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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 27 Oct 2017[PDF]
• Officials Release Details of Latest Strikes Against ISIS Terrorists in Syria, Iraq AFPS 27 Oct 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 10 strikes consisting of 18 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Briefing by Acting Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs and Acting Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Alice G. Wells US Dept. of State 27 Oct 2017
• Power Restoration Remains Top Concern In Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands AFPS 27 Oct 2017 -- Power restoration remains the No. 1 priority in Hurricane Maria-ravaged U.S. territories Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Defense Department spokesman Army Lt. Col Jamie Davis said today.
• South Dakota National Guard provides domestic operations support Army News 27 Oct 2017 -- The South Dakota National Guard continued to provide domestic operations support to the citizens of South Dakota and the nation throughout 2017.

Defense Policy / Programs

• U.S. Official Salutes South Korea's 'Very Strong' Military AFPS 27 Oct 2017 -- The South Korean military is among the best in the world, and it is the largest part of the force that will "fight, tonight" if North Korea attacks, said a U.S. Forces Korea official speaking on background.
• Joint News Conference with Secretary Mattis and South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo in Seoul, South Korea DoD 27 Oct 2017 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis; South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo
• U.S., Coalition Forces Refine Amphibious Capabilities AFPS 27 Oct 2017 -- Marines, sailors and coalition forces are working as one to demonstrate and increase combined arms operational proficiency during the naval amphibious exercise Bold Alligator 17 here.
• Secretary Visits DMZ With South Korean Counterpart AFPS 27 Oct 2017 -- Standing in the Demilitarized Zone with South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the visit portrays in strong terms the difference between North Korea and South Korea.
• Mattis in South Korea amid US 'aggressive deployment' Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- South Korea defends the "aggressive deployment" of US strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula as Pentagon chief James Mattis visits the heavily fortified border between the North and South Korea.
• Engineers test new video display in mine protected vehicle at Fort Leonard Wood Army News 27 Oct 2017 -- A platoon of route clearance engineer Soldiers began testing a new Multi-Functional Video Display, or MVD, for the Medium Mine Protected Vehicle Type II Wednesday at Fort Leonard Wood.
• Remarks by Secretary Mattis and Min. Song at the DMZ, South Korea DoD 27 Oct 2017 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis; South Korean Minister of National Defense Song Young-Moo
• Sumos conduct aerial refueling with Thunderbolts, Green Knights USMC News 27 Oct 2017 -- Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 flew KC-130J Hercules aircraft to conduct nighttime aerial refueling training operations with the F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 and F/A-18C Hornets with VMFA-251 Oct. 25-26, 2017.
• Bold Alligator 17: U.S., U.K., Mexican reconnaissance team conducts helocast operations USMC News 27 Oct 2017 -- U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Company, Royal Marines with British Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron, and Mexican Marines participated in a helocast exercise during Bold Alligator 17 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 19.
• USS Oak Hill Returns to Homeport NNS 27 Oct 2017 -- The dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) will return to its homeport, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, after supporting hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Oct. 29.
• Mount Whitney Returns to Homeport Gaeta, Italy NNS 27 Oct 2017 -- The Blue Ridge-class command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), flag ship of U.S. 6th Fleet, arrived at its forward-deployed port in Gaeta, Italy, Oct. 27, after completing a 10-month shipyard maintenance evolution at the Viktor Lenac shipyard in Rijeka, Croatia.
• North Atlantic Council visits KFOR, confirming NATO's commitment to Kosovo NATO 27 Oct 2017 -- Led by NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller, the North Atlantic Council (NAC) is visiting KFOR on Friday (27 October 2017). NATO Ambassadors, joined by representatives of the non-NATO KFOR contributing nations and the European Union, met with the Commander of KFOR, Major General Giovanni Fungo, the Director of the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team Brigadier General Ralf Hoffmann, Mr. Rrustem Berisha, responsible for the Kosovo Security Forces, and with the other international organisations present in Kosovo (the United Nations, the EU and the OSCE).
• Russia's Putin personally oversees massive drills Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- Russia has carried out major ballistic missile test-launches from "land, air and sea" as part of massive military drills that also involved Russia's strategic forces.
• Iran ready to nip any threat in bud: Commander Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- A top Iranian military commander has stressed the importance of boosting the country's defense and military prowess, reiterating the Islamic Republic's readiness to repel any threat.
• U.S. House Votes To Sanction Suppliers To Iran's Ballistic-Missile Programs RFE/RL 27 Oct 2017 -- The U.S. House of Representatives, in a near-unanimous vote, approved legislation to impose new sanctions related to Iran's ballistic-missile program, an issue separate from the 2015 international nuclear deal with Tehran.
• China to continue escort missions in Gulf of Aden, Somalia People's Daily 28 Oct 2017 -- China will continue to participate in escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia to protect the international lane, a spokesperson said on Friday.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, 10/27/2017, #27 The White House 27 Oct 2017

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for October 27, 2017

Other Conflicts

• 27 October 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 27 Oct 2017
• Security Council debate on 'women, peace and security' spotlights prevention and gender equality links UN News 27 Oct 2017 -- At the Security Council today, a senior United Nations official called on Member States, regional organizations and civil society for greater partnership to boost women's participation at all levels and help ensure UN peace efforts are stronger and more sustainable.
• Yemeni forces target Saudi Typhoon fighter jet over Sana'a: Report Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- Yemeni air defense forces, backed by fighters from allied Popular Committees, have reportedly shot down a Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet belonging to the Royal Saudi Air Force, a report says.
• Ansarullah denounces Saudi crown prince's pledge to continue Yemen war Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has hit out at the Saudi crown prince and defense minister, who said the Riyadh regime has no intention of ending its bloody military campaign against the impoverished nation.
• Syria 'categorically denies' content of UN report on Idlib chemical attack Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- Syria has denounced as a "falsification of the truth" a United Nations report blaming the Damascus government for a chemical attack in Idlib province back in April.
• Syria forces liberate new areas around Dayr al-Zawr from Daesh grips Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- Syrian government forces have liberated a new area on the outskirts of the eastern city of Dayr al-Zawr as they continued their advance against the foreign-backed Daesh terrorists.
• Russia decries 'inconsistencies' in UN-OPCW Syria report Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- Russia has criticized a recent United Nations report blaming Syria for an April gas attack" inside the Arab country, saying it is full of "inconsistencies."
• Suffering of 350,000 civilians in rural Damascus 'an outrage' - UN rights chief UN News 27 Oct 2017 -- The United Nations human rights chief on Friday called on the parties to the conflict in Syria to allow badly needed food and medical supplies to Eastern Ghouta in rural Damascus, describing the situation of at least 350,000 besieged civilians there as "an outrage."
• Army forces advancing into last den of Daesh in Iraq: Prime minister Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi says his country's "heroic legions" are advancing into the "last den" of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the Arab country and will liberate the few remaining towns and villages from the grips of the terror outfit soon.
• US Backtracks on Iraqi, Kurd Cease-fire Claim VOA 27 Oct 2017 -- The U.S.-led coalition fighting the Islamic State announced Friday morning a cease-fire between Iraqi forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga in Northern Iraq, but quickly backtracked on the claim, saying it is not an "official" cease-fire.
• Gulf Coalition, Media Accuse Qatar of Shuttling IS Militants to Libya VOA 27 Oct 2017 -- Arab media accused Qatar this week of helping to transport Islamic State militants from Syria and Iraq to the south of Libya.
• Tillerson calls Myanmar army chief over violence against Rohingya Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called on Mynmar's army chief to help end the deadly violence against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state that has forced hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas to flee the country.
• Rohingya crisis: UN agencies focus on improving access as overcrowded camps hampers response UN News 27 Oct 2017 -- As the number of Rohingya refugees sheltering in southern Bangladesh crosses 800,000, United Nations agencies responding to the crisis are working hard to ensure access in the difficult to reach area so that much needed assistance can be delivered in a timely manner.
• Myanmar Court Convicts Ethnic Kachin Religious Leaders VOA 27 Oct 2017 -- Two religious leaders from Myanmar's ethnic Kachin minority were found guilty on Friday of assisting an insurgent group in a trial derided by rights monitors.
• Aid Deliveries Difficult as Conditions Deteriorate for Rohingya Refugees VOA 27 Oct 2017 -- U.N. agencies say bad roads and bad weather are compounding the difficulties of delivering essential aid to hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees living in small, congested areas in Bangladesh.
• US Weighs Pressuring Myanmar on Rohingya Crisis VOA 27 Oct 2017 -- Even before the U.S. State Department determines whether ongoing atrocities by Myanmar's military against ethnic Rohingya Muslims qualify as ethnic cleansing, members of Congress are

• Egyptian forces kill 13 in raid on militant hideout: Ministry Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- Egyptian military forces have killed 13 suspected militants in an attack on a farm hideout in a desert region west of the country, a week after a militant ambush on a police convoy killed dozens of officers.
• Ethiopia begins civil registration for refugees - UN agencies UN News 27 Oct 2017 -- In an historic first, starting today all refugees in Ethiopia will be able to register their vital life events, including birth, death, marriage and divorce, directly with national authorities, the United Nations refugee agency announced on Friday.
• Winter may be 'harsh blow' to vulnerable children in Middle East, UNICEF warns amid funding gap UN News 27 Oct 2017 -- Freezing temperatures, storms and heavy snowfall will add to the misery afflicting hundreds of thousands of families affected by conflict across the Middle East unless assistance – including cold weather clothing and supplies – is urgently provided, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned.
• UN chief pays tribute to courage, resilience of people of Central African Republic UN News 27 Oct 2017 -- Addressing lawmakers in the Central African Republic, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday stressed the international community's commitment to helping tackle the myriad challenges plaguing the conflict-torn country, and strongly defended the role of the UN peacekeeping force there.
• South Sudan Camp Residents Accuse Charity of Hiding Poor Conditions From US Diplomat Haley VOA 27 Oct 2017 -- Residents of a displaced persons camp in South Sudan say they were deeply disappointed when a visit by U.S. envoy Nikki Haley was cut short Wednesday, with several residents accusing the French charity that runs the camp of preventing Haley from seeing their wretched living conditions.
• UNHCR: New Refugee Crisis Brewing as Hundreds of Togolese Flee Country VOA 27 Oct 2017 -- The U.N refugee agency says a potential crisis may be developing as hundreds of Togolese refugees flee political instability and escalating violence.

News Reports

• Spanish premier dismisses Catalan government, parliament Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has dismissed Catalonia's president and parliament hours after the region declared independence from Spain.
• Catalonia Parliament Votes for Independence from Spain VOA 27 Oct 2017 -- The Catalan regional parliament voted for independence from Spain Friday by approving a resolution to convene a constitutional assembly to form a sovereign republic. The move was accompanied by applause and embraces between lawmakers present, who sang the Catalan anthem.
• Catalan, Spanish Historians Continue Dueling, Using History as Battlefield VOA 27 Oct 2017 -- History is a battlefield in the contentious independence standoff between Spain and Catalan secessionists, pressed into service by each, shaped as a weapon and hurled with abandon.
• On U.S. Support for Spanish Unity US Dept. of State 27 Oct 2017
• Spanish PM Dissolves Catalonia's Government, Fires Leaders After Independence Move RFE/RL 27 Oct 2017 -- Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy says his government has begun the process of taking direct control of rebellious region of Catalonia, declaring its independence vote "null and void," dismissing its leaders, and formally dissolving its parliament.
• Catalonia declares independence as Spain imposes direct rule Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- Catalonia's regional parliament has declared independence from Spain, while Madrid immediately imposed direct rule over the region.
• Catalonia's crisis with Spain comes to a head Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- Separatists in Catalonia file a resolution with the regional parliament to declare independence from Spain and a Catalan republic as Spain is expected to impose direct rule on the rebel region.
• Major Russian Defense, Intelligence Companies Targeted By New U.S. Sanctions List RFE/RL 27 Oct 2017 -- The U.S. State Department has targeted more than three dozen major Russian defense and intelligence companies under a new U.S. sanctions law, restricting business transactions with them and further ratcheting up pressure against Moscow.
• U.S. Congress Receives List Of Russians Targeted By New Sanctions RFE/RL 27 Oct 2017 -- The U.S. State Department has provided Congress with a list of Russian companies and intelligence agencies that are likely to be hit with sanctions under a new U.S. law punishing Russia for allegedly meddling in last year's presidential election.
• Briefing on Sanctions With Respect to Russia's Defense and Intelligence Sectors Under Section 231 of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act of 2017 US Dept. of State 27 Oct 2017
• Xi's report to the 19th CPC National Congress published People's Daily 28 Oct 2017 -- The report delivered by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, to the 19th CPC National Congress on Oct.18, has been published by People's Publishing House.
• Venezuela sacks defiant opposition governor-elect Press TV 27 Oct 2017 -- A newly-elected Venezuelan governor affiliated with the opposition who had refused to pledge allegiance to a government body has been sacked.
• Key Witness Identifies Russian Suspect In Funding Of Alleged Montenegro Coup Plot RFE/RL 27 Oct 2017 -- Aleksandar Sindjelic, a key witness in the trial of 14 people who allegedly plotted to topple Montenegro's pro-Western government, has implicated a purported Russian secret-service agent in organizing the coup attempt aimed at blocking the Balkan country's NATO accession.
• Britain: North Korea Was Behind May Global Cyberattack VOA 27 Oct 2017 -- British Security Minister Ben Wallace said Friday Britain believed "quite strongly" that North Korea was responsible for a global cyberattack earlier this year.
• Party's Launch Could Upend Erdogan, Turkey's Political Establishment VOA 26 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accused by critics of amassing power and creating the latest in a series of autocratic governments in the country, faces a new political threat after the launch Wednesday of the Iyi Party by Meral Aksener.
• Atambaev Lashes Out At Kazakh Leader, Urges Shift Of Trade To Other Neighbors RFE/RL 27 Oct 2017 -- Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev has leveled indirect but harsh criticism against his Kazakh counterpart, the latest salvo in a dispute between the two Central Asian countries.
• HRW Cautiously Optimistic About Changes In Uzbekistan RFE/RL 27 Oct 2017 -- Human Rights Watch (HRW) says that Uzbek authorities have taken "some positive steps" to improve the human rights situation during President Shavkat Mirziyoev's first year in office, and is urging his government to transform those advances into institutional change and "sustainable" improvements.
• Analysts Fear Low Voter Turnout Will Undercut Kenya Election Results VOA 27 Oct 2017 -- Kenya's electoral commission has called for patience and calm as it tallies the results of Thursday's re-run presidential election. However, some analysts already fear that the low turnout – just 35 percent compared to nearly 80 percent in the previous poll in August – may undercut the credibility of the results.
• Presidential Voting Postponed Again in Western Kenya VOA 27 Oct 2017 -- Political and religious leaders in western Kenya warn that plans to re-attempt presidential polling in four counties will further inflame tensions.
• Don't let security crisis overshadow human rights situation in DPR Korea - UN expert UN News 27 Oct 2017 -- The international security crisis over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) must not overshadow the human rights situation of millions of ordinary citizens in the country, a United Nations human rights expert has said.