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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Casualty Update 19 Nov 2015 [PDF]
• Military Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 19 Nov 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.
• Upgraded E-3 Sentry deploys to combat theater AFNS 19 Nov 2015 -- The long-awaited, highly anticipated deployment of the E-3 Sentry (AWACS) Block 40/45 is finally over, with the deployment of the first upgraded weapon system to a combat theater of operations.
• Taliban Overruns Northeastern Afghan District VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- Afghan officials and insurgent sources say the Taliban has captured a remote district in the northeastern province of Badakhshan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• White House Reiterates Vow to Close Guantanamo Prison VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama is pressing ahead with his plan to close the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, which holds 107 suspected terrorists, many of whom have been there for more than a decade.
• Navy to Commission Littoral Combat Ship Milwaukee DoD 19 Nov 2015 -- The Navy will commission its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, USS Milwaukee (LCS 5), during a 2 p.m. EST ceremony Saturday, Nov. 21 at Veterans Park on Milwaukee's waterfront.
• Truman 1st Carrier to Install Navy's Afloat Fab Lab NNS 19 Nov 2015 -- Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) and Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) installed the Navy's first afloat mini Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) aboard the carrier, Nov. 13.
• US, UK build West African partners' maritime security capabilities USMC News 19 Nov 2015 -- U.S. Marines and sailors and U.K. Royal Marine Commandos recently completed partner-nation training in multiple countries in Africa during Africa Partnership Station.
• Readout of Secretary Carter's Call with Canadian Minister of National Defense Harjit Sajjan DoD 19 Nov 2015
• USS Kearsarge Harriers Join Fight Against ISIL NNS 19 Nov 2015 -- Naval Aviation rejoined the fight against ISIL Nov. 19 when AV-8B Harriers from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM)162(Reinforced)launched from the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) to conduct their first missions over Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR).
• USS Ohio Hosts Royal Malaysian Navy NNS 19 Nov 2015 -- Sailors from the guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) gave a tour to Sailors of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), while in Sepanggar, Malaysia, Nov. 17.
• Rogers: Data Manipulation, Non-State Actor Intrusions are Coming Cyber Threats AFPS 19 Nov 2015 -- Two specific emerging challenges are among those that concern Navy Adm. Mike Rogers, commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency.
• Jeb Bush calls for US military buildup after Paris attacks Press TV 19 Nov 2015 -- Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush has called for a broad US military buildup to fight the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group, which he said has now "declared war on the Western world."
• NATO Secretary General discusses key security challenges in visit to Hungary NATO 19 Nov 2015 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Budapest on Thursday (19 November 2015) for talks on current security challenges facing the Alliance, including terrorism, instability to the south, and security challenges to the east. After meeting with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Defence Minister István Simicskó, Minister of National Economy Mihaly Varga and other high level officials, Mr Stoltenberg thanked Hungary for its contributions to the Alliance's shared security.
• Russian, French Military Chiefs Discusses Joint Anti-Terrorism Efforts Sputnik 19 Nov 2015 -- Chief of Russian General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov discussed in a phone call on Thursday with his French counterpart General Pierre de Villiers coordination of joint efforts in the fight against international terrorist organizations.
• Russian Defense Ministry to Receive First Arctic Helicopter Late November Sputnik 19 Nov 2015 -- Russia's first helicopter developed for Arctic deployment will be delivered to the Russian Defense Ministry by the end of November, the Russian Helicopters manufacturer said Thursday.
• Russia Conducts First Nighttime Launch of Iskander Ballistic Missile Sputnik 19 Nov 2015 -- Russia's military has conducted its first ever nighttime launch from its Iskander-M (SS-26 Stone) mobile short-range ballistic missile system outside the city of Orenburg, the Russian Defense Ministry's Central Military District's press service said Thursday.
• Russia Confirms Signing Contract With China on Delivery of 24 Su-35 Jets Sputnik 19 Nov 2015 -- Russia and China have signed a contract on the delivery of 24 multirole Su-35 Flanker jet fighters, Rostec's director of international cooperation and regional policy Viktor Kladov said Thursday.
• Russia, China Sign Contract For Su-35 Fighter Jets RFE/RL 19 Nov 2015 -- Russia and China have reportedly signed a deal for Beijing to buy 24 Su-35 fighter jets.
• India wants China to share counter-terrorism experiences People's Daily 19 Nov 2015 -- India wants China to share counter- terrorism experiences, said a report published on The Hindu in November.
• £1.3Bn contract awarded for latest attack submarine UK MOD 19 Nov 2015-- A £1.3 billion contract to build the latest Astute Class attack submarine for the Royal Navy has been awarded by the Ministry of Defence.
• Defence investment boost for Northern Powerhouse UK MOD 19 Nov 2015 -- The Ministry of Defence will invest around £70 million in a new contract to make tracks for the British Army's armoured vehicles.
• UK provides further support to Ukrainian Armed Forces UK MOD 19 Nov 2015 -- The UK will provide nearly £1 million worth of equipment to the Ukraine Armed Forces (UAF) to support them through the colder months.
• Argentina - Bell 412EP Helicopters DSCA 19 Nov 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Argentina for Bell 412EP helicopters and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $80 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 17, 2015.
• Morocco - TOW 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) Missiles (BGM-71E-4B-RF), M220A2 TOW Launchers, Support and Training DSCA 19 Nov 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Morocco for TOW 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) Missiles (BGM-71E-4B-RF), M220A2 TOW Launchers and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $157 million.
• Commander: Iran's navy equipped with most sophisticated weapons IRNA 19 Nov 2015 -- Navy Commander Rear-Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on Thursday that the standard of the Iranian weapons is in conformity with global standards.
• Republic of Korea - UGM-84L Harpoon Block II Missiles DSCA 19 Nov 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for UGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $110 million.
• November 19, 2015 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 19 Nov 2015
• Press Briefing by the Press Secretary, Ambassador Michael Froman, Ben Rhodes The White House 19 Nov 2015

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for November 19, 2015
• Latest Patriot takes out two ballistic missiles during first flight test Raytheon 19 Nov 2015 -- The U.S. Army successfully completed the first in a series of flight tests for the latest upgrades to the Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN)-made Patriot Integrated Air and Missile Defense system.
  Patriot radar array.
• Raytheon completes GPS III launch readiness exercises Raytheon 19 Nov 2015 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) successfully completed three preliminary launch readiness events which are important milestones in preparing to launch the modernized Global Positioning System (GPS) system. The new system will benefit millions of people worldwide who rely on GPS for its positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities.

Other Conflicts

• 19 November 2015 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 19 Nov 2015
• Senior UN relief official warns health and education systems in war-torn Yemen 'near collapse' UN News 19 Nov 2015 -- Warning that "humanitarian agencies cannot be a substitute for [Yemen's] basic services," a senior United Nations relief official wrapped up a three-day visit to the country stressing that its health and education systems in the country are on the brink of collapse and stressed that "peace is the only solution to prevent a humanitarian disaster."
• Syria: UN envoy cites possibility of ceasefire, future political framework to end conflict UN News 19 Nov 2015 -- After briefing an informal session of the United Nations General Assembly about the "deliverables" that had come out of the recent international talks in Vienna on the Syria crisis, UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura today indicated the possibility of a ceasefire in the war-torn country, through continued discussions and with active inclusion of all parties involved in the conflict.
• Russian campaign in Syria doomed to fail, says Pentagon chief Press TV 19 Nov 2015 -- US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter says Russia's military campaign against Daesh (ISIL) terrorists in Syria is "deeply mistaken and doomed to fail."
• Russian Army Map 'Suggests Presence Of Ground Forces' In Central Syria RFE/RL 19 Nov 2015 -- Reports say a map shown by the Russian military on state television appears to show that a Russian artillery unit could be operating in the central Syrian region of Homs.
• Obama Asks Allies to Provide More Equipment to Anti-ISIL Forces in Syria Sputnik 19 Nov 2015 -- Barack Obama has been urging international partners to provide additional equipment to Syrian groups fighting the Islamic State.
• French Naval Group Heading to Syria Sends Sub on Patrol in Mediterranean Sputnik 19 Nov 2015 -- An unnamed French submarine is on patrol in the Mediterranean as the French-led naval group, made up of at least eight warships, is nearing the Syrian coast to take part in the anti-ISIL campaign, La Provence reported.
• Obama: Islamic State Cannot Be Defeated Without Syria Agreement VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama said Thursday efforts to defeat the Islamic State group will not succeed until there is a political agreement in Syria, and that he does not believe a settlement should leave President Bashar al-Assad in power.
• S Sudan MPs amends Constitution to boost presidential power Press TV 19 Nov 2015 -- South Sudan's parliament has changed the Constitution to increase presidential powers, a move that could undermine a power-sharing deal hoped to end a nearly two-year long civil war.
• Settling Israeli-Palestinian conflict would help curb terrorism, says UN Middle East envoy UN News 19 Nov 2015 -- Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would help counter the extremism behind the "abhorrent terrorist attacks' in Paris, Beirut and the Sinai, a senior United Nations official on the Middle East peace process said today, referring to last week's bloody attacks and the downing of a Russian plane in Egypt last month.
• Sudan: for first time in four years, UN relief agencies visit areas in Central Darfur UN News 19 Nov 2015 -- Insufficient food, shelter, health services are among the top challenges displaced people are facing in Central Darfur , the United Nations relief wing has warned in a latest humanitarian update on the situation in Sudan.
• With Lebanon facing multiple challenges, Security Council reiterates support for country's institutions UN News 19 Nov 2015 -- In the wake of last week's deadly terrorist bombing in Beirut and the ongoing negative impact of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon's stability, the United Nations Security Council today reiterated "in these challenging circumstances" its strong support for Lebanon's State institutions, including the Armed Forces and security services, in their efforts to safeguard the country.
• In Kosovo, UN efforts focused on promoting stability and political progress UN News 19 Nov 2015 -- Calling for continued support from the Security Council, the top United Nations official in Kosovo today said the UN Mission there (UNMIK) is continuing to focus its efforts on promoting stability, political progress and respect for human rights.

News Reports

• Officials: Ringleader Behind Paris Attacks Killed in Raid VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- France confirmed the suspected ringleader of last week's Paris attacks was killed in a police raid Wednesday, and officials said he has been implicated in four of six foiled attacks in the country this year.
• Paris attacks mastermind killed in police raid: Prosecutors Press TV 19 Nov 2015 -- The suspected Belgian mastermind of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris has been identified among the dead in Wednesday's police swoop in Saint-Denis commune, the Paris prosecutor's office says.
• Suspected Mastermind Of Paris Attacks 'Died In Police Raid' RFE/RL 19 Nov 2015 -- French authorities say they have confirmed that the suspected mastermind of the November 13 Paris terrorist attacks was killed by police during a raid north of the French capital.
• France Calls for Reform of Freedom of Movement Rules After Paris Attacks Sputnik 19 Nov 2015 -- The French government is calling on Brussels to tighten border controls and revise freedom of movement rules following the terror attacks in Paris on Friday 13 November.
• Opportunistic IS Eyes Chemical Arsenal VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- Western officials, as well as allies in the Middle East, are trying to keep a close watch on what may be an ambitious and growing chemical weapons program by the Islamic State terror group.
• Beijing Vows Justice After IS Executes Chinese National VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- China is condemning the Islamic State group's execution of a Chinese citizen and pledging to bring those who carried out the act to justice. However, analysts say the tragic death of Fan Jinghui, the first known Chinese captive to be killed by the group, will not change Beijing's overall approach to the ongoing conflict in Syria.
• Daesh after developing chemical weapons: Sources Press TV 19 Nov 2015 -- The Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, which is wreaking havoc in Syria and Iraq, is seeking to develop chemical weapons, Iraqi and US intelligence officials say.
• Daesh has no social incubator in Syria: President Assad Press TV 19 Nov 2015 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has assured that there is no social breeding ground in his country for the Daesh terrorist group.
• Clinton Calls for More Aggressive US Campaign Against IS VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- Former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton, the leading candidate for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, called Thursday for a more aggressive American campaign against Islamic State (IS) terrorism, including a more forceful U.S. aerial bombardment against militants and the use of more regional ground forces to retake lands in Iraq and Syria the insurgents have claimed.
• Candidate Clinton Says U.S. Must Take Lead To Defeat IS RFE/RL 19 Nov 2015 -- Laying out a hawkish vision for grappling with Islamic State militants, leading Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton has called for a U.S.-led no-fly zone over Syria and downplayed sending more American troops back to Iraq.
• Refugee Screening Process US Dept. of State 19 Nov 2015
• US Senators Warn Terrorists Could Exploit Visa Waiver Program VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- Amid furor in Washington over the admission of Syrian refugees, senators of both parties say that the easiest path for foreign terrorists to enter the United States is the visa waiver program.
• House Approves Bill to Halt Syria, Iraq Refugee Plan VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday to suspend President Barack Obama's plan to resettle 10,000 Iraqi and Syrian refugees in the United States in the next year, but he is promising to veto the measure if it passes the Senate.
• Republican Candidate Jeb Bush Calls For More U.S. Troops in Iraq RFE/RL 19 Nov 2015 -- Jeb Bush, the Republican presidential candidate and brother of the man who ordered the 2003 invasion of Iraq, has called for deploying more U.S. troops in Iraq as part of the fight against Islamic State militants.
• Paris, Beirut terror attacks must not be pretext for slamming shut doors to refugees - UN officials UN News 19 Nov 2015 -- The United Nations General Assembly met today on tackling the global refugee crisis in the shadow of last week's terrorist attacks in Paris and Beirut, with top officials pleading that the door for genuine refuge not be slammed shut in the name of security.
• Myanmar's Suu Kyi Holds First 'National Reconciliation' Meeting VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party dominated this month's elections, met Thursday with a key member of the outgoing ruling party as part of efforts to smooth a delicate political transition.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, November 19, 2015 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 19 Nov 2015
• Possible Russia-West Rapprochement Over Syria Stokes Fears In Europe's East RFE/RL 19 Nov 2015 -- France's surprise embrace of Russia in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris has raised concerns across the former Soviet bloc that Moscow wants to leverage the fight against Islamic extremists in Syria to secure Western concessions over Ukraine.
• German Campaign Asks Afghans To Think Twice Before They Go RFE/RL 19 Nov 2015 -- the usual entry point to Europe for migrants -- making them the second-largest number of any country after Syria, according to the United Nations refugee agency. According to the Afghan Foreign Ministry, more than 80,000 Afghans have applied for asylum in Germany this year alone.
• Tanzania Parliament Approves New Prime Minister VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- A majority of parliamentarians in Tanzania Thursday approved Majaliwa Kassim Majaliwa as the new prime minister to lead the government's business in the lawmaking body. He has pledged to work with the opposition.