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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 08 May 2017[PDF]
• Counter-ISIS Strikes Target Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 08 May 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 33 strikes consisting of 84 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• US closely examining Syria 'de-escalation zones': Mattis Press TV 08 May 2017 -- The United States is closely examining the four "de-escalation zones" aimed at reducing violence in Syria, US Defense Secretary James Mattis has said.
• Mattis: U.S. Closely Examining Syria Safe Zones But Has Many Questions RFE/RL 08 May 2017 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that the United States would closely examine the Russian proposal to create several so-called safe zones in Syria aimed at reducing violence in the conflict-torn country.
• Chief Of Islamic State In Afghanistan Confirmed Dead After Raid RFE/RL 08 May 2017 -- The leader of Islamic State in Afghanistan was killed in a joint Afghan-U.S. operation last month in the eastern province of Nangarhar, officials from the two countries said on May 7.
• Afghan Air Force Pounds IS Targets In Eastern Province RFE/RL 08 May 2017 -- Afghanistan's air force has pounded Islamic State (IS) targets in the eastern province of Nangarhar, where the extremist group's top commander was killed in a raid last month, Afghan authorities said.
• Afghan-US Forces Deal Critical Blows To Islamic State Terror Operations VOA 08 May 2017 -- Authorities in Afghanistan say that fresh airstrikes in an eastern volatile region have killed at least 34 Islamic State militants and destroyed a radio station the terrorist group was using for extremist propaganda.
• Afghanistan Forces Eliminate Head of Daesh in Country Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said that Afghan Special Forces eliminated head of the Afghan wing of Daesh.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US Navy to challenge China in South China Sea: Commander Press TV 08 May 2017 -- The US Navy will restart so-called Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea to challenge claims by China to exclusive access in the sea, a top American commander says.
• Secret US military shuttle ends 2-year mission Press TV 08 May 2017 -- The US military's mysterious spacecraft has returned to its base, completing a two-year secret mission in Earth's orbit.
• F-35 complete first European training deployment AFNS 08 May 2017 -- Eight F-35A Lightning IIs from the 34th Fighter Squadron, along with supporting units and equipment from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, completed the first F-35A training deployment to Europe, May 7, 2017.
• MQ-9 Reapers add to arsenal with first GBU-38 drop AFNS 08 May 2017 -- Airmen from the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, here, and the 26th Weapons Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, made history earlier this week, by employing the first GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition from an MQ-9 Reaper.
• U.S., Romanian Engineers Build Firing Range AFPS 08 May 2017 -- Rainy weather in early May is just another obstacle to overcome for the soldiers of Resolute Castle 2017, an engineering exercise underway here and in Poland.
• Mattis in Denmark to Confer With Allies on Defeating ISIS AFPS 08 May 2017 -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis arrived today in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the start of a three-country trip that includes a multinational discussion on defeating the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
• Media Availability with Secretary Mattis en route to Copenhagen, Denmark DoD 08 May 2017 -- Presenter: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis
• Pacific Partnership 2017 Arrives in Da Nang, Vietnam NNS 08 May 2017 -- Pacific Partnership 2017 (PP17) began a mission in Da Nang, Vietnam, May 8 with the arrival of the U.S. expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Fall River (T-EPF-4).
• USS Ronald Reagan Departs for Sea Trials NNS 08 May 2017 -- The Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), departed Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) May 7.
• USS Coronado Gets Underway for Training, Evolutions at Sea NNS 08 May 2017 -- Littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) got underway from Sembawang Wharves in Singapore for routine operations and training May 8.
• USS Abraham Lincoln Completes Final Fast Cruise Before Redelivery NNS 08 May 2017 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) spent the final days of its four-year refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) completing its official "fast cruise" May 2-7, in preparation for the ship's long-awaited return to the fleet this month.
• USS Pearl Harbor Completes VBSS Training Exercise NNS 08 May 2017 -- Sailors aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) participated in a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training exercise, May 3, as part of America Amphibious Ready Group's Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).
• George Washington Completes SCOOP NNS 08 May 2017 -- Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) finished the Shipboard Consolidated Offload and Outfitting Plan (SCOOP), in preparation for refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) maintenance scheduled for Aug. 4.
• Pentagon Backs McCain's $7.5Bln Military Funding Plan Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- The US Department of Defense believes the Asia-Pacific to be a top priority and "in principle" supports the $7.5 billion military funding aiming to increase US military presence and build up infrastructure in the area, Cmdr. Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, said.
• US, Slovenian troops train Serbian special anti-terrorism unit Army News 08 May 2017 -- U.S. and Slovenian special operations forces gathered here to help broaden the tactical and technical capabilities of the Serbian special anti-terrorism unit known as the Specijalna Antiteroristicka Jedinica during joint combined exchange training exercises in the Goc Mountains of Serbia from April 3-30.
• Philippines, US start joint annual drills in Manila Press TV 08 May 2017 -- The Philippines and the United States have begun joint annual military exercises on a much smaller scale than usual.
• Russian Black See Fleet Receives Two Advanced Raptor Patrol Boats Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- The Russian Black Sea Fleet received two advanced Raptor high-speed patrol boats, the fleet's spokesman Сapt. 1st Rank Vyacheslav Trukhachev said Monday.
• Indian Elite Commandos Seek Armored Vehicles for Cross-Border Ops Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to purchase 50-60 armored vehicles along with associated equipment in the next one month to provide protected mobility to its personnel during operations. The IAF has said it needs a 5-meter-long vehicle with crew capacity of six for its special forces.
• 4 new weapons unveiled by Defense Ministry IRNA 08 May 2017 -- Iranian Defense Ministry unveiled four new defense products in a ceremony attended by high-ranking government and military officials on Monday.
• Iran Armed Forces vow decisive response to aggressions IRNA 08 May 2017 -- Enemies should know that they will be given an immediate, decisive and annihilating response for any aggression against Iran, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri said on Monday.
• Iran to determine where to hit aggressors: Top cmdr. Press TV 08 May 2017 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri says it is up to the Islamic Republic to decide the targets of its counterstrikes against potential aggressors.
• Iran Test-Fires High Speed Torpedo Near Strait of Hormuz - Reports Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- Iran test-fired a high speed torpedo near the Strait of Hormuz, US media reported on Monday.
• South Koreans Demand Injunction Against THAAD Deployment in Seongju Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- On Monday more than 500 residents living near the US' Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) deployment site in South Korea filed a petition for an injunction to stop further construction and to block its use.
• Daily Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sean Spicer -- #45 The White House 08 May 2017

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 08, 2017

Other Conflicts

• 8 May 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 May 2017
• China Coast Guard vessels patrol Diaoyu Islands People's Daily 08 May 2017 -- Four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels conducted a patrol in territorial waters off the Diaoyu Islands on Monday, according to an online statement by the State Oceanic Administration.
• Unimpeded access, humanitarian funds urgently needed in Yemen - senior UN relief official UN News 08 May 2017 -- Voicing concern over lack of humanitarian access – particularly for medicine and medical supplies – in war-torn Yemen, a senior United Nations relief official has called on all parties to the conflict to ensure urgent and unrestricted access to people in need across the country.
• Syria militants begin evacuating Damascus suburb Press TV 08 May 2017 -- Hundreds of foreign-backed militants have started evacuating the besieged Damascus suburb of Barzeh under an agreement reached with the Syrian government.
• Damascus to Consider Uncoordinated Jordan's Military Activity as 'Enemy Force' Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- Jordan's military activity on Syrian territory without coordination with Damascus will be regarded as "enemy force," Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said on Monday.
• Iraqi volunteer fighters liberate 44 villages, kill 725 Daeshis in one month: Cmdr. Press TV 08 May 2017 -- The spokesman for Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units says the pro-government volunteer forces have managed to win back nearly four dozen villages southwest of Mosul within the past month as they are helping government forces in battles against Takfiri Daesh terrorists.
• Front Line: Inside Iraqi Soldiers' Anti-IS War VOA 08 May 2017 -- The walkie-talkie in the commander's hand buzzes and crackles as soldiers line up their humvees and tanks, readying themselves to enter Islamic State territory.
• Turkey Plans to Build Wall on Iranian Border to Block Access for PKK Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- Ankara is planning to build a wall along the border with Iran within the framework of the efforts to prevent the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is listed as a terror group in Turkey, from entering the country's territory, the Hurriyet newspaper reported on Monday, citing an official.
• Libyan Military Forces Liberate Port in Benghazi From Al-Qaeda Terrorists Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- The Libyan military forces have liberated a port in the eastern city of Benghazi from the terrorists of the al-Qaeda terrorist group, Sky News Arabia reported Monday, citing army's statement.
• Mogadishu Blast Kills 6 Including General VOA 08 May 2017 -- At least six people have been killed in a car bombing outside a Mogadishu restaurant, including a senior Somali military general.
• Car bomb explosion kills 6 people in Mogadishu, wounding nearly dozen Press TV 08 May 2017 -- A car bomb explosion has claimed the lives of at least six civilians in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, police say.
• Former rebels block entrance to Ivory Coast's second city Press TV 08 May 2017 -- Several hundred mutinous soldiers and ex-rebel fighters in Ivory Coast have taken control of main access roads to the country's second largest city, demanding the payment of promised bonuses following a deal in January.
• Over 2 million children displaced by conflict, famine in South Sudan: UN Press TV 08 May 2017 -- The United Nations (UN) says more than two million children in South Sudan have been forced to leave their homes as a result of the conflict and famine in the country.
• South Sudan Suspends National Dialogue Steering Committee VOA 08 May 2017 -- Efforts to start a "national dialogue" in war-ravaged South Sudan are on hold again after a key steering committee could not muster enough members for a quorum.
• U.S. Urges Kosovo To Ratify Montenegro Border Deal RFE/RL 08 May 2017 -- The United States is calling on Kosovo to ratify a border-demarcation deal with Montenegro, saying the domestic political gridlock over the agreement is damaging the Balkan nation's international credibility.
• Iran Warns It Will Attack 'Terrorist Safe Havens' Inside Pakistan RFE/RL 08 May 2017 -- Iran has warned Pakistan that Tehran would hit militant bases inside the neighboring country if Islamabad does not confront Sunni insurgents who carry out cross-border attacks.
• Georgian PM: Trump Offers 'Full Support' In Standoff With Russia Over Breakaway Regions RFE/RL 08 May 2017 -- Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili's office said that U.S. President Donald Trump expressed Washington's "full support of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity" during a May 8 meeting at the White House.

News Reports

• Macron Prepares To Lead France As Challenges Loom RFE/RL 08 May 2017 -- French President-elect Emmanuel Macron on May 8 made his first public appearance after easily defeating nationalist Marine Le Pen a day earlier, joining outgoing President Francois Hollande at a wreath-laying ceremony in Paris as he began preparing his transition to power.
• EU Leaders Dodge the Bullet with Macron's Election Win VOA 08 May 2017 -- European Union leaders were breathing a huge sigh of relief Monday as they savor the victory of centrist Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential race.
• Projections show Macron elected French President People's Daily 08 May 2017 -- Centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron won Sunday's runoff vote of the French presidential election, defeating his far-right rival Marine Le Pen, according to polling agency projections issued after the vote.
• French centrist Macron: a novice at the Elysee Palace People's Daily 08 May 2017 -- Centrist former economy minister Emmanuel Macron has won the French presidential election, defeating his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in Sunday's runoff vote, making him the youngest president in France's modern history, according to polling agency projections.
• White House Says Obama Made Clear To Trump He Wasn't 'A Fan' Of Flynn RFE/RL 08 May 2017 -- Former U.S. President Barack Obama made it clear to then President-elect Donald Trump that he did not support Michael Flynn, whom Trump later fired as national security adviser in connection with his contacts with Russian officials, the White House said on May 8.
• White House Confirms Obama Warned Trump About General Flynn Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- On Monday, White House officials said that former US President Barack Obama made it very clear to now-President Donald Trump that he was not a big fan of General Michael Flynn, ex-National Security Adviser for the Trump administration.
• Trump Reminds Flynn Was Given Highest Security Clearance by Obama Administration Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- US President Donald Trump reminded that his former National Security Advisor General Michael Flynn had been given the higheast security clearance by the Obama administration and accused "fake media" of lack of coverage of the information.
• Obama Warned Trump Against Naming Flynn to Key Security Post VOA 08 May 2017 -- Former U.S. President Barack Obama personally warned then President-elect Donald Trump against naming retired Army General Michael Flynn as his national security adviser, but Trump picked Flynn anyway, only to fire him after 24 days on the job.
• McCain Blasts Trump on Lack of Human Rights Focus VOA 08 May 2017 -- U.S. Senator John McCain is criticizing the foreign policy of the Trump administration, saying it is not focused enough on human rights abuses around the world.
• Pyongyang Calls for Easing of Hostility With Seoul Before Presidential Election Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- One day before South Koreans will head to the polls to elect their next president, following the fallout of former President Park Geun-hye's impeachment, a prominent North Korean newspaper called for tensions to be "put to an end."
• North Korea Detention of Fourth US Citizen 'Concerning' - White House Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- The detention of a fourth US citizen by North Korea over the weekend has drawn concern from the United States, which will work through the Swedish embassy to seek release of the detainees, White House spokesperson Sean Spicer said during a press briefing on Monday.
• South Korea Poised for Change Election VOA 08 May 2017 -- South Korea will elect a new president Tuesday (May 9) following a year of political upheaval in which scandal, protests and impeachment have the public demanding transparency and change.
• Iran Warns It Will Attack 'Terrorist Safe Havens' Inside Pakistan RFE/RL 08 May 2017 -- Iran has warned Pakistan that Tehran would hit militant bases inside the neighboring country if Islamabad does not confront Sunni insurgents who carry out cross-border attacks.
• Indonesian government set to disband extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir Press TV 08 May 2017 -- Indonesia is set to disband the Hizb ut-Tahrir extremist group, citing concerns that it undermines the state ideology and threatens the security of the Southeast Asian nation.
• Turkish Prosecution Demands Some 3,600 Aggravated Life Terms for Gulen Sputnik 08 May 2017 -- Turkish prosecutors have demanded a total of 3,623 aggravated life sentences for US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, accused of being the mastermind behind the July 2016 coup attempt, local media reported on Monday.
• Egypt sentence Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Badie to life Press TV 08 May 2017 -- An Egyptian court has sentenced the Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Badie and two other members of the outlawed movement to life in prison over their alleged role in protests following the 2013 ouster of the country's first democratically-elected president, Mohamed Morsi.