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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 18 Dec 2017[PDF]
• Coalition Strikes Continue Against ISIS in Syria, Iraq AFPS 18 Dec 2017 -- U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria between Dec. 15-17, conducting 19 strikes consisting of 26 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.
• Assault on Kabul intelligence training center ends as attackers killed: Afghan police Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- Afghan officials say an assault claimed by the Daesh Takfiri terror group on an intelligence facility in the capital Kabul ended after police killed the attackers.
• Daesh gunmen raid intelligence training facility in Afghan capital, gunfight underway Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- Daesh militants have stormed an under-construction facility belonging to the National Directorate of Security (NDS) in the Afghan capital Kabul, triggering an intense gunfight with security forces.
• Islamic State Attack On Kabul Intelligence Training Center Ends; Three Militants Reported Killed RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- KABUL -- Afghan officials say an attack claimed by the extremist group Islamic State (IS) on an intelligence training center in the capital has ended with the death of three attackers.
• Militants Attack Afghan Spy Agency's Facility in Kabul VOA 18 Dec 2017 -- Heavily armed militants attacked an Afghan intelligence agency facility in Kabul Monday, sparking fierce clashes with security forces.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Remarks by President Trump on the Administration's National Security Strategy The White House 18 Dec 2017
• Remarks by the Vice President Introducing the President for Remarks on the Administration's National Security Strategy The White House 18 Dec 2017
• President Donald J. Trump Announces a National Security Strategy to Advance America's Interests The White House 18 Dec 2017
• Trump Announces New Whole-of-Government National Security Strategy AFPS 18 Dec 2017 -- President Donald J. Trump today announced a new national security strategy rooted in a whole-of-government approach that stresses the economic might of the United States.
• New U.S. Security Strategy To Focus On Countering China, Russia RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- The White House on December 17 released a new U.S. national security strategy that takes a hard line on China and Russia, saying the two countries are trying to shape a world antithetical to U.S. values and interests.
• Trump Says U.S. Seeks 'Great Partnership' With 'Rival Powers' Russia And China RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a new U.S. national security strategy that takes a hard line on China and Russia, but he said Washington would seek a "great partnership" with the two world powers while defending its national interests.
• Statement by Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis on the President's National Security Strategy DoD 18 Dec 2017
• Trump brags about 'America First' in new National Security Strategy Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- US President Donald Trump delivers his much anticipated national security strategy, vowing to take on US nemeses Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.
• US plans to confront China, Russia in new national security strategy Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- US President Donald Trump is poised to present a new national security strategy that envisions a world in which the United States confronts China and Russia – the two powers which are challenging American global hegemony.
• Aggressive New US Security Strategy Revealed Sputnik 18 Dec 2017 -- Details of US President Donald Trump's new national security strategy have been shared with news outlets, about 45 minutes before Trump was set to start the speech.
• Trump Hails New Era of Global Competition, Says 'America is Going to Win' VOA 18 Dec 2017 -- U.S. President Donald Trump warned Monday the country's greatness is being challenged by rival powers, but promised the country would use "every instrument" at its disposal to ignite what he portrayed as an American awakening.
• TF 51/5 commences bilateral amphibious combat rehearsal USMC News 18 Dec 2017 -- Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51, 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) announced the commencement of a bilateral amphibious combat rehearsal, alongside the French, in international waters off the coast of Djibouti, Africa, yesterday.
• CNO Meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe NNS 18 Dec 2017 -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Monday, in Tokyo to strengthen the military alliance between the United States and Japan.
• Navy Commissions Newest Littoral Combat Ship USS Little Rock (LCS 9) NNS 18 Dec 2017 -- The Blue crew of Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, USS Little Rock (LCS 9) proudly delivered their ship to the fleet and brought her to life in front of a welcoming crowd of thousands at Canalside Buffalo, New York.
• USS Preble Responds to Distress Call from Iranian Vessel NNS 18 Dec 2017 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) rendered aid to a stranded Iranian fishing vessel, Dec. 16 at approximately 1:00 p.m. local time while transiting the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
• USS Chafee Completes Voyage Repair Availability in Singapore NNS 18 Dec 2017 -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) and ship repair personnel from Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific completed a successful voyage repair availability in Singapore, Dec 16.
• Onboard Ship Simulator Enhances a US Navy Cruiser's Training Program NNS 18 Dec 2017 -- Three screens and a helm occupy the corner of an office on the main deck of USS San Jacinto (CG 56). But to the crew and officers assigned to this Ticonderoga-class cruiser, it may as well be the bridge of a storm-tossed ship at sea.
• USS Vella Gulf Returns from Eight Month Deployment NNS 18 Dec 2017 -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) returned to its homeport at Norfolk Naval Station, Dec. 15, following an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operation.
• US to spend $214 million to build military bases flanking Russia Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- The United States is planning to spend more than $200 million to repair and build airfields, training sites and other military structures as part of a massive military buildup in Eastern Europe aimed at deterring "Russian aggression."
• US to Spend Over $200Mln on Upgrading Military Airbases in Eastern Europe Sputnik 18 Dec 2017 -- The United States is set to spend about $214 million on upgrading military air bases in Eastern Europe, Norway and Iceland.
• NATO Deputy Secretary General visits Yerevan and thanks Armenia for contributions to NATO missions NATO 18 Dec 2017 -- The NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Rose Gottemoeller, visited Yerevan on Monday 18 December 2017 and met with President Serzh Sargsyan, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian, with Minister of Defence Vigen Sargsyan and with the President of the National Assembly, Mr. Ara Babloyan.
• NATO Jets Continue Low-Altitude Training Flights Over Estonia - Defense Forces Sputnik 18 Dec 2017 -- NATO is maintaining its increased military presence in the Baltic States by continuing to send the alliance's patrol jets to the region's airspace, citing the alleged Russian threat.
• UK takes delivery of final F-35B Lightning this year UK MOD 18 Dec 2017 -- The UK has taken delivery of its 14th F-35B Lightning II which flew into Beaufort, South Carolina last week to take its place as part of the Lightning Fleet, set to operate from Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers and RAF Marham.
• Sino-Russian anti-missile drill successfully conducted in Beijing People's Daily 18 Dec 2017 -- A 6-day air defense drill conducted by Chinese and Russian troops was successfully concluded in Beijing on Dec.16, marking another milestone in the two nations' joint efforts to deal with regional ballistic and cruise missile threats.
• China, ROK agree to advance relations along right track People's Daily 18 Dec 2017 -- BEIJING, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- The leaders of China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Thursday agreed to advance bilateral relations to ensure the long-term stability of their ties.
• China military aircraft fly over Sea of Japan, around Taiwan as part of drills Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- China's air force has conducted another round of long-range drills, sending its fighter jets and bombers into international waters in the Sea of Japan and around self-ruled Taiwan.
• China Holds Drills Near Taiwan for Second Time in Row - Reports Sputnik 18 Dec 2017 -- China has intensified its drills in the region amid growing tensions over Taiwan after the US president signed the National Defense Authorization Act that lays the grounds for future mutual naval visits between Taipei and Washington.
• Chinese military aircraft again fly over seas east of Taiwan CNA 18 Dec 2017 -- A Chinese military transport plane was observed flying over the Western Pacific Ocean east of Taiwan Monday, the second consecutive day Chinese military aircraft were seen undertaking a similar mission, an Air Force official said that day.
• Iran to take to UN complaint against US: Defense minister IRNA 18 Dec 2017 -- Iran will soon file a complaint at the UN against the US, regarding the claim made by US permanent envoy to the UN Nikki Haley about Iranian origin of Ansarollah's missiles hitting Riyadh, Iranian Defense Minister said.
• Claim of Iran military aid to Yemen sheer lie: Larijani Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani says the Islamic Republic is not providing military assistance to Yemen and all claims to this effect are false.
• Iran to file complaint at UN over US missile claim; says pieces will have to be handed over for inspection Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- Iran will soon be filing a complaint with the United Nations over a recent move by the United States to claim that missile debris allegedly retrieved in Saudi Arabia is of Iranian origin, says the Iranian defense minister.
• Pakistan Accuses US of Exporting War, Instability to South Asia VOA 18 Dec 2017 -- Pakistan is accusing the United States of "exporting war" and "perpetual instability" in South Asia, and of "speaking Indian language" in bilateral dealings.
• Polish Fighter Jet Missing, Search Underway Sputnik 18 Dec 2017 -- A Polish Air Force MiG-29 fighter plane went down over central Poland on Monday, sparking a short search for the plane and pilot.
• Background Briefing Previewing Secretary Tillerson's Trip to Ottawa US Dept. of State 18 Dec 2017

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for December 18, 2017

Other Conflicts

• 18 December 2017 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 18 Dec 2017
• Saudi warplanes attack civilian target in Yemen, kill five civilians Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- At least five civilians have been killed when Saudi military aircraft carried out an airstrike against a residential area in Yemen's western province of Hudaydah as the Saudi regime presses ahead with an atrocious military campaign against its crisis-hit southern neighbor.
• US Urges Renewed Food and Humanitarian Aid Deliveries for Yemen VOA 18 Dec 2017 -- The United States is urging the complete return of food and humanitarian aid deliveries to Yemen including construction of new cranes to unload ships at the port of Hudaydah.
• US-backed Kurdish armed militants 'traitors' to Syria: President Assad Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says all US-backed Kurdish armed militants are "traitors" to the Syrian nation, ramping up the rhetoric particularly against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), which are mainly active in northeastern areas of the Arab country through receiving vital substantial air and armament support from Washington.
• French President Macron says Assad will remain in power in Syria Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron says the reality in Syria is that President Bashar al-Assad will continue to stay in power because his opponents have lost "the war on the ground."
• Syria's Assad Meets Russian Official, Calls U.S.-Backed Militias 'Traitors' RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has called U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters "traitors," according to an online statement from his office on December 18.
• France's Macron Sees Victory Over IS By February, Talks With Assad RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron says the military campaign against Islamic State (IS) insurgents in Syria should be completed in February, coming just weeks after victory was declared against the extremists in Iraq.
• Macron: Assad Will Stay in Power as Russia, Iran 'Won on the Ground' in Syria Sputnik 18 Dec 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron said that the international coalition will have won in Syria in February and that France will seek a political solution to the crisis.
• Assad Hopeful About Upcoming Russian-Sponsored Talks on Syria VOA 18 Dec 2017 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed regret for the stalemate of U.N.-brokered intra-Syrian talks in Geneva last week but says he expects better results during the Russian-sponsored Sochi peace process to be held in February.
• Iraqi security forces kill Daesh local leader in Diyala Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- Iraqi security forces have killed a high-profile commander of Daesh Takfiri terrorist group along with two of his associates in the country's eastern province of Diyala.
• Mayor of Libya's Misrata kidnapped, killed Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- The mayor of Misrata, Libya's third-largest city, has been abducted and killed shortly after returning from a foreign trip.
• Dozens Of Crimean Tatars Fined Over Protests On Russian-Controlled Peninsula RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- Courts in Russia-controlled Crimea on December 18 fined dozens of Crimean Tatars over single-person demonstrations, in a move which Amnesty International called "a brazen crackdown."
• US Vetoes UN Resolution Rejecting Washington's Recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli Capital VOA 18 Dec 2017 -- The Trump administration wielded its first U.N. veto Monday, blocking a Security Council resolution that rejected the U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move its embassy there.
• Iran condemns US veto of UNSC resolution rejecting Trump's al-Quds move Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- Iran has condemned Washington's vetoing of a UN Security Council's resolution aimed at voiding US President Donald Trump's move to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's capital.
• US vetoes UNSC resolution rejecting Trump's al-Quds decision Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- The United States has been further isolated after it vetoed a UN Security Council's resolution calling for the annulment of US President Donald Trump's controversial bid to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's capital.
• Israeli jets launch fresh airstrikes against Gaza Strip Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- Israeli warplanes have carried out several airstrikes on the besieged Gaza Strip amid escalating tensions in the occupied territories following US recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's so-called capital.
• Middle East: Security Council fails to adopt resolution on Jerusalem UN News 18 Dec 2017 -- The United Nations Security Council on Monday failed to adopt the draft resolution that reflects regret among the body's members about "recent decisions regarding the status of Jerusalem," with a negative vote by the United States.
• Attack on aid convoy in north-east Nigeria leaves four civilians dead – UN relief official UN News 18 Dec 2017 -- At least four civilians are reported to have been killed when an aid convoy transporting food supplies was ambushed by armed individuals in Nigeria's strife-torn north-east region, the top United Nations humanitarian official in the country said.

News Reports

• Ramaphosa Elected Leader of South Africa's Ruling Party VOA 18 Dec 2017 -- South Africa's ruling party has elected a new leader, Cyril Ramaphosa, who will likely be the party's presidential candidate in the next national election. But will Ramaphosa, who was not the outgoing president's pick, be able to overcome the massive challenges ahead for the party?
• Ramaphosa wins election as South Africa's ANC leader Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- South African Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has been elected leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party in a marathon vote that raised the likelihood for the 65-year-old businessman to become the country's next head of state after incumbent President Jacob Zuma.
• Hernandez declared winner of Honduras presidential race, opposition calls for rallies Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- In Honduras, incumbent Juan Orlando Hernandez has been declared the winner of last month's disputed presidential election after a partial recount, with the opposition candidate rejecting the results and calling for fresh protests.
• Incumbent Declared Winner of Honduras' Disputed Presidential Election VOA 18 Dec 2017 -- Election authorities in Honduras have declared President Juan Orlando Hernandez the winner of the disputed November 26 election, prompting new allegations of fraud and a fresh round of protests.
• Romanian Judges, Prosecutors, Protest Against Legal System Changes RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- Hundreds of judges and prosecutors have protested across Romania against planned changes in the legal system that they say will hamper prosecutions and endanger public safety.
• Putin's Spokesman Says 'Exemplary' CIA Tip-Off Helped Save Many Lives RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman says that a tip-off from the CIA about an alleged terror plot in St. Petersburg "helped save many lives" and should serve as an "exemplary" model of productive U.S.-Russian cooperation.
• Kaspersky Lab Appeals To U.S. Court To Overturn Government Ban RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- The Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab says it has asked a federal court to overturn a ban on the use of its products in U.S. government agencies, claiming that the move has violated the company's right to due process.
• Juan Orlando Hernandez Reelected as President of Honduras Sputnik 18 Dec 2017 -- Juan Orlando Hernandez has been declared the winner of the presidential elections in Honduras on Monday after a three-week ballots count.
• Election Commission Declares Pinera's Victory in Presidential Election in Chile Sputnik 18 Dec 2017 -- Former Chilean President Sebastian Pinera returns to the post of the country's leader for 2018-2022.
• Finnish Daily Reveals Spying on Russia, Gets Investigated for High Treason Sputnik 18 Dec 2017 -- The Finnish Defense Forces have filed a criminal complaint regarding the disclosure of state secrets, following publication by the country's most-read daily Helsingin Sanomat about a top secret intelligence research center, which allegedly carried out spying against Russia.
• Russian Presidential Campaign Officially Under Way RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- Russia's presidential campaign is officially under way.
• Turkish authorities issue detention warrant for 106 over links to failed coup Press TV 18 Dec 2017 -- Turkish prosecutors have issued detention warrants for 106 people, believed to have worked as matchmakers for the so-called Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), which is accused by Ankara of orchestrating last year's failed military coup, Istanbul police say.
• Saakashvili Refuses To Be Questioned By Ukraine's Prosecutor-General RFE/RL 18 Dec 2017 -- Ukrainian opposition leader Mikheil Saakashvili appeared at the Prosecutor-General's Office in Kyiv on December 18 but refused to answer questions from investigators.
• Tensions in Bissau as Leaders Meet to Resolve Political Crisis VOA 18 Dec 2017 -- As Guinea Bissau's political elite gather in Nigeria Friday and Saturday in hopes of resolving a two-year-long crisis, residents and activists in the capital are demanding a solution to the political impasse.