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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 21 Jun 2017[PDF]
• Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 21 Jun 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 14 strikes consisting of 44 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• U.S. Shoots Down Armed, Iranian-Made Drone Over Syria Amid Russian Protests RFE/RL 21 Jun 2017 -- The U.S. military says it has shot down an armed, Iranian-made drone that was bearing down on its forces near a garrison in Syria's southeast.
• Afghan Forces Recapture Tora Bora Hideout From IS RFE/RL 21 Jun 2017 -- Afghan security forces have recaptured Tora Bora, a former fortress of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, from Islamic State (IS) militants, officials confirmed.
• Afghan Security Forces Killed 20, Injured 12 Daesh Militants in Past Two Days Sputnik 21 Jun 2017 -- Afghan security forces killed at least 20 Daesh militants, after the Daesh terrorists attempted to attack security check points in the Darzab district of Afghanistan's northern Jowzjan province, according to local media.
• Afghan Government must work to build trust in an 'increasingly fragile environment' - UN envoy UN News 21 Jun 2017 -- Warning that the recent surge of violent attacks in Afghanistan could signal a much worse and more fragile period ahead, the United Nations envoy for the country today called for urgent action to strengthen stability, including through improving the Government's credibility, and urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid violence.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Aegis Missile Defense Test Conducted MDA 21 Jun 2017-- The U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the Japan Ministry of Defense conducted a development flight test today of a new Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA missile off the coast of Hawaii.
• USS James E. Williams Departs Kiel, Germany After BALTOPS 2017 NNS 21 Jun 2017 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) departed Kiel, Germany after completing a scheduled port visit following the conclusion of exercise BALTOPS 2017, June 21.
• Cleared hot: When predators and reapers engage AFNS 21 Jun 2017 -- Following the mission brief and pre-flight checks, an aircrew consisting of an officer pilot in command and a career enlisted aviator sensor operator observe a target in an area of responsibility overseas from a cockpit in the U.S. and waits for the green light from a joint terminal attack controller on the ground.
• 15th MEU, America ARG certified, ready for 17-2 Western Pacific Deployment USMC News 21 Jun 2017 -- Marines and Sailors from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and America Amphibious Ready Group boarded their three respective ships, May 30, 2017, for their final at-sea exercise of their pre-deployment training period, Certification Exercise.
• NATO Confirms Tracking Three Russian Planes Over Baltic Sea Sputnik 21 Jun 2017 -- NATO confirmed on Wednesday its planes had tracked three Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea as they had not not responded to air traffic controllers or provided information about themselves.
• Russia Says NATO Jet Buzzed Defense Minister's Plane VOA 21 Jun 2017 -- Russian news agencies are reporting a NATO fighter jet buzzed a plane carrying Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday as it flew over the Baltic Sea, but was escorted away by a Russian escort jet.
• 'Russian jet chases NATO plane away from defense minister's aircraft over Baltic Sea' Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- A Russian fighter jet has reportedly chased away a NATO plane that was trying to approach an aircraft carrying Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu over the Baltic Sea.
• Russian, U.S. Aircraft Fly Dangerously Close Over Baltic RFE/RL 21 Jun 2017 -- A Russian fighter jet and a U.S. reconnaissance plane flew dangerously close to one another over the Baltic Sea this week.
• Russia shoring up western defenses to counter NATO buildup Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- Russia has ordered restructuring of its military deployments along its western border in response to NATO's buildup in the region.
• Germany OKs Plan to Pull Troops From Turkey's Incirlik Air Base VOA 21 Jun 2017 -- Germany will withdraw 280 troops, as well as surveillance planes and refueling jets, from the Incirlik air base in Turkey following a decision by the German parliament on Wednesday. The troops will be relocated to a base in Jordan.
• Rocket Force more versatile People's Daily 21 Jun 2017 -- The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force has become more versatile as its missiles have become "smaller, more powerful and more accurate", the force said recently.
• Xi urges efforts to boost integrated military and civilian development People's Daily 21 Jun 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Tuesday underscored centralized and unified leadership to boost integrated military and civilian development.
• India, Russia to Discuss S-400 Triumf Air Defense Missile Systems' Deal Sputnik 21 Jun 2017 -- Nearly three weeks after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the upgrade of Indo-Russia defense ties, India's Defense Minister Arun Jaitley is reaching Russia with a delegation to co-chair two meetings with the Russian Government.
• IRGC missile strikes showcases national authority IRNA 21 Jun 2017 -- The correct and timely missile operation carried out by IRGC against the headquarters and logistics of the Takfiri terrorists in Deir Ez-Zor, eastern Syria conveyed a clear message to terrorist groups and the regional countries.
• IRGC's anti-terrorist missile operations under Leader's guidelines IRNA 21 Jun 2017 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday that it had carried out missile operations, codenamed 'Leilatolqadr', according to guidelines of the Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution.
• Iran Armed Forces to counter any national security threats: Top commander Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri says the country's security is a red line, pledging to firmly respond to any threats or acts of aggression against the Islamic Republic's national security.
• IRGC says next crushing response to enemies already planned Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says its next "crushing response" to potential enemy missteps has already been planned days after it struck Daesh positions in Syria with missiles in revenge for its terror attacks on Iranian soil.
• Officials: Pakistan Air Force Shoots Down Iranian Drone RFE/RL 21 Jun 2017 -- Pakistani officials say an air force jet has shot down an unmanned Iranian drone that was "deep inside the Pakistani airspace."
• £135M infrastructure contract marks milestone in UK F35 programme UK MOD 21 Jun 2017 -- The Defence Secretary announced that the Ministry of Defence has awarded a £135million contract to support the new fast jets at RAF Marham.
• Press Gaggle by Deputy Press Secretary Lindsay Walters and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue en route Cedar Rapids, IA | June 21, 2017 The White House 21 Jun 2017
• Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis at a Joint Press Availability US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2017

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for June 21, 2017
• French, Indian Companies Form Joint Venture to Develop Military Sensors Sputnik 21 Jun 2017 -- France's Thales Group and India's Reliance Defence and Engineering announced their intent to form a joint venture company to integrate and maintain radar and electronic warfare sensors in India.

Other Conflicts

• 21 June 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Jun 2017
• As crises multiply, UN revises annual aid appeal to assist over 100 million around the world UN News 21 Jun 2017 -- As the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance around the world reach record levels, United Nations and relief partners have revised their global aid appeal to $23.5 billion – up nearly 6 per cent from the original $22.2 billion announced late last year.
• UN renews appeal for increased humanitarian funds Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- The United Nations has issued a new appeal for humanitarian funds from donor countries, saying the current finances only suffice a quarter of what is needed worldwide.
• Warring parties in Yemen 'must take all feasible precautions' to minimize harm to civilians - UN envoy UN News 21 Jun 2017 -- Civilians in Yemen continue to be killed and injured during Ramadan, despite calls for the conflict parties to respect their obligations under international law, the senior United Nations aid official in the country warned today.
• Iran Escalates Involvement in Syria With Anti-IS Missile Strike VOA 21 Jun 2017 -- Iran's missile strike this week against Islamic State targets in Syria is escalating its military involvement in Syria and likely will heighten tensions between the U.S.-led coalition and Russian and Iranian forces aligned with the Syrian regime, analysts say.
• Syrian forces make fresh gains on Damascus outskirts Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- Syrian government soldiers have made great achievements in their operations on the eastern outskirts of the capital, and managed to take back territory from foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants.
• Protection of civilians in Syria must be ensured, stresses UN chief Guterres UN News 21 Jun 2017 -- Expressing alarm over the suffering of people Syria, in particular those in Raqqa and in other locations where fighting continues, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on all those conducting military operations in the country to ensure the safety and protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
• UN Chief Calls for Protection of Civilians in Raqqa VOA 21 Jun 2017 -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for special consideration to be taken for civilians trapped in Raqqa, Syria, as U.S.-backed forces prepare to take action to remove Islamic State jihadists from the city.
• ISIS Terrorists Destroy Mosul Mosque in Iraq AFPS 21 Jun 2017 -- The government of Iraq announced that Islamic State of Iraq and Syria terrorists today destroyed the Great Mosque of al-Nuri in western Mosul, Iraq, according to a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve news release.
• Islamic State Blows Up Iconic Mosul Mosque VOA 21 Jun 2017 -- Mosul's iconic al-Nuri mosque and its leaning minaret, known as al-Hadba, or "the hunchback," are no more, destroyed by the Islamic State as Iraqi forces worked to eradicate the terror group from one of its last strongholds in the city.
• Iraqi govt. forces inch closer to strategic mosque in western Mosul Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- Iraqi government forces have closed in on the strategic Grand al-Nuri Mosque in the western part of Mosul as they are fighting fierce street battles to drive Takfiri Daesh terrorists out of their former urban stronghold in the country.
• Khamenei Warns Iraq Against Relying On U.S., Weakening Shi'ite Militia RFE/RL 21 Jun 2017 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned Iraq's leader against weakening Shi'ite paramilitary groups and relying on the United States in the battle against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group..
• Death toll from fresh clashes hits 100 in Central African Republic Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- The death toll from a day of fierce clashes between rival factions has increased to around 100 in violence-wracked Central African Republic(CAR).
• Egypt begins delivery of one million liters of fuel to Gaza Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- Egypt has begun the delivery of one million liters of fuel to the besieged Gaza Strip in an attempt to ease the electricity crisis in the Palestinian territory.
• Gunmen raid school in southern Philippines, withdraw later Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- Gunmen have raided a school in a town in the southern Philippines but later withdrew, according to police and officials.
• The people of South Sudan are 'desperate for peace,' but political crisis persists - UN peacekeeping chief UN News 21 Jun 2017 -- Deliberate actions by the Government and opposition armed forces as well as other actors to advance their political goals continue to severely undermine efforts to get the country back on the path to peace and development, the top United Nations peacekeeping official has warned.
• UN: Despite Cease-fire, 'Hostilities Have Persisted' in South Sudan VOA 21 Jun 2017 -- The U.N.'s peacekeeping chief said Wednesday that a unilateral cease-fire declared by the government of South Sudan had not materialized, and that the country remained unstable.
• As South Sudan famine ebbs, millions still face 'extreme hunger on the edge of a cliff' - UN UN News 21 Jun 2017 -- While famine has eased in South Sudan, the situation across the crisis-torn country remains dire, as the number of people struggling to find food each day has grown from 4.9 million in February to six million today – the highest level of food insecurity the young nation has ever experienced, according to the United Nations.
• Contact Group on Ukraine Agrees on Donbass Ceasefire From June 24 Sputnik 21 Jun 2017 -- The Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine supported the idea of the so-called 'grain ceasefire' - a ceasefire regime for harvesting, starting from 00-00 on June 24 in Donbass, according to the press service of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic's plenipotentiary representative at the Minsk talks Denis Pushilin.
• Deaths, Injuries Mount as Ukraine Conflict Enters 4th Year: OHCHR VOA 21 Jun 2017 -- With the conflict in Ukraine now in its fourth year casualties have mounted substantially in recent months, according to a new report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
• U.S. imposes new sanctions on Russia over Ukraine People's Daily 21 Jun 2017 -- The U.S. on Tuesday imposed additional sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, blacklisting 38 individuals and entities, the U.S. Treasury Department said.
• Nigerian refugees returning to "dangerously unprepared" situation, UN agency chief warns UN News 21 Jun 2017 -- Large numbers of Nigerian refugees hosted in Cameroon are returning to northeast Nigeria, into a situation the United Nations refugee chief calls "dangerously unprepared to receive them."
• Recent Violence and Casualties in Nagorno-Karabakh US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2017
• UN Security Council welcomes deployment of regional force to restore stability in the Sahel UN News 21 Jun 2017 -- The United Nations Security Council today welcomed the deployment by the so-called Group of Five (G5) – Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger – of a joint force to tackle the threat of terrorism, as well as the serious challenges posed by transnational organized crime in Africa's restive Sahel region.
• Uganda and UN to convene 'solidarity summit' amid fast-growing refugee emergency UN News 21 Jun 2017 -- Facing a fast-growing refugee crisis, Uganda is set to host in its capital, Kampala, a 'Solidarity Summit' with the support of the United Nations, to rally international support for refugees and host communities in the form of donations, investments and innovative programmes.

News Reports

• Ex-US Homeland Security Chief Says Russian Meddling Did Not Affect Election Results VOA 21 Jun 2017 -- U.S. officials told lawmakers Wednesday there is no question that Russia engaged in widespread interference in last year's presidential election aimed at helping real estate mogul Donald Trump win the White House, but they said there is no evidence that Moscow was able to change the vote count.
• Moscow cancels meeting with top US diplomat due to new sanctions Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- Russia has canceled a high-level meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and US Undersecretary of State Thomas Shannon in response to Washington's new sanctions against Moscow.
• US Says Gulf States Have Prepared List of Demands for Qatar VOA 21 Jun 2017 -- U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says Saudi Arabia and its allies have prepared a list of demands for Qatar, and he emphasized the United States looks forward to the diplomatic dispute between the Gulf states "moving toward a resolution."
• US Urges China to Step Up Pressure on North Korea VOA 21 Jun 2017 -- The United States pushed China during high-level security talks on Wednesday to step up diplomatic and economic pressure to rein in the Kim Jong Un regime in North Korea, but defense analysts said Washington may have to lower its expectations, due to Beijing's strategic relationship with Pyongyang.
• U.S., China Affirm North Korean Threat, Mattis Says AFPS 21 Jun 2017 -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said he and the top U.S. diplomat affirmed with high-ranking Chinese officials today that North Korea's nuclear missile program is a threat to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Trump: China failed to rein in North Korea's nuclear program Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- US President Donald Trump says China has failed to persuade North Korea to rein in its nuclear program, ratcheting up the rhetoric after an American student detained by Pyongyang died days after his release.
• U.S.-China Talks On North Korea Start In Washington RFE/RL 21 Jun 2017 -- The threat posed by North Korea's nuclear weapons program and its ballistic missiles was at the top of the agenda as high-ranking U.S. and Chinese officials began a day of talks in Washington on June 21..
• China Doing Utmost to Address North Korea Nuclear Issue Without Outside Pressure Sputnik 21 Jun 2017 -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that China is playing an important and constructive role solving North Korea's nuclear issue.
• US demands liberation of three Americans held in North Korea Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- The United States has called on North Korea to release "as soon as possible," three Americans who are still detained by Pyongyang, following the death of the college student, Otto Warmbier.
• Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2017
• Saudi king relieves Nayef as crown prince Press TV 21 Jun 2017 -- Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has replaced Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with his own son, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the deputy crown prince and defense minister.
• A number of royal orders issued SPA 21 Jun 2017 -- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued today a number of royal orders as follows:
• Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Directs Governors of Regions to Receive Allegiance-Pledge on Behalf of the Crown Prince SPA 21 Jun 2017 -- Emanating from the keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the welfare of citizens and his wish for facilitating for them not to travel to Makkah, he has directed Governors of Regions, Governors of Governorates and Heads of Centers to receive the allegiance-pledge on behalf of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense on Wednesday 26/9/1438 AH.
• Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Calls for Pledging Allegiance to Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Crown Prince SPA 21 Jun 2017 -- According to the Royal Order No. (A / 255) dated on 26/9/1438 AH including the selection of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as Crown Prince, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has called for pledging allegiance to Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as the Crown Prince, at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah after Taraweeh prayers on Wednesday 26/9/1438 AH.
• Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Pledges Allegiance to Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz as Crown Prince SPA 21 Jun 2017 -- Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz pledged allegiance to Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz on the occasion of his selection as the Crown Prince at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah, praying to Allah Almighty for his all success.
• Saudi Power Struggle Ends With King Promoting His Son to Be Heir Sputnik 21 Jun 2017 -- Saudi Arabia's King Salman has dramatically decided to change the line of succession. His original heir, his nephew, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef has also been fired from his job as interior minister.
• Saudi King Appoints Son Mohammad Bin Salman as New Crown Prince Sputnik 21 Jun 2017 -- Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has fired crown prince Muhammad Bin Nayef, replacing him with own son Mohammad Bin Salman, according to the king's decree.
• Saudi King Elevates Son to Crown Prince VOA 21 Jun 2017 -- Saudi Arabia's King Salman has promoted his 31-year-old son Mohammed bin Salman to crown prince, making him next in line to the throne while also serving as defense minister and overseeing an effort to overhaul the country's economy.
• Analysts: Appointment of New Saudi Crown Prince Is No Surprise VOA 21 Jun 2017 -- The appointment of Saudi King Salman's son, Mohammed bin Salman, to be the new crown prince, replacing his cousin, Mohammed bin Nayef, had long been rumored, but may have been precipitated by acute regional tensions, including the war in Yemen, the intensifying regional struggle with Iran, and the recent crisis with Qatar.
• State Department Amendments to the Terrorist Designations of Hizballah and al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula US Dept. of State 21 Jun 2017 -- The Department of State has amended the designation of Hizballah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224 and as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to add aliases including Lebanese Hizballah, which is frequently used to refer to the group, as well as the Foreign Relations Department (FRD) and the External Security Organization (ESO), key components of the terror organization. The Department of State has also amended the designation of al-Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) as an SDGT under section 1(b) of E.O. 13224 and as an FTO under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to add the aliases Sons of Abyan, Sons of Hadramawt, Sons of Hadramawt Committee, Civil Council of Hadramawt, and National Hadramawt Council.
• US Takes MS-13 Gang Fight to Its Root Countries VOA 21 Jun 2017 -- The U.S. Justice Department is taking the fight against the Central American street gang known as MS-13 to its home turf – the so-called "northern triangle" countries of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
• President Tsai hopes to see Taiwan-Honduras ties further closer CNA 21 Jun 2017 -- President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) expressed hopes that the relations between Taiwan and Honduras will be further strengthened and that the free trade pact between the two nations, which took effect in 2008, will contribute in a maximum manner to the development of the bilateral trade and economic cooperation, creating a win-win situation for the two sides.
• U.S. reiterates interest in stable cross-strait relations CNA 21 Jun 2017 -- The United States reiterated Tuesday that it is interested in continued peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and is opposed to changes to the status quo by either side of the strait.
• Vucic's Unlikely Choice For Prime Minister Sets Two Firsts For Serbia RFE/RL 21 Jun 2017 -- The nomination of a woman to head Serbia's government was a first that surprised many. That Ana Brnabic is also openly gay makes the move all the more astonishing.