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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 13 Jan 2017[PDF]
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Pentagon Press Secretary Cook and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense Slotkin in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 13 Jan 2017 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook; Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Elissa Slotkin
• Coalition Strikes Continue Against ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 13 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.
• DoD Officials Hail Iraqi Forces' Progress in Eastern Mosul AFPS 13 Jan 2017 -- Iraqi security forces today reached key buildings in eastern Mosul and raised the Iraqi flag there; an event that U.S. defense officials hailed as important progress in liberating the city from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
• Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Strike against al-Qaida Leader DoD 13 Jan 2017 -- On Jan. 8, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike in a remote area of al Bayda Governorate, Yemen, resulting in the death of Abd al-Ghani al-Rasas, an al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula terrorist leader.
• Afghan Security Forces' Military Operations Decrease by 17% in December Sputnik 13 Jan 2017 -- The Afghan security forces' military operations against insurgents decreased by 17 percent in December compared to the previous month, a study by a local broadcaster revealed on Friday.
• Afghanistan Disputes US Report on Taliban Gains VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- The Afghan Government on Thursday pushed back against a U.S. Inspector General's report that said Afghan forces are losing significant territory to Taliban insurgents and are not capable of keeping the nation secure.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Remarks by Secretary Carter and General Selva at an award ceremony honoring Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work in the Pentagon Auditorium DoD 13 Jan 2017 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter; Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman General Paul J. Selva; Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work
• Edwards AFB reduces cost for fire suppression test AFNS 13 Jan 2017 -- Members of the F-35 Integrated Test Force developed a new funnel system that captures the foam or water deluge during required hangar fire-suppression system tests, saving $79,750 and several days of delay, which can be critically important for test programs.
• The aircraft canaries: HAAMS technicians breathe life into missions AFNS 13 Jan 2017 -- Twenty thousand feet above the drop zone, a multinational group of special forces prepares for a tactical insertion behind "enemy lines." The seasoned jumpmaster positions himself on the open ramp of the C-130 Hercules, peeking his head out to confirm that the airspace below is clear to the drop zone. However, just as he goes to turn the operators loose for their descent, all hell breaks loose.
• Navy, Marine Corps 'Significantly Stronger' Today, Navy Secretary Says AFPS 13 Jan 2017 -- Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said the Navy and Marine Corps is "significantly stronger" and "significantly different" today than they were when he took office nearly eight years ago.
• Kansas and Missouri Army National Guard prep for overseas deployment Army News 13 Jan 2017 -- Soldiers of the 35th Infantry Division, from the Kansas and Missouri Army National Guards, continued preparations for their upcoming overseas deployment during two separate five-day command post exercises (CPX) held at Camp Clark, Missouri.
• South Carolina National Guard gears up for deployment Army News 13 Jan 2017 -- Under the sunny skies of a cool January mid-afternoon, Soldiers of the South Carolina National Guard, 742nd Support Maintenance Company (SMC) continued preparations for their upcoming deployment.
• DoD Announces Award of New Advanced Robotics Manufacturing (ARM) Innovation Hub in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania DoD 13 Jan 2017 -- Today, the Department of Defense awarded the 14th Manufacturing USA institute – the Advanced Robotics Manufacturing (ARM) Innovation Hub – to American Robotics, Inc. The eighth DoD-led institute, the ARM Institute joins the Manufacturing USA network in its collective effort to help revitalize American manufacturing and incentivize companies to invest in new technology development in the United States.
• SNA Concludes Annual Symposium NNS 13 Jan 2017 -- The Surface Navy Association (SNA) concluded its 29th annual three-day symposium in Arlington, Virginia, Jan. 12.
• Deputy Secretary General joins security leaders at Snow meeting NATO 13 Jan 2017 -- NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller visited Lithuania on Thursday and Friday (12 and 13 January 2016) to participate in the high-level Snow Meeting, bringing together Lithuanian and international security experts. In the margins of the forum, Ambassador Gottemoeller met with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius and Defence Minister Raimundas Karoblis.
• Russia's Western Military District to Get Four S-400 Missile Systems in 2017 Sputnik 13 Jan 2017 -- The Russian Aerospace Forces and the Western Military District's air defense will be equipped with four new sets of advanced S-400 Triumf missile systems this year, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.
• China's aircraft carrier returns to port after drill People's Daily 13 Jan 2017 -- China's aircraft carrier formation returned to Qingdao port Friday after finishing a drill, the Chinese navy said Friday.
• China, Russia work out 'countermeasures' against THAAD deployment in S Korea Press TV 13 Jan 2017 -- China and Russia have reportedly agreed to take new "countermeasures" against the United States' decision to install an advanced missile system in South Korea.
• Opposition to THAAD deployment "understandable": Chinese FM People's Daily 13 Jan 2017 -- It is understandable for China and regional countries to take necessary countermeasures to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) deployment due to reasonable security concerns, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Friday.
• China, Russia Promise 'Countermeasures' To U.S.-Korean Defense System RFE/RL 13 Jan 2017 -- China and Russia have expressed concern about a U.S. plan to deploy an antimissile system in South Korea and vowed to take unspecified "countermeasures," state media reported.
• German Special Forces Want New Assault Rifle Sputnik 13 Jan 2017 -- The German defense procurement office has issued tender for new assault rifles for the country's special forces. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), which equips the German armed forces with cost-effective modern weapons, reportedly issued tender for the purchase of 1,750 rifles.
• Taiwan must build its own submarines: defense minister CNA 13 Jan 2017 -- China's recent move to sail an air carrier near Taiwan has highlighted the need for Taiwan to go ahead with a plan to build its own submarines, Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan (馮世寬) said Friday.
• Mutinous Soldiers in Ivory Coast Say Their Dispute Is Settled VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- Soldiers in Ivory Coast who staged a two-day mutiny a week ago to press their pay demands reached an agreement with government officials Friday to settle the dispute, representatives of both sides said.
• January 13, 2017 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 13 Jan 2017
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 1/13/17 The White House 13 Jan 2017

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for January 131, 2017

Other Conflicts

• 13 January 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Jan 2017
• Beijing Predicts 'Military Clash' If US Blockades South China Sea Sputnik 13 Jan 2017 -- In response to Rex Tillerson's rocky confirmation hearing, Chinese state media Global Times published an op-ed blasting the former ExxonMobil CEO for "unprofessional" comments that could lead to a "military clash."
• South China Sea is Potential Flashpoint as Trump Takes Office VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- If the weeks before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration are any indication, the South China Sea could be a potential flashpoint in 2017.
• 2 Saudi soldiers killed in Yemen retaliatory attack on Najran Press TV 13 Jan 2017 -- Yemen's army and popular committees have killed at least two Saudi troops in the kingdom's southern province of Najran, in retaliation for Riyadh's ongoing aggression against the impoverished country.
• Yemeni forces, Saudi-backed militants clash near Bab al-Mandeb Press TV 13 Jan 2017 -- Yemeni armed forces have reportedly engaged in heavy fighting with pro-Saudi militants near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula state.
• Syrian Army Retakes Vital Source of Freshwater Near Damascus - Source Sputnik 13 Jan 2017 -- The Syrian army has freed the Bassemeh village in the Wadi Barada valley and has returned control of the Ein Al Fejeh spring that supplies the capital of Damascus and its suburbs, according to a source.
• Pentagon Backs Expanding Flight Deconfliction Agreement With Russia in Syria Sputnik 13 Jan 2017 -- The Pentagon welcomes the expansion of the Memorandum of Understanding with Russia on flight operations in Syria, a US official said.
• Syrian Army, Opposition Militants Agree on Truce in Barada Valley Near Damascus Sputnik 13 Jan 2017 -- The government troops and armed opposition concluded a truce in Barada Valley near the Syrian capital.
• As Many as 27 Syrian Armed Opposition Groups Sign Final Document at Ankara Talks Sputnik 13 Jan 2017 -- As many as 27 groups of the armed Syrian opposition and the so-called interim government of Syria signed a final document at the opposition meeting in Ankara, according to the document seen by Sputnik.
• Syria: Israel Launched Attack on Air Base Near Damascus VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- The Syrian army said Friday Israel has launched a missile strike on a Syrian military air base near Damascus that has caused a series of explosions.
• Iraqi Forces Secure Key Buildings in East Mosul AFPS 13 Jan 2017 -- The Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service today raised the Iraqi flag above the Nineveh governorate and counsel buildings at Mosul University on the east side of the city, according to a Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve news release.
• Iraqi Forces Advancing in Mosul, Entering University Campus Sputnik 13 Jan 2017 -- The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (ICTS) forces entered the campus of Mosul University during the operation to retake Mosul from the Daesh terrorist group, according to media reports.
• Over 144,500 Iraqis Displaced Amid Operation to Liberate Mosul From Daesh Sputnik 13 Jan 2017 -- 12,354 people have been displaced in the past week alone from their homes in Mosul, according to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM).
• Iraq: Thousands displaced from Mosul in 'desperate' need of life-saving aid, UN agency reports UN News 13 Jan 2017 -- Since the start of the Iraqi military operation to retake Mosul in October last year, more than 144,500 people have been displaced and a majority of them are in desperate need of live-saving humanitarian assistance, the United Nations migration agency has warned.
• US 'Thrilled' With Iraqi Progress in Mosul VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- U.S. officials are hailing the latest push by Iraqi forces into Mosul, confirming reports that a key government building has been retaken from Islamic State fighters.
• Cypriot president emphasizes withdrawal of Turkish troops Press TV 13 Jan 2017 -- The Greek Cypriot president says the withdrawal of about 30,000 Turkish troops from Cyprus serves as a precondition for any agreement to reunify the Mediterranean island.
• Erdogan: Turkish Troops in Cyprus for Good Sputnik 13 Jan 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that for the Turkish military to leave Cyprus is entirely out of the question.
• Cyprus Talks Moving Toward Endgame VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- United Nations officials say negotiations aimed at wrapping up a reunification deal for the divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus will resume next week.
• Background Briefing on Sudan US Dept. of State 13 Jan 2017
• On Progress in Sudan US Dept. of State 13 Jan 2017 -- Press Statement by Mark C. Toner, Deputy Department Spokesperson
• United States Lifting Select Sanctions on Sudan US Dept. of State 13 Jan 2017 -- Fact Sheet
• Outgoing President Obama eases sanctions against Sudan Press TV 13 Jan 2017 -- Outgoing US President Barack Obama has eased some of the economic sanctions imposed against Sudan, aiming to improve relations with the Islamic country.
• US Lifts Some Sanctions Against Sudan VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- The Obama administration announced Friday that it will lift some financial sanctions against Sudan, citing "positive" actions made by the country over the past six months.

News Reports

• US intelligence leaked 'phony allegations' to media: Trump Press TV 13 Jan 2017 -- US President-elect Donald Trump has again accused the country's spy agencies of leaking "phony allegations" against him to the media "even knowing there is no proof."
• Reports: Trump National Security Pick Had Multiple Calls With Russian Envoy VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- Donald Trump's incoming national security advisor, Michael Flynn, reportedly had several telephone conversations with Russia's ambassador on December 29, the same day President Barack Obama ousted 35 Russian diplomats and imposed other sanctions in response to Russia's apparent attempts to influence last year's presidential election.
• Kerry Expects No Changes in US-Vietnam Relations Under Trump VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told an audience at Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh University Friday that the upcoming change in administrations will not affect the relationship shared between the two countries.
• British MPs Demand Trump Dossier Inquiry VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- British lawmakers are demanding an inquiry into what role, if any, British security agencies played in the handling of the controversial Trump intelligence dossier prepared by a former member of the country's secret services.
• Why France May Not Be Russia's Next Hacking Target VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- Amid growing alarm Europe may be the next target of Russian cyberattacks, some believe France – which is gearing up for presidential and parliamentary elections this year – may not be the obvious choice.
• Iran to receive 130 tons of uranium: Nuclear energy organization Press TV 13 Jan 2017 -- The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) says the country is soon to receive as much as 130 tons of uranium from abroad.
• Deputy FM: Iran will not allow JCPOA file re-opening IRNA 13 Jan 2017 -- Deputy Foreign Minister for the Euro-American Affairs, Majid Takht-e Ravanchi, said on Friday that Iran will never allow re-opening of the JCPOA file.
• Deputy FM: No single state can decide on JCPOA IRNA 13 Jan 2017 -- Deputy Foreign Minister Morteza Sarmadi said on Friday that the nuclear deal – known as the JCPOA – is not an agreement between Iran and the United States only on which a single country can decide.
• Iran briefs JCPOA joint commission on technical decisions IRNA 13 Jan 2017 -- Iran briefed the Joint Commission on its plan, following the IAEA's safeguards-related nuclear material accountancy activities in the Enriched UO2 Powder Plant (EUPP).
• Trump choice for secretary of defense says US should respect JCPOA IRNA 13 Jan 2017 -- Donald Trump's choice for secretary of defense Gen. James Mattis said US should respect the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action inked between Iran and G5+1(US, UK, France, Russia and China plus Germany).
• Obama Ends Preferential Asylum Policy for Cuban Migrants VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has ended a controversial policy that let any Cuban who steps foot on U.S. soil remain in the United States without a visa and become a legal resident.
• Obama announces end to 'wet foot, dry foot' policy for Cubans Press TV 13 Jan 2017 -- US President Barack Obama has ended a longstanding immigration policy that extends automatic residency to Cubans arriving in the country without visas.
• U.S., French Astronauts Complete Spacewalk To Upgrade ISS Power System RFE/RL 13 Jan 2017 -- A pair of astronauts on January 13 successfully completed a six-hour spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS), plugging in modern new batteries for use by the craft's solar power system.
• Taiwan's New Southbound Policy sees initial fruit CNA 13 Jan 2017 -- The Executive Yuan said Friday Taiwan's exports to countries covered under the government's New Southbound Policy totaled US$5.37 billion in December, up 20 percent from the same month last year.
• Delegation head talks about mission in the U.S. CNA 13 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) has given the Taiwan delegation that will attend the inauguration ceremony of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump next week the task of "congratulating, thanking and interacting," the delegation's leader said Friday.
• President Tsai addresses Guatemalan Congress, reaffirms bilateral ties CNA 13 Jan 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) delivered a speech to the Congress of Guatemala Thursday, during which she reaffirmed the value of the long-standing relations between Taiwan and the Central American country and her administration's commitment to "steadfast diplomacy."
• Why Did Taiwan President Meet with Influential Texas Lawmakers? VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- Following the 2016 presidential election, President-elect Donald Trump took a call from Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and questioned whether the U.S. should continue following the policy laid out in 1979 recognizing the communist-led People's Republic of China as the sole government of China, or "one China."
• Sino-US war may be inevitable: Chinese media Press TV 13 Jan 2017 -- Chinese media have warned that the belligerent posture by US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for secretary of state vis-à-vis China could lead to a "devastating confrontation" between China and the United States.
• Turkish Lawmakers Approve More Constitutional Changes RFE/RL 13 Jan 2017 -- Lawmakers in Turkey have approved three key provisions among changes to the constitution that have been proposed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).
• Turkish Constitutional Amendments May Be Put to Referendum by End of Week Sputnik 13 Jan 2017 -- Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that amendments to the Turkish Constitution, introducing a full presidential system, may be put to the referendum by the end of the week.
• Turkey detains Erdogan's former security chief in post-coup crackdown Press TV 13 Jan 2017 -- Turkish authorities have arrested the former chief of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's security staff over his alleged affiliation to the network of US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Ankara government accuses of having orchestrated the failed July 15 coup attempt last year.
• Turkish Lawmaker Sentenced for Almost Five Years for PKK Ties Sputnik 13 Jan 2017 -- Nursel Aydogan, a member of pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison for acting on behalf of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), according to media reports.
• African Union will stop recognizing Jammeh as Gambia's leader Press TV 13 Jan 2017 -- The African Union says it will cease to recognize Gambian President Yahya Jammeh as the West African country's legitimate leader as of January 19, the date he is slated to hand power to the winner of a last month's election.
• Nigeria Offers Gambian President Asylum, If He Steps Down VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari headed up a delegation to Gambia Friday to offer President Yahya Jammeh asylum if he steps down to allow for a peaceful transfer of power following last month's election.
• Analysts Assess Future of Angola's First Daughter After Father Steps Down VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- As Angola's notoriously media-shy president prepares to step down after nearly four decades in power, all eyes in this southern African nation are looking not at Jose Eduardo dos Santos – but at his billionaire daughter.
• Japan Seeks to Limit China as Abe Visits Philippines VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to the Philippines this week shows U.S. ally Tokyo's ambition to keep up with growing Chinese influence in the geopolitically strategic Southeast Asian country by ensuring steady flows of aid and investment, analysts say.
• Serbia: Two Suspects Detained In Alleged Montenegro Coup Attempt RFE/RL 13 Jan 2017 -- Serbia has arrested two of its citizens wanted in connection with an alleged coup attempt in Montenegro, including a well-known right-wing agitator who made headlines last month when he appeared in a photograph standing near Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.