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Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 12 May 2017[PDF]
• Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 12 May 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 34 strikes consisting of 106 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• More Afghanistan troops as West digs in for long haul Press TV 12 May 2017 -- Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says his government is "open" to sending more troops to Afghanistan, as requested by the United States.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Lincoln Achieves Redelivery NNS 12 May 2017 -- The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) was redelivered to the fleet May 12, marking the successful completion of its refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) carried out at Newport News Shipyard.
• AFLCMC awards major long range radar contract AFNS 12 May 2017 -- The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center here awarded the Raytheon Company a $52.6 million contract May 11, 2017, for the three-dimensional expeditionary long-range radar system.
• US, Singapore, Thai Navies Enhance Cooperation, Interoperability during Multilateral CARAT NNS 12 May 2017 -- Ships from the Republic of Singapore navy, Royal Thai navy and U.S. Navy completed a three-day multilateral Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise in the South China Sea May 12.
• NSF Redzikowo Signs Premiere Training Agreement with Polish Forces NNS 12 May 2017 -- Naval Support Facility Redzikowo Commanding Officer Capt. Ricky Gilbert signed Memorandums of Agreement May 10 with the Polish Force Protection Battalion, JW5718 and the 7th Coastal Brigade.
• Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) Begins Sailaway NNS 12 May 2017 -- The Navy's newest littoral combat ship, the future USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), departed from Mobile, Alabama, May 8, beginning her journey to her commissioning site in Galveston, Texas.
• GHWB Deployment Marks Halfway Point NNS 12 May 2017 -- Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) accomplished a major milestone by reaching the halfway mark of their 2017 deployment, May 8.
• USS Ross Departs Haifa, Israel NNS 12 May 2017 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) departed Haifa, Israel, May 12, upon completing a scheduled port visit to enhance U.S.-Israel relations and mutually work for a stable, secure and prosperous region.
• Navy Lab Tests GunnAR Helmet with Bunker Hill Crew NNS 12 May 2017 -- Representatives from Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC) embarked aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) to demonstrate and test GunnAR, an augmented reality (AR) combat helmet prior to the start of Exercise Trident Warrior 2017 (TW17), April 28 to May 1.
• US spy aircraft intercepted by Russia over Black Sea Press TV 12 May 2017 -- The Russian Defense Ministry says an Su-30 aircraft has intercepted a US surveillance plane over the Black Sea while it was approaching the Russian border earlier this week.
• Navy: Russian Jet Came Within 6 Meters of US Spy Plane VOA 12 May 2017 -- The United States Navy said Friday that a Russian jet flew within six meters of an American spy plane earlier this week over the Black Sea, but that the encounter was professional.
• Russian Army's Most Combat-Ready Formations to Be Designated 'Shock Troops' Sputnik 12 May 2017 -- Russia's most battle-worthy army units will soon be given the 'shock troops' designation, and will receive their own distinctive heraldry, Lieutenant-General Ivan Buvaltsev, head of the Main Administration of Combat Training of the Russian Armed Forces, has confirmed.
• China Deploys New Spy Aircraft in Disputed South China Sea Sputnik 12 May 2017 -- China has extended its surveillance and monitoring operations to include the deployment of a new early warning system- and radar-equipped aircraft.
• Indian Navy to Hold Advanced Exercises From Malacca Straits to South China Sea Sputnik 12 May 2017 -- With India's Act East policy in mind, the Indian Navy's stealth frigates and Boeing P-8I anti-submarine and maritime reconnaissance aircraft have reached Singapore to take part in advanced exercises such as International Maritime Review and IMDEX-17.
• India's Indigenous Fighter Jet Successfully Fires Derby Missiles in Radar Mode Sputnik 12 May 2017 -- India's home-made light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas has successfully fired the beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) Derby in radar-guided mode on Friday at Chandipur-on-sea. The aircraft took off from Kalaikunda base in the eastern state of West Bengal.
• India Close to Deploying Israeli Spyder Air Defense System Sputnik 12 May 2017 -- In the backdrop of tensions along the western border, India has successfully tested an Israeli surface-to-air Python and Derby (Spyder) missile system at Chandipur-on-sea against a UK-made unmanned aerial target. The trial was conducted on Thursday to check the operational readiness of the system.
• India Signs Largest Private Defense Contract for Korean Self-Propelled Guns Sputnik 12 May 2017 -- India's Ministry of Defense has formally awarded a $676 million contract to Larsen & Toubro, India's multinational engineering conglomerate, for the supply of 100 units of 155mm/ 52 caliber tracked self-propelled gun systems to the Indian Army.
• Turkey, Pakistan to jointly manufacture attack helicopters IRNA 12 May 2017 -- Pakistan has entered an agreement with Turkey to jointly manufacture T-129 attack helicopters, local media reported.
• Turkey Successfully Test Fires Its First Indigenous KAAN Missile System Sputnik 12 May 2017 -- Turkey has successfully test fired a rocket using its state-of-the-art KAAN missile system for the first time; the weapons system is produced by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK)-affiliated company Roketsan AS. The launch was made over the Black Sea and was watched live by the country's Defense Minister and the Undersecretary for Defense Industries.
• Turkey test-fires first domestically-manufactured ballistic missile Press TV 12 May 2017 -- Turkey has successfully test-fired its first homemade ballistic missile near the Black Sea coastal region of Sinop, the Turkish defense minister says.
• South Korea's Ruling Party Calls for Public Hearing On US THAAD Deployment Sputnik 12 May 2017 -- On Friday South Korea's ruling Party said that it will push for parliamentary hearings to help settle issues surrounding the US' deployment of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) in the Gimcheon and Senjou counties.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sean Spicer, 5/12/2017, #47 The White House 12 May 2017

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 12, 2017

Other Conflicts

• 12 May 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 May 2017
• Philippines moving troops, equipment to disputed island in South China Sea Press TV 12 May 2017 -- The Philippines has started deploying troops and equipment to a South China Sea island whose sovereignty is disputed by Beijing.
• Attack on Yemeni city could overwhelm humanitarian capacity, warns UN migration agency UN News 12 May 2017 -- Warning of the disastrous impact of an imminent attack on a western city and port and Yemen, the United Nations migration agency has called on all actors to use dialogue and talks rather than military force, which will put more civilians in danger.
• Syria's Tabqa City Liberated, Key Development for Raqqa AFPS 12 May 2017 -- Partnered forces in Syria have liberated the Syrian city of Tabqa, a key development in the eventual defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria in Raqqa, Syria, the Pentagon's director of press operations said today.
• Syria chemical incident US pretext to justify intervention: Assad IRNA 12 May 2017 -- Washington fabricated the alleged chemical attack in Syria's town of Khan Shaykhun, in Idlib Province, to cover US intervention in the country, says President Bashar al-Assad.
• Iraqi government troops recapture another district in western Mosul Press TV 12 May 2017 -- Iraqi government soldiers have managed to regain control over a district in the western part of Mosul as government forces, backed by fighters from allied Popular Mobilization Units, are involved in multi-pronged operations to expel Daesh terrorists from their last urban stronghold in the country.
• Iraqi forces liberate more areas in northwest from Daesh Press TV 12 May 2017 -- Iraqi armed forces are pressing ahead with operations to dislodge Daesh Takfiri terrorists from the northwestern areas of the country.
• Iraq: UN refugee camp opens twelfth camp as displacement escalates in West Mosul UN News 12 May 2017 -- Less than four weeks after opening its last camp, the United Nations refugee agency welcomed families fleeing the fighting in western Mosul this week with its twelfth camp set up deal with the ongoing emergency in and around the Iraqi city.
• Amid widening needs for displaced Somalis, UN refugee agency revises funding appeal UN News 12 May 2017 -- The United Nations refugee agency has increased its funding appeal by $91 million to meet the humanitarian needs of Somali refugees in the region and the people displaced inside the Horn of Africa country.
• DR Congo: UN agency appeals for support as 'steady stream' of refugees crosses into Angola UN News 12 May 2017 -- With violence and insecurity continuing to force people to flee Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasai region and seek refuge in neighbouring Angola, the United Nations refugee agency has called for a suitable place to shelter them as well as additional resources to support those in urgent need.
• Guinea Bissau: Security Council 'ready to act' if political crisis worsens UN News 12 May 2017 -- Expressing deep concern over the protracted political and institutional crisis in Guinea Bissau, the United Nations Security Council has said it is ready to take necessary measures if the situation further deteriorates.

News Reports

• Trump Warns Fired FBI Chief About 'Leaking' To Press RFE/RL 12 May 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a comment on Twitter apparently warning former FBI Director James Comey against "leaking to the press," suggesting there might be "tapes" of their private conversations.
• Trump: No Collusion Between Campaign, Russia; Says He'd Always Planned To Fire Comey RFE/RL 12 May 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said he had planned to dismiss FBI Director James Comey even before receiving recommendations from top Justice Department officials.
• Trump Escalates Feud with Ousted FBI Director Comey VOA 12 May 2017 -- President Donald Trump has escalated his feud with ousted former FBI director James Comey, implying there are secret recordings of one of their private conversations from earlier this year.
• Iran presidential candidates begin final live TV debate Press TV 12 May 2017 -- The six candidates contesting Iran's 12th presidential election face off in their third and final live televised debate.
• Iran's President Hits Back At Rivals In Final TV Debate RFE/RL 12 May 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rohani has hit out at his two main conservative challengers, who accuse him of mismanagement, corruption, and failing to improve the economy following a landmark 2015 nuclear accord with world powers.
• DPRK slams U.S. Congress for passing new sanction law against Pyongyang People's Daily 12 May 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Friday slammed the United States Congress for passing a new law to tighten sanctions against the DPRK.
• DPRK poses "potentially existential threat": U.S. intelligence chief People's Daily 12 May 2017 -- The nuclear program of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) posed a "potentially existential threat" to the United States, U.S. National Intelligence Director Dan Coats said on Thursday.
• Russian president says ready to help ease Korea tension Press TV 12 May 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is ready to help calm down tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
• North Korea parliament writes to US Congress to protest new sanctions Press TV 12 May 2017 -- North Korea's parliament has sent a protest letter to the United States House of Representatives, condemning the new American sanctions imposed on Pyongyang.
• North Korea raps Kim assassination bid as 'declaration of war' Press TV 12 May 2017 -- North Korea has denounced an alleged failed assassination attempt by the US and South Korean intelligence agencies against its leader Kim Jong-un as a "declaration of war."
• N Korea Urges UN Members to Reconsider Legality of Sanctions Against Pyongyang Sputnik 12 May 2017 -- North Korea has called on UN member states to re-evaluate the legal grounds on sanctions introduced against Pyongyang.
• CIA, Seoul Paid Hit-Man $300K to Kill North Korea's Leader, Ambassador Claims Sputnik 12 May 2017 -- The US and South Korean intelligence agencies handed over about 300,000 dollars to 'Kim', a North Korean citizen, to stage an alleged plot to assassinate North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, the country's Ambassador to Russia said.
• DPRK Names S Korea Intelligence Chief as Suspect in Planned Attack on Leader Sputnik 12 May 2017 -- North Korea's intelligence services have named key suspects in the case of the alleged preparation of a coup and attack on the country' leader Kim Jong Un, including head of the South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) Lee Byung-ho, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday.
• Balochistan bombing by Daesh kills over two dozen Press TV 12 May 2017 -- More than two dozen people have been killed in a bomb attack in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan.
• Suicide Bomber Kills 25 in Southwestern Pakistan VOA 12 May 2017 -- A suicide bomber has struck the convoy of an Islamic party in southwestern Pakistan, killing at least 25 people and wounding more than 40 others. Most of the victims were activists with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), a religious-based political party.
• Russia's patience with US in diplomats case has limits: Kremlin Press TV 12 May 2017 -- Moscow has not ruled out the possibility of retaliation against Washington over the expulsion from the United States of 35 Russian diplomats late last year, a Russian official says.
• UN informed of Ebola virus outbreak in northern DR Congo UN News 12 May 2017 -- An Ebola outbreak in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has killed at least one person, the United Nations World health Organization (WHO) announced earlier today.
• Massive Cyberattack Appears to Be Spreading Globally VOA 12 May 2017 -- A massive cyberattack that has hit hospitals in Britain and businesses in Spain appears to be spreading to other organizations around the world.
• British Hospitals Hit By Cyberattacks, Says Health Service RFE/RL 12 May 2017 -- Several English hospitals have been hit by cyberattacks, Britain's health service says, forcing some to divert ambulances to other clinics and urge people not to try to contact their doctors.
• Taiwan denounces exclusion from WHA meeting: MOFA CNA 12 May 2017 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Friday denounced Taiwan's exclusion from this year's World Health Assembly (WHA) meeting, saying that it goes against the purpose of the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Poroshenko: Visa-Free EU Travel Marks Ukraine's 'Divorce From Russian Empire' RFE/RL 12 May 2017 -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says a visa-liberalization deal with the European Union marks his country's "divorce from the Russian Empire."
• NASA Affirms Plan for First Mission of SLS, Orion NASA 12 May 2017-- In February, NASA began an effort looking at the feasibility of putting crew aboard the first integrated flight of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft -- Exploration Mission-1, or EM-1. (...) NASA determined it is technically capable of launching crew on EM-1, but after evaluating cost, risk and technical factors in a project of this magnitude, it would be difficult to accommodate changes needed to add crew at this point in mission planning.