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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 13 Feb 2018 [PDF]
• Department Of Defense Press Briefing by Lieutenant General Harrigian via teleconference from Al Udeid Airbase, Qatar DoD 13 Feb 2018 -- Presenter: Lieutenant General Jeffrey Harrigian, commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command
• As Emphasis Shifts to Sustaining Military Gains, Progress To Defeat ISIS Continues AFPS 13 Feb 2018 -- Significant progress in the fight to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has resulted in a shift in focus to sustaining military gains in Iraq to ensure a lasting defeat of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria terrorists, The commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command told Pentagon reporters today.
• Mattis Hails Strong Collaboration in Defeat-ISIS Coalition AFPS 13 Feb 2018 -- The coalition to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria continues to grow, while remaining resolute in its focus to the mission, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis said today following a defeat-ISIS meeting in Rome.
• Opening Remarks at the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Ministerial US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2018 -- Remarks by Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State, and Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah
• Joint Statement of Guiding Principles From the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2018
• We don't know what to do with foreign ISIL militants: Mattis Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- There has been no agreement among members of the so-called coalition against the Daesh Takfiri terrorists on what to do with the militants from those countries, says US Defense Secretary James Mattis.
• Tillerson: Islamic State Yet To Suffer 'Enduring Defeat' RFE/RL 13 Feb 2018 -- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called on members of the U.S.-led coalition fighting against the extremist group Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria to commit to the complete defeat of the militants.
• Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 13 Feb 2018 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Syria.
• U.S. Air Strikes Reportedly Kill 'Dozens' Of Russian Fighters In Syria RFE/RL 13 Feb 2018 -- U.S. air strikes killed multiple Russia mercenary soldiers serving in Syria, according to news reports and open-source researchers, with some reports saying dozens may have died.
• Kabul Hosts Regional Military Chiefs RFE/RL 13 Feb 2018 -- The Afghan capital is hosting the regional military chiefs for a conference to discuss cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
• Kabul in secret talks with Taliban: Report Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- Afghan officials are conducting talks with the Taliban militant group following a recent wave of deadly bombings and terror attacks by the outfit that have left almost 200 people killed, a report says.
• Afghan Officials in Secret Talks With Taliban - Reports Sputnik 13 Feb 2018 -- Kabul has found itself in a challenging situation due to the intra-governmental struggle and the Taliban's expanding influence on Afghan soil.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Department of Defense Press Briefing on the President's Fiscal Year 2019 Defense Budget for the Navy DoD 13 Feb 2018 -- Presenter: Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Budget Rear Admiral Brian E. Luther
• Department of Defense Press Briefing on the President's Fiscal Year 2019 Defense Budget for the Army DoD 13 Feb 2018 -- Presenter: Director, Army Budget, Major General Paul A. Chamberlain; Deputy Director, Army Budget, Davis S. Welch; Lieutenant Colonel Jason Brown, Chief of Media Relations, Army Public Affairs
• Pentagon asks for major budget increase to confront Russia, China Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- The US Defense Department has called on Congress to approve a major budget increase in order to counter "threats" from Russia, China, and North Korea.
• Department of Defense Press Briefing on the President's Fiscal Year 2019 Defense Budget for the Missile Defense Agency DoD 13 Feb 2018 -- Presenter: Missile Defense Agency Director of Operations Mr. Gary Pennett
• Flying Fire: Pentagon Orders Ballistic Missile-Killing Drone-Mounted Laser Sputnik 13 Feb 2018 -- Among the many items in their $9.9 billion budget request for fiscal year 2019, the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has requested $66 million to develop a drone-mounted laser that can be used to destroy ballistic missiles shortly after launch - or possibly even before they fly.
• Nuclear Posture Review Addresses Reality of Current Threats, DoD Official Says AFPS 13 Feb 2018 -- The recently released Nuclear Posture Review is grounded in a "realistic assessment" of the current security environment, and tailored to deter threats and reassure allies, Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Policy David J. Trachtenberg said here yesterday.
• Iwo Jima Completes Missile Exercise NNS 13 Feb 2018 -- The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) successfully completed a missile exercise (MISSILEX) off the coast of Virginia, Feb. 9.
• 122nd FW takes joint training to new heights AFNS 13 Feb 2018 -- The 122nd Fighter Wing recently completed Operation Guardian Blitz during a two-week joint training exercise at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, which included air-to-air refueling, training alongside Navy rotary assets and joint terminal attack controllers.
• Media Availability with Secretary Mattis En Route to Brussels DoD 13 Feb 2018 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis
• Secretary of the Navy Names Navy's Newest Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship NNS 13 Feb 2018 -- On Feb. 13, Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer announced the next Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ship will be named USNS Newport (T-EPF 12).
• Secretary of the Navy Names Two Littoral Combat Ships NNS 13 Feb 2018 -- On Feb. 13, Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer announced the next Freedom and Independence variant Littoral Combat Ships will be named USS Nantucket (LCS 27) and USS Savannah (LCS 28).
• Secretary General: More Countries on Track to Meet NATO Spending Goals AFPS 13 Feb 2018 -- NATO officials expect the majority of members to reach the goal of spending 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense by 2024, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in Brussels today.
• Secretary General previews meetings of NATO Defence Ministers NATO 13 Feb 2018 -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg briefed media on Tuesday (13 February 2018) on the agenda of this week's meetings of NATO Defence Ministers.
• Russian Lawmaker Klintsevich Resigns Defense Committee Post RFE/RL 13 Feb 2018 -- A prominent Russian lawmaker has resigned as deputy head of the Russian Federation Council's Defense Committee, saying unnamed critics did not like his "openness," Russian media reported.
• UK sending warship to challenge China at South China Sea Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- Britain plans to sail a warship to the South China Sea next month at a time of rising tensions between China and the United States, a move likely to anger Beijing.
• UK's BAE Systems eyeing $2bn fighter jet deal with Malaysia Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- British weapons manufacturer BAE Systems says it has offered Malaysia a $2 billion financing deal backed by the UK government, in a bid to convince the Southeast Asian country to replace its ageing combat aircraft with British-made ones.
• China's Solar-Powered Drone Test-Fires Missiles in Near Space Sputnik 13 Feb 2018 -- China recently completed a test of a solar-powered drone capable of flying at extremely high altitudes for more than half a day straight. And it can also shoot missiles.
• India Fast Tracks Procurement of Thousands of Machine Guns, Sniper Rifles Sputnik 13 Feb 2018 -- In the wake of two back to back terror strikes at Indian army camps, the country's defense ministry has decided to shore up the infantry's weapons stock. The infantry is facing a critical shortage of assault rifles, sniper rifles, and machine guns, crucial for an encounter with terrorists.
• Iran reveals new details on spying from its missile program IRNA 13 Feb 2018 -- Top Iranian judicial official revealed new details of the spying by the US and Israel from Iran's missile program.
• All enemies' plots to harm Iran unity thwarted: IRGC commander Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has hailed the peaceful coexistence among Iranian Shia and Sunni Muslims, saying all plots hatched by enemies to undermine national unity and solidarity in the country have been thwarted.
• Air Force to upgrade capabilities according to needs, threats CNA 13 Feb 2018 -- Taiwan's Air Force sidestepped speculation Tuesday that it is looking to purchase F-15 or F-18 fighter aircraft from the U.S., saying only that plans to bolster defense capabilities will depend on present combat needs and perceived future threats.
• Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Launch Second Stage of Joint Naval Exercises Sputnik 13 Feb 2018 -- Joint naval training between the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) and the visiting Pakistani Navy continue in the Persian Gulf, the latest expression of the special relationship between the Kingdom and arguably its closest ally.
• The Dangerous Illusion of "All the News that is Fit to Print" MDAA 13 Feb 2018 -- "In the mastering by the master of political spin to feed the beast of circulation, the New York Times editorial board serendipitously posted a distortion of illusion on their version of missile defense, the day prior to the release of the Presidential Budget Request to Congress for Fiscal Year 2019. "
• Department Press Briefing - February 13, 2018 US Dept. of State 13 Feb 2018
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders and Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao The White House 13 Feb 2018

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for February 13, 2018

Other Conflicts

• 13 February 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 13 Feb 2018
• Yemen: UN aid chief welcomes $1 billion funding pledge as humanitarian crisis deepens UN News 13 Feb 2018 -- Amidst ongoing conflict, the collapse of basic services and economic decline in Yemen, the United Nations aid chief welcomed a substantial humanitarian pledge from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
• Iranian, Ansarullah officials discuss political solution for Yemen, aid delivery Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- Senior officials of Iran and Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement have sat down for talks in Tehran on ways to help end the political conflict in the war-torn Arabian Peninsula state and provide humanitarian aid to its people.
• 'Russians killed in US airstrikes in eastern Syria' Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- A group of Russian private military contractors have been killed in recent attacks by US warplanes in eastern Syria.
• Syrian forces shoot down Turkish UAV in Afrin IRNA 13 Feb 2018 -- Syrian Democratic Forces downed Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in Afrin city, northern Syria.
• Russia warns of chemical attack by militants, White Helmets in Syria's Idlib Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- The Russian Center for the Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria says it has received a phone call warning about a possible chemical weapons attack in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib by militants and White Helmets.
• US may seek longer stay in Syria to create quasi-state: Russia Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned of a possible plan by the United States to continue its military presence in Syria for a long term in an attempt to create a "quasi-state" in the eastern areas of the country.
• Damascus warns Israeli military of 'more surprises' on Syrian soil Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- The Syrian government has warned the Israeli military of "more surprises" should Tel Aviv commit any further acts of aggression against the Arab country plagued by foreign-sponsored militancy.
• US funding of Kurdish militants in Syria to impact Turkey's decisions: Erdogan Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned that Washington's refusal to stop funding the Kurdish militants in Syria will affect Ankara's decisions, ahead of a visit by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson this week.
• Daesh Still Poses Security Danger in Northern Iraq - Kirkuk Governor Sputnik 13 Feb 2018 -- Daesh militants still pose a security danger in northern Iraq, Rakan Jabouri, the governor of the Iraqi northern province of Kirkuk, told Sputnik on Tuesday.
• Myanmar still not allowing safe return of Rohingyas: UN refugee chief Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- Myanmar has failed to lay the groundwork for the safe return of 688,000 Rohingya refugees who fled the country's army crackdown six months ago, the UN refugee chief says.
• Causes of Rohingya refugee crisis originate in Myanmar; solution must be found there, Security Council told UN News 13 Feb 2018 -- Nearly six months after an outbreak of violence drove almost 700,000 minority Rohingyas from Myanmar to seek safety in Bangladesh, senior United Nations officials on Tuesday said it is time to address the root causes – including decades of repression inside Myanmar – so those who fled feel safe enough to return to their homeland.
• U.S. Accuses Russia Of Stoking Conflict In Ukraine RFE/RL 13 Feb 2018 -- The United States has accused Russia of stoking the conflict in Ukraine by disregarding its commitments under peace accords.
• Momentum Builds for UN Peacekeeping Force in E. Ukraine VOA 13 Feb 2018 -- A U.N. peacekeeping force in eastern Ukraine could pave the way for local elections within a year, according to a new report that aims to build on international momentum behind establishing such a mission.
• Pakistan to pay for misadventure: India Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- India has threatened Pakistan following recent militant attacks on army targets in the Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir.
• India Says Pakistan 'Will Pay' After Kashmir Attack RFE/RL 13 Feb 2018 -- India warned Pakistan that it will "pay for this misadventure" following a deadly attack by militants on an army camp in Indian-administered Kashmir.
• US discussing no 'annexation plan' with Israel despite Netanyahu's claim Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- The United States dismisses claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington and Tel Aviv are in talks for "annexation" of Palestinian lands, grabbed by the regime for construction of settlements.
• Fleeing DR Congo violence, thousands take perilous lake journey to Uganda - UN UN News 13 Feb 2018 -- Over 22,000 desperate Congolese refugees crossed Lake Albert to Uganda last week, with four drowning when their boat capsized on the perilous journey from the conflict-hit eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Congolese Refugees Risk Lives to Flee DRC's Ituri Province VOA 13 Feb 2018 -- The U.N. refugee agency reports thousands of people are taking deadly flight as ethnic violence grows in Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri Province.
• South Sudan Bulldozes Houses in Bor; Residents Flee Fighting in Yei River VOA 13 Feb 2018 -- Hundreds of residents of the Jonglei State capital of Bor are sleeping under the stars after local authorities demolished their houses Tuesday to make way for new roads.

News Reports

• Top US Intel Officials: Russia Bent on Influencing US Midterm Elections VOA 13 Feb 2018 -- With U.S. congressional primary elections just weeks away, top intelligence officials are warning that Russia appears intent on trying to disrupt the 2018 vote much as it did during the 2016 presidential election.
• US Social Media Firms Step Up Help on Security Efforts, Intelligence Leaders Say VOA 13 Feb 2018 -- Leaders of U.S. national security and law enforcement agencies said Tuesday the U.S. private sector has been helpful in efforts to keep the country safe.
• Cyber Tops List of Threats to U.S., Director of National Intelligence Says AFPS 13 Feb 2018 -- It's a measure of the growth of cyber and America's vulnerability to it that the cyber threat was at the top of the list of worldwide threats the director of national intelligence chose to highlight at a Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing today.
• Russia may target 2018 US midterm elections: US intelligence chief Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats has claimed that Russia views the 2018 midterm congressional elections as "potential target," and may try to influence or undermine them.
• New US Intelligence Report Shed Light on Possible Attacks on US, Allies Sputnik 13 Feb 2018 -- US National Intelligence Director Dan Coats has revealed the latest in a series of US accusations against North Korea, Russia, Iran and some other states.
• N Korea poses existential threat to America: US intelligence chief Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- The US director of national intelligence says North Korea poses an existential threat to the United States.
• US Official: N. Korea Will Be 'Most Confrontational' Mass Destruction Threat to US, Allies VOA 13 Feb 2018 -- U.S. National Intelligence Director Dan Coats told the Senate Intelligence Committee Tuesday during its annual worldwide threats hearing that North Korea's weapons of mass destruction will pose a significant danger to the U.S. and its allies in the near future.
• Israeli PM remains defiant as opposition hails 'end of Netanyahu' Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to stay in office just minutes after police recommended indicting him for bribery in two criminal investigations, while members of the opposition are hailing the "end of Netanyahu."
• Police Recommend Israeli PM Netanyahu Indictment For Corruption, Bribery Sputnik 13 Feb 2018 -- Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a potential indictment after a police investigation reportedly urged the official be charged formally for alleged misconduct that includes accepting bribes and corruption.
• Israeli Police Recommend Netanyahu Be Indicted on Corruption Charges VOA 13 Feb 2018 -- Israeli police have recommended that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu be indicted on corruption charges in two separate cases.
• Chelsea Bomber Ahmad Khan Rahimi Sentenced to Life in Prison for Executing September 2016 Bombing and Attempted Bombing in New York City US Dept. of Justice 13 Feb 2018 -- Ahmad Khan Rahimi, aka, Ahmad Rahami, 30, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was sentenced to life in prison for his execution and attempted execution of bombings in New York City on Sept. 17, 2016.
• Stockholm Truck Attack Suspect Pleads Guilty As Trial Opens RFE/RL 13 Feb 2018 -- The suspect in a deadly truck attack that stunned Sweden in April 2017 has pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial in a Stockholm court.
• U.S. Accuses Russia Of Stoking Conflict In Ukraine RFE/RL 13 Feb 2018 -- The United States has accused Russia of stoking the conflict in Ukraine by disregarding its commitments under peace accords.
• Momentum Builds for UN Peacekeeping Force in E. Ukraine VOA 13 Feb 2018 -- A U.N. peacekeeping force in eastern Ukraine could pave the way for local elections within a year, according to a new report that aims to build on international momentum behind establishing such a mission.
• South Africa's Ruling Party Urges Zuma to Leave Presidency Sputnik 13 Feb 2018 -- Earlier in the day, The South African ruling African National Congress (ANC) party gave country's President Jacob Zuma 48 hours to resign.
• South Africa's ANC 'Recalls' Zuma as President VOA 13 Feb 2018 -- South Africa's ruling party is demanding its most prominent member, President Jacob Zuma, resign from office. But Zuma has yet to comply and is giving no indication that he will do so.
• Turkish MP jailed for exposing Ankara's arms aid to Syria militants Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- A court in Turkey has sentenced a legislator from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) to five years and 10 months in jail for leaking classified material, and exposing to a newspaper a video showing weapons shipment to parts of Syria held by foreign-backed Takfiri terrorists.
• London Court Upholds Assange's Arrest Warrant Sputnik 13 Feb 2018 -- Julian Assange will continue to face detention if he leaves the Ecuadorian embassy in London after a British judge's decision to uphold a warrant for his arrest.
• UK judge refuses to withdraw WikiLeaks founder's arrest warrant Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has lost his legal battle to overturn a British arrest warrant against him, after being held up for more than five years in the Ecuadorian embassy in London.
• China's ex-Politburo member charged with bribery Press TV 13 Feb 2018 -- The state prosecutor in China has charged a former Communist Party of China Politburo member with bribery, making him the most senior former official to be indicted amid President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign.
• Russian Cargo Ship Launched To Space Station After Two-Day Delay RFE/RL 13 Feb 2018 -- An unmanned Russian cargo spacecraft has blasted off for the International Space Station (ISS), two days after the original launch was delayed.
• Trump Proposes Privatizing U.S. Operations On Space Station RFE/RL 13 Feb 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed turning over to private businesses U.S. operations on the International Space Station, which is currently run jointly by the U.S. and Russian governments.
• Turkey's Erdogan Issues Warning Over Eastern Mediterranean Energy Exploration VOA 13 Feb 2018 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is taking a hard line against nations and foreign energy companies exploring for gas in the eastern Mediterranean, warning them not to "step out of line" and encroach on his country's territorial rights.