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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 03 May 2018 [PDF]
• Afghan President Launches Controversial National ID Card VOA 03 May 2018 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani launched long-delayed electronic citizen ID cards Thursday, but his governing partner, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, boycotted the ceremony and questioned the legitimacy and timing of the process.
• US commandos secretly help Saudi troops in Yemen war: Report Press TV 03 May 2018 -- A recent report says the US has expanded its role in Riyadh's bloody war on Yemen well beyond mere arms sales and logistical support by secretly deploying a team of elite commandos to the Yemeni border to help the Saudi military in battles against the Houthi Ansarullah movement.
• US Army Special Forces Secretly Operating in Yemen - Reports Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- US Army special forces have secretly deployed to Saudi Arabia's border with Yemen to help battle Houthi rebels, US media reported on Thursday.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Cybercom to Elevate to Combatant Command AFPS 03 May 2018 -- In response to the changing face of warfare, U.S. Cyber Command will be elevated tomorrow to a combatant command, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said today.
• Department Of Defense Press Briefing By Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White In The Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 03 May 2018 -- Presenter: Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White
• US Calls China's Use of Lasers in Djibouti 'True Threat' VOA 03 May 2018 -- The United States is promising to hold China to account for what officials describe as a dangerous and reckless use of lasers near a U.S. military base in Africa.
• U.S. Protests Chinese Interference With U.S. Planes in Djibouti AFPS 03 May 2018 -- The United States has protested to China after repeated instances of lasers interfering with U.S. military aircraft landing in Djibouti, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said here today.
• US Asks China to Probe Incidents of Targeting Airmen With Lasers in Djibouti Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- Chinese military personnel is using lasers to target American military flight crews over Djibouti, The Wall Street Journal reported.
• Constitution to Participate in Tampa Navy Week NNS 03 May 2018 -- Sailors assigned to USS Constitution will participate in Navy Week Tampa, Fla., May 7-12.
• Abraham Lincoln Completes CSSQT NNS 03 May 2018 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) tested the ship's defense capabilities during Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT), April 20- May 2.
• Oklahoma City Visits Singapore for the 2nd Time During Deployment NNS 03 May 2018 -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) arrived in Singapore May 3 for a second visit during its deployment to the Indo-Pacific.
• JCS Carrier Strike Group Cruiser-Destroyer Warships Complete Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training Exercise NNS 03 May 2018 -- Cruiser-destroyer (CRUDES) warships from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) returned to port after completing the underway portion of CRUDES Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) on April 30. A debrief session finalized the exercise on May 1.
• USNS Millinocket Marks First Visit to Makassar, Indonesia NNS 03 May 2018 -- The expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Millinocket (T-EPF-3) departed, Makassar, Indonesia May 4 marking the first visit by the Navy.
• Dewey, Sterett Visit Hawaii for Final Port Visit of Deployment NNS 03 May 2018 -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Dewey (DDG 105) and USS Sterett (DDG 104) arrived in Pearl Harbor, May 2, for a final port visit before completing a three-month deployment.
• No Orders to Pull Troops From Korean Peninsula, Posture Same - Pentagon Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- The US Defense Department has not received any orders to withdraw troops from the Korean Peninsula and is maintaining the same posture in the region, Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Dana White said.
• Senators Seek to Limit US President's Unilateral Military Force Authorization Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- A new Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) bill introduced by US Senators Bob Corker (R-TN) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) would repeal and replace the AUMF passed in the days following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and cancel the 2002 AUMF used to go to war with Iraq.
• Europe Needs Self-Sufficiency in Defense - Belgian Prime Minister Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- Europe should do its utmost to ensure self-sufficiency in defense and security, however, it should stay within the framework of NATO, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said Thursday.
• Beijing Deploys Cruise Missiles on Islands in South China Sea - Reports Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- China has secretly installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles in three South China Sea outposts, US media reported Wednesday.
• UK and Norway defence ministers plan sub-hunting co-operation UK MOD 03 May 2018 -- The UK and Norway advanced their plans for international Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) co-operation in the North Atlantic, as the nations' defence ministers flew in an American P-8A Poseidon from RAF Lossiemouth today.
• Department Press Briefing - May 3, 2018 US Dept. of State 03 May 2018
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders The White House 03 May 2018

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 03, 2018

Other Conflicts

• 3 May 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 03 May 2018
• 'Marathon of suffering' in Syria conflict, far from over: UN humanitarian adviser UN News 03 May 2018 -- The fighting in Syria "is not over" and neither is the "marathon of suffering" for millions of people in the war-torn country, a senior aid official at the UN said on Thursday.
• US buildup in Eastern Euphrates aimed at partitioning Syria: Lavrov Press TV 03 May 2018 -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says US military buildup in the eastern side of the Euphrates River threatens Syria's unity as it is actually aimed at partitioning the country.
• Militants begin leaving south Damascus under govt. evacuation deal Press TV 03 May 2018 -- Takfiri militants have started evacuating three districts south of the Syrian capital, Damascus, which they agreed to hand back to the government under a recent deal.
• Russia jet crashes in Syria; 2 pilots killed Press TV 03 May 2018 -- The Russian military says one of its fighter jets has crashed in Syria, killing two pilots on board.
• Militants agree to return area near Homs to government Press TV 03 May 2018 -- Militants have agreed to disarm and hand the territory under their control near Syria's third largest city of Homs back to the Damascus government under a new evacuation deal.
• Syrian Rebels Accept Russian-Brokered Surrender Deal In Homs Enclave RFE/RL 03 May 2018 -- Syrian rebels said they have accepted a deal brokered by Russia to leave territory they hold near Homs, the country's third-largest city and one of the last rebel enclaves left in the war-torn country.
• Two Russian Pilots Killed In Fighter Jet Crash In Syria RFE/RL 03 May 2018 -- The Russian Defense Ministry says a military plane has crashed in Syria, killing two pilots aboard.
• Russian Military Starts Militants Evacuation Near Muhayam al-Yarmouk Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- The Russian center for Syrian reconciliation has begun the withdrawal of militants from localities near Muhayam al-Yarmuk through a temporary humanitarian corridor, the center's chief, Maj. Gen. Yury Yevtushenko, said at a briefing Thursday.
• Syrian Army Advancing on Area South of Damascus – Reports Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- Units of Syrian government forces have advanced into the city of Al Hajar Al Aswad, located to the south of Damascus, breaking the Daesh terrorist organization militants into two isolated groups, local media reported on Thursday.
• Russian Su-30SM Crashes in Syria, Both Pilots Dead - Russian MoD Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- A Russian Su-30SM fighter crashed in Syria, with both pilots having perished in the incident, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.
• Mine Clearance in Syria's Douma to Last for Months, Russian Military Says Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- It will take up to three months to clear mines and other explosives from the recently recaptured town of Douma, east of the Syrian capital, the Russian military estimates.
• Iraqi court sentences eight foreign women to life imprisonment over Daesh links Press TV 03 May 2018 -- A court in Iraq has handed down life terms to eight foreign women over membership in the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group and involvement in acts of terror across the war-ravaged Arab country.
• UN chief denounces terror attack on electoral commission HQ in Libyan capital UN News 03 May 2018 -- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned Wednesday's attack on the electoral commission headquarters in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, and reiterated the world body's commitment to support the country.
• Libya Election Plans Thrown Into Turmoil After Suicide Attack VOA 03 May 2018 -- Various Libyan factions are accusing each other of trying to postpone parliamentary and presidential elections, following the suicide-attack against the headquarters of the country's electoral commission Wednesday in Tripoli. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the bombing, while the military spokesman in the east of the country downplayed that claim.
• Libya Bombing Could Mark IS Resurgence VOA 03 May 2018 -- Wednesday's deadly suicide bombing of Libya's election commission is the most sophisticated terror attack the country has suffered since 2015. And analysts say it underlines the dangers Libya will need to navigate in the months ahead as divided authorities, encouraged by the United Nations, seek to hold a nationwide poll.
• Myanmar forces to screen refugees before delivering aid to Kachin State Press TV 03 May 2018 -- Myanmar government says it will "scrutinize" the identity of refugees in northern Kachin State to ensure insurgents do not receive humanitarian aid after weeks of fighting between the army and an ethnic armed group in the war-torn region.
• New Study Links African Conflict to Lack of Term Limits VOA 03 May 2018 -- This week, Chad's parliament voted to introduce a new constitution that will allow two more terms for President Idriss Deby, who has led the country since 1990. On May 17, Burundians will vote on a constitutional amendment that would enable President Pierre Nkurunziza, president since 2005, to stay in office an additional 16 years.
• UN chief condemns violence in Central African Republic capital Bangui UN News 03 May 2018 -- Voicing concern over inflammatory rhetoric in the wake of widespread violence in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on all actors to remain calm and to work together to bring peace to the country.
• Mozambique Rebel Leader Afonso Dhlakama Dies VOA 03 May 2018 -- Mozambique rebel leader Afonso Dhlakama died Thursday, according to sources with the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO), the country's main opposition party.

News Reports

• Sudan closes 13 diplomatic missions to cut govt. spending, revive ailing economy Press TV 03 May 2018 -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has ordered the closure of 13 overseas diplomatic missions as part of measures to reduce the government's spending, as he is struggling to revitalize the African country's ailing economy in the post-sanction era.
• Disbelief, Optimism Greet Armenian Ruling Party's Vow to Support Opposition Figure VOA 03 May 2018 -- The Armenian ruling party's signal of support for opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan's bid to become interim prime minister has been greeted with disbelief by some on the streets of the capital.
• Armenia's ruling party says new PM would be elected on May 8 Press TV 03 May 2018 -- The head of Armenia's ruling Republican Party has announced that parliament will elect a new prime minister on May 8 as authorities struggle to end weeks of street protests that have gripped the country.
• Armenia Protest Leader Pashinian Officially Named PM Candidate, His Faction Says RFE/RL 03 May 2018 -- Armenian protest leader Nikol Pashinian has been officially nominated as a candidate for the post of prime minister in the upcoming vote on May 8, after he secured the backing of 41 lawmakers in the 105-seat parliament, a member of the Pashinian-led Yelk faction told RFE/RL on May 3.
• Armenia Protest Leader on Course to Become PM VOA 03 May 2018 -- The ruling Republican party of Armenia has indicated it will support the opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan's bid to become the interim Prime Minister in a parliamentary vote scheduled for May 8.
• Activists, Academics Urge Trump Not to Trade Human Rights for Denuclearization in North Korea VOA 03 May 2018 -- As preparations are being made for the U.S. president and North Korea's leader to hold an historic summit, activists and academics are urging Donald Trump not to sacrifice human rights to achieve denuclearization.
• South Korea Developing Economic Projects for North Korea VOA 03 May 2018 -- South Korea is looking into developing and financing economic projects with North Korea that could take effect if a nuclear deal is reached with the United States.
• China 'backs North Korean efforts for denuclearization' Press TV 03 May 2018 -- China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi says his country fully supports North Korea's efforts to bring about denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, some two weeks after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared that Pyongyang would suspend its nuclear and missile tests and dismantle a nuclear test site.
• Kim Jong-un: DPRK Firmly Stands for Denuclearization of Korean Peninsula Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un has met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Pyongyang, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on its official Weibo account.
• North Korea Agrees to Nuclear Inspection, Destroying ICBMs – Reports Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- North Korea has agreed to destroy intercontinental ballistic missiles and will for the first time give inspectors access to its nuclear stockpile, Japanese media reported.
• China: North Korea's Kim Committed to Denuclearization VOA 03 May 2018 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says he is committed to denuclearizing the Korean peninsula, according to China's Foreign Ministry.
• Iran reserves right to respond if US pulls out of JCPOA: Zarif Press TV 03 May 2018 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the Islamic Republic reserves the right to respond should the US, as a party to the 2015 nuclear deal, withdraw from the agreement.
• Russia: US pulling out of JCPOA deprives world of key nonproliferation regime Press TV 03 May 2018 -- Russia has warned of the consequences of a possible US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, saying such a move will deprive the world of one of the key non-proliferation regimes.
• Iran Will Not Renegotiate Nuclear Deal, Foreign Minister Says RFE/RL 03 May 2018 -- Tehran will not renegotiate a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on May 3.
• Iran Stands Firm Against US Bullying Over Nuclear Deal - Foreign Minister Zarif Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- Amid the US threats and to leave Iran nuclear deal and calls from some European nations to amend the agreement, the Iranian foreign minister said on Thursday in an online video that Tehran will not 'renegotiate or add onto' the accords.
• Iran's FM: No Renegotiating Nuclear Deal VOA 03 May 2018 -- Iran's foreign minister said Thursday Iran will not renegotiate a 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers. The statement was made days before President Donald Trump's deadline to decide if the U.S. will remain in the agreement.
• Two killed as bomber hits Pakistan's nuclear agency bus Press TV 03 May 2018 -- At least two people have been killed and several others injured after a bomber on a motorcycle struck a bus carrying employees of Pakistan's nuclear agency, security sources say.
• Pakistan: No Deal With US Over Doctor Who Helped Track Bin Laden VOA 03 May 2018 -- Pakistan denied reports Thursday that it is secretly negotiating a deal for the release and handover to the United States of an imprisoned doctor who helped the CIA hunt down and kill al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden in 2011.
• ETA Militants Remain Responsible for Crimes Despite Dissolution - Spanish PM Sputnik 03 May 2018 -- Members of the Basque guerrilla group ETA still hold responsibility for the crimes the group committed despite that the fact that they recently announced the group's voluntary dissolution, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Thursday.
• Taiwan touts cooperation projects with allies as its diplomatic edge CNA 03 May 2018 -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Thursday that while China is resorting to its economic power to promote diplomacy and suppress Taiwan's international space, Taiwan's advantage is its cooperation projects and growing bilateral trade ties with its diplomatic allies.
• UN agencies urge global action as drought looms over Africa's Sahel region UN News 03 May 2018 -- United Nations agencies have urged greater international support to stave off severe food insecurity in Africa's western Sahel; a region reeling from the effects of conflict and now threatened by drought and rising hunger.
• Zimbabwe Election Campaigns Ask: What about China? VOA 03 May 2018 -- Much of the recent, heated debate surrounding Zimbabwe's coming elections centers on the nation's largest foreign investor, China – and analysts say the conversation is distracting from the real election issue: Zimbabwe's failing economy.