The U.S. announced a major expansion in the Philippines, with four new military bases expected in the Indo-Pacific nation. Tonight, we’re also going to break down the release of a high-profile Guantanamo Bay detainee and Ukraine’s warning that Russia is preparing some 500,000 troops for a fresh offensive. Plus, details on why the Pentagon is…
Author: BRAD DRESS
How the US-Philippines military pact could counter China’s rising threat
The U.S. announcement on Wednesday that it will expand its military presence in the Philippines to four new bases and bolster five existing ones is a major advancement in the Defense Department’s goal to counter a rising threat from China in the Indo-Pacific region. A boost of American military troops and resources in the Philippines…
Defense & National Security — US says Russia is violating nuclear arms treaty
Russia’s refusal to engage with the U.S. on resuming nuclear arms inspections has taken another worrying turn, with the State Department telling Congress that Moscow is in noncompliance. We’ve got the breakdown of the State Department report and what Russia has said about the nuclear treaty. Plus: The details on a strengthening alliance between the…
DOJ closes investigation into retired general accused of secretly lobbying for Qatar
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dropped a criminal investigation into retired four-star Marine Gen. John Allen, who was accused of lobbying on behalf of the Middle Eastern nation Qatar. Allen’s attorney, David Schertler, said in a statement he was informed by the DOJ’s National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in central California…
US deploying more advanced weapons in response to North Korea threat
The U.S. and South Korea have agreed to increase the scope and size of live training drills to deter North Korea and American troops will deploy more advanced weapons to its ally in Korean Peninsula. The two allies will hold a large exercise later this year. The agreement was forged by South Korea’s Minister of…
Ukraine says Poland sending ‘positive signals’ about providing F-16 fighter jets
A top Ukrainian official on Monday said Poland is sending “positive signals” about sending F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv as the next big debate over Western security assistance for Ukraine heats up. Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, wrote on Telegram that Poland is ready to “pass them on to us in coordination…
Defense & National Security — US forces kill major ISIS leader
U.S. forces stormed a mountain complex in northern Somalia and took down a key member of the foreign terrorist group ISIS. We’ll talk about the raid, how it went down and why the U.S. was targeting the ISIS leader. Plus, we’ve got the details on new sanctions on Russia’s Wagner Group and a breakdown of…
VA says it has surpassed 2022 goals for housing veterans experiencing homelessness
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says it housed more than 40,000 veterans last year, surpassing its 2022 goals aimed at reducing the number of veterans experiencing homelessness. The 2022 goal was to place 38,000 veterans in public housing, and the VA said it actually housed 40,401 veterans last year. “There are thousands of formerly…
How Western tanks could bolster Ukraine’s fight against Russia
Both Germany and the U.S. announced on Wednesday they will provide battle tanks to Ukraine after weeks of tension over donating the heavy combat vehicles. The 31 American-made M1 Abrams tanks are unlikely to arrive in Ukraine until at least the fall, whereas the German-made Leopard 2 tanks could be in Kyiv’s hands within a…
Ukraine will now push for F-16 fighter jets, government adviser says
With main battle tanks from the U.S. and Germany now headed to Ukraine, Kyiv is now focusing on securing modern fighter jets from Western allies. Yuriy Sak, an adviser to Ukraine’s Defense secretary, told The Hill that he was optimistic about receiving Western fighter jets such as the American F-16s, which Ukrainians have sought since…