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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Casualty Update 20 Nov 2015 [PDF]
• Coalition Efforts Against ISIL US Dept. of State 20 Nov 2015
• Centcom Investigation: 4 Civilians Killed at ISIL Checkpoint AFPS 20 Nov 2015 -- The U.S. Central Command investigation into a coalition airstrike on an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant checkpoint near al Hatra, Iraq, in March has determined that four people killed in the strike were civilians, the Centcom spokesman told reporters via teleconference today.
• Military Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Iraq AFPS 20 Nov 2015 -- U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Africa Command Building Capacity, Helping African Nations Work Together AFPS 20 Nov 2015 -- Extremism is a problem in Africa, but the people and nations of the continent are working together to defeat it, the commander of U.S. Africa Command told the Defense Writers' Group here today.
• Future USS Omaha (LCS 12) Launches NNS 20 Nov 2015 -- The future USS Omaha (LCS 12) launched Nov. 20, marking another important production milestone for the littoral combat ship (LCS) program.
• Readout of Pacific Fleet Commander's Meeting with PLA Navy Commander in Beijing NNS 20 Nov 2015 -- Adm. Scott Swift, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, met with the commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, Adm. Wu Shengli, Nov. 19, at Wu's headquarters in Beijing.
• Deputy Defense Secretary Attends Halifax International Security Forum AFPS 20 Nov 2015 -- Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work is on his way to the annual Halifax International Security Forum in Nova Scotia, Canada, where military and strategic thinkers representing 60 countries will gather to discuss global security and prosperity.
• Commander Discusses Lessons Learned From Africa Service AFPS 20 Nov 2015 -- A contingent of U.S. soldiers has helped to strengthen capacity among African partner-nations and assisted them to work together in confronting joint security challenges on the continent.
• Final CARAT Exercise Of 2015 Concludes In Cambodia NNS 20 Nov 2015 -- The 6th annual exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Cambodia concluded with a closing ceremony at the Royal Cambodian Ream Navy Base, Nov. 20.
• LPD 22 Departs Shipyard and Returns to Naval Base San Diego NNS 20 Nov 2015 -- Amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) departed BAE Systems San Diego shipyard and returned to Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) as part of the ship's restricted availability (SRA) period Nov. 17.
• Secretary General stresses value of NATO-Serbia partnership in visit to Belgrade NATO 20 Nov 2015
• Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Faculty of Political Science of the Belgrade University, Serbia NATO 20 Nov 2015
• NATO supports Jordanian Armed Forces to implement UNSCR 1325 NATO 20 Nov 2015 -- NATO's Special Representative on Women, Peace and Security, Ambassador Marriët Schuurman visited Amman, Jordan from 16 to 19 November 2015, in the context of the Jordan III Trust Fund project.
• Moscow Asks Lebanon To Close Airspace For Russian Naval Maneuvers RFE/RL 20 Nov 2015 -- Lebanon says it is studying a Kremlin request for it to close its airspace so that Russian forces can conduct naval maneuvers off of Lebanon.
• 'British jets intercept Russian bombers' Press TV 20 Nov 2015 -- Military sources in the UK say British fighter jets have taken off from an airbase in Scotland to intercept Russian bombers passing close to the UK's airspace over the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday evening.
• Spain Could Replace French Troops in Mali - Foreign Minister Sputnik 20 Nov 2015 -- Spain could send its troops to Mali and the Central African Republic to relieve France from its peacekeeping duties in these countries.
• China, Mali pledge to deepen military cooperation People's Daily 20 Nov 2015 -- Vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission Fan Changlong met with Mali Defense Minister Tieman Coulibaly in Beijing on Thursday, pledging to strengthen military cooperation.
• China makes breakthrough in electromagnetic missile launching technology People's Daily 20 Nov 2015 -- A research project on high-powered electromagnetic launching technology, conducted by the #206 research institute of the Second Academy China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. (CASIC), has made major breakthroughs, according to a report on the CASIC website.
• Iran stages military exercise ISNA 20 Nov 2015 -- Air planes and helicopters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Forces shot the pre-determined targets in a drill dubbed 'To Beitol-Moghaddas' and is underway in Qom City, central Iran.
• Iranian forces have foiled all enemy plots: IRGC cmdr. Press TV 20 Nov 2015 -- A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the country's security forces have managed to foil all attempts by enemies aimed at destabilizing the country.
• Government of Japan-RQ-4 Block 30 (I) Global Hawk Remotely Piloted Aircraft DSCA 20 Nov 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Japan for RQ-4 Block 30 (I) Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.2 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 19, 2015.
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Josh Earnest and Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes en route Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia The White House 20 Nov 2015
• November 20, 2015 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 20 Nov 2015

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for November 20, 2015
• Raytheon takes next step toward defining Multi-Object Kill Vehicle concept Raytheon 20 Nov 2015 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) completed the first Program Planning Review with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency on the future Multi-Object Kill Vehicle (MOKV) concept, a key step toward defining critical aspects of its design.

Other Conflicts

• 20 November 2015 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Nov 2015
• Amid today's complex conflicts, Ban outlines role for Security Council in strengthening peace operations UN News 20 Nov 2015 -- With the complex demands of today's conflicts putting "enormous burdens on our peace and security tools," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today highlighted key areas where the United Nations Security Council could help, namely through political engagement; better design and implementation of UN peace operation mandated; and reinvigorated partnerships.
• China demands U.S. stop 'provocations' in South China Sea People's Daily 20 Nov 2015 -- China's People's Liberation Army Navy commander Wu Shengli on Thursday called on the United States to stop its 'provocations' in the South China Sea.
• Establishing 'Rule-based Order' in S. China Sea High on US Agenda VOA 20 Nov 2015 -- White House officials said establishing a 'rule-based order' in the disputed South China Sea region will be high on U.S. President Barack Obama's agenda as he meets with regional leaders during the annual meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the adjoining East Asia Summit.
• Iran stresses UN role in seeking Yemen political solution ISNA 20 Nov 2015 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stressed the importance of the United Nations' role in seeking a political solution for the crisis in Yemen.
• Tens of Saudi-led forces killed in central Yemen: Report Press TV 20 Nov 2015 -- Tens of Saudi-led forces have reportedly been killed when Yemeni army soldiers backed by fighters from allied popular committees targeted their military base in Yemen's central province of Ma'rib.
• Security Council calls for eradicating ISIL safe havens in Syria and Iraq UN News 20 Nov 2015 -- The United Nations Security Council this evening called on all countries that can do so to take the war on terrorism to Islamic State-controlled territory in Syria and Iraq and destroy its safe haven, warning that the group intends to mount further terror attacks like those that devastated Paris and Beirut last week.
• US, Turkey Poised for Joint Anti-ISIS Operation, Despite Differences VOA 20 Nov 2015 -- Turkey and the United States have confirmed that their forces are poised to launch a major military operation to close a 98-kilometer strip of the Turkey-Syria border used by Islamic State.
• Assad entitled to run for president in Syria: Iran ISNA 20 Nov 2015 -- A senior Iranian official said Syria's embattled president, Bashar al-Assad, is entitled to run for the presidency in any future election in the war-torn country.
• Turkey summons Russia envoy over Syria bombing 'very close' to border Press TV 20 Nov 2015 -- Turkey has summoned the Russian ambassador after Moscow's fighter jets allegedly carried out a heavy bombing raid inside Syrian territory 'very close' to the Turkish border.
• Turkish Prime Minister Accuses Russia of Striking Syrian Turkmen Settlement Sputnik 20 Nov 2015 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu accused Russia on Friday of launching airstrikes on a Syrian Turkmen settlement in northern Syria, and called on Moscow to concentrate on destroying the Islamic State militant group.
• Saudi Arabia To Host Syrian Opposition Talks RFE/RL 20 Nov 2015 -- Saudi Arabia says it will host a conference in mid-December aimed at uniting the Syrian opposition in the run-up to planned peace talks to end the nearly five-year civil war.
• Syrian Air Force Destroys Some 450 Terrorist Targets in Six Provinces Sputnik 20 Nov 2015 -- The Syrian Air Force has carried out a total of 114 combat missions in the past six days destroying some 450 terrorist targets in six provinces, an army spokesperson said Friday.
• Russia's Long-Range Bombers Carry Out 60 Sorties in Four Days Sputnik 20 Nov 2015 -- Russia's long-range Tu-22M3 bombers carried out 60 sorties and destroyed 42 terrorist targets in Syria, the Air Force group commander told Vladimir Putin during a briefing.
• Russian Air Force Carries Out 394 Sorties, Hits 731 Targets in Three Days Sputnik 20 Nov 2015 -- Russian jets have carried out 394 sorties from the Hmeymim airbase in Syria in the last three days, base commander Alexey Maksimtsev told Russian President Vladimir Putin during a Defense Ministry briefing.
• Syrian Army Repels ISIL Attack on Strategic Airbase Sputnik 20 Nov 2015 -- The Syrian armed forces have thwarted the terrorists' attempt to seize a military airfield in Syria's northeastern Deir-az-Zor province, killing 25 attackers and wounding many others, Russian media reported Friday.
• US Anti-ISIL Coalition Renders 'Zero' Result Compared to Russia's Campaign Sputnik 20 Nov 2015 -- The US-led fight against ISIL has been ineffective if compared with Russia's campaign, a senior Russian official said.
• Northern Ireland still faces urgent challenges nearly 20 years after peace accord - UN expert UN News 20 Nov 2015 -- While much has been achieved in Northern Ireland in the nearly 20 years since a peace accord ended decades of fighting between British forces and the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the different communities, urgent issues persist, according to a United Nations expert on transitional justice.
• UN agency and partners distribute food to 7,000 vulnerable people in eastern Ukraine UN News 20 Nov 2015 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has announced the start of food distribution to about 7,000 hospital patients and school children in conflict-affected areas in eastern Ukraine.
• 20 Years After Dayton Peace Deal, Bosnians Are An Upset, Divided Nation RFE/RL 20 Nov 2015.

News Reports

• Twenty-eight terrorists killed in 56-day hunt in Xinjiang People's Daily 20 Nov 2015 -- Xinjiang police have succeeded in disbanding a terrorist group after 56 days of fighting and fleeing during a manhunt in the far West Chinese region.
• China Says 28 Foreign-Led 'Terrorists' Killed In Hunt For Xinjiang Mine Attackers RFE/RL 20 Nov 2015 -- Chinese state media say police have killed all but one of 29 alleged 'terrorists' suspected in an attack at a coal mine that killed at least five police officers in the far western Xinjiang region, home to the predominantly Muslim and ethnically Turkic Uyghurs.
• Mali: UN condemns 'horrific' terrorist attack on hotel in Bamako UN News 20 Nov 2015 -- Condemning the "horrific" terrorist attack at the Radisson hotel in Bamako which killed an unknown number of civilians and injured many more, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has noted that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has been assisting the authorities in the handling of this crisis.
• Hostage crisis at Mali hotel over, 27 killed: UN sources Press TV 20 Nov 2015 -- Several hours of hostage crisis at a hotel in the Malian capital, Bamako, has come to an end, with UN peacekeepers saying they have seen 27 dead bodies at the site.
• UN Confirms 29 People Killed in Mali Siege, Including 2 Attackers Sputnik 20 Nov 2015 -- The death toll from the Mali hotel hostage situation has risen to 29, including two militants, according to the United Nations.
• EU Tightens Border Controls in Aftermath of Paris Attacks VOA 20 Nov 2015 -- The European Union tightened control of its perimeter borders Friday in the aftermath of last week's deadly Paris attacks, including new checks on the passage of Europeans returning to the formerly passport-free zone.
• Belgium Promises to Revamp Security While Bridling at Criticism VOA 20 Nov 2015 -- The Belgian government admitted this week it had lost control of a rundown Brussels district linked to a series of terror attacks in Belgium and neighboring France, including those last Friday in Paris.
• FBI Director: No 'Credible Threat' To U.S. After Paris Attacks RFE/RL 20 Nov 2015 -- The director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says that there is no 'credible threat' of a terrorist attack in the United States similar to those carried out by Islamic State (IS) militants in Paris last week.
• Russian Lawmakers Call For Stepped-Up Measures Against Terror RFE/RL 20 Nov 2015 -- A rare, joint session of the Russian legislature has called for tighter security measures and harsher punishments for terrorism-related activities as part of an effort to 'confront the terrorist threat in Russia and beyond.'
• One new confirmed case in previously Ebola-free Liberia Press TV 20 Nov 2015 -- Liberia's health authorities have reported one confirmed case of Ebola infection in the previously Ebola-free West African country.
• Ban warns of 'misplaced suspicions' of Muslim refugees, migrants after terror attacks UN News 20 Nov 2015 -- As last week's terrorist attacks in Paris and Beirut continue to reverberate round the world with calls to restrict refugee and migrant movement in the name of security, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today warned against "misplaced suspicions" about refugees and migrants, especially Muslims, who can help fight violent extremism.
• Kremlin Shifts Gears Toward War in Syria, Detente With West VOA 20 Nov 2015 -- With Russia now ruling the downing of Metrojet flight 9268 an act of terrorism following the attacks in Paris, the Kremlin is expanding its air campaign in Syria and calling for a grand global alliance against Islamic State. Yet Kremlin critics argue this 'window of opportunity' to end Russia's isolation depends on whether the Kremlin can distance itself from anti-western rhetoric it has promoted in recent years.
• In call to Myanmar's President, Ban urges cooperation following opposition election win UN News 19 Nov 2015 -- In a telephone conversation with Myanmar's President Thein Sein today, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on all sides to cooperate in addressing the South-East Asian country's major challenges following the opposition's election victory this month.
• Jailed Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard released: Israeli PM office Press TV 20 Nov 2015 -- Jonathan Pollard, an Israeli spy who had been imprisoned in a US jail, has been released, according to a statement by the office of the Israeli prime minister.
• Pollard, American Who Spied for Israel, Released From US Prison VOA 20 Nov 2015 -- Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard was released on parole Friday after spending 30 years in a U.S. prison, a move welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
• European border restrictions endanger refugees, migrants, especially children, UN agencies warn UN News 20 Nov 2015 -- European restrictions on refugees and migrant movements after last week's terrorist attacks in Paris, including national profiling, are endangering many, especially children, as the bite of winter takes hold, United Nations agencies warned today, calling on Governments to provide more reception centres and decent accommodation.
• Killings, Death Threats Feed Climate of Fear in Bangladesh VOA 20 Nov 2015 -- The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for this week's attack on an Italian missionary in Bangladesh, the latest in a string of attacks targeting foreigners and Bangladeshi secularists.