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Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 19 May 2017[PDF]
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Secretary Mattis, General Dunford and Special Envoy McGurk on the Campaign to Defeat ISIS in the Pentagon Press Briefing Room DoD 19 May 2017 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis; Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Joseph F. Dunford; Brett McGurk, special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
• Military Strikes Continue Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 19 May 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 27 strikes consisting of 65 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Department of the Army announces III Corps deployment US Army 19 May 2017 -- The Department of the Army announced today the summer 2017 deployment of approximately 250 soldiers from the III Corps Headquarters stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, to Iraq and Kuwait, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
• U.S. Bombs Syrian, Iranian-Backed Forces For First Time, Leaving Eight Dead RFE/RL 19 May 2017 -- U.S. forces have for the first time bombed a convoy of Syrian government and Iranian-backed militia forces after Russia was unable to keep them from entering an area where U.S. allies have been preparing to battle the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, the Pentagon says.
• U.S. Military Says 750 IS-Linked Fighters Killed In Afghanistan Since Early March RFE/RL 19 May 2017 -- Combined U.S. and Afghan forces have killed 750 Islamic State (IS) extremists in Afghanistan since early March, reducing the militants' territory and fighting strength by two-thirds, the U.S. military says.
• UN Reports Increase in Afghan Opium Poppy Cultivation Area VOA 19 May 2017 -- A new United Nations survey says the total area under opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has increased by 10 percent, from 183,000 to 201,000 hectares, compared to the previous year, leading to a significant rise in the production of illicit opium.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Dragon Lady makes historic appearance at Northern Edge AFNS 19 May 2017 -- Looking across the flightline at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson during previous Northern Edge exercises you would have seen a mass of gray and white aircraft, but this year the distinctly black U-2S Dragon Lady from Beale Air Force Base, California, made its presence known for the first time at Northern Edge, and showcased the unique capabilities it can bring to the joint fight.
• Department of the Army announces 1st Cavalry Division deployment US Army 19 May 2017 -- The Department of the Army announced today the summer 2017 deployment of approximately 3,500 soldiers from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, to the Republic of Korea.
• Balikatan 2017 comes to closure with ceremony USMC News 19 May 2017 -- Leaders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. military, representatives from Japan Self-Defense Forces and Australian Defence Force, as well as local government officials concluded this year's Balikatan exercise at Camp Aguinaldo, May 19, 2017.
• Professional partners: COFUMACO and SPMAGTF-CR-AF Marines conduct bilateral training USMC News 19 May 2017 -- Members of Senegal's Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando and U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa combine forces during a four-week bilateral exercise to strengthen partner nation capabilities at Thies, Senegal, April 12 – May 9.
• USS Alexandria Completes WESTPAC, Returns Home NNS 19 May 2017 -- The Los Angeles-Class fast attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757) returned to Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego, May 18, after a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific region.
• USS Detroit Completes Final Contract Trials NNS 19 May 2017 -- Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7), completed final contract trials (FCT) during a five-day evaluation period beginning May 10.
• U.S., JMSDF Complete PASSEX in South China Sea NNS 19 May 2017 -- Ships from the U.S Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) completed a passing exercise (PASSEX) in the South China Sea, May 18.
• America ARG and 15th MEU successfully complete COMPTUEX NNS 19 May 2017 -- The America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) successfully completed a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Southern California, May 17.
• America Certifies in Force Protection for Deployment NNS 19 May 2017 -- The amphibious assault ship USS America successfully completed a force protection exercise (FPEX), May 18 - one of the final certifications needed before deploying.
• US, JMSDF Complete PASSEX in South China Sea NNS 19 May 2017 -- Ships from the U.S Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) completed a passing exercise (PASSEX) in the South China Sea May 18.
• US Navy deploys second aircraft carrier to North Korea's doorstep Press TV 19 May 2017 -- The US Navy is moving a second aircraft carrier to the Korean Peninsula to take part in training exercises days after North Korea conducted a "successful" ballistic missile test.
• China jets intercept US spy plane over East China Sea: US official Press TV 19 May 2017 -- The United States says two Chinese jets have intercepted a US spy plane flying over the East China Sea.
• Two Chinese Fighter Jets Intercept US Plane Over East China Sea Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- Chinese fighter jets reportedly intercepted a US military aircraft over the East China Sea.
• China designates first peacekeeping helicopter unit People's Daily 19 May 2017 -- China has established its first peacekeeping helicopter unit for operations in Sudan. The unit was established by an army aviation corp of the 81st Group Army of the PLA. On May 19, the unit took oaths during a special ceremony.
• Russian Experts Give Their Impressions of China's 'Stealth Drone-Like' Chopper Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- China's new attack and reconnaissance helicopter, the Z-19E, made its maiden flight over the port city of Harbin, northeastern China on Thursday. Observers from Zvezda – the official television network of the Russian Defense Ministry, were impressed with the chopper's sleek styling, but suggested that its combat capabilities are questionable.
• Dunford 'Enthusiastic' About NATO's Ability to Address New Threats AFPS 19 May 2017 -- NATO's chiefs of defense discussed the big changes happening to the alliance during the military committee meeting that ended yesterday in Brussels.
• NATO Allies and partners reaffirm their Warsaw commitments to sustainable security in Afghanistan and to their strong partnership with Afghanistan NATO 19 May 2017 -- NATO Allies and operational partners contributing to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission met today (19 May 2017), at NATO Headquarters, to review ongoing efforts in support to the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) and long-term stability in Afghanistan.
• Over 40 Foreign Warships to Arrive in Poland for BALTOPS Drills - Polish Navy Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- Over 40 warships from 14 countries will arrive in Poland's Szczecin to take part in the BALTOPS military exercises set for the beginning of June, Jacek Kwiatkowski, a representative of the Polish Navy coast guard flotilla, said Friday.
• US Defense Secretary: Military Response to North Korea Would Be 'Tragic' VOA 19 May 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis said North Koreans probably learned a lot from their latest rocket launch, adding that attempts to resolve the North Korea missile crisis through military force would be "tragic."
• North Korean Missile Made Successful Atmospheric Re-Entry in Latest Launch Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- North Korea's ballistic missile test on Sunday showed the country's advances in its technological capabilities after the intermediate-range missile made a successful re-entry, media reported.
• Indian Navy Looks to Buy Subsurface Vessels to Detect Undersea Threat Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- In the absence of the required number of minesweepers, the Indian Navy has started the process to procure remote-controlled portable underwater vessels to conduct explosive ordnance disposal operations in harbors and sea water up to 75 meters depth.
• India Develops Powerful Pulse Detonation Engine for Cruise, Anti-Tank Missiles Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- India's state-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) claims to have developed a pulse detonation engine which is more powerful and has higher fuel efficiency than the gas turbine engines of flying systems currently.
• Indian Navy Test-Fires Extended Range Barak 8 Missile Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- A week after three successful test firing of short-range air-to-air defense system Israeli Spyder, the Indian Navy has conducted the successful test of medium range surface-to-air missile Barak 8 from the INS Kochi, a Kolkata-class guided-missile destroyer.
• Jared Kushner personally intervened in Saudi arms deal: Report Press TV 19 May 2017 -- US President Donald Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner personally intervened on a recent arms deal with Saudi Arabia ahead of Trump's visit to the kingdom this week, said a report.
• Saudi Arabia seeks to become major global arms supplier Press TV 19 May 2017 -- Saudi Arabia says it is set to create a new military industries firm as part of its plan to become a major global arms supplier and gradually wean itself off oil revenues.
• Saudi Arabia Hopes to Go Self-Sufficient With Weapons by 2030 Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is to establish a state-run arms manufacturing company, which will produce ammunition, rock-launchers, armored vehicles and radars for the country's steadily strengthening military.
• Ukrainian Navy's Flagship Frigate Breaks Down Immediately After Costly Repairs Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- The Hetman Sahaydachniy, Ukraine's sole frigate and the flagship of the country's Navy, has broken down almost immediately after undergoing costly repairs. Speaking to Sputnik, military observer Alexander Perendzhiev said all the signs point to officials having simply stolen the money allotted for repair work.
• Sweden Unveils Model of Its First Submarine With Tomahawk Missile Capability Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- Sweden's Saab aerospace and defense company has unveiled its first conventional diesel-electric-powered submarine designed for using the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM). The model was demonstrated at the IMDEX Asia 2017 show in Singapore.
• India, Singapore Begin Advanced Marine Drill in South China Sea Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- India has begun advanced bilateral naval exercise with Singapore in the South China Sea on Thursday. The contingent has four warships, one maritime patrol and anti-submarine craft.

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 19, 2017

Other Conflicts

• Philippine President Alleges China Threatened War VOA 19 May 2017 -- Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte says Chinese President Xi Jinping threatened him with war if the Philippines begins drilling for oil in a disputed part of the South China Sea.
• Guideline for conduct pact in the South China Sea OK'd People's Daily 19 May 2017 -- China and ASEAN countries on Thursday approved a draft framework of the South China Sea Code of Conduct, marking a milestone in peacefully resolving the South China Sea issue.
• Yemen's war pushing Somali refugees to return home - UN agency UN News 19 May 2017 -- More than 30,000 Somali refugees have apparently returned to Somalia from Yemen, the United Nations refugee agency said, and an increasing number are seeking aid to return home.
• Cholera outbreak in war-torn Yemen spreading at 'unprecedented' speed, UN warns UN News 19 May 2017 -- As war-torn Yemen grapples with heavy rains, a collapsed healthcare system and crippled economy, a resurgent cholera outbreak has spread with "unprecedented" speed and taken medical professionals by surprise, the World Health Organization warned today.
• Russia, Syria blast US strikes targeting anti-Daesh forces Press TV 19 May 2017 -- Russia and Syria have condemned US airstrikes targeting anti-Daesh forces, saying the "brazen" attacks violate the Arab country's sovereignty and show Washington's claims of fighting terrorism are false.
• Moscow Says New US-Led Coalition Strike Near Syrian Al-Tanf 'Illegitimate' Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called the latest US-led coalition airstrike against Syrian pro-government forces in southern Syria "violation of Syria's sovereignty."
• Syrian MoD Confirms US-Led Coalition Airstrike Hit Syrian Army Military Position Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- Syrian Defense Ministry confirmed on state TV Friday that the airstrike conducted by the US-Led coalition on Thursday hit 'one of our military points' near the southern town of al-Tanf.
• Iraqi govt. forces recapture another district in western Mosul Press TV 19 May 2017 -- Members of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) have reclaimed full control over another district in western Mosul as government forces and allied fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units are battling to flush Daesh Takfiri terrorists out of the country's second largest city.
• South Sudan troops killed 114 civilians in six months: UN Press TV 19 May 2017 -- The United Nations says at least 114 civilians were killed in and around the South Sudanese town of Yei by pro-government forces in the period from July 2016 to January 2017.
• South Sudan: UN report exposes human rights violations against civilians in Yei UN News 19 May 2017 -- A United Nations report has documented human rights violations and abuses against civilians that may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity, in what used to be a peaceful multi-ethnic town in South Sudan.
• Report: Corruption in Nigerian Military Benefits Boko Haram VOA 19 May 2017 -- As Nigeria fights the brutal insurgency of Boko Haram, its army is hampered by an equally dangerous enemy: corruption.

News Reports

• Trump Travels To Saudi Arabia, Israel In First Foreign Trip RFE/RL 19 May 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is heading abroad on his first foreign trip since taking office, as the U.S. capital reels from the deepening crisis surrounding the investigation into Trump's associates and their ties to Russian officials.
• Trump Takes First International Trip as President VOA 19 May 2017 -- Donald Trump begins his maiden international trip as U.S. president Friday, leaving the White House awash in a slew of controversies that has some politicians invoking comparisons to the Watergate scandal that brought down the presidency of Richard Nixon.
• Former FBI Director's Friend Says Trump Made Comey Feel Uncomfortable VOA 19 May 2017 -- Fired FBI director James Comey was uneasy with President Donald Trump's interactions with him and wanted a professional boundary maintained between the agency and White House, according to a friend of the former law enforcement official in a story published Thursday.
• Voting Ends In Crucial Iranian Presidential Vote RFE/RL 19 May 2017 -- The polls have closed in Iran in a four-man presidential race that could reinvigorate efforts for an economic and diplomatic thaw with the West or end a four-year interlude in hard-line domination of the government.
• Leader: Iran's destiny in hand of all people IRNA 19 May 2017 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the presidential election is very important, stressing that the fate of the nation and electing the head of the executive power is in the hand of all individuals from all walks of life.
• Voting Extended In Iranian Presidential Vote Pitting 'Engagement' Against 'Self-Reliance' RFE/RL 19 May 2017 -- Iranians are voting in a four-man presidential race that could reinvigorate efforts for an economic and diplomatic thaw with the West or draw the curtain on a four-year interlude in hard-line domination at all levels of government.
• Iran's defense minister slams new US sanctions Press TV 19 May 2017 -- Iran's defense minister says the country spares no effort to meet its national security needs, and does not allow any party to intervene in the imperative.
• Satellite Photos Show That N Korea Modernizing Sohae Rocket Launch Site Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- Newly acquired satellite images show that North Korea is modernizing its Sohae Satellite Launching Station located in the North Pyongan province, from which four ballistic missiles were launched in March 2017, media reported.
• Ferry Service Launches Between Russia, North Korea Despite U.S. Demands RFE/RL 19 May 2017 -- A new ferry between North Korea and Russia has docked for the first time at the port of Vladivostok, despite U.S. calls for countries to downgrade relations with Pyongyang over its nuclear and missile-testing programs.
• India, Russia Discuss Agreement on New Units for Kudankulam NPP Sputnik 19 May 2017 -- India is working on a memorandum of understanding with Russia for units five and six of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
• Sweden Drops Case But Assange Still Not In Clear RFE/RL 19 May 2017 -- Sweden's top prosecutor has dropped a seven-year investigation into rape allegations against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, though he still faces an arrest warrant in Britain and possible extradition to the United States.
• Xi calls for China-ROK relations to return to normal track People's Daily 19 May 2017 -- President Xi Jinping said Friday that China was ready to work with the Republic of Korea (ROK) to return bilateral ties to the normal track.
• In wake of 'WannaCry' attacks, UN cybersecurity expert discusses Internet safety UN News 19 May 2017 -- A United Nations cybersecurity expert says that cybercrime is ultimately preventable, and that the internet – even the hidden so-called 'dark net' – has very good elements to it.