Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) Casualty Update 16 Dec 2015 [PDF]
• Military Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 16 Dec 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.
• DoD Looking for Ways to Accelerate ISIL Defeat, Carter Says AFPS 16 Dec 2015 -- The United States is looking for ways to do more to hasten the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told service members on Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, yesterday.
• Media Availability With Secretary Carter in Baghdad, Iraq DoD 16 Dec 2015 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
• Media Availability With Gen. MacFarland in Baghdad, Iraq DoD 16 Dec 2015 -- Presenter: Lieutenant General Sean MacFarland, commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve
• Remarks by Secretary Carter at a Troop Event in Baghdad, Iraq DoD 16 Dec 2015 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
• F-15 Eagles to Return from Incirlik EUCOM 16 Dec 2015 -- The Air Force F-15 Eagles and Strike Eagles deployed to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, are returning to RAF Lakenheath, UK, beginning Dec. 16.
• School closures fuel Taliban recruitment IRIN 16 Dec 2015 -- Intensifying conflict in Afghanistan's Helmand Province has forced more than 150 schools to close, leaving about 100,000 students vulnerable to recruitment by the Taliban.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Cooperative Strategy Forum Focuses on Pacific Maritime Security AFPS 16 Dec 2015 -- Gaining a better understanding of each other's viewpoints and fostering improved future collaboration was the focus here Dec. 14, as representatives from 10 partner nations gathered for a two-day cooperative strategy forum.
• U.S., Japan Agree to Host-Nation Support for U.S. Troops AFPS 16 Dec 2015 -- The United States and Japan agreed in principle to a new five-year package of host-nation support for U.S. armed forces stationed in Japan, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters today.
• HSC-4, HSM-78 to Return from Deployment NNS 16 Dec 2015 -- The 'Black Knights' of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4 and the 'Blue Hawks' of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78 are scheduled to return to Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) Dec. 16-17 following a four month deployment with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2.
• McChord performs during Rainier War exercise AFNS 16 Dec 2015 -- In today's military, aircrews have to be trained and ready to handle any type of combat scenario, and recently, members of Joint Base Lewis-McChord and other bases participated in exercise Rainier War to help hone their skills.
• George Washington Travels 52,000 Miles NNS 16 Dec 2015 -- Aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) departed Japan, May 18, and will complete a 52,064-mile, seven-month voyage to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Dec. 17, after serving seven years as the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan.
• Navy, Air Force Break Ground on Florida's Largest Solar Projects NNS 16 Dec 2015 -- The Departments of the Navy and the Air Force broke ground with Southern Company, a subsidiary of Gulf Power, at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, marking the start of construction for three large-scale solar electric generating facilities Dec. 16.
• Norwegian F-35 flies for first time under Norwegian command AFNS 16 Dec 2015 -- Maj. Morten Hanche, a Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 Lightning II student pilot training with the 62nd Fighter Squadron, flew the first Norwegian F-35 sortie here Dec. 14.
• NATO and Ukraine sign Defence-Technical Co-operation Roadmap NATO 16 Dec 2015 -- On Wednesday (16 December 2015) NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment, Mr. Patrick Auroy and the First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine Mr. Oleg Gladkovskyi co-signed a Roadmap for NATO-Ukraine Defence-Technical Co-operation.
• Russian weapons can neutralize US missile system: General Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- The head of Russia's strategic missile forces says Moscow is in possession of missiles capable of disabling the United States' so-called anti-missile shield.
• Advanced Missile Systems Represent 56% of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces Sputnik 16 Dec 2015 -- Commander of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces Col. Gen. Sergei Karakayev said that by 2022, the Strategic Missile Forces should be completely reequipped with modern missile systems, in line with the Russian president's instructions.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigates DSCA 16 Dec 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for the sale, refurbishment, and upgrade of two (2) Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigates (FFG-7) being provided as Excess Defense Articles (EDA) for an estimated cost of $190 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) DSCA 16 Dec 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAVs) for an estimated cost of $375 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - Javelin Missile DSCA 16 Dec 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for Javelin Missiles estimated to cost $57 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States - Block I-92F MANPAD Stinger Missiles and Related Equipment and Support DSCA 16 Dec 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for Block I-92F MANPAD Stinger Missiles, related equipment and support. The estimated cost is $217 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States Taiwan Advanced Tactical Data Link System (TATDLS) and Link-11 Integration DSCA 16 Dec 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for Taiwan Advanced Tactical Data Link System (TATDLS) and Link-11 Integration. The estimated value is $75 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - Follow-On Support DSCA 16 Dec 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of follow-on life cycle support to maintain the Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems Low Volume Terminals (MIDS/LVT-1) and Joint Tactical Information Distribution Systems (JTIDS) previously procured. The estimated value is $120 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States – MK 15 Phalanx Block 1B Baseline 2 CIWS Guns, Upgrade Kits, Ammunition, and Support DSCA 16 Dec 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for MK 15 Phalanx Block 1B Baseline 2 Close-in Weapons System (CIWS) Guns, Upgrade Kits, Ammunition, and Support. The estimated cost is $416 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States - TOW 2B Aero Radio Frequency (RF) Missile (BGM-71F-Series), Support and Training DSCA 16 Dec 2015 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States for TOW 2B Aero Radio Frequency (RF) Missile (BGM-71F-Series), support and training. The estimated cost is $268 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• US arms sale to Taiwan seen as symbolic People's Daily 16 Dec 2015 -- The reported US government authorization to sell two frigates to Taiwan, a year after President Barack Obama signed an act to allow the sales, will be more symbolic than substantial, analysts said Tuesday.
• Obama authorizes $1.8 billion arms deal with Taiwan Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- US President Barack Obama has authorized a $1.8 billion arms sale to Taiwan, a move China strongly condemned within hours.
• US Approves $217 Million Sale of Stinger Missiles to Taiwan Sputnik 16 Dec 2015 -- China Opposes US Plans to Sell 2 Missile Frigates to Taiwan
• Iran's defense minister: Emad missile 'completely conventional' ISNA 16 Dec 2015 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehghan said 'Emad' missile already launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran is a 'completely conventional missile.'
• Iran defense minister says Emad missile 'conventional' Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan says the recently test-fired precision-guided long-range Emad missile is a conventional armament.
• Iran's Ballistic Missile Test Violates UN Resolution - Expert Panel Sputnik 16 Dec 2015 -- A UN panel has prepared a confidential report suggesting that Iran has violated a UN Security Council resolution by launching a missile capable of delivering a nuclear weapon, and should be punished with new sanctions.
• Russia May Equip Indian Aircraft Carrier With Air Defense Systems Sputnik 16 Dec 2015 -- Nevskoye Planning and Design Bureau General Director Sergei Vlasov said that he Indians refused to install Russian air defense systems on the Vikramaditya, but there is reserved space for Russian air defense systems.
• Turkey to establish military base in Qatar Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- Turkey's ambassador to Qatar says Ankara plans to set up a military base in Qatar, calling for the two countries to do more to confront "common enemies."
• December 16, 2015 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2015
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 12/16/2015 The White House 16 Dec 2015

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for December 16, 2015
• Russia, China Could Sign Contract on Joint Heavy Helicopter by Mid-2016 Sputnik 16 Dec 2015 -- Rostec deputy CEO on international affairs said that Russia's state technologies corporation and China's Avicopter expect to sign a general contract and an intergovernmental agreement on the joint development of a heavy-lift helicopter by mid-2016.

Other Conflicts

• As wars, floods and droughts displace millions, UN refugee agency urges tackling root causes UN News 16 Dec 2015 -- With conflicts in the Middle East and Africa driving unprecedented numbers of people from their homes while floods and droughts wreak havoc with lives and livelihoods in Asia, the United Nations refugee agency today brought together Governments and civil society to address the root causes of displacement.
• Australia Making Secret South China Sea Freedom of Navigation Flights Sputnik 16 Dec 2015 -- A BBC reporter flying close to China's artificial islands in the South China Sea overheard an Australian aircraft telling the Chinese navy it is carrying out a freedom of navigation flight in the area.
• US: Chinese Island Building Threatens Shipping, Fishing VOA 16 Dec 2015 -- China's aggressive island building in the South China Sea has drawn international attention to Beijing's expansive maritime territorial claims.
• Yemen's Houthis, ex-regime officials agree to exchange prisoners Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- The two sides to the conflict in Yemen have reportedly agreed during ongoing UN-brokered peace talks in Switzerland to exchange hundreds of prisoners.
• Urgent support needed to provide health services for 15 million people in Yemen - UN UN News 16 Dec 2015 -- The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners today appealed for $31 million to ensure the continuity of medical services for nearly 15 million people in Yemen affected by the ongoing conflict, following the collapse of the country's health system.
• Yemen Cease-fire Broken VOA 16 Dec 2015 -- Pro-government and rebel armed groups in Yemen have accused each other of breaking the U.N.-mediated ceasefire just hours after it came into effect Tuesday. All sides in the conflict are accused of committing human rights violations.
• HMS Defender joins French carrier on counter Daesh operations UK MOD 16 Dec 2015 -- The Royal Navy warship HMS Defender has joined the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle ready to support operations against Daesh.
• Russian DM Tells Parliament Quick End to Syria Operation Unlikely Sputnik 16 Dec 2015 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Moscow cannot expect a quick ending to Syrian operation due to new recruits joining terrorist ranks and terrorism not being properly fought on other fronts, according to Russian lawmaker Vladimir Gutenev.
• Russian Military Rules Out Using Ballistic Missiles Against Daesh Targets Sputnik 16 Dec 2015 -- It would be irrational for Russia to use intercontinental ballistic missiles against the Islamic State (IS, or Daesh in Arabic) militant group
• Carter in Iraq to bolster support in war on ISIL Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- US Defense Secretary Ashton carter has made a surprise visit to Iraq in an effort to win the Baghdad government's support for escalating the war against Daesh (ISIL).
• US Defense Chief Urges Iraqi Leaders to 'Accelerate' IS Fight VOA 16 Dec 2015 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter has stressed to Iraqi leaders the desire of the United States and its coalition partners to 'accelerate' efforts to defeat the Islamic State group.
• Daesh hits Bashiqa camp of Turkish forces, 4 soldiers injured Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- Turkey's troops deployed in northern Iraq have come under a rocket attack carried out by the Daesh Takfiri terrorists on a camp near the city of Mosul.
• Libya's Rival Parliament Chiefs Reject Peace Deal VOA 16 Dec 2015 -- Members of Libya's rival governments had been expected to sign a peal deal Wednesday, but officials said the ceremony would be pushed back to Thursday, while the heads of the two parliaments expressed disapproval of the agreement altogether.
• Turkish army kills 8 PKK militants in Cizre, Silvan Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- The Turkish military says security forces have killed eight militants with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in an operation in the country's volatile southeast.
• 'Show unprecedented vision to make peace,' senior UN official tells Israeli, Palestinian leaders UN News 16 Dec 2015 -- Citing Palestinian attacks against Israelis, perceived impunity for settler violence against Palestinians and the impression of an endless occupation, a senior United Nations political official today called for "unprecedented vision" by both sides to take the bold steps necessary for peace.
• CAR Rebel Leader Declares Autonomous Muslim State VOA 16 Dec 2015 -- A Muslim rebel leader in Central African Republic has declared an autonomous state in the country's north, further defying efforts to end three years of bloody instability.

News Reports

• Iran to start decommissioning active centrifuges ISNA 16 Dec 2015 -- Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Ali Akbar Salehi said the country plans to start decommissioning active centrifuges.
• Iran to send long-term N. activities plan to IAEA soon ISNA 16 Dec 2015 -- The long-term plan of Iran's nuclear activities would be sent to the IAEA soon, said an Iranian official.
• Russia to begin removal of Iran's enriched uranium in next few days ISNA 16 Dec 2015 -- Russia will begin removing Iran's enriched uranium in the next few days, Russia's permanent envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international organizations in Vienna said Wednesday.
• Iran receives Russia yellowcake: AEOI chief Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- Iran's nuclear chief says the country has received Russia's consignment of yellowcake, adding that Russia is set to take delivery of Iran's enriched uranium within days.
• Iran president says PMD closure 'big success' Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the UN nuclear monitoring body's resolution closing the book on the so-called possible military dimensions (PMD) of the country's nuclear program constituted a big victory for the Iranian nation.
• Iran nuclear case fabricated scenario: Iran nuclear chief Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- Iran's nuclear chief says the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s recent decision to drop the so-called possible military dimensions (PMD) in relation with the country's nuclear case proved that the entire case was fabricated.
• Iran's Fordow Nuclear Plant Restructuring May be Delayed Sputnik 16 Dec 2015 -- Re-profiling Iran's Fordow facility from an uranium enrichment into an isotope production plant may take longer than expected, Russia's permanent envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other international organizations in Vienna said Wednesday.
• Turkey must pay compensation for jet downing: Russian diplomat Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- A senior Russian diplomat says Turkey should pay compensation for its downing of a Russian fighter jet on the Syrian soil as tensions grow between Moscow and Ankara.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, December 16, 2015 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 16 Dec 2015
• Russian Investigators: Ignore Bad News, Bad News Kills RFE/RL 16 Dec 2015 -- A prominent Russian official has some bad news about bad news: It can kill you.
• Obama's N. Korea Strategy Leaves Nuclear Issue for Successor VOA 16 Dec 2015 -- Even though U.S. President Barack Obama reached historic diplomatic breakthroughs with other longtime adversaries of the United States, it is unlikely he will realize any progress in limiting North Korea's nuclear program during the remaining year of his presidency.
• Russia suspends free trade accord with Ukraine Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- Russia has suspended an agreement on a free trade zone with Ukraine starting from the New Year amid strained relations between Moscow and Kiev.
• Moscow Confirms Suspension of Russian-Ukrainian 'Dnepr' Rocket Launches Sputnik 16 Dec 2015 -- Russia's Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) Commander said that Launches of Russian-Ukrainian carrier rockets have been suspended in accordance with President Vladimir Putin's decree.
• After Terror Attacks, Congress Expected to Overhaul US Visa Waiver Program VOA 16 Dec 2015 -- U.S. senators welcomed an overhaul of America's visa waiver program contained in a massive federal spending bill expected to pass both legislative houses in the coming days.
• Austria police arrest two in connection with Paris attacks Press TV 16 Dec 2015 -- Austrian police have arrested two people in connection with the November 13 terrorist attacks in the French capital, Paris.
• Islamic State Looks to North Africa for Oil, Recruits VOA 16 Dec 2015 -- Libya and the Sinai are "vulnerable" areas that the Islamic State group would like to exploit for potential oil revenue and recruits, officials say, as oil production and moving fighters have become more difficult in Syria and Iraq.
• American Man Gets 8-Year Sentence in Terror Plot VOA 16 Dec 2015 -- U.S. officials say an American man has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison for providing material support to terrorists.
• World must oppose cyber attacks, arms race: China's Xi People's Daily 16 Dec 2015 -- All countries should jointly oppose Internet surveillance and attacks or an arms race in cyberspace, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.
• Is Burundi Headed for Civil War? VOA 16 Dec 2015 -- Burundi could be headed for civil war, or so warns the international community.
• Video Purportedly Shows Nigerian Army, Shi'ite Sect Confrontation VOA 16 Dec 2015 -- The United States has called on Nigerian officials to investigate the clashes between army troops and a Shi'ite Muslim sect that reportedly left hundreds of people dead.
• Rwandan Opposition Leader Urges a 'No' Vote in Referendum VOA 16 Dec 2015 -- A Rwandan opposition leader is asking Rwandans to vote "no" during Thursday and Friday's national referendum that would allow President Paul Kagame to run for a third seven-year term in 2017.
• Washington Presses Thailand to Restore Civilian Rule VOA 16 Dec 2015 -- In bilateral talks between Thailand and the United States, largely focused on strengthening cooperation and business ties, a senior U.S. state department official pressed Bangkok toward a return of civilian rule.