Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Casualty Update 26 May 2015 [PDF]
• Anti-ISIL Airstrikes Continue in Syria, Iraq AFPS 26 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.
• US Supports Offensive to Retake Anbar VOA 26 May 2015 -- Iraqi government-allied forces clashed with Islamic State militants on the edges of Ramadi after Baghdad launched an offensive Tuesday to retake Anbar province and its capital.
• Update: air strikes in Iraq UK MOD 26 May 2015 -- British forces have continued to conduct air operations to assist the Iraqi government in its fight against ISIL.
• Obama: US Must Rethink Military Assets in Iraq VOA 26 May 2015 -- President Barack Obama said the U.S. and its NATO allies need to consider how they are deploying military assets against Islamist extremists in Iraq, just hours after Baghdad announced an offensive to retake the provincial capital of Ramadi.
• JTF 505 deactivates after Operation Sahayogi Haat USMC News 26 May 2015 -- Joint Task Force 505 deactivated May 26 after redeploying from Kathmandu, Nepal and Utapao Royal Air Field, Thailand in support of Operation Sahayogi Haat.
• USS Kauffman, U.S. Coast Guard Team Intercept Narcotics NNS 26 May 2015 -- In collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, the guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) interdicted 1,775 kg of cocaine, worth an estimated wholesale value of approximately $59 million, in international waters of the Eastern Pacific, May 16.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Readout of Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work's Office Call with Norway's State Secretary for Defence DoD 26 May 2015
• U.S. Marines successfully complete F-35B night operation during OT-1 USMC News 26 May 2015 -- U.S. Marines and sailors worked together to perform night operations with the F-35B Lightning II aboard USS Wasp at sea May 21-23 during Operational Testing 1 (OT-1).
• U.S. Marines partner with United Kingdom in F-35B operational test USMC News 26 May 2015 -- As the first operational test of the F-35B Lightning II takes place aboard the USS Wasp this week, service members from the United Kingdom are working alongside their U.S. Navy and Marine Corps counterparts to assess the integration of the F-35B into amphibious military operations.
• Antietam's Deck Department Holds Fast During Replenishment-at-Sea NNS 26 May 2015 -- The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) conducted its first replenishment-at-sea (RAS) of its patrol, May 25.
• Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center Certifies SpaceX for National Security Space Missions AFNS 26 May 2015 -- Lieutenant General Samuel Greaves, Commander of the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and Air Force Program Executive Officer for Space, has announced the certification of Space Exploration Technologies Corporation's (SpaceX) Falcon 9 Launch System for national security space missions.
• Training, Proximity Factor Into Army Pacific's Success AFPS 26 May 2015 -- Natural disasters amplified by climate change, urbanization and the sheer vastness of the Asia-Pacific region are among many factors that have prompted leadership there to dub the area "the Ring of Fire," the deputy commander of U.S. Army Pacific said in a recent interview here.
• Marines fight their way to end of Eager Lion 15 USMC News 26 May 2015 -- U.S. Marines from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment finished off exercise Eager Lion 15 with a live-fire attack range around Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 19, 2015.
• Moroccans, 25th Marines exchange, familiarize small arms weapons systems USMC News 26 May 2015 -- Approximately 200 Moroccan infantrymen trained on small-arms weapons with three companies of U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, during Exercise African Lion 15 in Tan Tan, Morocco, May 15-17.
• USS Fort Worth Reaches Midpoint of 16-Month Deployment NNS 26 May 2015 -- LCS Crew 103 Rough Riders successfully completed the second quarter of the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth's (LCS 3) maiden deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific following a crew swap with LCS Crew 102 Gold Crew May 26.
• Abraham Lincoln Installs Catapult Covers, Marks Another RCOH Milestone NNS 26 May 2015 -- Another step towards the completion of the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) was achieved May 18 when the covers for catapult one were installed on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
• NATO Secretary General thanks President Obama for strong US leadership NATO 26 May 2015 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and US President Barack Obama discussed the Alliance's response to key security challenges at the White House in Washington D.C. on Tuesday (26 May 2015). The Secretary General thanked President Obama for strong leadership in uncertain times, saying "you have provided leadership at a critical moment, and continue to provide significant resources" to the Alliance. Mr. Stoltenberg highlighted the European Reassurance Initiative as a "significant contribution to transatlantic security".
• Obama, Stoltenberg Discuss NATO Meeting Highlights AFPS 26 May 2015 -- President Barack Obama and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discussed critical issues being addressed by the alliance during a press briefing here today after a bilateral meeting at the White House.
• Obama, NATO Chief Denounce Russia's 'Increasingly Aggressive' Posture VOA 26 May 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama cited Russia's "increasingly aggressive" posture with respect to Ukraine Tuesday, as he and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg discussed the challenges facing NATO as it works to protect alliance members.
• Russia Officially Gives Up on Mistral Deal Sputnik 26 May 2015 -- Moscow has finally given up on the Mistral deal. Now Russia and France will dicuss only the sum that Paris should pay Russia for the failed contract.
• Russia to Build Own Helicopter Carrier to Replace Mistral Sputnik 26 May 2015 -- Russia plans to build its own ships instead of French Mistrals, a senior official said.
• Russian defense capabilities unaffected by failed Mistral deal - security official TASS 26 May 2015 -- Russia's defense capabilities will be no way affected by France's failure to supply Mistral helicopter carriers under a bilateral deal, Yevgeny Lukyanov, Russian Security Council's deputy secretary, told journalists on Tuesday.
• Russia's Black Sea Fleet to Receive New Missile Carrier Ships Sputnik 26 May 2015 -- Russia's Black Sea fleet is expected to receive two new Project 21631 (Buyan-M) corvettes, Zelenodolsk Shipyard's CEO Renat Mistakhov told RIA Novosti.
• Russia to Start Production of New Ka-226T Helicopter in 2016 Sputnik 26 May 2015 -- Designed in 2008, the Ka-226T is the advanced modification of the Ka-226 multirole helicopter. The helicopter has a takeoff mass of 3.6 tons and a maximum speed of 250 kmh. The Russian and Indian Defense Ministries are interested in purchasing the helicopter.
• Russia to Deploy Armata Tanks, APCs, Air-Defense Missiles in Arctic Sputnik 26 May 2015 -- Tanks and armored vehicles, based on the Armata and Bumerang combat platforms, air defense missile batteries and other military hardware will soon be deployed in Russia's Arctic regions, the Southern Military District's press service announced on Tuesday.
• Russian warplanes to practise cruise missile launches in snap combat readiness check TASS 26 May 2015 -- The Russian Air Force will drill cruise missile launches, missile and bomb attacks in a snap combat readiness check of aviation and air defense troops in the Central Military District, Deputy Chief of Russia's General Staff Andrey Kartapolov said on Tuesday.
• Major overhaul of Russia's Tu-160 strategic bomber to be completed in 2019 TASS 26 May 2015 -- A major overhaul of Tupolev Tu-160 strategic bombers will be completed in 2019, Boris Naishuler, the director of the Gorbunov Kazan Aviation Production Association's design center, which upgrades the aircraft, said Tuesday.
• Over 100 Russian warplanes to relocate to new aerodromes in snap combat readiness check TASS 26 May 2015 -- Over 100 warplanes of Russia's Air Force will relocate to other aerodromes over the next twenty-four hours in a surprise combat readiness check of aviation and air defense troops in the Central Military District, the Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
• Russia Begins Major Air Force Exercise VOA 26 May 2015 -- Hundreds of Russian warplanes and thousands of troops began a major military exercise Tuesday, coinciding with Arctic maneuvers by NATO forces.
• China issues first white paper on military strategy People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- On Tuesday, Beijing issued its first white paper on military strategy, ushering in greater military transparency by giving details of the direction of its military buildup to other nations.
• China rolls out military roadmap of 'active defense' strategy People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- China issued Tuesday its first white paper on military strategy, stressing 'active defense' and pledging closer international security cooperation.
• China's military to intensify int'l peacekeeping, humanitarian aid: white paper People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- China's armed forces will intensify their participation in international peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance as the nation's national strength grows, a white paper on China's military strategy says Tuesday.
• World war 'unlikely' in foreseeable future: white paper People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- A world war is unlikely in the foreseeable future and the international situation is expected to remain generally peaceful, according to a white paper issued Tuesday by the State Council Information Office.
• China to continue to foster new model of military ties with U.S. People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- China's armed forces will continue to foster a new model of military relationship with the U.S. armed forces that conforms to the new model of major-country relations between the two countries, a white paper on China's military strategy says Tuesday.
• China faces increasing external impediments: white paper People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- China enjoys generally favorable environment for development but external challenges are increasing, according to a white paper issued Tuesday by the State Council Information Office.
• China's armed forces uphold CPC leadership: white paper People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- A newly issued white paper reaffirmed the stance of China's armed forces to resolutely uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
• China eyes on winning informationized local wars: white paper People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- The basic point for preparation for military struggle (PMS) of China's armed forces will be placed on 'winning informationized local wars,' according to a white paper issued Tuesday by the State Council Information Office.
• China outlines armed forces' future strategies People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- China demonstrates future strategies for modern and multi-functional armed forces in its latest military whitepaper Tuesday.
• China's military abandons pro-land mentality People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- China abandons the traditional mentality that land overweighs sea, says its latest military whitepaper here Tuesday.
• PLAN to maintain military presence in relevant sea areas: white paper People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- The People's Liberation ArmyNavy will continue to organize and perform regular combat readiness patrols and maintain a military presence in relevant sea areas, a white paper on China's military strategy says Tuesday.
• China promises not to join nuclear arms race People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- China reiterates in its latest military whitepaper Tuesday that it will never enter into a nuclear arms race with any other country.
• China's armed forces ready to safeguard national sovereignty: white paper People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- China' s armed forces will make overall planning for Preparation for military struggle (PMS) in both traditional and new security domains, and get ready to safeguard national sovereignty and security, a white paper on China's military strategy says Tuesday.
• White paper outlines China's 'active defense' strategy People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- China issued its first white paper on military strategy on Tuesday, stressing 'active defense' and pledging closer international security cooperation.
• China hasn't any overseas military bases: Spokesperson People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- Defense Ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun said Tuesday that the country has not built any military bases overseas.
• Senior PLA official to attend Shangri-La Dialogue: spokesman People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- A Chinese delegation led by Admiral Sun Jianguo, Vice Chief of Staff of China's People's Liberation Army(PLA), will take part in the upcoming Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore later this month, a defense ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
• China Voice: China's new military roadmap adheres to peaceful development People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- Although the term 'active defense', the highlight of China's latest military strategy released Tuesday, sounds quite new, the country's path of peaceful development will not change.
• China Outlines More Assertive Military Policy VOA 26 May 2015 -- China said Tuesday it will continue expanding its military strength further from its borders, including in disputed areas at sea, but insisted it does not want a confrontation with any of its neighbors.
• China to speed up building a cyber force People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- China will speed up the development of a cyber force to tackle 'grave security threats' to its cyber infrastructure, said a military white paper here Tuesday.
• Singapore, Chinese navies conclude inaugural bilateral naval exercise People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- The Singapore and Chinese navies on Monday concluded here the inaugural Exercise Maritime Cooperation 2015.
• Tehran-Moscow talks on S-300 successful: Iran official ISNA 26 May 2015 -- TEHRAN (SIAN)- A senior Iranian official described as 'successful' negotiations on the delivery of Russia's S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Iran.
• IRGC tests speedboats cruising at 110 knots per hour Press TV 26 May 2015 -- The commander of the naval forces of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the forces have tested indigenous speedboats that can cruise at 110 knots (203 kilometers) per hour.
• Extra-regional forces a threat: Iran defense minister Press TV 26 May 2015 -- Iran's defense minister has described the presence of foreign forces in the region as a threat to the Islamic Republic.
• Too Early to Deliver S-300 Missile Defense Systems to Iran - Official Sputnik 26 May 2015 -- The due time for the delivery of S-300 missile defense systems to Iran is yet to come, the Russian Security Council Deputy Secretary said.
• Russia-Iran S-300 air defense system contract to be finalized - Foreign Ministry TASS 26 May 2015 -- A contract on the delivery of Russia's S-300 air defense missile systems to Iran is still being finalized, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Tuesday.
• Kim Jong Un Has Photo Session with People Who Contributed to Successful Test-fire of SLBM KCNA 26 May 2015 -- 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, called to the building of the Central Committee of the WPK the scientists, technicians, workers and officials who made contributions to the successful test-fire of SLBM and fully demonstrated the strong might of Songun Korea all over the world, and had a photo session with them.
• North Korea leader hails 'miracle' ballistic missile test Press TV 26 May 2015 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has praised as a "miracle" the country's test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) earlier this month.
• Australia demands Japan forfeits right to submarine intellectual property People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- Australia will demand Japan hands over all technology and intellectual property rights relating to its Soryu submarines if the Japanese government ends up winning the right to build Australia's next class of submarines.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 05/26/15 The White House 26 May 2015
• May 26, 2015 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 26 May 2015

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 26, 2015

Other Conflicts

• 26 May 2015 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 26 May 2015
• Ban calls for postponement of Yemen consultations, urges 'soonest possible' return to dialogue UN News 26 May 2015 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has requested that his Special Envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, postpone the planned consultations aimed at seeking a peaceful and Yemeni-led political transition process in the country, according to a United Nations spokesperson.
• Yemen's Ansarullah fighters, allies capture Saudi base Press TV 26 May 2015 -- Fighters from Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement together with members of the allied popular resistance committees have taken control of a Saudi military base in retaliation to Riyadh's ongoing air campaign against their country.
• Iraq Risks Sinking Into Sectarian War, Analysts Say VOA 26 May 2015 -- With the fall of Ramadi to the Sunni-led Islamic State extremists and Iraqi Shi'ite militias gearing up to fight them, the fear in Washington, and in the region, is that Iraq once again will sink into all-out sectarian war.
• UN launches mass polio vaccination campaign set to target nearly 5.7 million Iraqi children UN News 26 May 2015 -- Aiming to target 5.7 million children under the age of five, the United Nations today launched a mass polio vaccination campaign in Iraq, which is set to be conducted in all governorates to maintain the country's polio-free status.
• Iraq starts operations to purge Anbar, Salahuddin from ISIL Press TV 26 May 2015 -- Iraq has announced the launch of massive operations to drive ISIL Takfiri terrorists out of Salahuddin and Anbar provinces.
• Iraq Hopes for Russia to Supply Arms, Ammunition to Fight Against ISIL Sputnik 26 May 2015 -- Baghdad is hoping for Moscow's aid in delivering ammunition in order to fight against the Islamic State, Iraqi Interior Minister Mohammed Ghabban said Tuesday.
• Turkey, US begin program to train, equip Syria militants Press TV 26 May 2015 -- Turkey and the United States have officially started a joint program for training and equipping the militants operating against the government in Syria.
• Pause in Syria fighting critical for farmers to harvest crops, get it to those in need - UN UN News 26 May 2015 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has called for humanitarian pauses in Syria so farmers can safely harvest and transport crops within the country to reach all Syrians in need.
• Construction on Nansha Islands serves military, civilian purposes People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- 'In terms of sovereignty, these projects on the Nansha Islands are not different from any other projects on Chinese territory,'
• China dismisses recent tension in South China Sea as 'old tricks' People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- Defense Ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun on Tuesday labeled recent incidents in the South China Seaas 'old tricks' used to stir tensions and smear the reputation of Chinese armed forces.
• Taiwan Proposes Peace Plan for Disputed South China Sea VOA 26 May 2015 -- Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou, in proposing a peace initiative to ease tensions in the South China Sea, called for cooperation among governments, including China, that claim all or parts of the ocean rich in oil, gas and fisheries.
• Taiwan Comes With Peace Initiative to Defuse Tensions in South China Sea Sputnik 26 May 2015 -- As pressure increased in the Asia-Pacific Region following Washington's decision to send US military ships and planes to patrol the South China Sea, thus stirring up an already tense situation, Taiwan proposed a peace initiative on Tuesday to try to resolve territorial disputed in the region, the Japan Times reported.
• In Ukraine, humanitarian situation still dire amid sporadic fighting, UN reports UN News 26 May 2015 -- The tenuous situation in eastern Ukraine continues to be marked by sporadic fighting and a crippling humanitarian crisis forcing many civilians to seek refuge in underground shelters or in neighbouring countries, the United Nations relief arm confirmed today.
• Six killed, 15 injured in east Ukraine clashes Press TV 26 May 2015 -- At least six people, including one civilian, have been killed and 15 others wounded in clashes between Ukrainian army soldiers and pro-Russia forces in Ukraine's east over the past 24 hours, officials say.
• Ukrainian Forces Want to Bring Forward Heavy-Caliber Artillery in Donbass Sputnik 26 May 2015 -- According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces commander for Dzerzhynsk, commanders were under increasing pressure from personnel to bring forward heavy caliber artillery systems because the Donetsk People's Republic was using such systems.
• DPRK building artillery positions near inter-Korean sea border: S.Korea People's Daily 26 May 2015 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is building artillery positions in an uninhabited island just above the inter-Korean maritime border, South Korea's military said Tuesday.
• UN South Sudan envoy describes 'great challenge' of protecting civilians on visit to renovated camp UN News 26 May 2015 -- Travelling around South Sudan to see efforts made by the United Nations to protect civilians in the country, the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Ellen Margrethe Løj, who also heads the UN Mission (UNMISS), visited Bentiu in Unity state this weekend.
• At least 5 FARC rebels killed in Colombian army operation Press TV 26 May 2015 -- At least five members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group have been killed in a military operation in the country's northwest.
• Serbia and Kosovo must not squander chance to overcome challenges, Security Council told UN News 26 May 2015 -- As Serbia and Kosovo aim to overcome the legacy of conflict, the two countries must avoid procrastination on implementing the remaining steps of the April 2013 Accord and allowing older issues to shackle opportunities to open new ground, the United Nations Security Council was told today.
• Security Council extends UN mission in Somalia until August UN News 26 May 2015 -- The Security Council today adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) as the Horn of Africa country continues down its road towards political recovery and increased security.

News Reports

• Turkish Election Outcome Could Shape Syria Policy VOA 26 May 2015 -- The latest opinion polls in Turkey are predicting that the ruling AK Party could lose its majority in parliament in the June 7 election. Analysts warn a significant change in foreign policy could be looming regarding Syria and the influx of refugees into the country.
• IS Takes Credit for Tunis Shooting VOA 26 May 2015 -- The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a shooting rampage by a Tunisian soldier that left seven of his comrades dead and 10 others wounded Monday at a Tunis army barracks.
• Money Shortage Threatens Ebola Battle, WHO Says VOA 26 May 2015 -- The numbers of Ebola cases in Sierra Leone and Guinea have been rising and falling since Liberia was declared Ebola-free on May 9. The World Health Organization says that the road to zero will be bumpy, but that for the most part, progress in stopping transmission of the virus has been good.
• Rights Groups Condemn 'Dangerous' Russian Undesirables Law RFE/RL 26 May 2015 -- Rights groups named as potential targets of a new law allowing the government to brand international organizations 'undesirable' and shutter their Russia operations have criticized the legislation, calling it a 'dangerous' new weapon in a Kremlin campaign to suppress civil society.
• Russia Brings Charges Against Lithuanian Citizen Accused of Espionage Sputnik 26 May 2015 -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) officially brought charges against a Lithuanian national, arrested on May 20, in Moscow while receiving a secret document from a Russian resident. The man was accused of espionage activities and brought into custody.
• Saudi's 'Shia Problem' Poses Impossible Dilemma VOA 26 May 2015 -- In recent years, as hopeful Arab Spring uprisings have descended into wars or chaos, protests in Saudi Arabia by the Shia minority have continued under the radar, with deaths and injuries deepening sectarian divides.
• Some 500,000 homes and temples across Nepal damaged by earthquake, UN official says UN News 26 May 2015 -- As teams of trekkers and Nepalese sherpas are now reaching remote, high-altitude villages with humanitarian aid, a senior United Nations development official today drew attention to the post-earthquake recovery and reconstruction needs of more than 500,000 homes and cultural heritage sites in the rural areas.
• Grief not justice for Uzbeks in Kyrgyzstan IRIN 26 May 2015 -- Zahira doesn't like to return to the site, a concrete slab which covers the entrance to the cellar where her twin brother Hassan hid.