Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 31 Jul 2017[PDF]
• Officials Release Latest Details of Strikes Against ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 31 Jul 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 23 strikes consisting of 27 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Begins Support of Operation Inherent Resolve NNS 31 Jul 2017 -- The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is carrying out strike sorties from the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR).
• Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 31 Jul 2017 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
• Ousting ISIS from Al Anbar: The Advise and Assist Mission of Task Force Al Asad USMC News 31 Jul 2017 -- While combat operations in Mosul and Raqqah dominate today's headlines, the fight to destroy the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria extends far beyond these two cities. In Iraq's Al Anbar province, which encompasses much of the country's western territory, the fight is still on-going and Task Force Al Asad plays a key role in enabling the total destruction of ISIS in this region.
• Afghanistan: UN Mission condemns suicide attack against Iraqi embassy in Kabul UN News 31 Jul 2017 -- The United Nations political mission in Afghanistan today denounced an attack on the embassy of Iraq saying it is another attack aimed at the international community but where Afghan civilians bear the brunt of the violence.
• IS Claims Attack On Iraq's Kabul Embassy; Officials Say 'All Attackers Killed' RFE/RL 31 Jul 2017 -- The Islamic State (IS) extremist group claimed responsibility for a July 31 attack on the Iraqi Embassy in Kabul that killed two local employees.
• US drones kill 10 people in Yemen, Somalia: security sources Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- Two separate attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles have left at least 10 people dead in Yemen and Somalia as US drones continue to claim more cilivian lives in Islamic countries.
• US Airstrikes in Somalia Kill High-Ranking Militant Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- An American airstrike in Somalia on Saturday killed a militant with the al-Qaeda aligned al-Shabaab Mogadishu Attack Network. This is the third US airstrike in Somalia as part of the renewed bombing campaign that began in June.
• Al-Shabab Militant Killed in US Airstrike VOA 31 Jul 2017 -- The U.S. military and the Somali government say an air-strike Sunday targeted and killed a senior member of the al-Shabab extremist group.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Bombers Conduct Bilateral Flights After North Korea ICBM Launch AFPS 31 Jul 2017 -- In response to North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear programs and as a part of the continuing demonstration of ironclad U.S. commitment to its allies, two U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers under the command of U.S. Pacific Air Forces joined their counterparts from South Korea and Japan in sequenced bilateral missions yesterday.
• Exercise Noble Partner Opens in Georgia AFPS 31 Jul 2017 -- The opening ceremony for the multinational, U.S. Army Europe-led exercise Noble Partner took place here yesterday and was attended by Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili and other senior Georgian and U.S. leaders.
• Special Operations Forces hone skills during exercise Black Swan 17 Army News 31 Jul 2017 -- The men patrolled their compound surrounded by the thick, green bush common throughout the area, alert for any signs of trouble. Carrying AK-47 rifles and joking quietly, they stood as dangerous warnings to any would-be intruders.
• U.S., U.K., Ukraine, Others Begin Massive Military Drills In Georgia RFE/RL 31 Jul 2017 -- Some 2,800 troops from host Georgia, the United States, and six other countries have begun a major military exercise in the South Caucasus nation.
• Pence Arrives In Georgia In Bid To Reassure U.S. Allies RFE/RL 31 Jul 2017 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence arrived in Georgia on July 31 for the second leg of his three-day trip aimed at reassuring allies in Eastern Europe in the face of what the United States calls Russia's efforts to destabilize the region.
• Mike Pence Claims US Ready to Protect Baltic Countries From 'Russian Aggression' Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- US Vice President Mike Pence vowed during his visit to Estonia on Monday to defend Baltic countries from the so-called Russian aggression.
• Baltic states face the specter of aggression from Russia: Pence Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- The three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania face the specter of aggression from Russia, US Vice President Mike Pence has claimed.
• Pence: Russian Aggression Greatest Threat to Baltic States VOA 31 Jul 2017 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said Monday there is no larger threat to Baltic states than the "specter of aggression" by Russia, as he pledged support for NATO allies Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
• Lithuania to Host More US Troops During Russia-Belarus Zapad-2017 Drills Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- According to Lithuanian President, US to increase its military presence on the territory of Lithuania, when the Russia-Belarus joint military exercises dubbed Zapad-2017 will be held.
• Russian Navy to Be Bolstered With Next-Gen Minesweeper Ivan Antonov in 2018 Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- Ivan Antonov, the next generation Russian minesweeper, is set be handed over to the Russian navy next year, the vessel manufacturer said Monday.
• Deployment of further THAAD launchers can be re-considered: S. Korean defense chief People's Daily 31 Jul 2017 -- South Korea's defense chief said Monday that the decision to "temporarily" deploy four more mobile launchers of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system can be re-considered if people feel anxious about it.
• US Ready to Move Additional THAAD Systems to South Korea as Quickly as Possible Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- The Pentagon has said it is "certainly ready" to move additional pieces of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) to South Korea as "quickly as they can."
• S Korea in Talks With US About Resuming THAAD Deployment – Defense Ministry Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- According to the Ministry of National Defense, Seoul and Washington have begun consultations on the matter of resuming the deployment of the THAAD system.
• US mulls deploying Patriot missiles to Estonia: Prime minister Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- Estonia's prime minister says he has held talks with US Vice President Mike Pence over the possible deployment by Washington of the Patriot missile system to the Baltic state amid rising tensions between NATO states and Russia.
• 'Keep the Chinese Navy in Check': Japanese Fighters to Get Hypersonic Missiles Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- Japan's Mitsubishi F-2 aircraft are slated to be equipped with supersonic missiles to keep pace with what Tokyo says is a growing threat posed by the Chinese navy, according to local media reports.
• China's Army Day parade shows military strength, benefits world peace: experts People's Daily 31 Jul 2017 -- China's Army Day parade on Sunday demonstrated the strength of the Chinese military, which contributes to safeguarding national security and world peace, international experts have said.
• Domestic weapons cut a dash in PLA military parade People's Daily 31 Jul 2017 -- China on Sunday kicked off its first-ever military parade that commemorates Army Day, flexing its military muscle and showing off its advanced domestically-made weapons.
• India Debuts Muntra, the Unmanned Tank Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- Strengthening unmanned capability, India's state-owned DRDO has introduced the country's first unmanned tank fully developed in India. The tank, Muntra, has three variants: S for unmanned surveillance mission, M for mine detection and N for nuclear radiation or bio-weapon risk.
• Indian Navy Gets Cracking on Jet Trials for $15 Billion Fighter Deal Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- The Indian Navy has rushed into the trial of four jets that had responded to its request for information (RFI) as part of a $15 billion deal. The decision to start trial indicates the urgency of the Navy to procure a fighter jet for its aircraft carrier.
• India Clears the Path for Its 5th Generation Fighter Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- Almost four years after completing the primary work for fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) project, Indian defense ministry may soon clear its research and development phase.
• Indian Air Force's Jaguar Still Performs Poorly After 20 Years, Says Auditor Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- Amid talk of a fresh purchase of French Jaguar fighters, India's top-level auditor has sounded the alarm over Jaguar jets now in service with Indian Air Force. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed deficiencies in the aircraft, which hampers its capabilities and may have led to accidents.
• US recent acts in Persian Gulf indicates fear: IRGC Navy Comdr IRNA 31 Jul 2017 -- Commander of naval force of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Rear-Admiral Ali Fadavi said US warships and choppers recent acts in Persian Gulf is out of their fear.
• US measures in Persian Gulf sign of fear: IRGC commander Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says recent moves by US warships and helicopters in the Persian Gulf are a sign of their fear.
• NSB denies report of military leak CNA 31 Jul 2017 -- The National Security Bureau (NSB) on Monday dismissed as "fabrication" a report saying that classified files concerning Taiwan's military training plans had been leaked to China.
• US Concerned 'Only About Interoperability' of S-400 Systems Purchased by Turkey Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- The Pentagon said Monday the only concern it has regarding the purchase of S-400 systems by its ally Turkey is the one of interoperability.
• Pentagon Reportedly Devises Plan to Arm Ukraine With Antitank Missiles Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- The US Defense and State Departments have come up with a plan to supply Ukraine with antitank missiles and other weaponry and are awaiting White House approval, US media reported on Monday.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, 7/31/2016, #3 The White House 31 Jul 2017

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for July 31, 2017

Other Conflicts

• 31 July 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 31 Jul 2017
• People in Syria's Raqqah hardly get adequate food: NGOs warn Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- A network of humanitarian organizations, known as REACH, has raised alarm over the dire living conditions in the battle-torn Syrian city of Raqqah, warning that food accessibility there is now at "a critical turning point."
• Will of Syrian people, army defeated terrorists: President Assad Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- President Bashar al-Assad has praised the Syrian people and army, saying their will has defeated terrorism in the country.
• Upcoming Tal Afar battle simpler than Mosul's: Top Iraqi general Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- A high-ranking Iraqi military commander predicts a relatively easy victory for government forces in the forthcoming operation to retake the northern city of Tal Afar from the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group as the extremists are "worn out and demoralized.
• Nusra Front militants set to depart Lebanon-Syria border zone Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- A convoy of buses has been deployed to Lebanon's northeastern border town of Arsal to transport members of the foreign-sponsored and Takfiri Jabhat Fateh al-Sham – previously known as the Nusra Front – militant group as well as refugees from Lebanon's border region to Syria in exchange for imprisoned Hezbollah resistance fighters.
• Some 9,000 Relatives of Nusra Front Terrorists to Leave Lebanon on Monday Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- Around 9,000 relatives of the terrorists of Jabhat Fatah al Sham (formerly known as Nusra Front, outlawed in Russia) will leave Lebanese Aarsal region on Monday alongside the militants, according to a source in Hezbollah.
• DRC's Kasai region one of world's 'largest displacement crises' for children - UNICEF UN News 31 Jul 2017 -- Waves of violent conflict in the Greater Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have forced more than one million people, including hundreds of thousands of children from their homes, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has reported.
• AU: Return of Nigerian Refugees from Cameroon Should Be Voluntary VOA 31 Jul 2017 -- The African Union Peace and Security Council has urged Cameroon to ensure the repatriation of Nigerian refugees fleeing Boko Haram is done on a voluntary basis.
• Statement on the Situation in Mali US Dept. of State 31 Jul 2017
• In Central African Republic, UN peacekeeping chief underscores political solution to end violence UN News 31 Jul 2017 -- The top United Nations peacekeeping official is in the Central African Republic where he today discussed the security situation and the political process, while paying homage to three UN 'blue helmets' killed in the line of duty in recent days.

News Reports

• Retired Marine Corps General Becomes White House Chief of Staff VOA 31 Jul 2017 -- John Kelly, a no-nonsense retired Marine Corps general, was sworn in Monday as the White House chief of staff, tasked with trying to bring order to Donald Trump's presidency six months into his tenure.
• Trump Fires Scaramucci From Communications Director Role VOA 31 Jul 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday abruptly fired Anthony Scaramucci as his communications director, just over a week after the New York financier started work in the key White House post.
• With Kelly in the White House, 'the Mooch' has to go Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- US President Donald Trump has dismissed his recently appointed communications director, Anthony Scaramucci.
• Russia defends slashing US diplomats as Putin warns further retaliation Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- Russia says Moscow and Washington are "far away" from any improvement in their relations, defending a recent decision by President Vladimir Putin to expel hundreds of US diplomats from the country.
• Kremlin Says Up To U.S. To Decide Which Diplomatic Staff To Cut RFE/RL 31 Jul 2017 -- The Kremlin says it is up to the United States to determine which members of its diplomatic and support staff in Russia will be cut after Moscow demanded that Washington drastically reduce personnel numbers.
• MP: Russia to Retaliate If US Responds to Moscow Move to Cut Diplomatic Presence Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- If the United States takes retaliatory measures in response to Russia's decision to reduce the number of US diplomatic staff, Moscow will come up with a tit-for-tat response, chairman of the Russian upper chamber of parliament's foreign affairs committee Konstantin Kosachev told Sputnik on Monday.
• Putin Defends Massive Cut in US Diplomatic Staff in Russia VOA 31 Jul 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is defending his massive cut in the size of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia, saying it had waited long enough for relations with Washington to improve.
• Venezuela: UN rights office urges all parties to refrain from violence amid protests over weekend polls UN News 31 Jul 2017 -- The United Nations human rights office has expressed regret that at least 10 people died in Venezuela over the weekend amid clashes between security forces and protestors opposing the Constituent Assembly elections, a spokesman for the Secretary-General said today.
• Treasury Sanctions the President of Venezuela US Department of Treasury 31 Jul 2017 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro Moros, pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13692, which authorizes sanctions against current or former officials of the Government of Venezuela and others undermining democracy in Venezuela.
• Venezuela's National Electoral Council says more than 8 million voted in ANC election People's Daily 31 Jul 2017 -- Venezuela's National Electoral Council said more than 8 million people voted to elect a new National Constituent Assembly (ANC) tasked to rewrite the constitution, with a 41.53-percent turnout rate.
• U.S. denounces elections in Venezuela, vows strong actions People's Daily 31 Jul 2017 -- The United States on Sunday condemned the elections for the National Constituent Assembly (ANC) in Venezuela, claiming the voting "undermines the Venezuelan people's right to self-determination."
• Peru Calls Latin America Meeting After Venezuela's 'Illegitimate' Vote VOA 31 Jul 2017 -- Peru's government is organizing a meeting of Latin American foreign ministers on what it calls Venezuela's "illegitimate" vote Sunday approving a new government body charged with rewriting the country's constitution.
• US Sanctions Venezuela's President Maduro - Treasury Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- The United States has introduced sanctions against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, according to US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
• Trump Assures North Korea Threat 'Will Be Handled' VOA 31 Jul 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump uttered assurances during the start of his Cabinet meeting on Monday morning that the threat from North Korea will be taken care of.
• North Korea's ICBM Lands in Japan's Economic Zone, Official Says AFPS 31 Jul 2017 -- The North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile that was launched July 28 from Mupyong-ni traveled about 620 miles before splashing down in the Sea of Japan about 103 miles from the coast of Hokkaido, Japan, the Pentagon director of press operations said today.
• DPRK warns of "resolute act of justice" following US sanctions People's Daily 31 Jul 2017 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) state-run television released a statement on Sunday on why the country conducted its recent intercontinental ballistic missile test.
• China urges Trump not to link trade ties to North Korea issue Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- China says its trade ties with the US and North Korea's nuclear program are two unrelated issues and "should not be discussed together" after President Donald Trump said Beijing was failing to contain Pyongyang despite making profits from business with Washington.
• US 'done talking' over North Korea, China must decide: Haley Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- The United States is "done talking" about North Korea's ballistic missile tests, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley says, urging China to clear up its mind on imposing greater sanctions against its neighbor and trade partner.
• Trump, Abe: North Korean Missile Program 'Grave, Growing' Threat RFE/RL 31 Jul 2017 -- The White House says President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have called North Korea's banned missile program a "grave and growing" threat.
• North Korea ICBM Test Strengthens US Alliances VOA 31 Jul 2017 -- North Korea's latest test of an intercontinental ballistic missile is solidifying U.S. alliances in East Asia while exacerbating already difficult relations with adversaries in the region.
• Corruption Verdicts Seen As Warning To Former Iranian President RFE/RL 31 Jul 2017 -- Mahmud Ahmadinejad was no stranger to controversy during his two terms as Iran's president. Now he faces possible sentencing for his alleged mishandling of billions of dollars during his time in office.
• Kamalvandi: Iran releases images of construction of two new nuclear power plants IRNA 31 Jul 2017 -- AEOI Spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Monday that Iran is to release images of construction of the two new nuclear power plants indicating that the country is at least nine months ahead of the schedule.
• Iran's space activities for peaceful purposes: Official IRNA 31 Jul 2017 -- Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Head of Iran's Space Agency Mohsen Bahrami said that all Iranian space activities including launching and using satellites are conducted for peaceful purposes.
• Shahbaz Sharif, younger brother of ousted Pakistan's PM, nominated as candidate for the premiership People's Daily 31 Jul 2017 -- Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), the ruling party in Pakistan has nominated Shahbaz Sharif as new Prime Minister of the country. He will replace his brother Nawaz Sharif who stepped down from the portfolio of prime minister on Friday after he was disqualified by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in corruption case.
• Turkey detains 1,098 over alleged links to militant outfits, failed coup in single week Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- Turkey says in the course of a single week it has detained 1,098 people either for their suspected links to terrorist groups or over having affiliation to the US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is blamed by Ankara for purportedly masterminding and orchestrating last year's failed putsch against the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• US, for First Time, to Sell Coal to Ukraine VOA 31 Jul 2017 -- The U.S. said Monday that for the first time it will sell coal to Ukraine, easing its reliance on Russia and Moscow-back separatists in eastern Ukraine to meet its energy needs.
• Coup Fears in Maldives Set Off Alarm in India, US Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- India is concerned with the unfolding political crisis in the neighbouring island nation of Maldives, where the military has taken control of Parliament. New Delhi is said to be closely monitoring developments in Maldives, due to its strategic interests.
• Qatar files legal protest with WTO to challenge trade boycott by Saudis, allies Press TV 31 Jul 2017 -- Qatar has lodged a formal legal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over a trade boycott by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against the peninsular country, formally "requesting consultations" with the trio, as an unprecedented diplomatic rift further deepens in the Persian Gulf region.
• Qatar Calls Isolation by Arab States 'Obvious and Gross' Violation of Int'l Law Sputnik 31 Jul 2017 -- Speaking on the matter of the unfolding Gulf diplomatic row on Monday, the Qatari foreign minister called the actions of the four Arab states that act against Doha "obvious and gross violation" of international law.