At least 1,900 American military guns have been stolen from high-security installations in the last decade. Reports say the Pentagon has consistently downplayed and covered up these AWOL guns. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: America's stolen military guns

The&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;said Friday it was cutting the number of troops and air defence units deployed to the Middle East, confirming a Wall Street Journal report that eight Patriot batteries were being moved out from the region.

The move comes as President Joe Biden's administration seeks to ease tensions with Iran after they heated up in 2019 and saw a strong escalation in the US military presence across the region.

The Wall Street Journal said the Patriot anti-missile batteries were being removed from Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and that a separate anti-missile system, called THAAD, was being transferred from Saudi Arabia as well.

Each battery requires hundreds of troops and civilians to operate and support them.

Pentagon&nbsp;spokesperson Commander Jessica McNulty said that some of the units were being redeployed to other countries and some were returning to the United States for maintenance.

She would not say where the redeployed units were being moved to.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-under-us-sanctions-set-to-take-over-iran-presidency-392512">Also Read |&nbsp;Judge under US sanctions set to take over Iran presidency</a>

"This decision was made in close coordination with host nations and with a clear eye on preserving our ability to meet our security commitments," she said in an email.

"We maintain a robust force posture in the region appropriate to the threat and are comfortable that these changes do not negatively impact our national security interests," McNulty said.

"We also retain the flexibility to rapidly flow forces back into the Middle East as conditions warrant."

The US military is rapidly adjusting its global footprint as it pulls out of Afghanistan entirely and sees a greater threat from China in the Asia-Pacific region.

The&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;also slashed its troop presence in Iraq last year to 2,500, supporting Iraqi forces in their fight against the Islamic State group.

Iran is still viewed as a major threat across the Middle East, but the Biden administration is in negotiations to restore the agreement on Tehran halting its nuclear development program, which would also see some sanctions on the country lifted.

"The Defense Department maintains tens of thousands of forces in the Middle East, representing some of our most advanced air power and maritime capabilities, in support of US national interests and our regional partnerships," McNulty said.

The Pentagon said Friday it was cutting the number of troops and air defence units deployed to the Middle East, confirming a Wall Street Journal report that eight Patriot batteries were being moved out from the region.

The Pentagon said Friday it was cutting the number of troops and air defence units deployed to the Middle East, confirming a Wall Street Journal report that eight Patriot batteries were being moved out from the region. The move comes as President Joe Biden's administration seeks to ease tensions with Iran after they heated up in 2019 and saw a strong escalation in the US military presence across the region. The Wall Street Journal said the Patriot anti-missile batteries were being removed from Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and that a separate anti-missile system, called THAAD, was being transferred from Saudi Arabia as well. Each battery requires hundreds of troops and civilians to operate and support them. Pentagon spokesperson Commander Jessica McNulty said that some of the units were being redeployed to other countries and some were returning to the United States for maintenance. She would not say where the redeployed units were being moved to. Also Read | Judge under US sanctions set to take over Iran presidency "This decision was made in close coordination with host nations and with a clear eye on preserving our ability to meet our security commitments," she said in an email. "We maintain a robust force posture in the region appropriate to the threat and are comfortable that these changes do not negatively impact our national security interests," McNulty said. "We also retain the flexibility to rapidly flow forces back into the Middle East as conditions warrant." The US military is rapidly adjusting its global footprint as it pulls out of Afghanistan entirely and sees a greater threat from China in the Asia-Pacific region. The Pentagon also slashed its troop presence in Iraq last year to 2,500, supporting Iraqi forces in their fight against the Islamic State group. Iran is still viewed as a major threat across the Middle East, but the Biden administration is in negotiations to restore the agreement on Tehran halting its nuclear development program, which would also see some sanctions on the country lifted. "The Defense Department maintains tens of thousands of forces in the Middle East, representing some of our most advanced air power and maritime capabilities, in support of US national interests and our regional partnerships," McNulty said.

US cutting forces, missile batteries in Middle East

Top Pentagon leaders said that international terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda could pose a threat to the US homeland from Afghanistan within two years.

Pentagon: Terrorists could pose a threat to US in two years from Afghanistan

Are we alone in this universe? Are extraterrestrial beings visiting us in UFOs? NASA is investigating. Pentagon is set to release a report. How close are we to finding an answer?

Gravitas Plus: UFOs, Aliens & Science

The Pentagon announced on Friday a new package of $150 million in military assistance for Ukraine that will include counter-artillery radar, electronic warfare equipment and counter-drone technology, bolstering Kyiv amid elevated tensions with Moscow. 
 
Although the funds were already committed by Congress, the Defense Department's announcement details specifically how the US&nbsp;military will allocate assistance earmarked for Ukraine before the end of the US&nbsp;government's fiscal year in September. 
 
The latest tranche of assistance will come in addition to the $125 million that the Pentagon announced on March 1, which included armed Mark VI patrol boats. 
 
Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and backed a pro-Russian separatist uprising in eastern Ukraine that triggered a conflict that has killed over 14,000 people. 
 
Tensions have flared again in recent months after the two countries traded blame for a surge in fighting in Ukraine's Donbass, and Russia, in what it called a defensive exercise, massed troops on its border with Ukraine and in Crimea. 
 
US&nbsp;President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday that he will stand up for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity ahead of a summit between Biden and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16. 
 
The Pentagon said the US&nbsp;security assistance included capabilities 'to enhance the lethality, command and control and situational awareness of Ukraine's forces'. 
 
It would provide counter-artillery radars, counter-drone systems, secure communications gear, electronic warfare and military medical evacuation equipment. The United States would also provide training and equipment to improve the operational safety and capacity of Ukrainian Air Force bases, it said. 
 
The US&nbsp;assistance followed certification by the Pentagon that Ukraine 'made sufficient progress on defence reforms this year',&nbsp;as required by US&nbsp;law. 
 
When he was the US&nbsp;president, Donald Trump was impeached by the Democratic-led House of Representatives in 2019 after accusing him of using US&nbsp;aid as leverage to try to force Kyiv into smearing Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 presidential election. The Republican-led Senate later acquitted Trump. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Pentagon announced on Friday a new package of $150 million in military assistance for Ukraine that will include counter-artillery radar, electronic warfare equipment and counter-drone technology, bolstering Kyiv amid elevated tensions with Moscow.

The Pentagon announced on Friday a new package of $150 million in military assistance for Ukraine that will include counter-artillery radar, electronic warfare equipment and counter-drone technology, bolstering Kyiv amid elevated tensions with Moscow. Although the funds were already committed by Congress, the Defense Department's announcement details specifically how the US military will allocate assistance earmarked for Ukraine before the end of the US government's fiscal year in September. The latest tranche of assistance will come in addition to the $125 million that the Pentagon announced on March 1, which included armed Mark VI patrol boats. Moscow annexed Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014 and backed a pro-Russian separatist uprising in eastern Ukraine that triggered a conflict that has killed over 14,000 people. Tensions have flared again in recent months after the two countries traded blame for a surge in fighting in Ukraine's Donbass, and Russia, in what it called a defensive exercise, massed troops on its border with Ukraine and in Crimea. US President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday that he will stand up for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity ahead of a summit between Biden and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16. The Pentagon said the US security assistance included capabilities 'to enhance the lethality, command and control and situational awareness of Ukraine's forces'. It would provide counter-artillery radars, counter-drone systems, secure communications gear, electronic warfare and military medical evacuation equipment. The United States would also provide training and equipment to improve the operational safety and capacity of Ukrainian Air Force bases, it said. The US assistance followed certification by the Pentagon that Ukraine 'made sufficient progress on defence reforms this year', as required by US law. When he was the US president, Donald Trump was impeached by the Democratic-led House of Representatives in 2019 after accusing him of using US aid as leverage to try to force Kyiv into smearing Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 presidential election. The Republican-led Senate later acquitted Trump. (With inputs from agencies)

Eying Russia, Pentagon to send Ukraine counter-drone, electronic warfare equipment

According to Pentagon, the US pullout from Afghanistan is 50% complete, as it approaches its September 11 deadline to remove troops, which marks 20-year anniversary of the Al-Qaeda attacks.

Pentagon: US troops pullout from Afghanistan is 50% complete

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directed the Pentagon on Wednesday to sharpen its focus on China, which the United States has tagged as its top strategic rival.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directed the Pentagon on Wednesday to sharpen its focus on China, which the United States has tagged as its top strategic rival. "Now, it is up to the Department to get to work," Austin said after issuing an internal directive to the giant Pentagon bureaucracy. The directive, details of which are classified, comes after an assessment by a task force established by the new Biden administration in February to study the Defense Department's strategy towards China. "The initiatives I am putting forward today are nested inside the larger US government approach to China and will help inform the development of the National Defense Strategy we are working on," Austin said. A senior defense official said the task force had identified a "'say-do gap between the stated prioritization of China and what we saw in a number of areas related to attention and resources and processes." Also Read | Attack in Afghanistan kills 10 from charity that clears land mines "The directive today is really about ensuring that the department lives up to that prioritization," the official said. Austin said the directive will "improve the Department's ability to revitalize our network of allies and partners, bolster deterrence, and accelerate the development of new operational concepts, emerging capabilities, future force posture, and a modernized civilian and military workforce." Pentagon operations over the past two decades have been focused largely on dealing with jihadist militants in the Middle East and not a modern army such as that of China. The Pentagon's 2018 National Defense Strategy identified China as a major strategic competitor but the task force found that not much had been done to meet the challenges posed by Beijing. The US military is currently seeking to expand its presence in the Pacific at a time when China has been increasingly belligerent towards Taiwan, which it considers part of its territory. The United States maintains a significant presence in the Middle East, even as it has begun the withdrawal of its remaining 2,500 US troops in Afghanistan. To ensure that his directive is followed, Austin will be personally responsible for the implementation of the classified recommendations of the task force.

US defence chief urges Pentagon to sharpen focus on China

Are Pakistan & US friends or enemies? What is their relationship status? 3 developments tell why Washington can neither ignore Islamabad nor fully embrace it. Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Are Pak & US friends or enemies?

According to a Pentagon official, Pakistan has allowed the US military to use its airspace and given ground access so that it can support its presence in Afghanistan. He also said that Pakistan has played an important role in Afghanistan and they have supported the Afghan peace process.

Pakistan to continue giving air, ground access to US says Pentagon

US President Joe Biden has continued his predecessor Donald Trump's policy on suspending security assistance to Pakistan and there is no clarity if the administration will change its stance in the future, the Pentagon has said.

Former US president Trump suspended all security assistance to Pakistan in January 2018, arguing that he was not satisfied with Islamabad's cooperation and role in the fight against terrorism.

"At this time, the US security assistance to Pakistan is still suspended. I will not get into speculating one way or another about if or whether that will change going forward," Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters at a news conference on Monday.

He was responding to a question on if the new Biden administration has reviewed the policy of the previous Trump administration and if there are any changes in it or if this issue was on the table during talks with the Pakistani leadership.

Earlier in the day, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to discuss shared regional interests and objectives, Kirby said.

"During the call, the secretary reiterated his appreciation for Pakistan's support to the Afghanistan peace negotiations and expressed his desire to continue to build on the United States-Pakistan bilateral relationship," he said.

"I reiterated my appreciation for the US-Pakistan relationship and my desire to continue to work together to further regional security and stability," Austin said in a tweet.

A day earlier, US National Security Advisor Jek Sullivan met his Pakistani counterpart Moeed Yusuf in Geneva.

"Both sides discussed a range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, and ways to advance practical cooperation.

They agreed to continue with the conversation," a spokesperson of the National Security Council Emily Horne said.

In a first in-person high-level meeting, the Pakistani and US national security advisers held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.

"Both sides had a positive conversation on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to advance practical cooperation on these issues," a joint statement issued by Yusuf's office said in Islamabad.

The meeting took place as both sides have been trying to bring peace to Afghanistan.

Pakistan is also trying to rebuild ties with the new US administration under President Biden who has announced the complete withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan by September 11.

Yusuf was appointed as National Security Adviser this month and it was his first high-level meeting with any of his counterparts.

US President Joe Biden has continued his predecessor Donald Trump's policy on suspending security assistance to Pakistan and there is no clarity if the administration will change its stance in the future, the Pentagon has said.

US President Joe Biden has continued his predecessor Donald Trump's policy on suspending security assistance to Pakistan and there is no clarity if the administration will change its stance in the future, the Pentagon has said. Former US president Trump suspended all security assistance to Pakistan in January 2018, arguing that he was not satisfied with Islamabad's cooperation and role in the fight against terrorism. "At this time, the US security assistance to Pakistan is still suspended. I will not get into speculating one way or another about if or whether that will change going forward," Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters at a news conference on Monday. He was responding to a question on if the new Biden administration has reviewed the policy of the previous Trump administration and if there are any changes in it or if this issue was on the table during talks with the Pakistani leadership. Earlier in the day, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to discuss shared regional interests and objectives, Kirby said. "During the call, the secretary reiterated his appreciation for Pakistan's support to the Afghanistan peace negotiations and expressed his desire to continue to build on the United States-Pakistan bilateral relationship," he said. "I reiterated my appreciation for the US-Pakistan relationship and my desire to continue to work together to further regional security and stability," Austin said in a tweet. A day earlier, US National Security Advisor Jek Sullivan met his Pakistani counterpart Moeed Yusuf in Geneva. "Both sides discussed a range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest, and ways to advance practical cooperation. They agreed to continue with the conversation," a spokesperson of the National Security Council Emily Horne said. In a first in-person high-level meeting, the Pakistani and US national security advisers held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. "Both sides had a positive conversation on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to advance practical cooperation on these issues," a joint statement issued by Yusuf's office said in Islamabad. The meeting took place as both sides have been trying to bring peace to Afghanistan. Pakistan is also trying to rebuild ties with the new US administration under President Biden who has announced the complete withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan by September 11. Yusuf was appointed as National Security Adviser this month and it was his first high-level meeting with any of his counterparts.

US security assistance to Pakistan remains suspended: Pentagon

The United States has the most powerful military in the world. It can demonstrate authority in any part of the world in any theatre of war whether it is&nbsp;land, air or&nbsp;high seas. No one in the world can miss American deployments in foreign lands.

But, the US has a secret and undercover army of 60,000 officers and the world knows nothing about it.

A report claims these shadow warriors are spread out across the world's biggest conflict zones, from Pakistan to West Africa. The Pentagon's secret army is low profile and they operate under false identities and disguises. Sometimes, they operate even behind enemy lines. 
 
Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-all-about-americas-secret-army-385922/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A new report claims US has some 60,000 clandestine officers. This is the largest undercover force that the world has ever known. This secret army has been created by the US Department of Defence, better known as the Pentagon.

Reports say this force is 10 times bigger than the number of CIA’s spies. They carry out domestic and foreign assignments both in military uniforms and under civilian cover. No one knows who these officers are and exactly what they do because America has never talked about this secret force.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-closely-tracking-uncontrolled-chinese-rocket-re-entering-atmosphere-pentagon-383094" hreflang="en">US closely tracking uncontrolled Chinese rocket re-entering atmosphere: Pentagon</a>

Unlike the rest of the American intelligence branches, this secret army hasn't been discussed by the US Congress at all. The US government may want to keep it that way, but American publication Newsweek has managed to access some details.

It says more than half of this secret army is engaged as special operations forces. They pursue terrorists in countries like Pakistan and West Africa. Some could even be deployed behind the borders of North Korea and Iran - two countries that are direct adversaries of America.

The other wing is of military intelligence specialists who are collectors, counter intelligence agents, and linguists. They’re deployed with a cover identity to protect them. This secret army also has a small, but a growing cyber intelligence wing. Sitting behind their computers, they hunt for high value targets using information in the public domain.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pentagon-cancels-border-wall-construction-projects-381894" hreflang="en">Pentagon cancels border wall construction projects</a>

They are also involved in influence campaigns on social media. America is said to have the most extensive and sophisticated intelligence network in the world. Reports say such an initiative challenges America's domestic laws and goes against the military code of conduct and also goes against the Geneva Convention of Human Rights.

The United States has the most powerful military in the world. It can demonstrate authority in any part of the world in any theatre of war whether it is land, air or high seas.

The United States has the most powerful military in the world. It can demonstrate authority in any part of the world in any theatre of war whether it is land, air or high seas. No one in the world can miss American deployments in foreign lands. But, the US has a secret and undercover army of 60,000 officers and the world knows nothing about it. A report claims these shadow warriors are spread out across the world's biggest conflict zones, from Pakistan to West Africa. The Pentagon's secret army is low profile and they operate under false identities and disguises. Sometimes, they operate even behind enemy lines. Watch: A new report claims US has some 60,000 clandestine officers. This is the largest undercover force that the world has ever known. This secret army has been created by the US Department of Defence, better known as the Pentagon. Reports say this force is 10 times bigger than the number of CIA’s spies. They carry out domestic and foreign assignments both in military uniforms and under civilian cover. No one knows who these officers are and exactly what they do because America has never talked about this secret force. Also read: US closely tracking uncontrolled Chinese rocket re-entering atmosphere: Pentagon Unlike the rest of the American intelligence branches, this secret army hasn't been discussed by the US Congress at all. The US government may want to keep it that way, but American publication Newsweek has managed to access some details. It says more than half of this secret army is engaged as special operations forces. They pursue terrorists in countries like Pakistan and West Africa. Some could even be deployed behind the borders of North Korea and Iran - two countries that are direct adversaries of America. The other wing is of military intelligence specialists who are collectors, counter intelligence agents, and linguists. They’re deployed with a cover identity to protect them. This secret army also has a small, but a growing cyber intelligence wing. Sitting behind their computers, they hunt for high value targets using information in the public domain. Also read: Pentagon cancels border wall construction projects They are also involved in influence campaigns on social media. America is said to have the most extensive and sophisticated intelligence network in the world. Reports say such an initiative challenges America's domestic laws and goes against the military code of conduct and also goes against the Geneva Convention of Human Rights.

All you need to know about Pentagon's newly discovered 'secret army'

The debris of China's Long March 5B rocket, which last week launched the core module of the country's space station, is set to re-enter the earth's atmosphere this weekend, raising concerns where it could fall and the potential damage it could cause.

The Pentagon said on Tuesday that it was tracking a large Chinese rocket that is out of control and set to re-enter earth's atmosphere this weekend.

The Chinese Long March 5B rocket is expected to enter earth's atmosphere "around May 8," the report quoted a statement from Defence Department spokesperson Mike Howard, who said the US Space Command is tracking the rocket's trajectory.

The rocket's "exact entry point into the earth's atmosphere" can't be pinpointed until within hours of re-entry, Howard said, but the 18th Space Control Squadron will provide daily updates on the rocket's location through the Space Track website.

The rocket was used by China to launch part of its space station on Thursday. While most space debris objects may burn up in the atmosphere, the rocket's size, 22 tonnes, has prompted concern that large parts could re-enter and cause damage if they hit inhabited areas.

Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Astrophysics Centre at Harvard University said, "I don't think people should take precautions. The risk that there will be some damage or that it would hit someone is pretty small -- not negligible, it could happen -- but the risk that it will hit you is incredibly tiny. And so I would not lose one second of sleep over this on a personal threat basis," he said.

Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quoted him as saying that ''we don't know where&nbsp;the re-entry would take place. (It would be) at worst like a small plane crash but stretched out in a line over hundreds of kilometres.''

The debris is ''under close watch''&nbsp;and is likely to fall back to earth in international waters, the Post quoted a source with knowledge of China's space programme.

It was uncertain how many fragments would remain after re-entry, he said, ''but enough to cause damage.''

Industry news site SpaceNews said the ''more likely possibility''&nbsp;was that the core stage would fall in an uninhabited area or in an ocean. 
Song Zhongping, a former instructor of the Chinese military's rocket corps, said the debris would fall in a safe place such as international waters or an uninhabited part of the country.

Last year, the re-entry debris from the first Long March 5B flight fell on the Ivory Coast damaging several homes in villages. It was the largest craft to crash to earth since the US space laboratory Skylab scattered debris over the southern Australian town of Esperance in 1979, the Post report said.

China is expected to carry out more launches in its space station programme in the coming weeks as it aims to complete the space station project next year.

Once finished, the structure will have a mass of about 100 tonnes, about a quarter of the size of the International Space Station, (ISS), which is 15 years old and expected to be decommissioned in the coming years.

After that, the Tiangong is expected to be the only space station operating in near-earth orbit by the end of the decade.

(With inputs from agencies)

The debris of China's Long March 5B rocket, which last week launched the core module of the country's space station, is set to re-enter the earth's atmosphere this weekend, raising concerns where it could fall and the potential damage it could cause.

The debris of China's Long March 5B rocket, which last week launched the core module of the country's space station, is set to re-enter the earth's atmosphere this weekend, raising concerns where it could fall and the potential damage it could cause. The Pentagon said on Tuesday that it was tracking a large Chinese rocket that is out of control and set to re-enter earth's atmosphere this weekend. The Chinese Long March 5B rocket is expected to enter earth's atmosphere "around May 8," the report quoted a statement from Defence Department spokesperson Mike Howard, who said the US Space Command is tracking the rocket's trajectory. The rocket's "exact entry point into the earth's atmosphere" can't be pinpointed until within hours of re-entry, Howard said, but the 18th Space Control Squadron will provide daily updates on the rocket's location through the Space Track website. The rocket was used by China to launch part of its space station on Thursday. While most space debris objects may burn up in the atmosphere, the rocket's size, 22 tonnes, has prompted concern that large parts could re-enter and cause damage if they hit inhabited areas. Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Astrophysics Centre at Harvard University said, "I don't think people should take precautions. The risk that there will be some damage or that it would hit someone is pretty small -- not negligible, it could happen -- but the risk that it will hit you is incredibly tiny. And so I would not lose one second of sleep over this on a personal threat basis," he said. Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quoted him as saying that ''we don't know where the re-entry would take place. (It would be) at worst like a small plane crash but stretched out in a line over hundreds of kilometres.'' The debris is ''under close watch'' and is likely to fall back to earth in international waters, the Post quoted a source with knowledge of China's space programme. It was uncertain how many fragments would remain after re-entry, he said, ''but enough to cause damage.'' Industry news site SpaceNews said the ''more likely possibility'' was that the core stage would fall in an uninhabited area or in an ocean. Song Zhongping, a former instructor of the Chinese military's rocket corps, said the debris would fall in a safe place such as international waters or an uninhabited part of the country. Last year, the re-entry debris from the first Long March 5B flight fell on the Ivory Coast damaging several homes in villages. It was the largest craft to crash to earth since the US space laboratory Skylab scattered debris over the southern Australian town of Esperance in 1979, the Post report said. China is expected to carry out more launches in its space station programme in the coming weeks as it aims to complete the space station project next year. Once finished, the structure will have a mass of about 100 tonnes, about a quarter of the size of the International Space Station, (ISS), which is 15 years old and expected to be decommissioned in the coming years. After that, the Tiangong is expected to be the only space station operating in near-earth orbit by the end of the decade. (With inputs from agencies)

US tracking out-of-control wreckage of Chinese rocket falling back to Earth

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of six Boeing-made P-8I patrol aircraft and related equipment to India for an estimated cost of $2,420,000, the Pentagon said on Friday.&nbsp;

India's potential purchase of P-8 aircraft would help expand its maritime surveillance capabilities.&nbsp;

The package would include tactical radio, missile warning sensors, GPS systems, support equipment, spares and technical support, the Pentagon said.&nbsp;

The Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale on Friday. &nbsp;

Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded.&nbsp;

The Pentagon said Boeing was the prime contractor for the weapons. &nbsp;

India's first purchase of P-8I aircraft was in 2009.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of six Boeing-made P-8I patrol aircraft and related equipment to India for an estimated cost of $2,420,000, the Pentagon said on Friday.

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of six Boeing-made P-8I patrol aircraft and related equipment to India for an estimated cost of $2,420,000, the Pentagon said on Friday. India's potential purchase of P-8 aircraft would help expand its maritime surveillance capabilities. The package would include tactical radio, missile warning sensors, GPS systems, support equipment, spares and technical support, the Pentagon said. The Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale on Friday. Despite approval by the State Department, the notification does not indicate that a contract has been signed or that negotiations have concluded. The Pentagon said Boeing was the prime contractor for the weapons. India's first purchase of P-8I aircraft was in 2009. (With inputs from agencies)

US State Department OKs potential sale of P-8 surveillance planes to India: Pentagon 

The&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;said on Friday that it was canceling all US-Mexico border wall construction projects paid for with military funds.

Former US president Donald Trump had ordered the diversion of billions of dollars in&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;money to pay for the barrier after being denied funding by Congress.

President Joe Biden announced a halt to border wall construction after taking office in January.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Mexican border governor impeached for alleged tax evasion">Mexican border governor impeached for alleged tax evasion</a>

"Consistent with the president's proclamation, the Department of Defence is proceeding with canceling all border barrier construction projects paid for with funds originally intended for other military missions," deputy&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;spokesman Jamal Brown said.

Brown said the Defence Department "has begun taking all necessary actions to cancel border barrier projects."

"Today's action reflects this administration's continued commitment to defending our nation and supporting our service members and their families," he said.

Trump launched his presidential campaign in 2015 with a pledge to build a wall along the US-Mexico border and to make Mexico pay for it.

Mexico refused and so did the House of Representatives after Democrats took control in 2018.

Trump ultimately bypassed Congress by controversially dipping directly into the&nbsp;Pentagon's coffers, forcing the Defence Department to allocate billions of dollars for the project.

The Pentagon said on Friday that it was canceling all US-Mexico border wall construction projects paid for with military funds. Former US president Donald Trump had ordered the diversion of billions of dollars in Pentagon money to pay for the barrier after being denied funding by Congress.

The Pentagon said on Friday that it was canceling all US-Mexico border wall construction projects paid for with military funds. Former US president Donald Trump had ordered the diversion of billions of dollars in Pentagon money to pay for the barrier after being denied funding by Congress. President Joe Biden announced a halt to border wall construction after taking office in January. Also read: Mexican border governor impeached for alleged tax evasion "Consistent with the president's proclamation, the Department of Defence is proceeding with canceling all border barrier construction projects paid for with funds originally intended for other military missions," deputy Pentagon spokesman Jamal Brown said. Brown said the Defence Department "has begun taking all necessary actions to cancel border barrier projects." "Today's action reflects this administration's continued commitment to defending our nation and supporting our service members and their families," he said. Trump launched his presidential campaign in 2015 with a pledge to build a wall along the US-Mexico border and to make Mexico pay for it. Mexico refused and so did the House of Representatives after Democrats took control in 2018. Trump ultimately bypassed Congress by controversially dipping directly into the Pentagon's coffers, forcing the Defence Department to allocate billions of dollars for the project.

Pentagon cancels border wall construction projects

The United States continues to have a dialogue with Pakistan on issues related to terrorism along the border with Afghanistan, the Pentagon has said.&nbsp;

"We continue to have a dialogue with Pakistan about terrorist issues along that border with Afghanistan. I think it's helpful to remind that they too have suffered from terrorist attacks inside their country," Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters at a news conference here.&nbsp;

Responding to a question, Kirby said President Joe Biden is clear on withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan by September 22.&nbsp;

"The president was clear. We are removing US forces from Afghanistan and will maintain the sufficient counter terrorism capabilities we need to detect and prevent threats to our homeland that could emanate from Afghanistan,” Kirby said.&nbsp;

Once the US leaves Afghanistan, he said, they expect the sovereignty of Afghanistan to be respected.&nbsp;

He was responding to a question on reports that Beijing is considering sending a peacekeeping force to Afghanistan once the US pulls out, which will be deployed at the neighbouring province it has with Afghanistan across that 44-mile border.&nbsp;

"We certainly wouldn't speak for another nation and obviously, we would call on all of Afghanistan's neighbours to respect its sovereignty and to respect its territory integrity as well," he said.&nbsp;

"If there's a legitimate terrorism threat that's emanating from Afghanistan to work in accordance with international law and with the Afghan government to address that, but we want Afghanistan's sovereignty to be respected," he asserted.&nbsp;

The US, he said, is removing all military personnel from Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"We will remove them by early September. All of them with the exception of what's going to be required to protect the diplomatic mission in Afghanistan," he said.&nbsp;

"So I know of no discussions with government in Kabul about reinserting counterterrorism forces inside Afghanistan. As the (Defence) Secretary made clear in Brussels last week, we will maintain a sufficient counterterrorism capability in the region to deal with emanating threats from Afghanistan, threats to our homeland from terrorist groups, but the president's direction was crystal clear."&nbsp;

"All US military personnel with that exception are going to be leaving Afghanistan by the early fall," he said.&nbsp;

Kirby insisted that there's no plans to reintroduce American boots on the ground in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

"We have robust counterterrorism capabilities all around the world, and I think as he also - you heard him say in Brussels there's not a part of the Earth that we can't hit if we need to hit it, but there are no plans and no discussions about reintroducing American combat forces on the ground in Afghanistan," he said. &nbsp;

The United States continues to have a dialogue with Pakistan on issues related to terrorism along the border with Afghanistan, the Pentagon has said. "We continue to have a dialogue with Pakistan about terrorist issues along that border with Afghanistan.

The United States continues to have a dialogue with Pakistan on issues related to terrorism along the border with Afghanistan, the Pentagon has said. "We continue to have a dialogue with Pakistan about terrorist issues along that border with Afghanistan. I think it's helpful to remind that they too have suffered from terrorist attacks inside their country," Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters at a news conference here. Responding to a question, Kirby said President Joe Biden is clear on withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan by September 22. "The president was clear. We are removing US forces from Afghanistan and will maintain the sufficient counter terrorism capabilities we need to detect and prevent threats to our homeland that could emanate from Afghanistan,” Kirby said. Once the US leaves Afghanistan, he said, they expect the sovereignty of Afghanistan to be respected. He was responding to a question on reports that Beijing is considering sending a peacekeeping force to Afghanistan once the US pulls out, which will be deployed at the neighbouring province it has with Afghanistan across that 44-mile border. "We certainly wouldn't speak for another nation and obviously, we would call on all of Afghanistan's neighbours to respect its sovereignty and to respect its territory integrity as well," he said. "If there's a legitimate terrorism threat that's emanating from Afghanistan to work in accordance with international law and with the Afghan government to address that, but we want Afghanistan's sovereignty to be respected," he asserted. The US, he said, is removing all military personnel from Afghanistan. "We will remove them by early September. All of them with the exception of what's going to be required to protect the diplomatic mission in Afghanistan," he said. "So I know of no discussions with government in Kabul about reinserting counterterrorism forces inside Afghanistan. As the (Defence) Secretary made clear in Brussels last week, we will maintain a sufficient counterterrorism capability in the region to deal with emanating threats from Afghanistan, threats to our homeland from terrorist groups, but the president's direction was crystal clear." "All US military personnel with that exception are going to be leaving Afghanistan by the early fall," he said. Kirby insisted that there's no plans to reintroduce American boots on the ground in Afghanistan. "We have robust counterterrorism capabilities all around the world, and I think as he also - you heard him say in Brussels there's not a part of the Earth that we can't hit if we need to hit it, but there are no plans and no discussions about reintroducing American combat forces on the ground in Afghanistan," he said.

US continues to have dialogue with Pakistan on terrorism along Afghanistan border: Pentagon  

Leaked photos and video of 'unidentified aerial phenomena' (UAP) taken in 2019 were legitimate and taken by navy personnel, confirmed the Defence Department of the US.&nbsp;

Pentagon spokeswoman Sue Gough confirmed to CNN that the photos and video of triangle-shaped objects blinking and moving through the clouds were taken by US Navy personnel.&nbsp;

The pictures of three unidentified objects, categorised as a ‘sphere', 'acorn' and 'metallic blimp' were taken by Navy personnel, confirmed Gough.&nbsp;

The defence department cannot comment further on the observations or examination, added Gough.&nbsp;

In April 2020, the Pentagon released three short videos showing 'unidentified aerial phenomena'. Earlier, the US Navy had confirmed the clips as real. The videos released by the Pentagon date back to 2004 and 2015, and show flying objects that cannot be identified. The objects in question were moving rapidly, and were captured by infrared cameras.&nbsp;

In December last year, former President Donald Trump had signed the $2.3 trillion coronavirus relief bill which he also set into motion a 180-day countdown for the authorities to reveal all they know about UFOs.&nbsp;

The DIA and Secretary of Defence were given less than six months to provide information on 'unidentified aerial phenomena' to the Congress and committees of armed services, according to former President Trump's move.&nbsp;

In addition, the report must pinpoint any potential threats to national security posed by UFOs, while attempting to analyse whether any of the adversaries of the US may be involved in the sightings of UFOs.&nbsp;

Almost on cue, America's spy agency CIA allowed all UFO information to be downloaded ahead of the deadline last month. &nbsp;

The CIA allowed documents to be accessed by downloading from the Black Vault website. The data involved every instance of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), which has been mapped by the US government.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Leaked photos and video of 'unidentified aerial phenomena' (UAP) taken in 2019 were legitimate and taken by navy personnel, confirmed the Defence Department of the US.

Leaked photos and video of 'unidentified aerial phenomena' (UAP) taken in 2019 were legitimate and taken by navy personnel, confirmed the Defence Department of the US. Pentagon spokeswoman Sue Gough confirmed to CNN that the photos and video of triangle-shaped objects blinking and moving through the clouds were taken by US Navy personnel. The pictures of three unidentified objects, categorised as a ‘sphere', 'acorn' and 'metallic blimp' were taken by Navy personnel, confirmed Gough. The defence department cannot comment further on the observations or examination, added Gough. In April 2020, the Pentagon released three short videos showing 'unidentified aerial phenomena'. Earlier, the US Navy had confirmed the clips as real. The videos released by the Pentagon date back to 2004 and 2015, and show flying objects that cannot be identified. The objects in question were moving rapidly, and were captured by infrared cameras. In December last year, former President Donald Trump had signed the $2.3 trillion coronavirus relief bill which he also set into motion a 180-day countdown for the authorities to reveal all they know about UFOs. The DIA and Secretary of Defence were given less than six months to provide information on 'unidentified aerial phenomena' to the Congress and committees of armed services, according to former President Trump's move. In addition, the report must pinpoint any potential threats to national security posed by UFOs, while attempting to analyse whether any of the adversaries of the US may be involved in the sightings of UFOs. Almost on cue, America's spy agency CIA allowed all UFO information to be downloaded ahead of the deadline last month. The CIA allowed documents to be accessed by downloading from the Black Vault website. The data involved every instance of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), which has been mapped by the US government. (With inputs from agencies)

Leaked UFO photos, video are authentic, confirms US defence department 

Former secretary of defence Mark Esper has said the United States should deploy more troops along the Black Sea in Bulgaria and Romania to deter potential aggression from Russia as tensions between Moscow and Washington heat up.&nbsp;

Esper, now a fellow at the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University, said "I think we need to continue to stand up to Russia and try to deter their bad behavior."&nbsp;

Washington should look to reassure European allies and boost the NATO alliance by deploying more forces in Poland, "into the Baltics, if it makes sense, and places like Romania and Bulgaria, if not on a permanent - on a rotational basis," Esper said in an interview on Tuesday.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden called on Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to reduce tensions stirred by a Russian military build-up on Ukraine's border and proposed a summit of the estranged leaders to tackle a raft of disputes.&nbsp;

Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and fighting has increased in recent weeks in eastern Ukraine, where government forces have battled Russian-backed separatists in a seven-year conflict that Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people. &nbsp;

When he was running the Pentagon last year, Esper advocated a similar shift as former President Donald Trump announced his intention to cut the US troop contingent in Germany by about a third, saying Berlin had been taking advantage of the United States while not meeting financial obligations to NATO.&nbsp;

The United States announced on Tuesday that it will ramp up its forces in Germany amid the latest tensions with Russia over Ukraine, abandoning Trump's plan to withdraw around 12,000 of the 36,000 US troops there.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Former secretary of defence Mark Esper has said the United States should deploy more troops along the Black Sea in Bulgaria and Romania to deter potential aggression from Russia as tensions between Moscow and Washington heat up.

Former secretary of defence Mark Esper has said the United States should deploy more troops along the Black Sea in Bulgaria and Romania to deter potential aggression from Russia as tensions between Moscow and Washington heat up. Esper, now a fellow at the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University, said "I think we need to continue to stand up to Russia and try to deter their bad behavior." Washington should look to reassure European allies and boost the NATO alliance by deploying more forces in Poland, "into the Baltics, if it makes sense, and places like Romania and Bulgaria, if not on a permanent - on a rotational basis," Esper said in an interview on Tuesday. President Joe Biden called on Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to reduce tensions stirred by a Russian military build-up on Ukraine's border and proposed a summit of the estranged leaders to tackle a raft of disputes. Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and fighting has increased in recent weeks in eastern Ukraine, where government forces have battled Russian-backed separatists in a seven-year conflict that Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people. When he was running the Pentagon last year, Esper advocated a similar shift as former President Donald Trump announced his intention to cut the US troop contingent in Germany by about a third, saying Berlin had been taking advantage of the United States while not meeting financial obligations to NATO. The United States announced on Tuesday that it will ramp up its forces in Germany amid the latest tensions with Russia over Ukraine, abandoning Trump's plan to withdraw around 12,000 of the 36,000 US troops there. (With inputs from agencies)

US should deploy troops along Black Sea, says former Pentagon chief 

The Biden administration plans to request $715 billion for the Pentagon this coming year, a modest increase from the current level but below the level projected by the Trump administration in its final budget, according to three people familiar with the proposal.

US military spending is $1.25 trillion per year across numerous departments. US military spending has been climbing for years, including during the Trump years, and is the equivalent of many of the world’s top military spenders combined, most of which are US allies, NATO members, and US weapons customers.

The Pentagon-only budget doesn’t include defence-related spending that goes to other agencies, primarily to the Energy Department, which maintains the nation’s nuclear weapons.

By comparison, what other countries pay their armed forces is often a fraction of the support provided to U.S. military members and their families.

The pay and benefits of American servicemen and women represent about a fourth of annual defence budgets.

Though a slight increase from the current level, the top line would still be less than the $722 billion forecast by the Trump administration in its final budget submission.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration plans to request $715 billion for the Pentagon this coming year, a modest increase from the current level but below the level projected by the Trump administration in its final budget, according to three people familiar with the proposal.

The Biden administration plans to request $715 billion for the Pentagon this coming year, a modest increase from the current level but below the level projected by the Trump administration in its final budget, according to three people familiar with the proposal. US military spending is $1.25 trillion per year across numerous departments. US military spending has been climbing for years, including during the Trump years, and is the equivalent of many of the world’s top military spenders combined, most of which are US allies, NATO members, and US weapons customers. The Pentagon-only budget doesn’t include defence-related spending that goes to other agencies, primarily to the Energy Department, which maintains the nation’s nuclear weapons. By comparison, what other countries pay their armed forces is often a fraction of the support provided to U.S. military members and their families. The pay and benefits of American servicemen and women represent about a fourth of annual defence budgets. Though a slight increase from the current level, the top line would still be less than the $722 billion forecast by the Trump administration in its final budget submission. (With inputs from agencies)

US President proposes $715 billion for the Pentagon, a slight increase from last year

The Pentagon announced new policies that undo the Trump-era rules that effectively banned transgender people from serving in the military.

Pentagon releases new policies, allowing transgender people to serve in military

The Pentagon has issued new rules that offer transgender people wider access to medical care and assistance with gender transition, sweeping away Trump-era policies that largely banned them from serving in the military.

The new department regulations allow transgender people who meet military standards to enlist and serve openly in their self-identified gender.

The changes come after a two-month Pentagon review aimed at developing guidelines for the new policy, which was announced by President Joe Biden just days after he took office in January.

These people will now be able to get medically necessary transition-related care authorised by law, chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters during a briefing on Wednesday.

The new rules also prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. The Wednesday move coincided with International Transgender Day of Visibility and they will take effect in 30 days. This will give the military services the time they need to update their policies and provide guidance to commanders.

Until a few years ago, service members could be discharged from the military for being transgender, but that changed during the Obama administration. In 2016, the Pentagon announced that transgender people already serving in the military would be allowed to serve openly, and that by July 2017 they would be allowed to enlist.

After Donald Trump took office, however, his administration delayed the enlistment date and called for additional study. A few weeks later, Trump caught military leaders by surprise, tweeting that the government wouldn't accept or allow transgender people to serve "in any capacity" in the military.

(with inputs)

The Pentagon has issued new rules that offer transgender people wider access to medical care and assistance with gender transition, sweeping away Trump-era policies that largely banned them from serving in the military.

The Pentagon has issued new rules that offer transgender people wider access to medical care and assistance with gender transition, sweeping away Trump-era policies that largely banned them from serving in the military. The new department regulations allow transgender people who meet military standards to enlist and serve openly in their self-identified gender. The changes come after a two-month Pentagon review aimed at developing guidelines for the new policy, which was announced by President Joe Biden just days after he took office in January. These people will now be able to get medically necessary transition-related care authorised by law, chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters during a briefing on Wednesday. The new rules also prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. The Wednesday move coincided with International Transgender Day of Visibility and they will take effect in 30 days. This will give the military services the time they need to update their policies and provide guidance to commanders. Until a few years ago, service members could be discharged from the military for being transgender, but that changed during the Obama administration. In 2016, the Pentagon announced that transgender people already serving in the military would be allowed to serve openly, and that by July 2017 they would be allowed to enlist. After Donald Trump took office, however, his administration delayed the enlistment date and called for additional study. A few weeks later, Trump caught military leaders by surprise, tweeting that the government wouldn't accept or allow transgender people to serve "in any capacity" in the military. (with inputs)

Pentagon releases new transgender policies

Former US Director of National Intelligence&nbsp;John Ratcliffe has said that the country has ''secret evidence'' of UFOs breaking the sound barrier without a sonic boom.

In a television interview, Ratcliffe said that ''there are a lot more sightings than have been made public. However, some of them have been declassified.''

On being questioned about the UFO sightings, Ratcliffe said ''they have been picked up by satellite imagery that frankly engages in actions that are difficult to explain.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-agencies-have-less-than-6-months-to-reveal-what-they-know-about-ufos-355801">US agencies have less than 6 months to reveal what they know about UFOs</a>

Further explicating the unidentified objects he added that their ''movements are so&nbsp;hard to replicate that we don't have the technology for. They are&nbsp;traveling at speeds that exceed the sound barrier without a sonic boom.''

America's premier spy agency the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has declassified data on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) months before the deadline under the Freedom of Information Act.

The documents can now be accessed by downloading from the Black Vault website. Some of the UFO documents released date back to the 80s, Black Vault claimed.

The website Black Vault is being run by John Greenewald Jr. The data involves every instance of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) which has been mapped by the US government.

There are reportedly 2.2 million pages uploaded on Black Vault. The PDF files contain several hundred instances of UFO spotting across the globe which was stored in US government files.

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1/ In this CIA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFO</a> document, the Assistant Deputy Director for Science &amp; Technology (A/DDS&amp;T) was shown SOMETHING related to a UFO that was hand carried to him. He decided he would personally look into it, and after, he gave advice on moving forward. That advice is classified. <a href="https://t.co/PyVEr3zCny">pic.twitter.com/PyVEr3zCny</a>
— 🇺🇸 T̷h̷e̷ ̷B̷l̷a̷c̷k̷ ̷V̷a̷u̷l̷t̷ 🇺🇸 (@blackvaultcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/blackvaultcom/status/1347535280178302981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In December last year, former President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;had signed the $2.3 trillion coronavirus relief bill which he also set into motion a 180-day countdown for the authorities to reveal all they know about UFOs.

The DIA and Secretary of Defence were given less than six months to provide information on&nbsp;"unidentified aerial phenomena"&nbsp;to the congress and committees of armed services, according to former president Trump's move.

In addition, the report must pinpoint any potential threats to national security posed by UFOs, while attempting to analyse whether any of the adversaries of the US may be involved in the sightings of UFOs.

Almost on cue, America's spy agency&nbsp;CIA&nbsp;allowed all UFO information to be downloaded ahead of the deadline last month.&nbsp;

The CIA allowed documents to accessed by downloading from the Black Vault website. The data involved every instance of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) which has been mapped by the US government.

In April 2020, the Pentagon released three short videos showing "unidentified aerial phenomena". Earlier, the US Navy had confirmed the clips as real. The videos released by the Pentagon date back to 2004 and 2015, and show flying objects that cannot be identified. The objects in question were moving rapidly, and were captured by infrared cameras.

Former US Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe has said that the country has ''secret evidence'' of UFOs breaking the sound barrier without a sonic boom.

Former US Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe has said that the country has ''secret evidence'' of UFOs breaking the sound barrier without a sonic boom. In a television interview, Ratcliffe said that ''there are a lot more sightings than have been made public. However, some of them have been declassified.'' On being questioned about the UFO sightings, Ratcliffe said ''they have been picked up by satellite imagery that frankly engages in actions that are difficult to explain.'' Also read: US agencies have less than 6 months to reveal what they know about UFOs Further explicating the unidentified objects he added that their ''movements are so hard to replicate that we don't have the technology for. They are traveling at speeds that exceed the sound barrier without a sonic boom.'' America's premier spy agency the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has declassified data on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) months before the deadline under the Freedom of Information Act. The documents can now be accessed by downloading from the Black Vault website. Some of the UFO documents released date back to the 80s, Black Vault claimed. The website Black Vault is being run by John Greenewald Jr. The data involves every instance of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) which has been mapped by the US government. There are reportedly 2.2 million pages uploaded on Black Vault. The PDF files contain several hundred instances of UFO spotting across the globe which was stored in US government files. 1/ In this CIA #UFO document, the Assistant Deputy Director for Science & Technology (A/DDS&T) was shown SOMETHING related to a UFO that was hand carried to him. He decided he would personally look into it, and after, he gave advice on moving forward. That advice is classified. pic.twitter.com/PyVEr3zCny — 🇺🇸 T̷h̷e̷ ̷B̷l̷a̷c̷k̷ ̷V̷a̷u̷l̷t̷ 🇺🇸 (@blackvaultcom) January 8, 2021 × In December last year, former President Donald Trump had signed the $2.3 trillion coronavirus relief bill which he also set into motion a 180-day countdown for the authorities to reveal all they know about UFOs. The DIA and Secretary of Defence were given less than six months to provide information on "unidentified aerial phenomena" to the congress and committees of armed services, according to former president Trump's move. In addition, the report must pinpoint any potential threats to national security posed by UFOs, while attempting to analyse whether any of the adversaries of the US may be involved in the sightings of UFOs. Almost on cue, America's spy agency CIA allowed all UFO information to be downloaded ahead of the deadline last month. The CIA allowed documents to accessed by downloading from the Black Vault website. The data involved every instance of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) which has been mapped by the US government. In April 2020, the Pentagon released three short videos showing "unidentified aerial phenomena". Earlier, the US Navy had confirmed the clips as real. The videos released by the Pentagon date back to 2004 and 2015, and show flying objects that cannot be identified. The objects in question were moving rapidly, and were captured by infrared cameras.

Pentagon ready to unveil secret report of UFOs breaking sound barrier

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday he was traveling to Asia to boost military cooperation with American allies and foster "credible deterrence" against China.&nbsp;

Austin kicked off via Hawaii, seat of the American military command for the Indo-Pacific region, his first foreign visits as Pentagon chief.

"This is all about alliances and partnerships," he told reporters on the trip that is to include meetings with key allies in Tokyo, New Delhi and Seoul.

"It's also about enhancing capabilities," he added, recalling that while the United States was focused on the anti-jihadist struggle in the Middle East, China was modernizing its army at high speed.&nbsp;

"That competitive edge that we've had has eroded," he said. "We still maintain that edge. We are going to increase that edge going forward."

"Our goal is to make sure that we have the capabilities and the operational plans... to be able to offer a credible deterrence to China or anybody else who would want to take on the US," he added.&nbsp;

Lloyd will be joined in Tokyo and Seoul by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.&nbsp;

"One of the things that the secretary of state and I want to do is begin to strengthen those alliances," he said. "This will be more about listening and learning, getting their point of view."

This tour in Asia of the heads of diplomacy and defense of the United States follows an unprecedented summit of the "Quad", an informal alliance born in the 2000s to counterbalance a rising China.

Blinken will join President Joe Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, in Anchorage on March 18 with their Chinese counterparts Wang Yi and Yang Jiechi.

The Alaska talks will be the first between the powers since Yang met Blinken's hawkish predecessor Mike Pompeo in June in Hawaii -- a setting similarly far from the high-stakes glare of national capitals.

The Biden administration has generally backed the tougher approach to China initiated by former president Donald Trump, but has also insisted that it can be more effective by shoring up alliances and seeking narrow ways to cooperate on priorities such as climate change.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday he was traveling to Asia to boost military cooperation with American allies and foster "credible deterrence" against China.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday he was traveling to Asia to boost military cooperation with American allies and foster "credible deterrence" against China. Austin kicked off via Hawaii, seat of the American military command for the Indo-Pacific region, his first foreign visits as Pentagon chief. "This is all about alliances and partnerships," he told reporters on the trip that is to include meetings with key allies in Tokyo, New Delhi and Seoul. "It's also about enhancing capabilities," he added, recalling that while the United States was focused on the anti-jihadist struggle in the Middle East, China was modernizing its army at high speed. "That competitive edge that we've had has eroded," he said. "We still maintain that edge. We are going to increase that edge going forward." "Our goal is to make sure that we have the capabilities and the operational plans... to be able to offer a credible deterrence to China or anybody else who would want to take on the US," he added. Lloyd will be joined in Tokyo and Seoul by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. "One of the things that the secretary of state and I want to do is begin to strengthen those alliances," he said. "This will be more about listening and learning, getting their point of view." This tour in Asia of the heads of diplomacy and defense of the United States follows an unprecedented summit of the "Quad", an informal alliance born in the 2000s to counterbalance a rising China. Blinken will join President Joe Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, in Anchorage on March 18 with their Chinese counterparts Wang Yi and Yang Jiechi. The Alaska talks will be the first between the powers since Yang met Blinken's hawkish predecessor Mike Pompeo in June in Hawaii -- a setting similarly far from the high-stakes glare of national capitals. The Biden administration has generally backed the tougher approach to China initiated by former president Donald Trump, but has also insisted that it can be more effective by shoring up alliances and seeking narrow ways to cooperate on priorities such as climate change.

Pentagon chief sees Asia ties as deterrent against China

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will meet his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh next week in India and discuss ways to operationalise the major defence partnership that the two countries have, according to a top Pentagon official.

The Indo-US defence ties have been on an upswing in the last few years and in June 2016, the US had designated India a "major defence partner".

The two countries have also inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation.

Austin will be in India next week, after his stops in Japan and South Korea. This is for the first time that a US defence secretary is travelling to India on his maiden overseas trip. It will also be the first in-person visit by a top official of the Biden administration to India.

"In India, he'll meet with Minister Rajnath Singh and others to discuss operationalising the major defence partnership that we have with India, including through enhanced information sharing, regional security cooperation, defence trade, and cooperation in new domains," Acting Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs David F Helvey told reporters during a conference call.

In New Delhi, the Ministry of Defence said US Secretary of Defence Austin will visit India from March 19 to 21.

India, he said, is an important strategic partnership that involves cooperation with like minded nations committed to protecting the rules-based international order.

Helvey said that the travel to India, will provide an opportunity for exchange of views early on with key allies and partners about how they can work together and expand cooperation to support a rules-based international order, and continue developments of these critical relationships which enable them to do that.

Austin's visit to India will take place a week after the maiden virtual Quad summit between US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

The four leaders in a joint statement on Friday said that they brought diverse perspectives and were united in a shared vision for the free and open Indo-Pacific. "We strive for a region that is free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion," the statement said.

The Biden administration has made clear the criticality that attaches to promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond through engaging with and investing in alliances and partnerships; and strengthening our foundation at home to maintain our innovation edge and to rebuild the industrial base, Helvey said.

India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvring in the region. The Chinese military is also actively eying the strategic Indian Ocean region to step up Beijing influence.

China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea.

In 2017, India, Australia, Japan and the US gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the 'Quad' or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.

"The upcoming trips by the Secretaries of State and Defence signal the importance of our alliance and partner relationships, which are a real force multiplier in advancing our shared interests in the United States commitment to a rules-based international order, an order that places all nations on a level playing field and holds them responsible for preserving the principles that underpin it," he said.

The Department of Defence, he said, is committed to upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific region where all nations, large and small, are secure in their sovereignty and pursue economic opportunity, resolve disputes without coercion, and have the freedom to navigate and fly consistent with international rules and norms.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will meet his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh next week in India and discuss ways to operationalise the major defence partnership that the two countries have, according to a top Pentagon official.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will meet his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh next week in India and discuss ways to operationalise the major defence partnership that the two countries have, according to a top Pentagon official. The Indo-US defence ties have been on an upswing in the last few years and in June 2016, the US had designated India a "major defence partner". The two countries have also inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation. Austin will be in India next week, after his stops in Japan and South Korea. This is for the first time that a US defence secretary is travelling to India on his maiden overseas trip. It will also be the first in-person visit by a top official of the Biden administration to India. "In India, he'll meet with Minister Rajnath Singh and others to discuss operationalising the major defence partnership that we have with India, including through enhanced information sharing, regional security cooperation, defence trade, and cooperation in new domains," Acting Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs David F Helvey told reporters during a conference call. In New Delhi, the Ministry of Defence said US Secretary of Defence Austin will visit India from March 19 to 21. India, he said, is an important strategic partnership that involves cooperation with like minded nations committed to protecting the rules-based international order. Helvey said that the travel to India, will provide an opportunity for exchange of views early on with key allies and partners about how they can work together and expand cooperation to support a rules-based international order, and continue developments of these critical relationships which enable them to do that. Austin's visit to India will take place a week after the maiden virtual Quad summit between US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. The four leaders in a joint statement on Friday said that they brought diverse perspectives and were united in a shared vision for the free and open Indo-Pacific. "We strive for a region that is free, open, inclusive, healthy, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion," the statement said. The Biden administration has made clear the criticality that attaches to promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond through engaging with and investing in alliances and partnerships; and strengthening our foundation at home to maintain our innovation edge and to rebuild the industrial base, Helvey said. India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China's rising military manoeuvring in the region. The Chinese military is also actively eying the strategic Indian Ocean region to step up Beijing influence. China claims nearly all of the disputed South China Sea, though Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam all claim parts of it. Beijing has built artificial islands and military installations in the South China Sea. In 2017, India, Australia, Japan and the US gave shape to the long-pending proposal of setting up the 'Quad' or the Quadrilateral coalition to counter China's aggressive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region. "The upcoming trips by the Secretaries of State and Defence signal the importance of our alliance and partner relationships, which are a real force multiplier in advancing our shared interests in the United States commitment to a rules-based international order, an order that places all nations on a level playing field and holds them responsible for preserving the principles that underpin it," he said. The Department of Defence, he said, is committed to upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific region where all nations, large and small, are secure in their sovereignty and pursue economic opportunity, resolve disputes without coercion, and have the freedom to navigate and fly consistent with international rules and norms.

US defence secretary and Rajnath Singh to discuss ways to operationalise major partnership: Pentagon

The Pentagon has approved a request to keep about 2,300 National Guard troops in Washington to help protect the US Capitol for two more months. The number is about half of the 5,200 National Guard troops currently patrolling the Capitol.

Since the January 6 attack on the seat of the US Congress by supporters of then-president Donald Trump, National Guard troops have been dispatched to the grounds and tall fencing has been erected to extend the security perimeter.

"This decision was made after a thorough review of the request and after close consideration of its potential impact on readiness," the Pentagon said in a statement on Tuesday.

It added that over the next two months, the Pentagon would work with Capitol Police, who made the request, to reduce the troop presence "as conditions allow."

The Capitol Police said in a statement it was "extremely grateful" for the Pentagon`s support. "The National Guard has played a critical role to the department`s enhanced security posture," the statement said.

Federal prosecutors have charged more than 300 people for involvement in the January 6 attack that led to five deaths, including that of a police officer. Those arrested include members of armed militia groups such as the Oath Keepers and the Three Percenters.

A report unveiled on Monday recommended using "mobile fencing" to protect the Capitol and urged the creation of a rapid-reaction response force in Washington, while calling the Capitol Police poorly prepared for the attack on the building.

(with inputs from Reuters)

The Pentagon has approved a request to keep about 2,300 National Guard troops in Washington to help protect the US Capitol for two more months. The number is about half of the 5,200 National Guard troops currently patrolling the Capitol.

The Pentagon has approved a request to keep about 2,300 National Guard troops in Washington to help protect the US Capitol for two more months. The number is about half of the 5,200 National Guard troops currently patrolling the Capitol. Since the January 6 attack on the seat of the US Congress by supporters of then-president Donald Trump, National Guard troops have been dispatched to the grounds and tall fencing has been erected to extend the security perimeter. "This decision was made after a thorough review of the request and after close consideration of its potential impact on readiness," the Pentagon said in a statement on Tuesday. It added that over the next two months, the Pentagon would work with Capitol Police, who made the request, to reduce the troop presence "as conditions allow." The Capitol Police said in a statement it was "extremely grateful" for the Pentagon`s support. "The National Guard has played a critical role to the department`s enhanced security posture," the statement said. Federal prosecutors have charged more than 300 people for involvement in the January 6 attack that led to five deaths, including that of a police officer. Those arrested include members of armed militia groups such as the Oath Keepers and the Three Percenters. A report unveiled on Monday recommended using "mobile fencing" to protect the Capitol and urged the creation of a rapid-reaction response force in Washington, while calling the Capitol Police poorly prepared for the attack on the building. (with inputs from Reuters)

Pentagon approves extension of reduced National Guard presence around Capitol

Capitol Police have asked the Defense Department to extend the National Guard's deployment at the US Capitol for an additional two months.

US: Capitol Police asks Pentagon to extend National Guard deployment

Pentagon said on Wednesday that a&nbsp;civilian contractor who died during the rocket attack on an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition troops was a citizen of the country.

"There are no current reports of US servicemember injuries and all are accounted for. A US civilian contractor suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering and sadly passed away shortly after," the Pentagon said in a statement.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-rockets-fired-at-iraq-airbase-that-hosts-us-coalition-forces-report-367595">Multiple rockets fired at Iraq airbase that hosts US, coalition forces: Report</a>

After a retaliation last week to earlier such rocket attacks, the White House said President Joe Biden was determined "to act to protect Americans" from such threats.

At least 10 rockets landed on Wednesday at&nbsp;Iraq's Ain al-Asad airbase that hosts the United States, coalition and&nbsp;Iraqi forces, the&nbsp;Iraqi military said.

It was the second rocket attack in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;this month and came two days before Pope Francis is due to visit the country.

The attack caused no significant losses, the Iraqi's military said without going into further detail.

The Pope will visit&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;from March 5-8 despite deteriorating security in some parts of the country.

On February&nbsp;16 a rocket attack on US-led forces in northern&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;killed a civilian contractor and injured a US&nbsp;service member.

US&nbsp;Army Colonel Wayne Marotto, the spokesman for the US-led coalition, said on Twitter that the rockets targeted the base at 7:30 a.m.&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;time on Wednesday.

Pentagon said on Wednesday that a civilian contractor who died during the rocket attack on an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition troops was a citizen of the country.

Pentagon said on Wednesday that a civilian contractor who died during the rocket attack on an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition troops was a citizen of the country. "There are no current reports of US servicemember injuries and all are accounted for. A US civilian contractor suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering and sadly passed away shortly after," the Pentagon said in a statement. Also read| Multiple rockets fired at Iraq airbase that hosts US, coalition forces: Report After a retaliation last week to earlier such rocket attacks, the White House said President Joe Biden was determined "to act to protect Americans" from such threats. At least 10 rockets landed on Wednesday at Iraq's Ain al-Asad airbase that hosts the United States, coalition and Iraqi forces, the Iraqi military said. It was the second rocket attack in Iraq this month and came two days before Pope Francis is due to visit the country. The attack caused no significant losses, the Iraqi's military said without going into further detail. The Pope will visit Iraq from March 5-8 despite deteriorating security in some parts of the country. On February 16 a rocket attack on US-led forces in northern Iraq killed a civilian contractor and injured a US service member. US Army Colonel Wayne Marotto, the spokesman for the US-led coalition, said on Twitter that the rockets targeted the base at 7:30 a.m. Iraq time on Wednesday.

Pentagon says US contractor died of 'cardiac episode' in Iraq rocket attack

Pentagon officials have said that 33% of the US military are declining to receive the COVID-19 vaccine shots, despite significant coronavirus infection levels in the forces.

Pentagon: 33% of US service members say not to COVID-19 vaccine

Joe Biden, President of the United States, has announced the formation of a Pentagon task force to review the country's China strategy. Biden, accompanied by VP Harris, visited the Pentagon for the first time since becoming President.

US President announces formation of a Pentagon task force to review China strategy

Kathleen Hicks has been confirmed by the US Senate on Monday (local time) as Deputy Defence Secretary. Hicks has become the first woman to be confirmed by the Senate to the post. &nbsp;

In a voice vote, senators confirmed Kathleen Hicks, giving US President Joe Biden his second Senate-confirmed Defence Department official about a week after her confirmation hearing, according to The Hill. &nbsp;

Hicks, who led President Joe Biden's transition team at the Pentagon, was a deputy undersecretary of defence under the Obama administration. Before her nomination, she led the international security programme at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.&nbsp;

Hicks's nomination garnered attention both because of the history-making aspect and because Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin pledged to empower Pentagon civilians, such as her to assuage senators concerned about him being a recently retired general, The Hill reported.&nbsp;

Austin previously has served on the board of Raytheon Technologies and agreed to recuse himself from decisions concerning the company, decisions involving the firm will fall to Hicks. During her confirmation hearing, Hicks said she supports nuclear modernisation and nuclear triad. She added that her involvement as deputy secretary will be on programmatic decisions and made clear she would defer to Austin and Biden on questions of US nuclear policy.&nbsp;

Hicks also left the door open to defence budget cuts, saying that while the country 'can afford the defence that it needs to have,' she thinks there are ways to trim the budget without sacrificing national security, The Hill reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Pentagon has projected relatively flat budgets for the next few years because of external pressures, such as ballooning US debt, but progressive Democrats are expected to push for at least a 10 per cent budget cut.&nbsp;

When she is sworn in, Hicks will be the department's first Senate-confirmed female deputy Defence secretary, though Christine Fox served as acting deputy Defence secretary for six months in the Obama administration.&nbsp;

Kathleen Hicks has been confirmed by the US Senate on Monday (local time) as Deputy Defence Secretary. Hicks has become the first woman to be confirmed by the Senate to the post.

Kathleen Hicks has been confirmed by the US Senate on Monday (local time) as Deputy Defence Secretary. Hicks has become the first woman to be confirmed by the Senate to the post. In a voice vote, senators confirmed Kathleen Hicks, giving US President Joe Biden his second Senate-confirmed Defence Department official about a week after her confirmation hearing, according to The Hill. Hicks, who led President Joe Biden's transition team at the Pentagon, was a deputy undersecretary of defence under the Obama administration. Before her nomination, she led the international security programme at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. Hicks's nomination garnered attention both because of the history-making aspect and because Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin pledged to empower Pentagon civilians, such as her to assuage senators concerned about him being a recently retired general, The Hill reported. Austin previously has served on the board of Raytheon Technologies and agreed to recuse himself from decisions concerning the company, decisions involving the firm will fall to Hicks. During her confirmation hearing, Hicks said she supports nuclear modernisation and nuclear triad. She added that her involvement as deputy secretary will be on programmatic decisions and made clear she would defer to Austin and Biden on questions of US nuclear policy. Hicks also left the door open to defence budget cuts, saying that while the country 'can afford the defence that it needs to have,' she thinks there are ways to trim the budget without sacrificing national security, The Hill reported. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has projected relatively flat budgets for the next few years because of external pressures, such as ballooning US debt, but progressive Democrats are expected to push for at least a 10 per cent budget cut. When she is sworn in, Hicks will be the department's first Senate-confirmed female deputy Defence secretary, though Christine Fox served as acting deputy Defence secretary for six months in the Obama administration.

Senate confirms Biden's pick Kathleen Hicks as Deputy Defence secy

The&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;said Saturday it was putting on hold a plan to give Covid vaccines to terror detainees at Guantanamo, following an outcry as the United States struggles to deliver jabs to frontline workers and vulnerable elderly Americans.

"No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated,"&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;spokesman John Kirby tweeted. "We're pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe."

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No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated. We’re pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe.
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The Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba houses detainees in the US "war on terror," including top Al-Qaeda figure and alleged 9/11 attack planner Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.

The reversal comes days after the Defense Department said it would offer coronavirus vaccines "on a voluntary basis" to detainees at Guantanamo Bay, the prison in Cuba, with the rollout possibly coming as soon as next week.

The plan had been met with fierce pushback, particularly by Republican lawmakers, before it was paused, especially in light of vaccine shortages across the country.

"It is inexcusable and un-American that President Biden is choosing to prioritize vaccinations for convicted terrorists in Gitmo over vulnerable American seniors or veterans," Representative Elise Stefanik tweeted prior to Kirby's Saturday announcement.

"Nothing says #unity like letting the 9/11 mastermind and&nbsp;Gitmo detainees skip in front of millions of Americans for the COVID #vaccine," added Representative Dan Bishop, citing Biden's repeated calls for unity.
<script src="https://jsc.mgid.com/a/n/aninews.in.713570.js" async></script>

The United States has been the world's hardest-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic, in absolute terms, with 436,000 deaths and nearly 26 million cases.

President Joe Biden has pledged to vaccine 100 million Americans in his first 100 days in office, but so far the country's mass inoculation drive has been beset by stumbles, including a shortfall in vaccines and widespread technical difficulties for eligible Americans trying to make appointments.

According to health officials, the US has so far administered just under 30 million of the nearly 50 million doses distributed in the country.

The Pentagon said Saturday it was putting on hold a plan to give Covid vaccines to terror detainees at Guantanamo, following an outcry as the United States struggles to deliver jabs to frontline workers and vulnerable elderly Americans.

The Pentagon said Saturday it was putting on hold a plan to give Covid vaccines to terror detainees at Guantanamo, following an outcry as the United States struggles to deliver jabs to frontline workers and vulnerable elderly Americans. "No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby tweeted. "We're pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe." No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated. We’re pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe. — John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) January 30, 2021 × The Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba houses detainees in the US "war on terror," including top Al-Qaeda figure and alleged 9/11 attack planner Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. The reversal comes days after the Defense Department said it would offer coronavirus vaccines "on a voluntary basis" to detainees at Guantanamo Bay, the prison in Cuba, with the rollout possibly coming as soon as next week. The plan had been met with fierce pushback, particularly by Republican lawmakers, before it was paused, especially in light of vaccine shortages across the country. "It is inexcusable and un-American that President Biden is choosing to prioritize vaccinations for convicted terrorists in Gitmo over vulnerable American seniors or veterans," Representative Elise Stefanik tweeted prior to Kirby's Saturday announcement. "Nothing says #unity like letting the 9/11 mastermind and Gitmo detainees skip in front of millions of Americans for the COVID #vaccine," added Representative Dan Bishop, citing Biden's repeated calls for unity. The United States has been the world's hardest-hit country by the coronavirus pandemic, in absolute terms, with 436,000 deaths and nearly 26 million cases. President Joe Biden has pledged to vaccine 100 million Americans in his first 100 days in office, but so far the country's mass inoculation drive has been beset by stumbles, including a shortfall in vaccines and widespread technical difficulties for eligible Americans trying to make appointments. According to health officials, the US has so far administered just under 30 million of the nearly 50 million doses distributed in the country.

Pentagon pauses plan to give COVID-19 vaccine to prisoners at Guantanamo Bay

In his final days as Secretary of the Army, Ryan McCarthy has moved to thwart a federal judge’s order for an independent examination of a mentally ill prisoner at Guantánamo Bay who was previously tortured there, the Justice Department disclosed Friday.

Lawyers for the prisoner, Mohammed al-Qahtani, 45, had obtained the order in March for two foreign doctors and one from the U.S. Army to examine the man under an Army regulation to determine whether he should be repatriated to his native Saudi Arabia for psychiatric care.

The Defense Department has not permitted such a medical review since the detention center was established in January 2002, and the order was poised to become an early test of the Biden administration as it considers resuming releases from Guantánamo.

But Friday, Justice Department lawyers notified the U.S. District Court in Washington that McCarthy had signed a two-page memorandum Monday excluding detainees at Guantánamo from the regulation that was the basis of the court order.

In March, Judge Rosemary Collyer ruled that the regulation required the medical review and that if the doctors found repatriating Qahtani to Saudi Arabia was in his best interest, she would order it.

The order rattled the Defense Department, which has fought for nearly two decades to block civilian courts from deciding questions involving the detainees. Officials warned that, if an examination were conducted, others among the current 40 detainees would seek medical repatriation.

Collyer has since retired, and another judge, Ellen Segal Huvelle, upheld the order in August. The next month, an appeals court rejected a government pleading to delay the examination, leaving the Trump administration with a quandary: permit the first decisive outside evaluation of a Guantánamo detainee or, as previous administrations have done to avoid court orders to release a detainee, voluntarily transfer Qahtani to a psychiatric hospital in Saudi Arabia.

It did neither, citing restrictions at Guantánamo during the coronavirus pandemic.

Given McCarthy’s decision to alter the regulation, the Justice Department on Friday asked the court to vacate Collyer’s order. “The entire legal basis underlying this court’s March 2020 Order has evaporated,” it said.

Once President-elect Joe Biden takes office next week, his Justice Department could choose to maintain the same position or withdraw the request to the court.

Qahtani’s lawyer, Ramzi Kassem, called the move “a last-ditch effort by the Trump administration to lock Joe Biden into a path of resisting the independent medical examination of a mentally ill man that the government has admitted torturing.”

Qahtani, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, was captured along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border three months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and subjected to two months of continuous, brutal interrogation at Camp X-Ray at Guantánamo in late 2002 and early 2003.

Leaked documents show that Qahtani was deprived of sleep and water, kept nude and was menaced by dogs, while under the care of military medics.

“There is no real question that the examination will confirm my client’s severe illnesses and lead to his medical repatriation,” said Kassem, a law professor whose clinic at City University of New York represents Qahtani.

Qahtani has been suspected of being one of several failed, aspirational 20th hijackers in the Sept. 11 attacks. But he has never been charged with a crime, in part because he was tortured.

Stephen I. Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law who follows Guantánamo litigation, said the Army secretary has the authority to modify a regulation but the question likely confronting the court will be “whether the change is procedurally valid and whether it can be applied retroactively to this pending case.”

He also called the timing suspicious, days before McCarthy is relieved as Army secretary. “They lost on the rule. So they changed the rule.” He called it “a pretty shady way to duck the issue.”

A Pentagon spokesman, Mike Howard, declined to comment on the change, including whether the Department of Defense’s general counsel was consulted beforehand.

In his final days as Secretary of the Army, Ryan McCarthy has moved to thwart a federal judge’s order for an independent examination of a mentally ill prisoner at Guantánamo Bay who was previously tortured there, the Justice Department disclosed Friday.

In his final days as Secretary of the Army, Ryan McCarthy has moved to thwart a federal judge’s order for an independent examination of a mentally ill prisoner at Guantánamo Bay who was previously tortured there, the Justice Department disclosed Friday. Lawyers for the prisoner, Mohammed al-Qahtani, 45, had obtained the order in March for two foreign doctors and one from the U.S. Army to examine the man under an Army regulation to determine whether he should be repatriated to his native Saudi Arabia for psychiatric care. The Defense Department has not permitted such a medical review since the detention center was established in January 2002, and the order was poised to become an early test of the Biden administration as it considers resuming releases from Guantánamo. But Friday, Justice Department lawyers notified the U.S. District Court in Washington that McCarthy had signed a two-page memorandum Monday excluding detainees at Guantánamo from the regulation that was the basis of the court order. In March, Judge Rosemary Collyer ruled that the regulation required the medical review and that if the doctors found repatriating Qahtani to Saudi Arabia was in his best interest, she would order it. The order rattled the Defense Department, which has fought for nearly two decades to block civilian courts from deciding questions involving the detainees. Officials warned that, if an examination were conducted, others among the current 40 detainees would seek medical repatriation. Collyer has since retired, and another judge, Ellen Segal Huvelle, upheld the order in August. The next month, an appeals court rejected a government pleading to delay the examination, leaving the Trump administration with a quandary: permit the first decisive outside evaluation of a Guantánamo detainee or, as previous administrations have done to avoid court orders to release a detainee, voluntarily transfer Qahtani to a psychiatric hospital in Saudi Arabia. It did neither, citing restrictions at Guantánamo during the coronavirus pandemic. Given McCarthy’s decision to alter the regulation, the Justice Department on Friday asked the court to vacate Collyer’s order. “The entire legal basis underlying this court’s March 2020 Order has evaporated,” it said. Once President-elect Joe Biden takes office next week, his Justice Department could choose to maintain the same position or withdraw the request to the court. Qahtani’s lawyer, Ramzi Kassem, called the move “a last-ditch effort by the Trump administration to lock Joe Biden into a path of resisting the independent medical examination of a mentally ill man that the government has admitted torturing.” Qahtani, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, was captured along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border three months after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and subjected to two months of continuous, brutal interrogation at Camp X-Ray at Guantánamo in late 2002 and early 2003. Leaked documents show that Qahtani was deprived of sleep and water, kept nude and was menaced by dogs, while under the care of military medics. “There is no real question that the examination will confirm my client’s severe illnesses and lead to his medical repatriation,” said Kassem, a law professor whose clinic at City University of New York represents Qahtani. Qahtani has been suspected of being one of several failed, aspirational 20th hijackers in the Sept. 11 attacks. But he has never been charged with a crime, in part because he was tortured. Stephen I. Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law who follows Guantánamo litigation, said the Army secretary has the authority to modify a regulation but the question likely confronting the court will be “whether the change is procedurally valid and whether it can be applied retroactively to this pending case.” He also called the timing suspicious, days before McCarthy is relieved as Army secretary. “They lost on the rule. So they changed the rule.” He called it “a pretty shady way to duck the issue.” A Pentagon spokesman, Mike Howard, declined to comment on the change, including whether the Department of Defense’s general counsel was consulted beforehand.

Pentagon moves to block exam of tortured Guantanamo prisoner

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