• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 11 Dec 2017[PDF]
• Inherent Resolve Strikes Target ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 11 Dec 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria over the last three days, conducting 14 strikes consisting of 27 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Iraqi, Syrian Democratic Forces Destroy ISIS' 'Caliphate' AFPS 11 Dec 2017 -- While Iraqi security forces and Syrian Democratic Forces have destroyed the idea of an Islamic State of Iraq and Syria 'Caliphate,' much work remains to be done against the terror group, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Robert Manning said today.
• Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 11 Dec 2017 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
• Small Army Post Supports Counterterrorism Fight in Africa AFPS 11 Dec 2017 -- At an Army outpost in a sun-scorched area of northern Cameroon, there's a small task force with larger implications than its size may suggest.
• US military expects at least 2 more years of combat in Somalia Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- The US Defense Department has presented the White House with a military plan that expects at least two more years of combat operation against suspected terrorists in Somalia, amid the escalating campaign of US drone strikes there, according to a report.
• TR, CVW-17 Conducts Sorties in Support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel NNS 11 Dec 2017 -- The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 launched sorties in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS) Dec. 7.
• US, Afghan Forces Launch Offensive to Block Daesh Expansion in Afghanistan Sputnik 11 Dec 2017 -- US and Afghan special operations groups are preparing an offensive against Daesh strongholds in northwestern Afghanistan in an attempt to prevent the fractured militant group from continuing their expansion into Afghanistan's northern provinces.

Defense Policy / Programs

• AF's newest Herc joins Ramstein AB fleet AFNS 11 Dec 2017 -- A new model C-130J Super Hercules arrived at Ramstein Air Base Dec. 4, 2017, as part of a rotational process to upgrade existing aircraft.
• Better boots, lighter uniform headed to Hawaii for field testing Army News 11 Dec 2017 -- This January, some Soldiers within the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii will receive new uniforms and a new set of boots as part of Program Executive Office Soldier's continued testing and evaluation of the improved hot-weather combat uniform and jungle combat boot.
• DoD Complying with Court Orders to Access Transgender Persons into the Military DoD 11 Dec 2017 -- As required by recent federal district court orders, the Department of Defense recently announced it will begin processing transgender applicants for military service on January 1, 2018. This policy will be implemented while the Department of Justice appeals those court orders.
• Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Returns to Washington After Deployment NNS 11 Dec 2017 -- Washington-based ships assigned to Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 returned Dec. 10, just in time for the upcoming holidays following a six-month deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and the Arabian Gulf.
• 9th Expeditionary Fast Transport Latest Arrival in Highly-Adaptable Ship Class NNS 11 Dec 2017 -- Later this month USNS City of Bismarck (T-EPF 9) will join the fleet as part of a class of ships that is quickly becoming recognized as adaptable and innovative. As the world's oceans become more heavily trafficked and more contested, this adaptability and innovation will be meeting our Navy's future requirements and missions.
• New York Ready to Deploy, Completes Combined COMPTUEX NNS 11 Dec 2017 -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), components of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), completed their Combined Composite Training Unit (COMPTUEX) exercise, Dec. 9.
• Oak Hill Ready to Deploy, Completes Combined COMPTUEX NNS 11 Dec 2017 -- The dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) and the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit completed a Combined Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) Dec. 9, a capstone event certifying the amphibious ready group (ARG) as a deployment ready force.
• Iwo Jima Ready to Deploy; Completes Combined COMPTUEX NNS 11 Dec 2017 -- Sailors from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed a Combined Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) Dec. 9.
• Iwo Jima ARG Completes Combined COMPTUEX NNS 11 Dec 2017 -- The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed their Combined Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) Dec. 9.
• Military Seeks to Learn Lessons of 2017 Hurricane Season AFPS 11 Dec 2017 -- The most recent hurricane season was not unprecedented in terms of the number of storms, but it was unprecedented in terms of damage, the commander of U.S. Army North said in a recent interview.
• US, South Korea, Japan start missile tracking drill amid heightened tensions Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- The United States, South Korea and Japan have started joint war games amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula over the North's military program.
• US, Japanese, S Korean Drills Not Contributing to Region's Security – Beijing Sputnik 11 Dec 2017 -- China has repeatedly reiterated its call on the parties involved to consider Beijing-Moscow plan aimed at settling the conflict, which stipulates the simultaneous halt of the US-South Korean war games and North Korea nuclear tests.
• EU launches major military pact to boost cooperation among members Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- The European Union has launched a massive military pact as it seeks to coordinate policies and projects among member states in the face of alleged threats from the east of the continent.
• EU Members Formally Agree To Launch Defense Cooperation Structure RFE/RL 11 Dec 2017 -- Twenty-five European Union member states have taken the formal decision to establish a new defense and security cooperation network.
• Taiwan formally commissions Black Hawk combat team CNA 11 Dec 2017 -- Taiwan's Army on Monday officially commissioned its UH-60M Black Hawk combat team after completing the verification of the helicopter fleet's initial combat capability.
• Chinese Diplomat: Expect War if US Sends Navy Ships to Taiwan Sputnik 11 Dec 2017 -- One of China's top diplomats to the US warned Washington that Beijing would invade Taiwan should the US ever send a Navy ship to the island nation, which China considers to be a wayward province.
• Chinese military aircraft conducts exercise near Taiwan CNA 11 Dec 2017 -- China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has carried out another airborne military exercise near Taiwan, flying its aircraft over the Miyako Strait into the Western Pacific, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said in a statement on Monday.
• PLA stresses combat readiness, reassigns officers based on battle requirements People's Daily 11 Dec 2017 -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) ground force's top priority is actual combat readiness, experts said, following the PLA's announcement that it had been selecting and deploying officers based on battle requirements.
• Biohazard: North Korea Close to Acquiring Biological Weapons – Reports Sputnik 11 Dec 2017 -- The Washington Post reported that Pyongyang has been meticulously working on biological weapons for the last decade and currently has approached the creation of this mass destruction technology.
• Our commitment to self-defense is not a slogan: Iran FM Zarif ISNA 11 Dec 2017 -- In an article published by the American newspaper The New York Times, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif referred to the current crisis in the region and said, "As Iran and its partners labor to put out fires, the arsonists in our region grow more unhinged. They're oblivious to the necessity of inclusive engagement. And yet, despite the huge stakes, important stakeholders remain reluctant to hold the arsonists to account".
• Russia S-400 missile deal almost done: Erdogan Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that a deal to purchase Russian S-400 air defense systems will be finalized by the end of the week.
• New Indonesian Armed Forces Chief Seen as Ally of President VOA 11 Dec 2017 -- The new head of Indonesia's armed forces, Air Force chief Hadi Tjahjanto, is seen as a close ally of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, who had a tense relationship with the retiring General Gatot Nurmantyo, an outspoken figure who is thought to have political ambitions of his own.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, 12/11/2017, #39 The White House 11 Dec 2017

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for December 11, 2017

Other Conflicts

• 11 December 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 11 Dec 2017
• UN aid official in Yemen urges lifting of blockade, says millions a 'step away from famine' UN News 11 Dec 2017 -- The continuing blockade of ports in Yemen must be lifted, a senior United Nations humanitarian official today urged, calling for greater access to more than eight million people on the verge of famine.
• More than 8 million people in Yemen step away from famine: UN warns Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- The United Nations has warned that 8.4 million people in war-torn Yemen are "a step away from famine", as warplanes belong to the Saudi-led military coalition are ceaselessly pounding the impoverished country.
• Saudi warplanes kill at least 14 people in north, south Yemen Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- At least 14 people have been killed after warplanes belong to the Saudi-led military coalition hit residential localities across the war-torn Yemen.
• UN chief seeks Trump's pressure on Saudis to end 'terrible suffering' in Yemen Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- UN chief Antonio Guterres has called on the US to pressure Saudi Arabia into ending the "stupid war" which is causing "terrible suffering to the Yemeni people" and also harming the kingdom and the UAE.
• Putin Says Russia to Withdraw 'Significant Part' of Troops from Syria VOA 11 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated he has ordered his military to withdraw a "significant part" of Russia's forces from Syria, after regaining control of most of the country. Russia would now focus on talks between the Syrian opposition and the government.
• Russian president orders troops to begin pullout from Syria Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian forces to begin withdrawing from Syria during a surprise visit to the Arab country, RIA Novosti news agency reported.
• Putin Visits Syria Base, Orders Partial Russian Withdrawal RFE/RL 11 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a surprise visit to Syria, declaring victory and ordering the Russian military to start withdrawing a "significant portion" of its forces from the war-ravaged Middle Eastern country.
• Daesh terrorists driven out of Syria's Idlib province in fight with rival outfit: Monitor Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- The Daesh Takfiri terrorist group has been pushed out of Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, after it made an incursion into the region bordering Turkey two days earlier, a monitoring group says.
• Pro-Syrian Government Forces Aim to Seize Last Opposition-controlled Stronghold City VOA 11 Dec 2017 -- The Syrian army and Iranian-backed forces including Afghan fighters backed by Russian air power launched a new offensive against Syrian regime opposition's strongholds in Idlib province.
• Iraqi Shiite Leader Urges Militiamen to Hand Over Weapons to Government Sputnik 11 Dec 2017 -- Last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi declared victory over Daesh and the restoration of control over the border with Syria.
• Fighting in Libya's Benghazi claims lives despite liberation claim Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- Fresh casualties have been reported from fighting in Libya's Benghazi five months after the Libyan National Army (LNA) declared full liberation of the eastern city from militants.
• Myanmar military's rape of Rohingya women methodical, sweeping: AP report Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- A new investigation reveals that Rohingya Muslim women have been subjected to "methodical" and "sweeping" rape by Myanmar's military forces in Rakhine State, where a government-backed ethnic cleansing campaign has been underway against the minority group.
• Report Accuses Myanmar's Military of 'Sweeping' Rape of Rohingya Women Sputnik 11 Dec 2017 -- An investigation conducted by The Associated Press has shown that Rohingya Muslim women were victims of systematic rape by Myanmar's military forces during the alleged government-backed "ethnic purges" in Rakhine State.
• US is partner in bloodshed with al-Quds move, Erdogan says Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has lambasted the recent decision by US President Donald Trump to recognize Israeli-occupied Jerusalem al-Quds as the capital of the Tel Aviv regime, stating that Washington was a "partner to bloodshed" and violence that will spark in the Middle East region.
• Mogherini: EU recognizes 'international consensus' on Jerusalem al-Quds Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has dismissed Tel Aviv's call on the European Union to follow US lead and recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's capital.
• IRGC commander Soleimani reaffirms full support for Palestinian resistance groups Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- Major General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' Quds Force, has reaffirmed the Islamic Republic's full support for Palestinian resistance movements.
• Putin: Long-Term, Fair Solutions Needed to Settle Israeli–Palestinian Conflict Sputnik 11 Dec 2017 -- Putin has discussed bilateral ties between Russia and Egypt during the talks with his counterpart Sisi, as well as the situation in the Middle East, including the Israeli-Palestinian settlement in the wake of the controversial decision made by US President Donald Trump last week.
• Hamas Vows to Retaliate For Israel's Airstrikes: 'Enemy Will Pay the Price' Sputnik 11 Dec 2017 -- The Palestinian Hamas movement has prepared its response to Israel's recent airstrikes on Gaza, which had been carried out in the wake of the US decision on Jerusalem.
• Netanyahu Hopes EU to Follow Trump's 'Recognition of Reality' on Jerusalem Sputnik 11 Dec 2017 -- The Israeli prime minister has continued meetings with European officials following US President Donald Trump's controversial decision to recognize Jerusalem as the Jewish state's capital.
• EU to Netanyahu: Jerusalem Must be Capital of Two States VOA 11 Dec 2017 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday he believes most or all European countries will move their embassies to Jerusalem and recognize the city as Israel's capital, following last week's declaration by U.S. President Donald Trump to do the same.
• Croats Honor Convicted War Criminal Praljak RFE/RL 11 Dec 2017 -- Several thousand people have attended a ceremony in Zagreb to honor convicted Bosnian Croat war criminal Slobodan Praljak, who died of cyanide poisoning last month.
• UN honours 14 peacekeepers killed in eastern DR Congo UN News 11 Dec 2017 -- The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Monday paid tribute to the Tanzanian peacekeepers killed on 7 December in the worst attack on UN 'blue helmets' in recent history.

News Reports

• Explosion Rocks Central Manhattan: Four Injured, Suspect in Custody Sputnik 11 Dec 2017 -- The US President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident that took place at a bus terminal in Manhattan near Times Square. An investigation is currently underway.
• Would-be Terrorist Sets Off Pipe Bomb in New York VOA 11 Dec 2017 -- A would-be terrorist set off a pipe bomb strapped to his chest in a pedestrian tunnel between two of New York City's busiest transportation hubs Monday.
• US Officials, Lawmakers Warn More Cyberattacks Coming VOA 11 Dec 2017 -- The United States is bracing for another wave of cyberattacks focused on disrupting or undermining the 2018 midterm elections, with some officials warning this is just the beginning of a much deeper and broader threat.
• Trump Orders Revival of US Manned Space Exploration Program VOA 11 Dec 2017 -- Pledging that "America will once again reach for the moon," President Donald Trump Monday ordered the National Air and Space Administration to revive the manned space exploration program that was suspended in 2011.
• Putin Visits Ankara as Bilateral Relations Continue to Deepen VOA 11 Dec 2017 -- In their third meeting in a month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Ankara. The talks primarily focused on Syria, but Putin's visit coincides with U.S.-Turkish relations, reeling from a crisis sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
• Zarif to EU: Iran Nuclear Deal 'Rare Triumph of Diplomacy Over Confrontation' Sputnik 11 Dec 2017 -- The Iranian foreign policy chief has warned the European Union against supporting the US position while also addressing the country's alleged influence in the Middle East.
• China Touts Anti-Corruption Drive to Promote 'Clean Corridor' With Pakistan VOA 11 Dec 2017 -- China has stressed the need for Pakistan to guard against "external interferences" and prevent domestic "disturbances" for promoting the construction of massive infrastructure and energy projects under a multi-billion dollar bilateral economic corridor.
• Kyiv Court To Rule On Pretrial Restrictions For Saakashvili RFE/RL 11 Dec 2017 -- A Ukrainian court is set to decide whether to impose pretrial restrictions on Ukrainian opposition leader Mikheil Saakashvili, who dismissed the allegations against him in defiant remarks just before the hearing.
• Maduro's Socialist Party wins 90 percent of municipalities in Venezuela Press TV 11 Dec 2017 -- Venezuela's governing Socialist Party has won more than 300 of the 335 mayorships in local elections, a victory that strengthens the hand of its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, in next year's presidential race.
• Honduras' Unresolved Election Sparks More Protest VOA 11 Dec 2017 -- Angry supporters of Honduran opposition candidate Salvador Nasralla blockaded some capital city streets with burning tires Monday, protesting what they contend is election fraud.