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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF / OND / OEF / OIR / OFS Casualty Update 17 Aug 2018 [PDF]
• Afghan Air Force Strikes Kill 32 Taliban Militants - Reports Sputnik 17 Aug 2018 -- Clashes between the Afghan security forces and the members of the Taliban* radical group erupted in the Qara Bagh district of the country's east-central Ghazni province, TOLOnews reported on Friday, adding that the fighting was still underway. Meanwhile, Afghan Air Force attacked militants in the country's South and West.
• Afghan President Visits Ghazni After Taliban Assault On City RFE/RL 17 Aug 2018 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has visited the city Ghazni, a week after Taliban fighters launched a surprise attack on the strategic provincial capital and captured several neighborhoods.
• Landmines Prevent Aid from Reaching Afghan Civilians in Ghazni VOA 17 Aug 2018 -- The United Nations reports landmines and other explosive devices are making it too dangerous for aid agencies to enter the Afghan city of Ghazni, where civilians there are in need of food and water after nearly a week of intensive fighting.
• Mattis: Ghazni Attack to 'Grab … Attention,' More Violence Likely VOA 17 Aug 2018 -- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has predicted more violent attacks from Taliban fighters in Afghanistan after insurgents failed to seize any of their objectives during a recent attack on Ghazni, the country's second-most populated city.
• Ghani Accuses Pakistan of Treating Wounded Taliban Fighters VOA 17 Aug 2018 -- Afghanistan has alleged hospitals in neighboring Pakistan are receiving and treating Taliban insurgents who had been injured in recent fighting with Afghan forces in the southeastern Ghazni city.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Trump Won't Get His Military Parade Until at Least 2019 VOA 17 Aug 2018 -- The U.S. Defense Department says a military parade that President Donald Trump has called for is being postponed until at least next year.
• Trump's plan for military parade postponed until next year: Pentagon People's Daily 17 Aug 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for a military parade in Washington D.C. has been postponed until at least next year, the Pentagon said on Thursday.
• Trump's military parade estimated to cost 92 mln dollars People's Daily 17 Aug 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's military parade is estimated to cost 92 million dollars, according to a CNBC report on Thursday, quoting an anonymous U.S. defense official.
• Trump postpones military parade planned for November in Washington Press TV 17 Aug 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has postponed until next year plans for a military parade originally slated for November in Washington, DC, citing the increased cost of the event.
• Trump Cancels Military Parade Over Price Tag, Hopes to Hold It Next Year Sputnik 17 Aug 2018 -- On Friday US President Donald Trump said in a statement that he had canceled plans to hold a military parade in Washington, DC after finding out the high cost, despite the Pentagon announcing late Thursday night that it would postpone the event for at least a year due to the price tag.
• Pentagon Postpones Trump Military Parade Planned for November in Washington Sputnik 17 Aug 2018 -- The military parade was planned for November 10, which is the anniversary of the end of World War I. US President Donald Trump requested the parade after he was impressed by one on Bastille Day during his visit to France in July 2017.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis' Meeting with Colombia Minister of Defense Guillermo Botero DoD 17 Aug 2018
• Readout of Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis' Meeting with Colombian President Ivan Duque DoD 17 Aug 2018
• Media Availability by Secretary Mattis En Route Andrews AFB DoD 17 Aug 2018 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis
• US Navy Hospital Ship to Deploy to Colombia VOA 17 Aug 2018 -- The United States is sending a U.S. Navy hospital ship to Colombia to help treat some of the hundreds of thousands of people who have poured over the border fleeing violence in Venezuela.
• Civil Affairs Soldiers Enhance Tanzanian Operations to Counter Illicit Trafficking AFPS 17 Aug 2018 -- Deep in one of the largest countries in East Africa, U.S. Army soldiers have been training Tanzanian game wardens in operations to deter poachers and prevent extremist organizations from profiting from illicit activities.
• US, Iraq, Kuwait Complete Trilateral Exercise NNS 17 Aug 2018 -- The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard completed a trilateral exercise with Iraqi navy and Kuwaiti navy partners in the Northern Arabian Gulf, August 15.
• U.S. Fleet Forces to Hold U.S. 2nd Fleet Establishment Ceremony NNS 17 Aug 2018 -- Adm. Chris Grady, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, will host a ceremony for the establishment of U.S. 2nd Fleet, in which Vice Adm. Andrew Lewis will assume command. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson will preside over the ceremony that will take place aboard aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Aug 24, at 10 a.m. onboard Naval Station Norfolk.
• Carrier Strike Group 12 Embarks Lincoln NNS 17 Aug 2018 -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) embarked its strike group, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, July 2.
• Ronald Reagan Strike Group and JMSDF Conduct Bilateral Training NNS 17 Aug 2018 -- The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG), JS Kirishima, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) personnel from the Commander, Escort Division (CCD) 6 embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) started bilateral training Aug. 14.
• Taiwan's military advantages vs. China waning: U.S. report CNA 17 Aug 2018 -- Taiwan's military advantages are on the wane as Beijing continues to modernize its armed forces and reinforce preparations for a possible conflict in the Taiwan Strait, the United States said in a report on China's military power.
• China Enhanced Overwater Striking Capabilities Targeting US - Pentagon Report Sputnik 17 Aug 2018 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the last three years rapidly developed overwater bombing capabilities and is likely training to conduct strikes against US and allied targets, the Defense Department said in its 2018 China Military Power report.
• Iran top regional power in producing defense technologies IRNA 17 Aug 2018 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran is a superior regional power in manufacturing defense technologies in the Middle East, said the deputy defense minister on Friday.
• Iran to unveil domestic S300 missile system IRNA 17 Aug 2018 -- Iran Deputy Defense Minister for international affairs announced that the domestic version of S300 missile system called 'Bavar 373' which has been designed and implemented will be unveiled by the end of the current Iranian year, (March 20, 2019).
• Iran to Unveil Domestic Version of S-300 Missile System in Spring 2019 - Reports Sputnik 17 Aug 2018 -- Iran will unveil a domestic version of the Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile system, dubbed Bavar 373, by the end of the current Iranian year, meaning by March 20, 2019, local media reported on Friday, citing Iran's deputy defense minister for international affairs.
• Islamabad Confirms US Suspended Pakistani Military Training Aid Sputnik 17 Aug 2018 -- The Pakistani Foreign Ministry officially confirmed on Friday that Washington had stopped training Pakistani military personnel in accordance with a January decision to suspend US financial assistance for Islamabad's security sector.
• Defence Ministers re-affirm Scotland's central role in UK defence UK MOD 17 Aug 2018 -- Tobias Ellwood and Stuart Andrew toured Scotland this week.

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for August 17, 2018

Other Conflicts

• 17 August 2018 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 17 Aug 2018
• Senior UN children's advocate says they "should never be targeted by violence" UN News 17 Aug 2018 -- Reacting to a recent upsurge in violent attacks affecting children, Virginia Gamba, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, called on Friday for those responsible to be held fully accountable.
• UN invites Yemen ex-government, Houthis to Geneva peace talks in September Press TV 17 Aug 2018 -- The United Nations has invited Yemen's former government and the Houthi Ansarullah movement to hold talks in Geneva next month on ways to resolve the country's crisis, a UN spokeswoman says.
• Yemeni civilians trapped as Saudi ramps up attacks on Hudaydah Press TV 17 Aug 2018 -- Thousands of civilians are trapped in Yemen's Hudaydah as Saudi Arabia and allies step up their attacks to capture the port city from the Houthi Ansarullah movement.
• Russia says Syria base attacked by 'sophisticated' drones Press TV 17 Aug 2018 -- Russia says drones used to attack its Hmeimim airbase in Syria are too sophisticated to have been assembled by terrorists and that experts believe terrorists use foreign help to launch the raids which have increased.
• US Redirects $230Mln for Syria Stabilization, to Continue Funding White Helmets Sputnik 17 Aug 2018 -- The United States is redirecting some funding from stabilization efforts in Syria, US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert stated on Friday.
• Syria Stabilization Efforts Continue With Coalition Contributions US Dept. of State 17 Aug 2018 -- The enduring defeat of ISIS is a top priority of this Administration and of the State Department. Our diplomats are working closely with the Department of Defense to support upcoming operations in eastern Syria by the Syrian Democratic Forces, and with Coalition capitals to support stabilization initiatives that enable Syrians to voluntarily and safely return to their homes in Raqqa and other former ISIS strongholds.
• Briefing on the Status of Syria Stabilization Assistance and Ongoing Efforts To Achieve an Enduring Defeat of ISIS US Dept. of State 17 Aug 2018 -- Special Briefing by David M. Satterfield, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, and Brett McGurk, Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition To Counter ISIS, Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition To Counter ISIS
• US Cuts $230 Million to Syria, Ties Future Rebuilding Funds to Peace VOA 17 Aug 2018 -- The United States on Friday announced it was cutting about $230 million in stabilization money to northeast Syria and said future global reconstruction funds for the country will depend on a U.N.-led peace process.
• Treasury Sanctions Commanders and Units of the Burmese Security Forces for Serious Human Rights Abuses US Treasury 17 Aug 2018 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned four Burmese military and Border Guard Police (BGP) commanders and two Burmese military units for their involvement in ethnic cleansing in Burma's Rakhine State and other widespread human rights abuses in Burma's Kachin and Shan States.
• UN Denounces Bosnian Serb Move To Revoke Report On Srebrenica Massacre RFE/RL 17 Aug 2018 -- A top UN official has sharply criticized Bosnian Serb legislators for annulling a government report acknowledging the massacre of thousands of Bosnian Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica.

News Reports

• Trump escalates feud with intelligence officials over Russia collusion Press TV 17 Aug 2018 -- US President Donald Trump has run into a maelstrom of criticism over his decision to revoke the security clearance of former CIA Director John Brennan.
• White House, Kremlin Advisers To Discuss Arms Control, Iran's Role In Syria RFE/RL 17 Aug 2018 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, is expected to discuss arms control treaties and Iran's role in Syria when he meets his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev in Geneva next week.
• North Korean leader lashes out at 'hostile forces' over 'brigandish' sanctions Press TV 17 Aug 2018 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Friday strongly denounced the international sanctions on his country, saying that 'hostile forces' are trying to 'stifle' the North Korean nation by imposing such bans.
• In Iran, Official Spin Challenges Perceived Caspian Setback RFE/RL 17 Aug 2018 -- Senior Iranian officials found themselves in hot water after the recent signing of an eagerly anticipated, five-party deal on the Caspian Sea.
• Imran Khan elected Pakistan's new prime minister Press TV 17 Aug 2018 -- Pakistan's former cricket star Imran Khan has been elected the country's new prime minister following the parliament's approval.
• Pakistani Lawmakers Approve Khan As Prime Minister RFE/RL 17 Aug 2018 -- Pakistani lawmakers has voted to elect former cricket star and longtime politician Imran Khan as the country's next prime minister.
• Pakistan's New Parliament Elects Khan as PM VOA 17 Aug 2018 -- Pakistan's newly-elected National Assembly on Friday formally chose Imran Khan as prime minister, successfully marking second peaceful transition from one democratically elected government to another in the country's 70-year political history, which has been marred by military interventions and turmoils.
• Security Issues Constrain DR Congo Ebola Operation VOA 17 Aug 2018 -- The World Health Organization says security issues could hamper efforts to contain an Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak is in conflict-ridden North Kivu province, where some areas are too dangerous for health care workers to go.
• Ebola Outbreak Death Toll in DRC Rises - UN Spokesman Sputnik 17 Aug 2018 -- The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has increased to 44 people, United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a news briefing on Friday.
• Child victims of DRC Ebola outbreak need 'special attention and care': UNICEF UN News 17 Aug 2018 -- An ongoing deadly Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has particularly affected children, the UN's children agency, UNICEF, said on Friday.
• UN chief encourages victims of terrorism to 'raise up their voices' UN News 17 Aug 2018 -- Victims of terror attacks have and important and powerful role to play in combatting the "global menace" the United Nations chief said on Friday, launching an exhibition at UN Headquarters in New York to commemorate the first International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
• Beijing urged to cherish peace in Taiwan Strait CNA 17 Aug 2018 -- Taiwan called on Beijing Friday to cherish the hard-earned peace and stability between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and in the region.
• China: Turkey can overcome 'temporary' economic crisis Press TV 17 Aug 2018 -- China says Turkey will overcome its "temporary" economic crisis, arguing that a "stable" Turkey plays a major role in maintaining "regional peace and stability."
• US ready to hit Turkey with more sanction if pastor not released: Mnuchin Press TV 17 Aug 2018 -- The US has warned that it is ready to impose more sanctions on Turkey if Ankara refuses to release a jailed American pastor; a threat that is likely to draw more harsh reactions from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry Believes Turkey Can Overcome Temporary Economic Strife Sputnik 17 Aug 2018 -- China is certain that Turkey will overcome its "temporary economic difficulties" caused by the recent US decision to increase tariffs on imported Turkish metals, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said on Friday.
• Turkey to Retaliate if US Slaps on More Sanctions - Minister Sputnik 17 Aug 2018 -- On Thursday US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, amid the continuous deterioration of bilateral ties between the US and Turkey, announced that a new set of sanctions will be imposed upon Ankara if American pastor Andrew Brunson, held on terrorism charges in Turkey, is not released.
• 100 Days: Walking A Fine Line, Armenians Still On 'Revolution' High RFE/RL 17 Aug 2018 -- Three months after a "Velvet Revolution" of sorts toppled President Serzh Sarkisian and brought opposition leader Nikol Pashinian to power, Armenians remain optimistic about the future.
• Pashinian Supporters Rally In Yerevan On 100th Day In Office RFE/RL 17 Aug 2018 -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has rallied tens of thousands of supporters in central Yerevan's Republic Square to mark his first 100 days in office, calling it a "demonstration of national unity."
• Tajik President Makes Bridge-Building Visit To Uzbekistan RFE/RL 17 Aug 2018 -- Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has visited Uzbekistan for talks seen as an important step toward mending a tense and complicated bilateral relationship.
• Maduro Regime Crackdown Following August 4 Incident US Dept. of State 17 Aug 2018 -- The United States condemns the political violence that occurred on August 4, and urges the Maduro regime to respect the rule of law, exercise restraint, and safeguard the presumption of innocence for all accused.