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☆ Lloyd Austin: Defense Secretary expected to be released from hospital later on Tuesday, Pentagon says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to be released from hospital later on Tuesday after being treated for a bladder issue, Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh said. “Secretary Austin is still at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and is in good condition. Deputy Secretary (Kathleen) Hicks continues to retain the functions and duties of the Secretary of Defense at this time. However, we anticipate Secretary Austin will be released from the hospital later today,” Singh said. Singh added that the bladder issue that hospitalized Austin on Sunday was not related to the prostate cancer diagnosis he received in December.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Sabrina Singh, Austin, Kathleen, Hicks, ” Singh, Singh, “, ” Austin, Joe Biden, Biden Organizations: CNN, US, Pentagon, “, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Defense, Contact, White, American

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has bolstered defenses at a base in Jordan that was attacked by Iran-backed militants as it prepares for a wider U.S. response to a drone attack that killed three service members, a U.S. official said Friday. Even as a larger U.S. military response seemed imminent, some Iran-backed factions pledged to continue to attack U.S. forces in the region. A second U.S. official confirmed the military had taken self-defense strikes inside Yemen against Houthi military targets deemed an imminent threat. The U.S. options under consideration include targets in Syria, Yemen and Iraq, where the Iranian-made drone that killed the service members was fired from, the official said. The U.S. has blamed the Jordan attack on the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iranian-backed militias.

Persons: Harakat, Jordan, Joe Biden, Lloyd Austin, CQ Brown, Defense SecretaryAustin, ” Austin, Austin, ”, Aamer Mahdani, Abdulrahman Zeyad, Ahmed al, Haj Organizations: WASHINGTON, U.S, Joint Chiefs, Dover Air Force Base, Defense, Hezbollah, Washington , D.C Locations: Jordan, Iran, U.S, The U.S, Yemen, Red, Yemeni, Hajjah, Sanaa, Iraq, Syria, Israel, Delaware, Iranian, Iraqi, backchannels, Washington ,, Baghdad

On Wednesday the White House said it believes an umbrella group of militants called Islamic Resistance in Iraq was behind the drone attack in Jordan. He stopped short of assigning exact blame on Kata’ib Hezbollah, the most powerful Iran-backed militia in Iraq, saying it was not the only group responsible for previous attacks on US bases. On Friday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said his country will not initiate a war but will “respond strongly” to bullies. In a sign of a possible effort to quell the tensions, Kataib Hezbollah, announced on Tuesday the suspension of its military operations against US forces in the region. “We are announcing the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces (US troops) - in order to prevent embarrassment to the Iraqi government,” Kataib Hezbollah said in a statement.

Persons: Joe Biden, Biden, Lloyd Austin, ”, ” Austin, We’re, ” John Kirby, “, ” Kirby, Ebrahim Raisi, ” Kataib, Akram Al Organizations: CNN, Pentagon, National Security Council, White, Hezbollah, US, Free Hezbollah Brigades Locations: Iraq, Syria, Iran, Jordan, Israel, Gaza, Tehran, United States, Islamic Republic of Iran, Iranian Hormozgan province

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday attempted to quell any lingering questions about his health as the Biden administration reportedly moves closer to initiating a response to the recent drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan. I should have also told my team and the American public, and I take full responsibility,” Austin continued. “I apologize to my teammates and to the American people.”He faced questions that were divided between potential responses to the deadly drone attack and his handling of the medical condition. Austin’s reassurances come as developments this week hinted that a U.S. response to the drone attack in Jordan is imminent. Biden earlier this week said that he knew how he wanted his administration to respond to the attack.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Biden, Austin, ” Austin, “, couldn’t, Austin’s reassurances Organizations: American, CBS, CBS News Locations: Jordan, U.S, –, Iraq, Syria

The enemy drone followed the American drone as it approached, but it is not clear whether the enemy drone intentionally followed the American one or if it was a coincidence, one of the officials said. US officials are also still assessing the enemy drone’s point of origin. The Wall Street Journal first reported the confusion over the enemy drone. A US official told CNN that there have been six attacks since Friday, including Sunday’s drone attack and a multi-rocket attack on Patrol Base Shaddadi in Syria on Monday morning. The consensus is that an Iran-backed militia group is behind the deadly drone attack, though the US is still working to determine which group specifically is responsible.

Persons: Syria —, John Kirby, CNN’s Phil Mattingly, White, “, ” Kirby, weren’t, ”, Jens Stoltenberg, Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, ” Stoltenberg, Austin’s, Biden, Tehran . Sen, Roger Wicker, Sen, Tom Cotton Organizations: CNN, Army, Sunday, Street Journal, Regional Medical Center, Patrol Base Shaddadi, National Security, Kataib Hezbollah, Revolutionary Guard, Pentagon, NATO, Republicans, Republican, Senate Armed Services Committee Locations: Jordan, American, Germany, East, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Congress, Tehran .

CNN —The three US soldiers killed in the drone attack on a US military outpost in Jordan were identified Monday as Sgt. US Army Reserve Command, APSingh said more than 40 were injured in the attack, a number that could possibly continue to increase. The enemy drone also flew low, which may have allowed it to evade the base’s air defenses, officials said. A US official told CNN that there have been six attacks since Friday, including Sunday’s drone attack and a multi-rocket attack on Patrol Base Shaddadi in Syria on Monday morning. The consensus is that an Iran-backed militia group is behind the deadly drone attack, though the US is still working to determine which group specifically is responsible.

Persons: William Rivers, Kennedy Sanders, Breonna Moffett, Sabrina Singh, William Jerome Rivers, Kennedy Ladon Sanders, Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, AP Singh, Singh, Syria —, John Kirby, CNN’s Phil Mattingly, White, “, ” Kirby, weren’t, ” Singh, ”, Jens Stoltenberg, Lloyd Austin, ” Austin Organizations: CNN, Defense Department, 718th Engineer Company, US Army Reserve, Pentagon, US Army Reserve Command, Spc, Breonna, AP, Baghdad Diplomatic Support, Regional Medical Center, US, Patrol Base Shaddadi, National Security, Kataib Hezbollah, Revolutionary Guard, Hezbollah, NATO Locations: Jordan, Carrollton , Georgia, Waycross , Georgia, Savannah , Georgia, Fort Moore , Georgia, Baghdad, Landstuhl, American, East, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon

☆ US and Iraqi governments expected to start talks on future of US military presence in the country
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Natasha Bertrand | Oren Liebermann | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —The US and Iraq are expected to soon begin talks on the future of the US military presence in the country, according to sources familiar with the matter, amid public calls from the Iraqi government for the US to withdraw its troops. US military officials and diplomats will be involved in the discussions, officials said. The talks about the future of the US’ military presence have now taken on a greater urgency amid the wider regional instability, and amid growing public calls by the Iraqi government for the US to withdraw its troops from the country. Part of the discussions will focus on whether and when it will be feasible to end the US military presence in Iraq. “The Biden administration is not considering a withdrawal of forces from Syria,” a senior US official told CNN.

Persons: Defense Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, ”, They’re, Mohammed Shia, Sudani, ” “, “, ” Jonathan Lord, Jon Alterman, it’s, Alterman, Elena Romanowski, Biden, CNN’s Haley Britzky Organizations: CNN, Pentagon, ISIS, Defense, ”, ISIS Coalition, Higher, Commission, Center for New American Security, Iraqi Security Forces, Middle, Center for Strategic, International Studies, “ Locations: Iraq, Iraqi, Iran, Syria, ”, Iranian, Baghdad, Israel

☆ Sen. Graham says he has ‘lost all confidence’ in Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-03 | by ( Avery Lotz | Jack Forrest | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham on Sunday called Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin “naive” for believing further civilian casualties in Gaza could produce even more insurgents and said he has “lost all confidence” in him. “He’s so naive, I mean I just lost all confidence in this guy,” Graham told CNN’s Dana Bash, adding later, “This is a radicalized population. And if you drive them into the arms of the enemy, you replace a tactical victory with a strategic defeat,” Austin said. Graham, on “State of the Union,” disagreed: “Strategic defeat would be inflaming the Palestinians? “No Republican is telling Israel to change your military tactics.”

Persons: GOP Sen, Lindsey Graham, Defense Lloyd Austin “, “, ” Graham, CNN’s Dana Bash, Austin, ” Austin, Graham, ”, US Central Command “, Ashraf Al, Stanley McChrystal, Kamala Harris, Jordan, ” “, Harris Organizations: CNN, GOP, Defense, Reagan National Defense, West Bank, Union, South Carolina Republican, Army, US Central Command, Israel, Hamas, of Health, United Arab, Republican Locations: Gaza, Israel, “ State, Austin, saidSaturday, ”, Dubai, Egypt, United Arab Emirates

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday denounced those who advocate “an American retreat from responsibility” and said sustained U.S. leadership is needed to help keep the world as safe, free and prosperous as possible. He also urged Congress to end the partisan gridlock that has stalled the federal budget and war spending. Those who “try to pull up the drawbridge,” he said, undermine the security that has led to decades of prosperity. Political Cartoons View All 1277 Images“You’ll hear some people try to brand an American retreat from responsibility as bold new leadership,” Austin said. About 100 hostages were freed as part of the truce, but about 140 remain held by Hamas and others in Gaza.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, “, Austin, ” Austin, Donald Trump’s “, Vladimir Putin, Sen, Tommy Tuberville, Tuberville Organizations: —, Reagan National Defense, Senate Armed, Committees, Senate, Administration, Pentagon, Republicans, Senior, Hamas Locations: SIMI VALLEY, Calif, United States, Simi Valley, Israel, Ukraine, Austin, Europe, Israeli, Gaza

☆ Defense secretary Austin arrives in Kyiv in surprise visit meant to reemphasize support for Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Kyiv on Monday, in a surprise trip to Ukraine to reemphasize the US’ support for the embattled country amid other pressing challenges abroad. “The message that I bring you today, Mr. President, is the United States of America is with you,” Austin told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. What happened here in Ukraine – that not only matters to Ukraine but it matters to the rest of the world. A senior defense official said Austin intended to speak with Ukrainians about their requirements for security assistance. There’s probably nothing more important than that.”Austin’s trip comes just days before he will host the 17th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, virtually from the Pentagon.

Persons: Defense Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Volodymyr Zelensky, “, Austin, Ukraine’s, Israel’s, Sabrina Singh, ” Organizations: CNN, Defense, Defense Department, Hamas, Pentagon, Ukraine, Embassy Kyiv, Ukraine Defense Contact Group Locations: Kyiv, Ukraine, United States, America, United States of America, ”, Russia

☆ Pentagon identifies Army soldiers killed in helicopter crash in eastern Mediterranean Sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

“Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Dwyer, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shane Barnes, Staff Sgt. Cade Wolfe were truly SOF professionals and are among the nation’s finest soldiers,” Col. Roger P. Waleski Jr., commander of the 160th SOAR (Abn. In 2020, he “fully dedicated himself to the organization” by resigning his commission and becoming a warrant officer, the Army release says. His awards and decorations include the Air Medal with Combat device, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal with combat device. He volunteered for an assignment with the 160th SOAR and completed the regiment’s “extensive training and assessment program” this year.

Persons: Stephen R, Dwyer, Shane M, Barnes, Tanner W, Andrew P, Cade M, Wolfe, Stephen Dwyer, Shane Barnes, Tanner Grone, Andrew Southard, Cade Wolfe, ” Col, Roger P, Waleski Jr, “, ”, Jonathan Braga, ” Braga, Barnes ’, Grone, Southard, Lloyd Austin, ” Austin Organizations: CNN, Pentagon, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Apache, Abn, US Army Special Operations Command, Operations, US European Command, Army Special Operations Command, United States Military Academy, Army, Star, UH, Gonzaga University, Staff, 160th, Hawk, Combat Aviation Brigade, Overseas Service Ribbon, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Battalion, Overseas Service, Defense, America Locations: Clarksville , Tennessee, Sacramento , California, Gorham , New Hampshire, Arizona, Mankato , Minnesota, Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Hawaii, 160th SOAR

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The United States and South Korea on Monday updated a bilateral security agreement with the aim of more effectively countering North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile threats. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in Seoul for annual security talks with South Korean military officials, including Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, which were focused on boosting nuclear deterrence against North Korea. They agreed to start as planned a real-time information sharing arrangement on North Korean missile launches in December. They also agreed to set up multiyear plans in coming weeks to enhance their trilateral military exercises, South Korea’s Defense Ministry said. U.S. and South Korean officials have accused North Korea of providing munitions and military equipment to Russia to help boost its war in Ukraine.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Shin Won, Austin, Shin, ” Austin, Yoon Suk, Minoru Kihara, Yoon, ”, Moon Jae, Kim Jong Un, Antony Blinken, Kim Organizations: Korean, U.S . Defense, South Korean, Defense, Austin, ROK, South, Japanese, Korea’s Defense Ministry, Shin, U.S, United Nations Command, Foreign Locations: SEOUL, South Korea, United States, Seoul, Japan, North Korea, Ukraine, Korean, Republic of Korea, U.S, South Korean, Washington, Hamas, Korea, Israel, Russia, South, Pyongyang, Moscow . U.S, Austin

☆ US conducts more strikes in eastern Syria, defense secretary says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( Oren Liebermann | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The US carried out another set of strikes against targets affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in eastern Syria, according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, following continued attacks on US forces in the region. In total, there have been at least 46 attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria since October 17, and at least 56 troops have been injured. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said Thursday the injuries were a combination of traumatic brain injuries and minor injuries. The strikes targeted a weapons storage facility and an ammunition storage facility. But the attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria have persisted, even as the US has tried to separate the conflict in Gaza from the rest of the region.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Austin, Joe Biden, Abu Kamal, Mayadin, Sabrina Singh, “, ” Austin, IRGC Organizations: CNN, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Pentagon, US Locations: Syria, Iraq, United States, Iran, Gaza

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on two locations in eastern Syria involving Iranian-backed groups, hitting a training location and a weapons facility, according to the Pentagon and U.S. officials. It marks the third time in a bit more than two weeks that the U.S. has retaliated against the militants for what has been a growing number of attacks on bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. The militant groups, many operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have carried out nearly 50 attacks since Oct. 17 on bases housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria. And a number of groups have vowed retaliation against the U.S. for backing Israel in the war against Hamas. According to the Pentagon, about 56 U.S. personnel have been injured in the attacks in Syria and Iraq, but all have returned to duty.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Israel Organizations: WASHINGTON, Pentagon, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, U.S Locations: Syria, Iranian, Iraq, Abukama, Iran, United States, Gaza, Israel

Washington CNN —The US carried out airstrikes targeting two facilities linked to Iranian-backed militias in eastern Syria on Thursday, according to a statement from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, following a series of drone and rocket attacks against US forces in the region. He directly accused Iran of having a role in the attacks on US forces, saying in the statement, “Iran wants to hide its hand and deny its role in these attacks against our forces. We will not let them.” Austin also promised further strikes if the attacks by Iran’s proxies continue. Earlier Thursday, the US announced it is deploying about 900 troops to the Middle East - with the potential for many more. The US strikes follow a growing number of attacks against US forces in Iraq and Syria since October 17.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Austin, Joe Biden, ” Austin, Biden, ” Biden, Hossein Amir, Abdollahian, Brig, Pat Ryder Organizations: Washington CNN, Defense, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, US, Pentagon, Wednesday, ISIS, UN, Assembly, Iranian, ”, Defense Department Locations: Iranian, Syria, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Iraq

☆ Intelligence shows Iranian-backed militias are ready to ramp up their attacks against US forces in the Middle East
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Natasha Bertrand Katie Bo Lillis Zachary Cohen Jennifer Hansler | Natasha Bertrand | Katie Bo Lillis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —The US has intelligence that Iranian-backed militia groups are planning to ramp up attacks against US forces in the Middle East, as Iran seeks to capitalize on the backlash in the region to US support for Israel, according to multiple US officials. The militia groups have already launched multiple drone attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria. But the US now has specific intelligence that those same groups could escalate even further as the war between Israel and Hamas continues. Officials said that at this point, Iran appears to be encouraging the groups rather than explicitly directing them. In the case of the recent drone attacks on bases housing US forces, “Iran is certainly more culpable than in the case of the Hamas attack in Israel,” said another person familiar with the intelligence.

Persons: John Kirby, ”, Kirby, “, Matthew Miller, they’re, ” “ It’s, Defense Lloyd Austin, Naledi, Hossein Amir, Abdollahian, ” Abdollahian, ” Austin Organizations: CNN, Israel, Officials, National Security, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, Quds Force, State, State Department, ISIS, Defense, Pentagon, US Navy, Iran’s Locations: Iran, Iraq, Syria, Israel, Tehran, Qatar, Iranian, Yemen, East

☆ Sec. Austin said US is 'concerned about potential escalation'
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( Aileen Graef | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Sunday the US is “concerned about potential escalation” in the Middle East a day after announcing the deployment of additional military assets to the region. “We’re concerned about potential escalation. Both the THAAD and Patriots systems are air defense systems designed to shoot down short, medium and intermediate ballistic missiles. Last week, a US Navy warship operating in the Middle East intercepted multiple projectiles near the coast of Yemen fired by Iranian-backed Houthi militants, who are engaged in an ongoing conflict in the country. These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel,” Austin said in a statement.

Persons: Defense Lloyd Austin, “ We’re, ”, Austin, Biden, ” Austin, Yoav Gallant, “, Israel, Jon Organizations: CNN, Defense, Sunday, Area Defense, Patriots, US Navy, East, ABC Locations: East, Israel, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Iranian, Iraq, Gaza

☆ Austin Declines to Say if U.S. Would Take Pre-Emptive Action Against Hezbollah
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( Fatima Abdularim | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin declined to say if the U.S. would take pre-emptive action against Hezbollah militants amid speculation that the U.S. could enter the conflict. “I will just tell you clearly that the United States will continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself,” Austin told journalists at the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, standing beside Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defense minister. “The message we would send to any country or group thinking to take advantage of this situation and widen the conflict: don’t,” Austin said.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Yoav Gallant Organizations: Defense, Ministry of Defense Locations: U.S, United States, Tel Aviv

President Joe Biden reaffirmed his “unshakeable” commitment to defending Israel on Wednesday as concerns mount over the potential for nearby countries and militant groups to take advantage of the chaotic situation and broaden the conflict. And the horrors of Hamas’ Saturday attack continue to unfold, with reports of children found butchered in a kibbutz. As it stands, at least 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, including at least 22 Americans. He said that the U.S. is well equipped to support Israel while also continuing to aid Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia. “We will stand firmly with Israel as we continue to support Ukraine.”

Persons: Joe Biden, ” Biden, ”, “, It’s, Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Kevin McCarthy, Steve Scalise, he’ll, Defense Lloyd Austin, Austin, Jake Sullivan, “ We’ve, they’ve, Sullivan, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, ” Austin Organizations: Israel, Israeli, House Foreign Affairs, Iran, Republicans, Defense, Department of Defense, American, intel, Hamas, State Department, Hezbollah, White, National, Ukraine Defense Contact, Ukraine Locations: United States, Israel, Gaza, U.S, Iran, Louisiana, Lebanon, Lebanese, The U.S, Brussels, Ukraine, Russia

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department said Monday that at least nine American citizens have been killed in the weekend Hamas attacks on Israel, raising the toll from four. It was not clear whether the missing had been taken hostage, were killed or were in hiding. The attack by Hamas and Israel's response have left more than 1,100 dead and thousands wounded on both sides. The White House has received assurances that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will push forward hearings for Lew, the official added. But the Israeli government formally declared war Sunday and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas.

Persons: ”, Matthew Miller, Joe Biden’s, Obama, Jack Lew, Lew, Tom Nides, Biden, Lloyd Austin, Gerald R, Ford, Thomas Hudner, Ramage, USS Carney, Roosevelt, ” Austin, Chuck Schumer, Israel Organizations: WASHINGTON, State Department, White, White House, U.S, Foreign, Sunday, Ford, Air Force, Pentagon Locations: Israel, U.S, Normandy, Norfolk, Virginia, Italy, United States

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday he has ordered the Ford carrier strike group to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to be ready to assist Israel after the attack by Hamas that has left more than 1,000 dead on both sides. But the Israeli government formally declared war Sunday and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas. Political Cartoons View All 1202 Images“The U.S. maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this deterrence posture if required,” Austin said in a statement. In addition, the Biden administration “will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions. The Norfolk, Virginia-based carrier strike group( was already in the Mediterranean.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Gerald R, Ford, Thomas Hudner, Ramage, USS Carney, Roosevelt, ” Austin, Biden, “, Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, ”, Matthew Lee Organizations: WASHINGTON, —, Sunday, Ford, U.S, Embassy, Air Force, Israel Defense Forces, Israeli Locations: United States, Jerusalem, U.S, Normandy, Norfolk, Virginia, Italy, Israel

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged allied defense leaders Tuesday to “dig deep" and provide more air defense systems for Ukraine, to help the country block increasing barrages of Russian missiles. “Air defense is saving lives,” Austin said as he opened the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein air base in Germany. “So I urge this group to continue to dig deep on ground-based air defense for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly pushed for the longer-distance weapons. The Ramstein meeting also marks Milley's final session as U.S. joint chiefs chairman.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Bill Blair, Austin, Joe Biden, Kevin McCarthy, “, —, Mark Milley, Milley, Rob Bauer Organizations: RAMSTEIN AIR, —, Ukraine Defense Contact, Ramstein, enrage, The Army Tactical Missile, Abrams, U.S . Defense, Washington , D.C, Republican, Nations, ” Military, Joint Chiefs of Staff, NATO Locations: Germany, Ukraine, U.S, enrage Moscow, Europe, Washington ,, Netherlands, Ramstein

☆ Army, Marine units involved in Afghanistan withdrawal to receive Presidential Unit Citation two years later
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —US service members deployed on the Afghanistan withdrawal mission will receive the Presidential Unit Citation, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Thursday, the two-year anniversary of the withdrawal. The Air Force does not appear to be included in the units receiving citations under Thursday’s announcement, an Air Force official said, though Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said at a news briefing on Thursday that more units could receive the citation in the future. “So in the statement that we put out today, it highlighted the units that have currently been awarded that recognition. The Biden administration conducted an after-action review of the Afghanistan withdrawal and released a summary of findings in April this year.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, “, Pat Ryder, ” Ryder, Hamid Karzai, Austin, Mike McCaul, they’d, Biden, Trump, Ashraf Ghani, Christine Wormuth, ” Wormuth Organizations: CNN, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Force, Central Command, 82nd Airborne Division, Gold Star, Army National Guard and, The Air Force, Air Force, Pentagon, Hamid, Capitol, House Foreign Affairs, Republican, Biden, Department, Marines, The Defense Department, US Central Command, Army, Marine Corps, 82nd Airborne, Command Locations: Afghanistan, Kabul

While it still maintains some combat power in reserve, it has now deployed the “main bulk” of the forces committed to the counteroffensive forces, one of the US officials said. “The second wave of the [Ukrainian] counteroffensive has begun” on the Zaporizhzhia front, said Vladimir Rogov, a member of the Russian-installed military-civilian administration in the region. The New York Times was first to report on the commitment of additional Ukrainian forces to the counteroffensive. Zelensky said last week that one reason for the slow progress of the counteroffensive was its later-than-planned start. However, some Ukrainian military officials have recently noted that Russia’s advantage in electronic warfare has blunted the effectiveness of drone operations.

Persons: “, Vladimir Rogov, Rogov, ” Rogov, Bradley, ”, Vladimir Putin, Ukraine’s, Volodymyr Zelensky, Lloyd Austin, ” Austin, they’ve, Oleksii Reznikov, Reznikov, Putin, Zelensky, ” Zelensky, Denys Shmyhal Organizations: CNN, Kyiv, Ukrainian, Leopard, Brigade, Artillery, Bradley, US, The New York Times, Ukraine’s, Aspen Security, United, Army Tactical Missile Systems Locations: Ukraine, Russian, “, Robotyne, Orikhiv, Papua New Guinea, Crimea, Donbas, St . Petersburg, Russia, Kyiv, United States, France, United Kingdom, Ukrainian, Odesa, Moscow

CNN —President Joe Biden said Thursday that Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville is being “irresponsible” and jeopardizing national security by blocking military promotions over his objections to the Defense Department’s reproductive health policies. He’s jeopardizing US security with what he’s doing,” Biden said during a news conference in Helsinki, Finland, when asked by CNN about Tuberville’s position. A defense official told CNN Austin and Tuberville eventually spoke at about 1:30 p.m. Thursday. I’m doing it for Republicans and Democrats and citizens of this country. I’m doing it for the Constitution.”CNN reported in June that some of Tuberville’s colleagues have tried to talk with him behind the scenes about alternatives.

Persons: Joe Biden, Republican Sen, Tommy Tuberville, “ I’d, ” Biden, Lloyd Austin’s, Tuberville, Austin, Brig, Pat Ryder, ” Tuberville, CNN’s Manu Raju, Biden’s, I’m, We’ll, “, Republican Party …, they’ve, ”, Raju, I’ve, that’s, Republican Roger Wicker, Texas Sen, John Cornyn, Sen, Joni Ernst, CNN’s Wolf, ” Austin, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer Organizations: CNN, Republican, Defense, Alabama, CNN Austin, Pentagon, Joint Chiefs, Staff, Marine Corps, Republican Party, Republicans, Democrats, ” CNN, Armed Services Committee, Iowa, Senate Armed Services Committee, NATO Locations: Helsinki, Finland, Texas, Vilnius, Lithuania, “

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