• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 08 Sep 2016 [PDF]
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Col. Dorrian via Teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 08 Sep 2016 -- Presenter: Colonel John Dorrian, Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman
• Shaping Operations Continue in Iraq, Syria as ISIL Leaders Targeted AFPS 08 Sep 2016 -- The past three weeks has seen continued shaping and clearing operations in Iraq, continued reduction of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's ability to move fighters in and out of northern Syria, and sustained pressure on ISIL's command and control, the Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman said today.
• Counter-ISIL Strikes Hit Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 08 Sep 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.
• Taliban militants enter Afghan city Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- Taliban militants have reportedly entered the capital of Afghanistan's central province of Uruzgan in an attempt to take control of the city and free fellow militants from a prison there.
• Afghans Honor Late Anti-Taliban Commander Masud, Other National 'Martyrs' RFE/RL 08 Sep 2016 -- Afghans are commemorating the 15th anniversary of the death of Ahmad Shah Masud, the revered Northern Alliance leader and anti-Taliban commander who was assassinated ahead of the 9/11 attacks on the United States, and other late defenders of Afghanistan.
• Afghans Claim to Have Repulsed Major Taliban Assault VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- Afghan officials say they have repulsed a major Taliban assault on the capital of central Uruzgan province, adding that a "house-to-house" search has been launched to clear it of any remaining insurgents.

Defense Policy / Programs

• AF narrows locations considered for basing new RPA units AFNS 08 Sep 2016 -- The Air Force has selected candidate bases for a potential new MQ-9 Reaper wing with units at up to two locations.
• Obama Highlights Strong Commitment to Asia Pivot Despite Challenges VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- As President Barack Obama wrapped up his final trip to Asia while in office, he reflected Thursday on his long ties to a region that he has made a central focus of U.S. foreign policy.
• U.S.-U.K. Cyber Agreement Opens Doors for Both Nations AFPS 08 Sep 2016 -- Defense Secretary Ash Carter and his British counterpart Michael Fallon yesterday signed a first-of-its kind agreement to together advance offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, Carter said in a joint press conference in London as part of his three-day trip to the United Kingdom and Norway.
• Navy Adjusts LCS Class Crewing, Readiness and Employment NNS 08 Sep 2016 -- The Navy announced Sept. 8 it will implement several key changes to the projected 28-ship littoral combat ship (LCS) Flight 0/0+ class over the next five years that will simplify crewing, stabilize testing and increase overseas deployment presence availability.
• Navy to Commission Littoral Combat Ship Montgomery DoD 08 Sep 2016 -- The Navy will commission its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship, USS Montgomery (LCS 8), during a 10 a.m. CST ceremony Saturday, Sept. 10 in Mobile, Alabama.
• Readout of Secretary Carter's Meeting with Ukrainian Minister of Defense General Stepan Poltorak DoD 08 Sep 2016
• Readout of Secretary Carter's Meeting with Turkish Minister of National Defense Fikri Isik DoD 08 Sep 2016
• Ready Group departs for Valiant Shield 2016 USMC News 08 Sep 2016 -- Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Combat Logistics Company 36 and other elements of Marine Aircraft Group 12 assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, journeyed to Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, to participate in Exercise Valiant Shield 2016 from Sept. 12 – 23, 2016.
• USS Frank Cable Arrives in Colombo, Sri Lanka NNS 08 Sep 2016 -- The submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a scheduled port visit Aug. 29.
• Strategic Systems Programs and USS Maryland (SSBN-738) Complete Demonstration and Shakedown Operation NNS 08 Sep 2016 -- On Aug. 31, Strategic Systems Programs and USS Maryland (Blue) (SSBN-738), an Ohio class ballistic missile submarine assigned to Submarine Group 10, completed a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation with the launch of a Trident II D5 missile in the Eastern Test Range off the coast of Florida.
• Media Availability with Secretary Carter in the United Kingdom DoD 08 Sep 2016 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
• Carter Announces New DoD Contributions to U.N. Peacekeeping Operations AFPS 08 Sep 2016 -- At the first-ever U.N. Peacekeeping Defense Ministerial in London last night, Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced that the Defense Department will add to already substantial U.S. contributions to U.N. peacekeeping operations.
• NATO Warships Arrive in Canada for Submarine Warfare Exercise Cutlass Fury Sputnik 08 Sep 2016 -- Warships from NATO countries arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia for the Canadian-led military exercise Cutlass Fury, Royal Canadian Navy Commander Vice Admiral Ron Lloyd said in a Twitter post on Thursday.
• NATO participates in UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in London NATO 08 Sep 2016 -- On 8 September 2016, NATO participated in the UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial held in London. Hosted by the UK Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon, the meeting brought together Defence Ministers and senior officials from nearly 80 countries to follow-up from the Leaders' Summit on Peacekeeping which was held in September 2015 on the margins of the UN General Assembly. At the Ministerial, NATO highlighted the progress that has been made in implementing the Secretary General's pledge from the September 2015 Summit, and drew attention to further initiatives aimed at enhancing the Alliance's support to UN peace operations.
• NATO Secretary General welcomes Georgia's reform efforts NATO 08 Sep 2016 -- At the end of a two-day visit to Tbilisi, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg encouraged Georgia to continue implementing fundamental reforms to prepare for NATO membership. He stressed that "the bonds between NATO and Georgia are stronger than ever."
• NATO's Enduring Mission – Defending Values, Together - Speech by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to student audience, National Parliamentary Library Tbilisi, Georgia (followed by Q&A session) NATO 08 Sep 2016
• EU foreign policy chief wants Brussels HQ for military intervention Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini proposes the formation of a headquarters in Brussels for European "battlegroups" that could have military intervention in crises.
• Russia to Start Mass Production of Korsar Surveillance UAVs in 2017 Sputnik 08 Sep 2016 -- Serial production of the Russian Korsar UAVs will start in 2017, a manufacturing UIMC firm spokesperson told Sputnik on Thursday.
• Quake Reported in North Korea; S. Korea Says Likely Nuclear Test VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- An earthquake has been reported in North Korea, near the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site, raising speculation that the communist nation has conducted its fifth nuclear test.
• North Korea rejects UNSC condemnation of missile tests, vows bolstered N-program Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- North Korea has lambasted a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) statement that slammed Pyongyang for its latest missile tests, pledging to bolster its nuclear program in response.
• Army gets advanced, new combat helicopters People's Daily 08 Sep 2016 -- The People's Liberation Army has equipped all of its ground force aviation units with advanced WZ-10 combat helicopters, according to PLA media.
• China's second aircraft carrier features smaller island to maximize carrying capacity: military expert People's Daily 08 Sep 2016 -- According to online photos showing the construction of China's second aircraft carrier, workers are already at the stage of attaching the ship's island, which acts as the command center for all flight deck operations. The installation of the island means that nearly all the large-scale equipment is basically finished and in place, and that the ship is close to entering water.
• China's Surface-to-Air Defense Missiles Get Major Upgrade Sputnik 08 Sep 2016 -- Beijing has created a state-of-the-art variant of its long-range HQ-16 surface-to-air missile.
• China Tests J-20 Stealth Fighter in Preparation for Pacific Ocean Patrols Sputnik 08 Sep 2016 -- China's J-20 stealth fighter is being tested in the mountains close to the Indian border, but the new technology is intended for deployment in the Western Pacific, military expert Vasiliy Kashin told Sputnik.
• Pakistan, Russia Negotiating Deal on Russian Su-35, Su-37 Jets Sputnik 08 Sep 2016 -- Islamabad and Moscow are negotiating a deal on Su-35 and Su-37 jets, Shahab Qadir Khan, deputy director of export promotion services in the Pakistani Defense Export Promotion Organization, told Sputnik.
• India May Purchase Four Stealth Frigates From Russia Worth $4Bln Sputnik 08 Sep 2016 -- Russia and India are discussing the purchase of four stealth frigates for the Indian Navy.
• Commander: Iran to strengthen missile, drone capabilities IRNA 08 Sep 2016 -- Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh underlined the country's determination to become stronger in the field of missile technology.
• New resolution in Senate to ban US arms sale with Saudi Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- The US Senate is introducing a resolution aimed at blocking sale of $1.15 billion worth of military equipment to Saudi Arabia.
• US agrees to enhance Ukrainian military: Pentagon Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- The US and Ukraine have agreed to cooperate on military technology and enhance Ukrainian military capabilities, according to the US Defense Department.
• Background Briefing: Previewing Secretary Kerry's Visit to Geneva US Dept. of State 08 Sep 2016
• September 8, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 08 Sep 2016
• Press Conference of President Obama after ASEAN Summit The White House 08 Sep 2016

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for September 08, 2016

Other Conflicts

• 8 September 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 Sep 2016
• UN Peacekeeping Defence Ministerial: London Communiqué Gov.UK 08 Sep 2016
• London conference on UN peacekeeping sharpens focus on planning, pledges and performance UN News 08 Sep 2016 -- Countries contributing to United Nations peacekeeping missions today adopted a communique that focuses ways to improve the planning of operations, implement the pledges of support made by countries, and enhance the performance of troops on the ground.
• At East Asia Summit, Ban expresses concern over tensions on Korean Peninsula and in South China Sea UN News 08 Sep 2016 -- Wrapping up an 11-day trip to Asia, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today hailed the region's economic growth and progress on development, but expressed concerns about some challenges facing the countries there, including the tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea.
• ASEAN: Obama Reaffirms US Role in South China Sea VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- President Barack Obama said Thursday he made it clear to Southeast Asian leaders gathered in Laos that the United States will continue to stand with the people of the region.
• China wants US out of South China Sea dispute Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- China has implicitly urged the United States not to meddle in the South China Sea territorial dispute, saying Beijing is eager to work with South Asian countries to settle the issue.
• Southeast Asia Summit Leaders Express Concern About South China Sea VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- Leaders at a Southeast Asia summit in Laos took a mild view of tensions in the South China Sea without specific reference to China's activities in the disputed area.
• Japan Accuses Chinese Coast Guard of Entering Disputed Waters in East China Sea Sputnik 08 Sep 2016 -- Three ships of China's Coast Guard have conducted patrols near the disputed Senkaku (Diaoyu) Islands in the East China Sea, controlled by Tokyo and claimed by Beijing, the Japan Coast Guard (formerly the Maritime Safety Agency) said on Thursday.
• Saudi airstrike leaves nine civilians dead in Yemen Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- Saudi warplanes have bombed a residential neighborhood in Yemen's northwestern province of Amran, killing at least eight civilians and leaving several others injured.
• CIA Chief: IS Likely to Remain in Iraq, Syria for Years VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- Despite the shrinking of Islamic State-held territory in Iraq and Syria, the head of the Central Intelligence Agency is stressing that the group's influence is not going away anytime soon.
• UN food relief agency and partner to roll out €348 million EU cash aid to refugees in Turkey UN News 08 Sep 2016 -- Following the European Union's (EU)announcement today of a cash-transfer programme for the most vulnerable refugees in Turkey, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has said the agency and the Turkish Red Crescent will use their combined expertise to deliver the cash directly to those who need it most.
• Syrian Army Retakes Lost Ground in Aleppo Sputnik 08 Sep 2016 -- A key district in southern Aleppo has been reclaimed by the Syrian Army and its allies.
• Kerry, Lavrov Will Again Confer on Syrian Cease-fire VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet Friday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva for another try at arranging a cease-fire in Syria.
• Kurdish Fighters Blame Turkey for Deadly Border Attack VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- Six Syrian Kurdish fighters were killed and a dozen were wounded as Turkish military artillery fired across the border Thursday into Syria, Kurdish officials and rights activists said.
• Syrian army recaptures Ramousieh from terrorists IRNA 08 Sep 2016 -- The Syrian army and the resistance forces seized back Ramousieh town in the southern parts of Aleppo province on Thursday.
• Syria forces, allies retake key district of Aleppo from militants Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- Syrian army forces and allied fighters have regained control of a key district in Aleppo as efforts continue to purge the flashpoint northern city of Takfiri militants.
• Israeli war planes bomb Syria's army positions in Golan Heights Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- Israeli war planes have bombed Syrian army positions in Syria's Golan Heights for the second time in less than a week.
• UK bolsters support to peacekeeping in South Sudan UK MOD 08 Sep 2016 -- Up to one hundred extra UK Armed Forces personnel are to join UN peacekeeping work in South Sudan, adding to 300 announced under the previous Government.
• South Sudan: UN mission concerned at reports of intimidation of civil society members UN News 08 Sep 2016 -- Expressing concern at reports of harassment and intimidation against some civil society members who met with a United Nations Security Council delegation during the latter's most recent visit to the country, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has stressed that any attempt to suppress fundamental human rights must be condemned in no uncertain terms.
• S. Sudan Opposition Dismisses US Position on Machar's Return VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- South Sudan's political opposition has dismissed remarks by U.S. officials urging former First Vice President Riek Machar not to return to South Sudan to reclaim his position, saying the opposition leader's absence is hampering the fragile peace process.

News Reports

• Trump Again Praises Russian President, Saying 'He's Been A Leader' RFE/RL 08 Sep 2016 -- U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has once again praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and declared that he had been a better leader that U.S. President Barack Obama.
• Clinton Rips Into Trump For Putin Praise RFE/RL 08 Sep 2016 -- U.S. Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton has ripped into her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, saying his praise for Russia's president was "insulting" and "scary."
• Trump vows to vastly expand US military Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has vowed to vastly expand the American military and defeat the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group if elected president.
• Clinton: Hunting Down IS Leader Should Be US 'Top Priority' VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton called Thursday for the United States to "make it a top priority" to hunt down Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, much like it did when it killed al-Qaida founder Osama bin Laden in a 2011 raid in Pakistan.
• Trump: Putin More of a Leader Than Obama VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump praised Russian President Vladimir Putin Wednesday, saying he has been more of a leader than U.S. President Barack Obama.
• Uzbek PM Named Acting President VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- Uzbekistan's parliament on Thursday appointed the country's prime minister to be the new acting president, replacing Islam Karimov, the longtime authoritarian head of state, who died of a stroke recently at the age of 78.
• Uzbekistan Names Longtime PM Mirziyaev Interim President RFE/RL 08 Sep 2016 -- Uzbekistan's parliament has appointed Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyaev as interim president following the death of strongman leader Islam Karimov, setting the long-serving government chief up as the clear favorite to win a five-year term in an election due to held by December.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, September 8, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 08 Sep 2016
• Everyone's a 'Frenemy' in Asia's Big Game VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- As President Barack Obama makes his final tour of Asia, much of the focus has been on the United States' pivot or re-balance of its economic, diplomatic and military interests to the region.
• US-China Tensions Undermine Cooperation on N. Korean Nuclear Threat VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- Washington and Beijing's longstanding agreement on the need to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear ambitions is, analysts say, splintering over rising tensions in the region and diverging national interests.
• Iran respecting commitments under JCPOA: IAEA Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has once again confirmed Iran's commitment to a landmark nuclear deal it signed with six world powers last year.
• Iran Urges Muslims To 'Punish' Saudis Over 2,400 Hajj Deaths In 2015 RFE/RL 08 Sep 2016 -- Iran's president has called on the Muslim world to "punish" Saudi Arabia for a stampede during the hajj last year that killed more than 2,400 people, while Iran's supreme leader called for an international investigation of the incident.
• Kofi Annan: Myanmar Rohingya Panel Will Not Police Human Rights VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- Former United Nations chief Kofi Annan assured residents of Myanmar he is not in the country to police human rights violations, but instead to recommend solutions to ease tensions between Buddhists and the Muslim minority.
• Gabon: UN envoy continues meeting with political leaders, calls for use of legal channels to settle electoral disputes UN News 08 Sep 2016 -- A United Nations envoy continued today his consultations with Gabon's political parties and diplomatic community as part of efforts to ease tensions which have arisen since the announcement of results of the country's presidential election held on 27 August.
• 2 Suspects Detained Amid Ongoing Paris Car Bomb Probe VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- Police in France have detained another couple in connection with a car loaded with six full gas canisters that was found near the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris Sunday.
• Taiwan willing, able to make international contribution: Tsai CNA 08 Sep 2016 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Thursday that Taiwan should not be left out of the efforts to deal with international challenges, since it willing and able to contribute to the global community.
• MAC calls on China to talk on telecom fraud issue CNA 08 Sep 2016 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) called on China Thursday to hold talks with Taiwan as soon as possible on ways and means to effectively combat telecom scams that have hurt Chinese victims.
• 129 Chinese telecom fraud suspects brought back from Armenia People's Daily 08 Sep 2016 -- Chinese police have brought 129 telecom fraud suspects back from Armenia, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) announced on Wednesday.
• Turkey detains dozens, issues warrants over links to alleged coup plotter Gulen Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- Turkey has detained dozens of businessmen and academics and issued arrest warrants for some 50 military officers over suspected links to US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is blamed for a recent abortive coup.
• Over 10,000 teachers suspended in Turkey over 'PKK links' Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- Turkey has reportedly suspended more than 10,000 teachers over suspected links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group following a similar crackdown on education staff in the wake of an abortive coup.
• Turkey permits German MPs to visit Incirlik Air Base: Berlin Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- Germany says its lawmakers have been allowed to visit Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey after being refused access to the site amid a months-long row between the two NATO member states.
• Turkey Arrests More Generals, Businessmen as Post-Coup Crackdown Continues VOA 08 Sep 2016 -- Turkish authorities on Thursday issued warrants for six generals and several other military officials, as well as 16 businessmen in connection with the July failed coup attempt, state-run media reported.
• German Intelligence Services Seeking Budget Increase of Over $170Mln in 2017 Sputnik 08 Sep 2016 -- Two German intelligence services, the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), have requested a budget increase of over 152 million euros ($171 million) amid heightened terrorism and the threat of cyberattacks, local media reported, citing secret budget documents.
• Venezuelans hold rallies for, against Maduro Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- Rival demonstrations have been staged in Venezuela for and against President Nicolas Maduro as the opposition pushes for a vote on forcing him out of office.
• Egypt names five former generals as provincial governors Press TV 08 Sep 2016 -- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has named five former army generals as new provincial governors as part of appointments that increase the influence of military and security figures on crucial bodies.
• China's current nuclear safety frameworks effective, but require further development to cope with planned nuclear growth – UN atomic agency expert team UN News 08 Sep 2016 -- Concluding a ten-day mission to China, a United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expert team has found that the country's nuclear and radiation safety frameworks are effective, but will require further development due to rapid nuclear energy growth.