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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 25 Aug 2016 [PDF]
• Department of Defense Press Briefing with Press Secretary Peter Cook in the Press Briefing Room DoD 25 Aug 2016 -- Presenter: Defense Department Press Secretary Peter Cook
• Pentagon Spokesman Hails Liberation of Jarabulus, Condemns Kabul Attack AFPS 25 Aug 2016 -- The liberation of the northern Syrian city of Jarabulus is another important milestone in efforts to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook told reporters today.
• Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 25 Aug 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.
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Brig. Gen. Cleveland via teleconference from Kabul, Afghanistan DoD 25 Aug 2016 -- Presenter: Presenters: Brigadier General Charles H. Cleveland, deputy chief of staff for communications, Resolute Support Mission Defense Press Office
• US General: NATO Special Forces Still Key Presence on Afghan Battlefield VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- NATO special operations forces, whom world leaders say have not been in a combat role since the end of 2014, are still out in the field with Afghan forces almost nightly, a U.S. general in Afghanistan said Thursday.
• Resolute Support Spokesman: Afghan Security Forces on Positive Trajectory AFPS 25 Aug 2016 -- Afghan forces are performing better this year than last year, and are generally on track with their offensive campaign plan and are on a positive trajectory, the NATO Resolute Support Mission deputy chief of staff for communications said today.
• Afghanistan: UN mission condemns attack on in American University in Kabul UN News 25 Aug 2016 -- The United Nations' mission in Afghanistan has condemned last night's attack on a university in the capital, Kabul, that killed 12 civilians and injured more than 50 others, mostly students.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US: Navy Ships Fired Warning Shots After Encounters with Iranian Vessels VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- U.S. Navy ships sailing in the Persian Gulf were forced to fire warning shots and flares after being harassed by Iranian vessels in recent close encounters, the Pentagon said.
• Innovation, Reform Are Contagious, Vice Chairman Says AFPS 25 Aug 2016 -- Innovation and reform are contagious, and military leaders increasingly are seeking ideas and expertise from younger officers, noncommissioned officers and civilian employees to keep the ball rolling in the Defense Department, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.
• Open architecture bringing benefits to Air Force DCGS AFNS 25 Aug 2016 -- A battle management team is working to improve capabilities for warfighters who process and disseminate intelligence information.
• Boxer ARG, 13th MEU Team Departs 7th Fleet, Returns to 3rd Fleet NNS 25 Aug 2016 -- The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) team completed operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations (AOO) and entered the U.S. 3rd Fleet AOO, Aug. 25.
• Japan's Defense Minister Visits USS Ronald Reagan NNS 25 Aug 2016 -- Japan's defense minister, the Japan Maritime Staff Office chief of staff, the Self-Defense Fleet commander in chief, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka District commander visited aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Aug. 23.
• Bulgaria, U.S. Marines demonstrate NATO logistics integration USMC News 25 Aug 2016 -- Marines alongside Bulgarian counterparts loaded heavy equipment onto the Bulgarian rail system, here, for transport to Tbilisi, Georgia, for an upcoming regional exercise.
  "We chose to move the equipment by rail for the combined arms company because we have to get it to the port city which is quite a distance from our current location," said Master Sgt. Jason Pittsely, the Combined Arms Company Operations Chief. "It is the quickest and the easiest method to move all of our equipment in one movement."
• Russia Holds Snap Military Exercises, Deepening Neighbors' Alarm RFE/RL 25 Aug 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin announced large-scale snap military exercises on land and in the Black and Caspian seas, increasing worries in Ukraine and other Western neighbors about Moscow's intentions.
• Invincible Weapon: Russian Long-Range Bombers to Receive New Cruise Missiles Sputnik 25 Aug 2016 -- Russian Tu-22M3 Backfire long-range bombers will be armed with the newest Kh-32 cruise missile, almost invincible to enemy air defenses and interceptor jets.
• Russia Begins Military Exercises on Land, at Sea VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced snap military exercises on land, and in the Black and Caspian Seas, the defense ministry said in a statement.
• South Korean Nuclear Proponents: Conventional Deterrence is Failing VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- South Korean advocates of nuclear deterrence say the government in Seoul must pursue its own nuclear weapons programs to defend against North Korea's growing nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.
• China Ups Pressure on South Korea Over Missile Plan VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- China appears to be intensifying a diplomatic and cultural campaign against a U.S.-South Korean plan to deploy an American missile defense system in South Korea – a system Beijing sees as threatening its security.
• China expresses concern about India missiles on border Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- China has expressed concern about India's plans to put advanced missiles along the border between the two countries.
• Kim Jong Un Guides Strategic Submarine Underwater Ballistic Missile Test-fire KCNA 25 Aug 2016 -- A test-fire of strategic submarine-launched ballistic missile was successfully conducted under the guidance of supreme commander of the Korean People's Army (KPA) Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK.
• Pyongyang's nuclear plan opposed People's Daily 25 Aug 2016 -- China outlines its position after the DPRK test-fires missile launched from submarine
• North Korean leader calls recent missile launch 'greatest success' Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has praised a new ballistic missile test as "greatest success and victory" as the UN Security Council convened to discuss the launch.
• North Korean Missile Test-Fired From High Angle to Limit Flight Path - Reports Sputnik 25 Aug 2016 -- The North Korean submarine-launched ballistic missile, test-fired on Wednesday, was launched at a higher angle which allowed to shorten its flight distance, the South Korean Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday citing the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
• Germany mulls withdrawal of jets from Turkey air base: Report Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- A report says Germany is preparing for the possible removal of its six Tornado reconnaissance jets from Turkey's Incirlik Air Base as Ankara continues blocking German parliamentarians' access to the compound.
• India-US Howitzer Deal Likely to Be Delayed Once Again Sputnik 25 Aug 2016 -- India plans to deploy the M777A2 howitzers along the Indo-China border.
• India Downplays Data Leak on Scorpene Class Subs, Denying 'Security Compromise' Sputnik 25 Aug 2016 -- India has asked the French government to investigate the incident with urgency.
• Submarine Data Leak Could be Setback for Indian Navy VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- A massive leak of secret data relating to the combat capabilities of submarines being built for the Indian navy by a French shipbuilder could delay their induction as India investigates the huge security breach.
• DM: Iran influential power in restoring regional security IRNA 25 Aug 2016 -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan underlined that Iran is an influential power for restoration of security in the region and the world.
• Iran could well curb foreign threats: IRGC commander IRNA 25 Aug 2016 -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said that Iranian military and security forces have well been able to contain foreign threats as the country enjoys security and power despite the existing dangers in both world and region.
• Iran to confront any intruding vessel in Persian Gulf: Defense minister Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan says Iran will confront any vessel intruding in its territorial waters after Pentagon officials claim Iranian speedboats "harassed" US warships in the Strait of Hormuz.
• With Major Anti-IS Battle Near, Iraq Parliament Ousts Defense Minister VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- Iraq's parliament on Thursday voted to oust Defense Minister Khalid al-Obeidi, leaving the Iraqi Security Forces without a clear unifying leader in the crucial runup to the military operation to retake the Islamic State "capital" of Mosul.
• Iraqi parliament dismisses defense minister Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- The Iraqi parliament has dismissed Defense Minister Khalid al-Obeidi, who was recently embroiled in a corruption case.
• Iraqi Parliament Votes To Dismiss Defense Minister RFE/RL 25 Aug 2016 -- Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi has received a no-confidence vote from parliament over corruption allegations.
• China will provide Syrian military with 'medical training' Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- China says it will provide the Syrian military with "medical and nursing professional training," urging a political solution to the conflict in the Arab country.
• Upgrading soldiers' gear a top military priority: President Tsai CNA 25 Aug 2016 -- One of the top priorities of Taiwan's military this year will be to upgrade the individual equipment carried by its soldiers, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Thursday during an inspection of a live-fire drill in Pingtung County.
• Taiwan devising new military strategy: President Tsai CNA 25 Aug 2016 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Thursday a new military strategy, aimed at charting a direction and changing the culture of Taiwan's armed forces, is being drafted and will be completed by next January.
• President inspects Han Kuang live fire drill CNA 25 Aug 2016 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) donned a helmet and a bullet-proof vest Thursday as she inspected the annual Han Kuang military exercises as the commander-in-chief of Taiwan's armed forces for the first time since taking office in May.
• August 25, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 25 Aug 2016

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for August 25, 2016

Other Conflicts

• 25 August 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 Aug 2016
• UN rights chief calls for international probe into alleged violations in Yemen UN News 25 Aug 2016 -- Underlining the seriousness of alleged breaches of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in Yemen, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on the international community to establish an international, independent body to carry out comprehensive investigations in the country.
• Saudi Arabia using cluster bombs on Yemeni residential areas: UN Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- The UN human rights office says the Saudi military is using cluster bombs against residential areas in Yemen in violation of international law, blaming the Riyadh regime for most of the civilian casualties in its impoverished southern neighbor.
• Kerry, UN Propose New Peace Talks for Yemen VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has agreed on a plan to restart peace talks in Yemen with Gulf Arab States and the United Nations, he told reporters in the Saudi city of Jeddah Thursday.
• Aid convoys 'ready' to enter Aleppo; UN envoys await Russia-US talks on truce UN News 25 Aug 2016 -- Reporting that the Russian Federation is backing a 48-hour humanitarian pause in and around Aleppo, senior United Nations envoys on the Syrian crisis today said they are "waiting for others on the ground to do the same," and are ready to green light aid convoys to the war-ravaged city once assurances are received.
• US Hails Swift Turkish Takeover of IS Border Town, but Questions Linger VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- The victory in Jarablus was as stunning as it was swift.
• UN Envoy: Restarting Syrian Peace Talks Hinges on US-Russian Talks VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- U.N. Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura says a resumption of the stalled intra-Syrian peace talks is likely to hinge on the outcome of bilateral talks between U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, scheduled for Friday.
• Syria won't reach democracy with Assad, Erdogan says Press TV 24 Aug 2016 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Syria will never "reach democracy" under the leadership of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
• Turkish military deploys 9 more tanks to north Syria: Reports Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- At least nine more Turkish military tanks have entered northern Syria a day after Ankara began its first major US-backed incursion of its southern neighbor in what it called an anti-Daesh operation.
• Some 350 Turkish Troops Deployed in Euphrates Shield Operation in Syria Sputnik 25 Aug 2016 -- About 350 Turkish service personnel are taking part in the military operation Euphrates Shield in northern Syria, media reported on Thursday.
• Turkish Troops to Stay Until Free Syrian Army Regains Control of Jarablus Sputnik 25 Aug 2016 -- Turkish troops will continue their military operation in northern Syria until the opposition Free Syrian Army regains control of the town of Jarablus, Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik said Thursday.
• U.S., Allies Vow To Hold Syria Accountable For Chemical Attacks RFE/RL 25 Aug 2016 -- The White House and its NATO allies vowed to hold Syria and the Islamic State accountable for chemical weapons attacks documented by a United Nations investigation.
• Russia agrees to 48-hour Aleppo truce, other guarantees needed: UN Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura says he has received Russia's agreement for a 48-hour truce meant for humanitarian access to Syria's northwestern city of Aleppo, emphasizing that the aid delivery will start once other actors support the deal.
• Syrian Democratic Forces Moving East for 'Eventual Liberation of Raqqa' Sputnik 25 Aug 2016 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces are moving east across the river of Euphrates and are preparing for liberating Raqqa, the Syrian city which Daesh militants consider their capital, the US-led anti-Daesh coalition said Thursday.
• Free Syrian Army Set to Seize Strategic City in Aleppo From Daesh Sputnik 25 Aug 2016 -- The Free Syrian Army plans to start an operation to liberate the strategic city of al-Bab in Syria's Aleppo province, Redif Müslim a lawyer and representative of the FSA told Sputnik in an interview.
• US Continues to Support Both Turkish, Kurdish Allies Amid Jarabulus Op - General Sputnik 25 Aug 2016 -- The US military continues supporting both its Turkish and Kurdish allies as operations to rid the Turkish-Syrian border city of Jarabulus of Daesh terrorists continue, Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Gen. Paul Selva said on Thursday.
• Report: Syrian Government, IS Carried Out Chemical Attacks VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- A confidential report has concluded the Syrian government and Islamic State militants deployed chemical weapons in the war-torn nation in 2014 and 2015, an apparent violation of a United Nations resolution prohibiting the use of chemical attacks.
• US-backed Kurds Retreat in Syria; Kerry in Saudi Arabia to Gather Support for Plan VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- U.S. backed Syrian Kurdish fighters say they are withdrawing to their bases east of the Euphrates River, a day after Turkey's military and allied fighters launched a cross-border offensive. The Kurdish rebels have been a source of tension between the U.S., which views them as a key ally in the war in Syria, and Turkey, which sees them as terrorists allied with separatist Turkish Kurd factions.
• Iraqi troops in full control of Qayyarah near Mosul Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- Iraqi forces have managed to recapture the northern town of Qayyarah from the grip of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group in their push to conduct a major liberation operation in the nearby city of Mosul.
• Turkey Launches Anti-Daesh Operation 'Right After' Major Kurdish Victories Sputnik 25 Aug 2016 -- Turkish leadership has stated that its military operation in northern Syria is designed to push Daesh out of Jarablus, but the offensive was launched "right after" Kurdish forces secured major victories in the region, Idris Baluken of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) told Sputnik, adding that this points to Ankara's true goals.
• Opposition leader survives 'PKK attack' in Turkey Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- Kurdish militants have opened fire on a motorcade escorting Turkey's main opposition party leader in the country's northeast, but the official has escaped unharmed.
• Joint Statement on Libya by the Governments of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States US Dept. of State 25 Aug 2016
• Colombians rejoice over peace deal with FARC rebels Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- Hundreds of Colombians rejoice over the signing of a historic peace deal between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), after more than 50 years of conflict.
• Colombian government, FARC rebel group reach historic peace deal Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- The Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group have announced their agreement on a historic peace deal aimed at ending their half-century-long conflict.
• Statement by the President on the Colombia Peace Agreement The White House 25 Aug 2016
• Colombia Final Peace Accord US Dept. of State 25 Aug 2016
• Burundian Panel Set to Submit Findings to Parliament VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- A Burundian panel tasked with finding ways to resolve the nation's political and security crisis says it will soon present its findings to parliament, which will include a proposal to remove term limits for the head of state from the constitution.
• UN adviser on preventing genocide deplores 'inflammatory statements' by senior Burundi official UN News 25 Aug 2016 -- The United Nations Special Adviser on Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, has expressed concern at inflammatory statements concerning the genocide in Rwanda that were made by a senior official of the ruling party in Burundi and cautioned that such statements could constitute incitement to violence.
• Situation in Kosovo more stable, but underlying tensions remain - UN envoy UN News 25 Aug 2016 -- Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Kosovo Zahir Tanin told the United Nations Security Council today that while opposition parties in Kosovo continue to try to generate, exploit and, if possible, prolong moments of 'crisis,' they appear to have become aware that the use of violence is counterproductive to their objective of gaining more political influence.
• Liberia: 'Arduous path to sustainable peace' requires long-term Security Council engagement - UN envoy UN News 25 Aug 2016 -- The United Nations envoy for Liberia today stressed the need for long-term, robust engagement by stakeholders, particularly the Security Council, towards a sustainable peace in the West African country.
• UN: Somali Refugees Leaving Kenya Due to Threats, Pressure VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) says Somali refugees in Kenya are leaving the country due to threats and pressure from security officials.
• India Promises Substitute for Pellet Guns that Blinded Hundreds of Kashmiri Protestors VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- India's home minister on a visit to Kashmir said substitutes will soon be found for pellet guns that have blinded or caused severe eye injuries to hundreds of people during the worst protests to have wracked the Himalayan region in six years.

News Reports

• Remarks by Vice President Biden and President Erdogan of Turkey in Pool Spray The White House 25 Aug 2016
• Remarks by Vice President Joe Biden and Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim at a Press Availability The White House 25 Aug 2016
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, August 25, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 25 Aug 2016
• Report: African Population Boom + Poverty = Dangerous Mix VOA 25 Aug 2016 -- A new report says children in Africa may account for nearly half of the world's poor by 2030. That prospect – the result of rapid population growth and continued poverty – poses problems for the continent, but a solution is not far off, some say.
• Oman budget deficit grows to $9.1bn in H1 Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- Oman has posted a budget deficit of OR3.50 billion – equal to $9.1 billion – in the first half of 2016.
• Taiwan protests Hong Kong's denial of entry to certain nationals CNA 25 Aug 2016 -- The government has lodged a serious protest with Hong Kong over its decision to deny entry to certain Taiwanese nationals, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said Thursday.
• Aracqhi: JCPOA is UNSC's approval on Iran's nuclear program IRNA 25 Aug 2016 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Seyed Abbas Araqchi underlined that the UN Security Council's seal of approval was put on Iran's nuclear program with the realization of the JCPOA and the world also welcomed the same move.
• Intelligence minister: Terrorist leader 'Abu Hafas Balouchi' killed IRNA 25 Aug 2016 -- Intelligence Minister Seyed Mahmoud Alavi announced that head of Abu Hafs Balouchi terrorist group has been killed in the operations of the country's security forces.
• Brazil's Rousseff impeachment trial underway in Senate Press TV 25 Aug 2016 -- Brazil's Senate has opened the impeachment trial of suspended President Dilma Rousseff.