Further Reading

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 12 Jul 2016 [PDF]
• Coalition Strikes Target ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 12 Jul 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.
• Carter Offers Details on Troop Deployment, Iraq Campaign AFPS 12 Jul 2016 -- Defense Secretary Ash Carter and one of his senior commanders offered some details about the role of the 560 additional U.S. troops the Defense Department announced yesterday will deploy to Iraq to support Iraqi forces combating the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
• Media Availability with Secretary Carter and Gen. Nicholson in Kabul, Afghanistan DoD 12 Jul 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter; General John Nicholson, Jr., commander, Resolute Support mission and U.S. Forces - Afghanistan
• Remarks by Secretary Carter at a Troop Event in Afghanistan DoD 12 Jul 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
• Joint Press Conference with Secretary Carter and President Ghani in Kabul, Afghanistan DoD 12 Jul 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter; President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani
• US Forces in Afghanistan Battle Taliban 'Almost Daily' VOA 12 Jul 2016 -- The top U.S. general in Afghanistan says his forces are using their new authorities–which include airstrikes against the Taliban--"almost daily" in support of the Afghan government's efforts to rid the country of insurgents and terrorists.
• US Defense Secretary Makes Surprise Visit to Afghanistan VOA 12 Jul 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter was in Afghanistan on Tuesday, just three days after international leaders agreed to support the war-torn country with about 12,000 NATO troops and funding for Afghan National Defense and Security Forces through 2020.

Defense Policy / Programs

• More Military Bases Join 'Sentinel Landscapes' for Readiness Enhancement AFPS 12 Jul 2016 -- Numerous military installations have joined the Sentinel Landscapes partnership to maintain military readiness while preserving local agriculture, natural resources and wildlife habitat, Defense Department officials announced today.
• USS Freedom Departs for RIMPAC SOCAL 2016 NNS 12 Jul 2016 -- The Navy's first littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) departed Naval Base San Diego July 9 to participate in the world's largest international maritime exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2016.
• Key West Visits Yokosuka during Western Pacific Deployment NNS 12 Jul 2016 -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a routine visit as part of its deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific, July 12.
• Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Enters US 5th Fleet NNS 12 Jul 2016 -- Aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), the flagship of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG), entered the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, July 8.
• US Should Expand Security Ties With Allies Amid South China Sea Ruling Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker said that he hopes all parties involved in the South China Sea dispute will refrain from actions undermining security and stability in the region.
• Iranian Navy Comes 500 Feet of US Warship With CENTCOM Commander Aboard Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- According to a media reports, small surface vessels from the Iranian Navy closely shadowed the warship carrying US Central Command (CENTCOM) head Gen. Joseph Votel cruising in the Persian Gulf.
• Russia's 'Polar Bear Spetznas' Step Up Defense of Country's Arсtic Borders Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Amid NATO's buildup along Russia's borders, including in the Arctic region, Moscow is stepping up efforts to strengthen its northern defense. Moreover, in addition to the Navy and Aerospace Defense Forces, the Arctic's defense is increasingly coming to depend on troops from the ground forces – serving under extremely harsh climactic conditions.
• Russian Helicopters to Overhaul Serbian Aircraft Factory, Repair Mi-8/17s Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Russian Helicopters plans to modernize Serbian aircraft-making factory to provide maintenance for military choppers, the firm's deputy chief told Sputnik on Tuesday.
• All foreign vessels in Persian Gulf being monitored by IRGC Navy IRNA 12 Jul 2016 -- Deputy commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy said here on Tuesday that the IRGC is closely monitoring all foreign vessels in the Persian Gulf.
• IRGC monitoring all foreign vessels in Persian Gulf ISNA 12 Jul 2016 -- Iranian Deputy Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri said all foreign vessels in Persian Gulf are being monitored by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran.
• IRGC keeps close watch on foreign vessels: Navy commander Press TV 12 Jul 2016 -- The second-in-command of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy says the forces are keeping a close eye on all foreign vessels in the Persian Gulf.
• Iran nuclear program separate from missile work: Senior Iranian official ISNA 12 Jul 2016 -- A senior Iranian official said one of the achievements of the Islamic Republic in the nuclear deal it has struck with six world powers has been the separation of the two issues of Iran's nuclear program from its missile activities.
• Private Watchdog Detects 'High-Level Activity' at North Korea Nuclear Site VOA 12 Jul 2016 -- A U.S.-based North Korean watchdog says recent satellite images indicates "a high-level of activity" at the communist regime's nuclear test site.
• Swedish Authorities Under Fire Over Uncompetitive Helicopter Contract Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Sweden's Maritime Administration has been sharply criticized by the country's Competition Authority after a notoriously prearranged helicopter deal, which cost the state budget millions of kroner.
• France Puts Off India by Proposing New Conditions for Rafale Deal Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Inter-government talks between India and France on the purchase of Rafale fighter planes have hit another major roadblock as France has reportedly proposed an arrangement that India is most likely to reject outright.
• India May Build Up Its Military Power With Russia's Shtorm Aircraft Carrier Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Russia has offered its latest aircraft carrier design, Project 23000E Shtorm to the Indians. That's according to a senior Indian Navy official speaking to Defense News.
• India to Lease One More Akula-Class Nuclear Sub From Russian Navy Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- India agreed to lease the second Akula-class submarine from the Russian Navy, local media reported Tuesday citing a source in the military.
• July 12, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 12 Jul 2016

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for July 12, 2016

Other Conflicts

• 12 July 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Jul 2016
• Decision in the Philippines-China Arbitration US Dept. of State 12 Jul 2016 -- The decision today by the Tribunal in the Philippines-China arbitration is an important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution to disputes in the South China Sea.
• China: UN Court Ruling Will 'Intensify Conflict' VOA 12 Jul 2016 -- China's ambassador to the United States has rebuked the U.N. arbitration court ruling that dismissed Beijing's territorial claims in the South China Sea.
• President Xi says China rejects any proposition, action based on S. China Sea arbitration award People's Daily 12 Jul 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said China will not accept any proposition or action based on the decision Tuesday by the South China Sea arbitral tribunal.
• Full text of statement of China's Foreign Ministry on award of South China Sea arbitration initiated by Philippines People's Daily 12 Jul 2016 -- Following is the full text of the Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China on the Award of 12 July 2016 of the Arbitral Tribunal in the South China SeaArbitration Established at the Request of the Republic of the Philippinesissued on Tuesday.
• UN Arbitration Court Rules Against Beijing in South China Sea Dispute VOA 12 Jul 2016 -- In a landmark ruling, the U.N. arbitration court is dismissing China's territorial claims in the South China Sea, saying it has "no historic title" to the vast maritime region.
• Tribunal Ruling Favoring Philippines Likely to Deepen China Sea Dispute VOA 12 Jul 2016 -- With Tuesday's tribunal ruling largely seen as favoring the Philippines, a U.S. ally, experts say both China and the U.S. likely would intensify diplomatic and military maneuvers to win support for their respective positions.
• South China Sea Ruling Explained VOA 12 Jul 2016 -- An international tribunal in The Hague has rebuked China over its behavior in the South China Sea and found no legal basis for Beijing's vast claims to sovereignty over the waters. The tribunal also criticized China for damaging the environment of coral reefs and for not preventing its fishermen from killing protected species such as sea turtles. Here are the main points from Tuesday's unanimous ruling by the five judge panel:
• Manila Welcomes Court Decision on Beijing's Claims in S China Sea Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Filipino Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay welcomed on Tuesday a decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights to resources in the South China Sea.
• Hague Verdict: China Has No Legal Basis to Claim South China Sea Resources Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Hague-based permanent court of arbitration ruled that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights to South China Sea resources.
• China Does Not Accept or Recognize 'Invalid' Hague Verdict on S China Sea Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- China does ot accept or recognize 'invalid' Hague court decision on South China sea, the Chinese Foreign ministry stated on Tuesday.
• US Urges Recognition of 'Biding Nature' of Court Ruling on South China Sea Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said that the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration's decision on the South China Sea dispute is final.
• India Treads Lightly Following UN Rejection of Chinese Claims Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- The Indian response to an international court decision regarding the South China Sea has been cautious. India's government has responded by saying that they are studying it carefully.
• China rejects a ruling by the Hague-based tribunal over South China Sea islands Press TV 12 Jul 2016 -- China has dismissed a ruling by a Hague-based tribunal over its disputes with the Philippines in the South China Sea.
• Vietnam accuses China of sinking fishing boat in disputed waters Press TV 12 Jul 2016 -- Vietnam has accused China of sinking a fishing boat in the disputed South China Sea as an international court is due to issue a ruling in the territorial row between Beijing and Manila.
• International arbitration court rules that Taiping is 'rock' CNA 12 Jul 2016 -- An international arbitration court ruled Tuesday that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights to resources within the South China Sea areas falling within a "nine-dash line" and that all high-tide features in the Spratly Islands, including the Taiwan-controlled Taiping, are legally "rocks."
• Taiwan does not accept South China Sea ruling: Presidential Office CNA 12 Jul 2016 -- The Republic of China (Taiwan) said Tuesday that it will not accept the ruling by an international court that all high-tide features in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, including Taiwan-controlled Taiping, are "rocks" and not islands.
• Government ships to protect fishing boats in South China Sea: Agency CNA 12 Jul 2016 -- A senior fisheries official said Tuesday the government cannot accept an international tribunal ruling that Taiping Island in the South China Sea is a rock, and he urged Taiwanese fishermen to continue fishing in waters near the island as the Coast Guard's patrol boats will keep protecting them there.
• U.S. calls for peaceful resolution of South China Sea disputes CNA 12 Jul 2016 -- The United States encouraged all South China Sea claimants to clarify their maritime claims in line with international law and urged all parties concerned to address disputes peacefully, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said Tuesday, in response to an international court ruling on South China Sea disputes.
• U.S. takes no side on status of Taiping Island: Taiwan official CNA 12 Jul 2016 -- Ahead of an international court decision on the South China Sea that could weaken Taiwan's claims to Taiping Island, Taiwan said Tuesday that it has continued to exchange views on related issues with the United States.
• South China Sea ruling won't be binding on Taiwan: Premier Lin CNA 12 Jul 2016 -- Premier Lin Chuan (林全) said Tuesday that a pending international court ruling on a case brought by the Philippines against China over their disputes in the South China Sea will not be legally binding on Taiwan.
• South China Sea ruling triggers cross-party condemnation in Taiwan CNA 12 Jul 2016 -- Ruling and opposition parties and even local government council members were unanimous Tuesday in condemning an international tribunal's ruling that Taiping Island in the South China Sea is a "rock" rather than an inhabitable island.
• Ex-president: tribunal ruling violates common sense CNA 12 Jul 2016 -- Former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), who had made ceaseless efforts to highlight Taiwan's sovereignty over Taiping Island, said Tuesday he was shocked and infuriated by the Permanent Court of Arbitration's "absurd and unfair" ruling on the island's status as a rock.
• China-Philippine economic ties damaged by US interference People's Daily 12 Jul 2016 -- Trade and economic cooperation between China and the Philippines have great potential and both countries should overcome political obstacles and interference from outside nations for their people's best interest, analysts said.
• Unlawful arbitration cannot negate China's sovereignty over South China Sea: People's Daily People's Daily 12 Jul 2016 -- The unlawful arbitration concerning the South China Sea unilaterally filed by the Philippines cannot negate China's legitimate rights and interests in the region, the People's Daily said in an editorial that referred to the arbitration as "nothing more than a piece of paper" on Monday.
• UK munitions used in Saudi strikes on civilians in Yemen: HRW ISNA 12 Jul 2016 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) said it has "compelling evidence" that British weapons are being used by Saudi Arabia in the war on Yemen, including against civilian targets.
• Houthi Rebels Plan to Return to Intra-Yemeni Talks in Kuwait Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdul Salam stated that the rebels were to stick to the April ceasefire agreement and to desist from hostilities on the ground and in the air.
• U.S. Humanitarian Assistance in Response to the Syrian Crisis US Dept. of State 12 Jul 2016 -- Secretary Kerry announced today that the United States is providing nearly $439 million in additional lifesaving humanitarian assistance for those affected by the war in Syria. This new funding brings U.S. humanitarian assistance in response to this conflict to nearly $5.6 billion since the start of the crisis.
• Lebanon's Hezbollah Train Afghan Snipers to Fight for Assad VOA 12 Jul 2016 -- Lebanon's militant Hezbollah movement has been providing advanced sniper training to Afghans fighting for the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, reports an Iranian news service.
• 300k cut off from aid in Syria's Aleppo: UN official Press TV 12 Jul 2016 -- A United Nations spokeswoman has expressed concerns about intensified fighting between Syria's warring sides in the northwestern city of Aleppo, saying the clashes have cut off an estimated 300,000 people from humanitarian supplies.
• Germany Unlikely to Agree AWACS Syria Flights From Turkey Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Berlin is unlikely to give a green light to more reconnaissance flights over Syria from the Turkish territory in light of Ankara's resistance to allow a German Bundestag delegation to visit German soldiers at the Incirlik airbase in southern Turkey, Rainer Arnold, a German lawmaker from the Social Democratic Party (SPD), told Sputnik on Tuesday.
• Russian Tu-22M3 Bombers Destroy Daesh Camp, Tanks & Militants in Syria Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- Russian Tu-22M3 strategic long-range bombers have destroyed a number of militants, large Daesh camp, ammunition depots and tanks in Syrian on July 12, the Russian Defense Minsitry stated.
• Thousands of civilians in Aleppo city at risk, says UN humanitarian wing UN News 12 Jul 2016 -- The United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned today that the lives of thousands of civilians in the Syrian city of Aleppo are at risk following spread of hostilities and reports of continued aerial bombardment and shelling on civilian locations in both western and eastern parts of the city.
• Syrian army extends nationwide ceasefire for another three days Press TV 12 Jul 2016 -- The Syrian army has announced another three-day extension of a nationwide ceasefire which was initially declared to mark Eid al-Fitr.
• Iraqi forces push terrorists out of villages near Mosul Press TV 12 Jul 2016 -- Iraqi troops have liberated two villages in southern Mosul from the grip of Daesh terrorists as part of the push by government forces for recapturing the strategic northern city.
• Shaky S. Sudan Truce Holds as Juba Residents Find Looted Markets VOA 12 Jul 2016 -- A fragile cease-fire called by rival leaders appeared to hold Tuesday in South Sudan's capital, Juba, after four days of artillery and small-arms fire that left hundreds dead and displaced thousands of others.
• UN: Fresh wave of violence displaced 36k in South Sudan capital Press TV 12 Jul 2016 -- At least 36,000 people have been displaced since fresh heavy fighting erupted in South Sudan's capital, Juba, on July 8, the UN says.
• South Sudan ceasefire 'largely holding;' UN urges safe passage for civilians seeking safety UN News 12 Jul 2016 -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has reported that the ceasefire in the crisis-gripped country appears to be "largely holding, barring sporadic gunfire," while the UN refugee agency has urged countries to keep their borders open for people fleeing tensions in Juba, where the human rights wing has warned the situation is "deteriorating rapidly."
• Uneasy Cease-fire in South Sudan After Recent Violence VOA 12 Jul 2016 -- An uneasy cease-fire prevailed in South Sudan's capital on Tuesday as aid workers struggled to reach thousands affected by heavy clashes of the last few days. New fighting was reported in the countryside while the government and opposition traded accusations over who was at fault for the violence.
• Israel conducted drone raids in Egypt's Sinai: Report Press TV 12 Jul 2016 -- A former high-ranking Israeli official says Israel has carried out numerous drone strikes purportedly against militants in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula with Egyptian consent over the past few years, implying close cooperation between Tel Aviv and Cairo.
• At Security Council, Ban urges Israel-Palestine talks to overcome 'political paralysis' UN News 12 Jul 2016 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to immediately begin discussions on implementing the recommendations made in a recent report published by the diplomatic partners mediating the peace process as efforts continue to restore hope for a lasting political solution.
• Israel Bans Palestinian Youth Group As Front For Iran, Hizballah RFE/RL 12 Jul 2016 -- Israel announced it outlawed a Palestinian group that allegedly acted as a front for Iran in directing militant attacks against Israelis and the regime of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.
• 'Alarming' levels of malnutrition and famine-like conditions in northeast Nigeria - UN UN News 12 Jul 2016 -- Humanitarian convoys have uncovered emergency levels of severe acute malnutrition and famine-like conditions in Nigeria's Borno State, particularly in 15 satellite camps, where some 275,000 people are living, the United Nations relief aid wing has warned.
• Indian PM Appeals for Peace in Kashmir VOA 12 Jul 2016 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed for calm in Indian Kashmir, which has been wracked with three days of violent protests.
• Valley of Guns: India's New Government Sweating its Kashmir Conundrum Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir has reached a boiling point; more than two dozen have died and around 1,300 have been injured in clashes between hostile teens and security forces.

News Reports

• The Hague court ruling downgrades ROC's status: foreign minister CNA 12 Jul 2016 -- Foreign Minster David Lee (李大維) said late Tuesday that the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has downgraded the Republic of China's status as a sovereign state in its ruling on South China Sea disputes.
• Germany spied on 1000s of NATO, EU targets: Bundestag report Press TV 12 Jul 2016 -- Germany's foreign intelligence service spied on hundreds of NATO and European Union diplomatic missions until late 2013, a parliamentary report reveals.
• Foreign Buyers Snap Up Shares Of Russia's Alrosa Diamond Firm RFE/RL 12 Jul 2016 -- The Russian government sold a stake in Alrosa, the world's largest diamond producer, generating $818 million to help close the country's growing budget deficits.
• Iran to send two satellites into space by early 2017 ISNA 12 Jul 2016 -- Head of Iranian Space Organization Mohsen Bahrami said that three satellites of 'Dousti' (friendship), Amir-Kabir and Nahid (Venus) are scheduled to be launched into space soon.
• UK Space Agency Invests $5.4Mln in National Propulsion Test Facility Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- According to the agency statement, UK Space Agency is investing 4.12 million pounds ($5.4 million at the current exchange rates) in National Propulsion Test Facility that would be used for tests of space technologies.
• New Space Tracking Ship Yuanwang-7 Launched in China Sputnik 12 Jul 2016 -- China launched on Tuesday new space tracking ship Yuanwang-7, which is expected to monitor Chinese space missions, local media reported.
• US not committed its JCPOA obligations: Velayati IRNA 12 Jul 2016 -- US officials are not committed to their obligations enshrined in the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action, Ali Akbar Velayati President of the Center for Strategic Research.
• US has failed to honor its JCPOA commitments: Velayati ISNA 12 Jul 2016 -- A senior adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the US has failed to carry out its obligations under Iran's nuclear deal with the group of world powers.
• Iran's oil output at highest level in 5 years Press TV 12 Jul 2016 -- The latest market figures show that Iran's oil production has already hit the highest level in the past five years – what could mark a major achievement for the country only months after the removal of sanctions in January.
• US not committed its JCPOA obligations: Velayati IRNA 12 Jul 2016 -- US officials are not committed to their obligations enshrined in the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action, Ali Akbar Velayati President of the Center for Strategic Research.