Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Casualty Update 15 Jul 2015 [PDF]
• Coalition Airstrikes Destroy Vehicle Bomb Factory in Iraq AFPS 15 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.
• Afghan Taliban Leader Backs Peace Talks With Kabul RFE/RL 15 Jul 2015 -- The reclusive spiritual leader of Afghanistan's Taliban has purportedly recognized peace talks with the Afghan government as "legitimate," saying in a rare message that the goal of the process is an "end to occupation' by foreign forces.
• Mullah Omar endorses peace talks with Afghan government Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar has endorsed the peace talks between the militant group and the Afghan government as "legitimate."
• Militants gun down five civilians in southern Afghanistan Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- Suspected Taliban militants have shot dead at least five civilians in the southern Afghan province of Zabul.
• 28 killed in US drone strike in eastern Afghanistan Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- More than two dozen people have lost their lives in a strike carried out by a US unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar.
• TAAC-Air advisors provide C-130 medevac training to Afghan medics AFNS 15 Jul 2015 -- Ten Afghan National Army flight medics and one flight nurse did hands-on training in a C-130H Hercules at Hamid Karzai International Airport here July 9.

Defense Policy / Programs

• GPS IIF-10 successfully launched from Cape Canaveral AFNS 15 Jul 2015 -- The Air Force and its mission partners successfully launched the tenth Boeing-built Global Positioning System IIF satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, at 11:36 a.m. EDT.
• 613th AOC synchronizes first USAF, RAAF nonstop C2 mission from Alaska to Australia AFNS 15 Jul 2015 -- Airmen from the 613th Air Operations Center here were the nerve center for the movement of seven C-17 Globemasters carrying almost 450 U.S. Army paratroopers on a nonstop flight from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia, July 8.
• USS Lassen. USS Fort Worth Complete First Combined South China Sea Operations NNS 15 Jul 2015 -- The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) partnered with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) to complete their first combined South China Sea presence operations, July 9.
• USS Houston Visits Singapore During Western Pacific Deployment NNS 15 Jul 2015 -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Houston (SSN 713) arrived in Singapore July 15 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.
• New national security law taking Chinese military further afield: Official People's Daily 15 Jul 2015 -- The new National Security Law has provided legal basis for the military to go further afield and better safeguard world peace and the country's overseas interests, a military official said Wednesday.
• Russia's Armata Tank to Sport New Heavy Mortar Upgrade Sputnik 15 Jul 2015 -- Russia is modernizing its 2S12 Sani 120 mm heavy mortar for use on new generation of tanks and armored vehicles.
• Republic of Korea (ROK) - KF-16 Upgrade Program DSCA 15 Jul 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for the KF-16 Upgrade Program and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $2.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 14, 2015.
• UK soldiers to join training exercise in Ukraine UK MOD 15 Jul 2015 -- The Prime Minister has announced that British soldiers will take part in a multi-national training exercise in Ukraine.
• July 15, 2015 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 15 Jul 2015

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for July 15, 2015

Other Conflicts

• 15 July 2015 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 Jul 2015
• Yemen's conflict is splintering out of control IRIN 15 Jul 2015 -- As ceasefires go, the latest one in Yemen might go down as one of the most irrelevant ever. It was supposed to be in place for 10 days but, depending on who you ask, it lasted for somewhere between 30 seconds and two hours.
• Pro-Government Yemeni Militias Repel Houthis in Aden VOA 15 Jul 2015 -- Backed by the Saudi-led coalition, pro-government militiamen in southern Yemen have made major gains in the strategic port city of Aden in the past 24 hours. The Saudi-led coalition is calling the battle to retake Aden "Operation Golden Arrow."
• Millions need relief from 'terrifying' violence in Yemen - top UN humanitarian official UN News 15 Jul 2015 -- As millions face "terrifying" violence, extreme hunger and little medical aid in Yemen, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator today expressed deep concern over the "catastrophic" situation, and renewed his appeal for an "immediate and unconditional humanitarian pause."
• UN: Saudi airstrikes have killed over 140 in Yemen in 10 days Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- The United Nations says at least 142 people in Yemen, including 36 children and 27 women, have been killed in the ongoing airstrikes carried out by Saudi Arabia in a 10-day time period.
• Saudi airstrikes on Yemen kill 20 civilians, injure dozens Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- At least 20 Yemeni civilians have been killed and dozens of others injured in new airstrikes carried out by Saudi Arabia on different areas across Yemen.
• Iraqi forces kill ISIL commander in Anbar Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- Iraqi security forces, backed by volunteer fighters, have killed a senior commander of Takfiri ISIL terrorists on the third day of an ongoing large-scale military operation to liberate the western province of Anbar.
• Iraqi forces kill over 200 ISIL militants in mop-up operations Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- Iraqi government forces backed by allied fighters from Popular Mobilization units have carried out separate operations against Takfiri ISIL militants across Iraq, killing 200 extremists from the group.
• Syrian army troopers deal major blows to Takfiri militants Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- Army forces in Syria have carried out mop-up operations against foreign-backed militants across the conflict-ridden Arab country, inflicting heavy losses on them.
• Kurdish Militia Accused of Using Child Soldiers in Syria VOA 15 Jul 2015 -- An international rights group Wednesday accused Syria's main Kurdish militia of continuing to use child soldiers, despite pledging to stop sending minors to war.
• With Libya now at a 'critical stage,' UN envoy says all parties must back political dialogue process UN News 15 Jul 2015 -- A peaceful transition in Libya will only succeed through a significant and coordinated effort in support of a future Government of National Accord and by ensuring that sufficient security is achieved throughout the country so that public administration can resume its key functions, the top UN official in Libya told the Security Council today.
• Kiev breached truce 5 times in single day in Lugansk: Pro-Russians Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- The Ukrainian army has violated the terms of the Minsk peace agreement in the eastern region of Lugansk five times over the past 24 hours, pro-Russia forces say.
• Putin Signs Decree on Abolishing Ministry of Crimea Sputnik 15 Jul 2015 -- Russia's Economic Development Ministry will take charge of the abolished body's functions, according to a statement.
• E. Ukraine Faces Water Crisis VOA 15 Jul 2015 -- The United Nations Children's Fund warns up to 1.3 million people in battle-scarred areas of eastern Ukraine are facing a serious water crisis. UNICEF reports ongoing fighting between government forces and pro-Russian separatists are damaging or destroying water lines, leading to acute water shortages.
• At Least 45 Killed in Latest Nigeria Attacks VOA 15 Jul 2015 -- Suspected Boko Haram militants have killed at least 45 people in northeastern Nigeria, the latest in a series of deadly attacks in the area.

News Reports

• US removes shipping sanctions on Iran ISNA 15 Jul 2015 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines and the country's leading ports operator, the Tidewater Middle East Maritime Company, have been removed from the US list of companies designated for sanctions and assets freeze.
• Obama Calls Out Critics of Iran Nuclear Accord VOA 15 Jul 2015 -- President Barack Obama staunchly defended the historic deal that aims to restrain Tehran's nuclear development program Wednesday, saying it represents the world's best 'means of ensuring Iran does not get a nuclear weapon.'
• Press Conference by the President The White House 15 Jul 2015
• Obama Defends Nuclear Deal With Iran RFE/RL 15 Jul 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has defended a landmark nuclear agreement reached with Iran, saying the deal is in the United States' national interests.
• For Iran, Some Sanctions Would Go But Many Would Remain RFE/RL 15 Jul 2015 -- Many of the punishing UN, U.S., and EU financial and energy sanctions imposed on Iran in recent years to pressure Tehran to curb its nuclear activities are to be suspended or lifted in the wake of the deal struck in Vienna on July 14.
• U.S. Presidential Candidates Vie To Be Toughest On Iran RFE/RL 15 Jul 2015 -- U.S. candidates for the 2016 presidential election have been stroving to outdo each other being tough on Iran in the wake of a landmark nuclear deal.
• US Presents UN Resolution on Iran Sanctions VOA 15 Jul 2015 -- The United States circulated a draft resolution in the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday that would lift all international sanctions related to the Islamic Republic's nuclear program; but a U.N. arms embargo will remain in place for five years and one on ballistic missiles will continue for eight years.
• VOA Interview: McCain Concedes Congress Unlikely to Block Iran Nuke Deal VOA 15 Jul 2015 -- Senator John McCain (R-AZ), a leading critic of Tuesday's landmark nuclear accord with Iran, has conceded that the U.S. Congress is unlikely to be able to block the deal, despite strong opposition from Republican lawmakers who control both chambers.
• In Turkey, Mixed Reactions to Iran Nuclear Deal VOA 15 Jul 2015 -- There is a mixed reaction from the Turkish government to the nuclear deal negotiated with Iran by the P5 plus 1 countries. The prospect of the ending of Iranian sanctions is seen by Ankara as providing major trade opportunities but concerns remain that the settlement will strengthen its neighbor and only deepen the growing sectarian rivalry in the region.
• Gulf Countries Skeptical About Iran Nuclear Deal VOA 15 Jul 2015 -- If the newly-reached accord between Iran and major world powers works as designed, it will keep Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon for the next decade and beyond.
• Salehi: Iran's nuclear activities to enter commercial phase IRNA 15 Jul 2015 -- Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi said Iran is to start getting commercial benefits from its nuclear activities.
• Obama: Iran nuclear agreement opportunity 'may not come again in our lifetime' Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- US President Barack Obama has defended the conclusion of nuclear negotiations between the P5+1 group of countries and Iran.
• Iran's Larijani rejects gradual sanctions relief in nuclear conclusion Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- Iranian Parliament (Majlis) Speaker Ali Larijani has rejected claims that sanctions against the Islamic Republic will be removed in phases as part of the conclusion of nuclear talks between Tehran and the P5+1 group.
• Iran to step into nuclear trade: Zarif Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Iran is to step into trade on peaceful nuclear technology following years of research and development in the nuclear industry.
• Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei: Some of P5+1 Countries 'Not Trustworthy' Sputnik 15 Jul 2015 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says Iran should close paths for violations "by the other parties" of the nuclear agreement between Tehran and the international negotiators, because some of the P5+1 countries "are not trustworthy at all".
• Netanyahu: Israel Continues to Oppose Iran Nuke Deal, Reserves All Options Sputnik 15 Jul 2015 -- The historic nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 nations has its share of detractors. Perhaps none more so than Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has stated that his administration will not be bound by the accord.
• After nuclear deal, Iran must now focus on human rights - UN expert UN News 15 Jul 2015 -- The latest agreement between the Government of Iran and negotiations from six nations on limiting the scope of the Gulf country's nuclear programme has opened the door to further discussion of the Iranian human rights situation, according to an independent United Nations expert.
• Experts: Iran Deal Has Limited Impact on North Korea VOA 15 Jul 2015 -- Iran's nuclear deal is likely to have a limited impact on the North Korean nuclear issue, U.S. experts say.
• Talks on Burundi crisis ends without result Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- The crisis talks between Burundi's government and opposition groups have ended inconclusively, with the Ugandan president, who mediated the negotiations, leaving the country's capital, Bujumbura.
• Ankara rejects China claims on sending Uighurs to ISIL Press TV 15 Jul 2015 -- Turkey has rejected China's claims that Ankara is sending ethnic Uighurs to fight alongside Takfiri ISIL terrorists in Syria.
• Iran's Gain May Be Nigeria's Loss VOA 15 Jul 2015 -- The nuclear deal with Iran announced Tuesday might be a political win for U.S. President Barack Obama, but it could be a major loss for oil-producing Nigeria.
• Poroshenko Considers Right Sector Shooting in Mukachevo Act of Terrorism Sputnik 15 Jul 2015 -- Those behind the recent shootout in the Ukrainian city of Mukachevo are terrorists, President Petro Poroshenko said Wednesday.
• NASA Reveals Closest Look Ever at Pluto VOA 15 Jul 2015 -- U.S. scientists are releasing photos Wednesday that offer the closest look ever at Pluto, after an unmanned NASA spacecraft whizzed by the distant dwarf planet following its nearly 10-year journey of 4.8 billion kilometers (nearly 3 billion miles).