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Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 05 May 2017[PDF]
• Military Strikes Target ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 05 May 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 20 strikes consisting of 81 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Iraqi Forces Pressure ISIS in West Mosul AFPS 05 May 2017 -- Iraqi security forces are ratcheting up the pressure to drive the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria out of western Mosul, Iraq, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, director of Pentagon press operations, told reporters today.
• Pentagon admits March strike hit a 'mosque complex' in Syria Press TV 05 May 2017 -- Pentagon officials have finally admitted that a March airstrike in northern Syria did in fact hit a mosque, killing dozens of people.
• Pentagon Suggests Coalition Air Strikes Will Continue Against IS In Syria Safe Zones RFE/RL 05 May 2017 -- The Pentagon has suggested it will carry out air strikes against Islamic State (IS) militants within Syria's so-called "de-escalation zones," despite Russia's announcement that the areas would be closed to U.S.-led coalition military aircraft.
• U.S. Service Member Dies During Somalia Operation AFPS 05 May 2017 -- One U.S. service member was killed yesterday during an operation against al-Shabaab in a remote area of Shabeellaha Hoose in Somalia, approximately 40 miles west of Mogadishu.
• US Special-forces Member Killed in Clash With Somali Militants VOA 05 May 2017 -- Al-Shabab militants in Somalia killed a member of U.S. special forces Friday and wounded three other members of an American team assisting Somali soldiers, U.S. officials said.
• Pentagon to request thousands more US troops for Afghanistan Press TV 05 May 2017 -- The US military will ask the Donald Trump administration next week to deploy thousands more troops to Afghanistan, a senior official says.
• Afghans Protest After Rally Held For Militant Leader Hekmatyar In Kabul RFE/RL 05 May 2017 -- Hundreds of Afghans have staged a protest against Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, hours after the notorious militant leader held a large rally in Kabul to mark his return to the country under a peace deal with the government.

Defense Policy / Programs

• First combat MQ-1, MQ-9 wing celebrates 10 years at Creech AFB AFNS 05 May 2017 -- The 432nd Wing celebrated their 10th anniversary at Creech Air Force Base as a combat remotely piloted aircraft wing May 1, 2017. In attendance was Gen. Mike Holmes, the Air Combat Command commander, Col. Case Cunningham, the 432nd WG/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander, and 400 Airmen of the wing.
• 22 NCR Held Critical Role During Exercise African Lion 2017 NNS 05 May 2017 -- The men and women of the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment (22 NCR) played a critical command and control role in the success of Exercise African Lion 2017 (AL17).
• DOD Announces Commencement of the Ballistic Missile Defense Review DoD 05 May 2017 -- Today, Secretary Jim Mattis directed the commencement of the Ballistic Missile Defense Review to identify ways to strengthen missile-defense capabilities, rebalance homeland and theater defense priorities, and provide the necessary policy and strategy framework for our nation's missile defense systems.
• Future warfare requires 'disciplined disobedience,' Army chief says Army News 05 May 2017 -- Following every order to the letter is largely understood to be a way of life in the Army. But that may not always be the best course of action. In fact, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley said he expects Soldiers to know when it's time to disobey an order.
• Readout of Secretary Mattis' Call with Polish Minister of Defense Macierewicz DoD 05 May 2017
• Northern Edge 17 kicks off in interior Alaska USMC News 05 May 2017 -- Approximately 6,000 military members gathered together to take on the most challenging scenarios in the Pacific theater during Exercise Northern Edge 17, at the Gulf of Alaska and around central Alaska ranges from May 1-12, 2017.
• USS Oscar Austin Enters Black Sea NNS 05 May 2017 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) entered the Black Sea, May 5, in order to conduct maritime security operations and enhance capability and interoperability with allies and partners in the region.
• U.S. Military Relocates Some European Command Facilities, Troops To Poland RFE/RL 05 May 2017 -- The U.S. military mission in Europe has said that it relocated a tactical headquarters and 100 troops to Poland from Germany to facilitate the command of U.S. rotational forces recently deployed to the region.
• US deploys F-15 fighter jets to Israel for air drills: Report Press TV 05 May 2017 -- The United States has deployed an unspecified number of F-15 fighter jets to Israel to conduct joint exercises with the Israeli air force in the next two weeks, according to a report.
• Russia's Newest Frigate Armed With Kalibrs Beefs Up Mediterranean Battle Group Sputnik 05 May 2017 -- The Admiral Essen, an Admiral Grigorovich-class frigate armed with Kalilbr missiles, has entered the Mediterranean Sea to join the Russian Navy's Mediterranean task force mission, Navy spokesman Vyacheslav Trukhachyov confirmed Friday.
• Russian Warplanes Performed Routine Flight Off Alaskan Shore Sputnik 05 May 2017 -- Russian heavy bombers performed a routine flight near Alaska on Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
• Russia to Rearm Strategic Missile Forces With 5th-Generation Arms by 2027 Sputnik 05 May 2017 -- Russia will have upgraded its Strategic Missile Forces with 5th-generation devices by 2027.
• Bangkok, Beijing Sign Contract on Delivery of First Submarine to Thailand Sputnik 05 May 2017 -- Thailand and China have signed a contract on the delivery of the first of three submarines that Thailand's naval forces plan to purchase from Beijing over the course of the next 11 years, media reported Friday.
• PLA Air Force making exercises more realistic People's Daily 05 May 2017 -- The People's Liberation Army Air Force is strengthening the intensity and difficulty of its combat exercises to improve pilot capabilities.
• China boosting air force capabilities: Paper Press TV 05 May 2017 -- China's military has been boosting its air force as part of an overall program to strengthen armed forces amid the threat posed by US military presence in the region.
• Rolls Royce Agrees to Produce MTU Engines for Naval Vessels in India Sputnik 05 May 2017 -- In what could be an indication of collaboration in jet engine development program, Rolls Royce has decided to assemble its 12V and 16V 4000 M90 engines at Indian government-owned shipbuilding company Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) diesel plant in the eastern state of Jharkhand.
• No American troops to stay in Iraq after anti-Daesh fight: Iraqi PM Press TV 05 May 2017 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi says US military forces will not stay on in his conflict-stricken Arab country once government forces, backed by volunteer fighters from Popular Mobilization Units, retake swathes of land that are still under the control of Takfiri Daesh terrorists.
• Pakistan to change Iran border military formation: Iranian official Press TV 05 May 2017 -- Pakistan has agreed to change the formation of its military forces on the border with Iran after Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif traveled to Islamabad for talks on the recent massacre of Iranian border guards.
• US advancing sale of precision-guided missiles to Riyadh: Saudi FM Press TV 05 May 2017 -- The US administration has taken measures to advance the sale of warheads and precision-guided missiles to Saudi Arabia as part of additional military and intelligence assistance to the kingdom's bloody intervention in Yemen.
• Meant for Each Other: Why Russian Ka-52 Are Top Choice for Egypt's Mistral Ships Sputnik 05 May 2017 -- Russia's shipborne Ka-52K Katran combat helicopters are best suited for Egypt's Mistral warships, an official representative of Russia's Centre for Analysis of World Arms Trade (CAWAT) told Sputnik on Friday.
• Egypt's Decision on Buying Russia's Ka-52K Expected in May - Russian Helicopters Sputnik 05 May 2017 -- Russian Helicopters company CEO said that a decision on the purchase of Russia's shipborne Ka-52K Katran combat helicopters by Egypt should be reached this month.

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 05, 2017
• China's homemade jet C919 successfully completes maiden test flight People's Daily 05 May 2017 -- After 79 mins in the air, China's homemade jet C919 landed at Shanghai Pudong Airport, successfully completing its maiden test flight.
• China's first homegrown plane flies into skies Press TV 05 May 2017 -- China has sent its first homegrown airplane into the skies in what authorities have described as a landmark achievement that has already propelled the country into a new era of aviation.

Other Conflicts

• 5 May 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 05 May 2017
• MOFA: South China Sea issue not a problem between China and US People's Daily 05 May 2017 -- Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Geng Shuang has said China hopes countries outside the region could respect efforts made by countries within the region for peace and stability. Geng
• Syria de-escalation zones deal takes effect: Russia Defense Ministry Press TV 05 May 2017 -- An agreement to create four "de-escalation zones" aimed at ending the conflict in war-torn Syria has come into force in the Arab country, the Russian Defense Ministry says.
• Conflicts in 4 districts in Syria to be halted from May 6: Russia IRNA 05 May 2017 -- Russia's special envoy on Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, said on Thursday that war in four declared zones in Syria is to be halted from May 6.
• De Mistura: Astana talks to produce positive results IRNA 05 May 2017 -- UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said on Thursday that the relentless efforts of Iran, Russia and Turkey during Astana talks are to bear fruits to prevent increase of conflicts in Syria.
• Syrian forces retake power company in Dayr al-Zawr Press TV 05 May 2017 -- The Syrian army and its allies have managed to retake the electric power company in the south of the city of Dayr al-Zawr from the Daesh Takfiri terrorists.
• Some 170 killed in fresh militant infighting near Syria's Damascus Press TV 05 May 2017 -- A so-called monitoring group says about 170 people have been killed during a fresh wave of infighting between foreign-sponsored Takfiri groups over the control of an area near the Syrian capital city of Damascus.
• Syria safe zones closed for US-led warplanes: Russian envoy Press TV 05 May 2017 -- Russia says the de-escalation zones agreed to be formed in four conflict zones across Syria will be closed for warplanes of the US and its coalition allies.
• Russia General Staff Estimating Number of Syria Safe Zones Observation Posts Sputnik 05 May 2017 -- Chief of the Russian General Staff's Main Operational Directorate Col. Gen. Sergei Rudskoy said that Russian troops in Syria under the leadership of the General Staff are estimating the number of necessary observation points, which will be established in the Syrian safe zones.
• Russian Air Forces Stopped Operations in Syria De-escalation Zones From May 1 Sputnik 05 May 2017 -- Russia stopped using its Aerospace Forces in de-escalation zones in Syria from midnight May 1 in line with memorandum, chief of the Russian General Staff's Main Operational Directorate Col. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi said Friday.
• Syrian Opposition 'Must Comply' With De-Escalation Zones Deal - Moscow Sputnik 05 May 2017 -- The armed Syrian opposition must comply with the latest arrangement on de-escalation zones, Russian Deputy Foreign Minsiter Mikhail Bogdanov said Friday.
• Russia: No US Coalition Jets Allowed in Syrian De-Escalation Zones VOA 05 May 2017 -- Proposed "de-escalation" zones in Syria are expected to go into effect at midnight in Syria (2100 UTC). Russia says they will then be closed to aircraft from the U.S.-led coalition.
• Fire fight on Afghanistan-Pakistan border kills 15, injures 42 Press TV 05 May 2017 -- Forces from Afghanistan and Pakistan have clashed at the border between the two countries, leaving at least 15 people, including civilians, dead on both sides and 42 Pakistanis wounded.
• From Civil War to Civil Rule: Libya's Army, PM Take Steps Towards National Unity Sputnik 05 May 2017 -- Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj of the Government of National Accord of Libya and Commander of the Libyan National Army Khalifa Haftar have agreed to create a presidential state council and hold early presidential and parliamentary elections in the country in six months, according to the Arab satellite channel Al-Hadath.
• In Colombia's central Meta region, Security Council witnesses first-hand progress on peace deal UN News 05 May 2017 -- While touring one of Colombia's monitoring mechanism facilities situated in the Amazon Region of the South American country, set up under a historic peace agreement, a delegation from the United Nations Security Council met today with members of La Referma community including government representatives, guerrilla rebels and the UN in that area.
• Keep interests of people above all else, UN Security Council urges political actors in DR Congo UN News 05 May 2017 -- Voicing concern over challenges to the implementation of last year's political agreement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and deteriorating humanitarian and security situation, the United Nations Security Council has urged all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to resolve the problems faced by the country.
• Central African Republic: UN cites 'dire' situation for children; amid threats, some aid work suspended UN News 05 May 2017 -- Four international humanitarian organizations have temporarily suspended activities in northern Central African Republic (CAR) after dozens of attacks on aid workers in the region, the United Nations humanitarian office today said.
• UN migration agency transports hundreds of South Sudanese refugees from border into Ethiopia UN News 05 May 2017 -- The United Nations migration agency has begun transferring South Sudanese refugees from Ethiopia's Pagak border entry point in Gambella to the Gore-Shembola refugee camp in Benishangul Gumuz Regional States – approximately 835 kilometres away.
• Trump Optimistic on Israeli-Palestinian Peace, Without Endorsing Two States VOA 05 May 2017 -- President Donald Trump may be confident he can help mediate a historic peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians. But don't ask him what that deal looks like, because apparently he's not saying.

News Reports

• In Massive Spending Bill, U.S. Lawmakers Back Several Measures Targeting Russia RFE/RL 04 May 2017 -- Congress has authorized a new $100 million effort to counter "Russian influence and aggression" and to support civil society organizations in Europe and Eurasia.
• Putin Vows To Discuss Alleged Abuse Of Gay Men In Chechnya With Top Officials RFE/RL 05 May 2017 -- President Vladimir Putin says he will speak to top law enforcement officials about reports alleging a campaign of abuse targeting gay men in Russia's southern Chechnya region, which he suggested may be nothing more than "rumors."
• Russian Police Probe Radical Pro-Kremlin Group Over Navalny Attack RFE/RL 05 May 2017 -- The leader of a radical pro-Kremlin group says police plan to question him and his colleagues over an attack on Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny that has impaired his eyesight.
• DPRK says foiling U.S., South Korean attempt to assassinate Kim Jong Un People's Daily 05 May 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Friday that it had foiled an attempt by U.S. and South Korean spy agencies to assassinate the country's top leader Kim Jong Un, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.
• CIA 'hatches plot' to assassinate Kim Jong-un: North Korea Press TV 05 May 2017 -- The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and South Korea's intelligence services have "hatched vicious plot" to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-un involving "biochemical substances" during public ceremonial events in Pyongyang, according to the country's state media.
• North Korea Accuses US of Plotting Kim Assassination VOA 05 May 2017 -- North Korea on Friday accused the governments of the United States and South Korea of carrying out an unsuccessful assassination attempt against leader Kim Jong Un.
• China Opposes Introduction of US Sanctions Against North Korea Sputnik 05 May 2017 -- China stands against the introduction of sanctions, unilaterally imposed by any one country onto another country, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Friday, referring to a recent US initiative countering North Korea.
• Presidential hopeful: Astana talks show power of Iranian diplomacy IRNA 05 May 2017 -- Presidential hopeful Hassan Rouhani says Iran alongside with Russia and Turkey plays a major role in the Astana talks aimed at addressing the crisis in Syria and this shows the power of Iranian diplomacy.
• Iran presidential candidates begin second live face-off Press TV 05 May 2017 -- The six candidates contesting the 12th Iranian presidential election face off in the second live televised debate.
• In Second Iranian Presidential Debate, Conservatives Accuse Rohani Of Failing To Cash In On Nuclear Deal RFE/RL 05 May 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani came under criticism from his main conservative rivals during a live televised presidential election debate on May 5 - a debate focusing on politics and culture.
• Saudi Arabia must reform 'unacceptably broad' counter-terrorism law - UN rights expert UN News 05 May 2017 -- Saudi Arabia must stop using its anti-terror law to violate the right to free speech of its people, and end the use of torture terrorist suspects during investigations, a United Nations human rights expert urged at the end of his mission to the country.
• India Launches South Asia 'Diplomacy' Satellite for Communication Services VOA 05 May 2017 -- India launched a "South Asia" satellite on Friday to provide communication services to neighboring countries in a new initiative hailed by leaders of seven South Asian countries as a boost to regional cooperation.
• Taiwan's Southbound Policy not about competing with China: Tsai CNA 05 May 2017 -- Taiwan's "New Southbound Policy" is not about making a political statement or competing with China, but instead focuses on the island's advantages to promote mutually beneficial development in the region, President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said on Friday.
• 'Peace Plan' Lawmaker Stripped Of Ukrainian Citizenship By Presidential Decree RFE/RL 05 May 2017 -- Andriy Artemenko, a Ukrainian lawmaker whose plan to resolve the three-year-old conflict in Ukraine reportedly wound up on the desk of then-U.S. national security adviser Michael Flynn, has been stripped of his citizenship by presidential decree, the State Migration Service says.
• Chinese Navy Hands Over Notorious Pirate Leader VOA 05 May 2017 -- The Chinese navy on Friday handed over a notorious pirate leader captured last month after a failed hijack attempt.
• Venezuela Is Full of Strife With Empty Refrigerators VOA 05 May 2017 -- In Venezuela, plagued with chronic food shortages and a devastated economy, Carmen Elena Perez describes her refrigerator as merely "an ornament in my kitchen, because filling it costs me too much money."
• Macedonia's Speaker Seeks Recognition To Install New Government RFE/RL 05 May 2017 -- Macedonia's parliament speaker has asked the country's president to recognize a majority of Social Democrats and ethnic Albanian members of parliament so they can form a new government.
• Sheikh Qassim's trial persecution of Bahraini Shias: Salman Press TV 05 May 2017 -- Bahrain's senior opposition cleric Sheikh Ali Salman says the prosecution of top Shia cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim amounts to persecution and targeting of the entire Shia community in the country.