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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Counter-ISIL Strikes Hit Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 20 Jan 2017 -- 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.
• Statement by Pentagon Spokesman Captain Jeff Davis on US strike against al-Qaida Training Camp in Syria DoD 20 Jan 2017 -- U.S. manned and unmanned aircraft conducted a precision air strike Jan. 19 against an al-Qaida training camp in Idlib Province, Syria. More than 100 al-Qaida fighters were killed in the strike.
• US Strike Kills 100 at al-Qaida Camp in Syria VOA 20 Jan 2017 -- A U.S. airstrike has killed more than 100 al-Qaida fighters at a military training camp in Syria, a U.S. defense official told VOA Friday, in the last major military attack against the terror group under President Barack Obama.
• AF refuelers enable B-2 strike against ISIL in Libya AFNS 20 Jan 2017 -- KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extender crews from five bases on three continents provided aerial refueling support during the B-2 Spirit bomber mission which struck two Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant training camps in Libya Jan. 18, 2017.
• US drone strikes killed 117 civilians during Obama's presidency: Report Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- Outgoing President Barack Obama ordered at least 526 drone strikes during his presidency, killing as many as 117 civilians, according to a new report by US intelligence agencies.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Trump White House Vows 'Peace Through Strength,' Missile Defense RFE/RL 20 Jan 2017 -- New U.S. President Donald Trump's administration says that defeating Islamic State "and other radical Islamic terror groups" will be the highest priority of an "America first" foreign policy centered on "peace through strength."
• Making Our Military Strong Again The White House 20 Jan 2017
• Mattis Takes Oath as 26th Defense Secretary AFPS 20 Jan 2017 -- By a 98-1 vote, the Senate today confirmed retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis to be the 26th secretary of defense, and Vice President Michael R. Pence administered his oath of office shortly afterward.
• Message to the Department of Defense from Secretary of Defense James Mattis DoD 20 Jan 2017
• Senate Confirms Mattis as New Defense Secretary VOA 20 Jan 2017 -- The U.S. Senate has confirmed former Marine General James Mattis as the new secretary of Defense.
• Gen. Mattis confirmed as next Pentagon chief Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- The US Senate has confirmed retired Marine General James Mattis as the country's next Secretary of Defense.
• First E-3 with DRAGON modification arrives at Tinker AFB AFNS 20 Jan 2017 -- The first E-3 Sentry aircraft with the glass flight deck modification known as DRAGON (Diminishing Manufacturing Sources Replacement of Avionics for Global Operations and Navigation) arrived at Tinker Air Force Base Jan. 9.
• CCAD Assists Aviation Battalion Deploying to Europe Army News 20 Jan 2017 -- A fleet of 20 AH-64 Apache aircraft from the 1st Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, 1st Armored Division in Fort Bliss, Texas landed at the Corpus Christi Army Depot last week to prepare for their February deployment to Europe.
• Air Force faces fighter pilot shortage AFNS 20 Jan 2017 -- The Air Force is in the midst of a pilot shortage. While most platforms are affected by the shortage, the fighter pilot community has been hit the hardest.
• AMC enables first international F-35B deployment AFNS 20 Jan 2017 -- Air Mobility Command Airmen helped mark a major milestone by enabling the delivery of Marine F-35B Lightning II aircraft to Japan Jan. 18, 2017.
• Department's Work Continues as Transition Plays Out AFPS 20 Jan 2017 -- The infantry learns pretty quickly to be extra alert at dawn and dusk, because the enemy favors those transition times to attack.
• Engineer training strengthens U.S., Kenyan armed forces partnership Army News 20 Jan 2017 -- Massachusetts National Guard engineers and their State Partnership Program counterparts from the Kenya Defence Forces Engineer Brigade are putting their partnership into action at Thika Barracks, a job site near Nairobi, Kenya, where they are conducting overseas deployment training.
• S.Korea, U.S., Japan to hold joint maritime drills against DPRK missiles People's Daily 20 Jan 2017 -- South Korea, the United States and Japan will hold joint maritime drills this week to enhance capability to detect and trail ballistic missiles from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Yonhap news agency reported on Friday citing South Korea's navy.
• Japan, S Korea, US Conduct Military Drills to Counter N. Korea's Missile Threat Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- Japan, South Korea and the United States are conducting military drills on January 20-22 to prepare for a potential missile launch from the territory of North Korea, media reported Friday, citing a source in the South Korean military.
• NATO Secretary General congratulates President Donald J. Trump on his inauguration NATO 20 Jan 2017
• Germany sending troops to Baltics as part of NATO's anti-Russia force Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- Germany is deploying hundreds of soldiers to the Baltic region near the Russian border as part of a force organized by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• Russia to Deploy Aircraft at Hmeymim Airbase in Syria Free of Charge Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- According to the document posted on the Russian government's legal information portal, Russia and Syria have signed a protocol to the agreement on the Russian Aerospace Forces' airbase in Syria, which envisions deployment of Russian aircraft free of charge at a section of the Hmeymim airfield.
• Russia, Syria ink agreement on expanding Tartus naval base Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- Russia and Syria have signed an agreement on the development and modernization of a leased military installation of the Russian Navy in the Mediterranean port city of Tartus, and extending operations there to the next decades.
• Russia to Expand Capabilities of Naval Base in Syrian Tartus Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- Russia and Syria signed all necessary documents on development and modernization of Russian naval base in Syrian Tartus.
• Russian Naval Facility in Tartus Could Be Upgraded to Naval Base in 1.5-2 Years Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- A Russian naval repairs and maintenance facility in the Syrian port of Tartus could be overhauled to a full-scale naval base capable of hosting large warships, including aircraft carriers, within two years, a senior Russian lawmaker said Friday.
• Russia-Syria Agreement on Naval Facility in Tartus Defensive in Nature Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- The presence of the Russian naval maintenance facility on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic meets the objectives of maintaining peace and stability in the region, is defensive in nature and is not directed against other states, according to official document.
• Russia, Syria Agree Expansion, Overhaul of Tartus Naval Facility Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- Russia and Syria have signed an agreement on the expansion and modernization of the Russian naval maintenance facility in the Syrian port of Tartus, according to the document posted on the Russian government's legal information portal on Friday.
• UK To Expand Support To Ukraine's Armed Forces UK MOD 20 Jan 2017 -- Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has said that the United Kingdom stands firmly alongside Ukraine as the British Army prepares to broaden its already extended training package to all of the country's armed forces.
• India, UAE Foray in Defense and Security Cooperation Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- India is trying to loosen Pakistan's strategic proximity with Gulf countries by promoting greater emphasis on defense and security cooperation.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

• 20 January 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Jan 2017
• Alarmed at destruction in Syria's Palmyra, UN Security Council reiterates need to stamp out hatred and violence espoused by ISIL UN News 20 Jan 2017 -- Amid the destruction of cultural heritage in Syria, including that of the famed tetrapylon and parts of the Roman theatre in Palmyra by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh), the United Nations Security Council has reiterated that the terrorist group must be defeated and that the intolerance, violence, and hatred it espouses must be stamped out.
• No longer realistic to solve Syria crisis without Assad: Turkey Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek says Ankara can no longer insist on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's resignation as a precondition for resolving the nearly six-year crisis in the Arab country.
• Over 40 terrorists killed in airstrikes in Syria's Aleppo Province: Report Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- Over 40 Takfiri terrorists from Fateh al-Sham Front have reportedly been killed in airstrikes on their camp in Aleppo Province in northwestern Syria.
• 33 Daeshis killed in clashes with army forces in central Syria Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- More than 30 members of the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group have been killed when they engaged in fierce exchanges of gunfire with Syrian army soldiers and pro-government fighters from popular defense groups in the country's central province of Homs.
• Russia, Turkey Constantly Coordinating Actions Regarding Syria Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- The Kremlin spokesman said Russia and Turkey were in contact with each other on Syria on a permanent basis.
• UN confirms destruction of sites in Palmyra, other ancient Syrian cities UN News 20 Jan 2017 -- The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has confirmed the destruction of Palmyra's famed tetrapylon and the facade of the ancient Syrian city's Roman theatre, following its evaluation of the destruction of cultural heritage sites in iconic Aleppo.
• Iraqi army forces recapture more areas from Daesh in Mosul Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- Iraqi government forces have regained control of more areas in the eastern and northern sides of Mosul in northern Iraq, as fierce clashes continued against the Takfiri Daesh militants in their last urban stronghold in the crisis-ridden Arab country.
• Iraqi Kurdistan Leader Hopes US Under Trump to Fight Terrorism More Effectively Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- The president of Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq expressed hope that the Donald Trump administration will fight terrorism better.
• UN agency revises funding requirements to tackle Africa's worst displacement crisis UN News 20 Jan 2017 -- With conflict in South Sudan now entering its fourth year and its people facing dire humanitarian challenges, the United Nations refugee agency has revised upwards its funding requirements for 2017 to address new needs of those who have been displaced due to renewed fighting, increased violence and resulting food insecurity since July last year.
• UN criticizes Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya Muslims Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- A United Nations rapporteur tasked with evaluating Myanmar's handling of the plight of Rohingya Muslims has criticized the country for its poor performance.
• Kiev Hires Foreign Mercenaries to Carry Out Criminal Orders - Lugansk Republic Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- More than 300 foreign mercenaries are engaged on Kiev's side in the Lugansk Region, a senior Lugansk People's Republic commander said.

News Reports

• America First Foreign Policy The White House 20 Jan 2017
• Trump Vows to Put American Interests First in all Decisions AFPS 20 Jan 2017 -- America's military has a new commander in chief as Donald J. Trump took the oath of office today as the 45th president of the United States.
• Trump Sworn In As 45th U.S. President, Vows To Put 'America First' RFE/RL 20 Jan 2017 -- Donald Trump was sworn in as president of the United States on January 20, pledging to put "America first" at all times but also to strengthen existing alliances, forge new ones, and let the country "shine as an example for everyone to follow."
• Trump Vows Unity While Readying Plans To Roll Back Obama's Programs RFE/RL 20 Jan 2017 -- WASHINGTON -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump pledged to unify what he called a divided nation and to bring change as he arrived in the capital for his January 20 inauguration.
• Women Marchers Plan To Send Signal To President Trump RFE/RL 20 Jan 2017 -- Women from around the United States are converging on Washington D.C. to join a mass protest march on January 21 -- the first full day in office for newly inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump.
• Report: Probe Launched Into Possible Links Between Russia, Trump Associates RFE/RL 20 Jan 2017 -- U.S. intelligence and law-enforcement agencies are reportedly "examining intercepted communications and financial transactions" as part of an inquiry into possible links between Russian officials and at least three associates of President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on January 20.
• 'Trump is Not Our Man, He is American Man, President of US' - Kremlin Spokesman Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- Donald Trump is not "our man", he is a US president, the Kremlin spokesman said.
• Obama presidency 'shameful' and 'ridiculous,' top Russian official says Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry has accused outgoing US President Barrack Obama's administration of promising a "respectful" cooperation between Washington and Moscow, but pursuing a master-slave approach in reality.
• Gambia's Jammeh asks for extension of deadline to quit Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- The Gambia's long-time ruler Yahya Jammeh has asked the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to extend a midday deadline for him to step down.
• African forces give midday ultimatum to Jammeh to quit Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- Long-time ruler of the Gambia Yahya Jammeh has been given until midday Friday to cede the presidency to Adama Barrow, who won last month's presidential election.
• Gambia's Jammeh Agrees to Step Down - President Barrow Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- The Gambia's longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh has agreed to step down amid Senegalese and Nigerian military intervention in the West African country, Gambian President Adama Barrow said Friday.
• Gambia's Jammeh Agrees to Cede Power, Leave the Country VOA 20 Jan 2017 -- Defeated Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has agreed to relinquish power and leave the country, according to incoming President Adama Barrow.
• West African Servicemen Striking Military Targets in Gambia Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- Servicemen of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) taking part in the military operation "Restore Democracy" in Gambia are striking military targets, Senegal army representative Col. Abdou Ndiaye told Sputnik.
• Iran to 'Surprise' Trump if 2015 Nuclear Deal Gets Canceled Sputnik 20 Jan 2017 -- Iran is not worried about the possible cancellation of the 2015 multilateral nuclear deal by US President-elect Donald Trump, because the country has other options and may "surprise" the US president-elect, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said.
• Mexico drug lord 'El Chapo' arrives in US to face criminal charges Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, Mexico's most notorious drug lord, has been extradited to the United States to face multiple court trials after twice escaping from maximum-security prisons in his country.
• Mexico's 'El Chapo' Pleads Not Guilty to Drug Charges in NYC VOA 20 Jan 2017 -- Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has pleaded not guilty to charges of running a massive drug-trafficking operation in North America and overseeing killings and kidnappings.
• Tsai reiterates stance on maintaining cross-strait peace CNA 20 Jan 2017 -- In a recent letter to Pope Francis, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) reiterated the Republic of China's stance on upholding Taiwan's democracy and peace in the Taiwan Strait, outlining four principles for peaceful engagement with mainland China.
• Trump urged not to treat Taiwan as bargaining chip CNA 20 Jan 2017 -- Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump should stand up to Beijing over Taiwan, bring the "one China" policy into the 21st century without risking war and not make Taiwan a bargaining chip in deals with China, a Wall Street Journal opinion piece said on Thursday, one day before Trump's inauguration.
• Taiwan leader calls for 'new era' in relations with China Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- Taiwan's leader has announced a peace initiative for creating a "new era" of cordial relations with China as military drills are being held in preparation for possible clashes in the region.
• Fighting erupts in Turkish parliament over Erdogan powers bill Press TV 20 Jan 2017 -- Turkish MPs have once again engaged in physical violence after a female lawmaker handcuffed herself to the parliament's podium in protest at a constitutional reform package under debates.