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Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 07 Dec 2017[PDF]
• 2,000 US troops in Syria, Pentagon finally admits Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- The US military has finally acknowledged that there are around 2,000 US troops in Syria, confirming reports that it previously disputed about the real troop levels in the Arab country.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Officials Announce First DoD-Wide Audit, Call for Budget Certainty AFPS 07 Dec 2017 -- The Defense Department is starting the first agencywide financial audit in its history, Pentagon officials announced today.
• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White and David L. Norquist, Undersecretary Of Defense, Comptroller DoD 07 Dec 2017 -- Presenter: Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White and David L. Norquist, Undersecretary Of Defense, Comptroller
• Acquisitions Chief Details DoD Efforts to Speed, Reform Acquisition Processes AFPS 07 Dec 2017 -- The Defense Department is charging ahead in using new authorities to streamline, speed up and reform the acquisition system to ensure warfighters get what they need when they need it, the Pentagon's top acquisition official told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.
• SecAF testifies before Senate Armed Services Committee on improved acquisition processes AFNS 07 Dec 2017 -- Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee Dec. 7, 2017, in Washington, D.C.
• USS Coronado Returns to San Diego NNS 07 Dec 2017 -- Littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) and the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 returned home from an 18-month deployment, Dec. 5.
• Top Policy Official: Military Not Only Solution to Terrorism in Africa AFPS 07 Dec 2017 -- U.S.-led efforts in Africa are vitally important as African nations confront complex and growing threats from multiple terrorist groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, al-Qaida affiliates and other extremist groups such as Boko Haram, the acting undersecretary of defense for policy said today on Capitol Hill.
• NATO Allies and partners help Albania cope with flood disaster NATO 07 Dec 2017 -- NATO Allies and partners began this week helping Albania cope with the most severe rainfalls ever recorded in the country. Albania requested assistance from the NATO's Euro Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) on 4 December, following the onset of heavy rainfalls in central and southern parts of the country. According to the Albanian authorities, the floods damaged more than 4,500 buildings, 36 power stations and dozens of roads. The floods also led to the temporary closure of Tirana's main airport and to evacuations.
• France , Qatar sign deals worth around 12 billion euros: Macron Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and Qatar's ruling emir have signed contracts worth around 12 billion euros ($14.15 billion) during the French president's visit to Doha.
• Canada Might Snub Boeing, Buy Australian F-18s Instead of New Super Hornets Sputnik 07 Dec 2017 -- Canada is likely to ditch its deal with Boeing in favor of purchasing planes from Australia following Boeing's accusations of unfair trade practices by their rival Canadian company, Bombardier.
• Queen welcomes Royal Navy's largest ever ship into the fleet UK MOD 07 Dec 2017 -- Her Majesty The Queen has commissioned the UK's new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth into the Royal Navy.
• Israel Declares 'Air Superiority' for the Next 40 Years in Middle East Sputnik 07 Dec 2017 -- The Israel Air Force (IAF) has become the second air force in the world to declare the F-35 stealth fighter jet an operational aircraft - which IAF leaders claim has given Israel air superiority in the Middle East for the next 40 years.
• Pakistan Ambassador Urges Cooperation with Afghanistan on Border Security VOA 07 Dec 2017 -- The Pakistan-Afghanistan border must be secured to keep terrorists from crossing "at free will," Pakistan's ambassador to the U.S. says.
• Taiwan will act to defend airspace, borders: defense ministry CNA 07 Dec 2017 -- The Ministry of National Defense said Thursday that the military will act appropriately to defend Taiwan's airspace and borders, after it was reported that several aircraft from China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) were seen conducting drills near Taiwan.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, 12/7/2017, #38 The White House 07 Dec 2017
• Department Press Briefing - December 7, 2017 US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2017

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for December 07, 2017

Other Conflicts

• 7 December 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 07 Dec 2017
• Conflicts, drought drive hunger despite strong global food supply - UN agriculture agency UN News 07 Dec 2017 -- Despite strong global food supply, localized drought, flooding and protracted conflicts have intensified and perpetuated food insecurity, the United Nations agriculture agency reported Thursday.
• Saudi Arabia Must Lift Yemen Blockade 'Immediately' - US President Sputnik 07 Dec 2017 -- Right after infuriating the Muslim world by announcing that he'd move the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, US President Trump called for Saudi Arabia to lift its blockade on Yemen and allow food and other supplies into the famine-stricken country.
• Congressman Says Africa Next 'Hot Spot' for Islamic State VOA 07 Dec 2017 -- The chair of the House Homeland Security Committee says Africa will be the next "hot spot" for Islamic extremism, amid growing concern about Islamic State migration and recruitment after U.S.-led forces in Iraq and Syria reclaimed the group's so-called caliphate in the Middle East.
• Russian mission to defeat Daesh terrorists in Syria accomplished: Top general Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- A high-ranking Russian commander says his country's military campaign against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in Syria has been accomplished, and there are now no remaining settlements controlled by the extremists in the war-ravaged Arab country.
• Russian Armed Forces Complete Mission to Destroy Daesh in Syria - Gen. Staff Sputnik 07 Dec 2017 -- The Russian Armed forces have fulfilled their objective of destroying the military forces of the Daesh terrorist group in Syria, the head of the Russian General Staff Col. Gen. Sergei Rudskoi said on Thursday.
• Russia Says IS Has Been Defeated in Syria VOA 07 Dec 2017 -- Russia's military said Thursday that its mission to oust the Islamic State group in Syria had been accomplished and that the country was "completely liberated" from the group.
• Children not a 'bargaining chip' in tug of war between Syrian parties - UN advisor UN News 07 Dec 2017 -- The United Nations advisor for Syria said Thursday that obstacles stopping humanitarians from delivering aid and carrying out medical evacuations in besieged parts of the war-ravaged country are not being lifted, and "children are dying" as a result.
• Pentagon Questions Advances Made by Russia to Defeat Daesh in Syria Sputnik 07 Dec 2017 -- On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the Islamic State had been defeated on both banks of the Euphrates River in Syria, while Chief of the Russian General Staff Valery Gerasimov said that Syria was fully freed from terrorists.
• Rohingya refugees still fleeing from Myanmar to Bangladesh, says UN refugee agency Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- The UN refugee agency says persecuted Rohingya Muslims continue to flee Myanmar for neighboring Bangladesh even though both countries set up a timetable last month to allow them to start to return home.
• In Vienna, Tillerson Spars With Lavrov on Ukraine Conflicts VOA 07 Dec 2017 -- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Thursday the United States will not lift sanctions against Russia until Moscow withdraws its forces out of eastern Ukraine and Crimea.
• Ukraine: UN and partners seek $187 million amid humanitarian crisis that is 'worse than it's ever been' UN News 07 Dec 2017 -- The humanitarian situation in war-torn eastern Ukraine is worse than ever, and people are at breaking point, the senior-most United Nations aid official in the country said on Thursday, as he launched a response plan.
• Worsening Ukrainian Crisis Suffers from Severe Lack of Funding VOA 07 Dec 2017 -- The United Nations is appealing for $187 million to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to 2.3 million of the most vulnerable Ukrainians who, it says, have reached the limits of their endurance after four years of conflict.
• Briefing With Acting Assistant Secretary David M. Satterfield US Dept. of State 07 Dec 2017 -- Special Briefing by David M. Satterfield, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
• Palestinian-Israeli Clashes Erupt After Trump's Jerusalem Shift VOA 07 Dec 2017 -- Clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli troops and street protests erupted Thursday in the West Bank and Gaza on the day after U.S. President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the Israeli capital.
• Analysis: Jerusalem Decision Could Boost Extremist Islamist Parties VOA 07 Dec 2017 -- Islamist parties are using the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital as a rallying cry that likely will resound in upcoming election campaigns in Muslim-dominated countries.
• US State Department Braces for Violent Fallout from Jerusalem Recognition VOA 07 Dec 2017 -- The State Department has issued security warnings at scores of U.S. embassies around the world, bracing for protests or violence from President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. At the United Nations, American diplomats are preparing for a meeting Friday called by eight of the 15 Security Council members, including close U.S. allies Britain, Italy and France.
• UAE condemns US decision to recognize Jerusalem as capital of Israel SPA 07 Dec 2017 -- The United Arab Emirates has expressed its deep regret and condemnation of the US administration's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
• Statement from the Royal Court SPA 07 Dec 2017 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia followed, with great disappointment, the announcement made by the President of the United States Donald Trump, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocating the United States' embassy to Jerusalem.
• Trump's Decision on Jerusalem Provokes Criticism Worldwide Sputnik 07 Dec 2017 -- On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced that the US would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and instructed the State Department to start preparations for the transfer of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv. He also urged other countries to follow the US move. However, this act has sparked fierce criticism from abroad.
• Palestinians, Israeli Army Clash After Trump's Jerusalem Decision RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- International criticism and street protests have heightened against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, with more than 30 Palestinians reportedly injured in clashes with the Israeli army in the West Bank and Gaza.
• Full text of Iran's statement on condemning US decision about Quds IRNA 07 Dec 2017 -- Iranian foreign ministry has strongly denounced the US administration for its decision to relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the capital of the occupying regime of Israel.
• Ayatollah Sistani condemns Trump's anti-Palestine decision IRNA 07 Dec 2017 -- Senior Iraqi religious authority Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Sistani condemned Trump's anti-Palestinian decision to relocate US embassy to al-Quds.
• Hezbollah chief: Trump's decision violates int'l law IRNA 07 Dec 2017 -- Secretary General of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah strongly blasted the US President Donald Trump's recognition of al-Quds (Jerusalem) as Israel's capital is disrespect to all Muslims and violates international law.
• Israeli tank, aircraft attack Gaza security posts Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- The Israeli military says an aircraft and a tank have targeted two security posts in the besieged Gaza Strip.
• Iran's top general: Muslims won't let Quds be separated Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- Iran's top military commander has condemned US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the Israeli "capital," saying the move violates international resolutions and the rights of the Palestinians.
• Hezbollah chief: Trump's decision on Quds insults Muslims, violates intl. law Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- The secretary general of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement says US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's capital is an insult to all Muslims and a violation of international law.
• EU: Trump's decision on al-Quds to take Mideast to 'even darker times' Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini says US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as the Israeli "capital" could take the region "backwards to even darker times."
• Palestine's Hamas calls for 'rage day' against US, Israel Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas decries as a declaration of "war" a US decision to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the "capital" of the occupying regime in Israel, calling for a "day of rage" against Washington and Tel Aviv.
• Top Iraqi Shia cleric condemns Trump's al-Quds decision Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- Iraq's top Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has condemned a controversial decision by the United States to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the "capital" of Israel, saying the occupied city must return to its Palestinian owners.
• PLA responds after Indian drone crashes in Chinese territory People's Daily 07 Dec 2017 -- The Chinese military has expressed strong opposition to India using drones to undermine China's territorial sovereignty.
• China says Indian drone violated airspace Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- China says an Indian drone recently violated Chinese airspace and territorial sovereignty but crashed on its own.
• India Claims Reconnaissance Drone Violated Chinese Airspace Due to Glitch Sputnik 07 Dec 2017 -- The world's two most populous countries are addressing the issue in accordance with established protocols; through institutional mechanisms set up to address situations that occur along the India-China border.
• South Sudan: Security Council urged to do more to protect civilians, help end violence UN News 07 Dec 2017 -- With the conflict in South Sudan entering its fifth year, senior United Nations officials on Thursday expressed concern about the precarious security situation and bleak humanitarian conditions in the world's youngest country.
• 'Zero tolerance' for sexual exploitation and abuse by UN staff in South Sudan, underscores senior official UN News 07 Dec 2017 -- The relationship between United Nations peacekeepers and civilian staff and the vulnerable people in South Sudan they are working for must be one of mutual trust and confidence, said a senior UN official, noting that instances of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel not only breaks down that relationship, it also destroys the trust communities have in the Organization.
• DR Congo: Hunger crisis, scarce funds could push Kasais to brink of catastrophe, UN agency warns UN News 07 Dec 2017 -- An acute hunger emergency ravaging Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s strife-torn Greater Kasai region could transform into a long-term disaster if additional resources are not made available urgently, the United Nations food relief agency warned Thursday.
• Cameroon's Military Moves In on Separatist-held Villages VOA 07 Dec 2017 -- Cameroon's military has taken over two villages held hostage by separatists whom the government called terrorists.

News Reports

• Secretary Nielsen Announces the Establishment of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office Department of Homeland Security 07 Dec 2017 -- Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen today announced the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office. The CWMD Office will elevate and streamline DHS efforts to prevent terrorists and other national security threat actors from using harmful agents, such as chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear material and devices to harm Americans and U.S. interests.
• Trump Jr. Refuses To Say What He Told President About Meeting With Russians RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- Donald Trump Jr. has refused to tell U.S. lawmakers about conversations he had with his father regarding a 2016 meeting he held with several Russians at Trump Tower, a top congressional Democrat said.
• Trump Aide Was Ready To 'Rip Up' Russia Sanctions, U.S. Lawmaker Says RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- Former White House adviser Michael Flynn sent a text during U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration speech saying that a planned nuclear power project with Russia that would require the lifting of U.S. sanctions was "good to go," a whistle-blower has told U.S. lawmakers.
• No Apparent Breakthroughs At Tillerson-Lavrov Vienna Talks RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- Face-to-face talks in Vienna between the top U.S. and Russian diplomats appear to have produced no breakthrough on the Ukraine crisis and other issues that have been heightening tensions between the two countries.
• Russia Says Caspian Legal Status Resolved, Agreement Ready For Signing RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after a recent meeting of foreign ministers from the Caspian Sea littoral states that after more than 20 years of talks, an agreement on the legal status of the Caspian was "practically ready" for signing.
• How Saakashvili And Poroshenko Got Themselves Into This Mess RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- The adventures of Mikheil Saakashvili reached new heights this week when masked Ukrainian security agents broke down his apartment door and eventually apprehended him on the building's rooftop, where he screamed insults about onetime ally President Petro Poroshenko to supporters on the street below.
• Ukrainian Reform Activists Derail Effort To 'Destroy' Anticorruption Body RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- Ukrainian activists and reformist lawmakers worked tirelessly overnight to remove a bill from parliamentary consideration that they say would "destroy" the country's only independent investigative body by dismissing its chief.
• FBI Says Its Support for Anti-corruption Unit Abides by Ukrainian Law VOA 07 Dec 2017 -- The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is challenging suggestions of illegal conduct in an undercover sting operation targeting allegedly corrupt government officials in Kyiv, which the FBI conducted in concert with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU).
• War with US not a question of if but of when: North Korea Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- North Korea says it does not seek war with the United States but Washington's threats against the North have made the outbreak of war in the Korean Peninsula an "established fact," and Pyongyang will not be hiding from a potential conflict.
• North Korea: Likelihood of War With US 'Established Fact' VOA 07 Dec 2017 -- North Korea says a large joint military drill between South Korea and the United States has made "an outbreak of war" on the Korean peninsula "an established fact."
• Russia Claims U.S. Intelligence Agencies Trying To Recruit Russian Journalists RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- Moscow on December 6 accused U.S. intelligence services of trying to recruit Russian journalists working in the United States.
• European Parliament Member From Hungary Charged With Spying For Russia RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- Hungarian prosecutors have filed charges against a Hungarian member of the European Parliament for allegedly spying for Russia.
• Change needed in Pakistan's religious schools, says army chief Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- Pakistan's army chief has called for reforms in the country's religious schools, known as madrassas, saying they need to modernize.
• Awaiting Bribery Verdict, Russia's Ulyukayev Alleges 'Monstrous' Set-Up RFE/RL 07 Dec 2017 -- A Moscow judge will issue a verdict next week in the bribery trial of former Russian Economy Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev, who called the sting operation that landed him in court a "monstrous and cruel" set-up.
• Cambodia Offers Largely Muted Response to US Travel Ban VOA 07 Dec 2017 -- The Cambodian government has so far offered a largely muted response to travel restrictions the U.S. has said it will impose on senior officials in direct response to what the U.S. says are anti-democratic actions taken by the government in Phnom Penh.