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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 31 Oct 2016 [PDF]
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook in the Pentagon Briefing Room DOD 31 Oct 2016 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook
• Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 31 Oct 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.
• Pentagon Hails Progress, Momentum in Mosul Fight AFPS 31 Oct 2016 -- Iraqi security forces and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters are making progress as they push toward Mosul in the effort to liberate the city from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the Pentagon's press secretary said today.
• U.S., Russian Jet Incident Over Syria Not Hostile, Cook Says AFPS 31 Oct 2016 -- The Oct. 17 incident in which American and Russian aircraft flew within a half mile of one another over Syrian battlespace was inadvertent contact and not hostile, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook told reporters today.
• Six civilians killed in bombing attack in east Afghanistan Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- At least six people have lost their lives and several others sustained injuries in a bombing attack in eastern Afghanistan.
• Coast Guard Record Year Cocaine Offload at Naval Base San Diego NNS 31 Oct 2016 -- The U.S. Coast Guard from Legend Class National Security Cutter USCGC Waesche (WMSL 751) marked a record year in counterdrug operations and offloaded more than 39,000 pounds of cocaine worth more than $531 million at Naval Base San Diego, Oct. 27.

Defense Policy / Programs

• 3MA: Maintenance, Material Readiness Remain a Priority for Ike NNS 31 Oct 2016 -- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) underwent a maintenance and material management assessment (3MA) to evaluate the ship's maintenance and material management (3M) program, Oct. 27-31.
• Deputy Secretary: Third Offset Strategy Bolsters America's Military Deterrence AFPS 31 Oct 2016 -- The Pentagon's Third Offset Strategy pursues next-generation technologies and concepts to assure U.S. military superiority, but the real focus is strengthening U.S. conventional deterrence to make sure wars don't happen, Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work says.
• F-35 Lightning II Testing Begins on USS America NNS 31 Oct 2016 -- Five Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II aircraft landed on the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) on Friday, October 28.
• The Last Hurdle: Team Vinson Begins COMPTUEX NNS 31 Oct 2016 -- The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group crew parted ways with their homeports for an extensive month-long underway. During their time at sea, the unit will conduct various exercises and complete evaluations to certify their ships as deployment ready.
• USS Carney Exits Black Sea NNS 31 Oct 2016 -- Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) departed the Black Sea, Oct. 30, after conducting maritime security exercises and theater security engagements with allies and partners.
• US, Royal Cambodian Forces Combine for CARAT Cambodia 2016 NNS 31 Oct 2016 -- U.S. and Royal Cambodian navy (RCN) service members kicked off the 7th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise in Cambodia with an opening ceremony at Ream Navy Base, Oct. 31.
• Ike CSG Conducts Joint ADEX NNS 31 Oct 2016 -- The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG) and the U.S. Air Force conducted a joint air defense exercise (ADEX) in the Arabian Gulf, Oct. 25.
• USS Mitscher Successfully Conducts Missile Firing Exercise NNS 31 Oct 2016 -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) successfully launched a Standard Missile (SM) off the coast of Virginia Oct. 18 as part of testing the latest version of the AEGIS Weapon System.
• USS Makin Island Conducts Search for Chinese Mariner NNS 31 Oct 2016 -- Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Sailors and embarked "Blackjacks" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, and assets from the U.S. Coast Guard attempted to locate Chinese mariner Guo Chuan during a search and rescue (SAR) operation in the waters off Hawaii, Oct. 26.
• Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group Returns to Okinawa for MEU Offload NNS 31 Oct 2016 -- The last two ships of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Group (BHR ESG) arrived in Okinawa, Japan, to offload the embarked Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Oct. 28.
• Chief of Naval Personnel Visits USS San Jacinto NNS 31 Oct 2016 -- Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Robert Burke, and Master Chief Petty Officer April Beldo visited guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) to discuss fleet feedback regarding recent changes to the enlisted rating modernization plan and the Sailor 2025 initiative, Oct. 30.
• Rear Admiral Kohler Tours USNS Pathfinder NNS 31 Oct 2016 -- Rear Adm. Matthew J. Kohler, commander, Naval Information Forces, was welcomed aboard oceanographic survey ship USNS Pathfinder (T-AGS 60) at Naval Station Norfolk, Oct 26.
• 'Ship Killers': Pentagon Chief Reveals Upgrades to US Army's Long Range Rocket Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- On Tuesday US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced that the Army's tactical missile system (ATACMS) will be upgraded to strike both land and sea targets. Such technology will go a long way to defending allies against the Chinese menace and battling Moscow's "aggression" in the Baltics.
• NATO, Russia to hold parallel military excercise in Balkans Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- Russia's military and NATO forces are holding parallel military exercises in two neighboring Balkan countries.
• Putin Signs Law Suspending U.S.-Russian Plutonium Agreement RFE/RL 31 Oct 2016 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law halting an agreement with the United States on the disposal of weapons-grade plutonium, a move that comes amid a continuing deterioration of bilateral ties.
• Russia Creates Low-Cost Weapon to Take on Swarms of Mini-Drones Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- Russia's United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation (UIMC), a holding within the State Corporation Rostec, has created a weapon capable of destroying dozens of tiny UAVs, Leonid Khozin, head of UIMC's press service, told Sputnik.
• Chinese pilot training shortened to 5 years: PLA official People's Daily 31 Oct 2016 -- China has sped up its pilot training program so that it now takes just five years for a pilot to begin flying active combat jets.
• Chinese army vows efforts on strict Party governance People's Daily 31 Oct 2016 -- Chinese military forces have pledged to closely unite around the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, and vowed steadfast efforts on strict governance of the Party.
• Air show spotlights Chinese UAVs People's Daily 31 Oct 2016 -- This year's China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) is likely to put the spotlight on a number of domestic unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), which will bring intensified competition to the global drone market, experts said on Sunday.
• Enemies not safe from Iran forces' response: Commander IRNA 31 Oct 2016 -- A senior army commander has announced that the threatening countries and their supporters cannot be secure from Iranian armed forces' response.
• October 31, 2016 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 31 Oct 2016
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 10/31/2016 The White House 31 Oct 2016

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for October 31, 2016

Other Conflicts

• 31 October 2016 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 31 Oct 2016
• UN refugee agency aims to double funds for cash-based assistance to refugees by 2020 UN News 31 Oct 2016 -- The United Nations refugee agency announced today its intention to double funds for cash-based assistance to refugees across the world by 2020 as a way to better assist and protect them
• New approaches required to prevent trafficking among conflict-induced migrants - UN human rights expert UN News 31 Oct 2016 -- Governments need to adopt new approaches to human trafficking in light of conflict-induced migration increasing around the world and putting many more people at risk of such trafficking, according to an independent United Nations human rights expert.
• Taiwan, Japan fail to reach accord on fishing near Okinotori Atoll CNA 31 Oct 2016 -- Taiwan and Japan were unable to reach agreement Monday on fishing rights in the sea near Okinotori Atoll at a meeting on maritime affairs held in Tokyo, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
• Taiwan, Japan hold dialogue on maritime affairs CNA 31 Oct 2016 -- The first ever dialogue between Taiwan and Japan on maritime affairs was held in Tokyo on Monday, with delegations from the two countries set to discuss issues of mutual concern including fishing near the Japan-held Okinotori atoll in the Pacific Ocean.
• UN Humanitarian Chief: Yemen 'One Step Away from Famine' VOA 31 Oct 2016 -- The U.N. humanitarian chief warned Monday that war-torn Yemen is "one step away from famine."
• Yemeni forces launch rocket attack at Saudi mercenaries' positions Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- Yemen's army and volunteer Popular Committees have fired rockets at the positions of Saudi-backed mercenaries near the capital, Sana'a, destroying a weapons warehouse used by them.
• Tehran Denies US Accusations of Supplying Weapons to Yemen Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi said that a large number of lethal weapons, bombs and US-made missiles used by the Saudi-led coalition were targeting the Yemeni civilian infrastructure and population.
• Spokesman dismisses US claims over supplying arms for Yemen IRNA 31 Oct 2016 -- Spokesman of the Foreign Ministry Bahram Qasemi condemned and rejected latest allegations raised by the US against Iran over alleged sending of military aid to Yemen.
• 'Dawn of peace' could be near if Yemeni actors prioritize national interest - UN envoy tells Security Council UN News 31 Oct 2016 -- Highlighting that the humanitarian situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate despite the efforts of relief actors, the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen called on all parties to recommit themselves to the promises made earlier and to engage fully and constructively with the UN-mediated peace process.
• 80 percent of Yemenis need humanitarian assistance: UN Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- The United Nations aid chief says 80 percent of Yemenis need some form of humanitarian assistance as Saudi Arabia keeps bombing its impoverished neighbor.
• Ankara Wants to Begin Liberation of Syrian Raqqa Once Mosul Free - Deputy PM Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said that the operation to liberate Syrian Raqqa from the Daesh terrorists should take place after the end of Turkish Euphrates Shield operation in northern Syria and operation to liberate Iraqi Mosul from the Daesh.
• At least 84 killed in militant attacks on Aleppo's west: Syria Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- The Syrian military says at least 84 people have been killed and another 280 people sustained injuries in three days of intensive and relentless assaults by militants on the government-held parts of the embattled city of Aleppo.
• Militants Use Chemical Weapons in Syria Amid Failure to Reach Goals Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- Chemical weapon attacks will not be able to force the army to abandon its duties to protect civilians and free Syria of terrorism, according to the Command of the Syrian Armed Forces (SAF).
• UN Security Council Votes to Extend Syria Joint Mission on Chemical Weapons Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- The UN Security Council approved extension the mandate of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-UN joint mechanism for investigating the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
• At Least 84 Killed, Nearly 300 Injured in Nusra Front Attacks on Aleppo Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- Syrian Arab Army's leadership issued a statement Monday saying that al-Nusra Front killed at least 84 people and injured 280 in Aleppo during the past three days.
• In unanimous vote, Security Council extends mandate of UN-OPCW body on chemical weapons use in Syria UN News 31 Oct 2016 -- The UN Security Council today extended by just under three weeks the mandate of the United Nations- Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Joint Investigative Mechanism, the body tasked with identifying those behind chemical weapons attacks in the Syrian civil war.
• Activists: Release of Detainees in Syria Crucial to Peace Process VOA 31 Oct 2016 -- Syrian opposition activists are urging the United Nations and the international community to push for the release of tens of thousands of detainees in Syria, calling it critical in efforts to revive the moribund peace process.
• Iraqi forces battle their way into Daesh-held city of Mosul + drone footage Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- Iraqi forces have entered the Daesh-held city of Mosul for the first time since major operations began to liberate the Takfiri terrorists' stronghold in Iraq.
• Iraq opens new frontlines in Mosul operations Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- Iraqi forces have launched an offensive to advance toward the eastern borders of the city of Mosul from three new axes.
• Iraqi Forces Liberate Mosul Suburb Bazwaya, Several Nearby Villages Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- Anti-terrorist Iraqi units liberated Bazwaya, a suburb of Mosul, and several nearby villages from the Daesh terrorists, according to Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir Yarallah.
• Peshmerga Forced to Create Special Unit to Deal with Daesh Mines in Mosul Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- On Monday, coalition forces resumed their offensive against Daesh in the jihadi-held city of Mosul following a weekend pause. Speaking to Sputnik, Peshmerga demining unit commander Lokman Serafettin warned that the coalition has discovered a new Daesh strategy: the use of mines in civilian areas.
• Iraqi Troops Half Mile Away From Daesh-Held Mosul Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- Talib Kinany, the head of Iraq's counter-terrorism forces, said that Iraqi troops are between 800 to 900 meters [0.5 mile] away from Mosul.
• Iraqi Forces Resume Mosul Offensive Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- Iraqi security forces have resumed the offensive against the Daesh terrorist group in Mosul, the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS) said Monday.
• Iraqi Forces Nudge Into Mosul as Sectarian, Ethnic Tensions Rise in Northern Iraq VOA 31 Oct 2016 -- The prize is close. In a village just two kilometers from Mosul, the head of Iraq's Special Forces, General Talib Shaghati, held an impromptu news conference with several reporters to announce "good news" for more than a million civilians trapped in the Islamic State's last major urban stronghold in Iraq.
• Kerry, US Allies Underscore Support for Libya's Unity Government - State Dept. Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry and officials from France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United Nations underscored their support for increasing the capacity of the Government of National Accord led by Prime Minister al-Sarraj to respond to the needs of the Libyan people, according to official statement.
• Libyan Forces Begin Final Assault on Daesh in Sirte Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- Forces loyal to Libya's Government of National Accord have started an offensive against the last Daesh stronghold in the town of Sirte, the operation's press service said Monday.
• Secretary Kerry's Meeting on Libya US Dept. of State 31 Oct 2016
• Libya's Chaos Prompts New US Calls for Action VOA 31 Oct 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry spearheaded renewed efforts Monday to bolster Libya's U.N.-backed government against continued chaos and a collapsing economy, but the meeting appeared to yield little more than an expression of support for the embattled Libyan leadership.
• Nigerian troops sexually abuse Boko Haram victims: HRW Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) says Nigerian security forces have raped and sexually abused women and girls fleeing the Takfiri Boko Haram terrorist group in the country's troubled northeast.
• HRW: Boko Haram Refugees Raped by Nigerian Troops, Police VOA 31 Oct 2016 -- Human rights monitors are accusing Nigerian officials, soldiers and police of rape and other acts of sexual exploitation against women and girls who have escaped Boko Haram captivity for what they falsely believed to be the safety of government encampments.
• Deadly clashes in CAR as France ends military mission Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- France has formally announced an end to its military mission in the Central African Republic amid flared tensions in the country affected by ethnic violence.
• French Troops to Remain in CAR Despite Conclusion of Sangaris Mission Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said that some 350 French soldiers will remain in the Central African Republic (CAR) as a tactical reserve force for the UN peacekeepers.
• France Officially Ends Military Operation in Central African Republic Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- France announced official end of the Sangaris peacekeeping operation conducted in the capital of Central African Republic.
• Mali Insurgent Group Accepts Cease-fire but With Conditions VOA 31 Oct 2016 -- The head of Mali's top Islamic body says insurgent group Ansar Dine has accepted a proposed cease-fire.

News Reports

• Clinton Calls On Trump To Disclose Ties To 'Kremlin And Its Associates' RFE/RL 31 Oct 2016 -- Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton says Donald Trump should disclose any ties he may have to the Kremlin or its "associates," suggesting such links could be connected to what U.S. intelligence has called Russian meddling in American elections.
• Lebanese Parliament Elects Gen. Michel Aoun President VOA 31 Oct 2016 -- Former Lebanese Army Commander and long-time aspirant to the country's presidency, Gen. Michel Aoun, was elected to fill the top post after a two and a half year political void. His election by parliament came after a consensus agreement among top political leaders.
• Lebanon lawmakers elect Michel Aoun as president Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- Lebanon finally has a new president. Lawmakers have thrown their support behind Michel Aoun, a strong Hezbollah ally, to fill the country's long-vacant presidency.
• Lebanon Elects New President, Ending Years-Long Political Stalemate Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- After more than two years of political stalemate, General Michel Aoun has been elected by Lebanon's parliament as the new president.
• Lebanon: Welcoming new president, UN chief encourages formation of government without delay UN News 31 Oct 2016 -- Welcoming the election of Michel Aoun as the new President of Lebanon, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed hope that all parties in the country will continue to work in a spirit of unity and in the national interest, according to his spokesperson.
• UN Commission of Inquiry Calls for Eritrean Leaders to Face Justice VOA 31 Oct 2016 -- A U.N.-backed commission assigned to investigate human rights violations in Eritrea is calling for a tribunal or a special court system to hear allegations of crimes by Eritrean leaders.
• US Deeply Concerned by Turkey's Increased Pressure on Opposition Media VOA 31 Oct 2016 -- The United States is "deeply concerned" by what appears to be an increase in official pressure on opposition media outlets in Turkey after Monday's detention of senior staff from Cumhuriyet, "one of Turkey's most respected newspapers."
• No End to Purge in Turkey: 10,000 More Civil Workers Dismissed Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- The post-coup-attempt crackdown in Turkey continues with a new group of 10,000 civil servants fired from their positions October 29.
• Turkish police detains editor of Cumhuriyet after raiding his home Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- Turkish police arrest the editor-in-chief of the opposition newspaper Cumhuriyet, along with several other staff of the daily after raiding their homes.
• Editor Of Turkish Opposition Newspaper Detained RFE/RL 31 Oct 2016 -- Turkey has detained the editor in chief of the opposition secularist Cumhuriyet newspaper, Turkish media report.
• Turkish Police Raid Opposition Newspaper VOA 31 Oct 2016 -- In Turkey concern is growing over the police raid and arrests of journalists working at the country's oldest newspaper - one of the few remaining media outlets critical of the government.
• South Korean Political Crisis Could Affect Hardline North Korea Policy VOA 31 Oct 2016 -- South Korean President Park Geun-hye has vowed not to let a growing political crisis of confidence in her administration undermine the nation's national security.
• Pakistan police arrest 1,500 supporters of Imran Khan Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- Pakistani police have arrested at least 1,500 supporters of opposition leader Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party ahead of a massive rally planned later this week in the capital Islamabad.
• Pakistan court allows opposition sit-in Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- A top court in Pakistan has given permission to opposition protesters to stage a highly-anticipated anti-government sit-in in the capital this week.
• 12 keywords of the Communique of the Sixth Plenary Session People's Daily 31 Oct 2016 -- The strict governance of the Communist Party of China has entered a new era with two regulations passed at a key meeting on Oct 27, paving the way for the Party's national congress next year and its future development.
• India, China Attempt to Iron Out Differences On NSG Membership Issue Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- India and China are set to continue talks regarding India's membership bid for the 48 member Nuclear Suppliers Group.
• Completed assembly of Long March-7 rocket expected in 2017 People's Daily 31 Oct 2016 -- Another Long March-7 rocket is expected to be finished in January 2017. After the assembly of the new rocket is completed, it will be tasked with sending China's first space cargo ship Tianzhou-1 into space in the first half of next year.
• BRICS Space Agencies Sign Memorandum on Cooperation in Space Exploration Sputnik 31 Oct 2016 -- Roscosmos Director General Igor Komarov stated that BRICS made a step into the future, as joint efforts on the use of the ERS system would help to eliminate consequences of natural disasters, improve environmental protection and further sustainable social and economic development of the BRICS countries.
• Mariano Rajoy sworn in as Spain's Prime Minister Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- Mariano Rajoy has taken the oath of office as Spain's Prime Minister to begin forming a new minority government.
• Georgian Dream Party secures landslide victory in disputed polls Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- Georgia's ruling party has scored a landslide win in the second round of contested parliamentary elections, official results show.
• Venezuela government, opposition hold talks amid tensions Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has started talks with a group of opposition leaders in an effort to end the country's political crisis and economic woes.
• Venezuela President Meets Opposition Leaders VOA 31 Oct 2016 -- For the first time in at least two years, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his political team have met with several opposition leaders in attempt to defuse the country's political crisis.
• Moldova presidential election looks set for runoff Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- The presidential election in Moldova will most likely go to a second round as neither of the two candidates has gained the required 51 percent of the votes to avoid a runoff.
• Pro-Russia, Pro-EU Candidates To Meet In Moldova's Presidential Runoff RFE/RL 31 Oct 2016 -- Preliminary results from Moldova's presidential election point to a runoff vote next month between a pro-Russia socialist and a pro-European Union reformist as the country tries to scramble out of its political and economic malaise.
• Assets On Parade: Ukraine Officials Made To Declare Their Bling RFE/RL 31 Oct 2016 -- Fast cars and fancy watches. Faberge eggs and vintage wine. Prime real estate, including a church. Even a ticket to space.
• Saudi Arabian longtime finance minister replaced with stock market regulator Press TV 31 Oct 2016 -- Saudi Arabia has fired its longtime serving finance minister amid measures to curb the kingdom's severe economic problems.
• Japan-Philippines Deals Signal Shift to Multi-country Foreign Policy VOA 31 Oct 2016 -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Japan swings his country a degree back toward the United States despite a strain in relations and it may signal growth of a multilateral foreign policy aimed at maximizing development aid.