Israel warned the US that an operation in Lebanon was coming but gave no details, officials say
U.S. officials say Israel warned U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a call Tuesday that a military operation was going to take place in Lebanon.
Jill Biden and Lloyd Austin visit an Alabama base to tout expanded military benefits
First lady Jill Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have gone to Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama to highlight programs that the administration is rolling out to improve service membersโ quality of life as well as early childhood education in the military.
Nearly $6 billion in funding for Ukraine will expire if Congress doesn't act by the end of the month
U.S. officials say nearly $6 billion in funding for aid to Ukraine will expire at the end of the month unless Congress acts to extend the Pentagonโs authority to send weapons from its stockpile to Kyiv.
Pentagon chief says a six-month temporary budget bill will have devastating effects on the military
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says passage of a six-month temporary spending bill would have widespread and devastating effects on the department and the military.
Zelenskyy presses US military leaders to let Ukraine strike deeper in Russia
Ukraine's president has told U.S. and allied military leaders meeting in Germany that his country needs the ability to strike deep within Russia now.
Pentagon leaders head to Germany for talks on Ukraine military aid
Top U.S. military leaders will be in Germany to discuss Ukraineโs wartime needs as Russia has conducted one of its deadliest airstrikes in the conflict and Ukraine presses its offensive in Russiaโs Kursk region.
Lawmakers ask Pentagon leaders to commit to keeping the military out of politics and the election
Members of Congress are pressing the top two Pentagon leaders to ensure the military is not swept up in politics during the coming presidential election and that active-duty troops are not used illegally as a domestic police force.
US beefs up posture in Middle East, warns an Iran-backed attack on Israel could come this week
The Pentagon says Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and is telling the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area.
'Original sin': Torture of 9/11 suspects means even without plea deal, they may never face a verdict
A Defense Department disagreement over how to bring to justice the accused mastermind of the 9/11 attacks and four others has thrown the cases into disarray.
US Coast Guard patrol spots Russian military ship off Alaska islands
Officials say a U.S. Coast Guard cutter on routine patrol south of Alaska's Aleutian Islands came across a Russian ship in international waters but within the U.S. exclusive economic zone.
9/11 hearings at Guantanamo Bay in upheaval after surprise order by US defense chief
Military-run hearings for accused Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, are in upheaval following Defense Secretary Lloyd Austinโs decision to throw out a plea agreement.
Defense chief defends decision to throw out plea deal for 9/11 defendants
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has spoken for the first time on his decision to throw out a plea deal for the accused mastermind of al-Qaidaโs 2001 attacks and two other defendants.
US leaders call for calm in the Middle East, even as more American forces head to the region
Top U.S. national security leaders are calling for calm in the Middle East and say they are directly pressing Israel, Iran and others to avoid escalating the conflict.
Sept. 11 families group leader cheers restoration of death penalty option in 9-11 prosecutions
The head of a group of family members of victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks says she's hearing nearly unanimous praise of the U.S. defense secretary's nullification of plea deals for the accused mastermind and two others.
Defense secretary overrides plea agreement for accused 9/11 mastermind and two other defendants
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has overridden a plea agreement reached earlier this week for the accused mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and two other defendants, reinstating them as death penalty cases.
US to boost military presence in Mideast, sending fighter jet squadron and keeping carrier in region
The Pentagon has announced that the U.S. will move a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and maintain an aircraft carrier in the region.
Amid global turmoil Blinken aims to ease anxiety over US election on 6-nation Asia tour
With large parts of the world in turmoil and deep uncertainty over the future direction of Americaโs global role, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken sought this week to project an aura of calm normalcy as he traveled through Asia on his first overseas mission since President Joe Biden jolted the 2024 presidential race with his withdrawal.
US boosts alliance with the Philippines with $500 million funding and pact amid concern over China
Washington officials in Manila have announced $500 million in funding to boost Philippine defenses and progress in a proposed military intelligence-sharing pact amid shared concerns over China's increasingly aggressive actions in the region.
US-Japan security talks focus on bolstering military cooperation, underscores threat from China
Japanese and U.S. defense chiefs and top diplomats agreed to further bolster their military cooperation by upgrading the command and control of U.S. forces in the East Asian country and strengthening American-licensed missile production there, describing the rising threat from China as โthe greatest strategic challengeโ.
Chinese and Russian bombers patrolling off Alaska raise concerns about growing military cooperation
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says that Russian and Chinese bombers flying together for the first time in international airspace off the coast of Alaska is a new show of expanding military cooperation and it raises concerns.
Pentagon panel to review Medals of Honor given to soldiers at the Wounded Knee massacre
The Defense Department will review the Medals of Honor that were given to 20 U.S. soldiers for their actions in the 1890 battle at Wounded Knee to make sure their conduct merits such an honor.
Heading to Asia, Blinken aims to shore up Indo-Pacific ties and stress US commitment to the region
Secretary of State Antony Blinken will head to Asia this week on an eight-day trip aimed at shoring up ties with Indo-Pacific allies and partners but with the priority of assuring them that the United States remains committed to the region.
Massachusetts lawmakers call on the Pentagon to ground the Osprey again until crash causes are fixed
Three Massachusetts lawmakers are pressing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to ground the V-22 Osprey aircraft again until the military can fix the root causes of multiple recent accidents, including a deadly crash in Japan.
Ukraine defense chief says his nation will find a way no matter who wins US election
Ukraine's defense minister said his country will find a way to withstand Russiaโs invading forces even if Donald Trump wins a second term, jeopardizings vital U.S. support for its defense.
US Sen. Susan Collins says she will write in Haley, once again not vote for Donald Trump in 2024
Sen. Susan Collins didnโt vote for Donald Trump for president in 2016 or 2020, and the third time will not be the charm.
NATO agrees to take on coordination of some Ukraine security support. How that will work
NATO has approved a new program to provide reliable military aid to Ukraine and help it get ready to join the alliance.
Navy sailor disciplined for trying to access Biden's health records early this year
The Defense Department says a Navy sailor tried to access President Joe Bidenโs medical records early this year, but no personal information was compromised.
Defense Secretary Austin says the US will provide $2.3 billion more in military aid to Ukraine
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says the U.S. will soon announce an additional $2.3 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, to include anti-tank weapons, interceptors and munitions for Patriot and other air defense systems.
US and Europe warn Lebanon's Hezbollah to ease strikes on Israel and back off from wider Mideast war
U.S., European and Arab mediators are pressing to keep stepped-up cross-border attacks between Israel and Lebanonโs Hezbollah militants from spiraling into a wider Middle East war that the world has feared for months.
Senior Blinken aide is taking a top job with Austin after Senate confirmation holdup
One of Secretary of State Antony Blinken's most senior aides is leaving for a top job with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and will be replaced by a brother of President Joe Biden's national security adviser.
NATO approves a plan to speed security aid and training to Ukraine's beleaguered armed forces
NATO defense ministers have approved a plan to provide reliable long-term security aid and military training for Ukraine.
US defense secretary meets Cambodian officials to push for stronger ties with Chinese ally
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has met with Cambodian officials to discuss a possible resumption of joint military exercises, suggesting the beginning of a thaw in relations between the countries that have been strained over Cambodiaโs growing closeness with China.
US defense secretary says war with China neither imminent nor unavoidable, stressing need for talks
United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has told a gathering of top security officials he doesnโt see war with China as imminent, nor unavoidable, despite rapidly escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.
Pentagon chief extends deployment of aircraft carrier, ships in the Red Sea as Houthi attacks go on
U.S. officials say the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group that for months has launched crucial strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen to protect military and commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden will remain in the region for at least another month.
Top US and Chinese defense officials seek to restore communications as tensions rise in Indo-Pacific
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has met with his Chinese counterpart as the two countries seek to repair lines of communications between their militaries that could be critical as tensions continue to rise between them in the Indo-Pacific region.
Biden says each generation has to 'earn' freedom, in solemn Memorial Day remarks
President Joe Biden is making a Memorial Day pledge that his country will continue the work of the nationโs fallen toward a more perfect union, โfor which they lived, and for which they died.โ.
The US defense secretary will visit Cambodia, one of China's closest allies, after regional talks
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to make an official visit to Cambodia, one of Chinaโs closest allies in Southeast Asia, after holding talks with his Chinese counterpart at an annual security conference in Singapore.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin resumes duty after undergoing procedure at Walter Reed
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has undergone a medical procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and has resumed duty after temporarily transferring power.
US Defense Secretary Austin expected to meet with Chinese counterpart in Singapore
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to meet with his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun at a major defense conference in Singapore next week.
US will announce $275 million more in artillery and ammunition for Ukraine, officials say
Two U.S. officials say the Biden administration is expected to announce an additional $275 million in military aid for Ukraine on Friday.
Pentagon vows to keep weapons moving to Ukraine as Kyiv faces a renewed assault by Russia
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is committing to keep U.S. weapons moving to Ukraine as Kyiv faces one of its toughest moments against a renewed assault by Russia.
Sexual assaults are down in the US military. Here's what to know about the numbers
Pentagon officials are cautiously optimistic that an overall decline in reported sexual assaults among active-duty service members and the military academies suggests that leaders are finally getting a handle on what has been a persistent problem.
Why the US paused the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel ahead of a possible Rafah attack
The U.S. has paused a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel over concerns that the country has not adequately taken civilian safety into account in its upcoming military operation in Rafah, and that the massive weapon would inflict additional civilian casualties.
Biden says US won't supply weapons for Israel to attack Rafah, in warning to ally
President Joe Biden says he won't supply offensive weapons Israel can use to launch an all-out assault on Rafah โ the last major Hamas stronghold in Gaza โ over concern for the well-being of the more than 1 million civilians sheltering there.
Russian trainers move to a Niger airbase where some US troops remain
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says he doesnโt see a significant issue with Russia moving some troops onto an airbase in Niger where a small number of U.S. forces remain.
US announces new Patriot missiles for Ukraine as part of new $6 billion aid package
The Pentagon has announced that the U.S. will provide Ukraine additional Patriot missiles for its air defense systems as part of a massive $6 billion additional aid package.
Blinken will be the latest top US official to visit China in a bid to keep ties on an even keel
Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China this coming week as Washington and Beijing try to keep ties on an even keel despite major differences on a range of issue, from the Middle East to opioids.
Pentagon leaders press Congress for Ukraine funding, saying battlefield situation is dire
Pentagon leaders are telling Congress that Ukraine and Israel both desperately need the military weapons that are being held up by Congressโ failure to pass a funding package.
US Pentagon chief speaks with Chinese counterpart for first time since November 2022
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has spoken with Chinaโs national defense minister in the latest in a series of U.S. steps to improve communications with the Chinese military and reduce unsafe and aggressive incidents in the Indo-Pacific.
Biden hosts Iraqi leader after Iran's attack on Israel throws Mideast into greater uncertainty
President Joe Biden is hosting Iraq's leader at the White House as his administration works to prevent an escalation in Mideast hostilities following Iran's weekend attack on Israel.
US helps Israel shoot down 'nearly all' Iran-launched attack drones as Biden pledges support
President Joe Biden is lauding American forces who helped Israel down โnearly allโ of the drones and missiles fired by Iran.
US and Philippines step up strategic partnership as China threats loom in South China Sea
The Biden administration is again reassuring the Philippines the U.S. commitment to the islandsโ defense is steadfast amid increasing concerns about provocative Chinese actions in disputed areas of the South China Sea.
The Latest | Blinken says Israel hasn't told US of any specific date for Rafah ground invasion
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Israel has not informed the U.S. of any specific date for the start of a major offensive into the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
U.S. announces $138 million in emergency military sales of Hawk missile systems support for Ukraine
The State Department has greenlighted an emergency $138 million in foreign military sales for Ukraine to provide critical support and repairs for Kyiv's Hawk missile systems.
Top military leaders face Congress over Pentagon budget and questions on Israel and Ukraine support
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown Jr. are urging Capitol Hill to support the Pentagonโs $850 billion budget for 2025 as questions remain as to whether lawmakers will support current spending needs for Israel or Ukraine.
The Latest | Israel says it will reopen border crossing with hard-hit northern Gaza
Israel says itโs taking steps to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, including reopening a key border crossing into hard-hit northern Gaza.
US defense official had 'Havana syndrome' symptoms during a 2023 NATO summit, the Pentagon confirms
The Pentagon confirms that a senior Defense Department official who attended last year's NATO summit in Lithuania had symptoms similar to those reported by U_S_ officials who have experienced โHavana syndrome."
Controversial military reproductive health care travel policy was used just 12 times in 7 months
The Pentagon says a controversial policy that allows service members to be reimbursed for travel if they or a family member have to go out of state for reproductive health care โ including abortions โ was only used 12 times from June to December of last year.
Pentagon urges Israel to protect civilians in Gaza as military chiefs meet at time of high tensions
A senior Pentagon official says U.S. and Israeli defense leaders met for about 90 minutes and discussed the need to have a well-planned military operation to defeat Hamas in Gazaโs southern city of Rafah that would unfold in phases to protect civilians and the ongoing delivery of aid.
US defense chief vows continued aid to Ukraine, even as Congress is stalled on funding bill
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin vows the U.S. will continue to support Ukraineโs war effort against Russia, even as the U.S. Congress remains stalled over funding for additional weapons.
U.S. weighing options in Africa after Niger junta orders departure from key counterterrorism base
The Pentagon is working through all channels with Niger officials on whether there is a viable way for U.S. troops to stay in the country following a March 16 directive that they leave.
Lawmakers fault Defense Secretary Austin for a failure of leadership over his secret hospital stay
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin faced pointed bipartisan criticism at a congressional hearing for his failure to promptly notify President Joe Biden and other U.S. leaders about his hospital stay last month.
Services prepare to brief Secretary Austin on a plan to get Ospreys flying again
The military services will take a key step toward getting the V-22 Osprey fleet back in the air as they lay out their plans Friday to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin regarding safety concerns stemming from a fatal crash in Japan.
Who was to blame for secrecy surrounding Austin's hospitalization? A Pentagon report says no one
An internal review about Defense Secretary Lloyd Austinโs hospitalization for complictions from prostate cancer surgery blames privacy restrictions and staff hesitancy for the Pentagonโs failure last month to quickly notify the president and other senior leaders.
A day after his latest hospital release, Austin presses for urgent military aid for Ukraine
A day after his latest hospital stay, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has hosted a virtual meeting on Ukraine to help replenish urgently needed ammunition and artillery for Kyiv, as its ammunition stocks run low in its fight against Russia.
Defense Secretary Austin discharged from hospital, ending second stay since cancer treatment
The Pentagon says Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and resumed his full duties.
Pentagon chief Austin remains hospitalized, will not travel to Brussels for Ukraine, NATO meetings
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has canceled his trip to Brussels to meet with NATO ministers and work on Ukraine military aid as he remains hospitalized while dealing with complications from prostate cancer.
Defense Secretary Austin is hospitalized with bladder issue, transfers powers to his deputy
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized again following symptoms pointing to an โemergent bladder issue."
Pentagon finishes review of Austin's failure to tell Biden and other leaders about his cancer
The Pentagon has completed its review of Defense Secretaryโs Lloyd Austinโs failure last month to quickly notify the president and other senior leaders about his hospitalization for complications from prostate cancer surgery and how the notification process can be improved.
US hits hard at militias in Iraq and Syria, retaliating for fatal drone attack
The U.S. military has launched an air assault on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
Hand over heart, Biden joins grieving families of US troops killed in Jordan as remains arrive home
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden joined grieving families at Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of the three American service members killed in a drone attack in Jordan last weekend.
Austin says he never told anyone on his staff to keep White House in the dark on hospitalization
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says he never directed anyone on his staff to keep his cancer surgery and hospitalization secret from the White House but acknowledges he should have handled it differently.
US hints large response to Iran-backed militias is imminent as Houthi rebels target another ship
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says it's time to more significantly disable Iran-backed militias that have struck at U.S. forces and ships in the Middle East.
Biden says he's decided on response to killing of 3 US troops, plans to attend dignified transfer
President Joe Biden says he has decided how to respond to the killing of three American service members in Jordan, noting that he does not want to expand war in the Middle East but demurring on the specifics of how the U.S. will proceed.
Attorney General Merrick Garland to undergo surgery, Justice Department says
Attorney General Merrick Garland will undergo back surgery this weekend and delegate his duties to the deputy attorney general during the procedure.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin returns to work at the Pentagon after cancer surgery complications
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has returned to work at the Pentagon after nearly a monthโs absence because of prostate cancer.
Pentagon chief Austin's cancer prognosis is 'excellent,' no further treatments needed, doctors say
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's cancer doctors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center say his prostate cancer prognosis is good and no further treatments will be needed after seeing him for a follow-up appointment Friday.
White House sets new guidelines for Cabinet notifications after Austin's secret hospitalization
The White House is laying out a new set of guidelines to ensure it will be informed any time a Cabinet head canโt carry out their job.
The US and Iraq will begin talks soon on ending the mission of the US-led military coalition in Iraq
The United States and Iraq will soon begin talks to wind down the mission of a U.S.-led military coalition formed to fight the Islamic State group in Iraq.
US hits Iraq militia sites and anti-ship missiles in Yemen as fight with Iranian proxies intensifies
The U.S. military has hit three facilities in Iraq and two anti-ship missiles in Yemen within hours of each other in its continued effort to keep violence from the Israel-Hamas war from spilling over into a wider conflict.
Pentagon has no more money for Ukraine as it hosts a meeting of 50 allies on support for Kyiv
The United States is out of money for Ukraine right now and is unable to send the ammunition and missiles that the government in Kyiv needs to fend off Russiaโs invasion.
Aide to Lloyd Austin asked ambulance to arrive quietly to defense secretary's home, 911 call shows
An aide to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asked first responders to avoid using lights and sirens in requesting an ambulance be sent to Austin's northern Virginia home earlier this month.
Austin is released from hospital after complications from prostate cancer surgery he kept secret
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says he's eager to return to the Pentagon after being released from a hospital where he was treated for complications from surgery for prostate cancer he kept secret from President Joe Biden.
Austin ordered strikes from hospital where he continues to get prostate cancer care, Pentagon says
From his hospital room, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin first orchestrated and then watched in real time as the U.S. retaliatory attack on Yemen-based Houthi militants unfolded Thursday night.
Biden says Austin still has his confidence, but not revealing hospitalization was lapse in judgment
President Joe Biden says it was a lapse in judgment for Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin not to tell him about his hospitalization last week, but he still has confidence in the Pentagon chief.
Pentagon watchdog will review Defense Secretary Austin's failure to disclose his hospitalization
The Pentagonโs internal watchdog says he will review the secrecy surrounding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austinโs hospitalization and why the Defense Department waited days to inform the White House that he had transferred authority to his deputy.
Amid firestorm created by Austin's cancer secrecy, missed opportunities to build trust and educate
The secrecy surrounding Defense Secretary Lloyd Austinโs hospitalizations due to prostate cancer surgery set off a political firestorm, launched multiple reviews and triggered calls for his ouster.
Secrecy surrounding the defense secretary's hospitalization has put the White House on the defensive
President Joe Bidenโs administration is facing criticism and credibility questions after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austinโs hospitalization was kept secret for days โ even from the White House.
A timeline of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had prostate cancer surgery and was later hospitalized in intensive care due to complications from that operation without President Joe Biden, Cabinet members or even his deputy knowing.
Austin kept prostate cancer, surgery complications a secret from everyone, even Biden
Doctors say Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has prostate cancer and his recent secretive hospitalization was for surgery and later to treat a urinary tract infection related to that operation.
White House, Pentagon will review Defense Secretary Austin's lack of disclosure on his hospital stay
Both the White House and Pentagon say they will look into why President Joe Biden and other top officials werenโt informed for days that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had been hospitalized.
Defense secretary remains hospitalized as details emerge about delays in notification, even to Biden
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin remains in the hospital as more details emerge about why key decision-makers, even President Joe Biden, were kept in the dark for days that he had been in the intensive care unit at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
A Pentagon mystery: Why was Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospital stay kept secret for days?
U.S. officials say that senior Biden administration leaders, members of Congress and top Pentagon officials were unaware for days that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had been hospitalized since Monday.