Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 30 Jul 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 18 strikes consisting of 28 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• US Confirms Killing of Additional IS Leaders in July 11 Airstrike VOA 30 Jul 2017 -- U.S. military officials have confirmed the death of four additional senior Islamic State leaders in a July 11 airstrike in northeastern Afghanistan that also killed the top leader of the terrorist group.
• Several Afghan Police Killed In Taliban Attack On Checkpoint In Helmand Province RFE/RL 30 Jul 2017 -- Several police officers were killed and injured in an attack on a checkpoint in the southern Afghanistan province of Helmand, officials said on July 29.

Defense Policy / Programs

• THAAD Intercepts Test Target MDA 30 Jul 2017 -- The U.S. Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Army soldiers of the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade from Fort Bliss, Texas, conducted a successful missile defense test today using the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.
• US military conducts 'successful' THAAD missile test over Pacific Ocean Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- The US military says it has successfully tested a Terminal High Altitude Defense (THAAD) missile system in Alaska by intercepting a ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean.
• U.S.-Australia Team up for TS17 Command and Control from Bonhomme Richard NNS 30 Jul 2017 -- Through a locked door painted with a mural depicting the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), various aircraft, and the words "In God we trust, all others we track," is one of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) nerve centers. Here, information on allied and adversarial surface and air contacts is gathered and disseminated throughout the ESG. The space, thus, is suitably named the Combat Information Center (CIC).
• Exercise GUAMEX Kicks Off for Regional Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Partners NNS 30 Jul 2017 -- Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft from New Zealand, Japan and the U.S. have arrived at Andersen Air Force Base to participate in a multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise off the coast of Guam, July 31 - Aug. 12.
• USS Rafael Peralta Commissioned in San Diego NNS 30 Jul 2017 -- The Navy's newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) was commissioned in a ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island, July 29.
• US military launches new $11bn S. Korea base, will house 45K Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- The US military has inaugurated an $11 billion base in South Korea, boasting it as an small American city serving as new headquarters that no longer lies within the range of North Korean artillery fire, and expected to house over 45,000 service members, contractors and their dependents.
• Pence visits Estonia to reassure NATO members over Russia Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- US Vice President Mike Pence arrives in Estonia to reassure Baltic NATO members that are worried about Russia's military activity in the region.
• US, Allies Fly Bombers, Fighter Jets Over Korean Peninsula VOA 30 Jul 2017 -- The U.S. Air Force flew two B-1B bombers over the Korean Peninsula Saturday, accompanied by South Korean and Japanese jet fighters.
• US B-1 bombers fly over Korean Peninsula in response to North tests Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- Two US B-1 bombers have flown over South Korea in response to North Korea's recent ballistic missile tests.
• Japan, US Carry Out Joint Aviation Drills After N Korea's Missile Test Sputnik 30 Jul 2017 -- According to Japanese Defense and Foreign Minister, US and Japan took part in the joint aviation drills.
• China's J-20, J-16 fighter jets make parade debut People's Daily 30 Jul 2017 -- China's latest J-20 stealth fighters made their parade debut Sunday in north China, as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) staged a show of strength to mark its 90th founding anniversary.
• PLA Rocket Force makes parade debut to mark military anniversary People's Daily 30 Jul 2017 -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force on Sunday showed five models of China's homemade conventional and nuclear missiles in a grand military parade marking the PLA's 90th founding anniversary.
• China needs strong military more than ever: Xi People's Daily 30 Jul 2017 -- President Xi Jinping said Sunday China needs a strong army more than ever, urging the building of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) into a world-class military force.
• Xi: Chinese military forces committed to safeguarding peace People's Daily 30 Jul 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Sunday that safeguarding peace is the responsibility of the country's military forces.
• Chinese army must be further strengthened: President Xi Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a further modernization and strengthening of China's army, as the country marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
• Iran to ask no one's permission for missiles: Deputy FM IRNA 30 Jul 2017 -- Iran won't ask for anyone's permission on defensive and national security-related issues and will do whatever is right for the country's security, said Iranian Deputy FM.
• No one can harm Iranian Armed Forces: Rouhani Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says the three branches of the government support the country's Armed Forces and no one can harm them.

Defense Industry

Other Conflicts

• Dozen Emirati soldiers killed in Yemeni attack on UAE frigate Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- A Yemeni military source says at least a dozen soldiers have been killed and nearly two dozen others injured when Yemeni naval soldiers, backed by allied fighters from Popular Committees, targeted an Emirati military vessel in a missile attack off the coast of the country's southwestern province of Ta'izz.
• 40 slain as pro-Saudi forces, Houthis clash near Yemen's Mukha Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- More than 40 people have been killed in renewed clashes between fighters from the Houthi Ansarullah movement and Saudi-backed forces near the Yemeni port city of Mukha over the past few days.
• Hezbollah says mission accomplished in Arsal Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- Hezbollah says it has concluded a military offensive against Takfiri terrorists on the outskirts of Arsal after dislodging the militants from the northeastern Lebanese town on the Syrian border.
• Iraq foils Daesh terror attacks on Shia shrines, top cleric's residence Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- Iraqi intelligence officials say they have thwarted an attempt by members of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group to target two revered Shia shrines and the residence of the country's most prominent Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.
• 2 killed in attack on Kenya deputy president's home Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- Two people have been killed in an attack on Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto's residence, police say, days before the African country's next presidential election on August 8.
• Ambush, clashes kill 39 African Union troops in Somalia, Shabab claims Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- Somalia's militant group al-Shabab has claimed that it has launched a blitz attack on African Union troops south of the country, killing 39 of them.
• Al-Shabab Ambush Kills 18 AU Troops in Somalia VOA 30 Jul 2017 -- At least 18 African Union troops were killed in a deadly ambush in the Lower Shabelle region by al-Shabab militants, officials and security sources told VOA Somali.

News Reports

• In Show Of Support, Pence Says U.S. Stands With Baltic Countries, Georgia, Montenegro RFE/RL 30 Jul 2017 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said in Estonia on July 30 that Washington stands with the Baltic nations and other allies in Eastern Europe that have expressed concerns about Russia's intentions in their respective regions.
• Russia Repeatedly Offered US to Jointly Combat Cybercrime - Putin Sputnik 30 Jul 2017 -- Russia has repeatedly suggested the United States to establish cooperation, including in combating cybercrime, but heard only groundless accusations in reply, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• Russian president Putin kicks out 755 US diplomats Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that over 755 US diplomats must leave the country as a result of Washington's own policies.
• Russia warns of further retaliation against US Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- A top Russian diplomat has warned that expulsion of US diplomats and seizure of US diplomatic properties would not suffice as a response to a recent barrage of sanctions imposed by Washington on Moscow, warning that more retaliatory moves would come if the US decides to go further.
• Putin Says U.S. Must Shed 755 From Diplomatic Staff In Russia RFE/RL 30 Jul 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that U.S. diplomatic staff in Russia must be slashed by 755 personnel, a statement that comes after Moscow directed Washington to reduce the size of its diplomatic contingent in the country amid an escalating row over sanctions.
• Putin Tells 755 US Diplomats to Leave Russia VOA 30 Jul 2017 -- The Kremlin vowed Sunday to retaliate against the United States for approving new sanctions against Russia for its meddling in last year's presidential election to help President Donald Trump win the White House.
• Kadyrov's Chechnya Appears Exempt From Russian Funding Cuts RFE/RL 30 Jul 2017 -- The economic sanctions imposed by Western governments on Russia in retaliation for its annexation of Crimea in 2014, in conjunction with plummeting world oil prices, have necessitated stringent cuts in funding to Russia's constituent subjects, many of which are dependent on federal subsidies to balance their budgets.
• Defending Democracy in Venezuela US Dept. of State 30 Jul 2017 -- The United States condemns the elections imposed on July 30 for the National Constituent Assembly, which is designed to replace the legitimately elected National Assembly and undermine the Venezuelan people's right to self-determination.
• Maduro Sees 'Success' in Venezuela's Violence-Marred Election VOA 30 Jul 2017 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is proclaiming Sunday's election for a assembly to rewrite the constitution a “success” despite violence that left at least nine dead.
• Venezuelans vote for constitutional super-body, opposition boycotts election Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- People in Venezuela are casting their ballot in a controversial election to elect a 545-seat Constituent Assembly, which will be capable of rewriting the country's constitution and dissolving the current opposition-led legislature, as the South American nation has been the scene of months of anti-government protests, often with violent clashes with police, over a persistent economic crisis.
• Australia foils 'terror plot' aimed at downing plane Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- Australia has thwarted a Takfiri-inspired "terrorist plot" aimed at downing an aircraft with explosives.
• Britain Strips More Than 100 Islamic State Fighters of Citizenship VOA 30 Jul 2017 -- Their home countries don't want them back. Hundreds of foreign fighters who enlisted with Islamic State to fight in Syria and Iraq are being stripped of their citizenship and blocked from returning by Western governments.
• ICBM test meant to waken US from foolish dream: N Korea Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- North Korea has touted its recent test of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) as a call on the United States to set aside its threats of attacking the island nation.
• Trump lashes out at China for inaction on containing N. Korea Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has harshly expressed "disappointment" at China for lack of action to contain North Korea, vowing not to allow the inaction to continue without elaborating.
• Trump Says China Doing 'Nothing' To Help In Dispute With North Korea RFE/RL 30 Jul 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has accused China of doing "nothing" to help the United States in its dispute with North Korea, adding that "we will not allow this to continue."
• North Korea: Missile Test 'Stern Warning' to US Against New Sanctions VOA 30 Jul 2017 -- North Korea said Sunday its latest test missile, deemed by weapons experts as capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, was a "stern warning" to Washington against a new round of sanctions aimed at Pyongyang.
• US trying to pass the buck of JCPOA violation to Iran: Deputy FM IRNA 30 Jul 2017 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Saturday that US administration tries to put the nuclear deal aside, but tries to lay the responsibility of the deal's annihilation on Iran.
• Iran stronger after nuclear deal: Deputy FM IRNA 30 Jul 2017 -- Iranian deputy foreign minister said that the newly-passed sanctions in the US Congress is a hostile move toward Iran.
• US, Europe cannot tolerate Iran's advances: Commander Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- Iran's chief Armed Forces spokesman says the United States and its European allies oppose the country's successful test of a satellite carrier, because they cannot tolerate the Islamic Republic's great advances.
• US main loser after imposing sanctions on Iran, Russia: Leader's aide Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- A senior adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the United States will certainly be the main loser after imposing sanctions on the Islamic Republic and Russia.
• Iran to honor JCPOA as long as interests safeguarded: Official Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- A senior official says Iran will live up to its commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement as long as its interests are safeguarded as the US is imposing back-to-back sanctions on the country.
• Pakistan's Northwest Region Continues its Struggle Against Terror Financing VOA 30 Jul 2017 -- Pakistan's restive northwest province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued directives to its administrative and security departments to make serious efforts to cut off the money supply of banned terror groups.
• Taiwan admonishes citizens not to use PRC passports CNA 30 Jul 2017 -- Taiwan's government admonished its citizens Sunday not to use passports issued by China, reminding them that using a People's Republic of China passport puts them at risk of losing their rights and benefits as citizens of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
• UK-EU freedom of movement will end in 2019: UK ministers Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- UK government ministers have said that the free movement of people between Britain and the European Union will end in March 2019.
• Saudi Arabia, allies say ready for talks with Qatar if Doha complies with demands Press TV 30 Jul 2017 -- The foreign ministers of the quartet of states, known as the siege countries led by Saudi Arabia, have said they have no concessions or compromises to make over their list of demands that requires Qatar to change its policies, including Doha's alleged support of terrorism, as an unprecedented diplomatic rift further deepens in the Persian Gulf region.