Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Casualty Update 13 Jul 2015 [PDF]
• Inherent Resolve Airstrikes Continue in Iraq, Syria AFPS 13 Jul 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.
• Wormuth Stresses Whole-of-Government Approach to ISIL AFPS 13 Jul 2015 -- The campaign in Syria and Iraq against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant is a whole-of-government approach, the undersecretary of defense for policy stressed today during a Center for International Studies military strategy forum here.
• US will send drones to North Africa to fight ISIL in Libya: Report Press TV 13 Jul 2015 -- The United States is considering positioning drones at a base in North Africa in a bid to intensify 'surveillance' of the ISIL terrorist group in Libya, a report says.
• US Plans to Position Drones in North Africa to Combat ISIL in Libya Sputnik 13 Jul 2015 -- The United States has launched negotiations with a number of North African countries to position drones on their territory to monitor the Islamic State's activities in Libya, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday citing undisclosed US officials.
• Policy Chief Notes Progress During Afghan Fighting Season AFPS 13 Jul 2015 -- Although the fighting season in Afghanistan has been tough this year, with Afghan forces taking 60 percent more casualties than they did last year, progress has continued there, the undersecretary of defense for policy said here today.
• Afghanistan: UN envoy condemns deadly suicide attack that killed 27 civilians UN News 13 Jul 2015 -- The top UN official in Afghanistan today condemned the deadly attack perpetrated on Sunday in the eastern province of Khost.
• US drone attack kills 12 people in Afghanistan's Nangarhar Press TV 13 Jul 2015 -- A US drone attack has killed 12 people in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar, Press TV reports.
• As Fighting Intensifies In North Afghanistan, Deputies Head To Front Lines RFE/RL 13 Jul 2015 -- Fierce fighting continues in northern Afghanistan's Faryab Province and according to one member of parliament from the region, the militants have the upper hand and the situation is close to disastrous.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on DOD Transgender Policy DoD 13 Jul 2015
• Amphibious operations storm ashore for Talisman Sabre 2015 USMC News 13 Jul 2015 -- U.S. and Australian forces stormed the beaches of Fog Bay July 11, executing joint amphibious operations, the largest and most complex joint amphibious training of its kind, as part of Talisman Sabre 2015.
• Navy and Georgia Power Ink Deal to Build 42 MW Solar Farm at SUBASE Kings Bay NNS 13 Jul 2015 -- The Department of the Navy (DON) announced today a signed real estate outgrant with Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, to develop a large-scale, solar generation farm at Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) Kings Bay.
• Airmen share aerial refueling tactics with Royal Australian AF AFNS 13 Jul 2015 -- U.S. Air Force members demonstrated forward aerial refueling tactics with Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force personnel July 8 during Talisman Sabre 2015.
• New DoD Agency Focuses on Improvised Threats AFPS 13 Jul 2015 -- Because it takes a network to defeat a network, the Defense Department today debuts its newest agency to stay at the forefront of improvised threats.
• KMEP 15-11 concludes with culminating event USMC News 13 Jul 2015 -- Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines test their knowledge of military operations in urban terrain during the culminating event of Korean Marine Exchange Program 15-11 in Pohang, May 16, 2015.
• U.S. Marines and Timor-Leste Defence Force members wrap up Exercise Koa Moana 15.2 USMC News 13 Jul 2015 -- A platoon of U.S. Marines with Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, and Timor-Leste Defence Force members completed Exercise Koa Moana 15.2 in Dili, Timor-Leste, June 26.
• Sailors and Marines Enhance Partnership With Singapore Armed Forces During 21st CARAT Exercise NNS 13 Jul 2015 -- The 21st annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore exercise commenced July 13 at Changi Naval Base, with an opening ceremony and a host of bilateral exchanges.
• George Washington Builds Relationships with Japan, Australia, New Zealand during Talisman Sabre NNS 13 Jul 2015 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) welcomed distinguished visitors from Japan, Australia and New Zealand to learn about and experience aircraft carrier operations during Talisman Sabre 2015 (TS15), July 11.
• Mercy Completes Mission in Papua New Guinea for Pacific Partnership NNS 13 Jul 2015 -- The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) completed its 14-day mission to Papua New Guinea July 10 for Pacific Partnership (PP15) after working with host nation military, government and healthcare professionals and community leaders to improve disaster relief response capabilities in the region.
• USNS Millinocket, Pacific Partnership Arrives in Solomon Islands NNS 13 Jul 2015 -- The Military Sealift Command joint high speed vessel USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3) arrived in Honiara, Solomon Islands, July 10 for the ship's third stop of Pacific Partnership 2015.
• US Navy, Marines Integrate to Improve Maritime Missions during Talisman Sabre NNS 13 Jul 2015 -- Marines embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and introduced the Joint Automated Deep Operation Coordination System (JADOCS) during exercise Talisman Sabre 15 (TS15).
• USS Kauffman Returns Home NNS 13 Jul 2015 -- The guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) returned home to Norfolk, July 12, following a six-month deployment in support of Operation Martillo.
• USS Vicksburg Returns Home NNS 13 Jul 2015 -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) returns to her Mayport, Florida, homeport July 11 following a seven-month deployment during which the crew exercised and served with 61 ships and aircraft from 18 nations on three continents and logged 30,000 nautical miles.
• Singapore, U.S. launches joint maritime warfare exercise People's Daily 13 Jul 2015 -- Singapore and U.S. navies initiated a joint maritime warfare exercise at Changi Naval Base on Monday.
• NATO Secretary General praises Slovenia's role in the Western Balkans NATO 13 Jul 2015 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed Slovenia's active engagement in the Western Balkans and its strong commitment to the Alliance's collective security during his visit to Ljubljana on Monday (13 July 2015). At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Miro Cerar, Mr. Stoltenberg described Slovenia as "a valued Ally", stressing that "Slovenia plays an important role in bringing the region closer to the rest of Europe and the transatlantic family".
• US atomic bomb tests meant to drill its use from NATO warplanes - Russian defence ministry TASS 13 Jul 2015 -- The United States' tests of the B61-12 atomic bomb were obviously meant to drill its possible use from NATO bombers deployed in Europe, which speaks about Washington's plans to preserve in Europe nuclear weapons capable of reaching the Russian territory, Russian Deputy Defence Minister Anatoly Antonov said on Monday.
• Russia Developing Airships Equipped With Anti-Ballistic Missile Radars Sputnik 13 Jul 2015 -- The principal advantage of an airship is the large surface of its body where radar systems can be mounted. The antennas of anti-ballistic missile radars will be mounted on the cover of an airship, according to a representative of Russia's KRET company.
• Death toll from Russian military building collapse rises to 23 People's Daily 13 Jul 2015 -- At least 23 people have been killed and 22 others injured after a building collapsed Sunday in an airborne training center in Russia's Siberian city of Omsk, local media reported Monday.
• Russia Developing Unique Communications Systems for Next-Generation Bomber Sputnik 13 Jul 2015 -- Russian engineers are developing a one-of-a-kind communications system for Russia's next-generation PAK DA strategic bomber which will be able to conduct analysis, make changes and switch its operation modes, a representative of Russia's United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation (UIMC) told RIA Novosti.
• Russia to Upgrade Submarine Forces of Black Sea Fleet in 2016 Sputnik 13 Jul 2015 -- Russia will add six diesel-electric submarines to its Black Sea Fleet in 2016, Navy Commander Adm. Viktor Chirkov said Monday.
• Russia's Project 636 submarines to revive Black Sea Fleet's submarine forces - commander TASS 13 Jul 2015 -- Six Project 636.3 Varshavyanka diesel-electric submarines that will sequentially join the Russian Black Sea Fleet will help revive full-fledged submarine forces in Novorossiysk already next year, Russia's Navy Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Viktor Chirkov said on Monday.
• Putin to keep close eye on investigation of tragedy at Omsk military training center TASS 13 Jul 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin will have a close eye on the rescue works and the investigation into a deadly accident at a military training center in the Russian Siberian city of Omsk, which claimed 23 lives, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.
• Next Big Thing: China's Aviation to Develop Long-Range Strike Bomber Sputnik 13 Jul 2015 -- China plans to develop a new long-range strike bomber capable of attacking targets farther out in the Pacific.
• First Batch Of U.S. F-16 Delivered To Iraq RFE/RL 13 Jul 2015 -- The Iraqi government said in a statement that Iraq received a first batch of F-16 fighter jets from the United States on July 13.
• MOU Signed between Ministry of People's Armed Forces of NDC of DPRK and Lao Ministry of Defence KCNA 13 Jul 2015 -- A MOU on cooperation between the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces of the DPRK National Defence Commission (NDC) and the Lao Ministry of Defence was signed here Monday.
• N. Korea Names New Defense Chief VOA 13 Jul 2015 -- North Korea has confirmed the replacement of the country's defense chief, who was believed to be purged.
• US Plans to Train Ukraine Army VOA 13 Jul 2015 -- The commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe says the United States is planning to train Ukrainian army soldiers after completing the current training of Ukraine's National Guard troops.
• Nigeria's Buhari Reshuffles Military Brass VOA 13 Jul 2015 -- Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has replaced his entire military top brass to boost the fight against Boko Haram militants, as the group continues to launch new attacks.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 7/13/2015 The White House 13 Jul 2015
• July 13, 2015 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 13 Jul 2015

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for July 13, 2015e
• Lockheed Martin's JAGM Goes Two for Two in Latest Flight Tests Lockheed Martin 13 Jul 2015 -- Lockheed Martin demonstrated its multi-mode Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM), engaging two laser-designated stationary targets during recent Government-led flight tests at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Other Conflicts

• 13 July 2015 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Jul 2015
• Violence claims 15,000 Iraqi lives since 2014: UN Press TV 13 Jul 2015 -- A new report released by the United Nations shows that terrorism and armed conflict have left nearly 15,000 civilians dead and twice as many wounded in Iraq since the start of 2014 as the conflict-stricken Arab country continues to battle the Takfiri ISIL militants.
• Iraqi forces kill over two dozen ISIL terrorists Press TV 13 Jul 2015 -- Iraq's army troops, backed by fighters from allied Popular Mobilization units, have carried out a series of clean-up operations across the country, killing more than two dozen Takfiri ISIL militants.
• Iraq starts offensive to dislodge ISIL from Anbar, retakes two villages Press TV 13 Jul 2015 -- Iraqi forces, backed by volunteer fighters, have liberated two villages in the strategic western province of Anbar from Takfiri ISIL terrorists as part of a large-scale operations to dislodge ISIL from the province.
• Widespread human rights violations being committed by all parties in Iraq - UN report UN News 13 Jul 2015 -- The ongoing conflict in Iraq continues to exact a "terrible" and deadly toll on the country's civilians, particularly in the areas still under control by the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), according to a new report released today by the United Nations.
• Iraq Launches Offensive to Reclaim IS-Held Anbar VOA 13 Jul 2015 -- Iraq announced Monday the start of an offensive to recapture its western Anbar province from Islamic State militants who control large areas including the cities of Ramadi and Fallujah.
• Shelling kills five civilians, injures 17 in Libya's Benghazi Press TV 13 Jul 2015 -- Indiscriminate shelling hits a residential neighborhood in Libya's eastern restive city of Benghazi, killing at least five people and wounding 17 others.
• Cameroon bombings leave at least a dozen killed Press TV 13 Jul 2015 -- A double-bombing attack has left at least a dozen civilians and a Chadian soldier dead in Cameroon's northern town of Fotokol.
• Ban welcomes announcement of new measures to de-escalate recent violence in Colombia UN News 13 Jul 2015 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed yesterday's announcements that the Colombian Government and the FARC-EP plan to institute new measures in de-escalating the fighting in the country and accelerate negotiations towards a peace agreement, the United Nations has confirmed.
• Colombia, FARC rebels agree on de-escalation plan Press TV 13 Jul 2015 -- The Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels have come to a landmark agreement to de-escalate fighting in the country, sources say.
• Ban welcomes announcement of new measures to de-escalate recent violence in Colombia UN News 13 Jul 2015 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed yesterday's announcements that the Colombian Government and the FARC-EP plan to institute new measures in de-escalating the fighting in the country and accelerate negotiations towards a peace agreement, the United Nations has confirmed.
• Ban urges South Sudan leaders to 'give up war' and forge a political agreement UN News 13 Jul 2015 -- Just days after marking the somber fourth anniversary of South Sudan's independence, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged the leaders of the country to end hostilities and to move beyond their "partial interests" and show courage and leadership.
• Conflict Stifles South Sudan's Oil Industry VOA 13 Jul 2015 -- Conflict continues to stifle South Sudan's oil sector as asset holders reduce their investments and potential investors hold back due to instability.
• Has The War In Ukraine Moved To A Second Front? RFE/RL 13 Jul 2015 -- If Ukraine's east is a combustive mix of languages and loyalties, its west can be even trickier. In Transcarpathia, many residents live within shouting distance of four EU countries. Inhabitants speak not only Russian and Ukrainian but Hungarian, Romanian, German, Slovak and Rusyn. Many of its 1.3 million inhabitants hold more than one passport.
• Kurdish Groups End Cease-fire With Turkey VOA 13 Jul 2015 -- An umbrella network of Kurdish organizations that includes the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has announced a three-year-long cease-fire agreement with Ankara is now over, dealing a major blow to a protracted reconciliation process with Turkey's Kurds.
• Central African Republic: UN concerned by decision of authorities to deny refugees vote UN News 13 Jul 2015 -- United Nations agencies voiced concern today about the decision of Central African Republic authorities to deny refugees from the country the right to participate to the presidential election set for this fall.

News Reports

• Iran Talks Continue as Fourth Deadline Blown VOA 13 Jul 2015 -- Several diplomatic delegations are anticipating an announcement for mid-Tuesday morning in the Iran nuclear talks, hours after the deadline on the latest round of negotiations expired.
• Iran Talks Continue As Deadline Looms RFE/RL 13 Jul 2015 -- Diplomats from Iran and six world powers were continuing their talks in Vienna on July 13 in a bid to reach a final nuclear deal that brings sanctions relief to Iran in exchange for curbs on Tehran's nuclear program.
• Negotiators Work to Close Iran Nuclear Talks VOA 13 Jul 2015 -- High-level meetings are underway on the last designated day for Iranian nuclear negotiations in Vienna, with intense speculation but no official indication that a deal will be announced.
• Zarif: Talks not to be extended after Monday ISNA 13 Jul 2015 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif reiterated that nuclear talks between Iran and G5+1 would not be extended after Monday.
• Nuclear negotiators will come out victorious in talks, says Rouhani ISNA 13 Jul 2015 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran's negotiating team will come out victorious in the nuclear talks with G5+1 states.
• Nuclear talks conclusion possible Tuesday: Iran Press TV 13 Jul 2015 -- Iran's foreign minister says it is "possible" that marathon nuclear talks between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 group of countries come to a conclusion on Tuesday.
• Right Sector In Standoff With Ukraine Authorities After Deadly Shootout RFE/RL 13 Jul 2015 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called an extraordinary session of the Military Cabinet of the National Security Council on July 13 in an effort to end a confrontation between fighters from a radical nationalist group and police following a deadly shootout in the western city of Mukacheve.
• Shooting in Mukachevo Result of Smuggling Redistribution - Poroshenko Sputnik 13 Jul 2015 -- On Saturday, several Right Sector militants clashed with police officers and local business structures in the western Ukrainian town of Mukachevo. A grenade launcher and machine guns were fired in the incident, which left 3 people dead and 13 injured, according to the latest data.
• Russia Says U.K. Closes State Media Giant's Bank Account Over Ukraine Sanctions RFE/RL 13 Jul 2015 -- Russia says a London bank account held by its state-owned media behemoth Rossia Segodnya has been "closed" by British authorities in a move it linked to Ukraine-related sanctions imposed by the EU.
• Ukraine Nationalists: Country Headed for Coup VOA 13 Jul 2015 -- In recent days, the kind of armed violence previously limited to Ukraine's beleaguered east came within 30 miles of the country's European Union borders.
• Turkey ex-president reacts to successor's accusations Press TV 13 Jul 2015 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reportedly reacted to his predecessor's accusations about the country's flawed foreign policy.
• Possible Coalition Partners Meet in Turkey VOA 13 Jul 2015 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has begun meeting with opposition leaders to find a coalition partner following June's inconclusive general election. The AK Party leader's first meeting was with the center left CHP. The two party's are the largest and at opposite ends of the political spectrum, but there is increasing calls for a "grand coalition.'
• Saudi king names new housing minister Press TV 13 Jul 2015 -- Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has appointed a new housing minister and replaced the head of the royal court in the latest move to restructure his government.
• Romania premier resigns amid corruption charges Press TV 13 Jul 2015 -- Romania's Prime Minister Victor Ponta has resigned as the head of the country's ruling party amid allegations of corruption that have prompted calls for him to step down as government leader.
• Eurozone Leaders Agree To Bailout Program For Greece RFE/RL 13 Jul 2015 -- Eurozone leaders have reached a tentative agreement with Greece for a new bailout program, removing an immediate risk that the Balkan country could collapse financially and leave the euro.
• Four Key Things To Know About The EU-Greek Deal RFE/RL 13 Jul 2015 -- After 17 hours of negotiations, eurozone leaders on July 13 offered Athens a new 86 billion euro bailout ($95 billion) - the third bailout for Greece since 2010. This is what you need to know.
• Rights Groups Alarmed by China Crackdown VOA 13 Jul 2015 -- China has detained or questioned more than 100 human rights lawyers and activists in recent days, prompting an outpouring of criticism over a crackdown described as the country's worst in two decades.
• Can WHO learn the lessons from Ebola? IRIN 13 Jul 2015 -- An independent panel described the response of the World Health Organization (WHO) to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa as "delayed" and "inadequate," so what systemic changes need to be made to ensure future crises are handled better?
• US 'Ready' to Help Mexico Recapture Drug Lord VOA 13 Jul 2015 -- U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said the United States is concerned with drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's daring escape Saturday from a Mexican prison and said the U.S. 'stands ready' to cooperate in his swift recapture.