Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Casualty Update 18 Feb 2015 [PDF]
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Rear Adm. Kirby in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 18 Feb 2015 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby
• AFCENT hosts Operation Inherent Resolve Air Coalition Conference AFNS 18 Feb 2015 -- U.S. Air Forces Central Command hosted an Air Coalition Conference for Operation Inherent Resolve here, Feb. 11.
• Coalition Continues Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 18 Feb 2015 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• UN Says Afghan Civilian Casualties Are Rising RFE/RL 18 Feb 2015 -- The United Nations says the number of civilians killed or wounded in fighting in Afghanistan jumped 22 percent last year to reach the highest level in five years.
• In Afghanistan's deadliest year, civilian casualties top 10,000 in 2014: UN UN News Centre 18 Feb 2015 -- Civilian casualties in Afghanistan topped 10,000 in 2014, a 22 per cent increase compared to the past year, reflecting increased ground battles between armed groups and the Government, and a drastic drawdown of Western troop presence in the country, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said today.
• UN Sees Sharp Rise in Civilian Casualties in Afghanistan VOA 18 Feb 2015 -- The United Nations says conflict-related deaths and injuries among Afghan civilians rose 22 percent in 2014, mostly because of an increase in ground fighting between warring parties. The world body blamed the Taliban and other insurgents for most of the civilian casualties.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Priorities of AF acquisition outlined at symposium AFNS 18 Feb 2015 -- Dr. William A. LaPlante, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, outlined the Air Force's top acquisition priorities during the Air Force Association's annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 13, in Orlando, Florida.
• Japan, US conduct bilateral training at Torii Station AFNS 18 Feb 2015 -- Emergency response personnel from Kadena Air Base, Torii Station and various departments of the Okinawa Prefecture conducted an annual bilateral aircraft mishap exercise Feb. 17, at Torii Station.
• Cope North 15 kicks off at Andersen AFNS 18 Feb 2015 -- Exercise Cope North 15 kicked off here Feb. 15, and will run through Feb. 27, marking the 86th iteration of the multilateral training exercise.
• US Navy Corruption Scandal Deepens VOA 18 Feb 2015 -- The massive U.S. Navy scandal involving an East-Asia Pacific ship supply contractor and its convicted chief executive has now reached up into the admiral's ranks. And the probe is far from over.
• US Pays Philippines $1.97 Mln Compensation for Damaged World Heritage Site Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- The US has paid the Philippines 87 million Philippine pesos, the equivalent of $1.97 million, in compensation for the Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was damaged by the USS Guardian minesweeper back in 2013.
• Close with and destroy the enemy: ROK Marines, 3/3 train force-on-force USMC News 18 Feb 2015
• George H.W. Bush Returns from Underway NNS 18 Feb 2015 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) pulled into its homeport of Norfolk after an eight-day underway, Feb. 18.
• Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the joint press point with the Latvian President NATO 18 Feb 2015
• Chairman of the NATO Military Committee visits Australia to discuss Maritime Security, the Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan and Global threats NATO 18 Feb 2015 -- While visiting Sydney and Canberra on a three day visit 15-18 February 2014), the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, General Knud Bartels thanked Australia for its contributions to NATO-led Operations and Missions and discussed enhanced NATO – Australian military to military cooperation and interoperability.
• Russia launches aerial war games in northwest Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2015 -- Russia has launched an aerial drill in the country's northwest, with more than 50 fighter jets participating in the exercises, a military official says.
• Four Advanced Transport Helicopter Models Developed in Russia Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- The Russian Helicopters company has developed four advanced transport helicopters, with certification tests to be completed this year, the company's director, Alexander Mikheev, told RIA Novosti Wednesday.
• Russia Sues Germany Over Mulino Training Ground Contract Disruption Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- Russia has sued Germany over the disruption of the $138-million contract to build an inter-branch military training center in Central Russia's Mulino, Russia's first deputy defense minister said Wednesday.
• Russia's Eastern Command to Take Part in 5 International Exercises in 2015 Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- Units from Russia's Eastern Command will participate in five international exercises this year, including joint-exercises with China and India, Col. Gen. Sergei Surovikin, the commander of the troops, said on Wednesday.
• Fighter Jet Training Begins in NW Russia - Military Official Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- The active phase of fighter jet training has begun in northwestern Russia, the Western Military District's press service announced Wednesday.
• India to sign major weapons deal with Israel Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2015 -- India reportedly plans to finalize a major arms deal with the Israeli regime worth nearly USD1.5 billion that includes Phalcon AWACS (airborne warning and control systems) and four aerostat radars.
• Russia, India Consider Joint Production of Ka-226T Helicopters Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- Moscow and New Delhi are currently discussing the possibility of creating a joint venture to manufacture the Ka-226T light multirole helicopter in India, Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev told RIA Novosti.
• New Delhi Gets Full Access to Russian New Fighter Jet Technology Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- Indian defense companies involved in a joint project with Russia to build a Fifth-Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) are satisfied with their access to Russian technologies, the Indian ambassador in Moscow said, denying media reports that Moscow withheld information from New Delhi.
• Russia's 2014 Arms, Military Equipment Supplies to India Amount to $4.7 Bn Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- Russia fulfilled $4.7 billion-worth of contract obligations on the supply of arms and military equipment to India in 2014, deputy director of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Anatoly Punchuk has told RIA Novosti.
• Iran Reveals Details of New Cruise Missile-Capable Submarine Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- Iran is building a new submarine, called Be'sat, which will be capable of firing cruise missiles and laying underwater mines, the country's Fars News Agency reported.
• West supplying Kiev with arms: Putin Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Ukrainian forces are being supplied with Western weaponry, while expressing optimism about the potential success of a truce pact for eastern Ukraine.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 2/18/2015 The White House 18 Feb 2015
• February 18, 2015 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 18 Feb 2015

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 18, 2015

Other Conflicts

• 18 February 2015 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Feb 2015
• Remarks at the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations General Debate US Dept. of State 18 Feb 2015 -- Ambassador David Pressman, Alternate Representative to the UN for Special Political Affairs
• Kyiv Calls For UN Peacekeepers After Rebel Take Key Town RFE/RL 18 Feb 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has called for European peacekeepers to enforce a shaky cease-fire deal in east Ukraine after a key town fell to pro-Russian rebels.
• US Faults Rebels, Russia for Ukraine Truce Breach VOA 18 Feb 2015 -- The White House said Wednesday that it is 'crystal clear' that the separatists in eastern Ukraine and Russia are not living up to the cease-fire agreement negotiated last week in Minsk, Belarus, and warned of possible costs.
• Separatists Take Control of E. Ukraine Town VOA 18 Feb 2015 -- After weeks of fierce fighting, pro-Russian separatists have taken control of embattled Debaltseve in eastern Ukraine as Kyiv's forces retreated.
• European Union outraged over 'Ukraine ceasefire breach' Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2015 -- The European Union has strongly condemned what it refers to as the breach of an internationally-backed ceasefire in the strategic city of Debaltseve in eastern Ukraine.
• Ukrainian soldiers withdraw from key town of Debaltseve: Sources Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2015 -- Some government troops have retreated from the strategic eastern Ukrainian town of Debaltseve, which has been besieged by pro-Russia forces, sources say.
• Poroshenko Says Ukrainian Troops Withdrawing From Debaltseve RFE/RL 18 Feb 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said government forces were completing a 'planned and organized' withdrawal from the eastern town of Debaltseve, which has been at the epicenter of fighting between Ukrainian troops and pro-Russian militants in recent weeks.
• Ukrainian Military Pulling Out of Debaltseve Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has confirmed the planned withdrawal of troops out of the Debaltseve area.
• Iraqi Kurds repel ISIL militant attack near Arbil Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2015 -- Iraq's Kurdish Peshmerga forces have repelled an attack by Takfiri ISIL militants southwest of the northern city of Arbil following hours of heavy fighting.
• With Libya in 'imminent danger,' UN envoy urges support for push to end political, security crisis UN News Centre 18 Feb 2015 -- Recent savage terrorist acts – culminating in the beheading of 21 Coptic Christians – highlight the "imminent danger" confronting Libya, its people and the wider region, the United Nations envoy to the country warned today, urging swift agreement among the main parties on resolving the crisis and ending the military and political conflict.
• Libya: Lift Arms Embargo, Let Us Fight Extremists VOA 18 Feb 2015 -- Libya's foreign minister asked the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday to lift an arms embargo against his government to help it fight armed groups and Islamic extremists who are battling for control of the country and its oilfields.
• Arab League Urges Global Community to Lift Ban on Arms Sales to Libya Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- The Arab League is convinced that a ban on arms sales to the Libyan armed forces should be lifted as soon as possible, envoys of the organization's member states said in a joint statement Wednesday.
• Italy Warns of Libyan Militias Merging With Islamic State Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- Italy fears that there is a risk that Islamist militants, fighting for control in Libya, could swell the ranks of the Islamic State (ISIL) jihadist group and strengthen its foothold in this North African country, Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said Wednesday.
• UN envoy sees 'glimmer of hope' as Syria indicates willingness to 'freeze' Aleppo fighting UN News Centre 18 Feb 2015 -- The Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, sees a "glimmer of hope" for his proposed 'freeze' of localized hostilities in the city of Aleppo amid continuing fighting throughout the Middle Eastern country between Government forces and entrenched rebels.
• Syria army, Hezbollah fighters reach Aleppo's besieged villages Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2015 -- Syrian army, backed by fighters of the Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah, has closed in on two Shia-inhabited towns of al-Zahra and Nubl on the outskirts of the country's largest city, Aleppo.
• Nigeria Military Offensive Aims to Weaken Boko Haram VOA 18 Feb 2015 -- The multinational offensive against the Boko Haram Islamist militants will not be deterred by threats from the group's leader to disrupt Nigeria's March 28 election, according to military spokesman Major General Chris Olukolade.
• Boko Haram Leader Issues New Threat VOA 18 Feb 2015 -- The head of Nigerian militant group Boko Haram has threatened to disrupt the country's elections, which were already postponed until next month because of violence.
• About 30 dead in airstrike on Niger village: Officials Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2015 -- An airstrike by an unidentified aircraft has left as many as 30 people dead during a funeral ceremony in a village in Niger close to the Nigerian border.
• Nigeria army: Over 300 Boko Haram militants killed in Monguno recapture Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2015 -- Nigeria's army claims its forces have killed over 300 Boko Haram militants during the recapture of the northeastern garrison town of Monguno.
• Arab League Calls on Yemen's Houthis to Release President VOA 18 Feb 2015 -- The Arab League Wednesday urged a peaceful solution to the growing crisis in Yemen, calling on Houthi rebels to release political figures and return weapons seized from Yemeni security forces.
• Yemen's power shift a setback for child soldier plan IRIN 18 Feb 2015 -- The coming to power of northern rebels in Yemen could derail moves to end the use of child soldiers in the country.
• Russia, South Ossetia Sign Border Agreement RFE/RL 18 Feb 2015 -- Russia and Georgia's breakaway region of South Ossetia have signed a 'border agreement' opposed by Tbilisi.
• Philippines Skeptical of China's Reclamation Work in Contested Sea VOA 18 Feb 2015 -- The Philippines is expressing "serious concern" over newly released satellite images that show major progress in China's reclamation work at contested outcroppings in the South China Sea.
• Security Council extends UN Guinea-Bissau office for another year UN News Centre 18 Feb 2015 -- The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Peace-Building Office in Guinea-Bissau, known as UNIOGBIS, so that it can continue to assist in tackling a range of political, security and development challenges in the country.
• Myanmar, Kokang Rebels Trade Accusations Over Red Cross Attack VOA 18 Feb 2015 -- Myanmar and Kokang rebels are trading accusations over an attack on a Red Cross convoy, one day after the government declared a state of emergency in the northern region.
• UN political chief warns of 'increasingly toxic' Gaza; calls for new talks, international support UN News Centre 18 Feb 2015 -- Briefing the United Nations Security Council after "another tumultuous and deadly month" in the Middle East, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, warned that further escalation remains possible in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and could be highly damaging to both parties and to the two-State solution.
• Security Council says process to ensure free, fair elections in Burundi requires 'sustained attention' UN News Centre 18 Feb 2015 -- The United Nations Security Council today urged the Government of Burundi to establish a climate of freedom and openness conducive to the holding of elections later this year and expressed concern about reports of intimidation, harassment, arbitrary detention and other curtailments to the enjoyment of the rights of freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.

News Reports

• Europe can't do without Russia: Hungary Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2015 -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban says the economy of Europe depends on Russia, stressing that it is only an "illusion" to think Europe can do without Russian energy supplies.
• Canada imposes more bans on Russia over Ukrainian crisis Iran Press TV 18 Feb 2015 -- Canada has imposed new sanctions on over 50 Russian and pro-Russia individuals and entities, accusing Russia of undermining "the sovereignty of Ukraine."
• Canada's Prime Minister Announces New Anti-Russia Sanctions Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- The Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, has issued a statement announcing fresh economic sanctions and travel bans against 37 Russian and Ukrainian individuals, and economic sanctions against 17 Russian and Ukrainian entities over their alleged role in the escalation of the situation in Ukraine.
• FACT SHEET: The White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism The White House 18 Feb 2015
• Remarks by the President in Closing of the Summit on Countering Violent Extremism The White House 18 Feb 2015
• FSB Head To Attend Obama Antiextremism Summit RFE/RL 18 Feb 2015 -- The U.S. State Department has confirmed that Aleksandr Bortnikov, the head of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), will be part of a Russian delegation at the Obama administration's antiextremism conference in Washington.
• Obama: 'We Are Not at War With Islam' VOA 18 Feb 2015 -- President Barack Obama on Wednesday urged civic and religious leaders around the world to unite in the fight against the 'false promises of extremism' and to reject the notion that 'terrorist' groups represent Islam.
• Our Plan for Countering Violent Extremism US Dept. of State 18 Feb 2015 -- Op-Ed by John Kerry, Secretary of State
• Remarks at the White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism US Dept. of State 18 Feb 2015 -- Remarks by John Kerry, Secretary of State
• White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism Reception US Dept. of State 18 Feb 2015 -- Remarks by John Kerry, Secretary of State
• UN official says recent terror attacks represent 'exact opposite' of values of peace, stability UN News Centre 18 Feb 2015 -- The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Nassir Al-Nasser, said today that the "vicious forces" of extremism, violence and terrorism should not hamper international efforts to prevent and combat such forces.
• Ebola: UN envoy likens final phase of response to 'looking for needles in haystacks' UN News Centre 18 Feb 2015 -- The Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Ebola, Dr. David Nabarro, told the United Nations General Assembly today that the final phase of "getting to zero" cases may well be the hardest, saying the hunt to track down the virus is "like looking for needles in haystacks."
• Guilty as Charged: Poland Was Involved in CIA Torture Sputnik 18 Feb 2015 -- The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has confirmed Poland's involvement in the CIA's covert program of rendition, detention and interrogation, sources say.
• US Diplomat: North Korean Regime Lacks Legitimacy VOA 18 Feb 2015 -- A senior U.S. diplomat says the North Korean regime lacks legitimacy because of the hardship it causes to its citizens.
• Leader warns against imposing conditions on Iran nuclear program IRNA 18 Feb 2015 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Wednesday said without Iranians resistance, enemies would set conditions on Iran's nuclear program.
• Iran should resist sanctions, says Ayatollah Khamenei ISNA 18 Feb 2015 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Iran can stand up to sanctions against the country and foil enemy's plots.