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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 25 Feb 2016 [PDF]
• Obama Instructs National Security Team to Accelerate Fight Against IS VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says although the U.S.-led effort to combat Islamic State has made progress, the fight "remains difficult" and he has instructed his security team to ramp up efforts.
• Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 25 Feb 2016 -- 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.
• Pentagon: US-Backed Forces Cut Last Daesh Supply Route Linking Syria, Iraq Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- US-backed forces took control of a strategic town in Syria thus severing links between territory held by Daesh terrorist group in Syria and Iraq.
• Kabul Says Pakistan Tasked With Bringing 10 Taliban To Peace Talks RFE/RL 25 Feb 2016 -- A senior Afghan official says Pakistan has been tasked with bringing a group of 10 influential Taliban representatives to Islamabad during the first week of March to take part in direct talks with the Afghan government.
• NEWS RELEASE: MEC Sees Small Signs of Progress in the Fight Against Corruption MEC 25 Feb 2016 -- MEC is releasing its Ninth Six-Month Report, which includes updates on MEC's activities during the second half of 2015 and all recommendations issued by MEC that have not been implemented. The report highlights evidence of some progress in the fight against corruption.
• Monitoring Group: Corruption Still a Problem in Afghanistan VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- An anti-corruption monitoring group says despite "small signs" of progress in the fight against corruption, Afghanistan's official commitment to effectively address the problem is weakening, eroding public trust in the administration's ability to govern.
• US Extends Drone War Deeper Into Africa With New Base in Cameroon Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- The establishment of the new base is a 'dramatic uptick' in Washington's war on terror in Africa, with Boko Haram as one of the enemies, The Intercept said.
• Virginia National Guard Assembles Troops to Provide Post-Storm Assistance AFPS 25 Feb 2016 -- The Virginia National Guard began alerting soldiers late yesterday, to go on state active duty to provide assistance in the wake of severe weather that impacted the central and southeastern regions of Virginia, officials said today.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Buddy Wing 16-2 takes flight over Osan skies AFNS 25 Feb 2016 -- The 51st Fighter Wing hosted Buddy Wing 16-2 at Osan Air Base Feb. 22-25, showcasing Airmen from the 25th Fighter Squadron and Aircraft Maintenance Unit.
• Exercise Coastal Predator readies service members for deployment USMC News 25 Feb 2016 -- Coastal Predator is a two-weeklong exercise designed to test and prepare Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 to be combat ready for future deployments.
• Research Vessel Sally Ride Completes Builder's Trials NNS 25 Feb 2016 -- The Navy's Auxiliary General Purpose Oceanographic Research Vessel (AGOR), R/V Sally Ride (AGOR 28), successfully completed Builder's Trials, Feb. 21, off the coast of Anacortes.
• Kadena launches Pacific region's first MC-130J five-ship formation flight AFNS 25 Feb 2016 -- Instead of the usual howl of jet engines, members of Kadena Air Base heard the growl of 120 turboprop blades chopping the air as the 17th Special Operations Squadron's MC-130J Commando IIs dominated the airfield scene Feb. 17.
• Carter: Budget Reflects Defense Needs in a New Strategic Era AFPS 25 Feb 2016 -- The Defense Department's fiscal year 2017 budget proposal accounts for America's leading role as an underwriter of worldwide security and the need to invest in technologies and people in a new strategic era, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today.
• Fiscal '17 Budget Request Starts to Fund Defense Needs, Chairman Says AFPS 25 Feb 2016 -- The fiscal year 2017 defense budget request is a good start -- but only a start -- toward maintaining a military capable of fighting and winning today's wars and producing a military capable of winning in the future, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee today.
• Exercise Coastal Predator readies service members for deployment USMC News 25 Feb 2016 -- Coastal Predator is a two-weeklong exercise designed to test and prepare Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 to be combat ready for future deployments.
• 31st MEU sets sail from Thailand USMC News 25 Feb 2016 -- The USS Ashland, carrying elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, left Sattahip, Thailand, Feb. 21, 2016 following the completion of Exercise Cobra Gold 16.
• Ace in the hole: Iron Blitz 2016 USMC News 25 Feb 2016 -- The sound of M1A1 Abrams tanks resonated throughout the base, announcing their presence as the Marines with 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division conducted Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation, "Iron Blitz," Feb. 19-26, 2016.
• Bremerton Visits Singapore during Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment NNS 25 Feb 2016 -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Bremerton (SSN 698) arrived in Singapore Feb. 22 for a port visit during its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment.
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Adm. Harris in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 25 Feb 2016 -- Presenter: Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr., commander, U.S. Pacific Command
• Pacom Commander: Rebalance to Asia-Pacific 'Being Realized' AFPS 25 Feb 2016 -- The U.S. military's strategic rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region is "real and being realized," the commander of U.S. Pacific Command told Pentagon reporters today.
• China's South China Sea Actions Have Led to 'Self Isolation,' US Defense Chief Says VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- China's actions in the South China Sea have led to 'self isolation,' galvanizing regional neighbors to turn against Beijing, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter.
• US Pacific Command Welcomes Patrols by Any Nation in South China Sea Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- PACOM Commander Harry Harris said that the United States views favourably international patrols by vessels of any country in the South China Sea.
• Iceland FM Rules Out Permanent US Deployment to Keflavik Air Base Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- Icelandic Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson assured Sputnik on Thursday that the return of the US Navy to Iceland's Keflavik base would not be permanent and ruled out a Cold War-like standoff with Russia.
• Latvian FM: Substantial NATO Presence Needed in Baltics VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- Latvia's foreign minister says NATO needs to increase its presence in the Baltic region, given Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and continued support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.
• Statement by the NATO Secretary General on NATO support to assist with the refugee and migrant crisis NATO 25 Feb 2016
• Breedlove: Russia, Instability Threaten U.S., European Security Interests AFPS 25 Feb 2016 -- Russia and instability on Europe's southern flank pose serious threats to U.S. and European security interests, the commander of U.S. forces in Europe said today.
• Breedlove: NATO Aims to Reestablish Military Communication With Russia Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- NATO has made attempts to reestablish military-to-military talks with Russia after they were cut off nearly two years ago, Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Philip Breedlove told reporters on Thursday.
• Breedlove: US Military Consideting Capabilities to 'Deter Russia in Arctic' Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- US military leaders are considering the capabilities Washington would need in the Arctic to deter Russia, US Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Philip Breedlove told the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee on Thursday.
• Breedlove: NATO Ready to 'Fight and Win If Necessary' Against Russia Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- The US European Command (EUCOM) and NATO are prepared to 'fight and win' against Russia 'if necessary,' US Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Philip Breedlove said on Thursday.
• NATO Commander: Russia Poses 'Existential Threat' To West RFE/RL 25 Feb 2016 -- NATO Supreme Commander Philip Breedlove said Russia has decided to become an adversary of the West and presents an 'existential threat' to the United States and its allies.
• Prime Minister and Minister for Defence - 2016 Defence White Paper Australia DoD 25 Feb 2016 -- The 2016 White Paper is a comprehensive and responsible long-term plan to ensure Australia’s national security. (...) For the first time, the White Paper released today by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Defence Minister Marise Payne fully aligns strategy, capability and resources to make the Australian Defence Force (ADF) more capable, agile and potent.
• Australia declares huge boost in defense spending Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- The Australian government has announced a massive new investment on the country's defense capabilities amid rising tensions in the Asia Pacific region.
• Australia Announces $21 Billion Defense Expansion VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- Australia will spend an extra $21 billion in defense spending over the next decade. The government says it reflects concern over rapid militarization in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Op-ed: It is the US that is militarizing the South China Sea People's Daily 25 Feb 2016 -- The U.S. has recently been hyping the idea that China is militarizing the South China Sea. It first criticized China for deploying missiles in Yongxing Island, then claimed in a report that China is building a radar system on islands or reefs in the Nansha Islands.
• S China Sea defenses needed in face US militarization: Beijing Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- China says a US militarization process justifies the presence of Beijing's defenses in the disputed South China Sea, emphasizing that the Asian state is allowed to deploy military equipment on its own soil.
• Ground Broken for Chinese Naval Logistics Center in Djibouti Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- In November, the construction of a Chinese naval logistics center in Djibouti was announced, with its mission to service patrol ships.
• China concerned over US missiles in South Korea Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- Beijing has expressed concern over the possible deployment of an American missile system in South Korea, saying it could jeopardize China's national security.
• UK Unions Set to Take On Labour Party in Split Over Trident Nuclear Program Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- Trade union workers are set to take on the leader of the UK Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn over the replacement of the country Trident nuclear deterrent program, Sputnik has been told.
• UK maritime personnel to take part in winter training exercise UK MOD 25 Feb 2016 -- Hundreds of UK maritime personnel will take part in a NATO exercise focused on crisis response over the next fortnight.
• Defence Secretary announces UK support to peacekeeping mission UK MOD 25 Feb 2016 -- UK Armed Forces personnel will support the longstanding multinational peacekeeping mission in Egypt, the Defence Secretary has announced.
• Iran Navy plans to hold joint military drills with India Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- Iran's Navy chief says the Islamic Republic plans to hold joint military drills with India.
• Number of US Military Contractors in Iraq in 2015 Soars Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- The number of Pentagon military contractors sent to Iraq in the framework of anti-Daesh combat operations has grown eight-fold over the last year, outpacing that of US servicemen deployed in the region.
• Jordan-Repair and Return of F-16 Engines, Sustainment and Support DSCA 25 Feb 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Jordan for repair and return of F-16 Engines, sustainment and support. The estimated cost is $115.1 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Plot Thickens: Four Saudi Warplanes to Arrive in Turkey Friday Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- Saudi Arabia will transfer four fighter-bombers, on Friday, to an airbase in the south of Turkey, local media reported, citing a military source.
• US Intel Director Claims Syria 'Has Not Declared' All Chemical Weapons Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- The United States believes Syria has not declared all of its chemical weapons program to the Chemical Weapons Convention, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) James Clapper said in a testimony to the US House of Representatives Select Intelligence Committee on Thursday.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 2/25/2016 The White House 25 Feb 2016

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 25, 2016

Other Conflicts

• 25 February 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 Feb 2016
• Taiwan reiterates its sovereignty over Diaoyutai Islands CNA 25 Feb 2016 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Thursday Taiwan's sovereignty over the Diaoyutai Islands in the East China Sea, insisting that based on all historical and geographic factors and international law, the islands form part of the Republic of China's inherent territory.
• Humanitarian and ceasefire tracks for Syria 'moving in the right direction' - UN envoy UN News 25 Feb 2016 -- International task forces established to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access and a ceasefire in Syria "are moving in the right direction," a United Nations mediator said today, ahead of a Friday deadline to accept a truce.
• Militant mortar attack leaves one dead in Damascus Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- At least one person has been killed after Takfiri militants fired mortar rounds at residential areas in the Syrian capital, Damascus.
• Saudi forces in Turkey for air campaign in Syria Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- More than two dozen Saudi Air Force personnel and a cargo of military equipment have arrived in Turkey to prepare for a joint air campaign in Syria.
• Syria safe zone needs 30,000 soldiers, says Kerry Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry says establishing a safe zone in Syria requires between 15,000 to 30,000 ground soldiers.
• Turkey not bound by Syria truce deal if security threatened: PM Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu says Turkey will not honor a planned cessation of hostilities in war-hit Syria if its security is threatened.
• Syrian army recaptures strategic town southeast of Aleppo Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- Syrian army forces and their allies have retaken control of a strategic town in the northern Aleppo province from Daesh militants.
• Thrashed! Syrian Army Flushes Out Terrorists in Latakia, Aleppo, Homs Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- The Syrian army and air force, backed by the popular units, destroyed terrorists' defense lines in the northern Latakia province leaving many militants killed and wounded, Iran's Fars news agency reported.
• US Officials: Russia Mulling More Ground Troops for Syria VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- Top U.S. intelligence officials are raising concerns Russia may not be completely committed to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Syria.
• Diplomats Push for Syria Cease-fire as Deadline Approaches VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- U.N. diplomats are considering a Security Council resolution endorsing a U.S.- and Russian-backed cease-fire in Syria, which U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says is 'the one way that we can end this war.'
• Iraqi forces make new gains in Anbar, Salahuddin IRNA 25 Feb 2016 -- Iraqi joint forces in continuation of their achievements in the battle against the terrorists and the efforts made to drive them out of the Iraqi soil, another 17 kilometers of the Daesh-controlled areas in the Western part of al-Sharqat city was liberated.
• UN report documents litany of violations and abuses amid chaos in Libya OHCHR 25 Feb 2016-- A UN report published on Thursday has documented widespread violations and abuses committed in Libya since the beginning of 2014. The report recommends urgent measures to fight against impunity and to strengthen and reform the justice sector.
• US, UN Welcome Libyan Lawmakers' Support of Unity Government VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- The U.S. and U.N. have welcomed a declaration by Libyan lawmakers in support of a proposed unity government, but expressed concern about reported intimidation of members of parliament by those who oppose the accord.
• UN Alleges Widespread Abuses Committed With Impunity in Libya VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- A United Nations investigating team has found what is says are widespread atrocities committed with impunity by a variety of armed groups in Libya.
• UN finds evidence of war crimes in Libya Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- The United Nations says all sides to the conflict in Libya have committed acts that amount to war crimes as well as other rights abuses over the past two years.
• France's 'Secret War' in Libya Not So Secret Anymore Sputnik 25 Feb 2016 -- French newspaper Le Monde has been accused of compromising state secrets after reporting that the France was waging a 'secret war' with Libya. Its report based on sources blogging on the ground suggests that French Special Forces are in eastern Libya, engaging in covert operations against Daesh along with the US and UK.
• UN reports widespread human rights abuses in Libya, where 'complete impunity prevails' UN News 25 Feb 2016 -- A United Nations report published today has documented widespread human rights violations and abuses committed in Libya since the beginning of 2014, recommending urgent measures to address "the complete impunity that prevails" and to strengthen and reform the justice sector.
• Pakistan anti-militant offensive enters 'final phase' Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- Pakistan has begun the 'last phase' of an ongoing massive military operation to wipe out the remnants of militants from hideouts across the troubled tribal regions along the restive border with Afghanistan.
• Al-Shabab killed 200 Kenyan troops last month: Somali president Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says as many as 200 Kenyan soldiers had been killed when the Takfiri al-Shabab militants attacked an African Union base in the country last month.
• Somali President: 180-200 Kenyan Soldiers Killed in January Attack VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- Somalia's president says between 180 and 200 Kenyan soldiers were killed when Islamist militants attacked an African Union base in southwestern Somalia last month.
• Kiir Tells UN Chief He Will Implement S. Sudan Peace Accord VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon met with South Sudan's president Thursday in an effort to advance the peace accord aimed at ending the country's civil war.
• 'Put peace above politics,' Ban tells leaders of South Sudan UN News 25 Feb 2016 -- As part of the last day of his visit to South Sudan, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with President Salva Kiir, stressing the urgency of forming a Transitional Government, as well as spoke by phone with former Vice-President Riek Machar and visited a protection of civilians site.

News Reports

• EU Discord Deepens Amid Warnings Of Looming 'Humanitarian Crisis' RFE/RL 25 Feb 2016 -- Interior ministers from the European Union, Turkey, and the Balkans held fresh talks on February 25 amid major differences over ways to contain an escalating migrant crisis.
• Austria, Balkan States Agree Tighter Border Controls On Migrants RFE/RL 25 Feb 2016 -- Austria and its Balkan neighbors have agreed to tighten border controls and warned they may eventually have to shut their borders entirely.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, February 25, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Feb 2016
• US warns banks against buying Russian bonds Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- The United States has warned American banks against buying Russian government bonds over the possibility of violating sanctions on Moscow.
• US, China Agree on North Korea Sanctions VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- The United States will submit to the U.N. Security Council a draft resolution calling for new sanctions on North Korea for its recent nuclear test and long-range missile launch.
• Apple Vs. FBI Pits Personal Against National Security VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- In defying the U.S. government's demands to help it break into a locked iPhone, Apple Inc. and its chief executive have added another chapter to the tech company's lore. The move has amplified its role, not only as an innovator of computing and communications, but also as a global guardian of privacy and security – and created a complicated challenge.
• Egypt president says 'terrorists' behind downing of Russian plane Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi says the Russian plane that crashed in Sinai in late October was downed by terrorists seeking to harm Egypt's tourism industry and ties with Moscow.
• EU ends sanctions against Belarus president, individuals Press TV 25 Feb 2016 -- The European Union has decided to lift nearly all of its sanctions against Belarus, saying Minsk has managed to improve its human rights record.
• Two Years After Uprising, Ukraine Still Battling Corruption VOA 25 Feb 2016 -- Two years after the Ukraine's Euromaidan, the mass uprising that toppled the Russia-backed regime in 2013 and brought a pro-Western government to power, the country is still battling the corruption that the Euromaidan sought to purge.
• U.S. Envoy Urges Ukraine To Become Agricultural 'Superpower' RFE/RL 25 Feb 2016 -- Ukraine has signed a deal with U.S. agriculture giant Cargill to build a major grain-export terminal that Washington's ambassador said could help turn the embattled country into an agricultural 'superpower.'