Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Casualty Update 28 May 2015 [PDF]
• Military Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 28 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.
• National Guard Responds to Floods in Texas, Oklahoma AFPS 28 May 2015 -- Texas National Guard engineers rescued three people here May 26, and searchers continue hunting for survivors and victims of raging flood waters.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Running on High Octane: POL fuels support, combat operations AFNS 28 May 2015
• Rebalance Continues America's Historic Role in Asia-Pacific AFPS 28 May 2015 -- America's rebalance to the Asia-Pacific is a continuation of its pivotal role over the past 70 years in helping ensure prosperity in the region, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said yesterday.
• USS Chancellorsville Departs for Forward Deployment to 7th Fleet NNS 28 May 2015 -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) departed from San Diego May 28 for Yokosuka, Japan, where the ship will join U.S. 7th Fleet's Forward Deployed Naval Forces.
• Pentagon Accidentally Sent Anthrax to US Labs, Overseas Base VOA 28 May 2015 -- Over two dozen people are undergoing precautionary treatment for anthrax after the U.S. military accidently shipped live samples of the deadly bacteria to civilian commercial labs in nine states and a military lab in South Korea.
• Marines make progress with F-35B during OT-1 USMC News 28 May 2015 -- Marines and sailors have worked together since May 18 to conduct Operational Testing 1, the assessment of the integration of the F-35B Lightning II, at sea, aboard USS Wasp (LHD-1).
• Harry S. Truman Completes Sea Trials, Returns to Homeport NNS 28 May 2015 -- Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) returned to Norfolk Naval Station after completing five days of sea trials, making the final milestone after a six-month condensed incremental availability (CIA) period, May 27.
• ONR Testing High-Speed Planing Hulls NNS 28 May 2015 -- Earlier this month, scientists sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) performed experiments to better understand the motions, forces and pressures generated by waves on boats with high-speed planing hulls.
• Continuing Promise 2015 Mission Stop in Nicaragua Comes to a Close NNS 28 May 2015 -- Nicaraguan residents and officials bid farewell to personnel from the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during the Continuing Promise 2015 (CP-15) closing ceremony at Instituto Politechnico Heroes y Martires May 25.
• USS Jacksonville Visits Malaysia During Western Pacific Deployment NNS 28 May 2015 -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) arrived in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia for a port visit as part of its Western Pacific deployment May 26.
• Carl Vinson Makes Final Port Call NNS 28 May 2015 -- The Sailors of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 27 for the final port call of the CSG's deployment to U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.
• USAF to Get New 'Electronics Killer' Missiles Sputnik 28 May 2015 -- A new missile developed by the Pentagon could apparently cripple all enemy electronic systems using a microwave pulse without physically destroying their targets. This has potential to change war as we know forever.
• UK forces participate in Allied Shield Baltic exercises UK MOD 28 May 2015 -- Royal Navy and Army units are taking part in a series of exercises, alongside thousands of personnel from dozens of participating nations.
• Remarks by NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow at the Kyiv Security Forum (via Skype) NATO 28 May 2015
• NATO Activity Increasing on Russian Border With Baltics - Official Sputnik 28 May 2015 -- NATO members boosted their activity in the Baltic region. Limiting the import into Russia of certain types of agricultural products has stimulated a growth in criminal activity on the border because of the illegal movement of goods.
• Finland Finds No Signs of Foreign Submarine in Territorial Waters Sputnik 28 May 2015 -- The military did not manage to determine the origin of the suspicious underwater sounds detected in late-April. The preliminary investigation was closed, and the case will not be taken to the prosecutor office.
• Russia's Military Preparations Raise Concerns in Europe, Ukraine VOA 28 May 2015 -- Russia this week held surprise, massive military exercises as members of NATO, the western military alliance, took part in its own drills. Military analysts say the military muscle-flexing increases the chances for incidents that could spark a wider conflict.
• Russian Defense Ministry: Military Drills Held Far From Border With Ukraine Sputnik 28 May 2015 -- Russia's Defense Ministry refuted the statement made by the NATO chief that Russia had allegedly used military drills in order to hide the shift of troops to Ukraine.
• Russia to Buy as Many T-50 PAK-FA Fighters as Manufacturers Can Produce Sputnik 28 May 2015 -- The testing is in full swing, and the aircraft shows excellent performance and is expected to surpass all rivals, the Russian Air Force Commander said.
• Russian Air Force to Get at Least 50 New Strategic Tu-160 Blackjack Bombers Sputnik 28 May 2015 -- The Russian Air Force will receive no less than 50 new Tu-160 (Blackjack) heavy strategic bombers.
• Russia's new Armata tank may require two years' crew training - expert TASS 28 May 2015 -- Russia's newest Armata tank will require crew training for up to two years and conscripts drafted for just one year won't be able to master the technology, retired Tank Troops Colonel Viktor Murakhovsky said on Thursday.
• Mass training of pilots in full swing for Russia's Air Force - commander TASS 28 May 2015 -- The Russian Air Force is not experiencing a shortage of trained pilots and enrolment at military aviation schools is in full swing, Air Force Commander-in-Chief, Colonel-General Viktor Bondarev said on Thursday.
• Russian defense minister arrives at testing range for final phase of military snap check TASS 28 May 2015 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has arrived at the Ashuluk proving ground, near Astrakhan, for the final phase of the combat readiness check of the Central Military District's Air Force and air defense.
• Russian 5th generation fighter to surpass US analogues - Air Force chief TASS 28 May 2015 -- Russia's fifth-generation fighter jets known as PAK FA aircraft will enter service in 2016 and their serial supplies will start from 2017, Russian Air Force Commander-in-Chief Viktor Bondarev said on Thursday.
• Putin made decision to revive production of Tu-160M strategic bomber - Air Force commander TASS 28 May 2015 -- Russia's Air Force will purchase at least 50 Tu-160M strategic bombers, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, Gen.Viktor Bondarev said on Thursday.
• Vietnam, S. Korea boost defense ties People's Daily 28 May 2015 -- Defense ministers of Vietnam and the Republic of Korea agreed to further strengthen defense cooperation during talks held Thursday in Vietnam's capital Hanoi.
• What's Eating Pentagon: China May Seriously Boost Its Naval Power by 2030 Sputnik 28 May 2015 -- China may reportedly build some 415 warships by 2030, according to former top intelligence officer James Fanell as cited by US journalist Zachary Keck; Keck underscored that this would be a significant increase over China's current naval power.
• Background Briefing on Secretary Kerry's Trip to Abuja US Dept. of State 28 May 2015
• Press Gaggle by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz en route Joint Base Andrews, 5/28/2015 The White House 28 May 2015
• May 28, 2015 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 28 May 2015

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 28, 2015

Other Conflicts

• 28 May 2015 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 28 May 2015
• Despite growing threats, UN peacekeepers worldwide remain dedicated to serve UN News 28 May 2015 -- More than one million military, police and civilian personnel have served as United Nations peacekeepers over the years, and despite growing security threats and the sacrifices that come with being deployed in challenging environments, over 100,000 men and women continue to work for the cause of peace.
• US Defense Chief: China 'Out of Step' in S. China Seas Claims VOA 28 May 2015 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has called for an immediate and lasting halt to China's land reclamation and the militarization of disputed features in the South China Sea, saying Beijing's claims in the disputed sea are 'out of step' with international norms. Carter pledged the United States would remain the principal security power in the Asia-Pacific region for decades to come.
• Ashton Carter: Chinese Aggression Provokes US Engagement in Asia Pacific Sputnik 28 May 2015 -- Chinese maneuvers have united countries in the Asia-Pacific and increased the need for US engagement in the region, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Wednesday in a speech at the Pearl Harbor military base in Hawaii.
• 'Don't Tell Me What to Do': China Warns US Over South China Sea Meddling Sputnik 28 May 2015 -- China urged the United States to refrain from provocative remarks let alone actions in the South China Sea as tensions over the hotly disputed stretch of water are on the rise.
• China reaffirms its construction in South China Sea is 'lawful, reasonable, justified' People's Daily 28 May 2015 -- A Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Thursday reaffirmed that China's construction in the South China Seais within China's sovereign rights and its activities are lawful, reasonable and justified.
• US stirring chaos in South China Sea: Beijing Press TV 28 May 2015 -- China has accused the United States of threatening to create "chaos" in the South China Sea, and urged Washington to 'refrain from all the provocative words and deeds.'
• In phone conversation with Yemeni President, Ban expresses concern about uptick in fighting UN News 28 May 2015 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced concern about the escalation of fighting in Yemen in a telephone conversation with the country's President, the United Nations has confirmed.
• 2 Saudi soldiers killed in Yemeni retaliatory attacks Press TV 28 May 2015 -- Two Saudi Arabian border guards have been killed and five others wounded in retaliatory missile attacks carried out by Yemen, official reports say.
• Yemen fighters kill two more Saudi officers in retaliatory attack Press TV 28 May 2015 -- At least two Saudi officers and several soldiers have been killed when Yemen's Ansarullah fighters, backed by tribesmen and allied army units, launched a series of new attacks on the Saudi border city of Najran in retaliation for Riyadh's ongoing aggression against the impoverished Arab country.
• Iraq purges ISIL from stronghold in Salahuddin Press TV 28 May 2015 -- Iraqi army troops, backed by popular forces, have retaken a key village in the Dujail district of Salahuddin Province, driving the ISIL Takfiri terrorists out of their stronghold in the northern province.
• Iraqi forces kill over 30 ISIL militants in restive Anbar province Press TV 28 May 2015 -- Iraqi army forces backed by fighters from the Popular Mobilization units have engaged ISIL Takfiri militants in the country's western province of Anbar, killing more than three dozen of them in the process.
• Iraq President Vows to Fight IS 'Until They Are Killed or We Die' VOA 28 May 2015 -- VOA reporter Ali Javanmardi sat down this week to speak with Iraqi President Fuad Masum in Baghdad. A veteran Iraqi Kurdish politician, Masum was elected by Iraqi lawmakers in 2014, in a nation where a majority Shi'ite government is fighting the majority Sunni extremist group, Islamic State.
• US Working to Enhance Training for Iraqi Troops VOA 28 May 2015 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Thursday that defense officials are looking at ways to enhance efforts to train and equip pro-government forces in Iraq as they battle Islamic State fighters.
• Top UN relief official urges Security Council to save Syria from 'hopelessness and further despair' UN News 28 May 2015 -- The Security Council must set aside its political differences and come together to find a solution for the "intractable" and drawn-out Syrian conflict, the top United Nations humanitarian official urged today as she warned the 15-member body that the situation in the country was "extremely grave and deteriorating by the day."
• Libya: IS Stepping Stone to Europe? VOA 28 May 2015 -- A number of recent reports suggest that the Islamic State is not only making millions trafficking humans out of Libya, but smuggling its own fighters on boats headed across the Mediterranean to Europe. These reports have given added urgency to European Union ambitions to disrupt human smugglers and stem the flow of migrants into Europe – and to requests by the Libyan government for support.
• Kiev ready for Donbas talks only after local polls: Poroshenko Press TV 28 May 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says Kiev will sit at the negotiating table with the leaders of the self-proclaimed republics in Donetsk and Luhansk in the Donbas region only after "fair elections" there.
• Russia optimistic about Ukraine crisis resolution: Lavrov Press TV 28 May 2015 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has expressed optimism about a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine's volatile east under the provisions of the February Minsk truce deal.
• Scathing Report Says Russia At War With Ukraine, Putin Lying RFE/RL 28 May 2015 -- A Washington-based think tank on international affairs has released a scathing report on Russia's 'direct military intervention' in eastern Ukraine, concluding that President Vladimir Putin has led his country into war and has lied about it.
• Putin Decree On State Secrets Could Stymie Antiwar Efforts RFE/RL 28 May 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that classifies military losses during special operations in peacetime.
• 3 UN peacekeepers injured in Mali landmine blast Press TV 28 May 2015 -- Three United Nations peacekeeping forces have been injured after their convoy triggered landmines in central Mali, sources say.
• UN envoy announces steps taken by Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders towards joint vision for united Cyprus UN News 28 May 2015 -- Today, the Greek Cypriot leader, Nicos Anastasiades, and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci, took the next steps towards fulfilling their joint vision for a united federal Cyprus, the United Nations Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Cyprus has confirmed.
• FEATURE: One UN peacekeeper's mission to improve prisons in Central African Republic UN News 28 May 2015 -- This is 35-year-old Oscar Ouedraogo's first deployment with a United Nations peacekeeping mission. The native of Burkina Faso has been working as a corrections officer for the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) since 20 September 2014, in the capital, Bangui.
• Security Council renews mandate of UN Mission in South Sudan UN News 28 May 2015 -- The Security Council today adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations mission in the country until 30 November 2015, giving the operation authorization to use all necessary means to protect civilians, monitor and investigate human rights, and create the conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

News Reports

• Burundi: senior UN officials step up engagement to ease country's political crisis UN News 28 May 2015 -- The United Nations Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, arrived in Burundi today as the top UN political official met with a Burundian government representative at UN headquarters and discussed the need to prevent and investigate political violence and killings.
• EU suspends Burundi electoral observer mission Press TV 28 May 2015 -- The European Union says it is suspending its electoral observer mission to Burundi amid widespread protests in the country against President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid to secure a third term in power.
• Velayati advises P5+1 to give up excessive demands IRNA 28 May 2015 -- Head of the Expediency Council's Strategic Research Center Ali Akbar Velayati on Thursday advised P5+1 to give up excessive demands.
• Iranian FM Hopeful for Nuclear Deal VOA 28 May 2015 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Thursday he his hopeful Iran and a group of world powers can reach a final agreement on his country's nuclear program 'within a reasonable period of time.'
• What Putin Got Wrong RFE/RL 28 May 2015 -- Since the Ukraine crisis erupted, Vladimir Putin has befuddled his foes with hybrid-war tactics, poisoned discourse with a sophisticated disinformation campaign, and alarmed the West with a series of provocative moves aimed at probing NATO's defenses.