U.S. military deaths in Afghanistan at 1,988
As of Sept. 18, 2012, at least 1,988 members of the U.S. military had died in Afghanistan as a result of the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, according to an Associated Press count.
At least 1,656 military service members have died in Afghanistan as a result of hostile action, according to the military’s numbers.
Outside of Afghanistan, the department reports at least 118 more members of the U.S. military died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Of those, 12 were the result of hostile action.
The AP count of total OEF casualties outside of Afghanistan is two more than the department’s tally.
The Defense Department also counts three military civilian deaths.
Since the start of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, 17,619 U.S. service members have been wounded in hostile action, according to the Defense Department. AP
Northrop Grumman increases outstanding share repurchase authorization
Northrop Grumman announced Sept. 19 that its board of directors has authorized an increase in the company’s outstanding share repurchase authorization to $2 billion of common stock.
Share purchases will take place at management’s discretion from time to time, depending on market conditions, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. As of June 30, 2012, Northrop Grumman had 248 million shares outstanding and $1.1 billion remaining on its share repurchase authorization.
“Today’s increase in our share repurchase authorization demonstrates our continuing commitment to a cash deployment strategy that includes distribution of cash to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends,” said Wes Bush, Northrop Grumman chairman, chief executive officer and president.
