Pentagon will soon give US President Donald Trump with a series of options on Monday to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany, with many moving to eastern Europe.

Defence Secretary Mark Esper, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said, on Monday will brief Trump on options for our force posture in Germany.

Trump's announcement of a troop shift came not long after German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced she would not attend a G-7 summit the US president wanted to host this month. The two have long had a strained relationship.

The plan calls for cutting the permanent US troop presence in Germany to 25,000, as Trump announced June 15, for a reduction of 9,500 troops. Some of the 9,500 will return to the US, while others will be transferred to former Soviet-bloc countries.

That shift would be meant as a clear warning to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, whose military ambitions were underscored by the 2014 annexation of the Crimea.

It is being said that Poland would be one of the European countries receiving US troops.&nbsp;

These deployments will be based on bilateral agreements between the US and the concerned countries, and will not be done under the aegis of NATO.

 
&nbsp;

Pentagon will soon give US President Donald Trump with a series of options on Monday to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany, with many moving to eastern Europe.

Pentagon will soon give US President Donald Trump with a series of options on Monday to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany, with many moving to eastern Europe. Defence Secretary Mark Esper, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said, on Monday will brief Trump on options for our force posture in Germany. Trump's announcement of a troop shift came not long after German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced she would not attend a G-7 summit the US president wanted to host this month. The two have long had a strained relationship. The plan calls for cutting the permanent US troop presence in Germany to 25,000, as Trump announced June 15, for a reduction of 9,500 troops. Some of the 9,500 will return to the US, while others will be transferred to former Soviet-bloc countries. That shift would be meant as a clear warning to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, whose military ambitions were underscored by the 2014 annexation of the Crimea. It is being said that Poland would be one of the European countries receiving US troops. These deployments will be based on bilateral agreements between the US and the concerned countries, and will not be done under the aegis of NATO.

Pentagon to give Trump options to reduce troops in Germany

The Pentagon put Huawei Technologies and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology on a list of 20 companies it says are owned or controlled by China’s military, opening them up to potential additional US&nbsp;sanctions.

This list includes “entities owned by, controlled by, or affiliated with China’s government, military, or defense industry,” Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-national-security-adviser-takes-aim-warns-china-308404">Trump's national security adviser takes aim warns China</a>

“As the People’s Republic of China attempts to blur the lines between civil and military sectors, ‘knowing your supplier’ is critical,” Hoffman said. “We envision this list will be a useful tool for the US&nbsp;government, companies, investors, academic institutions, and like-minded partners to conduct due diligence with regard to partnerships with these entities, particularly as the list grows.”

In letters to lawmakers dated June 24, the Pentagon said it was providing a list of ''Communist Chinese military companies operating in the United States.''&nbsp;The list was first requested in the fiscal 1999 defense policy law.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-huawei-became-a-liability-for-china-amid-covid-19-crisis-301187">How Huawei became a liability for China amid COVID-19 crisis</a>

The DOD document also includes China Mobile Communications Group and China Telecommunications Corp as well as aircraft manufacturer Aviation Industry Corp of China.&nbsp;

The designations were drawn up by the Defense Department, which was mandated by a 1999 law to compile a list of Chinese military companies operating in the United States, including those ''owned or controlled''&nbsp;by the People’s Liberation Army that provide commercial services, manufacture, produce or export.

The Pentagon’s designations do not trigger penalties, but the law says the president may impose sanctions that could include blocking all property of the listed parties.&nbsp;

The move’s implications were not immediately clear. But it came as relations between the two superpowers continue to deteriorate, and as China has become an issue in the US&nbsp;election campaign. China has for the past year threatened to produce its own “unreliable entities” list, but has so far not done so.

The list of companies said to be affiliated with the Peoples Liberation Army was mandated under the Defense Authorization Act of 1999, but no administration ever put out the required report. Trump has the authority under the International Emergency Economics Powers Act of 1977 to level financial sanctions against those companies.

China’s foreign and defense ministries, as well as the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, which oversees China’s government-run companies, didn’t immediately reply to a fax during a public holiday in the country. Huawei also didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.

Hikvision called the U.S. move “baseless,” saying its ownership details have always been publicly available as a listed company and “independently operated enterprise.” It said it would continue to work with the U.S. government “to answer questions and correct misunderstandings about the company.”

“Hikvision strongly opposes the decision by the US&nbsp;government to misapply a never-used provision of a 21-year-old law,” a company spokesperson said. “Not only is Hikvision not a ‘Chinese military company,’ Hikvision has never participated in any R&amp;D work for military applications.”

“The list put out today by the Pentagon is a start but woefully inadequate to warn the American people about the state-owned and -directed companies that support the Chinese government and Communist Party’s activities threatening U.S. economic and national security,” Republican Senator Marco Rubio said in a statement.

Washington had placed Huawei and Hikvision on a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns and has led an international campaign to convince allies to exclude Huawei from their 5G networks.

The Pentagon put Huawei Technologies and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology on a list of 20 companies it says are owned or controlled by China’s military, opening them up to potential additional US sanctions.

The Pentagon put Huawei Technologies and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology on a list of 20 companies it says are owned or controlled by China’s military, opening them up to potential additional US sanctions. This list includes “entities owned by, controlled by, or affiliated with China’s government, military, or defense industry,” Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. Also read: Trump's national security adviser takes aim warns China “As the People’s Republic of China attempts to blur the lines between civil and military sectors, ‘knowing your supplier’ is critical,” Hoffman said. “We envision this list will be a useful tool for the US government, companies, investors, academic institutions, and like-minded partners to conduct due diligence with regard to partnerships with these entities, particularly as the list grows.” In letters to lawmakers dated June 24, the Pentagon said it was providing a list of ''Communist Chinese military companies operating in the United States.'' The list was first requested in the fiscal 1999 defense policy law. Also read: How Huawei became a liability for China amid COVID-19 crisis The DOD document also includes China Mobile Communications Group and China Telecommunications Corp as well as aircraft manufacturer Aviation Industry Corp of China. The designations were drawn up by the Defense Department, which was mandated by a 1999 law to compile a list of Chinese military companies operating in the United States, including those ''owned or controlled'' by the People’s Liberation Army that provide commercial services, manufacture, produce or export. The Pentagon’s designations do not trigger penalties, but the law says the president may impose sanctions that could include blocking all property of the listed parties. The move’s implications were not immediately clear. But it came as relations between the two superpowers continue to deteriorate, and as China has become an issue in the US election campaign. China has for the past year threatened to produce its own “unreliable entities” list, but has so far not done so. The list of companies said to be affiliated with the Peoples Liberation Army was mandated under the Defense Authorization Act of 1999, but no administration ever put out the required report. Trump has the authority under the International Emergency Economics Powers Act of 1977 to level financial sanctions against those companies. China’s foreign and defense ministries, as well as the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, which oversees China’s government-run companies, didn’t immediately reply to a fax during a public holiday in the country. Huawei also didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment. Hikvision called the U.S. move “baseless,” saying its ownership details have always been publicly available as a listed company and “independently operated enterprise.” It said it would continue to work with the U.S. government “to answer questions and correct misunderstandings about the company.” “Hikvision strongly opposes the decision by the US government to misapply a never-used provision of a 21-year-old law,” a company spokesperson said. “Not only is Hikvision not a ‘Chinese military company,’ Hikvision has never participated in any R&D work for military applications.” “The list put out today by the Pentagon is a start but woefully inadequate to warn the American people about the state-owned and -directed companies that support the Chinese government and Communist Party’s activities threatening U.S. economic and national security,” Republican Senator Marco Rubio said in a statement. Washington had placed Huawei and Hikvision on a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns and has led an international campaign to convince allies to exclude Huawei from their 5G networks.

Pentagon names Huawei and Hikvision among 20 Chinese military-backed firms

The United States wants to prevent China and Russia from taking control of space and will look to allies for help, according to a new "Defense Space Strategy" unveiled by the Pentagon on Wednesday.

The strategy document was the first since President Donald Trump announced the creation of the new Space Force military arm in December.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-a-bid-to-expand-military-outreach-trump-launches-us-space-warfare-command-246563">Pictures: In a bid to expand military outreach Trump launches US Space Warfare Command</a> 
 
"China and Russia present the greatest strategic threat due to their development, testing and deployment of counter-space capabilities. China and Russia each have weaponized space as a means to reduce the US and allied military effectiveness and challenge our freedom of operation in space," it said.

The strategy stressed that the US would strive to maintain superiority in space, in particular protecting GPS satellites on which the military, as well as the emergency services, transport and even financial services, depend.

But China and Russia are developing tools for jamming and cyberattacks that directly threaten US satellites, such as electromagnetic weapons and anti-satellite missiles, Stephen Kitay, the deputy assistant secretary of defence for space policy, told reporters.

China is investing billions of dollars in space and puts many satellites in orbit. In 2007, Beijing also successfully tested a surface-to-air missile strike against a satellite, according to the Pentagon.

In 2017, Russia launched into orbit what it described as an inspection satellite capable of diagnosing problems with a Russian satellite, Kitay said. But the satellite has not moved since its launch and is a worryingly short distance from an American satellite, he added.

Russia has also planned test launch of its Angara heavy carrier rocket later this year and is pressing ahead with the development of its new intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sarmat. In 2018, President Vladimir Putin boasted that the Sarmat was one of the new Russian weapons that could render NATO defences obsolete.

"We are still ahead of them, but we are absolutely at risk with the pace that they are developing these capabilities," Kitay said. "And these are very serious threats."

A threat to 'be prepared for'

The Pentagon's strategy document stressed that both China and Russia viewed access to outer space as essential to national and military strategy. Both countries, according to the document, consider space important for modern warfare and the use of weapons in space as a significant means of reducing the military effectiveness of the US and its allies in future wars.

The document also put forth the possibility of a nuclear attack in space. Although the absence of an atmosphere would prevent combustion, the detonation of a nuclear weapon would cause a powerful electromagnetic charge that would destroy the electric circuits of all satellites around it, Kitay said. "That is a threat that we have to potentially be prepared for," he added.

The US, which is reviving its space exploration program, recently celebrated its first crewed spacecraft flight in nearly a decade, sending two astronauts to the International Space Station in a privately-built capsule. The strategy document emphasized that the US would "promote burden-sharing with our allies and partners."

The United States' closest intelligence allies, the "Five Eyes" group (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain and the US), have been cooperating since 2014 within the Combined Space Operations initiative. France and Germany joined them in February.

The United States wants to prevent China and Russia from taking control of space and will look to allies for help, according to a new "Defense Space Strategy" unveiled by the Pentagon on Wednesday.

The United States wants to prevent China and Russia from taking control of space and will look to allies for help, according to a new "Defense Space Strategy" unveiled by the Pentagon on Wednesday. The strategy document was the first since President Donald Trump announced the creation of the new Space Force military arm in December. Pictures: In a bid to expand military outreach Trump launches US Space Warfare Command "China and Russia present the greatest strategic threat due to their development, testing and deployment of counter-space capabilities. China and Russia each have weaponized space as a means to reduce the US and allied military effectiveness and challenge our freedom of operation in space," it said. The strategy stressed that the US would strive to maintain superiority in space, in particular protecting GPS satellites on which the military, as well as the emergency services, transport and even financial services, depend. But China and Russia are developing tools for jamming and cyberattacks that directly threaten US satellites, such as electromagnetic weapons and anti-satellite missiles, Stephen Kitay, the deputy assistant secretary of defence for space policy, told reporters. China is investing billions of dollars in space and puts many satellites in orbit. In 2007, Beijing also successfully tested a surface-to-air missile strike against a satellite, according to the Pentagon. In 2017, Russia launched into orbit what it described as an inspection satellite capable of diagnosing problems with a Russian satellite, Kitay said. But the satellite has not moved since its launch and is a worryingly short distance from an American satellite, he added. Russia has also planned test launch of its Angara heavy carrier rocket later this year and is pressing ahead with the development of its new intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sarmat. In 2018, President Vladimir Putin boasted that the Sarmat was one of the new Russian weapons that could render NATO defences obsolete. "We are still ahead of them, but we are absolutely at risk with the pace that they are developing these capabilities," Kitay said. "And these are very serious threats." A threat to 'be prepared for' The Pentagon's strategy document stressed that both China and Russia viewed access to outer space as essential to national and military strategy. Both countries, according to the document, consider space important for modern warfare and the use of weapons in space as a significant means of reducing the military effectiveness of the US and its allies in future wars. The document also put forth the possibility of a nuclear attack in space. Although the absence of an atmosphere would prevent combustion, the detonation of a nuclear weapon would cause a powerful electromagnetic charge that would destroy the electric circuits of all satellites around it, Kitay said. "That is a threat that we have to potentially be prepared for," he added. The US, which is reviving its space exploration program, recently celebrated its first crewed spacecraft flight in nearly a decade, sending two astronauts to the International Space Station in a privately-built capsule. The strategy document emphasized that the US would "promote burden-sharing with our allies and partners." The United States' closest intelligence allies, the "Five Eyes" group (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain and the US), have been cooperating since 2014 within the Combined Space Operations initiative. France and Germany joined them in February.

China, Russia present the most immediate, serious threats to US space operations: Pentagon

The Pentagon has moved about 1,600 U.S. Army troops into the Washington, DC, region, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, after several nights of violent protests in the city.

"Active duty elements are postured on military bases in the National Capital Region but are not in Washington, D.C.," Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoffman said in a statement.

He said the troops were on "heightened alert status" but "are not participating in defence support to civil authority operations."

Senior defence officials had said on Monday that units would be moving into the Washington region.

The troops include military police and those with engineering capabilities, along with an infantry battalion, Hoffman said.

The Pentagon has moved about 1,600 U.S. Army troops into the Washington, DC, region, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, after several nights of violent protests in the city.

The Pentagon has moved about 1,600 U.S. Army troops into the Washington, DC, region, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, after several nights of violent protests in the city. "Active duty elements are postured on military bases in the National Capital Region but are not in Washington, D.C.," Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoffman said in a statement. He said the troops were on "heightened alert status" but "are not participating in defence support to civil authority operations." Senior defence officials had said on Monday that units would be moving into the Washington region. The troops include military police and those with engineering capabilities, along with an infantry battalion, Hoffman said.

Pentagon moves about 1,600 army troops into the Washington region

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;Department of Defense is considering to ban&nbsp;new recruits from joining the military if they have been hospitalised for due to&nbsp;coronavirus,&nbsp;according to a defense official.

They will not be exempted unless they get a waiver from the service they want to sign up with.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-worse-than-pearl-harbor-911-for-us-says-trump-297102" hreflang="en">Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump</a>

The official said the guidance is being put in place because there is little understanding of the "long-term" effects of the virus and there is a concern that potential recruits who have been hospitalized may need further medical assessments.

The new policy is being finalized to set medical restrictions on recruits who may have tested positive or have been treated for Covid-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-second-consecutive-year-sexual-assault-cases-increase-in-us-military-296096">For second consecutive year, sexual assault cases increase in US military</a>

There is a particular concern over whether a sufficient number of recruits will be able to join before a rigorous enough testing regime is in place to ensure they are healthy enough to enter training.

Department of Defense medical waivers are required for a wide variety of medical conditions ranging from heart disease to a loss of vision.

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Defense Secretary Mark Esper said at the Pentagon Tuesday that the department would randomly test groups of people "to understand how many asymptomatic or carriers are maybe out there."

The US Department of Defense is considering to ban new recruits from joining the military if they have been hospitalised for due to coronavirus, according to a defense official.

The US Department of Defense is considering to ban new recruits from joining the military if they have been hospitalised for due to coronavirus, according to a defense official. They will not be exempted unless they get a waiver from the service they want to sign up with. Also read: Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump The official said the guidance is being put in place because there is little understanding of the "long-term" effects of the virus and there is a concern that potential recruits who have been hospitalized may need further medical assessments. The new policy is being finalized to set medical restrictions on recruits who may have tested positive or have been treated for Covid-19. Also read: For second consecutive year, sexual assault cases increase in US military There is a particular concern over whether a sufficient number of recruits will be able to join before a rigorous enough testing regime is in place to ensure they are healthy enough to enter training. Department of Defense medical waivers are required for a wide variety of medical conditions ranging from heart disease to a loss of vision. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said at the Pentagon Tuesday that the department would randomly test groups of people "to understand how many asymptomatic or carriers are maybe out there."

Pentagon planning to ban new military recruits hospitalised due to COVID-19

The number of sexual assaults in the US military increased in 2019 to 7,825 which was a three per cent increase from 2018, a report published by Pentagon said on Friday.&nbsp;

Last year as well, there was an increase of 13 per cent in the number of assaults and sexual crimes brought to the attention of military authorities.&nbsp;

The report was compiled by Department of Defense's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPR) and was published on Pentagon's site.

As per the data, the Air Force saw a nine per cent spike in cases while Navy had a rise of five per cent. A sexual assault case in Army witnessed an increase of two per cent. 
&nbsp; 
The data also showed that 73 per cent of these sexual assaults in the military were committed by a superior.&nbsp;

While the Marines have previously been called out for their especially high number of sexual assaults, this year's report shows that such cases are becoming more equal between the five branches.&nbsp;

"One of our prevention efforts over the past year focused on preparing leaders at all levels to better reach our youngest Service members who are most at risk," said SAPR director Nate Galbraith.&nbsp;

"Helping our newest enlisted leaders and supervisors create healthy unit climates will benefit our military and all those who serve," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of sexual assaults in the US military increased in 2019 to 7,825 which was a three per cent increase from 2018, a report published by Pentagon said on Friday.

The number of sexual assaults in the US military increased in 2019 to 7,825 which was a three per cent increase from 2018, a report published by Pentagon said on Friday. Last year as well, there was an increase of 13 per cent in the number of assaults and sexual crimes brought to the attention of military authorities. The report was compiled by Department of Defense's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPR) and was published on Pentagon's site. As per the data, the Air Force saw a nine per cent spike in cases while Navy had a rise of five per cent. A sexual assault case in Army witnessed an increase of two per cent. The data also showed that 73 per cent of these sexual assaults in the military were committed by a superior. While the Marines have previously been called out for their especially high number of sexual assaults, this year's report shows that such cases are becoming more equal between the five branches. "One of our prevention efforts over the past year focused on preparing leaders at all levels to better reach our youngest Service members who are most at risk," said SAPR director Nate Galbraith. "Helping our newest enlisted leaders and supervisors create healthy unit climates will benefit our military and all those who serve," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

For second consecutive year, sexual assault cases increase in US military

The Pentagon on Monday released few videos, where a US Navy pilot was seen encountering&nbsp;unknown flying objects.&nbsp;

The video showcases unidentified aerial phenomena, which some belief as unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

The video clip has been brought in the public domain by Pentagon so that people do not believe in the false concepts and the video that was being circulated, according to the Department of Defense.

After reviewing the footage, the department has made it very clear that the videos do not determine any sensitive capabilities or systems, and does not infringe on subsequent investigations of the military air space incursions by the phenomena, the Department of defence website stated.

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I’m glad the Pentagon is finally releasing this footage, but it only scratches the surface of research and materials available. The U.S. needs to take a serious, scientific look at this and any potential national security implications. The American people deserve to be informed. <a href="https://t.co/1XNduvmP0u">https://t.co/1XNduvmP0u</a>
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The video was in circulation after illegal releases in 2007 and 2017, the website quoted. The aerial phenomena in the video are not identified, the website added.

Three videos show what the U.S. Navy pilot saw in 2004 and 2015. Two of these videos were published by a media organisation in 2017. The other video was released by To the Stars Academy of Arts and Science group.

The video released by the Pentagon adds to the credibility of the videos and will increase speculation that humans have recently interacted with extra-terrestrials. The US Navy has its set of rules and regulations for reporting UFO sightings.

The former Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid, from Nevada, tweeted saying, “the video only scratches the surface of research and materials available.”

The Pentagon on Monday released few videos, where a US Navy pilot was seen encountering unknown flying objects. The video showcases unidentified aerial phenomena, which some belief as unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

The Pentagon on Monday released few videos, where a US Navy pilot was seen encountering unknown flying objects. The video showcases unidentified aerial phenomena, which some belief as unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The video clip has been brought in the public domain by Pentagon so that people do not believe in the false concepts and the video that was being circulated, according to the Department of Defense. After reviewing the footage, the department has made it very clear that the videos do not determine any sensitive capabilities or systems, and does not infringe on subsequent investigations of the military air space incursions by the phenomena, the Department of defence website stated. I’m glad the Pentagon is finally releasing this footage, but it only scratches the surface of research and materials available. The U.S. needs to take a serious, scientific look at this and any potential national security implications. The American people deserve to be informed. https://t.co/1XNduvmP0u — Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) April 27, 2020 × The video was in circulation after illegal releases in 2007 and 2017, the website quoted. The aerial phenomena in the video are not identified, the website added. Three videos show what the U.S. Navy pilot saw in 2004 and 2015. Two of these videos were published by a media organisation in 2017. The other video was released by To the Stars Academy of Arts and Science group. The video released by the Pentagon adds to the credibility of the videos and will increase speculation that humans have recently interacted with extra-terrestrials. The US Navy has its set of rules and regulations for reporting UFO sightings. The former Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid, from Nevada, tweeted saying, “the video only scratches the surface of research and materials available.”

Pentagon makes three UFO videos captured by US Navy pilot public to clear people’s misconceptions

The Pentagon said a test missile&nbsp;flew at hypersonic speeds -- more than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5 -- to a designated impact point.

The test followed the first joint US Army and Navy flight experiment in October 2017, when the prototype missile demonstrated it could glide in the direction of a target at hypersonic speed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/pentagon-looks-for-defence-to-putins-invincible-hypersonic-missiles-277593" hreflang="en">Pentagon looks for 'defence' to Putin's 'invincible' hypersonic missiles</a>

"Today we validated our design and are now ready to move to the next phase towards fielding a hypersonic strike capability," Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe said in a statement.

Hypersonic weapons can take missile warfare, and particularly nuclear warfare, to a new, and for many frightening, level: they can travel much faster than current nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, at different altitudes and with the maneuverability that makes them difficult to defeat with current missile defence systems.

In December, Russia declared it had placed into service their first Avangard hypersonic missile, making it the first country to claim an operable hypersonic weapon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/were-constructing-many-hypersonic-missiles-us-president-donald-trump-273112" hreflang="en">We're constructing many hypersonic missiles: US President Donald Trump</a>

Russian officials claimed that in tests it had reached speeds of up to Mach 27, roughly 33,000 kilometres (20,500 miles) per hour.

China is also investing significantly in their development. Last October it displayed its DF-17 hypersonic glide vehicle in its national day military parade.

The Pentagon said a test missile flew at hypersonic speeds -- more than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5 -- to a designated impact point. The test followed the first joint US Army and Navy flight experiment in October 2017, when the prototype missile demonstrated it could glide in the direction of a target at hypersonic speed.

The Pentagon said a test missile flew at hypersonic speeds -- more than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5 -- to a designated impact point. The test followed the first joint US Army and Navy flight experiment in October 2017, when the prototype missile demonstrated it could glide in the direction of a target at hypersonic speed. Also read: Pentagon looks for 'defence' to Putin's 'invincible' hypersonic missiles "Today we validated our design and are now ready to move to the next phase towards fielding a hypersonic strike capability," Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe said in a statement. Hypersonic weapons can take missile warfare, and particularly nuclear warfare, to a new, and for many frightening, level: they can travel much faster than current nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, at different altitudes and with the maneuverability that makes them difficult to defeat with current missile defence systems. In December, Russia declared it had placed into service their first Avangard hypersonic missile, making it the first country to claim an operable hypersonic weapon. Also read: We're constructing many hypersonic missiles: US President Donald Trump Russian officials claimed that in tests it had reached speeds of up to Mach 27, roughly 33,000 kilometres (20,500 miles) per hour. China is also investing significantly in their development. Last October it displayed its DF-17 hypersonic glide vehicle in its national day military parade.

Pentagon says successfully tested hypersonic missile

The Pentagon has reported fresh cases of coronavirus as well from the US military outpost. Within the US forces, it has spread across the globe as the US forces are spread in almost every country in the world.

Fineprint: US military exposed to coronavirus, Civilians at military bases tested positive

The Pentagon has downplayed the latest Taliban attacks in Afghanistan even after the United States carried out airstrikes against the group, making it the first US attack against Taliban after Washington signed a peace deal with the group just last week.

US downplays new Taliban attack, Pentagon rejects doubts over peace deal

A key Pentagon official said on Wednesday he would leave his post at President Donald Trump's request, according to a copy of his resignation letter seen by Reuters, after a battle between government agencies over a bid to crackdown on exports to China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd.

John Rood, the undersecretary of defence for policy, will step down from the Pentagon's No. 3 job at the end of the month, the Department of Defense said separately in a statement, without offering a reason.

"Mr. President, It's my understanding...that you requested my resignation," Rood wrote in the letter, thanking Trump for the privilege of serving and listing key policy achievements, including focusing the DOD "on the growing threat from China."

The announcement comes a day after Trump pushed back against a move by some officials in key U.S. federal agencies to further limit exports to China, saying national security concerns should not be used as an excuse to stymy sales by U.S. companies abroad.

One of the measures floated involved expanding the government's ability to block exports to telecom equipment giant Huawei, which was placed on a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns.

Rood was instrumental in reversing the Pentagon's initial opposition to that measure, proposed by the Commerce Department, which would have expanded the scope of items made abroad that the U.S. could have blocked from being sold to Huawei, sources familiar with the matter said.

"I would like to thank John Rood for his service to our Country, and wish him well in his future endeavors!" Trump said in a Twitter post on Wednesday.

Rood, formerly a senior executive at defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp and a 20-year veteran of various government roles, took on his current role in January 2018.

James Anderson, the current senior official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, will take on Rood's role until a permanent replacement is found and confirmed, the DOD statement said.

A key Pentagon official said on Wednesday he would leave his post at President Donald Trump's request, according to a copy of his resignation letter seen by Reuters, after a battle between government agencies over a bid to crackdown on exports to China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd.

A key Pentagon official said on Wednesday he would leave his post at President Donald Trump's request, according to a copy of his resignation letter seen by Reuters, after a battle between government agencies over a bid to crackdown on exports to China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. John Rood, the undersecretary of defence for policy, will step down from the Pentagon's No. 3 job at the end of the month, the Department of Defense said separately in a statement, without offering a reason. "Mr. President, It's my understanding...that you requested my resignation," Rood wrote in the letter, thanking Trump for the privilege of serving and listing key policy achievements, including focusing the DOD "on the growing threat from China." The announcement comes a day after Trump pushed back against a move by some officials in key U.S. federal agencies to further limit exports to China, saying national security concerns should not be used as an excuse to stymy sales by U.S. companies abroad. One of the measures floated involved expanding the government's ability to block exports to telecom equipment giant Huawei, which was placed on a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns. Rood was instrumental in reversing the Pentagon's initial opposition to that measure, proposed by the Commerce Department, which would have expanded the scope of items made abroad that the U.S. could have blocked from being sold to Huawei, sources familiar with the matter said. "I would like to thank John Rood for his service to our Country, and wish him well in his future endeavors!" Trump said in a Twitter post on Wednesday. Rood, formerly a senior executive at defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp and a 20-year veteran of various government roles, took on his current role in January 2018. James Anderson, the current senior official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, will take on Rood's role until a permanent replacement is found and confirmed, the DOD statement said.

Key Pentagon official to resign at Trump's request amid Huawei trade spat

A group of 117 doctors penned an open letter in a medical journal called The Lancet. The group of doctors have called for an end to what has been described as the psychological torture and medical neglect with Julian Assange in prison. Assange is currently facing 18 charges in America which includes planning to hack into a computer at the Pentagon

Doctors Warning: Julian Assange can 'die' in UK jail

Amazon has managed to score&nbsp;a victory over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-curbs-trumps-ability-to-wage-war-with-iran-280607">Trump administration</a> in the on-going tussle surrounding a major defence contract.

The controversy revolves around a Pentagon cloud computing deal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-amazon-wants-trump-esper-to-testify-in-fight-for-10-billion-pentagon-contract-279956">Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract</a>

Both Amazon and Microsoft were competing for the $10 billion contract which was ultimately awarded to Microsoft, however&nbsp;in November last year, Amazon sued the Defence Department accusing it of bias.

President Trump has been publicly critical of the Amazon-owned newspaper in the Washington Post. Amazon alleged&nbsp;that Trump used his influence over the Pentagon to deny the company the mega deal.

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A federal judge has temporarily blocked Microsoft from going ahead with their work.&nbsp;The actual contents of the court decision remain sealed.

Amazon has demanded testimonies from President Trump, Defence Secretary Mark Esper and his predecessor James Mattis.

Microsoft said it was disappointed by the decision, however, it remains confident of being able to carry on with the deal.

Analysts believe the deal could be a huge driver for Microsoft's growth in 2020.

Amazon has managed to score a victory over the Trump administration in the on-going tussle surrounding a major defence contract. The controversy revolves around a Pentagon cloud computing deal.

Amazon has managed to score a victory over the Trump administration in the on-going tussle surrounding a major defence contract. The controversy revolves around a Pentagon cloud computing deal. Also read: Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract Both Amazon and Microsoft were competing for the $10 billion contract which was ultimately awarded to Microsoft, however in November last year, Amazon sued the Defence Department accusing it of bias. President Trump has been publicly critical of the Amazon-owned newspaper in the Washington Post. Amazon alleged that Trump used his influence over the Pentagon to deny the company the mega deal. × A federal judge has temporarily blocked Microsoft from going ahead with their work. The actual contents of the court decision remain sealed. Amazon has demanded testimonies from President Trump, Defence Secretary Mark Esper and his predecessor James Mattis. Microsoft said it was disappointed by the decision, however, it remains confident of being able to carry on with the deal. Analysts believe the deal could be a huge driver for Microsoft's growth in 2020.

Amazon wins as US court blocks Microsoft's Pentagon cloud contract

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday that the United States and the Taliban had negotiated a proposal for a seven-day reduction in violence.

Sources had told Reuters that a US-Taliban peace deal could be signed this month if the Taliban significantly reduces violence, which could lead to an eventual withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

"The United States and the Taliban have negotiated a proposal for a seven-day reduction in violence," Esper told reporters during a news conference in Brussels at NATO headquarters.

"I'm here today consulting with allies about this proposal, and we've had a series of productive bilateral and collective meetings about the path forward," he added.

The tentative timeline shared with Reuters by sources came a day after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said there had been a possible breakthrough in US-Taliban talks in Qatar.

The talks had been deadlocked in part over a US demand that the insurgents agree to sharply reduce violence as part of any American troop withdrawal accord.

There are about 13,000 US troops as well as thousands of other NATO personnel in Afghanistan, 18 years after a US-led coalition invaded the country following September. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States.

"It will be a continual evaluative process as we go forward - if we go forward," Esper added.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday that the United States and the Taliban had negotiated a proposal for a seven-day reduction in violence. Sources had told Reuters that a US-Taliban peace deal could be signed this month if the Taliban significantly reduces violence, which could lead to an eventual withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday that the United States and the Taliban had negotiated a proposal for a seven-day reduction in violence. Sources had told Reuters that a US-Taliban peace deal could be signed this month if the Taliban significantly reduces violence, which could lead to an eventual withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. "The United States and the Taliban have negotiated a proposal for a seven-day reduction in violence," Esper told reporters during a news conference in Brussels at NATO headquarters. "I'm here today consulting with allies about this proposal, and we've had a series of productive bilateral and collective meetings about the path forward," he added. The tentative timeline shared with Reuters by sources came a day after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said there had been a possible breakthrough in US-Taliban talks in Qatar. The talks had been deadlocked in part over a US demand that the insurgents agree to sharply reduce violence as part of any American troop withdrawal accord. There are about 13,000 US troops as well as thousands of other NATO personnel in Afghanistan, 18 years after a US-led coalition invaded the country following September. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States. "It will be a continual evaluative process as we go forward - if we go forward," Esper added.

US, Taliban have negotiated proposal for 7-day reduction in violence: Pentagon chief

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazons-slow-climate-action-defying-company-policy-over-300-employees-speak-out-277288">Amazon </a>is seeking testimony from US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-prison-term-of-7-9-years-for-trumps-longtime-adviser-roger-stone-279922">Donald Trump</a> and Defense Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defense-chief-esper-denies-us-troop-pullout-from-iraq-after-leaked-letter-confusion-272596">Mark Esper</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;how the tech giant was shut out of a $10 billion US military cloud computing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-looks-for-defence-to-putins-invincible-hypersonic-missiles-277593">Pentagon </a>contract.

According to court documents made public on Monday, the company wants the Trump administration to hand over documents and emails relating to the contract.

The company is gathering evidence that its fierce rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/growth-in-cloud-computing-business-helps-lift-microsoft-corps-quarterly-revenue-2847">Microsoft </a>won the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-lawsuit-blames-trump-for-loss-of-pentagon-cloud-contract-267341">Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure Cloud</a> (JEDI) contract to upgrade the US military's computing networks lucratively.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-lawsuit-blames-trump-for-loss-of-pentagon-cloud-contract-267341">Amazon lawsuit blames Trump for loss of Pentagon cloud contract</a>

The company alleged that Trump ''exerted undue influence'' on the decision to deny it the $10 billion contract.

Along with Trump and Esper, Amazon seeks to depose former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-defence-chief-rejects-amazons-accusations-of-bias-in-cloud-contract-262268">Defense Secretary</a> James Mattis, Pentagon chief information officer Dana Deasy and four other procurement officials, court records show.

The other individuals "can testify about specific conversations he had with them," Amazon's lawyers said.

''The Department of Defense strongly opposes Amazon's effort to question some of its leaders,'' Department of Defense spokesman Lieutanant Colonel Robert Carver said.

"The request is unnecessary, burdensome and merely seeks to delay getting this important technology into the hands of our warfighters," Carver added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-defence-chief-rejects-amazons-accusations-of-bias-in-cloud-contract-262268">United States defence chief rejects Amazon's accusations of bias in cloud contract</a>

The JEDI contract is intended to give the military better access to data and technology from remote locations.

The 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure program, better known as JEDI, will ultimately see all military branches sharing information in a system boosted by artificial intelligence.&nbsp;

An earlier court filing by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-defence-chief-rejects-amazons-accusations-of-bias-in-cloud-contract-262268">Amazon </a>detailed alleged errors that ended with Microsoft being chosen over its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing division, part of the technology group led by Amazon chief Jeff Bezos.

Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with AWS dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government outfits including the CIA.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-defence-chief-rejects-amazons-accusations-of-bias-in-cloud-contract-262268">Pentagon</a>'s mistakes in the contract were "hard to understand and impossible to assess" when separated from Trump's "repeatedly expressed determination to, in the words of the president himself, 'screw Amazon,'" court documents filed by Amazon argued.

The bid protest filed in US Court of Federal Claims urges that the rival JEDI bids be re-evaluated and a new decision reached.

The lawsuit filed by Amazon will not delay implementation of the project, a senior Pentagon official said in December.&nbsp;

Amazon is seeking testimony from US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper on how the tech giant was shut out of a $10 billion US military cloud computing Pentagon contract.

Amazon is seeking testimony from US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper on how the tech giant was shut out of a $10 billion US military cloud computing Pentagon contract. According to court documents made public on Monday, the company wants the Trump administration to hand over documents and emails relating to the contract. The company is gathering evidence that its fierce rival Microsoft won the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure Cloud (JEDI) contract to upgrade the US military's computing networks lucratively. Also read: Amazon lawsuit blames Trump for loss of Pentagon cloud contract The company alleged that Trump ''exerted undue influence'' on the decision to deny it the $10 billion contract. Along with Trump and Esper, Amazon seeks to depose former Defense Secretary James Mattis, Pentagon chief information officer Dana Deasy and four other procurement officials, court records show. The other individuals "can testify about specific conversations he had with them," Amazon's lawyers said. ''The Department of Defense strongly opposes Amazon's effort to question some of its leaders,'' Department of Defense spokesman Lieutanant Colonel Robert Carver said. "The request is unnecessary, burdensome and merely seeks to delay getting this important technology into the hands of our warfighters," Carver added. Also read: United States defence chief rejects Amazon's accusations of bias in cloud contract The JEDI contract is intended to give the military better access to data and technology from remote locations. The 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure program, better known as JEDI, will ultimately see all military branches sharing information in a system boosted by artificial intelligence. An earlier court filing by Amazon detailed alleged errors that ended with Microsoft being chosen over its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing division, part of the technology group led by Amazon chief Jeff Bezos. Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with AWS dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government outfits including the CIA. The Pentagon's mistakes in the contract were "hard to understand and impossible to assess" when separated from Trump's "repeatedly expressed determination to, in the words of the president himself, 'screw Amazon,'" court documents filed by Amazon argued. The bid protest filed in US Court of Federal Claims urges that the rival JEDI bids be re-evaluated and a new decision reached. The lawsuit filed by Amazon will not delay implementation of the project, a senior Pentagon official said in December.

Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. was awarded a $13 million contract from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its "Glide Beaker" program. The contract is for the research, development, and demonstration of technology that is critical for enabling an advanced interceptor capable of engaging and manoeuvring "hypersonic" threats in the upper atmosphere.

Ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced successfully developing an 'invincible' hypersonic missile, the United States has been bolstering its investment in hypersonic weapons. But, one of the major concerns remains the protection from these "Avangard" hypersonic missiles.

President Putin earlier claimed that the "Avangard" hypersonic missiles, believed to be located in the Urals mountain range in Western Russia, can deliver warheads at 27 times the speed of sound. Russian President went on saying, "not a single country possesses hypersonic weapons, let alone continental-range hypersonic weapons," as reported by news agency AFP. &nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-constructing-many-hypersonic-missiles-us-president-donald-trump-273112">We're constructing many hypersonic missiles - US President Donald Trump</a>

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<h5>"The Avangard is invulnerable to intercept by any existing and prospective missile defence means of the potential adversary, " Putin had said.</h5>
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"The Avangard is invulnerable to intercept by any existing and prospective missile defence means of the potential adversary, " he added.

Glide Breaker should be tested in 2020 and the reason behind this is that the US is in a bit of rush. Hypersonic weapons may be able to penetrate US missile defences. Recent "drone" attacks on key Saudi oil facility Aramco on 14 September 2019, revealed the limits of US-made Patriot surface-to-air missiles. The Aramco facility under attack had a fleet of six Patriot surface-to-air missiles and associated radars. The Patriots didn’t stop the recent attack.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-first-avangard-hypersonic-missiles-enter-service-270620">Russia says first Avangard hypersonic missiles enter service</a>

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First artist’s concept for Glide Breaker, a Darpa-funded technology to defeat hypersonic weapons, revealed at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/darpa60?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#darpa60</a>. More coverage to follow in <a href="https://twitter.com/AviationWeek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AviationWeek</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Ep6HmBVHzu">pic.twitter.com/Ep6HmBVHzu</a>
— Steve Trimble (@TheDEWLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDEWLine/status/1037649207501488133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The race for "hypersonic weapons" is not just limited to the US and Russia. China - which is estimated to be the world's second-largest armament maker after the US according to a recent report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI ) - is also close on the heels. China recently demonstrated the DF-17 hypersonic missile. China claims that the DF-17 hypersonic missile can travel faster than five times the speed of sound and is believed to "transform" Beijing's might in advance weaponry. The DF-17 first appeared in public in Beijing during a military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China.

Whether it is Russia, China or the US, they initiated the pursuit of "hypersonic weapons" for unique strategy purposes but the recent accelerated rush reflects on their efforts to overtake their rivals in a classic race called "arms race". 
&nbsp;

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. was awarded a $13 million contract from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its "Glide Beaker" program. The contract is for the research, development, and demonstration of technology that is critical for enabling an advanced interceptor capable of engaging and manoeuvring "hypersonic" threats in the upper atmosphere.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. was awarded a $13 million contract from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its "Glide Beaker" program. The contract is for the research, development, and demonstration of technology that is critical for enabling an advanced interceptor capable of engaging and manoeuvring "hypersonic" threats in the upper atmosphere. Ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced successfully developing an 'invincible' hypersonic missile, the United States has been bolstering its investment in hypersonic weapons. But, one of the major concerns remains the protection from these "Avangard" hypersonic missiles. President Putin earlier claimed that the "Avangard" hypersonic missiles, believed to be located in the Urals mountain range in Western Russia, can deliver warheads at 27 times the speed of sound. Russian President went on saying, "not a single country possesses hypersonic weapons, let alone continental-range hypersonic weapons," as reported by news agency AFP. Also read: We're constructing many hypersonic missiles - US President Donald Trump "The Avangard is invulnerable to intercept by any existing and prospective missile defence means of the potential adversary, " Putin had said. × "The Avangard is invulnerable to intercept by any existing and prospective missile defence means of the potential adversary, " he added. Glide Breaker should be tested in 2020 and the reason behind this is that the US is in a bit of rush. Hypersonic weapons may be able to penetrate US missile defences. Recent "drone" attacks on key Saudi oil facility Aramco on 14 September 2019, revealed the limits of US-made Patriot surface-to-air missiles. The Aramco facility under attack had a fleet of six Patriot surface-to-air missiles and associated radars. The Patriots didn’t stop the recent attack. Also read: Russia says first Avangard hypersonic missiles enter service First artist’s concept for Glide Breaker, a Darpa-funded technology to defeat hypersonic weapons, revealed at #darpa60. More coverage to follow in @AviationWeek. pic.twitter.com/Ep6HmBVHzu — Steve Trimble (@TheDEWLine) September 6, 2018 × The race for "hypersonic weapons" is not just limited to the US and Russia. China - which is estimated to be the world's second-largest armament maker after the US according to a recent report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI ) - is also close on the heels. China recently demonstrated the DF-17 hypersonic missile. China claims that the DF-17 hypersonic missile can travel faster than five times the speed of sound and is believed to "transform" Beijing's might in advance weaponry. The DF-17 first appeared in public in Beijing during a military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China. Whether it is Russia, China or the US, they initiated the pursuit of "hypersonic weapons" for unique strategy purposes but the recent accelerated rush reflects on their efforts to overtake their rivals in a classic race called "arms race".

Pentagon looks for 'defence' to Putin's 'invincible' hypersonic missiles

The Pentagon on Wednesday confirmed two bodies were recovered by the US forces after their military surveillance aircraft crashed in Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-indication-us-plane-crash-caused-by-enemy-fire-pentagon-denies-talibans-claim-277066">Also Read:&nbsp;No indication US plane crash caused by enemy fire: Pentagon</a>&nbsp;

"US forces recovered the remains of two personnel from the site," the US military said in a statement.

"The remains were found near the crash site, treated with dignity and respect by the local Afghan community, in accordance with their culture," it added.

The US military said it had recovered the flight data recorder while reiterating that the plane crash site didn't show any indication of being brought down by enemy fire, a claim made by the Taliban earlier.

Ghazni police chief Wardak added that the two bodies were airlifted by US forces from the crash site.

The US Bombardier aircraft which crashed on Monday had advanced communication capabilities which the Taliban said it had shot down, a claim repeatedly denied by the American military.

The Pentagon on Wednesday confirmed two bodies were recovered by the US forces after their military surveillance aircraft crashed in Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Monday.

The Pentagon on Wednesday confirmed two bodies were recovered by the US forces after their military surveillance aircraft crashed in Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Monday. Also Read: No indication US plane crash caused by enemy fire: Pentagon "US forces recovered the remains of two personnel from the site," the US military said in a statement. "The remains were found near the crash site, treated with dignity and respect by the local Afghan community, in accordance with their culture," it added. The US military said it had recovered the flight data recorder while reiterating that the plane crash site didn't show any indication of being brought down by enemy fire, a claim made by the Taliban earlier. Ghazni police chief Wardak added that the two bodies were airlifted by US forces from the crash site. The US Bombardier aircraft which crashed on Monday had advanced communication capabilities which the Taliban said it had shot down, a claim repeatedly denied by the American military.

US recovers two bodies from Bombardier aircraft crash site in Afghanistan

50 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-stops-weapons-delivery-to-iraq-amid-tensions-with-baghdad-reports-277061">US</a> service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after its base in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-stops-weapons-delivery-to-iraq-amid-tensions-with-baghdad-reports-277061">Iraq</a> was attacked by Iranian missiles earlier this month.

The military had previously announced on Friday that 34 US troops had suffered traumatic brain injury after the missile strike.&nbsp;

Symptoms of concussive injuries experienced by the troops include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and nausea.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-spy-plane-crash-in-afghanistan-277115">Iran media claims CIA chief behind Soleimani’s assassination killed in Afghanistan plane crash</a>

31 of the 50 were treated in Iraq and returned to duty, including 15 of those diagnosed most recently, Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Campbell said.

18 of the total have been sent to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-woman-linked-to-islamic-state-returned-to-germany-264251">Germany</a> for further evaluation and treatment, and one was sent to Kuwait and has since returned to duty, he said.

"This is a snapshot in time and numbers can change," he added.

Contrary to the initial assessment, the injuries of the service members indicate that they are more severe.

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-files-lawsuits-against-overseas-call-centers-for-making-fake-robocalls-277174">Donald Trump</a> and other top officials had initially said that no US service member had been neither been killed nor had suffered any injury in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-sounds-alarm-for-democracy-after-candidates-barred-276882">Iran</a>'s attack on January 8.

At the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50th-world-economic-forum-at-davos-key-focus-on-climate-change-economic-slowdown-sustainable-growth-275631">World Economic Forum </a>last week, Trump had said the injuries were ''not very serious''.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50th-world-economic-forum-at-davos-key-focus-on-climate-change-economic-slowdown-sustainable-growth-275631">50th World Economic Forum at Davos: Key focus on climate change, economic slowdown, sustainable growth</a>

This was&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;by&nbsp;US war veterans.

''The group expects an apology from the president to our servicemen and women for his misguided remarks," William Schmitz, national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said on Friday.

According to Pentagon data, about 408,000 service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury since 2000.

The attack had been carried out by Iran on the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq as a retaliation to the US airstrike that killed its top revolutionary guard general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-respond-to-soleimani-killing-any-time-in-any-manner-foreign-minister-zarif-272013">Qassem Soleimani</a> on January 3.

The missile attacks capped a spiral of violence that had started in late December, and both sides have refrained from further military escalation. 
&nbsp;

50 US service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after its base in Iraq was attacked by Iranian missiles earlier this month. The military had previously announced on Friday that 34 US troops had suffered traumatic brain injury after the missile strike.

50 US service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after its base in Iraq was attacked by Iranian missiles earlier this month. The military had previously announced on Friday that 34 US troops had suffered traumatic brain injury after the missile strike. Symptoms of concussive injuries experienced by the troops include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and nausea. Also see: Iran media claims CIA chief behind Soleimani’s assassination killed in Afghanistan plane crash 31 of the 50 were treated in Iraq and returned to duty, including 15 of those diagnosed most recently, Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Campbell said. 18 of the total have been sent to Germany for further evaluation and treatment, and one was sent to Kuwait and has since returned to duty, he said. "This is a snapshot in time and numbers can change," he added. Contrary to the initial assessment, the injuries of the service members indicate that they are more severe. US President Donald Trump and other top officials had initially said that no US service member had been neither been killed nor had suffered any injury in Iran's attack on January 8. At the World Economic Forum last week, Trump had said the injuries were ''not very serious''. Also read: 50th World Economic Forum at Davos: Key focus on climate change, economic slowdown, sustainable growth This was criticised by US war veterans. ''The group expects an apology from the president to our servicemen and women for his misguided remarks," William Schmitz, national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said on Friday. According to Pentagon data, about 408,000 service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury since 2000. The attack had been carried out by Iran on the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq as a retaliation to the US airstrike that killed its top revolutionary guard general Qassem Soleimani on January 3. The missile attacks capped a spiral of violence that had started in late December, and both sides have refrained from further military escalation.

50 US troops diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after Iran strike: Pentagon

Nearly three dozen US troops suffered traumatic brain injuries or concussion in this month's Iranian air strike on a military base in Iraq, the Pentagon said on Friday.

Nearly three dozen US troops suffered traumatic brain injuries or concussion in this month's Iranian air strike on a military base in Iraq, the Pentagon said on Friday. "Thirty-four total members have been diagnosed with concussions and TBI (traumatic brain injury)," Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman told reporters. President Donald Trump had initially said that no Americans were injured in the strike on the Ain al-Asad base in western Iraq on the night of January 7-8 although authorities later reported that 11 troops were injured. Hoffman said that 17 of the victims had been initially transferred to Germany to receive treatment, eight of whom arrived back in the US on Friday. "They will continue to receive treatment in the United States, either at Walter Reed (military hospital near Washington) or at their home bases," he told a press conference at the Pentagon. The nine other victims who were flown to Germany "are still undergoing evaluation and treatment there," he added. Seventeen other troops who were treated in the region have returned to duty in Iraq. The airbase -- one of the largest in Iraq, with 1,500 US troops making up the bulk of a coalition presence directly adjacent to thousands of Iraqi forces -- was targeted in retaliation for the US killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a January 3 drone strike in Baghdad. Democratic lawmakers seized on the announcement to accuse Trump of lying about the strike. "Though he downplays these injuries as 'headaches,' roughly half of all TBIs require surgery and can lead to lifelong disabilities," said congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida. Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, called TBI "a serious matter." "It is not a 'headache,' and it's plain wrong for President Trump to diminish their wounds. ... He owes them an apology," Reed said. At a rally in New Hampshire, Joe Biden, a frontrunner to challenge Trump in this year's election, said the president "brushed off" the troops' injuries. "I find it, quite frankly, disgusting," Biden, a former vice president, said.

34 US troops injured in recent Iranian strike: Pentagon

The Pentagon announced today that it would enforce new restrictions on international military students in terms of access to guns on United States bases.

This news came in after a Saudi officer killed three American sailors at a naval base in Florida last month. 
 
"Getting back to work does not mean getting back to business as usual. Going forward we will put several new policies and security procedures in place," Garry Reid, a senior Pentagon intelligence official, said in a statement.

<h6><img alt="naval" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dafe4ee-d01a-459e-b8be-40b7c0c721bc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_18.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;This handout photo released on December 7, 2019 by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shows FBI Evidence Response Team after a shooting incident at a naval base in Pensacola, Florida on December 6, 2019 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Besides the three sailors who were killed, eight others were injured in the attack at the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida. The gunman, Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani was later shot dead by a deputy sheriff.

In the aftermath of the attack, the US retaliated by grounding all Saudi pilots and restricting the 850 Saudi military personnel by limiting them to classroom training as part of a ''safety stand-down''. New vetting procedures may also show up.

<h6><img alt="Pensacola" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f74135e4-4463-431b-bc6b-681f78a7b572" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_35.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;Traffic on and off base is restricted after a member of the Saudi Air Force visiting the United States for military training was the suspect in a shooting at Naval Air Station&nbsp;Pensacola, in&nbsp;Pensacola, Florida, US&nbsp;December 6, 2019 | Reuters 
 
Reid further added that normal functioning and training across military departments would resume soon once new procedures are put in place.&nbsp;</h6>

The US Defence Secretary Mark Esper will visit the base in Pensacola in Florida next week. Esper is expected to brief the base leadership.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Pentagon announced today that it would enforce new restrictions on international military students in terms of access to guns on United States bases. This news came in after a Saudi officer killed three American sailors at a naval base in Florida last month.

The Pentagon announced today that it would enforce new restrictions on international military students in terms of access to guns on United States bases. This news came in after a Saudi officer killed three American sailors at a naval base in Florida last month. "Getting back to work does not mean getting back to business as usual. Going forward we will put several new policies and security procedures in place," Garry Reid, a senior Pentagon intelligence official, said in a statement. Image: This handout photo released on December 7, 2019 by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shows FBI Evidence Response Team after a shooting incident at a naval base in Pensacola, Florida on December 6, 2019 | AFP Besides the three sailors who were killed, eight others were injured in the attack at the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida. The gunman, Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani was later shot dead by a deputy sheriff. In the aftermath of the attack, the US retaliated by grounding all Saudi pilots and restricting the 850 Saudi military personnel by limiting them to classroom training as part of a ''safety stand-down''. New vetting procedures may also show up. Image: Traffic on and off base is restricted after a member of the Saudi Air Force visiting the United States for military training was the suspect in a shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola, in Pensacola, Florida, US December 6, 2019 | Reuters Reid further added that normal functioning and training across military departments would resume soon once new procedures are put in place. The US Defence Secretary Mark Esper will visit the base in Pensacola in Florida next week. Esper is expected to brief the base leadership. (With inputs from Reuters)

Pentagon restricts access to guns for foreign trainees

More than a dozen&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;servicemen who are training at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">US&nbsp;military&nbsp;bases</a> will be&nbsp;expelled&nbsp;from&nbsp;the United States in the&nbsp;aftermath of a Pentagon review prompted by the deadly December&nbsp;6&nbsp;shooting&nbsp;by a&nbsp;<a>Saudi&nbsp;Air Force</a> officer at an American naval base in&nbsp;Florida,&nbsp;CNN&nbsp;reported on Saturday.

Watch:&nbsp;Florida Naval Base Shooting: 3 killed and 8 injured by Saudi Gunman

The&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;personnel being&nbsp;expelled&nbsp;are not accused of aiding the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-grounds-saudi-pilots-suspends-military-training-after-shooting-at-base-267695">Saudi&nbsp;Air Force</a> second lieutenant who killed three American sailors at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-military-training-in-us-under-scrutiny-after-base-attack-267060">Pensacola</a> installation,&nbsp;CNN&nbsp;reported, quoting unnamed sources.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">Pentagon</a> referred questions to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The FBI and the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Pentagon announced on December&nbsp;10 it was halting operational training of all&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-airman-in-us-for-training-suspected-in-deadly-shooting-at-florida-naval-base-266755">Saudi&nbsp;Arabian</a>&nbsp;military&nbsp;personnel in the United States&nbsp;after&nbsp;the incident. The Pentagon then announced on December&nbsp;19 that it found no threat in its review of about 850&nbsp;military&nbsp;students&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-thinks-saudi-shooter-acted-alone-florida-governor-decries-deep-seated-hatred-267095">Saudi&nbsp;Arabia</a> studying in the United States.

The FBI has said&nbsp;US&nbsp;investigators believe&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Air Force Second Lieutenant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-base-shooting-probe-trump-saudi-crown-prince-vow-to-cooperate-267259">Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani</a>, 21, acted alone in the incident before he was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff.

More than a dozen Saudi servicemen who are training at US military bases will be expelled from the United States in the aftermath of a Pentagon review prompted by the deadly December 6 shooting by a Saudi Air Force officer at an American naval base in Florida, CNN reported on Saturday.

More than a dozen Saudi servicemen who are training at US military bases will be expelled from the United States in the aftermath of a Pentagon review prompted by the deadly December 6 shooting by a Saudi Air Force officer at an American naval base in Florida, CNN reported on Saturday. Watch: Florida Naval Base Shooting: 3 killed and 8 injured by Saudi Gunman The Saudi personnel being expelled are not accused of aiding the Saudi Air Force second lieutenant who killed three American sailors at the Pensacola installation, CNN reported, quoting unnamed sources. The Pentagon referred questions to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The FBI and the Saudi Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon announced on December 10 it was halting operational training of all Saudi Arabian military personnel in the United States after the incident. The Pentagon then announced on December 19 that it found no threat in its review of about 850 military students from Saudi Arabia studying in the United States. The FBI has said US investigators believe Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, 21, acted alone in the incident before he was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff.

Saudi military trainees to be expelled from US after Florida shooting

A leaked draft letter from a top US general overseeing the fight against ISIS in Iraq to the Iraqi military sparked concerns that the US was preparing to withdraw troops from the country. #US #Pentagon #USleakedletter

Confusion after US military letter talks of troop withdrawal

Iran's Parliament&nbsp;on Tuesday designated all US forces as "terrorists" for killing General Solemani whose funeral service is underway currently in his hometown Kerman.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-take-part-in-soleimanis-funeral-procession-in-hometown-kerman-272630">Also Read:&nbsp;Iranians gather for Soleimani's funeral procession in hometown Kerman</a>

"Any aid to these forces, including military, intelligence, financial, technical, service or logistical, will be considered as cooperation in a terrorist act," the Parliament said.

According to the bill, Iran designated US troops and the Pentagon as "terrorists" including "affiliated organisations, agents and commanders and those who ordered the "martyrdom" of Soleimani."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/crazy-trump-dont-think-that-everything-is-over-with-my-fathers-martyrdom-zeinab-soleimani-daughter-of-qassem-soleimani-272535">In Pics: Crazy Trump, don't think that everything is over with my father's martyrdom, says Soleimani's&nbsp;daughter</a>

The US President had said on Monday that if Iran strikes, US forces will strike back "perhaps in a disproportionate manner" as tensions escalated between Iran and the US.

Watch Video:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/soleimanis-burial-procession-commences-in-kerman-272662/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump added that the US has spent "two trillion dollars" on military equipment and if Iran attacks an American base then "we will be sending some of that brand new beautiful equipment their way, without hesitation".

Meanwhile, Iran's head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Hossein Salami told mourners in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman that the country will take revenge "hard and definitive revenge" as thousands gathered at Soleimani funeral procession.

On Tuesday, defence secretary Mark Esper dismissed reports which indicated that US troops would be pulling out of Iraq.

In a leaked letter, bearing the name of US General William Seely, said that "CJTF-OIR will be repositioning forces over the course of the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement," adding, "We respect your sovereign decision to order our departure."

Pentagon Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley was, however, quick to add that the letter was just a "draft" which was "poorly worded". &nbsp;Milley called it an "honest mistake".

"This was a mistake," Milley said. "It shouldn't have been sent."

Iran's Parliament on Tuesday designated all US forces as "terrorists" for killing General Solemani whose funeral service is underway currently in his hometown Kerman.

Iran's Parliament on Tuesday designated all US forces as "terrorists" for killing General Solemani whose funeral service is underway currently in his hometown Kerman. Also Read: Iranians gather for Soleimani's funeral procession in hometown Kerman "Any aid to these forces, including military, intelligence, financial, technical, service or logistical, will be considered as cooperation in a terrorist act," the Parliament said. According to the bill, Iran designated US troops and the Pentagon as "terrorists" including "affiliated organisations, agents and commanders and those who ordered the "martyrdom" of Soleimani." In Pics: Crazy Trump, don't think that everything is over with my father's martyrdom, says Soleimani's daughter The US President had said on Monday that if Iran strikes, US forces will strike back "perhaps in a disproportionate manner" as tensions escalated between Iran and the US. Watch Video: Trump added that the US has spent "two trillion dollars" on military equipment and if Iran attacks an American base then "we will be sending some of that brand new beautiful equipment their way, without hesitation". Meanwhile, Iran's head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Hossein Salami told mourners in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman that the country will take revenge "hard and definitive revenge" as thousands gathered at Soleimani funeral procession. On Tuesday, defence secretary Mark Esper dismissed reports which indicated that US troops would be pulling out of Iraq. In a leaked letter, bearing the name of US General William Seely, said that "CJTF-OIR will be repositioning forces over the course of the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement," adding, "We respect your sovereign decision to order our departure." Pentagon Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley was, however, quick to add that the letter was just a "draft" which was "poorly worded". Milley called it an "honest mistake". "This was a mistake," Milley said. "It shouldn't have been sent."

Iran designates all US forces as 'terrorists' for killing general Soleimani

Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, was killed early on Friday in a US air strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport.

U.S. says it kills top Iranian commander Soleimani in air strike

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