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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Casualty Update 20 May 2015 [PDF]
• Inherent Resolve Airstrikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 20 May 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.
• Maintainers extend the battle against ISIL AFNS 20 May 2015 -- Fly, fight and win: words that are etched throughout Air Force history from the countless sorties flown in combat operations around the globe. Today, that legacy continues in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
• Joint Task Force 505 begins drawdown in Nepal AFNS 20 May 2015 -- Joint Task Force 505 is drawing down its earthquake relief operations as the Nepalese government and international aid agencies have postured for long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Defense Policy / Programs

• AF successfully launches the AFSPC-5 mission AFNS 20 May 2015 -- The Air Force and its mission partners successfully launched the AFSPC-5 mission aboard the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) procured United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, May 20, at 11:05 a.m. EST. There were no issues reported with the launch.
• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Work's Meeting with Swedish Minister of Defense Hultqvist DoD 20 May 2015
• 24th MEU Marines, Jordanians, support regional stability during Eager Lion USMC News 20 May 2015 -- Approximately 500 U.S. Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit completed Exercise Eager Lion 2015, culminating with a multilateral combined-arms live-fire event May 18, 2015, in Jordan.
• Foreign military leaders observe U.S. Marine Corps amphibious landing during U.S. Pacific Command Amphibious Leaders Symposium USMC News 20 May 2015 -- Representatives from 22 nations observed an amphibious landing by the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit May 19, 2015. Amphibious Assault Vehicles launched from the USS Rushmore.
• CP-15 Crew Begins Mission in Nicaragua NNS 20 May 2015 -- Personnel embarked aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) commenced the fourth mission stop for Continuing Promise 2015 (CP-15) in Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, May 19.
• Dempsey: NATO Military Committee Meeting Builds Alliance Solidarity AFPS 20 May 2015 -- Meetings of NATO's Military Committee are important in building solidarity within the alliance, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.
• NATO Adjusts to Change, Military Committee Chief Says AFPS 20 May 2015 -- A constantly changing security environment is the new norm, the chairman of the NATO Military Committee said here today as he opened a meeting of the alliance's military chiefs.
• Russia warns of retaliatory measures if Ukraine hosts NATO missiles Press TV 20 May 2015 -- Russia has threatened to adopt countermeasures if NATO deploys its ballistic missile system in Ukraine.
• New Russian Super Aircraft Carrier 'Storm' to Reform Russian Navy Sputnik 20 May 2015 -- Russia is developing a new aircraft carrier capable of transporting 90 different aircraft for various combat operations.
• Russian Military Testing Takhion Reconnaissance Drones in Kuril Islands Sputnik 20 May 2015 -- The Takhion drones have been designed to operate in harsh weather conditions, endure a wide range of temperatures, and operate well in strong winds.
• Russia to Close Stealth Corvette Project Over Lack of Foreign Components Sputnik 20 May 2015 -- A project to build advanced Gremyashchy class stealth corvettes will be closed due to insufficient supply of foreign-made components, the shipbuilder said Wednesday.
• Russian army to receive over 250 planes and other aircraft in 2015 TASS 20 May 2015 -- The Russian army will receive over 250 aircraft, including planes, helicopters and drones, in 2015, Russia's First Deputy Defense Minister Arkady Bakhin said on Wednesday.
• Kiev's ceasing of military cooperation with Moscow poses no threat to Russia - official TASS 20 May 2015 -- Ukraine's decision to sever military and technical cooperation with Moscow carries no threat for Russia, since Moscow has already secured import substitution of the vast majority of products previously supplied by Ukraine, first deputy head of the United Russia faction in the State Duma and member of the lower house Defence Committee Franz Klintsevich told TASS on Wednesday.
• Russia's Buk-M3 antiaircraft missile system surpasses S-300 in some parameters - source TASS 20 May 2015 -- The range of the Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile systems is 70 km - by 25 km more than of its predecessor, and by a number of parameters the new system has surpassed the long-range S-300 air defense missile system, a Russian Defense Ministry source told TASS on Wednesday.
• Serial production of Russia's new airborne vehicles, APCs to be started June 1 TASS 20 May 2015 -- Serial production of Russia's new airborne combat vehicles BMD-4M and Rakushka armored personnel carriers will be launched on June 1, Russian Airborne Forces Commander Vladimir Shamanov told TASS on Wednesday.
• India Interested in Producing Frigates Jointly With Russia Sputnik 20 May 2015 -- From 2003 to 2013, Russia delivered to India six frigates of project 11356. The first three vessels were equipped with Klub-N cruise missiles; the others were armed with BrahMos cruise missiles.
• Underwater Test-fire of Ballistic Missile Is Legitimate Exercise of Right to Self-defence: DPRK KCNA 20 May 2015 -- The U.S. and Japanese reactionaries, south Korean puppet authorities and other hostile forces every day let loose invectives against the DPRK over its underwater test-fire of ballistic missile from a strategic submarine. In this regard a spokesman for the Policy Department of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK released a statement clarifying the principled stand of the service personnel and people of the DPRK on Wednesday.
• N Korea Can Produce 'Mini-Nukes', Increases Missile Accuracy - Reports Sputnik 20 May 2015 -- Pyongyang's military potential reached the next level, according to Yonhap.
• Iranian Army Ground Forces to begin major drills Press TV 20 May 2015 -- The Iranian Army's Ground Forces are set to begin a series of major military drills in the country with the aim of boosting their combat readiness, a senior commander says.
• Iran to Test Own Version of S-300 Missile Complex Sputnik 20 May 2015 -- A senior Iranian lawmaker announced Tuesday that the country would soon unveil and test its home-made version of the sophisticated Russian S-300 missile defense system in military drills.
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters DSCA 20 May 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.9 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Turkey - MK 15 Phalanx CIWS Upgrades DSCA 20 May 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Turkey for MK 15 Phalanx CIWS Upgrades and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $310 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• May 20, 2015 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 20 May 2015
• Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz en route New London, CT The White House 20 May 2015

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 20, 2015

Other Conflicts

• 20 May 2015 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 May 2015
• Yemen Peace Talks Stunted by Shaky Alliances VOA 20 May 2015 -- Following three days of talks in the Saudi Capital, Riyadh, Arab leaders promised to redouble efforts to salvage Yemen's economy and end its war. However, as an Iranian ship approaches the Yemeni coast, and bombs continue to rain down on the capital, some analysts say the talks made little progress because they did not include all the players.
• Yemeni tribes launch retaliatory attacks on Saudi border cities Press TV 20 May 2015 -- Yemeni tribal forces have launched a series of new attacks against two Saudi cities on the border in retaliation for Saudi Arabia's ongoing aggression against the impoverished Arab country.
• Houthis expel al-Qaeda militants from Yemen's Houta Press TV 20 May 2015 -- Fighters from the Houthi Ansarullah movement have managed to expel al-Qaeda-affiliated militants from the al-Houta district in Yemen's southwestern governorate of Lahij.
• Heavy clashes erupt between Yemen army, pro-Hadi forces in Taiz Press TV 20 May 2015 -- Fierce exchanges of fire have broken out between Yemeni army forces and militants loyal to fugitive former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, in the country's southwestern province of Taiz as Saudi Arabia presses ahead with its air campaign against the Arab country.
• U.S., Iranian Warships Shadowing Cargo Ship Near Yemen RFE/RL 20 May 2015 -- Iran has sent two warships to accompany an Iranian cargo boat delivering humanitarian aid to Yemen, and the United States has sent warships to shadow the Iranians.
• Djibouti Denies Entry to Iranian Ship Carrying Humanitarian Aid for Yemen Sputnik 20 May 2015 -- Djibouti authorities have refused an Iranian ship, the Iran Shahed, carrying humanitarian aid for conflict-torn Yemen, entry into the country's territorial waters for a cargo inspection, a source on the vessel told Sputnik Wednesday.
• Ban announces 'inclusive consultations' on Yemen; urges good faith engagement UN News 20 May 2015 -- The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, said today that he is pleased to announce the launch of inclusive consultations aimed at restoring momentum towards a Yemeni-led political transition process, according to a statement released by his Spokesman.
• Dempsey: Iraqi Forces Not Driven From Ramadi, They Drove Out of Ramadi AFPS 20 May 2015 -- Iraqi security forces weren't "driven from" Ramadi, they "drove out of Ramadi," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.
• Background Briefing on Iraq US Dept. of State 20 May 2015
• US Vows to Help Iraqi Government Retake Ramadi VOA 20 May 2015 -- U.S. officials say they are ready to help Iraq's military retake Ramadi as soon as possible. The Anbar provincial capital has been in the hands of the Islamic State since Sunday.
• Centcom Officials 'Confident' Iraqi Security Forces Will Recover Ramadi AFPS 20 May 2015 -- The loss of Ramadi is a setback, but U.S. Central Command officials are confident Iraqi security forces will take back the city in the near term, a Centcom spokesman said today.
• Pentagon says Iraqi troops abandon US military vehicles in Ramadi Press TV 20 May 2015 -- The Pentagons says dozens of US military vehicles have been abandoned by Iraqi troops in the flashpoint city of Ramadi after the ISIL Takfiri terrorists took the full control of the city.
• Islamic State Captures Ancient Syrian City VOA 20 May 2015 -- Islamic State apparently has captured the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, raising fears of another wave of destruction of irreplaceable Muslim cultural treasures.
• Syrian forces engage in heavy battles against ISIL outside Palmyra Press TV 20 May 2015 -- Syrian forces are engaged in heavy clashes with the ISIL Takfiri terrorists near the ancient city of Palmyra in the central province of Homs, amid reports that the militants have seized the northern parts of the city.
• Islamic State Captures Part of Ancient Syrian City VOA 20 May 2015 -- Islamic State fighters seized parts of the ancient Syrian town of Palmyra on Wednesday, sparking fears the militant group would destroy a priceless archeological site.
• Turkey, Other Syria Neighbors Say EU Should Take More Refugees VOA 20 May 2015 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan says Turkey has spent nearly $6 billion on 2 million Syrians and Iraqis who have fled the conflicts in their countries and he says it is time developed nations do their "duty" and take in more refugees but there are few signs European Union countries are ready to do so
• Mali: UN Mission condemns attack against staff compound amid uptick in violence in country's north UN News 20 May 2015 -- The United Nations mission in Mali strongly condemned today an attack against a residential compound housing its military personnel in the country capital of Bamako, a spokesperson for the Organization confirmed today.
• UN officials urge Israel to halt plans to transfer Palestinian Bedouins, expand settlements UN News 20 May 2015 -- Two United Nations humanitarian officials with responsibilities in the occupied Palestinian territory have today expressed their grave concern over the Government of Israel's "rapidly advancing plans" to transfer Palestinian Bedouins in the central West Bank from their current communities.
• Health services for Palestine refugees extended despite regional turmoil – UN agency UN News 20 May 2015 -- A newly published report by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) spotlights improved health services being delivered to millions in five fields across the Middle East, despite pronounced challenges in the region.
• Nigeria Learning From Captured Boko Haram VOA 20 May 2015 -- Nigeria's military is gathering intelligence from captured Islamist Boko Haram militants as well as captives held by the militants.
• South Sudan: UN Mission condemns heavy fighting near base which killed four civilians UN News 20 May 2015 -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has said today that it is deeply concerned by the disregard for civilian lives, UN personnel and facilities shown by combatants in the country after four civilians, including a woman and a child, were killed when artillery struck a Mission base in Melut, Upper Nile state.
• 13 militants killed in Pakistani army airstrikes Press TV 20 May 2015 -- At least thirteen pro-Taliban militants were killed when the Pakistani air force military aircraft carried out operations in a troubled northwestern tribal region near the border with Afghanistan.

News Reports

• Inside Bin Laden Papers: Targeting Americans, Missing Family VOA 20 May 2015 -- "Do you wish to execute a suicide mission?' 'What objectives would you like to accomplish on your jihad path?' 'Who should we contact in case you become a martyr?' 'Do any of your family or friends work with the government? If so, would he/she be willing to cooperate or help us?"
• US Releases Documents Recovered During Bin Laden Raid VOA 20 May 2015 -- The U.S. government released Wednesday dozens of documents it said were recovered during the 2011 raid on the compound in Pakistan where U.S. forces killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.
• Rouhani: Iran never yields in nuclear talks IRNA 20 May 2015 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Iranian negotiating team will never yield to bullying of the western governments.
• Supreme Leader: No inspection to military sites allowed IRNA 20 May 2015 -- Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution said on Wednesday that Iran will not allow inspection to any military sites.
• Iran allows no foreign inspection of military sites: Leader ISNA 20 May 2015 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Iran will not allow any inspections by foreigners of its military sites.
• Reckless Remarks of U.S. Secretary of State Denounced KCNA 20 May 2015 -- The U.S. going reckless in its smear campaign against the DPRK in a bid to get rid of the miserable position it is finding itself due to the total failure in its hostile policy toward the DPRK.
• DPRK cancels approval of UN chief's visit to Kaesong complex People's Daily 20 May 2015 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has canceled its earlier approval of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's Thursday visit to the Kaesong Industrial Complex.
• North Korea withdraws invitation for Ban Ki-moon visit Press TV 20 May 2015 -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says North Korea has cancelled an invitation for him to visit an inter-Korean factory park located north of the two Koreas' border.
• Russia Detains Alleged Lithuanian Spy RFE/RL 20 May 2015 -- A Russian court has charged a Lithuanian citizen with espionage.
• Afghan President Under Pressure to Scrap Intel Deal With Pakistan VOA 20 May 2015 -- Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai has demanded the government in Kabul immediately cancel an accord recently signed between spy agencies of Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan for enhancing joint anti-terrorism efforts.
• Ukraine Blackmails Creditors With Debt Payment Freeze Sputnik 20 May 2015 -- Ukraine's parliament approved a law granting the government the right to impose a moratorium on foreign debt payments on Tuesday. The document presented by Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk, was upheld by 256 MPs.
• Kiev's Foreign Debt Repayment Moratorium De Facto Announces Default - Putin Sputnik 20 May 2015 -- Vladimir Putin instructed Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to assume control of Ukraine's repayment of its $3-billion debt in Eurobonds that Russia bought in 2013.
• Glimmer of hope for Southeast Asia's migrants IRIN 20 May 2015 -- Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed to provide temporary shelter and assistance to thousands of migrants still stranded at sea in Southeast Asia, but they have stopped short of offering to find their boats and bring them ashore.
• Lawmakers Question Normalization Effort With Cuba VOA 20 May 2015 -- U.S. lawmakers are questioning whether the country's stepped-up engagement with Cuba will ultimately be beneficial or if it will be a setback.
• UN health agency responds to Ebola spike by deploying team on border of Guinea and Guinea-Bissau UN News 20 May 2015 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) today reported "a substantial increase" in the weekly total of new Ebola cases in Guinea and Sierra Leone and deployed a response team to the border with Guinea-Bissau because of its proximity to a recent cluster of cases in a neighbouring Guinean prefecture.