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☆ CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr is leaving the network after more than two decades
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Barbara Starr, the Pentagon correspondent who has covered some of the most consequential stories with a signature style and steady hand, is leaving CNN after more than two decades with the network. Starr announced her departure in a memo sent to her CNN colleagues on Friday. “With the expiration of my contract in the coming days I have made the decision to move on,” Starr wrote. “Let me say this…you never say goodbye to your friends, so I won’t.”Starr’s exit from CNN follows that of several notable personalities at the network. “Barb has been a coworker, a mentor, and a role model since I came to the Pentagon,” CNN Pentagon correspondent Oren Liebermann wrote on Twitter.

☆ Syrian rebels say anti-ISIS operations with the U.S. have stopped and ISIS fighters may escape from prisons and a refugee camp
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Courtney-Kube-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Courtney Kube | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

If security forces abandon the prisons and refugee camps, thousands of ISIS fighters could be released into Syria and threaten the region and the West, say U.S. military officials. Syrian Kurdish Asayish security forces inspect tents at the Kurdish-run al-Hol camp on Aug. 28, during a security campaign by the Syrian Democratic Forces against ISIS "sleeper cells" in the camp. Three U.S. military officials say, however, that patrols with the SDF continued at a reduced rate and without aggressive counter-ISIS missions. So far, the Syrian rebels and the U.S. military say they have not seen signs of de-escalation from the Turks. But if Turkish military operations escalate, say U.S. officials, more SDF fighters will move toward the border, leaving detention facilities and refugee camps with inadequate security, say U.S. officials.

☆ NATO ally Turkey is attacking a key US partner force in Syria, and it's upending joint operations against ISIS
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

NATO ally Turkey has been attacking US-backed forces in Syria fighting against ISIS. The US military confirmed on Friday that it's pausing joint operations against the Islamic State. We remain committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS and look forward to the resumption of operations against ISIS in the future." On Wednesday, CENTCOM revealed that local Syrian forces recently carried out a raid and killed the leader of ISIS, Abu al-Hassan al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi. His predecessors were both taken off the battlefield during separate raids conducted by US special operations forces.

☆ US military confirms that another ISIS leader has been killed in Syria, revealing that he was taken out in a raid by local forces
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The US military revealed on Wednesday that another ISIS leader was killed recently. Earlier on Wednesday, the Islamic State's media affiliate announced that the leader of the terror group had been killed fighting recently. The terror group didn't mention who killed al-Qurayshi — or where, according to multiple reports. "We welcome the announcement that another leader of ISIS is no longer walking the face of the Earth." He added that actions by Turkey have led the SDF to suspend its operations against the terror group.

☆ 5 NATO carrier strike groups, including the US Navy's newest supercarrier, are patrolling waters around Europe
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

NATO carrier strike groups are patrolling waters around Europe. One of the five groups operating in the area is led by the US Navy's newest supercarrier. Bush and Gerald R. Ford, the service's newest supercarrier, the British Royal Navy's HMS Queen Elizabeth, France's Charles De Gaulle, and Italy's ITS Cavour. The strike groups, which include not just carriers but their escorts as well, are carrying out routine patrol missions in the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, and Mediterranean Sea. The Navy said in a Thursday statement on the carrier operations that each country has its own mission objectives and that it is not uncommon for multiple carrier strike groups to be deployed at the same time since NATO countries maintain a continued presence in waters around Europe.

☆ Top US general says Russia ignored his call after Poland missile strike — an ominous glimpse at how a future crisis could play out
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( Tom Porter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Gen. Mark Milley said he tried calling his Russian counterpart after a missile hit Poland. The missile strike on the NATO member state sparked concerns that the Ukraine war could escalate. "My staff was unsuccessful in getting me linked up with General Gerasimov," Milley said. In the aftermath of the strike, reports initially said the missile could have been fired by Russia, raising fears of direct military conflict between NATO and Russia. "It is unsettling to learn from General Milley that his counterpart was unreachable or not willing to engage when an explosion occurred in Poland," he added.

☆ Pentagon Press Sec. responds to reports of Russian missiles hitting inside Poland
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailPentagon Press Sec. responds to reports of Russian missiles hitting inside PolandPentagon Press Sec. Gen. Patrick Ryder addresses reports that two Russian missiles have hit inside Poland.

☆ The Pentagon says the US would 'defend every inch of NATO territory' after reports that Russian missiles killed 2 people in Poland
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A top US defense official repeated that the US would "defend every inch of NATO territory" after reports surfaced that Russian missiles killed two people in Poland on Tuesday. "When it comes to our security commitments and Article 5 we've been crystal clear that we will defend every inch of NATO territory," Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder told reporters during a Tuesday briefing, not long after local sources in Poland reported that Russian missiles landed inside the territory of Poland, a NATO ally. Criminal Russian regime fired missiles which target not only Ukrainian civilians but also landed on NATO territory in Poland. "Estonia is ready to defend every inch of NATO territory.

☆ The same air defense systems that shield Washington, DC 24/7 have arrived in Ukraine from the US as Russia batters cities with missiles and suicide drones
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-07 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Ukraine's defense minister said Monday that National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems have arrived. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said on social media that the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) arrived with Italian-made Aspide medium-range systems. NASAMS are ground-based air defense systems that provide short- to medium-range protection and can be used to defend against drones, missiles, and some aircraft. In response to these attacks,Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said air defense was the number one priority for his country, prompting the US and its NATO allies to begin rushing to deliver critical air defense systems to Ukraine. "In terms of air defense capabilities, this continues to be a priority for the US government, for the Department of Defense to work closely with the Ukrainians, with our allies and our partners to try to get them additional air defense capability," Ryder responded.

☆ The US will pay to refurbish Soviet-era T-72 tanks for Ukraine, which will be the 'most technically advanced tanks on the battlefield'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-05 | by ( Alia Shoaib | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The US and the Netherlands are paying for the Czech Republic to refurbish 90 Soviet-era T-72 tanks for Ukraine. The deputy Pentagon press secretary said they will be "the most technically advanced tanks on the battlefield." The Pentagon is paying for refurbishing 45 Soviet-era T-72 tanks, and the Netherlands is matching the commitment for the cost of a further 45. She said the refurbishment would add new optics, communications, and armor, and the tanks will become "the most technically advanced tanks on the battlefield." While other NATO countries have previously sent older T-72s to Ukraine, this is the first time the US is paying for the Czech Republic to upgrade the tanks, Singh said.

☆ Fact Check-Pentagon says U.S. military personnel are in Ukraine to inspect deliveries of US weapons, not to go into combat
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

These assertions are missing context, as the Pentagon confirmed in a press briefing that U.S. military personnel are in the country in order to conduct inspections of U.S. weapons deliveries rather than to fight in the conflict. However, the U.S. military personnel are inspecting weapons delivery at various locations in Ukraine and there is no proof of combat forces present in the country. In a press briefing on Nov. 1, Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder provided detail on U.S. military personnel in Ukraine. U.S. military personnel are in Ukraine to conduct weapons inspections. Pentagon officials said on Nov. 1 that no U.S. combat forces were in Ukraine.

☆ The White House says North Korea is secretly sending a 'significant' amount of artillery shells to Russia, but it won't fix Russia's problems
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

North Korea is secretly sending a "significant" amount of artillery shells to Russia, the US said. The National Security Council's John Kirby said this won't change the course of the Ukraine war. US officials said in early September that Russia had approached North Korea for discussions about military assistance but declined to say if there was a monetary transaction. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters that Russia has tried and continues to seek ammunition from North Korea, which Pyongyang previously denied. North Korea is not the only country whose help Russia has sought throughout its unprovoked war in Ukraine.

☆ Top Russian generals frustrated by humiliating losses mused about nuking Ukraine — but US intelligence isn't sure what to make of it
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Russian generals have reportedly deliberated using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Because of this, some within the US intelligence community are less concerned that Russia is preparing to use tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine, the report said. The New York Times was the first to report on the new US intelligence about tactical nuclear weapons conversations among Russian generals. Notably, it's ultimately up to Putin whether or not Russia uses a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine. The country's nuclear doctrine states only the president can make the decision to use nuclear weapons.

☆ Russia isn't backing off its 'dirty bomb' talk, with even Putin himself now peddling baseless claims Ukraine is going to set one off
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Russian President Putin himself baselessly accused Ukraine of preparing to detonate a dirty bomb. Putin joined Kremlin leadership in accusing Ukraine of preparing to detonate a so-called dirty bomb on its own territory, a claim Ukraine and the West have called "absurd." "There are also plans to use the so-called dirty bomb for provocations," Putin said during the conference, according to a Kremlin translation of the meeting. A dirty bomb is a radiological dispersal device that uses conventional explosives to spread radioactive material. Putin's remarks appear to be his first related to the dirty bomb claims, which other Russian officials have made — without citing any evidence — in recent days.

☆ 'Elon, The Everywhere' — Elon Musk is worrying government officials with his growing presence in global affairs, report says
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-23 | by ( Hannah Getahun | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Elon Musk's influence in global affairs has some officials worried, The Washington Post reported. Musk has kept in touch with foreign officials while staying away from Washington, per the Post. Musk has publicly met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and other foreign leaders, raising conflict of interest questions. Government officials have bolstered Musk's competitors in an effort to reduce their reliance on his businesses, the Post report said. The Post report notes, however, that there is still a large interest from the US government to work with Musk.

☆ U.S. Defense secretary speaks with Russian counterpart as war in Ukraine enters ninth month
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( Amanda Macias | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks at a news briefing at the Pentagon on July 20, 2022 in Arlington, Virginia. The call comes as the war enters its ninth month and as Ukraine continues a stunning counteroffensive to retake more of Russian-occupied territory in the east and south. "Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication amid the ongoing war against Ukraine," according to the Pentagon. WASHINGTON – Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with his Russian counterpart Friday morning, the second known call since the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in late February. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traded barbs last month with his Russian counterpart during a U.N. Security Council meeting.

☆ Russia sent people to Iran to learn how to use the suicide drones it's now using to terrorize Ukrainian cities far from the front, US says
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Russian officials previously traveled to Iran to learn how to use suicide drones, the US said this week. This was before Iranian military personnel came to Crimea to train Russian troops, an official said. Russian forces have used Iranian-made suicide drones to terrorize Ukrainian cities in recent weeks. "We assess that Iranian personnel, Iranian military personnel, were on the ground in Crimea and assisted Russia in these operations." Both Moscow and Tehran have denied the use of Iranian-made suicide drones in Ukraine, despite mounting evidence and accusations from Western governments and intelligence agencies.

The main challenge the Russian military faces after almost seven months at war looks likely to remain a basic one: manpower. Russia had about 1 million active personnel at the start, according to the institute’s estimates, though it did not dedicate all its troops to Ukraine. Both of these have made it hard to identify how the new additions to the Russian military could be trained or used effectively in this war. ‘New territory takes time’The “partial mobilization” comes after Ukraine’s successful counteroffensive broke through Russian lines outside Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second most populous city. The military support of mobilization and the veneer of territorial security that annexation could provide will likely take a while, however.

☆ Ukrainian official mocks Russia over its failures after Putin's threatening speech: 'Everything is still according to the plan, right?'
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A senior Ukrainian official mocked Russia after Putin announced partial military mobilization. British intelligence said recently that expedited training courses at Russian military academies also highlight the Russian military's "manpower challenge." A vote in favor would set the stage for Russia to annex captured Ukrainian territory. "From my perspective, this is simply an information operation that's meant to distract from the difficult state that the Russian military currently finds itself in right now," Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. The referendums are slated to take place after weeks of Ukrainian advances and battlefield success along the war's northeastern and southern fronts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the partial mobilization of his country's reservists. According to Russian officials, 300,000 reservists will be drafted immediately. Conscripts and students will not be called up and will affect only those with combat experience, according to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. In his speech, Putin reiterated that the goal of Russia's invasion of Ukraine was the liberation of the Donbas region. Ukrainian officials in response slammed the referendum as a "sham" and said it won't change anything.

Washington CNN —ISIS leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi was killed Wednesday during a US counterterrorism raid in northwest Syria, President Joe Biden announced Thursday morning. It was the biggest US raid in the country since the 2019 operation that killed ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. “Thanks to the bravery of our troops, this horrible terrorist leader is no more,” Biden said from the Roosevelt Room. US says suicide bomb killed ISIS leaderThe Pentagon will conduct a more thorough after-action review of the raid. But Wednesday’s operation was the largest in scale since a two-hour raid killed ISIS leader Baghdadi in northwest Syria in October 2019.

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