The Pentagon scrambled to respond to President Trump’s remarks about how much land has been taken from the Islamic State.
Tag: Defense Department
In Latest Shift, Trump Agrees to Leave 400 Troops in Syria
His decision to commit 200 troops to a multinational force in the northeast — in addition to 200 in the southeast — came after European allies refused to send troops if the United States would not.
200 U.S. Troops to Stay in Syria, White House Says
The move was a concession to allies and Pentagon officials who argued that a complete withdrawal risked returning key areas to the Islamic State.
In Mattis’s Shadow, Acting Pentagon Chief Tries to Reassure NATO Allies
Patrick Shanahan, the acting defense secretary, is not seen as a counterweight to President Trump’s distrust of alliances.
U.S. Heightens Attacks on Taliban in Push Toward Peace in Afghanistan
The number of deadly strikes by American forces has tripled since 2014, including an increase as negotiations with the Taliban began last fall.
Army Issues New Reprimand to Leader of Green Beret Team Ambushed in Niger
An earlier admonishment against Capt. Michael Perozeni was rescinded after former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said junior officers were punished more harshly than commanders.
U.S. Reduces Military Aid to Cameroon Over Human Rights Abuses
The move to withhold equipment and training opened a noteworthy rift with a strategically important partner in the fight against terrorism.
Trump Seeks to Reassure Allies on ISIS Fight as Syria Withdrawal Looms
“We will be working with you for many years to come,” the president told international diplomats, acknowledging that ISIS would be a threat even after the last slivers of its territory were reclaimed.
U.S. Military Commander Warns That Islamic State May Quickly Regroup
Gen. Joseph L. Votel was another voice in a national security establishment out of alignment with President Trump on a range of issues, including Afghanistan, Russia and Syria.
North Korea Obscures Leaders’ Visits to Missile Development Sites, Report Says
Analysts have located six factories believed to be linked to North Korea’s missile program, visits to which by the country’s leaders were concealed by the state news media to protect them.