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Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 11 Jan 2018 [PDF]
• Pentagon Officials Say Coalition Aims to Defeat ISIS' Brand AFPS 11 Jan 2018 -- The physical caliphate of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is in pieces and operations against ISIS continue in the Euphrates River valley, but the ISIS "brand" remains to be defeated, Pentagon officials said here today.
• Afghan president pardons 75 prisoners loyal to former warlord Hekmatyar Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has granted clemency to 75 prisoners loyal to former warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar who reached a landmark peace deal with the government in Kabul in 2016.
• 'Insider' Attack Wounds US Soldier in E. Afghanistan VOA 11 Jan 2018 -- NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan says a U.S. soldier has been wounded in what it calls an "active ground engagement."
• Air National Guard Supports California Mudslide Rescue Efforts AFPS 11 Jan 2018 -- California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing are providing search and rescue support in Southern California for those affected by recent mudslides.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of Defense Press Briefing by Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White and Joint Staff Director Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 11 Jan 2018 -- Presenter: Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White; Joint Staff Director Lieutenant General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr.
• Army pushing to get Secure Wi-Fi on battlefield to gain strategic edge over enemies Army News 11 Jan 2018 -- In support of on-going efforts to make command posts more resilient, mobile and survivable, the Army is pushing to get Secure Wi-Fi to the field to help gain an operational edge against potential peer and near-peer adversaries.
• JMRC plans to incorporate SHORAD into exercises Army News 11 Jan 2018 -- For the first time in nearly 15 years, 7th Army Training Command's Joint Multinational Readiness Center will soon begin observing, coaching and training Soldiers using the FIM-92 Stinger Man-Portable, Air Defense Missile System during future exercises.
• CVW-17 Completes Material Condition Inspection NNS 11 Jan 2018 -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Sailors and Marines completed a mid-deployment aviation material condition inspection (AMCI) while embarked aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Jan. 7.
• USS Ross Visits Agadir, Morocco NNS 11 Jan 2018 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) arrived in Agadir, Morocco, Jan. 10, 2018, for a scheduled port visit. The visit serves to enhance U.S.-Morocco relations as the two nations work together to strengthen regional security and stability.
• 'Terabyte of Death' Cyberattack Against DoD Looms, DISA Director Warns AFPS 11 Jan 2018 -- The vast, global networks of the Defense Department are under constant attack, with the sophistication of the cyber assaults increasing, the director of Defense Information Systems Agency said here today.
• 30th Annual Surface Navy Association National Symposium Concludes in Crystal City NNS 11 Jan 2018 -- The 30th Annual Surface Navy Association (SNA) National Symposium concluded following three days of networking and information sharing highlighted by keynote addresses and panel discussions from naval leaders in Crystal City, Jan. 11.
• Thailand Receives First New T-50 Trainer Jets From South Korea Sputnik 11 Jan 2018 -- South Korea's sole aircraft manufacturer, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), on January 8 began delivery of its advanced T-50 Golden Eagle lead-in fighter trainers to Thailand's air force.
• Taiwan to promote local defense industry and procure U.S. weapons: MND CNA 11 Jan 2018 -- Taiwan is determined to promote the development of its indigenous defense industry while at the same time maintaining stable relations with and making major weapons acquisitions from the United States, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said on Thursday.
• Taiwan Unveils Wishlist for Boosted Defense Spending to Match Beijing Sputnik 11 Jan 2018 -- The Taiwanese government has revealed their plans to initiate long-term increases in defense spending aimed at acquiring advanced weapons systems as a deterrent to mainland aggression. Tensions between Beijing and Taipei have continued to mount since relations broke down in 2016.
• China's new landing ship useful in island dispute: expert People's Daily 11 Jan 2018 -- Another Type 071 landing ship from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy came into the limelight on Wednesday with military experts saying such ships could enhance military advantages in dealing with potential island disputes.
• Iranian Destroyer Crashes Into Jetty in Caspian Sea Sputnik 11 Jan 2018 -- Iran's Damavand destroyer has crashed into a jetty in the Caspian Sea, sustaining minor damage, the Iranian army announced on Thursday.
• Japan Deploys New Missile Interception System on Aegis Destroyers - Reports Sputnik 11 Jan 2018 -- Japan will use a new missile interception system on its two destroyers, equipped with US Aegis missile defense systems, which will enter operational service in 2019-2020, Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported on Thursday, citing sources in the government.
• Statement from the Press Secretary on Libya's Successful Destruction of its Chemical Weapons Stockpile The White House 11 Jan 2018
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders The White House 11 Jan 2018
• On-the-Record-Briefing US Dept. of State 11 Jan 2018 -- Special Briefing by I. Steven (Steve) Goldstein, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and Brian Hook, Director of Policy Planning

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for January 11, 2018

Other Conflicts

• 11 January 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 11 Jan 2018
• Japan Protests Presence of Chinese Naval Ships Near Disputed Islands VOA 11 Jan 2018 -- Japan has lodged an official protest with China after a Chinese naval vessel was spotted in the East China Sea near a group of islands claimed by both countries.
• Japan protests after Chinese vessel sails in vicinity of disputed isles Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- Japan has officially protested to China over an incident in which a Chinese frigate sailed in waters near disputed islands in the East China Sea, calling on Beijing to avoid actions that could impede the betterment of bilateral relations.
• China Urges Japan to Avoid 'Artificial' Incidents Near Disputed Islands Sputnik 11 Jan 2018 -- Beijing has called on Japanese authorities to avoid creating "artificial" incidents around the group of disputed, uninhabited islands in the East China Sea, known as the Senkaku islands in Japan and the Diaoyu islands in China.
• Yemeni forces fire ballistic missile at Saudi military facility Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement says it has fired a ballistic missile at a special forces camp and a facility for gunships in the southwestern Saudi border province of Najran.
• Military offensive in Idlib targeting terrorist groups: Syria Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- Syria has defended its military offensive against militants in the northwestern province of Idlib, condemning France 'great ignorance' about what is happening in the militant-held region.
• Syrian forces liberate 23 towns, villages from terrorists in Idlib Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- Syrian forces have regained control of 30 villages and towns from foreign-backed militants in the country's provinces of Idlib, Hama and Aleppo.
• US 'Not Involved' With Drone Attacks on Russian Bases in Syria - Pentagon Sputnik 11 Jan 2018 -- The United States was not involved in any way with the recent drone attacks on Russian bases in Syria, Joint Staff Director Kenneth McKenzie said during a press briefing on Thursday.
• In Damascus, UN aid chief outlines measures to improve response to Syrian crisis in 2018 UN News 11 Jan 2018 -- After seven years of bloody conflict, the Syrian war has wreaked a "colossal toll" on the country and its people, the United Nations relief chief said on Thursday from the capital, Damascus, where he outlined ways to sustain and improve humanitarian assistance and protection for everyone affected by the crisis this year.
• 3 Ukrainian soldiers killed in renewed violence in east Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- A renewed wave of violence in the war-torn eastern territories of Ukraine has left three army soldiers dead.
• New OSCE Chairman Vows To 'Intensify' Efforts To End Ukraine Conflict RFE/RL 11 Jan 2018 -- Italy's foreign minister says he will visit Ukraine and Russia in the coming weeks to "intensify" efforts to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine, as he took up the post of chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
• Myanmar's admission to Rohingya massacre for first time 'tip of the iceberg': Amnesty Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- Amnesty International has strongly denounced the first admission by Myanmar's military that its soldiers executed Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state, saying it is just the "tip of the iceberg".
• Boko Haram attacks, human trafficking threaten progress in West Africa and Sahel - UN envoy UN News 11 Jan 2018 -- The security situation in West Africa and the Sahel remains of grave concern, the United Nations envoy for the region said Thursday, warning that while there had been progress on the political front over the past year, there had also been a worrying upsurge in Boko Haram attacks.
• In Hargeisa, UN envoy for Somalia calls for calm and dialogue following clashes UN News 11 Jan 2018 -- The top United Nations envoy for Somalia has called for calm and dialogue amid reports of clashes between security forces from 'Somaliland' and neighbouring Puntland.
• UN agencies call for funds to reverse food ration cuts for refugees in Rwanda UN News 11 Jan 2018 -- United Nations humanitarian agencies on Thursday called for more donor funding to reverse a 25 per cent reduction in food or cash assistance for more than 100,000 refugees in Rwanda.

News Reports

• Putin Again Dismisses U.S. Allegations Of Russian Meddling RFE/RL 11 Jan 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin again denied persistent allegations that Moscow has interfered in election campaigns in the United States and European countries.
• Partisan Finger-pointing Threatens Russia Probes on Capitol Hill VOA 11 Jan 2018 -- Finger-pointing and acrimony surrounding probes of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election intensified Thursday, with the Trump White House and Democratic lawmakers trading accusations of undermining and manipulating investigations that require bipartisan buy-in to succeed.
• Moscow slams US Senate report on Russian president as 'unfounded' Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- Russia has lambasted as "unfounded" a report released by the US Senate that accuses Moscow of carrying out disinformation campaigns to undermine democracies, including the Kremlin's alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.
• Russia Denounces US Senate Report on Meddling as 'Unfounded' VOA 11 Jan 2018 -- Russia has denounced a U.S. Senate report which accuses the Kremlin of election meddling with the intent to undermine democracies, saying it is "unfounded" and damaging for relations between the two countries.
• US House of Representatives Passes Bill Renewing FISA Surveillance Program Sputnik 11 Jan 2018 -- The US House of Representatives passed legislation on Thursday that will renew the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) program. The final vote was 256 to 164.
• US House Approves Renewal of Anti-terror Surveillance Law VOA 11 Jan 2018 -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday to renew a key surveillance law the U.S. uses to thwart foreign terrorists plotting attacks against Americans.
• China will not attend 'meaningless' Vancouver summit on North Korea Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- China, North Korea's main international ally, will be snubbing a ministerial summit scheduled by the United States and Canada to discuss tensions with North Korea, calling the upcoming meeting "meaningless."
• French president tells Trump all must respect Iran nuclear deal Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has told his US counterpart Donald Trump that all the signatories to the Iran nuclear deal should respect the terms of the agreement.
• EU voices support for Iranian nuclear deal amid US threats Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- European powers have reaffirmed their determination to preserve Iran's nuclear agreement against the backdrop of US efforts to undermine the landmark multinational deal.
• Trump to extend Iran sanctions waivers, impose new bans: Officials Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- US President Donald Trump is expected to extend sanctions relief for Iran as part of a 2015 nuclear deal while his administration works out a "fix" to the multi-nation accord, American officials have revealed.
• Leaked Video Of Khamenei Raises Questions About Iran's Supreme Leadership RFE/RL 11 Jan 2018 -- A mid-ranking cleric, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was unexpectedly chosen as supreme leader during an emergency closed-door session of the Assembly of Experts in 1989, just days after the death of the founder of Iran's Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
• Trump Poised to Increase Sanctions on Iran VOA 11 Jan 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump will increase sanctions on Iran in the coming hours, while again stopping short of reimposing sanctions intended to push the Tehran regime to give up nuclear weapons research, according to multiple news agency reports. The president was meeting with his national security team on the Iran question late Thursday.
• European Diplomats Urge Sticking With Iran Nuclear Deal VOA 11 Jan 2018 -- European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the international agreement on Iran's nuclear program is working, and that while there are concerns about Iran's development of ballistic missiles and other activities in the Middle East, those should be dealt with as a separate issue.
• White House Urges Release of Political Prisoners in Iran, Including Protesters Sputnik 11 Jan 2018 -- The United States is calling on Iran to release all political prisoners, including those sent to prison for protesting in recent weeks, the White House said in a statement on Wednesday.
• Turkey to Finish Iranian Border Wall Next Spring Sputnik 11 Jan 2018 -- Turkey has finished building a wall along more than half of its 144 km border with Iran. The partition, meant to prevent illegal immigration, smuggling and militant infiltration, will be completed next spring, according to Turkish housing developer TOKI.
• Xi orders armed police to uphold CPC's absolute leadership People's Daily 11 Jan 2018 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday ordered the armed police force to uphold the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
• Ecuador grants citizenship to WikiLeaks founder Assange Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- Ecuador has granted citizenship to the founder of whistleblowing website WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, who has been holed up at the embassy of the South American country in the UK for five and a half years.
• Ecuador Confirms Granting Naturalization to Wikileaks Founder Assange Sputnik 11 Jan 2018 -- On January 10, the El Comercio news outlet published the number of an identity document, registered in the Ecuadorian Civil Registration System under Assange's name.
• Putin Charges U.S. Is Backing Navalny Bid For Russian President RFE/RL 11 Jan 2018 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin alleged that anticorruption crusader Aleksei Navalny was being supported by the United States in his election bid.
• US Creates New Team to Probe Hezbollah Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering VOA 11 Jan 2018 -- The U.S. Department of Justice has assembled a team of prosecutors to investigate allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering by the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hezbollah. The allegations were reportedly not pursued by the previous administration because of Iranian sensitivities.
• China to build world's largest fully steerable radio telescope People's Daily 11 Jan 2018 -- Chinese authorities have approved a plan to build a radio telescope in Qitai, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, noting that it will be the world's largest fully steerable single-dish radio telescope upon completion.
• No further extraditions to US unless Washington hands over Gulen: Erdogan Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara will not extradite any suspects to the US as long as Washington refuses to hand over Pennsylvania-based opposition figure Fethullah Gulen, whom the Turkish government accuses of having masterminded the mid-July 2016 coup attempt.
• Turkish court gives life sentences to more than two dozen over 2016 botched putsch Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- A court in Turkey has sentenced more than two dozen people to life imprisonment on charges of affiliation to a movement led by US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Ankara government accuses of having masterminded the July 2016 coup attempt.
• UK will not hold a second EU referendum: Theresa May spokesman Press TV 11 Jan 2018 -- UK Prime Minister Theresa May will not hold a second referendum on Britain's exit from the European Union, amid growing calls for a new vote on Brexit.
• Tunisian Leaders Trade Blame, Amid Ongoing Wave of Violence VOA 11 Jan 2018 -- Sporadic protests continued across parts of Tunisia, overnight, as government security forces tried to put a stop to scattered violence that has hit a number of regions.