national security interests.
• Obama Announces Historic Revamp of US-Cuba Relations VOA 17 Dec 2014 -- U.S. President Barack Obama announced a major shift in U.S. relations with Cuba, after the country’s communist leaders released Alan Gross, an American who had been imprisoned there for five years.
• New Policy Will Dramatically Alter US-Cuba Relations VOA 17 Dec 2014 -- President Barack Obama's announcement Wednesday ending decades of Washington's policy of diplomatic and economic isolation for Cuba has dramatic implications.
• No Difference Between Good and Bad Taliban: Pakistani Prime Minister Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- Addressing lawmakers at the Governor House in Peshawar, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan read out decisions to be undertaken during the APC conference, reports The Express Tribune.
• 141 killed, 133 injured in Pakistan's Peshawar school attack People's Daily 17 Dec 2014 -- At least 141 people including 132 children were killed and 133 others injured on Tuesday in a terrorist attack at the army-run public school at the Pakistan's northwestern provincial capital of Peshawar, said a spokesman of the Pakistani army.
• Pakistan Lifts Moratorium On Death Penalty After School Massacre RFE/RL 17 Dec 2014 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has lifted a moratorium on the death penalty in terrorism-related cases, a day after Taliban gunmen massacred 132 schoolchildren and nine teachers in the northwestern city of Peshawar.
• Pakistan to Respond to School Attack VOA 17 Dec 2014 -- Pakistani officials are taking steps to respond to Tuesday's Taliban assault on a school in Peshawar while the nation begins three days of mourning for the 132 children and nine staff members who died.
• Iran Sanctions, Arak Reactor Remain Unresolved in Nuclear Talks: Ryabkov Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- An agreement on the issue of Iran's disputed nuclear program would bolster global security, but unresolved issues, such as sanctions imposed on Iran and the work of the Arak reactor, stand in the way of a final deal, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has announced.
• Iran ends talks with P5+1, begins bilateral talks with Russian envoy IRNA 17 Dec 2014 -- Two hours of nuclear talks between senior diplomats from Iran and the six world powers -- widely known as the P5+1 -- came to an end in Geneva on Wednesday and Iranian diplomats began bilateral talks with the Russian envoy to Iran talks shortly afterwards.
• Bans, Arak plant outstanding issues in nuclear talks: Russia Iran Press TV 17 Dec 2014 -- A senior Russian official says illegal sanctions against Iran and the Arak heavy-water production plant are the two key outstanding issues in the negotiations between Iran and P5+1 group.
• Ebola: UN Secretary-General will visit West Africa to 'show solidarity with those affected' UN News Centre 17 Dec 2014 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced he will leave today for the countries hardest hit by the Ebola outbreak "to show my solidarity with those affected and urge even greater global action" to fight the epidemic, which two United Nations food agencies said could push the number of people facing food insecurity to more than one million by next spring.
• Ebola Threatens Million with Food Insecurity VOA 17 Dec 2014 -- Ebola continues to attack Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone on several fronts. While infections and deaths rise, the disease is posing a greater threat to food security. U.N. agencies warn that more than one-million people could be food insecure by March unless action is not taken now.
• EU Observers Say Afghan Democracy Suffers Blow From Election Fraud RFE/RL 17 Dec 2014 -- A report by European Union election observers supports some of the highest estimates of systematic fraud during Afghanistan's June 2014 presidential runoff vote.
• Japan nuclear watchdog approves two reactor restarts Iran Press TV 17 Dec 2014 -- Japan's nuclear watchdog has approved restarting two more atomic reactors amid ongoing cleanup efforts of its damaged reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
• US Space Launcher to Get 60 Russian Engines in $1Bln Deal: Reports Sputnik 17 Dec 2014 -- Russian design bureau Energomash has signed a contract with the US-based Orbital Sciences Corporation for the delivery of 60 RD-181 rocket engines to be used to power the Antares rocket's first stage, Russia's Izvestiya newspaper reported Wednesday.
• Kim Jong Un Visits Kumsusan Palace of Sun KCNA 17 Dec 2014 -- Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, first chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army, together with Ri Sol Ju visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun Wednesday, the third anniversary of demise of leader Kim Jong Il.
• KFPD Rejects Anti-DPRK Forces' Accusations KCNA 17 Dec 2014 -- The hostile forces against the DPRK held a 'hearing on the human rights situation in north Korea' at the British parliament on Dec. 10, World Day of Human Rights. They prodded such human scum as 'defectors from the north' into asserting that a 'systematic elimination of the disabled was taking place in north Korea' and spread sheer sophism that the DPRK is set to send its team to Paralympic Games, etc. to conceal its 'policy of eliminating the people with disabilities'.
• High Tribute Paid to Kim Jong Il in Humblest Reverence KCNA 17 Dec 2014 -- The whole country most solemnly honored the memory of leader Kim Jong Il on Wednesday, the third anniversary of his demise.
• People Observe Three Minutes Silence in Honor of Kim Jong Il KCNA 17 Dec 2014 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was wrapped in the solemnest memorial atmosphere on Wednesday, the third anniversary of demise of leader Kim Jong Il.