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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 18 Aug 2017[PDF]
• Officials Release Details of Latest Counter-ISIS Strikes in Syria, Iraq AFPS 18 Aug 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 27 strikes consisting of 40 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Trump To Discuss Afghanistan Strategy With His National Security Team RFE/RL 18 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump is due to meet with his national security team at the Camp David presidential retreat north of Washington on August 18 to discuss U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and South Asia.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DoD Initiates Process to Elevate U.S. Cyber Command to Unified Combatant Command AFPS 18 Aug 2017 -- At the direction of the president, the Defense Department today initiated the process to elevate U.S. Cyber Command to a unified combatant command.
• Newly activated Guard unit to bolster Army Cyber forces Army News 18 Aug 2017 -- The newly formed, full-time Army National Guard cyber unit, Task Force Echo, activated under control of Army Cyber this week. The event marked the largest mobilization of reserve-component forces for a cyber unit in support of U.S. Cyber Command.
• DoD Announces Elevation of U.S. Cyber Command to a Unified Combatant Command DoD 18 Aug 2017 -- Today, at the direction of the President, the Department of Defense initiated the process to elevate U.S. Cyber Command to a unified combatant command. The decision is consistent with Title 10 of U.S. Code, section 167b, and the recommendation of the Secretary of Defense.
• Department of Defense Off-Camera Press Briefing on Elevation of Cyber Command DoD 18 Aug 2017 -- Colonel Rob Manning, Director, Defense Press Office; Kenneth P. Rapuano, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security
• US Defense Chief to Visit Jordan, Turkey, Ukraine VOA 18 Aug 2017 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will travel to Jordan, Turkey and Ukraine next week for talks with the leaders of all three nations.
• Aviation Soldiers usher in a new era of warfare Army News 18 Aug 2017 -- The air mission briefing began promptly at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. The Soldier in charge of the briefing, Spc. Eleazar Gonzalez, provided updates on the operating environment and flight schedules, and coordinated with other sections to cover maintenance and weather. The meeting ended with Gonzalez quizzing his fellow MQ-1C "Gray Eagle" operators on vital knowledge relating to the unmanned aerial system they operate.
• Navy Completes First LRASM Free Flight from B-1B Lancer NNS 18 Aug 2017 -- The U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin conducted the first free flight launch of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) from a B-1B Lancer Aug. 16 over Point Mugu Sea Range in California.
• Truman Completes CART II NNS 18 Aug 2017 -- Sailors aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) completed the Command Assessment of Readiness and Training (CART) II, Aug. 18.
• First CVW-5 Jet Squadrons to Relocate to Iwakuni this Fall NNS 18 Aug 2017 -- The U.S. Navy announced Aug. 18, that the first jet squadrons from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 will relocate to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni (MCASI) later this fall.
• Navy Awards Government of Japan-Funded Contract for Marine Corps Relocation Project on Guam NNS 18 Aug 2017 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific awarded a $164.89 million contract, Aug. 17, to Granite-Obayashi for services for design and construction of utilities and site improvements for the future Marine Corps Base Guam on Naval Computer and Telecommunications Site (NCTS) Finegayan.
• USS San Diego Arrives In Phuket, Thailand NNS 18 Aug 2017 -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) arrived in Phuket, Thailand as part of a routine visit during San Diego's deployment and for the crew to have an opportunity to experience Phuket, Aug. 17.
• USNS Spearhead Conducts Narcotics Detection, Monitoring as Part of SPS 17 NNS 18 Aug 2017 -- Sailors aboard the expeditionary fast transport USNS Spearhead (T-EPF 1) performed detection and monitoring patrols in the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility, to assist in the interdiction of illicit drug trafficking, during Southern Partnership Station 2017 (SPS 17).
• Japan, US agree to increase military cooperation Press TV 18 Aug 2017 -- Japan and the United States have agreed to increase their military cooperation in an attempt to counter the perceived threat from North Korea, officials have announced.
• Top US General Commits to Work With Tokyo to Strengthen Missile Defense VOA 18 Aug 2017 -- The top U.S. general and his Japanese counterpart have agreed to work together to strengthen missile defenses for Japan, as Tokyo announced that they will introduce the land-based Aegis Ashore system for additional protection against the North Korean missile threat.
• Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2017 DoD 18 Aug 2017 -- The Republic of Korea and United States Combined Forces Command will begin the annual Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise on Aug. 21 and will be continued through – Aug. 31, 2017.
• Not Scaling Back: At Least 75,000 Troops to Join Annual Seoul, US War Games Sputnik 18 Aug 2017 -- South Korea and the US will conduct joint military drills at a similar level to last year's exercises, Seoul's military said Friday, contradicting rumblings that they may limit maneuvers so as to not rile North Korea.
• Russia Bolsters Positions in Central Asia Due to Afghan Conflict, DM Shoigu Says Sputnik 18 Aug 2017 -- Russia is increasing its presence in Central Asia because of instability from the conflict in neighboring Afghanistan, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a ministerial board session Friday.
• U.S. Defense Chief To Visit Ukraine Amid Ongoing Standoff With Russia RFE/RL 18 Aug 2017 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will travel to Ukraine next week to meet with President Petro Poroshenko and Ukraine's defense chief, a visit Kyiv has said could involve the signing of new defense agreements.
• China's J-15 fighter jet lands safely after hitting bird People's Daily 18 Aug 2017 -- A navy pilot flying China's J-15 fighter jet successfully landed his plane after catching fire after being struck by a bird, China Central Television (CCTV) reported Wednesday.
• India Approves Deal to Purchase Six More Apache Attack Helicopters from the US Sputnik 18 Aug 2017 -- India's Defense Ministry has approved the purchase of six AH-64E Apache heavy attack helicopters for use by the Indian Army's Aviation Corps (AAC). A ministry official said the deal is worth close to $654.6 million.
• India to Buy $75 million Ukrainian Engines for Russia Made Frigates Sputnik 18 Aug 2017 -- After Crimea fallout, Russia and Ukraine suspended all defense ties which rendered the under-construction Admiral Grigorovich class frigates of limited operational use to Russian Navy until they were re-engined with Russian alternative which is expected to be ready only by 2020.
• India Begins Major Overhauling of Country's Coastal Security Sputnik 18 Aug 2017 -- With a coastline of more than 7500 kilometers, India aims to equip its coast guards with 175 ships & 110 aircraft in next five years.
• Romania - High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and Related Support and Equipment DSCA 18 Aug 2017 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Romania for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related support and equipment. The estimated cost is $1.25 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on August 17, 2017.
• Russian-Indian military drills not against China: Russian FM People's Daily 18 Aug 2017 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry on Thursday denounced speculation that its upcoming military drills with India are targeted at China, adding that Russia has brilliant relations with China.
• Department Press Briefing - August 18, 2017 US Dept. of State 18 Aug 2017

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for August 18, 2017

Other Conflicts

• 18 August 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Aug 2017
• Marking World Humanitarian Day, UN urges protection for civilians in armed conflict UN News 18 Aug 2017 -- Civilians in conflict are not a target, top United Nations officials today stressed at a special event marking World Humanitarian Day, which honours aid workers and pays homage to those killed in service, while also drawing attention to the millions of people today living in war zones.
• China: Japan should not claim Diaoyu Islands with US-Japan Security Treaty People's Daily 18 Aug 2017 -- China said the US-Japan Security Treaty, a product of the Cold War era, should not be used to endorse Japan's claim over the Diaoyu Islands which harms China's sovereignty and rights, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters at a regular press conference on Friday.
• Yemen's 'man-made catastrophe' is ravaging country, senior UN officials tell Security Council UN News 18 Aug 2017 -- Warning about escalating suffering in Yemen's man-made catastrophe, senior United Nations officials today addressed the Security Council, calling on the international community to push for a political solution to the more than two-year-old conflict.
• Civilian Deaths Surge in Raqqa as IS Tactics Slow US-backed Advances VOA 17 Aug 2017 -- As U.S.-backed forces continue to make slow progress in their offensive to oust Islamic State (IS) from its self-proclaimed capital of Raqqa, thousands of civilians who are trapped in the city face an increasing danger of getting caught in crossfire, rights organizations and local activists warn.
• Syrian conflict nearing its end: Adviser to President Assad Press TV 18 Aug 2017 -- The political and media adviser to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says the six-year militancy in her country is nearly over as foreign states cut their backing for Takfiri terrorist groups, vowing that government troops would fight against any "illegitimate" forces, whether Turkish or American.
• US plans decades-long military presence in northern Syria: Militia group Press TV 18 Aug 2017 -- A US-backed militia group in northern Syria says American forces plan to remain in the Arab state "for decades to come" after the fall of Daesh, adding that Washington is not providing support to anti-Damascus militants "for free."
• Syria calls on UN Security Council to stop US-led crimes against civilians Press TV 18 Aug 2017 -- Damascus has urged the United Nations to take on its responsibilities concerning the establishment of international peace and security to put an end to the crimes against Syrians by the US-led coalition purportedly fighting the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group.
• Syrian Hmeymim Group Ready to Partake in Local Reconciliation Committees Sputnik 18 Aug 2017 -- Official representative of the Hmeymim group, which unites Syria's internal opposition forces, Mais Krydee called proposition of Russia to establish local reconciliation committees in Syria "new step toward reconciliation in Syria."
• More than 350,000 children vaccinated against polio in hard to reach areas of Syria - UN UN News 18 Aug 2017 -- A United Nations polio vaccination campaign in Syria has provided protection to more than 355,000 children under age five in two governorates, where violence has made access especially difficult.
• 20,000 Hashd Sha'abi fighters to take part in Tal Afar operation: Spokesman Press TV 18 Aug 2017 -- Spokesman for the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) says thousands of pro-government fighters are going to participate in the upcoming operation to retake the northern city of Tal Afar from the Daesh Takfiri terrorists.
• Turkish Forces Kill Almost 60 PKK Fighters Within Past Week Sputnik 18 Aug 2017 -- Turkish security forces have killed 58 fighters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), banned in Turkey, within the past seven days, local media reported on Friday.
• Boko Haram pushing refugees from one hell into another: NRC Press TV 18 Aug 2017 -- Boko Haram terrorists have stepped up attacks on vulnerable people including those living in camps in northeastern Nigeria pushing the displaced from "one hell into another," a leading international aid agency says.
• Philippines: Daesh-linked militants kill 5 Muslims Press TV 18 Aug 2017 -- Militants linked to the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the Philippines have killed several Muslim fighters from a former rebel group that signed a peace agreement and is now helping the government fight extremists.
• Lebanon army tightens grip on Daesh near Syria Press TV 18 Aug 2017 -- Lebanon's army has recaptured more areas from the Daesh Takfiri terror group in a northwestern area bordering Syria.
• Israel Attacked Convoys Supplying Arms to Hezbollah Nearly 100 Times in 5 Years Sputnik 18 Aug 2017 -- Israel has carried out almost a hundred of attacks against convoys that delivered arms to the Lebanese Hezbollah movement and other anti-Israel forces over the last five years, local media reported Thursday, citing a former Israeli military commander.

News Reports

• Trump Dismisses Strategist Bannon VOA 18 Aug 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed his chief strategist, Steve Bannon, who from the beginning of the six-month-old tumultuous administration has been his most controversial adviser.
• North Korea to UN: Nuclear program non-negotiable Press TV 18 Aug 2017 -- North Korea has informed the United Nations that its nuclear program is not negotiable as long as the United States continues its "hostile policy and nuclear threat" toward Pyongyang.
• Russia, China Warn U.S. Against Military Conflict With North Korea RFE/RL 18 Aug 2017 -- Russia joined with China on August 17 in urging the United States not to take military action against North Korea, saying the escalating threats of war being traded between Washington and Pyongyang could reach the "point of no return."
• Amid Protests, China Enforces Tougher Sanctions Against North Korea VOA 18 Aug 2017 -- Seafood importers in northeastern China took to the streets as they watched frozen product melt in trucks blocked from crossing the country's border with North Korea, after Beijing began enforcing a new round of economic sanctions.
• Pakistan's Khan Calls for 'Open Borders' With Afghanistan VOA 18 Aug 2017 -- Pakistan's populist opposition leader, Imran Khan, says the future of long-term relations with landlocked Afghanistan lies in the two countries having "open borders" and "free trade."
• Kirkuk governor refuses to lower Kurdish flag despite court ruling Press TV 18 Aug 2017 -- The governor of Iraq's northern oil-rich province of Kirkuk has declined to lower the flag of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) fluttering over public places in the face of a court ruling to replace the flag with the national Iraqi one.
• Jailed Russian Ex-Intelligence Officer Kvachkov Receives Additional Sentence RFE/RL 18 Aug 2017 -- A former Russian intelligence officer who is serving a prison term for an alleged attempt to overthrow the government, has been handed an additional prison term for incitement to hatred.
• Navalny Says Peskov's Alleged Son Living Luxurious Life, But Has No Job RFE/RL 18 Aug 2017 -- Aleksei Navalny, the Russian anticorruption crusader and foe of President Vladimir Putin, says the alleged son of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov is living a life of luxury well beyond his apparent means.
• Spanish Police Make 4th Arrest Following Terror Attacks VOA 18 Aug 2017 -- Catalan police have arrested a fourth man in connection with two terrorist attacks in the Barcelona region Thursday that left at least 14 people dead and dozens more injured.