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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• US Tells Afghan Leaders Future Is 'On Their Shoulders' VOA 11 Aug 2021 -- With each new victory claimed by the Taliban, the message from Washington to the Afghan government in Kabul becomes more pointed: The failure to blunt the Taliban's military offensive rests on you.
• Taliban Seize Provincial Airports as They Consolidate Gains in Afghanistan VOA 11 Aug 2021 -- Taliban insurgents Wednesday captured airports in the Afghan provinces of Farah and Kunduz as they consolidate control and U.S. troops complete their withdrawal from Afghanistan by the end of the month.
• Pakistan Scrambles to Defend Afghan Peace-Related Initiatives VOA 11 Aug 2021 -- Top civilian and security officials in Pakistan say they "are trying very hard" to persuade Afghanistan's Taliban to negotiate an end to the war with rival Afghans, pushing back against charges Islamabad is behind the Islamist insurgency's battlefield victories.
• U.S. Maintains Afghan Support as Security Situation Deteriorates DoD News 11 Aug 2021 -- The security situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating, Pentagon officials said, and U.S. officials are monitoring the situation in the country.
• U.S. Says No Afghan Outcome 'Inevitable' As Taliban Captures Strategic Targets In North RFE/RL Gandhara 11 Aug 2021 -- The Taliban has captured a major military base, airport, and prison in the strategic northern city of Kunduz after the surrender there of hundreds of Afghan troops, while President Ashraf Ghani replaced the army chief of staff and traveled to a key regional hub to rally local defenses.
• Intl meeting begins on Afghan peace; China could play 'bigger role' to mediate Global Times 11 Aug 2021 -- The Afghan government and the Taliban were trading blame over the issue of "seriousness" for peace talks at the extended troika meeting attended by diplomats from China, Russia, Pakistan and the US, which kicked off in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.
• Ninth provincial capital falls to Taliban as thousands flee northern Afghanistan Press TV 11 Aug 2021 -- As the Taliban militant group continues to make rapid advances across Afghanistan, the militants have captured another provincial capital in the northern part of the war-ravaged country, taking the number of cities they have seized since Friday to nine in the latest setback for the Afghan government.
• Pentagon: Taliban Believes It Can Seize Control of Afghanistan By Force Contrary to Earlier Pledges Sputnik 11 Aug 2021 -- The continued advance by the Taliban movement* is evidence its leaders believe they can retake control of Afghanistan by force rather than engaging in negotiation, US Defense Department spokesperson John Kirby said on Wednesday.
• Afghan Government Sacks Army Chief Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai After Taliban's Wins Sputnik 11 Aug 2021 -- Wali Mohammad Ahmadzai was appointed Afghanistan's army chief in June this year as part of a shake-up of the war-ravaged nation's security structure. The Taliban* claimed control over its ninth provincial capital on Tuesday in the past six days. However, reports suggest Afghan forces retook Farah city from the Taliban on Wednesday.
• Afghan Foreign Minister Calls on International Community to Sanction Taliban Sputnik 11 Aug 2021 -- Afghan Foreign Minister Haneef Atmar calls on international community to put pressure on the Taliban* by reinstating sanctions against the Islamic movement as the group accelerates its offensive in Afghanistan.
• Afghan President Ghani Arrives in Mazar-i-Sharif to Discuss Security Issues, Spokesman Says Sputnik 11 Aug 2021 -- Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has arrived in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of the northern Balkh province, to discuss security issues, a presidential spokesperson said.
• 'Hundreds' of Afghan Soldiers Allegedly Surrender to Taliban Outside Kunduz Sputnik 11 Aug 2021 -- Afghan government forces have managed to retake control of Farah, the capital of the eponymous province in the country's southwest.

Defense Policy / Programs

• 405th AFSB, Deutsche Bahn test new rail car with M1 Abrams tank, Bradley fighting vehicles Army News 11 Aug 2021 -- The size and weight of Army combat equipment and vehicles can be a challenge in the European theater of operations, especially during transport. The newest M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank – fielded in 2020 – for example, is heavier than its predecessors, weighing in at more than 73 tons.
• Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby Holds a Press Briefing DoD 11 Aug 2021
• General Says Sensors Pinpointing Missile Threats Worldwide Are Critical Capability DoD News 11 Aug 2021 -- Detection of missile threats on a global scale is perhaps the number one capability needed by the Defense Department because if a missile cannot be identified, it can't be destroyed, the vice chairman of the joint chiefs of staff said.
• DOD, Israel Host Indoor Autonomous Maneuver Technologies Challenge DoD News 11 Aug 2021 -- The Defense Department, the Israel Defense Ministry and the Merage Institute are holding a Mobile Standoff Autonomous Indoor Capabilities, or MoSAIC, challenge to advance innovative technological solutions for remote, autonomous indoor maneuver.
• Gulf of Guinea Partners Complete Maritime Security Exercise US Navy 11 Aug 2021 -- The Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) conducted a combined maritime security capabilities exercise with the Nigerian Navy, the Spanish Navy, and members of Ghana's Special Boat Squadron (SBS), Aug. 11, 2021.
• JS Makinami Directs Force During Combined, and Joint Battle Problem US Navy 11 Aug 2021 -- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Makinami (DD 112) took charge as Sea Combat Commander (SCC) during Combined and Joint Battle Problem (CJBP) Aug. 5-10 alongside the USS America (LHA 6) Expeditionary Strike Group and the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) and HMAS Canberra (L 02).
• Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness as safe, effective deterrent US Air Force 11 Aug 2021 -- Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test re-entry vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Aug. 11, demonstrating the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and providing confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent.
• US $10B secret military, intelligence contract awarded to Amazon Press TV 11 Aug 2021 -- American multinational technology company Amazon has managed to clinch a $10B secret military contract with the the National Security Agency (NSA).
• U.S., Russian Defense Chiefs Talk By Phone About 'Strategic Stability' RFE/RL 11 Aug 2021 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, have spoken by telephone about ongoing "strategic stability" talks launched last month after a recent presidential summit.
• Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Call With Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Shoygu DoD 11 Aug 2021
• Russia Wraps Up Drills With Uzbek And Tajik Troops Near Afghan Border RFE/RL Gandhara 11 Aug 2021 -- Russia completed joint military exercises with troops from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on August 10 as the Taliban gains control of much of northern Afghanistan bordering Moscow's Central Asian allies.
• Iran air defense won't overlook slightest act of aggression: Commander Press TV 11 Aug 2021 -- Commander of Iran's Air Defense Force Brigadier General Alireza Sabahi-Fard says the force is keeping "a watchful eye" on Iran's strategic regions and will not allow any act of aggression by the enemy to go unnoticed.
• Taiwan F-16 fighter jet loses canopy during training mission; pilot safe CNA 11 Aug 2021 -- One of Taiwan's F-16V fighter jets was able to land safely at Chiayi Air Base on Wednesday, after its canopy fell off suddenly during a training mission, according to the Air Force.
• Taiwan, U.S. discuss maritime cooperation CNA 11 Aug 2021 -- Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) and its American counterpart held a first ever Coast Guard Working Group (CGWG) meeting Wednesday to advance joint maritime cooperation.
• Proposed National Guard-Taiwan partnership will boost island's defense: U.S. senator CNA 11 Aug 2021 -- United States Senator Tammy Duckworth on Tuesday said her proposed partnership program between the U.S. National Guard and Taiwan's armed forces would help strengthen the island's defense capabilities.
• Ukraine asks for US missile systems, troops; Russia warns of retaliation Press TV 11 Aug 2021 -- Ukraine has called on the United States to send troops and anti-missile systems to the country, in a controversial move that has prompted Russia to warn of retaliation.
• Kiev's Statements on Deploying US Air Defence Systems in Ukraine Provocative, Moscow Says Sputnik 11 Aug 2021 -- Kiev's statements about the possibility of deploying US air defence systems in Ukraine are provocative and do not meet the interests of its people, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.
• Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on the Need for Reliable and Stable Global Energy Markets The White House 11 Aug 2021
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, August 11, 2021 The White House 11 Aug 2021
• Department Press Briefing – August 11, 2021 US Dept. of State 11 Aug 2021

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Aug. 11, 2021

Other Conflicts

• 11 August 2021 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 11 Aug 2021
• Iraqi Refugees Alarmed at Increasing Violence at Syria's Al-Hol Camp VOA 11 Aug 2021 -- Iraqi refugees at the al-Hol camp in northeast Syria are voicing concerns about the growing violence inside the camp, which hosts thousands of people, including families of Islamic State (IS) foreign fighters.
• Libyans launch new round of political talks led by UN ahead of elections Press TV 11 Aug 2021 -- Delegates from Libya have launched a new round of UN-led talks aiming to reach a compromise ahead of planned elections in December.
• BBC Investigation Exposes Extent Of Russian Mercenary Involvement In Libya RFE/RL 11 Aug 2021 -- A journalistic investigation has brought new insights into the "key" role of a Russian military contractor in the civil war in Libya, including links to war crimes and Russia's military.
• Tibetan Students Offered Military Training For a Break on School Fees Radio Free Asia 11 Aug 2021 -- Tibetan students ages 18-21 are being offered reimbursement of their school fees in exchange for enrolling in a two-year course of military training, as tensions continue to rise along the region's border with India, Tibetan sources say.
• Chinese Authorities in Tibet Cancel Annual Horse Race Festival Over COVID Concerns Radio Free Asia 11 Aug 2021 -- Chinese authorities in Tibet have arrested 110 Tibetans on suspicion of sharing videos of preparations for a local horse racing festival they ordered canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, sources in Tibet told RFA.
• Arrests of Palestinian rights defenders part of 'wider crackdown' UN News 11 Aug 2021 -- Israel must safeguard human rights activists in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and within its borders, a UN-appointed expert said on Wednesday.

News Reports

• ICYMI: ICE Discovers Sophisticated Subterranean Tunnel in California Near U.S.-Mexico Border DHS 11 Aug 2021 -- Last week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, working with Mexican authorities, discovered a 183-foot long subterranean tunnel in Mexicali, Baja California, near the international border.
• WHO supports Guinea after detection of first-ever case of Marburg disease UN News 11 Aug 2021 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting Guinea following a confirmed death from Marburg virus disease, the first known case in the country and West Africa, the UN agency reported on Wednesday.
• Sudan Appears Ready to Hand Over Ex-leader to ICC VOA 11 Aug 2021 -- Sudan's civilian Cabinet has resolved to turn former President Omar al-Bashir and other ex-officials over to the International Criminal Court to face multiple charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to a statement obtained by VOA from the Sudan News Agency.
• Sudan to hand over Omar al-Bashir to International Criminal Court Press TV 11 Aug 2021 -- Sudan's foreign minister says the country will hand over former President Omar al-Bashir and other officials wanted over 'genocide' charges and war crimes in the Darfur region to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• Sudan to Extradite Ousted President Omar Al-Bashir to International Criminal Court Sputnik 11 Aug 2021 -- The former president of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, was deposed and imprisoned in 2019 after a wave of devastating protests as well as accusations of illegally stealing millions in cash. The International Criminal Court (ICC) brought charges of genocide and other crimes against humanity that reportedly took place during the Sudanese civil war.
• Germany Arrests British Embassy Worker Accused of Spying for Russia VOA 11 Aug 2021 -- German authorities said Wednesday that they had arrested a British citizen and accused him of spying for Russia while working at the British Embassy in Berlin.
• Arrest of British embassy worker in Germany draws attention to MI5 failure Press TV 11 Aug 2021 -- The arrest of a British embassy worker in Germany on suspicion of selling secrets to Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) is a major embarrassment to the British Security Service (MI5), not least because the drama is unfolding at a delicate time in Anglo-Russian relations.
• Germany arrests Briton suspected of 'spying for Russia' Press TV 11 Aug 2021 -- A British embassy worker has been arrested in Germany on suspicion of spying for Russia, following a joint operation by German and British authorities.
• UK Citizen Suspected of Spying for Russian Intelligence Detained in Germany Sputnik 11 Aug 2021 -- The arrest was made on 10 August in the German city of Potsdam, with searches having been carried out in the suspect's apartment and workplace.
• Navalny Could Face More Jail Time As Russia Announces New Criminal Charge RFE/RL 11 Aug 2021 -- Russian authorities have charged Aleksei Navalny with an additional crime, a move that could prolong the jailed opposition politician's stay behind bars if he is convicted.
• Russian Investigative Committee Brings New Charges Against Navalny Sputnik 11 Aug 2021 -- The Russian Investigative Committee brought new charges against already convicted opposition figure Alexey Navalny, the committee's spokeswoman, Svetlana Petrenko, said on Wednesday.
• U.S. Appoints Energy Adviser To Implement Nord Stream 2 Agreement RFE/RL 11 Aug 2021 -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has appointed former diplomat Amos Hochstein as senior adviser on energy security with a focus on measures to "reduce the risks" posed by the German-Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline and support energy security in Eastern Europe.
• Statement by the Prime Minister on the verdict of Michael Spavor Canda - Prime Minister 11 Aug 2021
• Sentencing of Canadian Citizen Michael Spavor US Dept. of State 11 Aug 2021 -- "We stand with the international community in calling for the People's Republic of China (PRC) to release, immediately and unconditionally, Canadian citizens Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig."
• China Jails Canadian Businessman Michael Spavor For 11 Years on 'Spying' Charges Radio Free Asia 11 Aug 2021 -- Another Canadian national detained by the Chinese authorities days after the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver has been handed an 11-year jail term by a court in the northeastern province of Liaoning on spying charges.
• China Sentences Canadian to 11 Years on Spying Charges VOA 11 Aug 2021 -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the 11-year prison sentence handed down by a Chinese court to businessman Michael Spavor is "absolutely unacceptable and unjust."
• US Calls on China to Release 'Immediately and Unconditionally' Canadians Accused of Spying Sputnik 11 Aug 2021 -- Earlier, Canadian Michael Spavor was sentenced to 11 years in prison by a Chinese court on spying charges.
• EU Says China Breached Canadian Spy Convict Spavor's Right to Fair Trial Sputnik 11 Aug 2021 -- The European Union accused China on Wednesday of flouting international human rights laws when trying Canadian businessman Michael Spavor on spying charges.
• Canadian businessman jailed for 11 years for spying in verdict showing China's resolve to safeguard judicial integrity Global Times 11 Aug 2021 -- A court in China on Wednesday sentenced Canadian businessman Michael Spavor to 11 years for foreign espionage and the illegal provision of state secrets, a day after the death sentence of a convicted Canadian drug trafficker was upheld, in what analysts called a clear show of China's resolve and determination to safeguard its independent judicial system and national interests despite baseless attacks and mounting pressure from the West.
• Hong Kong to amend bill to ban online insults to Chinese national flag, emblem Global Times 11 Aug 2021 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government introduced a draft amendment to the National Flag and National Emblem Bill to the Legislative Council (LegCo) on Wednesday. The bill would ban online insults to the Chinese national flag or emblem, and extend the prosecution to up to two years, local media said.
• Carrie Lam supports adopting anti-foreign sanctions law in Hong Kong People's Daily 11 Aug 2021 -- Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam said Tuesday that the HKSAR government supports the inclusion of the anti-foreign sanctions law in Annex III to the HKSAR Basic Law.
• Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union decides to disband People's Daily 11 Aug 2021 -- The Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union (PTU), a group that has long engaged in anti-China and trouble-making activities, said Tuesday that it has decided to disband and has stopped recruiting new members or extending memberships with immediate effect.
• Banning Mongolian From Kindergartens Part of China's 'Cultural Genocide': Activists Radio Free Asia 11 Aug 2021 -- Plans by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to extend compulsory Mandarin teaching to preschoolers across the country are part of an ongoing process of "cultural genocide" in the northern region of Inner Mongolia and in other regions of China with specific cultures, commentators told RFA on Wednesday
• Beijing's spat with Lithuania could affect EU-China ties: spokeswoman CNA 11 Aug 2021 -- The European Union (EU) has called China's recall of its ambassador to Lithuania amid a dispute over the EU member state's approach to Taiwan regrettable and said it could affect EU-China relations.
• U.S. backs Lithuania in spat with China over Taiwan office CNA 11 Aug 2021 -- The U.S. State Department on Tuesday said it "stand(s) in solidarity" with Lithuania amid a dispute with China over the Baltic state's decision to allow Taiwan to open a representative office there using the name "Taiwan."
• Mainland spokesperson warns against DPP's collusion with external forces to seek "independence" People's Daily 11 Aug 2021 -- Any attempt by Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority to seek "Taiwan independence" by colluding with external forces is futile and doomed to fail, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.
• DPP's collusion with external forces will hurt their own interests: spokesperson People's Daily 11 Aug 2021 -- The Democratic Progressive Party authority's collusion with external forces to seek "Taiwan independence" will only end up hurting their own interests, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said Tuesday.
• Commentary: Lithuania playing with fire on Taiwan People's Daily 11 Aug 2021 -- Lithuania is playing with fire by violating the one-China principle regarding Taiwan.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Remarks on China's Recall of its Ambassador to Lithuania PRC MofA 11 Aug 2021
• US-South Korea war games: North Korea warns of 'serious security crisis' Press TV 11 Aug 2021 -- North Korea warns the United States and South Korea of risking a "serious security crisis" by choosing to escalate tensions as the two allies gear up to conduct joint military drills on the troubled Korean Peninsula.
• North Korea Ignores Seoul's Hotline Calls for Second Straight Day, Reports Say Sputnik 11 Aug 2021 -- North Korea has been snubbing Seoul's phone calls via the inter-Korean lines for a second day in a row after harsh criticism of upcoming South Korea-US joint drills, the Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday.
• N. Korea Returns to 'Old Playbook' of Confrontation, Dialogue VOA 11 Aug 2021 -- In June, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered his country to prepare for both "dialogue and confrontation" with the United States. It didn't take long for the U.S. and its ally South Korea to experience both sides of that directive.
• Iran's Raisi Presents Cabinet, Names Hard-Liner As Foreign Minister RFE/RL 11 Aug 2021 -- New Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has named an anti-Western diplomat as foreign minister as he presented a cabinet dominated by hard-liners, state TV reported.
• Iran's Next Foreign Minister: A Diplomat With An 'IRGC Attitude' RFE/RL 11 Aug 2021 -- Some say the next Iranian foreign minister's views are as hawkish as the fiercest hard-line elements within Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and that improving relations with Western countries will be difficult.
• Iran Accused Of Using 'Ruthless' Force To Crush Peaceful Protests RFE/RL 11 Aug 2021 -- Amnesty International says Iran's security forces have resorted to unlawful use of force to "ruthlessly" crackdown on mainly peaceful protesters who have taken to the streets across the country over the past weeks.
• Special Envoy to Restive Myanmar Draws Mixed Reception VOA 11 Aug 2021 -- Myanmar's shadow government says it welcomes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' appointment of a special envoy to help resolve the country's post-coup crisis even as some rights groups reject the choice and regional lawmakers raise concerns.
• Belarus tells US to cut embassy staff due to 'hostile actions' Press TV 11 Aug 2021 -- Belarus has told the United States embassy in Minsk to reduce its staff against the backdrop of the latest sanctions imposed by Washington, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry says.
• Belarus Tells U.S. To Reduce Embassy Staff, Rejects Ambassador RFE/RL 11 Aug 2021 -- The regime of authoritarian Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka has responded to the latest round of U.S. sanctions by requesting Washington to reduce its embassy staff in Minsk to five people by September 1.
• Treasury and Commerce Reiterate Commitment to Supporting Internet Freedom in Cuba US Treasury 11 Aug 2021 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued a fact sheet underscoring the U.S. government's commitment to supporting internet freedom in Cuba, following the Cuban regime's attempts to silence protests in July. The fact sheet highlights the most relevant exemptions and authorizations within the Cuba program that support the provision of certain internet and related telecommunications services to Cuba.
• Whistleblower website sheds light on bin Salman's latest purge Press TV 11 Aug 2021 -- A whistleblower website says the most recent purge ordered by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman actually centered on those of the country's servicemen, whom the royal suspected of allegiance to his ill-fated predecessor Mohammed bin Nayef.
• Global climate objectives fall short without nuclear power in the mix: UNECE UN News 11 Aug 2021 -- The urgent need to reduce emissions and slow global heating, should involve the roll-out of more nuclear power stations, regional UN energy experts argued in a new briefing on Wednesday.
• Kyrgyzstan Allows Fugitive Ex-President Akaev To Return In Attempt To Bolster Case For Gold Mine RFE/RL 11 Aug 2021 -- Kyrgyzstan is in an international ownership dispute over a very lucrative gold mine and the government has shown it's ready to do whatever necessary to stake its claim, including bringing back a fugitive former president.
• Polish Deputy Prime Minister Dismissed in Move Threatening Ruling Coalition Sputnik 11 Aug 2021 -- Polish President Andrzej Duda has dismissed Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Gowin, in a move that might cause the ruling coalition to fall apart, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Wednesday.
• Zambians Head to Polls in Key Democracy Test VOA 11 Aug 2021 -- Zambians head to the polls Thursday to choose a new president, Parliament and local representatives in a general election that analysts say will be a test for one of Africa's pillars of democracy.