Global defense news, analysis and opinion

Lockheed Martin announces $3.8 billion sale of F-16 Vipers to Bahrain

The government of Bahrain announced has finalized a $3.8 billion purchase of F-16 fighter jets from U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin.

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Boeing wins $240 million Saudi Air Force AWACS modernisation contract

Boeing has been awarded a $240 million contract to modernise Royal Saudi Air Force AWACS early warning aircraft, the U.S. Department of Defense said

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US strikes 2 ISIS training camps in Yemen killing dozens of fighters – Pentagon

The U.S. military carried out a strike against two ISIS training camps in Yemen on Monday, killing dozens of terrorists, the Pentagon said.

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Commander of ‘Muslim NATO’ coalition gives first public address in Bahrain

Pakistan's General Raheel Sharif spoke publicly for the first time since he was appointed as commander of the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition

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Kirkuk situation won’t delay operations to liberate Qaim, Rawa from ISIS – Pentagon

Tensions between Iraqi and Kurdish authorities over Kirkuk will not impacted plans to liberate Qaim and Rawa from Islamic State.

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Coalition strikes near Syria-Iraq border while Raqqa strikes are paused

U.S.-led Coalition strikes in continued to focus on Islamic State targets near the Iraq-Syria border on Sunday, Operation Inherent Resolve said.

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Offensive operations to resume in Raqqa – Coalition spokesperson

Colonel Ryan Dillon said that offensive operations to clear the remaining ISIS-held areas in Raqqa are expected to resume later on October 16.

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Coalition says movements of military vehicles in Kirkuk ‘not attacks’

The U.S.-led Coalition against ISIS is monitoring movements of personnel and military vehicles near Kirkuk, which they say have not resulted in attacks yet.

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US engaging Iraqi, Kurdish authorities to de-escalate tensions in Kirkuk – State Dept

Washington is engaging Iraqi and Kurdish authorities to de-escalate tensions in Kirkuk amid reports of clashes, a U.S. State Department official told The Defense Post on Sunday. Earlier in the day,  Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced an operation to retake federal installations in Kirkuk, which is largely under the control of Kurdistan Regional Government. “We are monitoring the situation in Kirkuk closely and are very concerned by reports of a confrontation.  We are engaged with all parties in Iraq to de-escalate tension,” the official said. “We support the peaceful exercise of joint GOI [Government of Iraq] – KRG authority in all disputed areas.” Tensions between Baghdad and Erbil escalated after the Kurdish independence referendum held on September 25. Ninety-two percent of Kurds voted in favor of secession from Iraq, but federal authorities proclaimed the referendum unconstitutional and refused to recognize the results. Thousands of volunteers from othe cities of Kurdistan are pouring in to Kirkuk. @HaiderAlAbadi started the war using PMF & chose Kirkuk, but he should wait, Kurdistan reaction will be much stronger than they expected. — Dr. Hemn Hawrami (@heminhawrami) October 16, 2017 US calls on Iraqi, Kurdish authorities to avoid escalatory actions in Kirkuk

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US calls on Iraqi, Kurdish authorities to avoid escalatory actions in Kirkuk

Washington is urging Baghdad and Erbil to de-escalate tensions and avoid destabilizing actions in Kirkuk, Pentagon told the Defense Post on Sunday.

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