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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 29 Sep 2016 [PDF]
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Colonel Dorrian via Teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 29 Sep 2016 -- Presenter: Colonel John Dorrian, Operation Inherent Resolve Spokesman; Captain Jeff Davis, Director, Defense Press Office
• US Picking Off Key IS Officials, 'Softening' Grip on Mosul VOA 29 Sep 2016 -- One by one, key Islamic State terror group leaders are getting caught in the crosshairs of U.S. and coalition aircraft, and they are being removed from the battlefield as Iraqi forces prepare for a final assault on the IS-held city of Mosul.
• Counter-ISIL Strikes Target Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 29 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.
• Coalition Shapes Mosul Fight by Removing ISIL Leaders From Battlefield AFPS 29 Sep 2016 -- The coalition supporting the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant is helping to shape the Iraqi security forces' upcoming battle for Mosul, Iraq, by targeting and removing ISIL leaders from the battlefield, the Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman said today.
• 'Misdirected' US airstrike kills 22 Somali troops Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- US forces have been accused of killing 22 Somali troops in what is said to be a misdirected airstrike in the country's northern regions.
• Somalia Demands Explanation for US Airstrike VOA 29 Sep 2016 -- Somalia's government is demanding an explanation from the United States for Wednesday's deadly airstrike in central Somalia.
• Afghan President, Warlord Sign Peace Accord RFE/RL 29 Sep 2016 -- Notorious Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has called for peace as he appeared by video to sign an accord with President Ashraf Ghani.
• Controversial Warlord Under Fire Over Afghan Peace Deal VOA 29 Sep 2016 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has formally signed and put into force a much-touted peace pact with an ethnic Pashtun warlord who has been designated a "global terrorist" by the United States.
• Afghanistan: UN mission condemns killing of at least 15 civilians in airstrike UN News 29 Sep 2016 -- The United Nations mission in Afghanistan has condemned the killing of at least 15 civilian men and the injuring of at least 13 others, including at least one boy, in an airstrike targeting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) conducted yesterday in the country's eastern district of Achin.
• UN Mission in Afghanistan Confirms Death of 15 Civilians in Airstrike by Drone Sputnik 29 Sep 2016 -- US drone strike in Afghanistan, targeting the Daesh extremists, killed at least 15 civilians, according to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

Defense Policy / Programs

• Navy Announces Enlisted Rating Modernization Plan NNS 29 Sep 2016 -- Editor's note, Dec. 21: Navy leaders announced that rating titles are to be reinstated. The decision to restore rates was based on Sailor feedback that the change was unnecessary and a distraction to the fleet. The rating modernization effort however is ongoing and some rating names can be expected to change in the future to be more inclusive and translatable. Click here to read more.
• Turkey now an unaccompanied, 12-month tour AFNS 29 Sep 2016 -- Air Force assignments to Turkey are now unaccompanied, 12-month tours, effective Sept. 21, Air Force officials said Sept. 29.
• On USS Carl Vinson, Carter Highlights Asia-Pacific Rebalance AFPS 29 Sep 2016 -- The rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region is a critical national commitment that focuses on regional prosperity and sharpening the U.S. military edge, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today in San Diego.
• USS Coronado Departs Hawaii, Resumes Rotational Deployment to Singapore NNS 29 Sep 2016 -- Littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) departed the waters surrounding Hawaii to continue its 16-month rotational deployment to 7th Fleet in support of the Indo-Asia-Pacific rebalance, Sept. 29.
• Combat Center hosts Exercise Talon Reach USMC News 29 Sep 2016 -- Marines attending Infantry Officer Course, based out of Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., conducted Exercise Talon Reach aboard the Combat Center and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., Sept. 21-23, 2016.
• Ships of Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group Arrive in Hong Kong for Port Visit NNS 29 Sep 2016 -- Amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20, both with embarked Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, arrived in Hong Kong for a port visit, Sept. 29.
• Commander, US 6th Fleet Visits USS Carney NNS 29 Sep 2016 -- Vice Adm. James Foggo III, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, visited Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) while underway in the Mediterranean Sea, Sept. 28.
• Commander, US 6th Fleet Visits USS Wasp NNS 29 Sep 2016 -- Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Vice Adm. James Foggo III visited amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), Sept. 28.
• Carter: US-Philippines Military Relationship 'Ironclad' VOA 29 Sep 2016 -- Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said the United States-Philippines military relationship is "ironclad," despite the Philippine president recently stating that U.S. special forces at Filipino bases should leave.
• Eyes on Target: Russian Troops Get New High-Tech Image-Stabilizing Binoculars Sputnik 29 Sep 2016 -- Russian naval personnel and airborne assault troops have received new state-of-the-art image-stabilizing binoculars that vastly outclass all foreign analogues.
• New Chinese peacekeepers start UN mission in Liberia People's Daily 29 Sep 2016 -- A new group of Chinese peacekeepers has taken up a one-year UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia, after taking over duties from the previous group of soldiers Thursday.
• India Sets Sights on Obtaining 185,000 Assault Rifles to Replace Old Weapons Sputnik 29 Sep 2016 -- India is looking to the global market to procure basic rifles for the Indian Army, having failed to find a suitable domestic replacement for its 20-year old INSAS rifles.
• Swedish Army Hopes to Tackle Dwindling Staff Numbers With Mandatory Service Sputnik 29 Sep 2016 -- Unlike its Scandinavian neighbors, Sweden lacks conscription, and is now facing a dramatic shortage of over 7,000 soldiers due to its inability to offer adequate incentives for military service. However, it will soon see a return to a conscription-based army amid the government's incessant paranoia about Russian "threats."
• White House OKs Fighter Jet Sale to Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait Sputnik 29 Sep 2016 -- The deal paves the way for the three Middle Eastern countries to receive F-15E Strike Eagles, F/A-18 Super Hornets, and F-16 fighters.
• UK powers up Albania defence partnership UK MOD 29 Sep 2016 -- UK is building a stronger relationship with Albania by working side-by-side on NATO exercises and beyond, the Defence Secretary has said.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest and Secretary of Education King The White House 29 Sep 2016
• September 29, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 29 Sep 2016

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for September 29, 2016

Other Conflicts

• 29 September 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Sep 2016
• China warns Japan against patrols with US in disputed sea Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- China has warned Japan against plans to carry out joint training cruises with the United States in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, describing the patrols as an instance of "playing with fire."
• Saudi's claim Iran arming Ansarullah 'fabrications' Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- Iran has rejected claims made by Saudi Arabia that Tehran is arming Yemen's Ansarullah movement fighting back the Riyadh regime's 17-month-long military aggression against the impoverished country.
• Fresh Saudi airstrikes kill 8 across Yemen Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- A series of fresh Saudi airstrikes targeting residential areas across Yemen have claimed the lives of at least eight civilians.
• Turkey Intensifies Anti-IS Campaign VOA 29 Sep 2016 -- In the month after a suicide bomber killed dozens of people attending a mostly Kurdish wedding in southeastern Turkey, the government has ramped up its military campaign against Islamic State (IS) militants, arresting 40 IS suspects in Istanbul and another two suspects in Sanliurfa, according to a Turkish official who spoke to VOA.
• Syria Kurds say Turkish airstrike kills 9 civilians Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- Turkish forces have killed at least nine civilians in a Syrian border town as Ankara expands its military intervention in the Arab country.
• Kerry: US 'On the Verge' of Suspending Talks with Russia Over Syria VOA 29 Sep 2016 -- Secretary of State John Kerry says the U.S. is "on the verge" of suspending talks with Russia over Syria because of Moscow's continued aerial bombardment of the Syrian city of Aleppo.
• Amid political jockeying and grandstanding, 'Syria is bleeding,' UN aid chief tells Security Council UN News 29 Sep 2016 -- In an impassioned appeal to the Security Council, the top United Nations relief official today called on the global body's primary organ for maintenance of peace and security to act immediately to end the bloodshed in Syria so that humanitarian assistance is able to reach those who desperately need it.
• Russia Backs 2-day Aleppo Cease-fire VOA 29 Sep 2016 -- Russia said Thursday it supports a 48-hour cease-fire in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, but not a longer truce proposed by the United States.
• Syria slams US-led coalition for destroying two bridges Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- Syria has slammed the US-led coalition purportedly fighting Daesh for destroying two bridges over Euphrates River in the eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr, where the same alliance recently killed 83 Syrian soldiers.
• US ending talks with Russia on Syrian crisis: Kerry Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry says Washington is on the verge of putting an end to Syria talks with Russia over the assault on Aleppo.
• Russia vows to keep up support for Syria in defiance of US threat Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- Russia has pledged to continue its air campaign in Syria, defying a recent threat by the United States to halt its diplomacy with Moscow on the violence-hit country in the wake of heavy fighting in Aleppo.
• Syria regains control of refugee camp north of Aleppo Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- Syrian soldiers, backed by pro-government fighters, have re-established control over a camp north of the embattled city of Aleppo after briefly losing it to foreign-backed militants following its liberation last week.
• Turkey says ready for work with Iran, Russia on Syria Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- Turkey says it is "more than ready" to work with Russia and Iran on a Syrian ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the war-torn country.
• Russia says US inviting terrorists to attack its cities Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- Russia has denounced US projection of possible attacks on Russian cities by terrorists fighting in Syria, saying the statement amounts to an invitation to terrorism.
• Syria says many terrorists killed in new operations Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- The Syrian military says it has inflicted heavy losses on foreign-backed terrorists in a series of operations across the country.
• Kerry Says U.S. On Verge Of Suspending Cooperation With Moscow In Syria RFE/RL 29 Sep 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Washington was on the verge of suspending talks with Russia on a cease-fire agreement in Syria, as a devastating bombardment of the city of Aleppo by Russian and Syrian warplanes continued.
• UN says 700,000 will need aid once Mosul operation begins Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- The United Nations says an estimated 700,000 people would need assistance once a looming military operation to liberate Mosul, which is Iraq's second-largest city and the main stronghold of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group in the crisis-hit Arab country, gets underway.
• UN Prepares for Mass Displacement of Iraqis as Battle Looms to Retake Mosul VOA 29 Sep 2016 -- The anticipated Iraqi military offensive on Mosul could trigger one of the largest man-made disasters in many years, displacing more than one million Iraqi civilians, the U.N. refugee agency warned.
• Abadi, Barzani agree to cooperate on Mosul battle, heal mutual rifts Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and leader of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region Masoud Barzani have reached a consensus to settle disagreements and join forces for the upcoming operation to liberate the city of Mosul.
• Indias' Punjab State Evacuates Border Districts Following Kashmir Strikes Sputnik 29 Sep 2016 -- The authorities of the Indian state of Punjab ordered to evacuate all villages located within a 10-kilometer (6-mile) distance from the 553-km-long border with Pakistan following the strikes, according to local media.
• India Launches Strikes Against Suspected Militants in Pakistan VOA 29 Sep 2016 -- India's army said Thursday that it launched "surgical strikes" against suspected militants along the border with Pakistan, but Islamabad rejected the claim, calling it an incident of cross-border firing.
• Indian military enters Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, attacks "terror launch pads" People's Daily 29 Sep 2016 -- The Indian military Thursday claimed it had entered Pakistanon the other side of Line of Control (LoC) and carried out deadly "surgical strikes."
• Tensions rising as India 'hits targets in Pakistan' Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- India says it has conducted "surgical strikes" across the de facto borderline dividing the disputed region of Kashmir against militants preparing to infiltrate, with Islamabad denying any such attack and saying instead that cross-border fire from India had killed two of its soldiers.
• Russian Officials Dig In On MH17, As Critics Decry 'Politics Of Denial' RFE/RL 29 Sep 2016 -- A series of denials by Russian officials and state-media allegations of bias and foul play present a view that is starkly discrepant with international criminal investigators' findings, announced this week, over the downing of a Malaysian airliner over eastern Ukraine in 2014.
• DPR Head Denies Donbass Militias' Involvement in MH17 Flight Crash Sputnik 29 Sep 2016 -- Head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Alexander Zakharchenko said that Ukraine is responsible for shot down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014.
• UNICEF more than doubles funding appeal for children in north-east Nigeria UN News 29 Sep 2016 -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has revised its humanitarian appeal for Nigeria from $55 million to $115 million in order to be able to assist an additional 750,000 people who can now be reached across conflict-affected areas in the north-east of the country.
• UN says donations needed to avert death of 75,000 starving Nigerian kids Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- The United Nations warns that tens of thousands of children will die in northeastern Nigeria over the next year if international donors don't rush to help them.
• Amnesty accuses Sudan of using chemical weapons in Darfur Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- Amnesty International has accused the Sudanese government of having conducted chemical attacks against civilians in the conflict-ridden Darfur region, likely killing up to 250 people.
• Sudan Accused of Using Chemical Weapons in Darfur VOA 29 Sep 2016 -- Amnesty International says Sudanese government forces have used chemical weapons against civilians in the Darfur region. The human rights group said in a report Thursday that the attacks may have killed as many as 250 civilians and injured hundreds more.
• Security Efforts, Dialogue Go Hand in Hand in C.A.R., UN Mission Says VOA 29 Sep 2016 -- Sporadic clashes between rebel groups in several villages in the Central African Republic are threatening the nation's fragile peace process.
• CAR President Wants Arms Embargo Lifted VOA 29 Sep 2016 -- The president of the Central African Republic says he wants the United Nations to lift the arms embargo on his country.
• Colombia: UN human rights chief reaffirms ongoing collaboration in wake of peace accord UN News 29 Sep 2016 -- Speaking to the media just days after the signing of the historic peace agreement in Colombia and ahead of the 2 October national poll in which Colombians will have their say on the accord, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reiterated that his Office (OHCHR) will continue to follow the progress of the human rights aspects of the agreement.

News Reports

• Security Council calls on Somali parties to address political challenges amid latest election delay UN News 29 Sep 2016 -- Regretting an extension to the 2016 electoral process in Somalia announced by the country's electoral body, the United Nations Security Council has called on all parties in the country to upload their commitments on the elections and to come to an agreement on the remaining political challenges without further delay.
• FBI, Eyeing Russia, Finds More 'Attempted Intrusions' In U.S. Voter Databases RFE/RL 29 Sep 2016 -- FBI Director James Comey told Congress there have been more "attempted intrusions" in U.S. voter registration databases, and the agency is looking "very, very hard" at Russian hackers who may be trying to disrupt the U.S. election.
• Obama Says Congress Made 'Mistake' With Veto Of 9/11 Lawsuits Bill RFE/RL 29 Sep 2016 -- U.S. President Obama has said Congress made a "mistake" by overriding his veto and pushing through a bill that allows legal action against Saudi Arabia over the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
• Turkey's Erdogan signals post-coup emergency state extension Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- Turkey's president has suggested the possibility of prolonging for over a year the three-month state of emergency declared following the abortive July 15 military coup, stressing that such a move would be beneficial for the country.
• Ankara Shuts Down 12 TV Channels Including in Kurdish Sputnik 29 Sep 2016 -- The Turkish government has shut down 12 TV channels, including seven in Kurdish language, under the state of emergency imposed after the coup attempt in July, local media reported Thursday.
• Gabon Opposition Leader Calls Supporters to 'Active Resistance' VOA 29 Sep 2016 -- Opposition leader and former foreign minister Jean Ping pushed again Thursday for the Gabonese people to reject the authority of President Ali Bongo Ondimba, calling him "an impostor with blood of the Gabonese on his hands."
• OPEC Agreement Overcomes Saudi-Iran Rift, Spurs Rally On Global Markets RFE/RL 29 Sep 2016 -- OPEC's agreement to mend an internal rift between Saudi Arabia and Iran and curb production surprised global markets and sparked powerful rallies from Wall Street to Hong Kong.
• Bahrainis stage demo in solidarity with Sheikh Qassim Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- Dozens of people have staged separate demonstrations in Bahrain to support distinguished Shia Muslim cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim and condemn the ongoing crackdown on pro-democracy activists.
• Egypt court suspends annulment of island deal with Saudi Arabia Press TV 29 Sep 2016 -- An Egyptian court has suspended a ruling freezing a controversial deal to hand over the control of two strategic Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova Moscow, September 29, 2016 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Sep 2016
• Russia's Supreme Court Upholds Ban On Crimean Tatars' Mejlis RFE/RL 29 Sep 2016 -- Russia's Supreme Court has upheld a decision by a Moscow-backed Crimean court to ban the Mejlis, the self-governing body of Crimean Tatars in the occupied Ukrainian territory.