DefenceTalkIraqi forces have entered Tikrit, dodging bombs and sniper fire in search of their biggest victory yet against embattled jihadists who tried to light new fires elsewhere in Iraq and Syria. The Islamic State group has suffered stinging defeats in the heart of its self-proclaimed “caliphate” recently, but its ultraviolent ideology has inspired attacks and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/iraqi-forces-enter-is-held-tikrit-after-10-day-push-63465/

DefenceTalkMore than three decades of war have damaged Afghanistan’s once-thriving carpet industry, but weavers are tapping into the bloody past to boost their fortunes with “war rugs” depicting guns, tanks and warplanes. On Chicken Street, the most famous street in Afghanistan during the “hippie trail” tourist days of the late 60s and 70s and still […]https://www.defencetalk.com/from-ak47s-to-drones-afghans-war-rugs-reflect-bloody-decades-63399/

DefenceTalkThe US military’s top officer, General Martin Dempsey, told lawmakers on Wednesday it was possible special operations forces could eventually be sent to Syria to back up American-trained rebels. But officials said Dempsey’s comment was addressing a “hypothetical” scenario for the moment as moderate opposition forces have not yet been trained. Asked if more American […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-forces-could-have-role-in-syria-in-future-dempsey-63397/

DefenceTalkRussia wants to secure a land corridor in eastern Ukraine that could include Mariupol but pro-Moscow rebels may wait until the spring to attack the strategic port city, the US spy chief said Thursday. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aim was not to seize all of Ukraine but to carve out territory linking up with the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-spy-chief-predicts-spring-attack-on-ukraine-port-63316/

DefenceTalkSOUTHWEST ASIA: U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that […]https://www.defencetalk.com/operation-inherent-resolve-airstrikes-continue-in-syria-iraq-63288/

DefenceTalkSOUTHWEST ASIA: U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. yesterday and 8 a.m. today, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial […]https://www.defencetalk.com/airstrikes-continue-against-isisisil-in-syria-iraq-63244/

DefenceTalkThe United States and Turkey have signed an agreement to train and arm Syrian rebels fighting against the “Islamist State” group. Washington and Ankara have been in talks about such a pact for several months. “The agreement was signed by the foreign ministry undersecretary and the U.S. ambassador,” a U.S. embassy spokesman in Ankara said […]https://www.defencetalk.com/turkey-us-sign-deal-to-train-syria-rebels-63237/

DefenceTalkMyanmar on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in a conflict-torn border region, where ferocious fighting between the army and ethnic rebels has sent thousands fleeing airstrikes and fierce gun battles. Civilians have come under fire in the deadly clashes between the army and Kokang rebels in Shan state, local officials said, in fighting that […]https://www.defencetalk.com/myanmar-declares-emergency-in-war-torn-region-as-fighting-rages-63150/

DefenceTalkThe cost of Canada’s six-month bombing mission against the Islamic State group in Iraq was estimated at more than $100 million, according to officials Tuesday. The independent parliamentary budget office put the tally at Can$128.8 million (US$103.8 million) to Can$166.40 million (US$134.1 million). The budget office’s report comes after Defense Minister Jason Kenney said the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/canada-cost-of-fighting-is-group-tops-100-mln-63153/

DefenceTalkPresident Barack Obama said he would not flinch from sending US special forces to kill Islamic State leaders, as he called for Congress to authorize military operations that stop short of a full-scale invasion. Tantamount to a declaration of war, Obama on Wednesday asked lawmakers for formal authority to take the fight to the Islamic […]https://www.defencetalk.com/obama-says-special-forces-could-target-is-leaders-62935/