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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 23 Jan 2017[PDF]
• Counter-ISIL Strikes Target Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 23 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.
• ISIL on Run in Eastern Mosul, Pentagon Spokesman Says AFPS 23 Jan 2017 -- Iraqi security forces are finishing clearing operations in eastern Mosul while Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant fighters have ceased fighting and are on the run, Pentagon Press Operations Director Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said today.
• Pentagon Denies Russian Claims About Coordinated Strikes In Syria RFE/RL 23 Jan 2017 -- The Pentagon has denied Russian state-media reports that it provided coordinates for Russian air strikes targeting Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria and that the bombing was a joint mission with U.S.-led coalition forces.
• Afghanistan: UN-backed $550 million aid plan aims to reach 5.7 million people UN News 23 Jan 2017 -- A newly-launched United Nations-backed humanitarian response plan for Afghanistan is seeking $550 million in 2017 to support the most vulnerable and marginalized population of the conflict-torn country.
• EC-130s maintain constant presence in Afghanistan 15 years later AFNS 23 Jan 2017 -- All around the dimly-lit tent are enduring symbols of a constant presence. A name scrawled across a wooden wall, a lengthy list of deployment dates written underneath, updated year after year. A library stacked with books and games to pass the time. A built-in couch labeled "Snooze Town."

Defense Policy / Programs

• Hill AFB fighter wings bring first F-35A to Red Flag AFNS 23 Jan 2017 -- Pilots and maintainers from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings deployed the F-35A Lightning II to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 20, 2017 for exercise Red Flag.
• George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Departs for Third Deployment NNS 23 Jan 2017 -- George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG) departed for its third deployment, Jan. 21.
• Laboon Departs for Deployment NNS 23 Jan 2017 -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment, Jan. 21.
• USNS Spearhead Set to Deploy, Continuing Promise 2017 Begins NNS 23 Jan 2017 -- Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) will begin early next week with the deployment a Military Sealift Command-operated expeditionary fast transport vessel, USNS Spearhead (T-EPF 1), to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility from January to April.
• USS Truxtun Departs on Deployment NNS 23 Jan 2017 -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment to conduct operations in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility, Jan. 21.
• Hue City Departs for Deployment NNS 23 Jan 2017 -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) departed Naval Station Mayport for a scheduled deployment with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWB CSG), Jan. 21.
• USS Makin Island Provides Medical Assistance to Pakistani Sailor NNS 23 Jan 2017 -- Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) rendered medical assistance to a Pakistani sailor while operating in the Gulf of Aden, Jan. 20.
• Defense Secretary Speaks With NATO Chief, British, Canadian Counterparts AFPS 23 Jan 2017 -- In separate calls today, Defense Secretary James Mattis spoke with his counterparts from the United Kingdom and Canada and with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, according to readouts of the calls provided by Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis.
• Readout from Secretary James Mattis' Call with Canada Minister of National Defense Harjit Sajjan DoD 23 Jan 2017
• Readout of Secretary of Defense James Mattis' Call with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg DoD 23 Jan 2017
• Readout from Secretary James Mattis' Call with UK State Secretary for Defense Michael Fallon DoD 23 Jan 2017
• S-500 to Strengthen Russia's 'Air Defense System of the 21 Century' Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- Russia is in the process of creating an integrated national air defense system, which is expected to become fully operational once the cutting-edge S-500 Prometey surface-to-air missile system, also known as the 55R6M Triumfator-M, enters service, Major General Andrei Cheburin said.
• United Kingdom - Continuation of C-17 Logistics Support Services and Equipment DSCA 23 Jan 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Kingdom of continued C-17 logistics support services, and equipment. The estimated cost is $400 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Fallon rejects missile misfire towards US, says nuke deterrent is fine Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- Britain rejects reports that a missile was misfired, possibly towards the United States, during a test of its nuclear weapons last year.
• UK Gov't Confident in Trident Amid Failed Missile Test Revelations - Fallon Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- The UK government has absolute confidence in the country's nuclear deterrent, UK Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said Monday following reports of a Trident submarine-launched fleet ballistic missile veering off course in June.
• Theresa May Knew About Trident Test Failure in June Ahead of Program Renewal Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- UK Prime Minister Theresa May was briefed on June's failed Trident nuclear missile system test after assuming office, a Downing Street spokesperson said Monday.
• India May Fit German Torpedoes in French Submarines Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- India is rolling out its French submarines without their main deterrents because the supplier's parent company has been blacklisted on charges of corruption. New Delhi is now being forced to look at German torpedoes as an alternative.
• South Korea says can't delay THAAD deployment, cites 'imminent' threat from North Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- South Korea says it cannot delay the deployment of an American missile system in the face of the "imminent" threat posed by North Korea's advancing nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
• South Korea Reaffirms THAAD Deployment Despite Growing Opposition VOA 23 Jan 2017 -- Amid reports that China may be bringing economic retribution against South Korea for the deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), Seoul vowed a swift deployment of the U.S. anti-missile system.
• IRGC Ground Forces launch massive drills in west Iran Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- The ground forces of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) kick off massive military maneuvers in the western parts of Iran.
• Government of Kuwait - Sustainment and Contractor Logistics Support for AH-64D Apache Helicopters DSCA 23 Jan 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait for sustainment and contractor logistics support for AH-64D Apache Helicopters. The estimated cost is $400 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Kuwait - AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) DSCA 23 Jan 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait for AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM). The estimated cost is $110 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Government of Kenya - Air Tractor Aircraft with Weapons and Related Support DSCA 23 Jan 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kenya for Air Tractor aircraft with weapons, and related support. The estimated cost is $418 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on January 19, 2017.
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - 74K Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS) Aerostats DSCA 23 Jan 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 74K Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS) Aerostats and related equipment, support, and training. The estimated cost is $525 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for January 23, 2017

Other Conflicts

• 23 January 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 23 Jan 2017
• Religious leaders deserve full support in quest for peace, says UN adviser on genocide prevention UN News 23 Jan 2017 -- Religious leaders and faith-based organizations have a responsibility to contribute to peaceful societies and the international community must support these grassroots peacemakers in their daily activities, the United Nations official mandated to fight genocide today told an international meeting on religion.
• Beijing Not Backing Down: South China Sea War Games the New Normal Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- Foreign interests should expect Chinese military exercises in the South China Sea to become the new normal, according to a recent article in The People's Daily, a Chinese state-run media outlet.
• UN, Ansarullah reach consensus on holding fresh Yemen talks Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- The United Nations and Yemeni Houthi Ansarullah movement have reached an agreement to restart a new round of peace talks with negotiators from the resigned government of former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi to end the nearly two-year-old conflict in the Arab country.
• More than words, ending Yemen crisis needs results, UN envoy says, concluding mission in capital UN News 23 Jan 2017 -- The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, today concluded a mission to Yemen with a call for a comprehensive political settlement of the crisis and the restoration of the cessation of hostilities, and underlined the need allow access of civilian commercial aircrafts to and from Sana'a airport.
• Saudi airstrikes claim eight lives in Yemen Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- At least eight civilians, including two women, have lost their lives as Saudi fighter jets bombed the Yemeni provinces of Sa'ada and Hudaydah.
• Turkish Forces Kill 65 Daesh Militants in Northern Syria - General Staff Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- The Turkish armed forces have eliminated 65 Daesh militants over the past 24 hours as part of the Euphrates Shield operation in northern Syria, the Turkish General Staff said Monday.
• Spokesman: Astana meeting vital to maintain truce in Syria IRNA 23 Jan 2017 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi expressed hope that Astana meeting would help maintain truce and pave the way to find a political solution for Syria crisis.
• Troika agrees on talks with Syrian opposition groups IRNA 23 Jan 2017 -- Members of Iranian, Russian, and Turkish delegations in Astana, Kazakhstan, have agreed on talks with the Syrian armed and unarmed opposition groups.
• Int'l negotiations on Syria crisis kicks off in Astana IRNA 23 Jan 2017 -- The negotiations between Syrian government and the opposition groups started with the attendance of 7 delegations including Iran, Russia and Turkey on Monday in Astana, Kazakhstan.
• Full text of Iranian envoy speech in Astana meeting ISNA 23 Jan 2017 -- All the participants in Astana meeting should leave the violence acts and help the Syrian national reconciliation process by maintain the cease-fire and put aside the hostilities, Iranian deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Jaberi Ansari said in the opening session of intra-Syrian talks in Astana.
• Islamic State Is Collapsing -- So Why Is It Suddenly So Successful Against Assad? RFE/RL 23 Jan 2017 -- There are at least four separate coalitions that claim to be battling the extremist group Islamic State (IS). Three of those coalitions are reporting great success, and the failures of the fourth coalition tell us many things about the state of regional and geopolitical affairs.
• Head of Russian Delegation Says First Day of Astana Talks on Syria Successful Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- The first day of Syrian peace talks in Astana was successful, head of the Russian delegation in Astana Alexander Lavrentiev said Monday, adding that the presence of the UN special envoy for Syria, the US ambassador to Kazakhstan and representatives of Syrian government and opposition groups was especially important for the meeting's outcome.
• Syrian Kurdish-Led Rebel Group Refuses to Abide by Astana Meeting's Decisions Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) opposition group will not adhere to any decisions reached during the intra-Syrian talks held in Astana, the SDF General Command said Monday.
• Russian, Turkish Warplanes Conduct Joint Op Against Daesh in Syria's Al-Bab Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- Russian and Turkish warplanes conducted a joint operation against Daesh in Al-Bab in Syria's Aleppo province on January 21, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.
• Russia Receives Daesh Coordinates in Al-Bab From US Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- Russia has received coordinates of Daesh targets in Al-Bab, Aleppo Province, from the US via the 'direct line,' the Russian Defense Minsitry said Monday.
• Turkey to Rebuild Infrastructure in Syrian Cities Liberated From Daesh Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- Turkey is set to begin rebuilding infrastructure in northern Syrian cities, which have been cleared of Daesh militants, Turkish media reported on Monday.
• Russian Military 'Concerned' Over Syrian Army's Sporadic Truce Violations Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- The Hmeymim-based Russian center for Syrian reconciliation expressed concern on Monday over sporadic violations of the Syrian ceasefire by government forces and demanded that the Syrian military leadership took appropriate measures to ensure compliance with fragile truce.
• Successful Outcome of Astana Talks May Pave Way for Syria's Political Settlement Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- According to a representative of the Free Syrian Army, successful negotiations in Astana may pave the way for the process of political settlement in Syria.
• Six Russian Tu-22 Long-Range Bombers Strike Daesh Targets in Syrian Deir ez-Zor Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- Six Russian Tu-22M3 long-range bombers have launched airstrikes on Daesh targets in Syria's city of Deir ez-Zor, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
• At talks in Astana, UN envoy on Syria urges mechanism to oversee ceasefire UN News 23 Jan 2017 -- International talks to extend the ceasefire in Syria started today in the Kazakh capital of Astana, with the United Nations Special Envoy said the ceasefire can be solidified if a mechanism to oversee and implement it is created.
• No Breakthrough in Day One of Syria Peace Talks in Kazakhstan VOA 23 Jan 2017 -- Officials at peace talks between the Syrian government and rebel groups say there was no major breakthrough in Monday's first day of meetings, but negotiations will continue Tuesday.
• Syria peace process in Astana great success: Iran Foreign Ministry Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- Iran has praised as a diplomatic "success" the peace talks underway between Damascus and opposition groups in the Kazakh capital, Astana, expressing hope that the process will work to consolidate the ceasefire holding across Syria.
• Iraqi forces take full control of eastern Mosul Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- Iraqi forces have liberated all of eastern Mosul, pushing Daesh terrorists out of the last district they held east of the Tigris River.
• Militants still holding 25 hostages in southern Philippines: Official Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- The Philippine defense chief has confirmed that more than two dozen hostages are still being held by Daesh-linked terrorists on an island in southern Philippines.
• Kosovar President Urges Serbia To Normalize Relations RFE/RL 23 Jan 2017 -- Kosovar President Hashim Thaci has called on neighboring Serbia to recognize his country's independence and complete a process of normalizing relations "based on the values of the European perspective of the two countries."
• Seven million people in Lake Chad basin 'living on the edge' - UN relief official UN News 23 Jan 2017 -- Spotlighting the desperate plight of millions in Africa's Lake Chad basin, the top United Nations humanitarian official for the Sahel region called today for international solidarity with the people in urgent need.
• Cameroon General Dies in Helicopter Crash VOA 23 Jan 2017 -- A Cameroon military helicopter has crashed near the country's northern border with Nigeria, killing the commander of the central African nation's troops.
• CAR Becomes Most Dangerous Spot for Aid Workers VOA 23 Jan 2017 -- Last year, humanitarian aid workers in the Central African Republic were involved in more than 365 security incidents – more than Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia.

News Reports

• New Gambian Leader Wants Truth Commission on Jammeh Years VOA 23 Jan 2017 -- New Gambian President Adama Barrow says he will establish a truth and reconciliation commission to examine allegations of misrule during former president Yahya Jammeh's 22 years in power.
• Gambia's Jammeh 'emptied coffers' before leaving Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- The Gambia's former president Yahya Jammeh, who caused a political crisis in the African country before finally going into exile, has emptied the government's treasury, plundering millions of dollars in his final weeks in power, says an aide to the country's new president.
• Gambians Cheer ECOWAS Troops as Ex-President Loots State Coffers and Flees Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- Gambians are cheering the arrival of West African troops in their country, anticipating that new President Adama Barrow will soon follow, but reports that the country's coffers are empty may mean a difficult transition is ahead.
• Report: U.S. Counterintelligence Probes Flynn's Russian Contacts RFE/RL 23 Jan 2017 -- The Wall Street Journal reports on January 22 that U.S. counterintelligence agents have investigated communications that President Donald Trump's national security adviser, Michael Flynn, had with Russian officials.
• US Spy Agencies Probe Trump's National Security Adviser's Ties to Russia Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- US counterintelligence agents have looked into the communications between President Donald Trump's national security adviser Gen. Michael Flynn and Russian officials, US media reported.
• Steinmeier Says Germany Must Prepare For 'Turbulent' Times Under Trump RFE/RL 23 Jan 2017 -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier says his country must be ready for "turbulent" times during the term of U.S. President Donald Trump.
• High Expectations in Ankara for Trump Presidency VOA 23 Jan 2017 -- Turkey's pro-government media, usually critical of the United States, welcomed the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
• Turkey sacks deputy head of TMSF state fund in post-coup purge Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- Turkey has sacked a deputy head of the TMSF state fund and sealed off two local television stations as Ankara intensifies a crackdown following a failed coup attempt last year.
• Dozens of Turkey coup plot suspects on trial in Istanbul Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- Turkey has put on trial dozens of military staff, including officers and soldiers, over their alleged involvement in the last July failed military coup.
• US obligated to practice One China policy: Beijing Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- China says the new United States administration has an "obligation" to honor the promise of previous US governments to recognize Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan, a practice known as the "One China" policy.
• Chinese court sentences former senior official to life term for graft Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- A Chinese court has sentenced a former senior official to life in prison for corruption involving millions of dollars, judicial sources say.
• North Korea Threatens to 'Pour Further Misery' on US and Trump Administration Sputnik 23 Jan 2017 -- On Monday North Korea threatened to "pour further misery" on Washington. The announcement came on the 49th anniversary of Pyongyang's 1968 capture of the USS Pueblo intelligence ship.
• Talk Persists Of Hard-Line Woman To Challenge Rohani In Iran Vote RFE/RL 23 Jan 2017 -- Four months ahead of Iran's presidential election, the absence of a clear challenger to face incumbent Hassan Rohani has led to talk that the gray-bearded clerics who dominate Iran's opaque system might bet on a woman.
• Adygeya Leadership Change Could Rock Regional Island Of Stability RFE/RL 23 Jan 2017 -- An incipient leadership change in one of the smallest North Caucasus republics could jeopardize the region's reputation as an island of stability in a region plagued by violence and corruption.
• China schedules Chang'e-5 lunar probe launch People's Daily 23 Jan 2017 -- China plans to launch the Chang'e-5 lunar probe at the end of November this year, from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in southern China's Hainan province, aboard the heavy-lift carrier rocket Long March-5.
• OPEC, Russia Agree On Method To Monitor Oil Production Cuts RFE/RL 23 Jan 2017 -- Energy ministers from OPEC and Russia say they have agreed on a method to monitor compliance of a deal to slash oil output designed to eliminate a two-year glut and boost market prices.
• Moldovan President Says 'Strategic Partnership' With Russia Essential RFE/RL 23 Jan 2017 -- Moldovan President Igor Dodon has said he does not believe his country will ever be part of the European Union and that in order to be fully unified, it is necessary "to find common ground with Russia."
• Venezuela opposition holds first round of protests in 2017 Press TV 23 Jan 2017 -- Venezuela's opposition parties along with their supporters have staged their first round of protests in the year 2017, calling for early elections to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power over the economic and political crisis in the Latin American country.