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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 26 May 2016 [PDF]
• Counter-ISIL Strikes Target Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 26 May 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• As Strikes Weaken ISIL, Work Remains, Air Component Commander Says AFPS 26 May 2016 -- The U.S.-led coalition can strike Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant capabilities any time and anywhere while very deliberately cutting impact on civilians, the commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command said today.
• Video Purportedly Shows Taliban Commanders Pledging Loyalty To New Leader RFE/RL 26 May 2016 -- RFE/RL has obtained video footage that purportedly shows a group of Taliban commanders pledging loyalty to the newly named Afghan Taliban leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada.
• What Information Led to US Strike on Taliban Leader? VOA 26 May 2016 -- Days after a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan, near the Afghan border, killed Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, it remains unclear how the slain leader's location was discovered.
• Pakistan Claims US Scuttled Afghan Peace Efforts VOA 26 May 2016 -- Pakistan is accusing the United States of scuttling Islamabad's efforts to facilitate a negotiated end to the conflict in Afghanistan, insisting the slain leader of the Afghan Taliban was not blocking the peace process.
• Pakistan confirms death of Afghan Taliban leader IRNA 26 May 2016 -- Adviser to Pakistan PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said: All indicators confirm that the person killed in the US drone strike was Mullah Akhter Mansour.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 26 May 2016 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook
• Kendall: F-35 Program Shows 'Continuing Progress in All Aspects' AFPS 26 May 2016 -- The F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter program is on track and demonstrating "continuing progress in all aspects," Frank Kendall, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, said May 24.
• Budget Uncertainty Threatens Readiness, Pentagon Spokesman Says AFPS 26 May 2016 -- Budget uncertainty threatens readiness and training, underscoring the need for reliable funding for defense operations, the Pentagon's press secretary told reporters here today.
• Marines, Jordanians conduct squad attacks during Eager Lion 16 USMC News 26 May 2016 -- Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division and the Jordanian 77th Marines Battalion honed conducted squad attacks as part of Eager Lion 16 in Al Quweyrah, Jordan, May 19.
• Crisis response Marines, French Gendarmerie conducts riot control training USMC News 26 May 2016 -- U.S. Marines formed a human barricade alongside members of the French National Gendarmerie to protect a simulated U.S. Embassy during a riot control exercise at the National Gendarmerie Training Center in St. Astier, France, May 12-15, 2016.
• PACFLT Holds MMCA Talks, Enhances Cooperation with PLA NNS 26 May 2016 -- Military representatives from U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), U.S. Pacific Air Forces and the People's Republic of China (PRC) People's Liberation Army Navy and Air Force met for recurring consultations to improve coordination on maritime issues and safety at Ford Island, May 24-25.
• F/A-18F Mishap Off Coast of North Carolina NNS 26 May 2016 -- Two F/A-18F Super Hornets assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 flying off the coast of Cape Hatteras were involved in an in-flight mishap at approximately 10:40 a.m. local time. The flight was part of a routine training mission.
• Okinawa Parliament Passes Resolution Demanding Withdrawal of U.S. Marines People's Daily 26 May 2016 -- The Okinawa prefectural parliament passed a resolution Thursday, protesting against the murder of a 20-year-old local woman by a U.S. military-affiliated civilian and demanding the withdrawal of U.S. Marines from the southernmost island prefecture.
• Taiwan to set up cyberwarfare force CNA 26 May 2016 -- Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan (馮世寬 ) said Thursday that his ministry will establish a cyberwarfare force to complement the country's navy, army and air force.
• Oman-Continuation of Logistics Support Services and Equipment DSCA 26 May 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Oman for continuation of logistics support services and equipment. The estimated cost is $260 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 24, 2016.
• Qatar- Javelin Guided Missiles DSCA 26 May 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Qatar for Javelin Guided Missiles and associated equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $20 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 24, 2016.
• The Government of Kuwait-F/A-18 C/D Services and Support DSCA 26 May 2016 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait for F/A-18 C/D services and support. The estimated cost is $420 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 24, 2016.
• Remarks by President Obama in Press Availability -- Ise-Shima, Japan The White House 26 May 2016
• May 26, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 26 May 2016

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 26, 2016

Other Conflicts

• 26 May 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 26 May 2016
• INTERVIEWS: Top UN peacekeeping, logistical officials discuss threats to 'blue helmets' UN News 26 May 2016 -- In extreme circumstances like deliberate targeting by jihadists and traffickers to more complicated assignments, today's United Nations peacekeepers need courage, a high degree of professionalism and resilience, the head of the so-called 'blue helmets' today said.
• In Republic of Korea, Ban urges Asian nations to settle border disputes, historical issues UN News 26 May 2016 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on all Asian countries to deepen dialogue, expand cooperation, and address border disputes, historical issues and threats to stability on the Korean Peninsula.
• China 'opposed to countries hyping up South China Sea for personal gain' Press TV 26 May 2016 -- China's Foreign Ministry warned Thursday that the G7 group of countries should refrain from interfering in regional issues, emphasizing that the South China Sea issue has nothing to do with the group or any of its members.
• Beijing Hopes G7 Leaders to Abstain From South China Sea Discussions Sputnik 26 May 2016 -- Beijing hopes that the G7 leaders will abstain from double standards during South China Sea disputes' discussions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday.
• China Wants Disputed South Sea Off G-7 Agenda VOA 26 May 2016 -- China has warned the Group of Seven (G-7) countries against holding talks that it argues could worsen tensions in the South China Sea. Maritime disputes are one of a host of issues that leaders of the seven countries are expected to discuss during their meetings in Tokyo this week.
• Yemen: 'hope' emanating from UN-sponsored talks, as details of peace agreement discussed UN News 26 May 2016 -- The United Nations envoy for Yemen said today that hope is emanating from the ongoing peace talks for the country as the warring parties started discussing details of elements that would be included in a comprehensive agreement.
• UAE to dispatch more mercenaries to Yemen: Report Press TV 26 May 2016 -- The United Arab Emirates has signed a $529-million contract with a security firm to send more mercenaries to Yemen to fight alongside Saudi forces in the impoverished war-torn country.
• UN envoy for Syria tells Security Council peace talks will resume 'as soon as feasible' UN News 26 May 2016 -- The United Nations envoy for Syria today told the Security Council that he intends to begin the next round of intra-Syrian talks 'as soon as feasible, but certainly not within the next two to three weeks,' the Organization reported today.
• Tartus, Jableh blasts show terrorists' frustration: Syria minister Press TV 26 May 2016 -- Syria's Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi says recent deadly bombings in the two cities of Tartus and Jableh show the deep frustration within the Takfiri terrorist groups.
• SDF liberates 2 villages during anti-Daesh operations in Raqqah Press TV 26 May 2016 -- Fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have liberated two villages from Daesh terrorists during their operations in the northern province of Raqqah.
• Only HNC Opposition Group Can Speak for Syrians - Saudi Foreign Minister Sputnik 26 May 2016 -- Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir stated that only the Riyadh-formed High Negotiations Committee (HNC) can act as a legitimate representative of the Syrian people at the intra-Syrian negotiations.
• Raqqa to Become Part of Kurd Federal Region After Daesh Driven Out Sputnik 26 May 2016 -- The Syrian city of Raqqa will soon become a part of the Federal Democratic System of Rojava and Northern Syria, a representative of the PYD in Iraqi Kurdistan said Thursday.
• Syrian Rebels: Peace Process Is a 'Waste of Breath' VOA 26 May 2016 -- Syrian rebel commanders and opposition politicians concede their armed revolution against President Bashar al-Assad can't win, thanks to the military intervention by Russia and Iran. But, they insist, neither can the regime wipe them out and end the rebellion.
• Iraq: civilians in besieged Fallujah at 'extreme risk,' senior UN humanitarian official warns UN News 26 May 2016 -- Humanitarian agencies on the ground in Iraq are warning that civilians in the city of Fallujah –which has been under the control of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) for more than two years – are at extreme risk, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Iraq has said.
• Iraq PM urges halt to protests amid Fallujah operation Press TV 26 May 2016 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has called on reform protesters in the capital Baghdad to halt their weekly action as the Iraqi military and allies gear up for retaking a key city west of the country from militants.
• Senior Daesh commander killed in Iraq's Fallujah: Military Press TV 26 May 2016 -- Iraq's military says a high-ranking commander of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group has been killed during an operation by the country's air force in the western province of Anbar.
• Families Fleeing Iraq's Fallujah in 'State of Shock' VOA 26 May 2016 -- Residents fleeing the fierce fighting between Iraqi forces and Islamic State (IS) militants in Fallujah are in a "state of shock", reeling from the gunfire and months of near-starvation.
• Justice and accountability 'critical components' for lasting peace in Libya - ICC Prosecutor UN News 26 May 2016 -- Justice, accountability and the deterrent effects of the law remain "critical components" for achieving lasting peace in Libya, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) told the United Nations Security Council today, encouraging the country's Government to give priority to devising effective plans and strategies to address atrocity crimes, and to invest in the relevant national institutions responsible for such work.
• NATO assists Ukraine in removal of obsolete weapons in Donetsk and Luhansk regions NATO 26 May 2016 -- Today, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) received equipment from NATO for the removal and destruction of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), including landmines, artillery, munitions and booby traps in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
• At Security Council, climate change citied among factors impacting stability in Sahel UN News 26 May 2016 -- At a meeting today in the United Nations Security Council on the situation in the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa, senior UN officials stressed that climate change plays a direct role in the region's security, development and stability by increasing drought and fuelling conflict.

News Reports

• KCNA Commentary on Validity of DPRK's Access to Nuclear Weapons KCNA 26 May 2016 -- The international community is becoming vocal supporting the validity of the DPRK's access to nuclear weapons for self-defence.
• Envoys of S. Korea, U.S., Japan to discuss DPRK's nuke program People's Daily 26 May 2016 -- Top nuclear envoys of South Korea, the United Statesand Japanwill discuss issues on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear program early next month in Tokyo, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Thursday.
• Iran downplays US House heavy water vote Press TV 26 May 2016 -- Iran has downplayed a vote at the US House of Representatives to bar the American government from purchasing heavy water from Iran in the future.
• US house bans govt. purchase of Iran heavy water Press TV 26 May 2016 -- The US House of Representatives has voted to bar the American government from purchasing heavy water from Iran in the future.
• U.S. Opposes Bail For Wealthy Trader In Iran Sanctions Case RFE/RL 26 May 2016 -- U.S. prosecutors have opposed a wealthy gold trader's request to be released on bail while he awaits trial for violating U.S. sanctions against Iran, saying his "immense" resources makes him a flight risk.
• Islamic State's Ability to Inspire Violence Worries US Officials VOA 26 May 2016 -- U.S. officials are warning of Islamic State's ability to inspire violent deeds around the world, including in the United States, without commanding or having any direct contact with terrorists.
• Uganda Convicts Mastermind in 2010 Bombing VOA 26 May 2016 -- A Ugandan court has convicted the mastermind of the twin bombings that killed 76 people in the capital, Kampala, in July 2010.
• Some Old, Some New in Nigeria's 'Change' Budget VOA 26 May 2016 -- After months of wrangling between the president and lawmakers, Nigeria finally has a federal budget. The spending plan has long been viewed as an avenue for theft of public funds in Nigeria.
• DRC Opposition Says President is Working to Delay Elections VOA 26 May 2016 -- Security forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo broke up opposition demonstrations across the country Thursday. Two people are believed to have been killed in the eastern city of Goma.