Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• 3rd SFAB and Kurdish Peshmerga work side by side to defeat threats CENTCOM 24 Feb 2020 -- In the Makmuhr mountains of northern Iraq where fighters for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria are regrouping and reforming, the Kurdish Peshmerga operate a small military base close to a series of lookout posts where ISIS fighters have attempted to infiltrate Iraq's Kurdistan region.
• US forces detain tribal fighters leader affiliated to Hashd al-Sha'abi in western Iraq Press TV 24 Feb 2020 -- US military forces have reportedly conducted an operation and arrested a leader of tribal fighters affiliated to the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), better known by the Arabic name Hashad al-Sha'abi, in the country's western province of Anbar.
• At Least Six Killed In Afghanistan Despite 'Reduction Of Violence' Deal RFE/RL 24 Feb 2020 -- Afghan officials say at least six people have been killed in a Taliban attack in the northern Balkh Province, amid a weeklong "reduction of violence" agreed between the United States and the Taliban.
• Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM target al-Shabaab AFRICOM 24 Feb 2020 -- In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab terrorist in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, Feb. 24.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Oregon National Guard begins multinational exercise Army News 24 Feb 2020 -- The 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon Army National Guard, began the multinational training exercise Jungleer Enterprise (JE) with 10 partner countries Feb. 24 to prepare Soldiers for the Kosovo Force 27 NATO peacekeeping mission.
• Future Soldiers may get improved helmet padding Army News 24 Feb 2020 -- Army researchers and industry partners recently published a study showing how they developed new materials and manufacturing methods to create higher performing helmet padding that reduces the likelihood of head injury in combat and recreational helmets.
• Department of Defense Informational Session on Traumatic Brain Injury DoD 24 Feb 2020 -- Principal Director for Military Community and Family Policy Joseph Ludovici and Joint Staff Surgeon Air Force Brigadier General Paul Friedrichs
• Blue Ridge, 7th Fleet Staff Arrive in Thailand NNS 24 Feb 2020 -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), along with the embarked 7th Fleet staff, arrived in Laem Chabang, Thailand, for a scheduled port visit as part of their continuing mission of relationship-building in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Future USS Delbert D. Black Completes Builders Trials NNS 24 Feb 2020 -- The future USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) successfully completed Builder's trials Feb. 22 after spending three days underway in the Gulf of Mexico. The trials were conducted by the shipbuilder, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), Ingalls Shipbuilding Division.
• USNS Newport (EPF 12) Launched NNS 24 Feb 2020 -- The U.S. Navy's 12th Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessel, the future USNS Newport (EPF 12), was launched at Austal USA's shipyard, Feb. 20.
• U.S. would take military action if China attacks Taiwan: Bernie Sanders CNA 24 Feb 2020 -- United States Senator Bernie Sanders, who is vying for the Democratic Party's nomination for president, said Sunday that if elected, he would be prepared to take military action if China attacked Taiwan.
• Joint Press Briefing by Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper and ROK Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo DoD 24 Feb 2020 -- Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper; Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo
• Pentagon Has 'No Plans to Redeploy THAAD' in South Korea - Defense Secretary Esper Sputnik 24 Feb 2020 -- US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper announced Monday that the US does not currently have plans to redeploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) launchers in South Korea.
• Esper Urges South Korea to Contribute More to Its Defense DoD News 24 Feb 2020 -- Though the U.S.-South Korea alliance remains strong, South Korea must bear a more proportional share of the cost of maintaining its security, Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper said.
• China's military manufacturing unlikely impacted by semiconductor ban: insiders Global Times 24 Feb 2020 -- As 42 countries including the US are reportedly planning to restrict weapon-capable semiconductor parts exports in a move to prevent technologies from "leaking" to China, insiders said on Monday that the restriction will unlikely hinder development of China's military manufacturing, but will only further promote the country's independent efforts in the sector.
• China participates in largest joint military exercise in Southeast Asia Global Times 24 Feb 2020 -- The Chinese military has arrived in Thailand and will participate in the 2020 Cobra Gold multilateral joint military drills, the largest joint military exercise in Southeast Asia which will be led by Thailand and the US, starting Tuesday.
• PLA participates in Cobra Gold-2020 military exercise in Thailand PLA Daily 24 Feb 2020 -- Chinese troops participating in Cobra Gold-2020 joint military exercise left Kunming in southwest China by a transport aircraft of the PLA Air Force and arrived at U-Tapao Airport, Thailand on February 23.
• UK govt. under barrage of criticism for secretly inking nuclear deal with US Press TV 24 Feb 2020 -- The UK government has come under criticism after it transpired that the country has secretly committed itself to buying a new generation of nuclear warheads from the United States to replace Trident, a deal which will cost Britain billions of pounds.
• Boris Johnson leaps to Priti Patel's defence in her conflict with MI5 Press TV 24 Feb 2020 -- Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has denied a damaging rift with MI5 bosses who are reportedly concerned about her foreign connections and aggressive leadership style.
• Trump Announces Military Deal With India, Expresses Optimism For Trade Pact VOA 24 Feb 2020 -- President Donald Trump said Monday the United States will sign an agreement to sell $3 billion worth of U.S. helicopters and other equipment to India's military.
• Serbia Receives Delivery Of Russian Antiaircraft Systems Despite U.S. Sanction Threats RFE/RL 24 Feb 2020 -- Serbia has over the weekend received a delivery of Russian-made Pantsir S1 air-defense systems, despite warnings of possible U.S. sanctions against the Balkan state, which is seeking membership to the European Union.
• Iran made no cuts to defense budgets despite US sanctions: Top commander Press TV 24 Feb 2020 -- A top Iranian military commander has refuted claims made by the administration of US President Donald Trump that Tehran had cut its defense budgets due to Washington's "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic Republic.
• US Provides Ukraine $1.5Mln to Improve Special Forces Training Facilities - Embassy Sputnik 24 Feb 2020 -- The United States has provided Ukraine $1.5 million in assistance to improve training facilities for special operations forces, the US embassy in Kiev said on Monday.
• Remarks by President Trump at a Namaste Trump Rally The White House 24 Feb 2020

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 24, 2020

Other Conflicts

• 24 February 2020 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 24 Feb 2020
• Israeli warplanes pound Gaza amid rising tensions with Palestinians Press TV 24 Feb 2020 -- Israeli warplanes have conducted new airstrikes against targets across the besieged Gaza Strip with local Palestinian media reports saying a drone and military jets were involved in the air raid.
• With Gaza violence 'escalating as we speak,' UN envoy calls for 'immediate stop' UN News 24 Feb 2020 -- It is no longer enough to reaffirm past agreements on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to a senior UN envoy, who said on Monday that it is time to "find our way back to a mutually agreed mediation framework" to resume meaningful negotiations towards a two-State solution.
• Several Turkish forces killed in Syrian-Russian strikes in Idlib: SOHR Press TV 24 Feb 2020 -- At least 10 Turkish army soldiers have reportedly been killed or injured following joint airstrikes launched by the Syrian and Russian air forces in Syria's embattled northwestern province of Idlib.
• Turkish Casualties Rise in Syria, but Ankara Wary of Confronting Russia VOA 24 Feb 2020 -- Turkish forces have suffered more casualties in the latest round of fighting in Syria's northwestern Idlib province. But despite Russia backing Syrian government forces in the ongoing attacks on Turkish forces, Ankara has refrained from confronting Moscow – a sign, analysts suggest, of the considerable economic leverage Russia retains over Turkey.
• Russia Denies Its Air Forces Hit Villages of Kansafra and Al-Bara in Idlib Sputnik 24 Feb 2020 -- The London based monitor claimed on Monday that air strikes by the Russian Air Force resulted in the deaths of five civilians.
• Syrian army continues anti-terror operation in Idlib, liberates more villages Press TV 24 Feb 2020 -- Syrian government forces, supported by allied fighters from popular defense groups, have continued their operation against foreign-sponsored Takfiri militants in the country's embattled northwestern province of Idlib, liberating more areas from the grip of the extremists.
• Syrian air defenses confront Israeli missile attack Press TV 24 Feb 2020 -- Syrian air defenses have intercepted Israeli missiles targeting the capital city of Damascus.
• UN says Libya's warring sides propose ceasefire proposal in Geneva Press TV 24 Feb 2020 -- The warring sides in Libya have proposed a draft agreement for ceasefire that could turn a frequently-violated fragile truce into a lasting deal and would see the United Nations monitor the safe return of the displaced people in the country, the UN says.
• Libyan National Army Claims Turkish Arms Making Their Way Into Terrorist Hands Via Misrata Port Sputnik 24 Feb 2020 -- Turkish President Erdogan confirmed Saturday that "several" Turkish servicemen had been killed fighting Libyan National Army Commander Khalifa Haftar's forces. On Sunday, regional media said as many as 16 Turkish troops and over 100 mercenaries transported to Libya from Syria had died fighting for the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord.
• Rohingya Displaced Since 2012 Myanmar Communal Riots Face Bleak Prospects Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2020 -- Rohingya Muslims displaced by communal violence with ethnic Rakhine Buddhists across western Myanmar's beleaguered Rakhine state nearly eight years ago say prospects for the betterment of their lives look dimmer than ever as they still live in near-apartheid conditions.
• Armenia, Azerbaijan Trade Accusations Over Deadly Border Fighting RFE/RL 24 Feb 2020 -- YEREVAN/BAKU -- Azerbaijan and Armenia have accused each other of violating the fragile cease-fire along their border.
• Trump Says Would Be 'Great Thing' For Russia, Ukraine To Reconcile RFE/RL 24 Feb 2020 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has said he would like to see rivals Russia and Ukraine mend ties in their ongoing geopolitical feud, which includes accusations by Kyiv that Moscow is fomenting a separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine by leading, supplying, and fighting alongside proxy forces.

News Reports

• New Russian PM's Rise Shines Spotlight On Purported Friend's Mysterious Wealth RFE/RL 24 Feb 2020 -- Russia has a rising business star in Aleksandr Udodov, an entrepreneur whose apparent success is driven by savvy investments, financial smarts, and a sense of patriotism.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on February 24, 2020 PRC MofA 24 Feb 2020
• Chinese Parliament Delays Annual Meeting Over Coronavirus Outbreak Sputnik 24 Feb 2020 -- China is the epicentre of the novel strain of pneumonia-like virus, known as SARS-CoV-2. The country has put extensive travel restrictions in place to curb the spread of the virus; Monday's move is the first time the parliamentary session has been delayed in decades.
• China's top legislature approves postponement of annual legislative session, thorough ban on illegal wildlife trade Global Times 24 Feb 2020 -- China's top legislature approves postponement of annual legislative session, thorough ban on illegal wildlife trade
• China Postpones Annual Parliament As Coronavirus Spreads in Beijing Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2020 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party on Monday said an annual meeting of the country's rubber-stamp parliament would be postponed amid the ongoing coronavirus epidemic, which has now seen nearly 80,000 cases confirmed globally, along with more than 2,500 deaths.
• National security law drive launched in HK Global Times 24 Feb 2020 -- An online signature drive to push for national security legislation - passing Article 23 of the Basic Law - in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) began on Sunday, with the initiator saying there is an urgent need for the city to pass the law because separatists and anti-government forces are using the epidemic to harm the security of the country, the stability of the city, and public health.
• Xi stresses unremitting efforts in COVID-19 control, coordination on economic, social development People's Daily 24 Feb 2020 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday stressed unremitting efforts in the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic and coordination in advancing economic and social development.
• Party Propaganda Machine Wants 'Heartwarming' Tales From Virus-Hit Central China Radio Free Asia 24 Feb 2020 -- The ruling Chinese Communist Party is cracking down on earlier signs of original news reporting coming out of Wuhan, the central Chinese city worst-hit by the coronavirus epidemic, replacing frontline video on social media with government-approved narratives about brave "heroes" on the front line.
• Xi stresses orderly resumption of work, production People's Daily 24 Feb 2020 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Sunday stressed orderly resumption of work and production, with specific requirements made to that end.
• Joint Commission of Iran nuclear deal to convene in Vienna Wednesday: EU Press TV 24 Feb 2020 -- The remaining parties to a landmark nuclear deal signed in 2015 between Iran and six world powers are to hold a Joint Commission meeting in Vienna on Wednesday, the EU's diplomatic service says.
• Iraqi legislators schedule confidence vote for new government Press TV 24 Feb 2020 -- Iraqi lawmakers say they will hold a vote-of-confidence session for Prime Minister-designate Mohammad Tawfiq Allawi later this week, following months of intense protests accusing the former government of corruption and mismanagement.
• Malaysia PM resigns, plunging country into turmoil Press TV 24 Feb 2020 -- In a shock move, Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad says he has submitted his resignation to the country's monarch, leaving the fate of the government in doubt amid talks on the formation of a new coalition administration.
• Constitutional Amendments In Turkmenistan Indicate Possible Succession Plan RFE/RL 24 Feb 2020 -- ASHGABAT -- Turkmenistan has published a draft bill on constitutional amendments that offers a possible succession road map for the leadership in one of the most isolated countries in the world.
• Kyrgyz Government Cancels $275 Million Chinese Project Amid Protests RFE/RL 24 Feb 2020 -- BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan's government has announced a decision to cancel a $275 million Chinese investment project in the eastern part of the country following mass protests against it.