Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 25 Oct 2017[PDF]
• Coalition Strikes Continue Against ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 25 Oct 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting seven strikes consisting of 13 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Dunford: Chiefs of Defense Counter-ISIS Meeting 'Historic' AFPS 25 Oct 2017 -- Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford said the meeting here of more than 70 chiefs of defense at the Counter-Violent Extremist Organization Conference was a historic occasion.
• Nimitz Plays Vital Role in Operation Inherent Resolve NNS 25 Oct 2017 -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) has performed a vital role in Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) since July 25, having launched 1,322 sorties and dropping 903 pieces of ordnance in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
• Eleven troops killed as Taliban storm army bases in Afghanistan Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- Militants have launched coordinated attacks on two military bases in two neighboring provinces in western Afghanistan, leaving at least 11 soldiers dead and several others injured.
• US must accept military defeat in Afghanistan: Pakistan FM Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- The stalemate in Afghanistan will not improve unless the United States acknowledges its defeat in the country, says Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif.
• Pentagon Believes Niger Villager Tipped Off Daesh Militants to US Troop Location Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- The US military suspects that residents of a nearby Nigerien village colluded with the Daesh-affiliated ambushers that killed four Americans and four Nigerien troops at the beginning of October. The joint forces stopped in the village several hours before the ambush, and it is believed that a resident of the town may have alerted the militants.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Army deploys Kestrel Eye satellite Army News 25 Oct 2017 -- While the Army has long been considered America's land force, many of the Army's Soldiers and civilians depend upon space to perform their missions.
• Airmen test combat search, rescue skills during Pacific Thunder AFNS 25 Oct 2017 -- One of the largest joint combat search and rescue exercises in the Pacific region, Pacific Thunder 18-1, kicked into full swing at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Oct. 23, 2017.
• USecAF talks modernization during aviation week symposium AFNS 25 Oct 2017 -- Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Donovan discussed the importance of rapid modernization and innovation during the 2017 Aviation Week Program Excellence Symposium in Washington, D.C., Oct. 23, 2017.
• Defense Innovation Board Chair: Recommendations Making an Impact AFPS 25 Oct 2017 -- Defense Innovation Board members yesterday discussed four potential new recommendations for the Defense Department and DIB Chairman Eric Schmidt, executive director of Alphabet Inc., said the members are starting to feel the board is having an impact on the department.
• Mattis: U.S., ASEAN Member Nations Address Shared Concerns AFPS 25 Oct 2017 -- The United States is a firm supporter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its commitment to regional peace and stability, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said during a briefing with reporters traveling with him on his fourth trip to Asia during his current post.
• Army moving rapidly on plans for lightweight armored combat vehicle Army News 25 Oct 2017 -- The Army will ask industry next month to provide proposals for a lightweight armored combat vehicle known as the Mobile Protected Firepower or MPF vehicle, and plans call for fielding the system under a rapid acquisition effort.
• Kansas National Guard helps build connection between U.S, Army and Kuwaiti forces Army News 25 Oct 2017 -- Officers of the Fires and Effects Coordination Cell for the 75th Field Artillery Brigade and commanding officers of 23rd Multi-launch Rocket System Field Artillery Battalion, Kuwaiti Land Forces (KLF), observed as Soldiers from the Kansas Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery conducted Engagement Angel Strike, Oct. 5.
• Media Availability with Secretary Mattis en route to Thailand DoD 25 Oct 2017 -- Presenter: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis
• Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Malaysian Minister of Defense Hishammuddin Tun Hussein DoD 25 Oct 2017
• Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana DoD 25 Oct 2017
• Readout of Secretary Mattis' Meeting with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte DoD 25 Oct 2017
• Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Enters 7th Fleet NNS 25 Oct 2017 -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) with embarked Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9 arrived in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations (AOO) Oct. 25, after concluding operations in U.S. 5th Fleet.
• SPS 17 Team Holds Closing Ceremony in Guatemala NNS 25 Oct 2017 -- U.S. and Guatemalan military personnel marked the conclusion of partner nation engagements in Guatemala and the end of Southern Partnership Station 17 (SPS 17), in a closing ceremony held at Commando Naval del Caribe, a Guatemalan naval base, Oct. 20.
• USS Donald Cook Departs Cherbourg, France NNS 25 Oct 2017 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) departed Cherbourg, France, after a scheduled port visit Oct. 22.
• USS McFaul Arrives in Lisbon NNS 25 Oct 2017 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, Oct. 20, 2017, for a scheduled port visit to enhance U.S.-Portugal relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous Europe.
• USS Shoup Builds Multinational Partnerships During Intrepid Sentinel NNS 25 Oct 2017 -- A multinational trio of ships conducted the trilateral exercise Intrepid Sentinel in the Gulf of Oman, Oct. 20-21.
• US, Dutch and German Navies Conduct Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures Exercise NNS 25 Oct 2017 -- Sailors from the U.S. Navy, Royal Netherlands Navy and German Navy completed a week-long Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures (ExMCM) training evolution as part of Exercise Bold Alligator 2017 (BA17), Oct. 23.
• Coalition Forces Render Aid to an Iranian Fishing Vessel NNS 25 Oct 2017 -- In coordination with the European Union Naval Force and the Turkish-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, which is a part of the Combined Maritime Forces, the U.S. Navy provided assistance to an Iranian fishing vessel after a reported piracy attack Oct. 24, south of Socotra, Yemen.
• Patrol Squadron FIVE Hosts SECNAV in Keflavik, Iceland NNS 25 Oct 2017 -- Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 had the honor of hosting the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Richard V. Spencer, for a tour of the P-8A Poseidon in October. The SECNAV took the opportunity to visit the 'Mad Foxes' on the final leg of his trip to Norway and Iceland before returning to Washington D.C. Keflavik is utilized as a base from which the U.S. P-8As conduct operations.
• Russia to Boost Military Potential If NATO Creates New Units – Senior Lawmaker Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- Russian Senior Lawmaker Yuri Shvytkin has commented on a possible Russian response to NATO, which has been building up its military presence on Russia's borders.
• Russian Defense Minister Arrives in Qatar for First-Ever Visit Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- High-ranking Russian and Qatari officials have stepped up efforts to boost cooperation between the states over the course of the year.
• UK arms sales to Saudis topped £1.1bn in first half of 2017 Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- Britain's sales of military equipment to Saudi Arabia hit £1.1 billion in the first six months of this year, according to the latest government data.
• Better A2AD capabilities best way to deter Chinese aggression: RAND CNA 25 Oct 2017 -- The RAND Corporation has argued in a recent report that the most effective way for Taiwan to deter Chinese aggression is by upgrading its anti-access/area denial (A2AD) capabilities.
• Indian Army to Purchase Advanced Electronic Warfare Systems Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- In January and September 2016, heavily armed terrorists had attacked two major camps of the Indian Army at Uri and Pathankot, respectively. At least two dozen security personnel were killed and many others were injured. Terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad has been blamed for the attack.
• Indian Border Police Get Dedicated Satellite for Monitoring Chinese Troops Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- Indian border troops will use images provided by the Cartosat-2 series satellite, which is capable of monitoring minute details like the movement of persons, tanks, etc., when images are taken at quick intervals.
• No bargain, negotiation on Iran defense power: Leader IRNA 25 Oct 2017 -- Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei reiterated on Wednesday that the country's defense capabilities will not be subject to any negotiation or bargain.
• Iran's defense capabilities are not negotiable, not to be bargained: Leader ISNA 25 Oct 2017 -- Joint graduation, inauguration, and epaulet granting ceremony for cadets of Islamic Republic of Iran's Army Academies, was held at Imam Ali Officers' Academy with Ayatollah Khamenei, the Commander-in-Chief of armed forces in attendance.
• No bargaining with enemy on Iran defense might: Ayatollah Khamenei Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Iran's defense might is not up for negotiation, stressing the country's resolve to strengthen its defense capabilities despite enemy attempts to weaken the nation.
• 6th Iranian peace and friendship flotilla back home IRNA 25 Oct 2017 -- The 6th Iranian peace and friendship which was dispatched to Makhachkala, capital city of the Republic of Dagestan, arrived in Iran on Wednesday.
• North Korea: Take hydrogen bomb test threat 'literally' Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- A high-ranking North Korean official has warned that Pyongyang's threats of testing a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific Ocean should be taken "literally."
• Some Bulgarian Pilots Refuse To Fly Russian MiG-29 Jets, Citing Safety Concerns RFE/RL 25 Oct 2017 -- Some Bulgarian air force pilots have refused to fly their Soviet-built MiG-29 jets in planned training exercises, citing safety concerns with the outdated aircraft.
• Risky Business? Finland Doubles Arms Exports, Gambles on Middle East Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- In the past 15 years, Finland's arms exports have skyrocketed and undergone a change of pattern. The Middle East is becoming a focal point for Finnish weapons manufacturers, to the dismay of local peace activists, who consider it unbecoming of a nation that styles itself a mediator.
• Russia Provides Philippines With Batch of Military Equipment Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- Russia has donated a batch of military equipment to the Philippines, including small arms, munition and military trucks, following an intergovernmental agreement signed between Moscow and Manila on defense industry cooperation.

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for October 25, 2017

Other Conflicts

• 25 October 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 25 Oct 2017
• In Saudi Arabia, UN envoy seeks to further initiatives to end violence in Yemen UN News 25 Oct 2017 -- A United Nations envoy has met with senior Yemeni and Saudi officials to discuss his initiatives to end fighting in Yemen, stressing that "this is at heart a political conflict so it can only be solved with political negotiations."
• Turkey Coordinates Actions in Syria With Russia - Kremlin Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has commented on the new Turkish operation in Idlib, which is the second Turkish military campaign in the Syrian territory.
• Syria: UN health agency steps up services for thousands of people in Raqqa UN News 25 Oct 2017 -- The United Nations health agency is stepping up the delivery of medicines and medical supplies to thousands of people in newly accessible areas of Raqqa.
• Russia vetoes extension of chemical weapons inquiry in Syria People's Daily 25 Oct 2017 -- Russia on Tuesday vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution on the extension of the mandate of an independent investigation mechanism, which was tasked to determine who was responsible for the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
• Iraq forces prepare for final anti-Daesh offensive near Syria border Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- Iraqi forces are set to begin operations to liberate the last patch of territory still occupied by Daesh Takfiri terrorists along the country's western border with Syria, the military says.
• Daesh terrorists kill soldiers in northeastern Libya Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- Two Libyan soldiers have been killed and three others injured in an attack by the Daesh Takfiri terrorists on a military checkpoint in northeastern Libya.
• Myanmar, Bangladesh agree to stop 'outflow' of Rohingya Muslims to Bangladesh Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- Myanmar and Bangladesh have agreed to immediately halt the "outflow" of Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh and take steps to return them to Myanmar, where the Muslims have been fleeing from because of government-sanctioned violence in the first place.
• Boko Haram leader's wife killed in Nigeria airstrike: military Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- The Nigerian military says it is investigating reports that one of the wives of Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the Boko Haram Takfiri group, has been killed in a recent airstrike.
• In Central African Republic, UN chief warns of religious divide, seeks global solidarity to rebuild country UN News 25 Oct 2017 -- On the second day of his visit to the Central African Republic (CAR), United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday called on the international community to show solidarity in helping the crisis-torn country chart a new future while warning against religious divide.
• 2 Somali Civilians, AU Soldier Die in Ambush VOA 25 Oct 2017 -- Two Somali civilians, an African Union soldier and four al-Shabab militants were killed in an ambush early Wednesday on the outskirts of Mogadishu.

News Reports

• Interview: McMaster on Iran, Iraq, Syria and the Kurdish Issue VOA 25 Oct 2017 -- National Security Adviser General H.R. McMaster is a longtime Army officer who gained national attention for a book that criticized the military's leadership and strategy in the Vietnam War.
• Twitter Says Will Disclose Who's Behind Political Ads Amid Russia Probes RFE/RL 25 Oct 2017 -- Social media giant Twitter, under pressure for running advertisements placed by Russian operatives during last year's U.S. presidential election, said it will make it easier in the future for people to see who is behind such political ads.
• Trump lifts refugee ban while imposing restrictions on 11 nations Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- President Donald Trump has issued a new executive order that lifts his worldwide temporary ban on refugees entering the United States, but imposes "extreme vetting" for 11 nations.
• US Senate panel renews law to allow online surveillance Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- The US Senate Intelligence Committee has reinstated a law that allows the National Security Agency to collect the communications of foreigners.
• US Senate Intelligence Committee Approves Renewal of Online Spying Law Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- The National Security Agency may restore spying program given the latest amendments.
• Kaspersky Lab Says It Took Hacking Code From U.S. Computer RFE/RL 25 Oct 2017 -- The Moscow-based company Kaspersky Lab has acknowledged that its antivirus software took source code for a secret U.S. hacking tool from a personal computer in the United States.
• US Lawmaker Asks Trump Administration to Declassify Kaspersky Lab Information Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- Amid continuing pressure on Kaspersky Lab company in the US, US Senator Jeanne Shaheen has sent a letter to Donald Trump's administration calling for new steps toward the Russian software company.
• China Focus: Confident Xi begins second term with ambitious promises for "new era" People's Daily 25 Oct 2017 -- A dark suit, red tie and familiar air of confidence. Xi Jinping's first public appearance in his second term as helmsman of the world's largest political party brought back memories from five years ago when he first took over the leadership of the Party.
• Xi presents new CPC central leadership People's Daily 25 Oct 2017 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), presented the Party's new central leadership when meeting the press Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People.
• Xi promises further reform, opening China wider to the world People's Daily 25 Oct 2017 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, promised further reform and opening-up while meeting the press here on Wednesday.
• China to boost friendly military exchanges, cooperation with other countries People's Daily 25 Oct 2017 -- Chinese military will continue to enhance its friendly exchanges and pragmatic cooperation with other countries' military forces across the world, including those in the Asia-Pacific region, a senior Chinese official said on Tuesday.
• Xi Jinping reappointed as China's top leader Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has been formally reappointed by the country's Communist Party as its chairman and the head of the Politburo Standing Committee (PSC) for another five-year term.
• China Unveils New Leadership With no Clear Successor for Xi VOA 25 Oct 2017 -- China's ruling Communist Party has unveiled a new leadership lineup for its top decision making body, the Politburo Standing Committee, the apex of power in the world's second largest economy.
• Xi Endured Long Road to Reach Pinnacle of Chinese Power VOA 25 Oct 2017 -- From "princeling" to pauper to president, Chinese President Xi Jinping's reappointment to a second five-year term as Communist Party leader Wednesday caps a long, steady climb to power.
• Key Members of China's Ruling Communist Party VOA 25 Oct 2017 -- Key members of China's Politburo Standing Committee, the highest body of the ruling Communist Party:
• China to maintain carrot, stick approach to Taiwan: minister CNA 25 Oct 2017 -- China is maintaining its carrot and stick approach to Taiwan following the conclusion of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chang Hsiao-yueh (張小月) said Wednesday, urging China to adopt a new way of approaching cross-Taiwan Strait exchanges.
• Tillerson In India After Visits To Pakistan, Afghanistan RFE/RL 25 Oct 2017 -- During a visit to India, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has expressed concern that extremist groups pose a threat to the "stability and security" of the Pakistani government.
• Press Availability With Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj US Dept. of State 25 Oct 2017 -- Press Availability by Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State and Ministry of External Affairs Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan
• Tillerson's Visit to India Highlights Strong Emerging Alliance VOA 25 Oct 2017 -- The United States pledged its commitment to deepening strategic ties with India as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi during a visit that highlighted their strong emerging alliance.
• US senators working on legislation with tough terms for Iran deal: Report Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- Republican Senators Bob Corker and Tom Cotton are reportedly working on new draft legislation that would set tough terms for the multilateral Iran deal in response to President Donald Trump's refusal to certify Tehran's compliance with the 2015 nuclear accord.
• Tillerson Says U.S. Sanctions Targeting Iran's 'Malign Behaviors' Only RFE/RL 25 Oct 2017 -- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said that U.S. sanctions against Iran are targeting Iran's "destabilizing activities" -- not the Iranian people or the "legitimate" business activities of other countries.
• U.S. Security Adviser Slams Iran's 'Malign, Destructive' Regional Influence RFE/RL 25 Oct 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's top security adviser has told a television interview that the "malign, destructive" influence of Iran and its "proxies" must be removed from Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere in the Middle East.
• Ex-UN Envoy: Nuclear Pact Decertification Opens Door to 'Dealing With Iran's Behavior' VOA 25 Oct 2017 -- A former United States ambassador to the United Nations chided lawmakers Wednesday for engaging in a "little bit of a fake debate" surrounding President Donald Trump's decision not to certify Iran's compliance with an international nuclear accord.
• Iraq's Kurdistan Government Offers To 'Freeze' Independence Vote Results RFE/RL 25 Oct 2017 -- The regional government in Iraq's Kurdistan region has offered to "freeze" the results of last month's overwhelmingly approved independence referendum to prevent further violence and facilitate dialogue with Baghdad.
• Iraqi Parl't Demanding to Clarify 'Freeze' on Kurdistan Independence Vote Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- Iraqi lawmaker Abbas Bayati has commented on a possible dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil amid reported proposal voiced the Kurdish side to "freeze" the result of the referendum that had taken place last month.
• No Response Yet From Baghdad to Iraqi Kurds' Truce Proposal - Kurdish Official Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- An adviser to Iraqi Kurdistan's President Kifah Sinjari has spoken to Sputnik about Iraqi Kurdistan's position toward settling the conflict with the central government, following the September 25 independence referendum.
• Erbil Proposes Baghdad to 'Freeze' Results of Independence Referendum Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- The Kurdistan Regional Government has offered Iraq's central government a ceasefire and to start a bilateral dialogue, expressing readiness to "freeze" the results of the region's independence referendum.
• Iraqi Kurds Propose Setting Aside Referendum, Starting Dialogue VOA 25 Oct 2017 -- The government in Iraq's Kurdistan region offered Wednesday to freeze the results of an independence referendum and start dialogue with the central government in Baghdad in order to prevent any further violence between the two sides.
• Iraq's Abadi in Turkey for talks on Kurds Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has arrived in Turkey to discuss developments in the Arab country's Kurdistan region as Baghdad and Ankara seek stronger bonds to deal with the Kurdish independence drive.
• Iran reopens border crossing with Iraq's Kurdistan Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- Iran has reopened one of its border crossings with Iraq's northern Kurdistan region after closing the terminal at Baghdad's request in response to the secession referendum in the area.
• Russian Journalists To Sue Security Service Over Demand For Telegram Encryption Keys RFE/RL 25 Oct 2017 -- Two prominent Russian journalists say they will sue their country's main security agency over its demand that Telegram hand over encryption keys enabling authorities to decipher encoded messages transmitted on the popular app.
• Germany's Steinmeier Tells Putin Improving Relations 'Essential' RFE/RL 25 Oct 2017 -- German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has voiced hope that his current visit to Russia will help improve strained ties between Berlin and Moscow.
• State Department Says 'Working On' Russia Sanctions, Contrasts 'Foreign Agent' Laws RFE/RL 25 Oct 2017 -- The U.S. State Department says it is still "working on" steps to implement legislation that Congress passed in July in an effort to strengthen sanctions against Russia.
• U.S. Republicans Launch Probe Of Obama-Era Uranium Deal With Russia's Rosatom RFE/RL 25 Oct 2017 -- Republicans in the U.S. Congress have announced a new investigation into an Obama-era deal in which a Russian company bought a Canadian firm that owned some 20 percent of U.S. uranium supplies.
• Report: Putin's 'Inner Circle' Worth Nearly $24 Billion RFE/RL 25 Oct 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's circle of close friends and relatives controls a combined wealth of nearly $24 billion, although Putin has kept himself "officially" clean in terms of financial assets, says a joint report by a global investigative group and an independent Russian newspaper.
• Kenyan Election to Go Ahead as Scheduled VOA 25 Oct 2017 -- Kenya's re-run presidential election will continue as scheduled, after the country's Supreme Court was unable to hold a hearing to consider postponing it.
• Kenya's Tumultuous Election Process Could Influence Other African Democracies VOA 25 Oct 2017 -- Kenya made history when its Supreme Court nullified the result of the August 8 presidential poll as "neither transparent nor verifiable." But the chaotic aftermath of that decision could convince other African countries to shy away from such reforms.