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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• Military Strikes Target ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 02 Jan 2017 -- 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.
• CJTF-OIR Announces Civilian Casualty Assessment for November AFPS 02 Jan 2017 -- During November, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve received 16 new reports and assessed seven previously received reports of possible civilian casualties resulting from coalition strikes in Iraq and Syria in the fight to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, according to a CJTF-OIR news release.
• Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 02 Jan 2017 -- The renewed counter-Daesh offensive to liberate Mosul in Iraq, coupled with the advance of forces in Syria, has resulted in a busy period for Royal Air Force aircraft, providing close air support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activity as part of the coalition air campaign.
• Liberation of Syrian Raqqa to Be Next Step After Iraqi Mosul Freed - Hollande Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- The liberation of the Syrian city of Raqqa, currently held by the Daesh terrorist group, will be the next target of the international coalition, French President Francois Hollande, currently on a visit to Iraqi capital of Baghdad, said Monday.
• In Iraq, Hollande Thanks French Troops for Fighting Terror VOA 02 Jan 2017 -- French President Francois Hollande vowed that Islamic State will soon be beaten. He spoke during a one-day visit to Iraq, the same day a suicide bomber struck a busy Baghdad market, killing at least 32 people.
• French president in Iraq to visit troops, hold talks with officials Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- French President Francois Hollande is in Iraq to visit his country's troops deployed to the Arab state as part of a US-led coalition purportedly fighting Daesh terrorists.
• Afghan Female Air Force Pilot Awaits Response to US Asylum Request VOA 02 Jan 2017 -- Afghanistan's first female fixed wing pilot in the country's air force awaits a response to her asylum request to the United States, which she filed last month after receiving threats from Taliban insurgents, according to her lawyer.
• Dushanbe Probing Claim Taliban Tanks Being Repaired In Tajikistan RFE/RL 02 Jan 2017 -- Tajik authorities are looking into claims by an Afghan official that Taliban tanks and other heavy weapons are being repaired by Russian engineers in Tajikistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US special forces in Baltics to help NATO allies counter Russia Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- American commandos maintain a "persistent" presence in the Baltic states to bolster the training and resolve of troops of the NATO allies anxious about "a looming threat from Russia," according to a report.
• Montenegro's NATO-Russia Chess Match RFE/RL 02 Jan 2017 -- Montenegro and Serbia are Russian President Vladimir Putin's "red line" in Europe, judging by year-end headlines in Belgrade's tabloid press.
• Four Dutch F-16 Jets Arrive in Lithuania for NATO Air Policing Mission Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- Four F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighters of the Netherlands' Air Force landed at Lithuania's Siauliai airbase to take over NATO's air policing mission in the Baltic states from January 5, the country's Defense Ministry said Monday.
• Some 400 Lithuanian Troops Set to Begin NATO Service in January Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- Some 400 Lithuanian soldiers will begin their service in various NATO forces, including NATO Response Force and NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said Monday in a statement.
• Russian Aerospace Forces Conducted 30,000 Bomb, Rocket Attacks in 2016 Drills Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces conducted about 30,000 bombardments and rocket attacks as part of drills held in 2016, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Monday.
• Russian Naval Aviation to Receive 100 New Aircraft Before 2020 Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- Russian naval aviation to receive some 100 new aircraft before 2020, the naval aviation chief said Monday.
• Defense ministry mulling air defense missile command change CNA 02 Jan 2017 -- The Ministry of National Defense confirmed Monday that it may reorganize the air defense missile command, which is currently under the ministry's jurisdiction, but said it would not be related to a stalled program to cut the size of the military.
• Russian Su-35 May be Last Fighter Jet Imported by China as Beijing Bets on J-20 Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- On December 25, China received the first shipment of Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets, as part of a deal between Moscow and Beijing on delivering a total of 24 aircraft.
• UK-Boeing spy plane deal at Trump's mercy Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- The UK government has not yet placed an order for a much publicized spy plane deal with the American aviation and military giant Boeing, a new report states, meaning that the much-needed military aircraft would only be provided upon US President-elect Donald Trump's agreement.
• Kim Jong Un vows to strengthen nuclear capabilities in New Year address People's Daily 02 Jan 2017 -- Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un said Sunday in a televised New Year address that the DPRK would continue to strengthen national defense including nuclear capabilities as long as nuclear threat from the United States exists.
• Pentagon warns North Korea against testing nuclear-capable missile Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- The United States government has warned North Korea against carrying out any "provocative actions," after Pyongyang said it was putting the final touches on a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the US mainland.
• Indian Strategic Forces Command Test-Fires 2,500-Mile Agni IV Ballistic Missiles Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- Agni IV is integrated with a sophisticated mobile launcher that enables it to hit adversary's strategic assets located at a distance with very short preparation time. It is already in possession of India's Strategic Forces Command.
• Iran inaugurates small-caliber ammunition production line Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- Iran has inaugurated the production line of small-caliber ammunition, taking another step in line with boosting the country's military and defense might.
• South Korean Opposition Lawmakers to Discuss THAAD Deployment With Beijing Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- Eight South Korean lawmakers from the country's main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), including presidential-hopeful Moon Jae-in, will visit China on Wednesday for a three-day visit in an attempt to ease tensions with Beijing over the planned deployment of US missile defense systems in South Korea, one of the delegates said on Monday.
• Philippines moving away from US towards China: Envoy Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- The Philippines's incoming ambassador to China says his country plans to move away from its long-time ally, the United States, towards Beijing.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

• Shortage of food, medicine taking heavy toll on Yemeni children: UN Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- The UN children's agency, UNICEF, says Saudi Arabia's devastating war in Yemen is hindering efforts to save children from acute malnutrition and deaths caused by preventable diseases.
• Syria bombs positions of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham terrorists in Homs, kills senior leaders Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- The Syrian army has carried out an attack on al-Qaeda-linked militants in the western province of Homs, killing a number of terrorists, including senior leaders.
• Syrian army clashes with militants in Rif Dimashq Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- Syrian army soldiers have reportedly clashed with members of the Fateh al-Sham terrorist group, formerly known as al-Nusra Front, in Rif Dimashq Province as the pro-government forces advance against militants in the region.
• Russia, Turkey Reportedly Strike Daesh Positions in Northern Syria Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces and the Turkish Air Force, along with Turkey's artillery have carried out several operations against Daesh in northern Syria, Daily Sabah newspaper reported Monday.
• Monitors: Airstrike in Northern Syria Kills Extremist Leaders Near Turkish Border VOA 02 Jan 2017 -- Syrian monitors say an airstrike near the Turkish border killed at least three extremist leaders late Sunday, including a commander of a militant faction made up of ethnic Uighurs from far western China.
• Iran to join Syria talks unconditionally: Foreign Ministry Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- Iran has vowed all-out efforts to help restore peace to violence-torn Syria, saying the Islamic Republic will attend the upcoming crisis resolution talks between Damascus and the opposition in Astana, Kazakhstan, "without any preconditions."
• Iran Refutes Claims of Deal on Dividing Syria Into Zones of Influence Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- Iran will not set any preconditions for the peace talks on Syria scheduled to be held in the Kazakh city of Astana later in January, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said Monday.
• 'Positive indicator' in Iraq's Mosul, US focused 'on the east side' Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- An American general in charge of the ground forces for the so-called US-led coalition against Daesh (ISIL) speaks of a "positive indicator" in the fight against the Takfiri terrorists in control of Iraq's second largest city.
• At least 7 Iraqi police forces killed in attacks in Samarra Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- At least seven Iraqi police officers have been killed when militants detonated their explosive belts in two police stations in the holy city of Samarra.
• Bomb explosion kills 35 in Baghdad's Sadr City Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- A car bomb has exploded north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, leaving at least 35 people dead and dozens more wounded.
• Dozens Killed in Suicide Car Bomb Attack in Baghdad Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- At least 32 people were killed in a suicide car bomb blast in the Iraqi capital, AFP news agency reported citing police. However, local Al Sumaraya TV channel reported that the number of casualties in the attack is at least 20.
• Iraq: UN envoy strongly condemns Baghdad bombings that kill many civilians UN News 02 Jan 2017 -- The United Nations envoy for Iraq has strongly condemned today's triple bombings in Baghdad in which large numbers of civilians were killed and injured.
• South Sudan's Government Calls for Peace Dialogue VOA 02 Jan 2017 -- South Sudan's government says it wants to bring peace and stability in the country this year, after three years of fighting. The government is putting its hopes on the recently launched national dialogue.
• Myanmar Arrests Officers Over Rohingya Abuse VOA 02 Jan 2017 -- Myanmar arrested several police officers Monday who had been filmed beating Rohingya civilians, a rare government acknowledgement of abuse against the Muslim minority.
• Activists: Defamation Cases Surge in Myanmar VOA 02 Jan 2017 -- When the National League for Democracy took office in Myanmar in April, many activists, journalists and civil society groups hoped the change to a democratic government would mark a turning point for freedom of expression, following decades of repressive army rule.
• Colombian Army Captures 12 ELN Rebel Group Fighters, Rescues 8 Child Soldiers Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- Colombian army rescued eight child soldiers recruited by the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group, fighting against the country's government, and captured 12 ELN fighters, Colombian Defense Ministry said Monday.
• Azerbaijan Violates Karabakh Ceasefire 30 Times on Monday – NKR Defense Ministry Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- Azerbaijani forces have violated the ceasefire in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh 30 times early on Monday, the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic's (NKR) Defense Ministry said.
• Armenia Violates Karabakh Ceasefire 35 Times Over Last 24 Hours Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- According to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, the Armenian military has violated the truce in Azerbaijan's breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh 35 times over the past 24 hours.
• Egyptian army forces demolish dozen more Gaza lifeline tunnels Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- Egyptian military forces have demolished a dozen tunnels between the country's Sinai Peninsula and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, which have been used by Gazans to bring basic needs into the blockaded territory.
• 7 Killed in Mogadishu Suicide Blasts VOA 02 Jan 2017 -- At least seven people were killed and 17 others injured in two huge suicide car bombs near Mogadishu international airport on Monday, ambulances services and Somali officials said.

News Reports

• Jeremy J. Stone - 1935-2017 -- Jeremy J. Stone died suddenly in his apartment on 01 January 2017. In June 1973, as a consequence of his activism in criticizing Pentagon spending practices, his name appeared as one of the 150 listed on the "enemies" list of President Nixon - his proudest achievement, among many.
• Trump Aide Tamps Down Expectations About New Disclosures on Russian Hacking VOA 02 Jan 2017 -- Incoming White House press secretary Sean Spicer is tamping down expectations President-elect Donald Trump will soon disclose new information about the U.S. intelligence finding that Russia hacked into computers of Trump's opponents and released damaging information to help him win.
• U.S. Senators Conclude Georgia Visit Pledging Tougher Russia Sanctions RFE/RL 02 Jan 2017 -- Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili and a delegation of U.S. senators have discussed the Caucasus country's aspirations for joining Western institutions and the Georgian-U.S. strategic relationship in Tbilisi.
• Congressman warns Trump against reversing Russia sanctions Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- A senior Democratic congressman has warned US President-elect Donald Trump against reversing the tough economic sanctions that President Barack Obama imposed on Russia last week.
• 'Where Is This Country Going?' Debt Crisis Tugs At Russian Federation's Seams RFE/RL 02 Jan 2017 -- A surprisingly harsh war of words has broken out between the Russian central government and one of the country's most prosperous regions, in a sign of tension as cash-strapped Moscow struggles to fill its budget deficit.
• Istanbul attack won't stop Turkey's operation in Syria: Deputy PM Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus has vowed that Ankara's military operation inside Syria would continue despite a recent terror attack in Istanbul which killed 39 people.
• Turkey detains 8 suspects over Istanbul nightclub shooting rampage Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- Turkish security police have reportedly arrested eight people suspected of having links to a New Year gun massacre at an Istanbul nightclub that claimed the lives of nearly 40 people and wounded dozens of others.
• Turkish police searching for Istanbul nightclub attacker Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- Turkish police continue the manhunt for an unidentified attacker who went on a deadly shooting rampage at a nightclub in Istanbul just over an hour into the New Year.
• Islamic State Claims Responsibility For Istanbul Nightclub Attack RFE/RL 02 Jan 2017 -- The Islamic State (IS) militant group has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on a nightclub in Istanbul on New Year's Day that killed 39 people and wounded dozens of others.
• Secular Critics: Erdogan Bears Responsibility for Nightclub Terror Attack VOA 02 Jan 2017 -- Turkey's prime minister vowed Monday to punish social media users who praise the terrorism of Islamic militants; but secular critics of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan say he and his government bear some responsibility for the New Year's Eve terror attack that left 39 people dead at an Istanbul nightclub.
• Officials: Turkey Close to Identifying Gunman in New Year's Attack VOA 02 Jan 2017 -- Turkish authorities say they are close to identifying the gunman being sought in connection with the New Year's attack on an Istanbul nightclub that left 39 people dead, many of them foreigners. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the assault.
• No one allowed to use Hong Kong as subversion base against China: Beijing Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- China will not allow Hong Kong to be used as a base for "subversion" against its sovereignty, a top official has warned.
• Supreme Leader: Revolutionary youth are national assets IRNA 02 Jan 2017 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Monday that I do love revolutionary youth and that they are the country's assets.
• Israeli police to question Prime Minister Netanyahu on corruption Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- Israeli police authorities are to interrogate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on suspicions that he systematically received favors and gifts worth tens of thousands of dollars from a number of wealthy businessmen.
• Pakistani city launches new polio campaign amid militant threats Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- Pakistan has begun a special five-day polio immunization campaign for children in the southwestern city of Quetta after past programs were met with violence by militants.
• Thai Army Chief: No More Coups, We Swear Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- No more coups, we promise, Thailand's army chief said in an interview with local media January 2 that is causing some mirth online.
• Amid Political Crisis, Gambian Authorities Shutter Radio Station VOA 02 Jan 2017 -- Authorities in Gambia have shut down a private radio station, amid rising political tension as president Yahya Jammeh continues to deny his defeat in recent elections.