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Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 29 Jun 2017[PDF]
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Colonel Dillon via Teleconference From Baghdad, Iraq DoD 29 Jun 2017 -- Presenter: Colonel Ryan Dillon, Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve Spokesman; Captain Jeff Davis, Director, Defense Press Office
• OIR Spokesman: ISIS Cannot Stop Coalition's Progress AFPS 29 Jun 2017 -- The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is on the run in Syria and Iraq and the terrorist group can't stop the progress that coalition-partnered Iraqi and Syrian forces have made over the past two years, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman Army Col. Ryan Dillon told Pentagon reporters today during a video conference from Baghdad.
• Officials Provide Details of Latest Strikes Against ISIS AFPS 29 Jun 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 24 strikes consisting of 49 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• NATO Pledges Continued Support for Afghanistan Mission AFPS 29 Jun 2017 -- NATO will continue to support Afghanistan through thick and thin, the alliance's secretary general said in Brussels today.
• US-led military alliance NATO agrees to boost troops in Afghanistan Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg says the US-led Western military alliance will increase the number of troops in war-ravaged Afghanistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Block 5 MQ-9 debuts in combat AFNS 29 Jun 2017 -- The latest version of the MQ-9 Reaper, the Block 5 variant, flew its first successful combat mission June 23, 2017, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
• First operational F-35A squadron receives final aircraft AFNS 29 Jun 2017 -- The 34th Fighter Squadron and 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Hill Air Force Base accepted its final two combat-coded F-35A Lightning lls June 21, 2017.
• Exercise Talisman Saber 17 Commences in Australia AFPS 29 Jun 2017 -- Talisman Saber is a realistic and challenging exercise that provides opportunities for the United States and Australia to innovatively prepare for regional and global security challenges, Navy Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said today.
• UAS system improves situational awareness and mission performance Army News 29 Jun 2017 -- The Aviation Development Directorate has developed a system enabling an Air Mission Commander to manage multiple unmanned aerial systems simultaneously, resulting in faster completion of mission tasks without increasing operator workload. The program is called Supervisory Controller for Optimal Role Allocation for Cueing of Human Operators, referred to as SCORCH.
• Navy to Christen Littoral Combat Ship Billings DoD 29 Jun 2017 -- The Navy will christen its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, USS Billings (LCS 15), during a 10 a.m. CDT ceremony Saturday, July 1, in Marinette, Wisconsin.
• Readout of Secretary Mattis' Bilateral Meeting with Polish Minister of Defense Macierewicz DoD 29 Jun 2017
• Corps completes final JPADS delivery to Marines USMC News 29 Jun 2017 -- Marine Corps Systems Command fielded the last of 162 Joint Precision Airdrop Systems to the fleet in April, turning the page from acquisition to sustainment of the system for the Corps.
• Ike Arrives in Halifax for Canada 150 NNS 29 Jun 2017 -- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike), with embarked Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW 3) and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 staff, guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56), guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), and replenishment ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to celebrate Canada 150, June 28.
• Talisman Saber 17 Commences with At-sea Ceremony Aboard USS Bonhomme Richard NNS 29 Jun 2017 -- Senior leaders of the United States and Australia unfurled the Talisman Saber 2017 ceremonial flag in an at-sea ceremony aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) off the coast of Sydney Australia, June 29.
• The United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway Trilateral Declaration of Intent on Maritime Security in the North Atlantic DoD 29 Jun 2017 -- Today, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States signed a statement of intent to lay out guiding principles for a trilateral partnership with P-8A aircraft to address the changing security environment in the North Atlantic.
• US Inks Deal With UK, Norway to Form Partnership With P-8A Aircraft Sputnik 29 Jun 2017 -- Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States signed a statement of intent to lay out guiding principles for a trilateral partnership with P-8A aircraft to address the changing security environment in the North Atlantic, according to official statement.
• Mattis Pleased With NATO Progress Deterring Russia, Combating Terror AFPS 29 Jun 2017 -- NATO defense ministers discussed threats to alliance nations from Russia and terrorist groups, and policies and capabilities needed to counter these threats, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said in Brussels today.
• News Briefing by Secretary Mattis at NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium DoD 29 Jun 2017 -- Presenter: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis
• NATO Secretary General opens meeting of Defence Ministers, confirms Afghanistan troop increase NATO 29 Jun 2017 -- NATO Defence Ministers are meeting in Brussels today (29 June 2017) to address a wide range of issues, from fairer burden-sharing to the fight against terrorism and cyber defence.
• Doorstep statement by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg ahead off meetings of NATO Defence Ministers NATO 29 Jun 2017
• Defence Ministers review progress on fairer burden-sharing and NATO-EU cooperation NATO 29 Jun 2017 -- NATO Defence Ministers met today (29 June 2017), taking stock of the Alliance's work towards fairer burden-sharing, as well as NATO-EU cooperation. Allies agreed to new capability targets, stepping up in key areas, including heavy equipment and air-to-air refuelling. Ministers also discussed enhancing NATO-EU cooperation, including in the fight against terrorism. Briefing media, Mr. Stoltenberg said he expects the 2018 NATO Summit will take place in Brussels next summer.
• Press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Defence Ministers NATO 29 Jun 2017
• Germany and Norway join multinational fleet of tanker-transport aircraft NATO 29 Jun 2017 -- NATO has taken an important step in improving its ability to refuel aircraft in mid-air, with two Allies joining a European programme to acquire and operate new tanker transport aircraft.
• NATO Allies move to replace aging maritime anti-submarine and patrol aircraft capabilities NATO 29 Jun 2017 -- Today (29 June 2017), six NATO Allies announced their readiness to work together in developing and fielding follow-on solutions for their existing maritime anti-submarine and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.
• NATO Defence Ministers to take forward decisions on terrorism and burden sharing NATO 29 Jun 2017 -- NATO defence ministers will meet tomorrow (29 June 2017) to take forward decisions to more fairly share the burden of our security and to fight terrorism.
• NATO Defense Ministers Meet To Discuss Raising Spending, Afghanistan RFE/RL 29 Jun 2017 -- Defense ministers from NATO's 29 member states are meeting in Brussels to discuss raising defense spending further and sending more troops to Afghanistan to help the government battle a resurgent Taliban.
• Pentagon Report: Kremlin Believes U.S. Wants Regime Change In Russia RFE/RL 29 Jun 2017 -- Kremlin leaders believe the United States wants regime change in Russia, a worry that is feeding rising tensions between the two former Cold War foes, a U.S. defense intelligence report says.
• Defence Secretary steps up UK commitments to NATO UK MOD 29 Jun 2017 -- Sir Michael Fallon has announced a package of new contributions to NATO, underlining the UK's leading role within the Alliance.
• China's new destroyer to protect world peace People's Daily 29 Jun 2017 -- China's new destroyer is committed to world peace and stability, and will take on more responsibilities in international operations, Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense said Thursday.
• China's Destroyer 055, the imperial bodyguard of aircraft carriers People's Daily 29 Jun 2017 -- "China's first home-grown 10,000-tonne class missile destroyer is the most advanced in terms tonnage, informatization, and firepower," said Zhang Junshe, a researcher at the Naval Military Academic Research Institute in China, pointing out its superiority and significance to the Chinese navy.
• Pakistan expresses concern on US' sale of advanced military to India IRNA 29 Jun 2017 -- Pakistan in reaction to visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington expressed deep concern over Washington's sale of advanced military technologies and equipment to India.
• Indian Navy Undocks Guided Missile Frigate After Accident Last Year Sputnik 29 Jun 2017 -- The Indian Navy smoothly undocked its guided missile frigate INS Betwa on Tuesday for refitting. The undocking was planned for June 22 but was postponed due to a minor incident. The Betwa was the winner of the Navy's "Most Spirited Ship" award in 2016.
• Eagle and Elephant: Trump Okays $2 Billion Sale of Drones to India Sputnik 29 Jun 2017 -- A arms sale worth more than $2 billion from the United States to India, consisting of 22 naval surveillance drones, has been approved by the Trump White House. The deal still needs to be approved by Congress.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States - Surveillance Radar Program (SRP) Operation and Maintenance Support DSCA 29 Jun 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States of SRP Operations and Maintenance follow-on sustainment package that includes, contractor logistics support (sustainment); engineering services and technical updates to address equipment obsolescence; transportation and material costs associated with contractor repair and return services; spare and repair parts; support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated program cost is $400 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States - AN/SLQ-32(V23 Upgrade DSCA 29 Jun 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States to upgrade the AN/SLQ-32(V)3 Electronic Warfare Systems in support of four (4) ex-KIDD Class (now KEELUNG Class) destroyers. This sale will include AN/SLQ-32(V)3 upgrade hardware, software, support equipment and parts, publications, training, engineering and technical assistance. The total estimated program cost is $80 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States - AGM-154C Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) Missiles DSCA 29 Jun 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States of fifty-six (56) AGM-154C JSOW Air-to-Ground Missiles. This request also includes: JSOW integration, captive flight vehicles, dummy training missiles, missile containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, Joint Mission Planning System updates, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated program cost is $185.5 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States - MK 48 Mod 6AT Heavyweight Torpedo (HWT) DSCA 29 Jun 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States for forty-six (46) MK 48 Mod 6AT Heavyweight Torpedoes (HWT). This sale will include HWT containers, torpedo support, torpedo spare parts, publications, training, weapon system support, engineering and technical assistance. The total estimated program cost is $250 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States - SM-2 Block IIIA Standard Missiles and Components DSCA 29 Jun 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States of sixteen (16) Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) Block IIIA All-Up Rounds (AUR), forty-seven (47) MK 93 MOD 1 SM-2 Block IIIA Guidance Sections (GSs), and five (5) MK 45 MOD 14 SM-2 Block IIIA Target Detecting Devices (TDDs) Shrouds. This request also includes Seventeen (17) MK 11 MOD 6 SM-2 Block IIIA Autopilot Battery Units (APBUs) maneuverability upgrades on the GSs, sixty-nine (69) section containers and sixteen (16) AUR containers, operator manuals and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services. The total estimated program cost is $125 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States - AGM-88B High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM) DSCA 29 Jun 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States of fifty (50) AGM-88B HARMs and ten (10) AGM-88B Training HARMs. This request also includes: HARM integration, LAU-l 18A Launchers, missile containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, Joint Mission Planning System update, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The total estimated program cost is $147.5 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
• US approves weapons sales to Taiwan worth of $1.4 billion Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- The US State Department has approved weapons sales to Taiwan worth a total of $1.4 billion, a move which is certainly going to anger China which considers the self-governing island part of mainland China.
• Press Briefing on President Trump's Upcoming Visit to Poland and Germany, 6/29/2017 The White House 29 Jun 2017
• Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, 6/29/2017 The White House 29 Jun 2017
• Department Press Briefing - June 29, 2017 US Dept. of State 29 Jun 2017

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for June 29, 2017

Other Conflicts

• 29 June 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 29 Jun 2017
• Yemeni missile hits Saudi base, kills six soldiers Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- Yemeni army soldiers, backed by fighters from allied Popular Committees, have conducted a fresh missile attack against a military base in Saudi Arabia's southern Najran region, killing six Saudi soldiers.
• US-backed militants take last road into Syria's Raqqah Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- The so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed group of mostly Kurdish forces, has recaptured the last road into Syria's northern city of Raqqah, the de facto capital of the Daesh terrorist group in the Arab country.
• Daesh Leader Baghdadi Likely Dead After Russian Strike in May - Russian Lawmaker Sputnik 29 Jun 2017 -- Russian lawmaker Alexei Pushkov stated that according to the data of the Russian side the probability of Daesh leader al-Baghdadi's death after Russian airstrikes is about 100 percent.
• US-Backed Syrian Fighters Warn of Open Warfare with Turkish Forces Sputnik 29 Jun 2017 -- An official with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the coalition of US-backed militants with the stated goal of creating a secular, democratic, federalized Syria, said that the SDF sees a "big possibility of open, fierce confrontation" with Turkish forces in northwestern Syria. This comes after the two sides exchanged fire on Wednesday.
• Iranian Revolutionary Guard Confirms Daesh Chief Baghdadi is Dead Sputnik 29 Jun 2017 -- The elite Iranian Revolutionary Guard verified the death of Daesh mastermind Abu Bakr al-Bagdhadi "through multiple channels," a representative said Thursday.
• Delays in access in Syria 'will mean further death,' warns top UN relief official UN News 29 Jun 2017 -- Citing attacks against aid workers in Syria, the removal of live-saving supplies from convoys and bureaucratic impediments restricting access, the United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator has called for ensuring immediate and safe humanitarian access to save lives that are dependent on assistance.
• Report: Raqqa Completely Encircled by US-backed Forces VOA 29 Jun 2017 -- The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have fully encircled Raqqa, which serves as the de-facto capital of the Islamic State group in Syria, cutting off the jihadist group's last route out of the city, according to a monitoring group.
• Iraqi PM Declares End Of IS 'Caliphate' After Forces Take Mosul Mosque Ruins RFE/RL 29 Jun 2017 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has declared an end to Islamic State's (IS) self-declared "caliphate" -- three years to the day after it was proclaimed by the militants at a landmark mosque in Mosul that the extremist group has since destroyed.
• After Mosul, Iraq Plans to Launch Assault on IS in Hawija VOA 29 Jun 2017 -- As the push to recapture Mosul from Islamic State (IS) enters its final days, Iraqi forces say they will soon launch an assault on Hawija, the terror group's last stronghold in the country.
• Iraqi forces recapture historic Mosul mosque IRNA 29 Jun 2017 -- Iraqi forces captured on Thursday the wrecked historic mosque of Mosul in which Daesh terrorist group proclaimed its self-styled 'caliphate' three years ago, an Iraqi military statement said.
• Daesh 'state of falsehood' came to end: Iraqi PM Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has announced an end to Daesh's "state of falsehood" following the recapture of the historical Grand al-Nuri Mosque at the heart of the city of Mosul.
• Heavy Fighting Continues in Mosul's Old City After Mosque Area Liberation Sputnik 29 Jun 2017 -- Despite the liberation of the al-Nouri mosque area, the Iraqi forces continue fighting against the Daesh terrorists in the area of old city of Mosul, according to Operation Inherent Resolve spokesperson Ryan Dillon.
• Daesh Kicked Out of All Districts of Mosul - Reports Citing Iraqi MoD Sputnik 29 Jun 2017 -- The Ministry of Defense of Iraq has announced Thursday that Daesh terrorists have been eliminated or knocked out of all districts of the city of Mosul, Sky News Arabia reports.
• Iraqi Military Recaptures Landmark Mosul Mosque VOA 29 Jun 2017 -- Iraqi forces on Thursday retook control of the destroyed historic mosque in the city of Mosul, where three years ago the head of the Islamic State group declared the establishment of a caliphate.
• India to blame for shutting down pilgrimage route to Tibet: Foreign Ministry People's Daily 29 Jun 2017 -- India should be blamed for the shutdown of the pilgrimage route to Tibet, which is unlikely to be reopened if the Indian side cannot correct its mistake in a timely manner, said China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.
• India Beefs Up Military Presence Along Border With China as Conflict Looms Sputnik 29 Jun 2017 -- Amid the stand-off with Chinese troops, the Indian Army has planned a massive build-up in Sikkim to counter any misadventures of Beijing. Sources said the Army will open several helicopter bases in Sikkim and nearby areas for housing Dhruv and Rudra helicopters to boost military strength in the region.
• Al-Shabab militants blocking aid to starving kids in Somalia, warns charity Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- A survey by an international charity shows that lack of access to hungry parts of Somalia controlled by the al-Shabab Takfiri militant group is threatening the lives of thousands of malnourished children as the Horn of Africa nation risks falling back into famine.
• Court Rules In Favor Of Slovenia In Sea Border Dispute; Croatia Rejects Decision RFE/RL 29 Jun 2017 -- An international arbitration court has handed Slovenia a victory in its long-standing border dispute with Croatia, awarding it direct access to international waters in the Adriatic Sea in a decision Zagreb says it will not honor.
• UN agency 'alarmed' by forced refugee returns to Nigeria from Cameroon UN News 29 Jun 2017 -- The United Nations refugee agency is alarmed by a fresh incident of forced returns of refugees from Cameroon into northeast Nigeria amid an absence of conditions to make such movements safe and sustainable.
• Côte d'Ivoire: UN chief voices support for sustaining 'hard-won peace' after mission's closure UN News 29 Jun 2017 -- Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the closure of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), which will take place on Friday, and reiterated the UN family's commitment to helping the people and Government of the West African nation to sustain their hard-won peace.
• Security Council renews steps against illicit Libyan oil exports; renews missions in Golan, Mali, Darfur UN News 29 Jun 2017 -- The Security Council today adopted a series of resolutions by which it extended the mandates of United Nations missions in the Golan, the Darfur region of Sudan and Mali, and renewed measures against illicit oil exports in Libya.
• Ending occupation only way to lay foundations for lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace - UN officials UN News 29 Jun 2017 -- Top United Nations officials today declared that ending the occupation is the only way to lay the foundations for enduring peace that meets Israeli security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty.

News Reports

• NSA chief frustrated Trump won't accept Russia interfered in US election: Report Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- The director of the National Security Agency (NSA) is frustrated that he has failed to convince US President Donald Trump yet that Russia remains a threat and that the country meddled in the 2016 American presidential election, a report says.
• US heightens airport security for foreign flights to avoid laptop ban Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- The administration of US President Donald Trump is implementing strict aviation security measures for all international flights coming into the country in order to avoid a laptop ban.
• Background Briefing on the Implementation of Executive Order 13780 Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States US Dept. of State 29 Jun 2017
• U.S. To Only Allow 'Close Relatives' From Six Nations Under Travel Ban To Visit RFE/RL 29 Jun 2017 -- The U.S administration has set new rules for visa applicants from six mainly Muslim countries and all refugees, requiring them to have a "close" relative in the United States or a "formal" relationship to a U.S. organization.
• Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Terrorist Activity, Newly Unsealed Records Show VOA 29 Jun 2017 -- A 25-year-old Ohio man pleaded guilty to allegations he was involved in a terrorist plot in 2015, according to newly unsealed legal documents.
• Money Not Likely Main Motive Of Cyberattackers, UN Cybercrime Chief Says RFE/RL 29 Jun 2017 -- Investigators still don't know who launched the latest global cyberattack, but the attackers' strategy suggests money was not the main motive, the United Nations' top cybercrime official said on June 29.
• Firms Worldwide Still Recovering From Massive Cyberattack VOA 29 Jun 2017 -- Several companies around the world continue to report outages and damage from Tuesday's massive Petya cyberattack that hit firms in more than 60 countries.
• South Korea, US should offer concessions to North: South Korean president Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in says Seoul and Washington should offer concessions to North Korea if Pyongyang meets their demand on a temporary halt to its nuclear program before it ultimately dismantles that program.
• On Trump-Moon Agenda: What to Do About Kim Jong Un VOA 29 Jun 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday evening hosts South Korean President Moon Jae-in for cocktails and dinner, a prelude to talks the next day on the "very urgent threat posed by North Korea," according to a senior White House official.
• Australia Spying on China, Monitoring Chinese Nationals Living Abroad - Reports Sputnik 29 Jun 2017 -- Australia is carrying out espionage activities against Beijing and spying on Chinese nationals residing abroad, the Global Times newspaper reported Thursday, citing an unnamed Chinese official.
• President Xi vows continuous support to Hong Kong People's Daily 29 Jun 2017 -- President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that the central government will as always support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in growing its economy and improving people's wellbeing.
• Chinese president visits Hong Kong to mark 20th handover anniversary Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Hong Kong to mark the 20th anniversary of the former British colony's handover to China amid unprecedented security measures adopted against potential protests in the city.
• Kudankulam Nuclear Plant Unit 3, 4 Construction Begins in India Sputnik 29 Jun 2017 -- According to reports, construction of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant units has begun in India.
• Security Council updated on status of resolution on Iran's nuclear programme UN News 29 Jun 2017 -- Briefing the Security Council today, the United Nations political chief called on the participants of the plan of action on Iran's nuclear programme as well as the wider international community to continue to support the full and effective implementation of the agreement.
• Briefing by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova, Moscow, June 29, 2017 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 29 Jun 2017
• 5 convicted in Russia over murder of opposition leader Nemtsov Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- The protracted case of Boris Nemtsov, a leading opposition figure in Russia who was killed two years ago just outside the Kremlin, has come to an end as a jury convicts five men of carrying out the murder.
• Moscow Court Convicts Five Chechens For Nemtsov's Murder; Relatives Say Mastermind Still At Large RFE/RL 29 Jun 2017 -- A Russian jury has found five Chechen men guilty in the killing of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, as Nemtsov's relatives criticized authorities for not identifying the real mastermind of the 2015 murder.
• Ex-Saudi crown prince under house arrest after royal reshuffling: Report Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- The deposed crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Nayef, has reportedly been put under house arrest after the recent reshuffling in the country's royal succession.
• Saudi-led bloc's demands unreasonable: Qatar Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- Qatar says the demands submitted by the Saudi-led bloc to Doha as a condition to lift their boycott on the country are impossible to be met because of their untrue nature.
• Maduro vows to fend off 'coup' after attacks Press TV 29 Jun 2017 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has vowed to fend off a "coup attempt," shortly after a grenade and gunfire attack on key government buildings in the country's capital.