Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Casualty Update 22 Sep 2015 [PDF]
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 22 Sep 2015 -- Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook
• DoD Confirms Deaths of ISIL Leader, Al-Qaida Operative AFPS 22 Sep 2015 -- Recent coalition airstrikes have killed a senior leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and an al-Qaida explosives expert, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said today.
• Statement on Airstrike in Syria that killed David Drugeon DoD 22 Sep 2015
• Statement on Airstrike in Iraq that killed Abu Bakr al-Turkmani DoD 22 Sep 2015
• No peace if US-led occupation of Afghanistan continues: Taliban leader Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- The Taliban militant group has ruled out any peace deal with the Afghan government unless Kabul scraps its military deal with Washington and all US-led foreign troops leave the war-torn Asian country.
• Afghanistan Tries To Stem Tide Of Migration 'Brain Drain' RFE/RL 22 Sep 2015 -- The Refugees and Repatriations Ministry has launched a slick social-media campaign to get its message out, and doesn't pull any punches in its effort to dissuade Afghans from making the jump to Europe.
• Afghan Child Rape Report Prompts Outrage But No Action RFE/RL 22 Sep 2015 -- Reports that U.S. military officers are being disciplined for trying to stop the rape of boys by Afghan defense forces brought condemnation but no pledge of change from the White House and the Pentagon on September 21.
• New Taliban Leader Calls For All Foreign Forces To Leave Afghanistan RFE/RL 22 Sep 2015 -- The new Taliban leader has said peace will be achieved in Afghanistan only after all foreign forces leave.
• Pentagon Denies it Told Troops to Ignore Sex Abuse of Boys by Afghan Allies Sputnik 22 Sep 2015 -- A shocking report alleged that the US military ordered American troops in Afghanistan to ignore instances of child abuse. The Pentagon now denies those claims, insisting it finds such practices 'absolutely abhorrent.'

Defense Policy / Programs

• Detainee Transfer Announced DoD 22 Sep 2015 -- The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of Abdul Shalabi from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Pentagon Officials: Chinese Jet, US Spy Plane Narrowly Avoid Collision Sputnik 22 Sep 2015 -- A Chinese jet made a dangerous aerial intercept near a US spy plane over the Yellow Sea earlier this month, almost causing the two aircraft to collide, two Pentagon officials said.
• Dempsey Discusses Unsettled, Unpredictable World Situation AFPS 22 Sep 2015 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said recently that the world is more unsettled and unpredictable than at any time during his 41-year military career.
• Dempsey Talks Caution, Whole-of-Government Approach AFPS 22 Sep 2015 -- Throughout his tenure as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey has stressed that the military instrument of power may not always be the best tool to solve problems and issues.
• The Sullivans Departs Norfolk for Joint Warrior NNS 22 Sep 2015 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) departed Naval Station Norfolk Sept. 21 to participate in Exercise Joint Warrior off the coast of Scotland.
• U.S. Marines validate crisis response site in Senegal USMC News 22 Sep 2015 -- Crisis response forces from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa are currently validating a site known as a cooperative security location in Senegal that will make these Marine forces more responsive in the event of a situation endangering Americans.
• 1/25 gets back to its amphibious roots with exercise Lake Effect USMC News 22 Sep 2015 -- Along the shore of Lake Erie, the tide washed the sand clean of boot prints left by Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve and members of the Canadian Army Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, Wentworth Regiment, as they conducted coordinated amphibious landings with the help of the full time naval support staff in Buffalo, N.Y., with the U.S. Navy Mid Atlantic Reserve Component Command.
• Fort Worth Conducts First Maintenance Availability in Sembawang NNS 22 Sep 2015 -- The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) is making preparations to get underway from Sembawang after successfully conducting preventive maintenance availability (PMAV) and restricted availability (RAV) maintenance.
• Dozen A-10 Jets and 350 US Troops Arrive in Estonia for NATO Drills Sputnik 22 Sep 2015 -- The 350 US airmen and dozen military aircraft arrived in Estonian airbase to participate in NATO joint military excericies.
• US needs more submarines to combat China's military: Study Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- The United States should reduce its focus on large aircraft carries and instead begin to invest more in submarines in order to combat China's growing military power, a study has found.
• Ukraine can rely on NATO, Secretary General says in visit to Kiev NATO 22 Sep 2015 -- Ukraine can count on the Alliance's continued political and practical support, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told members of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council on Tuesday (22 September 2015) in Kiev.
• Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine NATO 22 Sep 2015
• Ukraine, NATO agree to expansion of cooperation Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- Ukraine and NATO have signed a series of agreements on increasing the Western military alliance's presence in the European country, which has been hit by conflict in the eastern regions.
• Advanced military technology received from Russia: Syria Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- Syria says it has received advanced military aircraft from Russia for its battle against the Daesh Takfiri terrorists who are wreaking havoc in the war-torn country.
• Turkey Alarmed Over Russian Military Buildup in Syria VOA 22 Sep 2015 -- On the eve of a visit Wednesday by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Moscow, Turkey has dubbed Russia's rapid military buildup in Syria as "very dangerous.'
• Increased Level of Russian Aircraft in Syria Represents 'Force Protection' Sputnik 22 Sep 2015 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry said that the level and type of Russian aircraft in Syria represents 'force protection.'
• Silent Runner: Russian Kilo Class Sub is Back in Action Sputnik 22 Sep 2015 -- Vladikavkaz, a Kilo-class diesel submarine first commissioned by the Russian Navy in 1990, will return to service on Wednesday.
• Iran to unveil over-the-horizon radars in 6 months: Army general Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- A senior Iranian Army general says the Islamic Republic plans to unveil a variety of over-the-horizon radar systems covering a distance of 3,000 kilometers in six months.
• Iran Armed Forces fully ready to counter threats: Army commander Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- Commander of the Iranian Army Major General Ataollah Salehi says the Islamic Republic's Armed Forces are fully ready to defend the country in the face of enemy threats, vowing a firm response to aggressors.
• September 22, 2015 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 22 Sep 2015
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 9/22/15 The White House 22 Sep 2015

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for September 21, 2015

Other Conflicts

• 22 September 2015 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Sep 2015
• Taiwan Candidate Proposes Dialogue on S. China Sea VOA 22 Sep 2015 -- The frontrunner in Taiwan's presidential race is proposing to talk with the countries involved in an old maritime dispute that has become a potential military flashpoint in East Asia. Her approach could throw Taiwan further into a fray after decades on the sidelines.
• Yemen: UN chief 'extremely concerned' at escalating ground fighting and airstrikes UN News 22 Sep 2015 -- The United Nations Secretary-General today voiced extreme concern at the escalating ground fighting and airstrikes that have caused further devastation to Yemen's cities and an ever-growing number of civilian casualties in recent days.
• Saudi Arabia kills 20 in attacks on houses in Yemen capital Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- Saudi warplanes have bombed two houses in Yemen's capital, killing at least 20 civilians, medical and local officials say.
• US drone strike leaves two dead in Yemen's Ma'rib: Local official Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- A US drone attack has killed two people in Yemen's central city of Ma'rib, a local official says.
• US-trained militants give up arms to Nusra right after entering Syria Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- "Moderate" militants trained by the US military have handed over their weapons to terrorists upon entry into Syria.
• Ban praises progress of panel to investigate chemical weapons in Syria UN News 22 Sep 2015 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today congratulated the leadership of a panel that has been charged with establishing a mechanism to investigate the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
• 'Syrian army jets bombard Daesh positions, kill 38' Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- Syrian fighter jets have reportedly launched a series of aerial strikes against the positions of Takfiri Daesh (ISIL) militants in the country's embattled central province of Homs, killing over three dozen terrorists and injuring many more.
• UN envoy hopes intra-Syrian thematic discussions will 'set the stage' for end to conflict UN News 22 Sep 2015 -- Returning from consultations with Syrian interlocutors in Damascus and Istanbul, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria announced today that he met with facilitators appointed by the Secretary-General to head working groups designed to find a political solution to the five-year conflict.
• Mosul's Vigilante Brigades Risk It All To Take On IS RFE/RL 22 Sep 2015 -- Their identities are secret. They work after sundown, preferring deserted areas of the city. No one knows where they will strike next. They target different neighborhoods each time. Their mission is simple: to kill Islamic State (IS) militants.
• India Bars Citizens From Aiding Iraq's IS Fight VOA 22 Sep 2015 -- For more than a year, some Shi'ite Muslim groups in India have expressed a desire to travel to Iraq to support Baghdad in its fight against Islamic State militants.
• Libyan parties encouraged to act on UN-backed peace plan UN News 22 Sep 2015 -- The United Nations envoy for Libya has announced the finalization of a proposed peace plan to end the political crisis in the North African nation, adding that it is now up to the parties to act on the text.
• UN envoy gives Libya parties peace deadline Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- The United Nations (UN)'s envoy to Libya, Bernardino Leon, says there will be no more negotiations between the conflicting sides in the North African nation on forming a national unity government.
• Colombia, Venezuela agree to normalize relations Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- Colombia and Venezuela have agreed to restore diplomatic ties, which were severed over a month-long border dispute between the two South American countries.

News Reports

• EU Ministers Agree to Migrant Quota Plan VOA 22 Sep 2015 -- European Union interior ministers approved a controversial plan Tuesday to relocate 120,000 migrants throughout the 28-nation bloc, overriding vehement opposition from four ex-communist eastern nations.
• UN agency warns European leaders of 'last opportunity' for response to refugee crisis UN News 22 Sep 2015 -- European Union leaders are meeting in Brussels today and tomorrow to discuss the ongoing refugee and migration crisis, in what the United Nations cautioned may be the last chance to create a coherent response to end the suffering and exploitation of refuges and migrants.
• EU States Agree Migrant Quotas By 'Large Majority' RFE/RL 22 Sep 2015 -- European Union interior ministers have voted by majority to adopt a resolution on distributing migrants among the bloc's member states.
• EU ministers agree on relocation of 120,000 refugees Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- Interior ministers of the European Union have adopted by majority a resolution to distribute some 120,000 refugees among the member states, much to the dismay of some central and eastern European nations who oppose the mandatory quotas in sharing of the refugee exodus.
• Concerned by escalating violence in Burkina Faso, Ban urges respect for all citizens UN News 22 Sep 2015 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is following with "great concern" the situation in Burkina Faso, and today called upon the country's defence and security forces to avoid at all costs an escalation of violence and to ensure the respect for physical security and human rights of all Burkinabé citizens.
• Burkina coup leader warns of retaliation if attacked Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- Burkina Faso's coup leader says he would accept the terms of a peace deal proposed by African mediators, but warned that his men would defend themselves if they were attacked.
• Burkina Faso army enters capital to end coup Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- Burkina Faso's army has entered the country's capital, Ouagadougou, to attempt to arrest the leaders of last week's coup against President Michel Kafando.
• Burkina Faso Coup Leader in Talks With Army VOA 22 Sep 2015 -- In Burkina Faso, army troops entered the capital city overnight without resistance. They are asking presidential guard members who carried out last week's coup to lay down their weapons. Coup leader General Gilbert Diendéré said he is optimistic about the outcome of discussions.
• The rocky road to democracy in Burkina Faso IRIN 22 Sep 2015 -- A coup, a counter-coup, a stand-off, a missed ultimatum to lay down weapons: the uncertain situation in Burkina Faso is developing quickly and no one knows how it will end.
• Amano deputy: Samples taken from Iran in line with IAEA Safeguards IRNA 22 Sep 2015 -- IAEA Deputy Director General and head of Department of Safeguards, Tero Varjoranta said on Tuesday that the environmental samples taken from Parchin military site are in line with the IAEA Safeguards Agreement.
• Kurdish ministers resign from Turkey's interim government Press TV 22 Sep 2015 -- Two pro-Kurdish ministers have resigned from Turkey's interim government, signaling new escalation in tensions between the Kurdish opposition and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
• Pro-business Stance of Turkey's Ruling Party Questioned VOA 22 Sep 2015 -- Turkey's AK Party has witnessed unprecedented economic growth in its more than decade-long rule. Its pro-business policies increasingly are coming under question, however, amid police raids against leading businesses and what is seen as the demotion of a key pro-business figure within the party.
• 2 Pro-Kurdish Ministers Quit Turkish Government VOA 22 Sep 2015 -- Two ministers from Turkey's interim government resigned Tuesday while fighting between Kurdish rebels and government forces continues in the country's southeast.
• In Thailand, Concerns Mount Over King's Health VOA 22 Sep 2015 -- Concern is mounting in Thailand about the condition of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has reigned since 1946.
• Susan E. Rice: Sino-U.S. Relationship Isn't Zero-Sum Game People's Daily 22 Sep 2015 -- "In the coming decades, strong and wise American lead-ers must, necessarily, maintain a relationship with China that promotes cooperation, while allowing for healthy competition. "said Susan E. Rice, White House National Security Advisor in a speech in the George Washington University on September 21, ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the United States.
• Improvement of Global Governance Needs Joint Efforts from China and the US: President Xi People's Daily 22 Sep 2015 -- China and the US should work together to improve the global governance system, enhance cooperation and jointly respond to major challenges facing mankind, said Xi Jinping on Tuesday ahead of his first official state visit to the US as the Chinese President.
• Xi: Cybertheft of Commercial Secrets Should be Punished VOA 22 Sep 2015 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping, who begins a U.S. visit Tuesday, said his government takes cybersecurity seriously, and that cyber criminals, including hackers stealing commercial secrets, should be punished according to the law and international conventions.
• US Continues to Snub Poland Over CIA Secret Prison Probe Sputnik 22 Sep 2015 -- The US Department of Justice (DOJ) declined 'four successive requests for legal assistance' in its investigation into the US Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) secret prisons, citing a bilateral agreement preventing cooperation where it could conflict with national security interests, according to the Polish prosecutor's spokesman.