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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 12 Oct 2016 [PDF]
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Col. Dorrian via teleconference from Baghdad, Iraq DoD 12 Oct 2016 -- Presenter: Colonel John Dorrian, Operation Inherent Resolve Spokesman
• Liberating Mosul Will Be Iraq's Biggest Fight, OIR Spokesman Says AFPS 12 Oct 2016 -- The size of Iraq's second-largest city will make the liberation of Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's two-year grip the largest mission Iraqi security forces have yet undertaken against the enemy, the spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve told Pentagon reporters today.
• Coalition Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 12 Oct 2016 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Berlin Agrees to Provide Crews for NATO's AWACS Planes in Syria Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- German servicemen will carry out reconnaissance missions aboard NATO's Airborne Warning and Control System planes in Syria.
• Additional German troops to man NATO AWACS planes Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- Germany has decided to send more troops to Turkey to operate NATO's AWACS surveillance aircraft near Syria where the Arab country is fighting terrorists with the help of its allies such as Russia.
• Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on U.S. Military Strikes Against Radar Sites in Yemen DoD 12 Oct 2016 -- Early this morning local time, the U.S. military struck three radar sites in Houthi-controlled territory on Yemen's Red Sea coast. Initial assessments show the sites were destroyed.
• USS Mason Responds to Missile Threat Off Yemen's Coast AFPS 12 Oct 2016 -- For the second time in four days, the guided missile destroyer USS Mason responded today to an incoming missile threat while conducting routine operations in international waters off the Red Sea coast of Yemen, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said.
• Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on USS Mason DoD 12 Oct 2016
• US claims warship targeted by missiles in Red Sea for 2nd time Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- US claims that for the second time this week, two missiles have been fired at its Navy destroyer in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, though they have fallen short of the warship.
• US Navy Destroyer Comes Under Missile Fire Off Yemen Coast Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- According to US officials speaking on condition of anonymity, a US Navy destroyer was the target of a failed missile attack from Houthis within Yemen.
• Afghan Taliban Struggle Financially Since Leader's Death VOA 12 Oct 2016 -- Afghan Taliban appear to be facing financial pressure since the death of their former leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour, who was more adept at managing money, according to the spokesman of NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.
• Deadly Attacks Target Shi'a In Afghanistan RFE/RL 12 Oct 2016 -- Two separate attacks targeting members of Afghanistan's Shi'ite minority during the festival of Ashura have left several dozen people dead and scores wounded.
• 'Afghan Army Not the Only One Responsible for Country's Territorial Integrity' Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- With antiterrorist operations now in progress in 19 Afghan provinces out of 34, the situation in Kunduz remains tense, deputy Defense Ministry spokesman Mohammad Radmanish told Sputnik
• Powerful mosque explosion kills 14 Shias in Afghanistan Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- A bomb blast outside a mosque has claimed the lives of at least 14 Shia Muslims and injured nearly 30 others in Afghanistan's northern province of Balkh.
• Deadly Bombing Targets Shi'ite Mourners In Northern Afghanistan RFE/RL 12 Oct 2016 -- At least 14 people have been killed in a bomb attack on a mosque in northern Afghanistan, the second assault within the last 24 hours during the Shi'ite festival of Ashura.
• Afghanistan: UN mission condemns killing of worshipers in Shia mosque attack UN News 12 Oct 2016 -- The United Nations mission in Afghanistan has condemned last night's attack at the Shia mosque in the capital, Kabul that killed at least 18 civilians and injured more than 50 others.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Little Rock AFB provides humanitarian support AFNS 12 Oct 2016 -- Airmen from the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, dedicated three C-130J Super Hercules to deliver humanitarian aid and disaster relief response for Haiti on Oct. 7 after the Category 4 hurricane tore through the island.
• Readout of Deputy Secretary Bob Work's Meeting with Hungarian Minister of Defense István Simicskó DoD 12 Oct 2016
• Marine Corps cyber acquisition just got faster USMC News 12 Oct 2016 -- This summer Marine Corps Systems Command's Cyber Advisory Team completed its first emergency cyber acquisition as part of a new process designed to more quickly respond to the cyber warfighting needs of the force.
• Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group Departs Subic Bay after Completing PHIBLEX 33 NNS 12 Oct 2016 -- The Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (BHR ESG), with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, departed the Philippines as scheduled following Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 33, Oct. 12.
• USS Frank Cable Arrives in Sasebo, Japan NNS 12 Oct 2016 -- Submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived at Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, for a routine visit as part of its deployment in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, Oct. 10.
• Russia test-fires 3 intercontinental ballistic missiles Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- Russia's military has test-fired three intercontinental ballistic missiles amid increasing tensions with the US on a range of issues, particularly the Syrian crisis.
• Russian Nuclear Sub Successfully Tests Sineva Ballistic Missile Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- Russia's Delta-IV class Novomoskovsk strategic nuclear submarine conducted on Wednesday a successful test launch of a R-29RM Sineva ballistic missile from the Barents Sea, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.
• Russia Conducts Successful Launch of Topol ICBM Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- The training warhead successfully hit a simulated target on the Kamchatka peninsula.
• Russian Pacific Fleet's Submarine Successfully Launches Ballistic Missile Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- The Georgiy Pobedonosets submarine successfully launched a ballistic missile from the Sea of Okhotsk into a range in northern Russia.
• Russian senators back indefinite Air Force deployment in Syria Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- Russia's upper house of the parliament has approved an agreement with the Damascus government that allows the Russian Air Force to stay indefinitely in Syria.
• China-Russia joint missile defense drill set for 2017 People's Daily 12 Oct 2016 -- China and Russia announced on Tuesday that they will conduct an anti-missile joint exercise next year as the United States plans to deploy a missile defense system near them.
• Xiangshan Forum reaches consensus on maritime security People's Daily 12 Oct 2016 -- The seventh Xiangshan Forum concluded in Beijing on Wednesday, with attendees from 59 countries and five international organizations reaching consensus on maritime security, among other issues.
• Experts propose China and U.S. set up crisis management mechanism for South China Sea People's Daily 12 Oct 2016 -- The 7th Xiangshan Forum officially opened on Oct. 11 in Beijing, with representatives from China and other nations discussing issues related to international maritime security and crisis management.
• Saudi, French special forces hold joint drills near Lille: Report Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- Special Forces units with the Saudi and French armies have partaken in joint military drills in France.
• Slow and Steady: Indian Arms Exports Jump Six Folds Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- Aggressive diplomatic engagement along with export financing through line of credit has boosted India's presence in the arms trade with countries located in East Asia and the Indian Ocean region.
• Russia Will Continue to be Major Defense Partner With India Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- India will sign a defense deal worth $9 billion in next six months. More so, the coming months will witness some of the biggest defense deals signed between India and Russia ever.
• India to Float New Tender for Close Quarter Battle Carbines Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- The Indian Army has a shortage of 16,000 close quarter battle carbines after canceling a six year old tender won by the Israeli Weapon Industry.
• India Seeks Foreign Defense Firm to Build Domestic Single-Engine Fighters Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- As part of its ongoing efforts at military modernization, India is in pursuit of a single-engine fighter jet to be built domestically, but based on foreign designs, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" initiative.
• India to Ink Investment Deals Worth $400bln in Aerospace and Defense Sector Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- The Indian government has indicated that the country will spend more money on defense purchases.
• South Korea Prepares Special Forces to Hit North Korea in Case of War Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- Seoul is increasing the capacities of its military forces for destroying North Korea's command centers and its leadership in case of a crisis, South Korea's military said Wednesday.
• Was Qatar Fighter Jet Sale Quietly Tied to Multi-Billion-Dollar Boeing Deal? Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- A recent White House decision to allow the sale of US fighter jets to Qatar was made to ensure that the country would also buy some $18.6 billion worth of Boeing commercial jetliners, say people close to the agreement.
• Poland, France FMs Discuss Halt of Talks on 50 Caracal Helicopters Purchase Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- The foreign ministers of Poland and France and Poland Witold Waszczykowski and Jean-Marc Ayrault discussed by telephone the issues of bilateral cooperation, in particular, the suspension of negotiations on the purchase by Warsaw of 50 French Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal, the Polish Foreign Ministry said.
• Worried Over Invented 'Russian Aggression,' Poland to Buy More Black Hawks Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- Following the collapse of a deal with France, Poland says it may build its own fleet of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, in an effort to upgrade its armed forces.
• France Treats Poland as 'Third World Country' in Helicopter Deal Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- Airbus Helicopters' position during negotiations on the purchase of 50 French H225M Caracal helicopters was an attempt to treat Poland as a "third world country", Polish Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz said.
• Background Briefing: Previewing Secretary Kerry's Travel to Kigali, Rwanda for Negotiations on an Amendment to the Montreal Protocol US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2016
• October 12, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2016
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 10/12/2016 The White House 12 Oct 2016

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for October 12, 2016

Other Conflicts

• 12 October 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Oct 2016
• "What is the underlying conflict? It's similar in both countries and can be described as an incomplete social contract"– UN envoy for Sudan and South Sudan UN News 12 Oct 2016 -- Nicholas Haysom has experience in challenging political situations.
• US Intel: Beijing Has Military Gear on Artificial Islands in South China Sea Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- The American spy agency that provides the Pentagon with assistance for the ongoing Pivot to Asia US military strategy has claimed that the artificial islands that China has constructed in the South China Sea are military installations.
• Yemen's Saleh Urges Russia to Resolve Yemeni War Via UN Security Council Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- Former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh on Wednesday called on Russia to prepare a UN Security Council resolution on ending aggression against Yemen.
• Yemeni forces kill 15 Saudi troops in clashes on kingdom's soil Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- At least 15 Saudi troops have been killed during clashes with Yemeni military forces backed by Houthi Ansarullah fighters in Saudi Arabia's southwestern region of Jizan.
• Yemeni forces attack military bases in SW Saudi Arabia Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- The Yemeni army's missile division has reportedly carried out a precision counterattack against a military base in the southwestern Saudi region of Najran.
• Turkey-Iraq tensions escalate over operation in Mosul Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- As the operation to liberate the northern Iraqi city of Mosul from Daesh terrorist group approaches, tensions between Ankara and Baghdad are escalating over Turkey's possible military involvement in the offensive.
• U.S. Says Turkey Should Get Iraq's Approval To Station Troops There RFE/RL 12 Oct 2016 -- The United States urged Turkey and Iraq to overcome a dispute over about 2,000 Turkish troops stationed in northern Iraq and said the troops should only be there with Baghdad's approval.
• Putin: Russia Knows Who's Responsible for Attack on UN Aid Convoy Near Aleppo Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- Russia knows who is really behind the attack on the UN humanitarian convoy near Aleppo, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday. It is one of the terrorist groups, he added.
• Syria forces kill over 70 militants in Hama Province Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- Syrian army troops have killed more than 70 Takfiri terrorists and injured 30 others during its anti-terror military offensive in the western province of Hama.
• Kerry, Lavrov to Discuss Syria on Saturday VOA 12 Oct 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet this Saturday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and diplomats from regional powers to discuss the Syria crisis in Lausanne, Switzerland.
• Colombia: Ban welcomes announcement of talks between Government and National Liberation Army UN News 12 Oct 2016 -- Welcoming the announcement that formal negotiations between the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN) will begin later this month, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed hope that the two sides will reach a sustainable peace agreement as soon as possible.
• Myanmar Rohingyas worried after deadly clashes Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state is in the throes of a sharp escalation of violence after several troops and armed men were killed in clashes on the border with Bangladesh.
• More Crimean Tatars Detained By Russia-Installed Security Forces RFE/RL 12 Oct 2016 -- Several Crimean Tatars have been detained in Ukraine's occupied Crimea region after Russian-installed security forces searched their houses in several villages.
• Burundi parliamentarians vote for ICC exit Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- The lower house of parliament in Burundi has voted for the country to pull out of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has opened an investigation into alleged atrocities committed in the African country.
• Burundi's Lower House Votes to Leave ICC VOA 12 Oct 2016 -- Burundi's lower house of parliament overwhelmingly passed legislation to withdraw from the International Criminal Court Wednesday, following a U.N. probe into human rights abuses in the East African country.
• UN mission 'extremely concerned' over increased incidents of violence across South Sudan UN News 12 Oct 2016 -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said today that it is "extremely concerned" over increased reports of violence and armed conflict in various parts of the country in the last few weeks, including heavy artillery and gunfire exchanges between Government and opposition forces in Leer town.
• South Sudan minister denies rumors of President Kiir's death Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- South Sudan's government has denied rumors about the death of President Salva Kiir.

News Reports

• Russian Ambassador Blames U.S. For Spiraling Tensions With Moscow RFE/RL 12 Oct 2016 -- Russia's top diplomat in the United States has blamed Washington for the worsening ties between the two countries, even as he emphasized common threats the two faced and the potential for cooperation.
• FBI Investigating Clinton Campaign Chief's Hacked Emails VOA 12 Oct 2016 -- Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman says the FBI is investigating Russia's possible role in hacking his emails, a role that is being denied by a top Russian government official.
• Germany Bomb Plot Suspect Kills Himself in Jail VOA 12 Oct 2016 -- A Syrian man under arrest in Germany for allegedly planning a bomb attack killed himself Wednesday evening in a detention center in Leipzig, officials said.
• Lawyers will no longer defend Paris terror attacks suspect Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- Lawyers for Salah Abdeslam, a major suspect in the November 2015 attacks in the French capital, Paris, say they will no longer defend him as he refuses to answer any question regarding the acts of terror.
• Lawyers Quit Defending Paris Attacks Suspect VOA 12 Oct 2016 -- Families and lawyers of Paris attacks victims say they are disappointed at the news that Salah Abdeslam's legal defense has quit, as the top surviving suspect of last November's strikes remains silent before his interrogators.
• Beijing urged to honor Taiwan's rights to join international bodies CNA 12 Oct 2016 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) urged mainland Chinese authorities on Wednesday to respect Taiwan's rights to participate in international organizations and to make greater efforts to promote benevolent interactions between the two sides of Taiwan Strait.
• Cross-strait forum needs to respect Taiwan's law: MAC CNA 12 Oct 2016 -- Any interaction or dealings between a private group from Taiwan and its Chinese counterpart must be conducted in accordance with the law and relevant rules and regulations of the Republic of China, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said on Wednesday.
• U.S. reiterates importance of cross-strait dialogue CNA 12 Oct 2016 -- The United States places great value and importance on Taiwan and China using a combination of creativity and patience to resolve their differences peacefully, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Daniel Russel said Tuesday.
• Turkey to draft law on expanding presidential powers Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim says the government will soon resume efforts to change the country's constitution and expand presidential powers, in a controversial move that has drawn mounting criticism.
• Turkish Gov't Fires Over 60,000 People Over Suspected Links to Gulen Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- Turkish Gov't Fires Over 60,000 People Over Suspected Links to Gulen
• Erdogan Threatens With 'Very Serious Steps' if US Delays Extradition of Gulen Sputnik 12 Oct 2016 -- Turkey could resort to serious measures if Washington delays the extradition of Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is believed by Ankara to be the mastermind behind the failed coup attempt in the country, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.
• North Korea vice FM exiled to farming area after UK ambassador defects Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- North Korea has exiled its vice foreign minister and his family to a rural farming region outside of Pyongyang following the recent defection of the country's deputy ambassador to the UK.
• Pro-independence Hong Kong MPs turn parliament session into farce Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- Hong Kong's pro-independence lawmakers have mangled their oath of office, which describes the city as part of China.
• Thai King's Health Unstable VOA 12 Oct 2016 -- Thailand's royal palace says 88-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej remains in unstable health condition.
• UN: Congo at 'extreme risk' of all-out violence Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- The United Nations has warned about the "extreme risk" of large-scale violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid a deepening political rift over President Joseph Kabila's future.
• OPEC to invite Russia to key oil meeting Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) says it is going to invite Russian and other key non-member states to a meeting later this month to discuss ways to help boost oil prices from the current lows.
• Ethiopia PM vows reforms amid bloody unrest Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn says his government wants to reform the electoral system following months of bloody protests.
• Nigerian troops open fire at Shia mourners Press TV 12 Oct 2016 -- Nigerian forces open fire at Shia mourners taking part in Ashura processions, killing at least nine people in the cities of Kaduna and Funtua, Press TV correspondent from the capital Abuja reports.
• Water For Central Asia's Oil Lands RFE/RL 12 Oct 2016 -- Look at a map showing population density in Central Asia and it is immediately apparent that the majority of the region's approximately 68 million people live in the east.The reason is equally obvious; the western part of Central Asia is home to two large deserts, Kyzyl Kum and Kara Kum -- the red and black sand deserts, respectively.
• UN mission in Haiti working with local authorities to ensure smooth, safe aid delivery after hurricane UN News 12 Oct 2016 -- While Haiti is still counting its dead and assessing the damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, the powerful Category 4 storm that battered the tiny island nation last week, a senior United Nations peacekeeping official today reported that significant headway is being made clearing the roads to facilitate the movement of humanitarian aid.
• In wake of Hurricane Matthew, UN to deliver food for 180,000 people in hard-hit eastern Cuba UN News 12 Oct 2016 -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is working with the Cuban Government to provide food for 180,000 people in hard-hit eastern areas of the island as they cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.