Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team are drawing up a list of military officers to be fired, potentially to include the Joint Chiefs of Staff, two sources said, in what would be an unprecedented shakeup at the Pentagon.

The planning for the firings is at an early stage after Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory and could change as Trump’s administration takes shape, said the sources, who are familiar with the Trump transition and requested anonymity to speak candidly about the plans.

One of the sources questioned the feasibility of a mass firing at the Pentagon.

It was also unclear if Trump himself would endorse the plan, although in the past he has railed extensively against defence leaders who have criticised him.&nbsp;

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to request for comment.

The second source said the incoming administration would likely focus on U.S. military officers seen as connected to Mark Milley, Trump’s former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Milley was quoted in the book “War” by Bob Woodward, which was published last month, calling Trump “fascist to the core” and Trump’s allies have targeted him for perceived disloyalty to the former president.

“Every single person that was elevated and appointed by Milley will be gone,” the second source said.

“There’s a very detailed list of everybody that was affiliated with Milley. And they will all be gone.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiXycr5kNyJAxWvka8BHW07O3cQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-officials-brace-for-illegal-orders-from-donald-trump-reports-774744" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-officials-brace-for-illegal-orders-from-donald-trump-reports-774744&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiXycr5kNyJAxWvka8BHW07O3cQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Pentagon officials brace for `illegal` orders from Donald Trump: Report</a>

The Joint Chiefs of Staff include the highest ranking officers in the U.S. military and comprise the heads of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard and Space Force.

The disclosure of plans to fire senior leaders of the U.S. armed forces comes a day after Trump picked Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and veteran who has signalled a willingness to clean house at the Pentagon, as his defence secretary.

“The next president of the United States needs to radically overhaul Pentagon senior leadership to make us ready to defend our nation and defeat our enemies. Lots of people need to be fired,” Hegseth said in his 2024 book “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiXycr5kNyJAxWvka8BHW07O3cQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-and-pentagon-puzzled-after-swarm-of-mystery-drones-hover-over-us-military-base-for-17-days-767093" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-and-pentagon-puzzled-after-swarm-of-mystery-drones-hover-over-us-military-base-for-17-days-767093&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiXycr5kNyJAxWvka8BHW07O3cQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">White House and Pentagon puzzled after swarm of mystery drones hover over US military base for 17 days</a>

It is unclear if Hegseth’s lack of management experience could complicate his Senate confirmation and if a more traditional alternative for the position would carry out such sweeping dismissals.

Hegseth has also taken aim at Milley’s successor, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, asking whether he would have gotten the job if he were not Black.

“Was it because of his skin color? Or his skill? We’ll never know, but always doubt - which on its face seems unfair to CQ. But since he has made the race card one of his biggest calling cards, it doesn’t really much matter,” he wrote.

The first source familiar with the transition planning said Brown would be among the many officers to leave.

“The chiefs of the Joint Chiefs and all the vice chiefs will be fired immediately,” the source said, before noting that this was still only early planning.

Some current and former U.S. officials have played down the possibility of such a major shakeup, saying it would be unnecessary and disruptive at a time of global turmoil with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East.

The first source said that it would be difficult bureaucratically to fire and replace a large swath of senior U.S. military officials, suggesting the planning could be bluster and posturing by Trump allies.

But the second source suggested the Trump camp believed the Joint Chiefs of Staff needed to shrink due to perceived bureaucratic overreach.

Such cuts could be endured in an organization the scale of the U.S. military, the source said.

“These people are not irreplaceable. They are very replaceable. And then the other thing too is there is no shortage of people that will step up,” the source said.

“In World War Two, we were very rapidly appointing people in their 30s or people competent to be generals. And you know what? We won the war.”

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team are drawing up a list of military officers to be fired, potentially to include the Joint Chiefs of Staff, two sources said, in what would be an unprecedented shakeup at the Pentagon.

Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team are drawing up a list of military officers to be fired, potentially to include the Joint Chiefs of Staff, two sources said, in what would be an unprecedented shakeup at the Pentagon. The planning for the firings is at an early stage after Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory and could change as Trump’s administration takes shape, said the sources, who are familiar with the Trump transition and requested anonymity to speak candidly about the plans. One of the sources questioned the feasibility of a mass firing at the Pentagon. It was also unclear if Trump himself would endorse the plan, although in the past he has railed extensively against defence leaders who have criticised him. The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to request for comment. The second source said the incoming administration would likely focus on U.S. military officers seen as connected to Mark Milley, Trump’s former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Milley was quoted in the book “War” by Bob Woodward, which was published last month, calling Trump “fascist to the core” and Trump’s allies have targeted him for perceived disloyalty to the former president. “Every single person that was elevated and appointed by Milley will be gone,” the second source said. “There’s a very detailed list of everybody that was affiliated with Milley. And they will all be gone.” Also read: Pentagon officials brace for `illegal` orders from Donald Trump: Report The Joint Chiefs of Staff include the highest ranking officers in the U.S. military and comprise the heads of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard and Space Force. The disclosure of plans to fire senior leaders of the U.S. armed forces comes a day after Trump picked Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and veteran who has signalled a willingness to clean house at the Pentagon, as his defence secretary. “The next president of the United States needs to radically overhaul Pentagon senior leadership to make us ready to defend our nation and defeat our enemies. Lots of people need to be fired,” Hegseth said in his 2024 book “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.” Also read: White House and Pentagon puzzled after swarm of mystery drones hover over US military base for 17 days It is unclear if Hegseth’s lack of management experience could complicate his Senate confirmation and if a more traditional alternative for the position would carry out such sweeping dismissals. Hegseth has also taken aim at Milley’s successor, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, asking whether he would have gotten the job if he were not Black. “Was it because of his skin color? Or his skill? We’ll never know, but always doubt - which on its face seems unfair to CQ. But since he has made the race card one of his biggest calling cards, it doesn’t really much matter,” he wrote. The first source familiar with the transition planning said Brown would be among the many officers to leave. “The chiefs of the Joint Chiefs and all the vice chiefs will be fired immediately,” the source said, before noting that this was still only early planning. Some current and former U.S. officials have played down the possibility of such a major shakeup, saying it would be unnecessary and disruptive at a time of global turmoil with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. The first source said that it would be difficult bureaucratically to fire and replace a large swath of senior U.S. military officials, suggesting the planning could be bluster and posturing by Trump allies. But the second source suggested the Trump camp believed the Joint Chiefs of Staff needed to shrink due to perceived bureaucratic overreach. Such cuts could be endured in an organization the scale of the U.S. military, the source said. “These people are not irreplaceable. They are very replaceable. And then the other thing too is there is no shortage of people that will step up,” the source said. “In World War Two, we were very rapidly appointing people in their 30s or people competent to be generals. And you know what? We won the war.” Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Trump’s team planning big Pentagon shakeup, drawing up list of officers to fire

The Pentagon rejects claims by the Houthi rebels that they targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, amid escalating tensions in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

Israel-Hezbollah War: Pentagon Denies Houthis Claim Of Targeting Carrier Lincoln

Former US Airman who orchestrated the most damaging leak of classified information in a decade has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. Watch in for more details!

US Ex-Airman Gets 15-Year Jail Over Leaking Classified Pentagon Documents

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday (Oct 23) that he had not seen evidence that there was a Hezbollah bunker filled with cash built under a hospital in Beirut, adding that Washington would continue to work with Israel to get a better insights.

Israel's military said that Hezbollah has stashed hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold in a bunker built under a hospital in Beirut, adding that it would not strike the facility as it keeps up attacks against the group's financial assets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-support-diplomacy-not-war-pm-modi-tells-world-leaders-at-brics-summit-770025">‘We support diplomacy, not war,’ PM Modi tells world leaders at BRICS Summit</a>

"We have not seen evidence of that at this moment. But, you know, we will continue to collaborate with our Israeli counterparts to gain better fidelity on exactly what they are looking at," Austin told reporters in Rome.

Fadi Alameh, a Lebanese lawmaker with the Shi'ite Amal Movement party and the director of the hospital in question, Al-Sahel, has told Reuters that Israel was making false and slanderous claims and called on the Lebanese Army to visit and show it had only operating rooms, patients and a morgue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/woman-gets-stranded-in-dubais-desert-books-camel-ride-via-uber-watch-770008">Woman gets stranded in Dubai's desert, books camel ride via Uber: Watch</a>

In a televised statement on Monday, the Israeli military's chief spokesman said Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, killed by Israel last month, had built the bunker which was designed for lengthy stays.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday (Oct 23) that he had not seen evidence that there was a Hezbollah bunker filled with cash built under a hospital in Beirut, adding that Washington would continue to work with Israel to get a better insights.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday (Oct 23) that he had not seen evidence that there was a Hezbollah bunker filled with cash built under a hospital in Beirut, adding that Washington would continue to work with Israel to get a better insights. Israel's military said that Hezbollah has stashed hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold in a bunker built under a hospital in Beirut, adding that it would not strike the facility as it keeps up attacks against the group's financial assets. Also read | ‘We support diplomacy, not war,’ PM Modi tells world leaders at BRICS Summit "We have not seen evidence of that at this moment. But, you know, we will continue to collaborate with our Israeli counterparts to gain better fidelity on exactly what they are looking at," Austin told reporters in Rome. Fadi Alameh, a Lebanese lawmaker with the Shi'ite Amal Movement party and the director of the hospital in question, Al-Sahel, has told Reuters that Israel was making false and slanderous claims and called on the Lebanese Army to visit and show it had only operating rooms, patients and a morgue. Also read | Woman gets stranded in Dubai's desert, books camel ride via Uber: Watch In a televised statement on Monday, the Israeli military's chief spokesman said Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, killed by Israel last month, had built the bunker which was designed for lengthy stays. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US has not seen evidence of Hezbollah cash bunker under Beirut hospital: Pentagon chief

For 17 straight days in December last year, America's finest security officials were left baffled as a swarm of mysterious and unidentified aircraft flew over Langley Air Force Base on Virginia’s shoreline.&nbsp;

US Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly witnessed the sightings every night, with the drones looking like constellations moving in the night sky, according to a report in Wall Street Journal.

“Close Encounters at Langley," Kelly said.&nbsp;

Despite having the best resources to track the mysterious objects, the US military failed to catch them. The objects were flying at around 100mph at 3,000 to 4,000 feet, with witnesses saying they sounded like a parade of lawnmowers.

Gen. Glen VanHerck, the then commander of the US Northern Command and the North America Defense Command, claimed that drones had been spotted in the area for years but the nightly matinee over Langley was unlike any past incursion.&nbsp;

After the eerie daily night show was reported to US President Joe Biden, it triggered two weeks of meetings at the White House, involving officials from the Pentagon, including staff from its UFO office and the FBI.

Several ways, including shooting nets to catch the drones and using electronic signals to jam their navigation system, were&nbsp;suggested but none of them made the cut.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Pentagon UFO Expert Claims U.S. Govt Has 'Alien Tech, Bodies'

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<h2>Training cancelled, F-22 grounded&nbsp;</h2>

Such was the fear of the drones that Langley officials cancelled nighttime training missions and moved the F-22 jet fighters to another base. Meanwhile, residents at the base shared sighting stories as well as blurry pictures of the drones on private Facebook groups.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US officials confirmed this month that more unidentified drone swarms were spotted in recent months near Edwards Air Force Base, north of Los Angeles.

“The number of UASs [uncrewed aerial systems] fluctuated and they ranged in size/configuration. None of the incursions appeared to exhibit hostile intent but anything flying in our restricted airspace can pose a threat to flight safety. The FAA was made aware of the UAS incursions.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pentagon-launches-website-to-provide-information-on-ufos-631101">Also read |&nbsp;US: Pentagon's new website aims to answer all your queries about UFOs</a>

Langley officials did circle around a University of Minnesota student named&nbsp;Fengyun Shi whose drone when caught, revealed images of Navy vessels in dry dock, including shots taken around midnight.

The&nbsp;26-year-old Chinese national told FBI agents he was a ship enthusiast and hadn’t realised his drone crossed into restricted airspace. Despite not being convinced, the FBI could not find any evidence linking him to the Chinese.&nbsp;Fengyun has since pleaded guilty and appeared in the court but Langley officials are yet to identify who flew the swarm of drones.&nbsp;

Notably, under the US law, the military is only allowed to shoot down drones over military bases if they pose a direct threat. Even if they are suspected of snooping, which is illegal, they cannot be brought down. Members of Congress have called for more powers to be given to the military in such instances to avoid the events that took place in December last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

For 17 straight days in December last year, America's finest security officials were left baffled as a swarm of mysterious and unidentified aircraft flew over Langley Air Force Base on Virginia’s shoreline.

For 17 straight days in December last year, America's finest security officials were left baffled as a swarm of mysterious and unidentified aircraft flew over Langley Air Force Base on Virginia’s shoreline. US Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly witnessed the sightings every night, with the drones looking like constellations moving in the night sky, according to a report in Wall Street Journal. “Close Encounters at Langley," Kelly said. Despite having the best resources to track the mysterious objects, the US military failed to catch them. The objects were flying at around 100mph at 3,000 to 4,000 feet, with witnesses saying they sounded like a parade of lawnmowers. Gen. Glen VanHerck, the then commander of the US Northern Command and the North America Defense Command, claimed that drones had been spotted in the area for years but the nightly matinee over Langley was unlike any past incursion. After the eerie daily night show was reported to US President Joe Biden, it triggered two weeks of meetings at the White House, involving officials from the Pentagon, including staff from its UFO office and the FBI. Several ways, including shooting nets to catch the drones and using electronic signals to jam their navigation system, were suggested but none of them made the cut. Watch | Pentagon UFO Expert Claims U.S. Govt Has 'Alien Tech, Bodies' × Training cancelled, F-22 grounded Such was the fear of the drones that Langley officials cancelled nighttime training missions and moved the F-22 jet fighters to another base. Meanwhile, residents at the base shared sighting stories as well as blurry pictures of the drones on private Facebook groups. US officials confirmed this month that more unidentified drone swarms were spotted in recent months near Edwards Air Force Base, north of Los Angeles. “The number of UASs [uncrewed aerial systems] fluctuated and they ranged in size/configuration. None of the incursions appeared to exhibit hostile intent but anything flying in our restricted airspace can pose a threat to flight safety. The FAA was made aware of the UAS incursions.” Also read | US: Pentagon's new website aims to answer all your queries about UFOs Langley officials did circle around a University of Minnesota student named Fengyun Shi whose drone when caught, revealed images of Navy vessels in dry dock, including shots taken around midnight. The 26-year-old Chinese national told FBI agents he was a ship enthusiast and hadn’t realised his drone crossed into restricted airspace. Despite not being convinced, the FBI could not find any evidence linking him to the Chinese. Fengyun has since pleaded guilty and appeared in the court but Langley officials are yet to identify who flew the swarm of drones. Notably, under the US law, the military is only allowed to shoot down drones over military bases if they pose a direct threat. Even if they are suspected of snooping, which is illegal, they cannot be brought down. Members of Congress have called for more powers to be given to the military in such instances to avoid the events that took place in December last year. (With inputs from agencies)

White House and Pentagon puzzled after swarm of mystery drones hover over US military base for 17 days

The United States, on Sunday (Sep 29)&nbsp;announced it will increase its military presence in the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group&nbsp;Hezbollah, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region.

In a statement, the Pentagon&nbsp;highlighted its readiness to deploy forces at short notice if necessary. “The United States retains the capability to deploy forces on short notice. The Department of Defense continues to maintain a significant amount of capability in the region and to dynamically adjust our force posture based on the evolving security situation,” the US Defense Department (DOD) said.

"...This afloat posture is complemented by DoD’s elevated fighter and attack squadron presence, including F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 aircraft, and we will further reinforce our defensive air-support capabilities in the coming days,” the statement added.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and the DoD emphasised that their main focus remains on protecting American&nbsp;citizens and troops in the region, supporting Israel’s defence, and de-escalating the situation through diplomacy.

<h2>'Determined to prevent Iran,&nbsp;proxies from exploiting the situation': US</h2>

"The United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict," the statement said. "Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people," the statement added.

<h2>'Going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach': US</h2>

Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN,&nbsp;White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby emphasised that going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach. "If you want to bring those people back home safely and in a long-lasting way, we think the diplomatic route is the right one," Kirby said.

The US is closely monitoring Hezbollah's actions as it works through its leadership changes "and is continuing to talk to the Israelis about what the right next steps are," he said.

"We’ve been clear that we don't always agree on how they carry out operations, especially when it comes to civilian protection," Kirby added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrikes-cripple-key-yemeni-port-after-houthi-attack-aimed-at-central-israel-763009">Israeli airstrikes pound key Yemeni port after Houthis fire missiles at&nbsp;Israel</a>

<h2>US had no prior knowledge of the Israeli airstrike&nbsp;which killed Nasrallah</h2>

This statement follows an Israeli airstrike on Friday, which killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, along with Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front. On the same day, US President Joe Biden said Washington&nbsp;had no prior knowledge or involvement in the Israeli airstrike.&nbsp;

Austin also stated that he was not given advance notice, but had spoken to his Israeli counterpart as the operation was taking place.

“We had no advance warning. My call with Minister Gallant took place while the operation was actually already underway,” the US defence secretary&nbsp;told reporters upon landing at Joint Base Andrews near Washington at that time.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States, on Sunday (Sep 29) announced it will increase its military presence in the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region.

The United States, on Sunday (Sep 29) announced it will increase its military presence in the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, raising concerns about a potential full-scale war in the region. In a statement, the Pentagon highlighted its readiness to deploy forces at short notice if necessary. “The United States retains the capability to deploy forces on short notice. The Department of Defense continues to maintain a significant amount of capability in the region and to dynamically adjust our force posture based on the evolving security situation,” the US Defense Department (DOD) said. "...This afloat posture is complemented by DoD’s elevated fighter and attack squadron presence, including F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 aircraft, and we will further reinforce our defensive air-support capabilities in the coming days,” the statement added. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and the DoD emphasised that their main focus remains on protecting American citizens and troops in the region, supporting Israel’s defence, and de-escalating the situation through diplomacy. 'Determined to prevent Iran, proxies from exploiting the situation': US "The United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict," the statement said. "Should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people," the statement added. 'Going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach': US Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN, White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby emphasised that going to war with Hezbollah or Iran isn’t the best approach. "If you want to bring those people back home safely and in a long-lasting way, we think the diplomatic route is the right one," Kirby said. The US is closely monitoring Hezbollah's actions as it works through its leadership changes "and is continuing to talk to the Israelis about what the right next steps are," he said. "We’ve been clear that we don't always agree on how they carry out operations, especially when it comes to civilian protection," Kirby added. Also read: Israeli airstrikes pound key Yemeni port after Houthis fire missiles at Israel US had no prior knowledge of the Israeli airstrike which killed Nasrallah This statement follows an Israeli airstrike on Friday, which killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, along with Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front. On the same day, US President Joe Biden said Washington had no prior knowledge or involvement in the Israeli airstrike. Austin also stated that he was not given advance notice, but had spoken to his Israeli counterpart as the operation was taking place. “We had no advance warning. My call with Minister Gallant took place while the operation was actually already underway,” the US defence secretary told reporters upon landing at Joint Base Andrews near Washington at that time. (With inputs from agencies)

US can 'deploy forces on short notice' to prevent Iran from 'expanding the conflict': Pentagon

The United States had no prior knowledge of the Beirut strike, US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters on Friday (September 27). He added that he was on a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant while the strike was underway.

“I know that you're seeing reports of a significant strike in Beirut today. I spoke by phone earlier with my counterpart in Israel, Minister Gallant. The United States was not involved in Israel's operation. We had no advance&nbsp;warning. My call with Minister Gallant took place while the operation was actually already underway,” Austin said.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the Israeli airstrikes on Friday killed two people and injured 76 others.

The Israeli military said it had carried out a "precise&nbsp;strike" on Hezbollah's headquarters which it said were "embedded under residential buildings in the heart of the Dahiyeh in&nbsp;Beirut."

Friday's attack was far more powerful, with multiple blasts shaking windows across the city, recalling Israeli airstrikes during the war it fought with Hezbollah in 2006.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

The United States had no prior knowledge of the Beirut strike, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters on Friday (September 27). He added that he was on a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant while the strike was underway.

The United States had no prior knowledge of the Beirut strike, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters on Friday (September 27). He added that he was on a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant while the strike was underway. “I know that you're seeing reports of a significant strike in Beirut today. I spoke by phone earlier with my counterpart in Israel, Minister Gallant. The United States was not involved in Israel's operation. We had no advance warning. My call with Minister Gallant took place while the operation was actually already underway,” Austin said. According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the Israeli airstrikes on Friday killed two people and injured 76 others. The Israeli military said it had carried out a "precise strike" on Hezbollah's headquarters which it said were "embedded under residential buildings in the heart of the Dahiyeh in Beirut." Friday's attack was far more powerful, with multiple blasts shaking windows across the city, recalling Israeli airstrikes during the war it fought with Hezbollah in 2006. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Had no prior knowledge of Israel's strike on Beirut: United States

US military aid to Ukraine has decreased in size with time due to dwindling stockpiles of weapons and equipment that the Pentagon is prepared to provide, according to a report by CNN.

US military aid to Ukraine has decreased in size with time due to dwindling stockpiles of weapons and equipment that the Pentagon is prepared to provide, according to a report by CNN. How much funding does the Biden administration still have for Ukraine? Although the Biden administration still has $6 billion in funds available to support Ukraine, the Pentagon's inventory is now limited after more than two years of the war, the report said. Two US officials told CNN that this is affecting what can be sent to Kyiv. "It’s about the stockpiles we have on our shelves, what [the Ukrainians] are asking for, and whether we can meet those requests with what we currently have," one official explained to CNN. In light of this situation, the Pentagon has requested Congress to extend the deadline for using these funds, which is set to expire at the end of September, said Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon’s press secretary. What challenges are faced in replenishing US military supplies? "Replenishment is another issue," the official further noted to CNN. While the US is ramping up production of key military supplies, to supply both Ukraine and its own forces, it is a long-term process that won't immediately address the growing demand. Before the Ukraine conflict, the US was producing around 15,000 of the 155 mm shells each month. With new factories and production lines in place, production has now reached 40,000 shells per month. Despite this, it will still take over a year for the Pentagon to meet its goal of producing 100,000 shells monthly. How is Ukraine affected by these shortages? Ukraine is already feeling the effects of these shortages, as President Volodymyr Zelensky has already said. He expressed frustration over delays in deliveries of promised air defence systems and warned that this delay had led to a significant gap in critical aid. Back in April, the Pentagon committed to sending up to $1 billion in weapons and equipment directly from its own reserves after Congress finally approved additional funding for Ukraine. However, since then, individual aid packages have been much smaller, ranging from $125 million to $400 million, with none exceeding the $400 million mark. According to CNN, another US official mentioned that, earlier this year, the administration couldn’t draw from the Department of Defense’s stockpiles for four months due to delays in Congress approving the funding. The official also explained that the US is being cautious about how much aid is sent to Ukraine at once. Despite this, the US is announcing new aid packages every two weeks, which, according to the official, is something Ukraine appreciates, as it serves as a morale booster. (With inputs from agencies)

US military aid to Ukraine dwindles as Pentagon faces weapons’ shortages: Report

Former US intelligence officer Luis Elizondo, who has served in the US military in Afghanistan and Kuwait and was part of various anti-terrorism missions, has claimed that the aliens are hiding on the Earth and threatening humanity.&nbsp;

The official has also admitted that his "blood ran cold" when his children said that they saw a green and glowing orb hovering in the air near their family home in Maryland.&nbsp;

The three-dimensional mysterious ball was "translucent and suffused with an eerie green light" and "behaved as if guided by some intelligence", said Elizondo, as reported by The Daily Mail.&nbsp;

He said that he himself on another occasion saw a glowing green object, which was the size of a basketball and had "soft edges that weren’t defined" and was floating slowly from their kitchen to bedroom before suddenly disappearing.&nbsp;

Elizondo further claimed that the United States government is completely aware of the presence of aliens on Earth but has been concealing and covering up all the facts related to it.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/is-vatican-hiding-alien-secrets-expert-claims-pope-knew-about-ufo-that-crashed-in-1933-749343">Alien secrets at Vatican? Expert claims Pope helped US procure UFO that crashed in 1933</a>

The former US intelligence officer made these shocking claims in his new book "Imminent – Inside The Pentagon’s Hunt For UFOs".

His claims are being seen as significant as he is not an amateur UFO sleuth but a&nbsp;former military intelligence officer who once was actually on the hunt for aliens.

The 52-year-old has claimed that he was the former head of the US Defence Department’s shadowy Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP).

He added that he started seeing those green luminous balls after he started working for the AATIP.

<h2>US intelligence officer calls aliens an 'existential threat to humanity'&nbsp;</h2>

Elizondo said that evidence of the existence of extraterrestrials is hiding in plain sight on Earth.

However, he said that the evidence has been kept a secret by Pentagon officials who fear that it will lead to massive panic in the public.

"These craft are not made by humans. Humanity is in fact not the only intelligent life in the universe, and not the alpha species," said Elizondo.

Watch:&nbsp;Pentagon UFO Expert Claims U.S. Govt Has 'Alien Tech, Bodies'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pentagon-ufo-expert-claims-us-govt-has-alien-tech-bodies-752836/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He insisted that these UFO ‘crafts' were operating with "complete impunity all over the world since at least the Second World War," and added that they have the ability "to move in ways that defy our knowledge of physics... within air, water and space."

He said that the UFOs present "at best, a very serious national security issue, and at worst, the possibility of an existential threat to humanity".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Former US intelligence officer Luis Elizondo, who has served in the US military in Afghanistan and Kuwait and was part of various anti-terrorism missions, has claimed that the aliens are hiding on the Earth and threatening humanity.

Former US intelligence officer Luis Elizondo, who has served in the US military in Afghanistan and Kuwait and was part of various anti-terrorism missions, has claimed that the aliens are hiding on the Earth and threatening humanity. The official has also admitted that his "blood ran cold" when his children said that they saw a green and glowing orb hovering in the air near their family home in Maryland. The three-dimensional mysterious ball was "translucent and suffused with an eerie green light" and "behaved as if guided by some intelligence", said Elizondo, as reported by The Daily Mail. He said that he himself on another occasion saw a glowing green object, which was the size of a basketball and had "soft edges that weren’t defined" and was floating slowly from their kitchen to bedroom before suddenly disappearing. Elizondo further claimed that the United States government is completely aware of the presence of aliens on Earth but has been concealing and covering up all the facts related to it. Also Read: Alien secrets at Vatican? Expert claims Pope helped US procure UFO that crashed in 1933 The former US intelligence officer made these shocking claims in his new book "Imminent – Inside The Pentagon’s Hunt For UFOs". His claims are being seen as significant as he is not an amateur UFO sleuth but a former military intelligence officer who once was actually on the hunt for aliens. The 52-year-old has claimed that he was the former head of the US Defence Department’s shadowy Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP). He added that he started seeing those green luminous balls after he started working for the AATIP. US intelligence officer calls aliens an 'existential threat to humanity' Elizondo said that evidence of the existence of extraterrestrials is hiding in plain sight on Earth. However, he said that the evidence has been kept a secret by Pentagon officials who fear that it will lead to massive panic in the public. "These craft are not made by humans. Humanity is in fact not the only intelligent life in the universe, and not the alpha species," said Elizondo. Watch: Pentagon UFO Expert Claims U.S. Govt Has 'Alien Tech, Bodies' He insisted that these UFO ‘crafts' were operating with "complete impunity all over the world since at least the Second World War," and added that they have the ability "to move in ways that defy our knowledge of physics... within air, water and space." He said that the UFOs present "at best, a very serious national security issue, and at worst, the possibility of an existential threat to humanity". (With inputs from agencies)

Aliens are hiding here on Earth and Pentagon is aware of it, claims former US intelligence officer

The Greek-flagged crude oil tanker, Sounion, continues to blaze in the Red Sea and is now leaking oil, according to a Pentagon spokesperson on Tuesday. The vessel carrying about one million barrels of crude oil was attacked last week by multiple projectiles near Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah.

<h2>Houthi attacks and regional tensions</h2>

The Houthis, a Yemen-based group aligned with Iran, claimed responsibility for the assault, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The group has been targeting ships in the Red Sea as part of their broader conflict.

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According to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, the attack on the Sounion was due to a violation of their ban on entry to “occupied Palestine.”&nbsp;

This incident marks the third attack this month on vessels operated by Athens-based Delta Tankers. Despite the onboard fire being extinguished by the crew, the vessel remains severely impacted.

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Pentagon spokesman Air Force maj gen Patrick Ryder condemned the attack as "reckless acts of terrorism. He said, “These are simply reckless acts of terrorism which continue to destabilise global and regional commerce, put the lives of innocent civilian mariners at risk and imperil the vibrant maritime ecosystem in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the Houthis’ own backyard,”&nbsp;

<h2>US Military and environmental concerns</h2>

Ryder added that the US military is collaborating with regional partners to assist the vessel and address potential environmental impacts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-chances-of-renewed-nuclear-talks-with-iran-far-away-after-tehran-opens-door-for-negotiations-753920">US says chances of renewed nuclear talks with Iran 'far away' after Tehran opens door for negotiations</a>

<h2>Background Of&nbsp;the Houthis</h2>

Led by Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the Houthis are an Iran-backed Shia rebel group that has been in conflict with Yemen’s government for nearly two decades. They currently control Yemen’s northwest and its capital, Sanaa.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Greek-flagged crude oil tanker, Sounion, continues to blaze in the Red Sea and is now leaking oil, according to a Pentagon spokesperson on Tuesday. The vessel carrying about one million barrels of crude oil was attacked last week by multiple projectiles near Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah.

The Greek-flagged crude oil tanker, Sounion, continues to blaze in the Red Sea and is now leaking oil, according to a Pentagon spokesperson on Tuesday. The vessel carrying about one million barrels of crude oil was attacked last week by multiple projectiles near Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah. Houthi attacks and regional tensions The Houthis, a Yemen-based group aligned with Iran, claimed responsibility for the assault, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The group has been targeting ships in the Red Sea as part of their broader conflict. Also read | US elections: What are swing states? Will they decide fate of 2024 presidential contenders Harris and Trump? According to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, the attack on the Sounion was due to a violation of their ban on entry to “occupied Palestine.” This incident marks the third attack this month on vessels operated by Athens-based Delta Tankers. Despite the onboard fire being extinguished by the crew, the vessel remains severely impacted. Also read | US's military Tinder ad warns Iran and its proxies in Lebanon Pentagon spokesman Air Force maj gen Patrick Ryder condemned the attack as "reckless acts of terrorism. He said, “These are simply reckless acts of terrorism which continue to destabilise global and regional commerce, put the lives of innocent civilian mariners at risk and imperil the vibrant maritime ecosystem in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, the Houthis’ own backyard,” US Military and environmental concerns Ryder added that the US military is collaborating with regional partners to assist the vessel and address potential environmental impacts. Also read | US says chances of renewed nuclear talks with Iran 'far away' after Tehran opens door for negotiations Background Of the Houthis Led by Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the Houthis are an Iran-backed Shia rebel group that has been in conflict with Yemen’s government for nearly two decades. They currently control Yemen’s northwest and its capital, Sanaa. (With inputs from agencies)

Greek-flagged shipping tanker attacked by Houthis now leaking oil: Pentagon

Former Defense Department insider Luis Elizondo has recently revealed that the U.S. government has been hiding the truth about unidentified flying objects (UFOs) for over 50 years. Elizondo claims that he began seeing green glowing "orbs" floating in the skies, and his experience has uniquely qualified him to speculate on what these unexplained objects might have been.

Pentagon UFO Expert Claims U.S. Govt Has 'Alien Tech, Bodies'

The Pentagon announced on Monday (August 5) that it has finished withdrawing all US forces from Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger. This comes after a year-long demand by the country's coup leaders.

In a statement with Niger's defence ministry, the Pentagon said, the "withdrawal of US forces and assets from Air Base 201 in Agadez is complete."

While the statement did not detail any remaining assets, it assured that the full withdrawal will continue as planned in coordination with Nigerien forces.

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"This effort… will continue between US and Nigerien armed forces over the coming weeks to ensure the full withdrawal is complete as planned," added the statement.

It further said that the US forces had been training Niger's military and supporting counterterrorism missions against groups like Islamic State and al-Qaeda.

"Over the past decade, US troops have trained Niger's forces and supported partner-led counterterrorism missions against Islamic State and al Qaeda in the region." &nbsp;

"The effective cooperation and communication between the US and Nigerien armed forces ensured that this turnover was finished ahead of schedule and without complications," it said.

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<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:416,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2102}">US soldiers and Agadez base</h2>

As per AFP, around 200 US soldiers had been stationed at the Agadez base, in the north of Niger. The base, according to the report, was used for drone operations against jihadist groups in the region. The groups regularly strike across the region, it adds.&nbsp;

The coup leaders, who took control of Niger in March last year, had ordered US and French troops to leave.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Pentagon announced on Monday (August 5) that it has finished withdrawing all US forces from Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger. This comes after a year-long demand by the country's coup leaders.

The Pentagon announced on Monday (August 5) that it has finished withdrawing all US forces from Air Base 201 in Agadez, Niger. This comes after a year-long demand by the country's coup leaders. In a statement with Niger's defence ministry, the Pentagon said, the "withdrawal of US forces and assets from Air Base 201 in Agadez is complete." While the statement did not detail any remaining assets, it assured that the full withdrawal will continue as planned in coordination with Nigerien forces. Also read | Iran asserts 'legal right' to retaliate to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination in Tehran "This effort… will continue between US and Nigerien armed forces over the coming weeks to ensure the full withdrawal is complete as planned," added the statement. It further said that the US forces had been training Niger's military and supporting counterterrorism missions against groups like Islamic State and al-Qaeda. "Over the past decade, US troops have trained Niger's forces and supported partner-led counterterrorism missions against Islamic State and al Qaeda in the region." "The effective cooperation and communication between the US and Nigerien armed forces ensured that this turnover was finished ahead of schedule and without complications," it said. Also read | Iran issues NOTAM restrictions as global community awaits possible attack on Israel US soldiers and Agadez base As per AFP, around 200 US soldiers had been stationed at the Agadez base, in the north of Niger. The base, according to the report, was used for drone operations against jihadist groups in the region. The groups regularly strike across the region, it adds. The coup leaders, who took control of Niger in March last year, had ordered US and French troops to leave. (With inputs from agencies)

US completes troop withdrawal from Niger's Agadez military base: Pentagon

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday (Aug 2) revoked plea deals agreed to earlier this week with the man accused of masterminding the September 11 attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and two accomplices, who are held at the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Pentagon Chief revokes plea deals with three 9/11 suspects

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001, has agreed to a plea deal that would see him avoid the death penalty in lieu of a life sentence, according to reports citing US prosecutors. Sheikh, usually called KSM, reached the plea deal along with two other convicts, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi, while awaiting trial for the terror strikes that killed nearly 3,000 Americans on September 11, 2001&nbsp;in New York, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. 
&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Khalid Shaikh Mohammed?</h2>

Khalid Shaikh Mohammed is a Kuwaiti mechanical engineer of Pakistani origin and self-avowed jihadist, who lived and worked in a host of countries including Qatar, the US, the Philippines, Afghanistan and Sudan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/911-mastermind-and-accomplices-reach-plea-agreement-746070">9/11 mastermind and accomplices reach plea agreement</a>

He was&nbsp;an aide of slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and at one point headed the propaganda wing of the terror organisation.

<h2>Khaled Shaikh Mohammad's involvement in 9/11 terror attacks</h2>

Sheikh, also known as KSM,&nbsp;developed&nbsp;the idea of the 9/11 attacks, and was involved in its planning as well as training of several terrorists to carry it out. The plan was to ram hijacked&nbsp;planes into some of the most iconic and symbolic buildings of America: The World Trade Center, the Pentagon and possibly the White House or US Congress. Two planes hit the twin towers of&nbsp;World Trade Center on the morning rush hour of September 11, 2001. The third plane aimed for Pentagon but went down near the periphery of the defence department headquaters. A fourth plane crashed on a field in Pennsylvania after passengers bravely fought the hijackers.

<h2>Khalid Sheikh Mohammad arrest, detention, torture&nbsp;and 'confession' </h2>

Soon after the attack, a series of arrests followed, and Shaikh was one of&nbsp; those taken into custody from Pakistan's Rawalpindi, in a joint US-Pakistan intelligence operation. Many of the terror suspects arrested were eventually sent to Guantanamo Bay, a notorious US prison and detention camp off the Cuba coast, after being transferred to so-called 'rendition' or 'black' sites, where their years-long torture overshadowed the magnitude of the crimes they had perpetrated.

KSM, a portly man in his late 30s or early 40s at the time allegedly confessed to masterminding the attack. The 9/11 Commission Report&nbsp;named him the "the principal architect of the 9/11 attacks".&nbsp;

But the confessions, allegedly made in March 2007 onwards, were done under physical torture and tough interrogations that included more than 180 rounds of so-called 'waterboarding' in KSM's case. So it is not completely credible that he also confessed to other terror plots like the Richard Reid shoe bombing, the 2002 Bali bombings in Indonesia as well as a previous bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993. He also confessed to the beheading of US Wall Streets Journal reporter&nbsp;Daniel Pearl.

He was also known to be involved in other terror plots, most notably the Bojinka plot in the Philippines to destroy several airlines, which eventually became his blueprint for the 9/11 attacks.

<h2>Khalid Sheikh Mohammad: A long-term jihadist</h2>

Sheikh was born on 14 April 1965&nbsp;in Pakistan. His family subsequently moved to Kuwait. He was radicalised as a teenager after listening to speeches of some clerics who called for jihad.&nbsp; He joined the Muslim Brotherhood while in his youth.&nbsp;

He got a mechaniacl engineering degree in&nbsp;the US and went on to work in Qatar.

According to reports, he had a negative experience as an immigrant student in the US. He was jailed in the US once for not paying bills. He reportedly felt that&nbsp;the US was was "a debauched and racist" country.

At the height of Taliban resistance to the Soviet occupation of Afganistan in the 1980s, Sheikh&nbsp;joined the resistance forces. KSM used to travel to key sites of jihadist groups across the world, and met Osama bin Laden in Sudan during one such trip. He later became one of his close associates. Initially he refused to join al Qaeda, but eventually became&nbsp;the head of its propaganda wing.

He drew detailed plans on how the 9/11 plot will unfold and did reconnaissance missions to the target sites. He presented the plan to&nbsp;Osama bin Laden some time in 1996, and then helped train and direct some of the hijackers.

<h2>Khalid Sheikh Mohammad: The Pakistan connection</h2>

Sheikh hails from Balochistan in Pakistan, where his father,&nbsp;Shaikh Muhammad Ali Dustin al-Baluchi, was a Deobandi imam.

It was Sheikh's presence among the plotters that pointed to Pakistan's involvement in the terror plot. Eventually, Osama bin Laden was found living in a safe house in Abbottabad, just few kilometres away from the military garrisons in Pakistani capital Islamabad. He was killed by US Marines in a night operation in May 2011. 
 
Terrorism also runs in the family of KSM. His nephew Ramzi Yousef is a convicted terrorist for involvement in&nbsp;the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Another nephew,&nbsp;Ammar Al Baluchi, was involved in several terror plots.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001, has agreed to a plea deal that would see him avoid the death penalty in lieu of a life sentence, according to reports citing US prosecutors.

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001, has agreed to a plea deal that would see him avoid the death penalty in lieu of a life sentence, according to reports citing US prosecutors. Sheikh, usually called KSM, reached the plea deal along with two other convicts, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi, while awaiting trial for the terror strikes that killed nearly 3,000 Americans on September 11, 2001 in New York, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. Who is Khalid Shaikh Mohammed? Khalid Shaikh Mohammed is a Kuwaiti mechanical engineer of Pakistani origin and self-avowed jihadist, who lived and worked in a host of countries including Qatar, the US, the Philippines, Afghanistan and Sudan. Also read: 9/11 mastermind and accomplices reach plea agreement He was an aide of slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and at one point headed the propaganda wing of the terror organisation. Khaled Shaikh Mohammad's involvement in 9/11 terror attacks Sheikh, also known as KSM, developed the idea of the 9/11 attacks, and was involved in its planning as well as training of several terrorists to carry it out. The plan was to ram hijacked planes into some of the most iconic and symbolic buildings of America: The World Trade Center, the Pentagon and possibly the White House or US Congress. Two planes hit the twin towers of World Trade Center on the morning rush hour of September 11, 2001. The third plane aimed for Pentagon but went down near the periphery of the defence department headquaters. A fourth plane crashed on a field in Pennsylvania after passengers bravely fought the hijackers. Khalid Sheikh Mohammad arrest, detention, torture and 'confession' Soon after the attack, a series of arrests followed, and Shaikh was one of those taken into custody from Pakistan's Rawalpindi, in a joint US-Pakistan intelligence operation. Many of the terror suspects arrested were eventually sent to Guantanamo Bay, a notorious US prison and detention camp off the Cuba coast, after being transferred to so-called 'rendition' or 'black' sites, where their years-long torture overshadowed the magnitude of the crimes they had perpetrated. KSM, a portly man in his late 30s or early 40s at the time allegedly confessed to masterminding the attack. The 9/11 Commission Report named him the "the principal architect of the 9/11 attacks". But the confessions, allegedly made in March 2007 onwards, were done under physical torture and tough interrogations that included more than 180 rounds of so-called 'waterboarding' in KSM's case. So it is not completely credible that he also confessed to other terror plots like the Richard Reid shoe bombing, the 2002 Bali bombings in Indonesia as well as a previous bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993. He also confessed to the beheading of US Wall Streets Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. He was also known to be involved in other terror plots, most notably the Bojinka plot in the Philippines to destroy several airlines, which eventually became his blueprint for the 9/11 attacks. Khalid Sheikh Mohammad: A long-term jihadist Sheikh was born on 14 April 1965 in Pakistan. His family subsequently moved to Kuwait. He was radicalised as a teenager after listening to speeches of some clerics who called for jihad. He joined the Muslim Brotherhood while in his youth. He got a mechaniacl engineering degree in the US and went on to work in Qatar. According to reports, he had a negative experience as an immigrant student in the US. He was jailed in the US once for not paying bills. He reportedly felt that the US was was "a debauched and racist" country. At the height of Taliban resistance to the Soviet occupation of Afganistan in the 1980s, Sheikh joined the resistance forces. KSM used to travel to key sites of jihadist groups across the world, and met Osama bin Laden in Sudan during one such trip. He later became one of his close associates. Initially he refused to join al Qaeda, but eventually became the head of its propaganda wing. He drew detailed plans on how the 9/11 plot will unfold and did reconnaissance missions to the target sites. He presented the plan to Osama bin Laden some time in 1996, and then helped train and direct some of the hijackers. Khalid Sheikh Mohammad: The Pakistan connection Sheikh hails from Balochistan in Pakistan, where his father, Shaikh Muhammad Ali Dustin al-Baluchi, was a Deobandi imam. It was Sheikh's presence among the plotters that pointed to Pakistan's involvement in the terror plot. Eventually, Osama bin Laden was found living in a safe house in Abbottabad, just few kilometres away from the military garrisons in Pakistani capital Islamabad. He was killed by US Marines in a night operation in May 2011. Terrorism also runs in the family of KSM. His nephew Ramzi Yousef is a convicted terrorist for involvement in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Another nephew, Ammar Al Baluchi, was involved in several terror plots. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of 9/11 attacks who'll avoid death penalty?

The man accused of masterminding the Sept. 11 attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and two of his accomplices, held at the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have agreed to plead guilty, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.

US reached plea deal with alleged 9/11 attack suspects

Iraq's Ain Al-Assad airbase came under attack with four rockets being launched at airbase that houses US-lead coalition forces. A US Official told media houses that the projectiles landed outside the base causing injuries or damage to the base. No one has claimed any responsibility of the attack yet.

Attack on Iraq airbase hosting US troops, no casualties in rocket attack at Ain Al-Assad

Pentagon has released its new strategy to counter Russia, China in the Arctic. The policy stands on three pillars- enhancing capabilities, working with allies, and exercising U.S. presence in the Arctic. #Gravitas tells you more

Gravitas: America's military strategy to counter Russia, China in the Arctic

The United States has resumed taking delivery of the F-35 jets fitted with an interim upgrade following a halt that stretched to months over software delays and will withhold some payments until the remaining enhancements are done, senior officials quoted by Reuters said on Saturday.&nbsp;

The jets have gotten some much-needed upgrades through a Lockheed Martin programme, involving key suppliers, called Technology Refresh 3, or TR-3, which aims to improve the displays and the processing power.&nbsp;

"We are starting to accept deliveries of TR-3...It is a truncated version...and does not have all the functionality that we want, but it is far enough along that we can accept delivery now," Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said. 
TR-3 includes hardware and software improvements and is just one piece of a broader upgrade to the nation's stealth jet known as Block 4.

"The hardware of that seems to be coming along fine but the software is lagging," Kendall told reporters at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Britain.

"We are at a point now where we can accept aircraft with the understanding that additional increments of software have to go in to get it to where we need it to be."

Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Andrew Hunter stated that the decision to restart the deliveries prior to completion of the software upgrade was to keep other features from being delayed further.&nbsp;

"Waiting and waiting and waiting to finalise those capabilities that weren't quite ready is actually holding up progress on some of the later capabilities that we also really need," he said.

Hunter said the Pentagon will still withhold a portion of the final payments for each jet but declined to say how much.

So far, about $7 million of each jet's final payment has been held back. Each jet is worth about $100 million.

"Not everything we contracted for has been delivered... We will not pay for that which we have not received," Hunter said.

Offsetting the frustration of the delays, Hunter said the work to finish TR-3 has forged closer cooperation between companies involved in the world's largest defence program.

"We are going to work very hard to ensure that that process of bringing down those barriers continues so that Block 4 comes through when we need it," he said.

The United States has resumed taking delivery of the F-35 jets fitted with an interim upgrade following a halt that stretched to months over software delays and will withhold some payments until the remaining enhancements are done, senior officials quoted by Reuters said on Saturday.

The United States has resumed taking delivery of the F-35 jets fitted with an interim upgrade following a halt that stretched to months over software delays and will withhold some payments until the remaining enhancements are done, senior officials quoted by Reuters said on Saturday. The jets have gotten some much-needed upgrades through a Lockheed Martin programme, involving key suppliers, called Technology Refresh 3, or TR-3, which aims to improve the displays and the processing power. "We are starting to accept deliveries of TR-3...It is a truncated version...and does not have all the functionality that we want, but it is far enough along that we can accept delivery now," Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said. TR-3 includes hardware and software improvements and is just one piece of a broader upgrade to the nation's stealth jet known as Block 4. "The hardware of that seems to be coming along fine but the software is lagging," Kendall told reporters at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Britain. "We are at a point now where we can accept aircraft with the understanding that additional increments of software have to go in to get it to where we need it to be." Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Andrew Hunter stated that the decision to restart the deliveries prior to completion of the software upgrade was to keep other features from being delayed further. "Waiting and waiting and waiting to finalise those capabilities that weren't quite ready is actually holding up progress on some of the later capabilities that we also really need," he said. Hunter said the Pentagon will still withhold a portion of the final payments for each jet but declined to say how much. So far, about $7 million of each jet's final payment has been held back. Each jet is worth about $100 million. "Not everything we contracted for has been delivered... We will not pay for that which we have not received," Hunter said. Offsetting the frustration of the delays, Hunter said the work to finish TR-3 has forged closer cooperation between companies involved in the world's largest defence program. "We are going to work very hard to ensure that that process of bringing down those barriers continues so that Block 4 comes through when we need it," he said.

Pentagon resumes F-35 deliveries amid software delays and interim upgrades

With tensions high as ever in the Taiwan Strait, top US admiral of the Navy Fleet in the Indo-Pacific has threatened to turn the Taiwan straight into an unmanned hellscape in the event of China invading Taiwan.

Decoding Pentagon's Taiwan plan: US warns China, plans to deploy lethal drones

Elon Musk, a gifted visionary, billionaire and often a controversial figure, believes aliens have never visited our planet Earth.

Addressing the perennial question at a panel titled "How to save the human race and other light topics" at the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference held in Los Angeles on Tuesday (May 7), Musk, however, said if humanity was to send probes into the universe, we would surely find "remains of long-dead alien civilisations."&nbsp;

<h2>What proof does Musk have?</h2>

The SpaceX founder, whose company operates the Starlink satellite constellation consisting of approximately 6,000 units, said that his company has never come across unidentified flying objects that could suggest alien presence.&nbsp;

"I've not seen any evidence of aliens," said Musk, as quoted by space.com.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/knock-knock-whos-therealiens-when-humanity-tried-to-talk-to-the-little-green-men-475713">Knock! Knock! Who's there?...Aliens: When humanity tried to talk to the little green men</a>

"And SpaceX, with the Starlink constellation, has roughly 6,000 satellites, and not once have we had to manoeuvre around a UFO… Never. So I'm like, okay, I don't see any evidence of aliens," he reasoned.

He said that this lack of evidence leads him to believe that if such advanced alien civilisations existed, they would have made their presence known more concretely.

However, he said he is open to concrete proof about visitations by the so-called little green men.

"If somebody has evidence of aliens, you know, that's not just a fuzzy blob, then I'd love to see it, love to hear about it," he said, adding&nbsp;"But I don't think there is."

Watch |&nbsp;Are Peruvian Alien Mummies Real or a Clever Hoax? Harvard Expert Weighs In!

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/its-all-in-the-name-astronomers-clash-over-renaming-galaxies-for-a-more-inclusive-cosmos-659401/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Humanity, a 'tiny candle in vast darkness': Musk</h2>

Mulling over what this means for the future of humanity, Musk suggested that the absence of contact with alien civilisations might indicate that advanced societies are both "precarious and rare".&nbsp;

He said that if there are aliens out there and an alien species has managed to survive for a million years or so, it should've been able to settle in the entire Milky Way galaxy.

"So, they haven't, so why not?" he asked before speculating a probable answer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/know-something-about-aliens-or-ufos-pentagon-wants-to-know-launches-online-reporting-tool-654294">Know something about aliens or UFOs? You can tell Pentagon all about it at...</a>

"I think the answer might be, probably,&nbsp;that civilisation is precarious and rare. And that we should really think of human civilisation as being like a tiny candle in a vast darkness." 
&nbsp; 
This, he argued, underscores the importance of safeguarding human civilisation.

"We should do everything possible to ensure that the candle does not go out," he stressed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk, a gifted visionary, billionaire and often a controversial figure, believes aliens have never visited our planet Earth. Addressing the perennial question at a panel titled "How to save the human race and other light topics" at the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference held in Los Angeles on Tuesday (May 7), Musk, however, said if humanity was to send probes into the universe, we would surely find "remains of long-dead alien civilisations.

Elon Musk, a gifted visionary, billionaire and often a controversial figure, believes aliens have never visited our planet Earth. Addressing the perennial question at a panel titled "How to save the human race and other light topics" at the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference held in Los Angeles on Tuesday (May 7), Musk, however, said if humanity was to send probes into the universe, we would surely find "remains of long-dead alien civilisations." What proof does Musk have? The SpaceX founder, whose company operates the Starlink satellite constellation consisting of approximately 6,000 units, said that his company has never come across unidentified flying objects that could suggest alien presence. "I've not seen any evidence of aliens," said Musk, as quoted by space.com. Also read | Knock! Knock! Who's there?...Aliens: When humanity tried to talk to the little green men "And SpaceX, with the Starlink constellation, has roughly 6,000 satellites, and not once have we had to manoeuvre around a UFO… Never. So I'm like, okay, I don't see any evidence of aliens," he reasoned. He said that this lack of evidence leads him to believe that if such advanced alien civilisations existed, they would have made their presence known more concretely. However, he said he is open to concrete proof about visitations by the so-called little green men. "If somebody has evidence of aliens, you know, that's not just a fuzzy blob, then I'd love to see it, love to hear about it," he said, adding "But I don't think there is." Watch | Are Peruvian Alien Mummies Real or a Clever Hoax? Harvard Expert Weighs In! Humanity, a 'tiny candle in vast darkness': Musk Mulling over what this means for the future of humanity, Musk suggested that the absence of contact with alien civilisations might indicate that advanced societies are both "precarious and rare". He said that if there are aliens out there and an alien species has managed to survive for a million years or so, it should've been able to settle in the entire Milky Way galaxy. "So, they haven't, so why not?" he asked before speculating a probable answer. Also read | Know something about aliens or UFOs? You can tell Pentagon all about it at... "I think the answer might be, probably, that civilisation is precarious and rare. And that we should really think of human civilisation as being like a tiny candle in a vast darkness." This, he argued, underscores the importance of safeguarding human civilisation. "We should do everything possible to ensure that the candle does not go out," he stressed. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk cites simple proof to assert his belief that aliens don't exist

US soldier Gordon Black, who was arrested in Russia, flouted army regulations by journeying to Vladivostok, Russia, without clearance, the Pentagon disclosed on Tuesday (May 7). Black, a 34-year-old Army staff sergeant, undertook this excursion after passing through China, while on personal leave from military duty.&nbsp;"Instead of returning to the continental United States, Black flew from Incheon, Republic of Korea through China to Vladivostok, Russia, for personal reasons," the US Army said in a statement.

According to the Pentagon, Black's risky behaviour came to light amid allegations that he had a girlfriend in Russia, where he now faces theft charges. Black's mother, Melody Jones, expressed suspicions that her son was manipulated by his Russian partner. She said, "I knew something was going to happen. I felt like he was being set up by her."&nbsp;

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The incident compounded diplomatic tensions between the United States and Russia amid the war in Ukraine. Notably, other high-profile detentions include basketball star Brittney Griner and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

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Black, who served deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, is currently in a pre-trial detention facility. The Russian Interior Ministry clarified that a complaint was lodged against Black by a 32-year-old woman he met in South Korea. The ministry stated that an altercation between them led to accusations of theft, resulting in Black's arrest.

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Although the Russian foreign ministry maintains the absence of political motives in Black's case, it nonetheless marks another instance of strained relations between the two nations.&nbsp;"He will remain in detention until his next hearing pending determination," as per the US Army. An Army spokeswoman&nbsp;Cynthia Smith reportedly said, “Official and leave travel is currently restricted pursuant to the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide. There is no evidence Black intended to remain in Russia."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US soldier Gordon Black, who was arrested in Russia, flouted army regulations by journeying to Vladivostok, Russia, without clearance, the Pentagon disclosed on Tuesday (May 7).

US soldier Gordon Black, who was arrested in Russia, flouted army regulations by journeying to Vladivostok, Russia, without clearance, the Pentagon disclosed on Tuesday (May 7). Black, a 34-year-old Army staff sergeant, undertook this excursion after passing through China, while on personal leave from military duty. "Instead of returning to the continental United States, Black flew from Incheon, Republic of Korea through China to Vladivostok, Russia, for personal reasons," the US Army said in a statement. According to the Pentagon, Black's risky behaviour came to light amid allegations that he had a girlfriend in Russia, where he now faces theft charges. Black's mother, Melody Jones, expressed suspicions that her son was manipulated by his Russian partner. She said, "I knew something was going to happen. I felt like he was being set up by her." Also Read | Baltimore bridge collapse: Body of last missing worker recovered The incident compounded diplomatic tensions between the United States and Russia amid the war in Ukraine. Notably, other high-profile detentions include basketball star Brittney Griner and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Also Read | Donald Trump classified documents case delayed indefinitely, experts warn of 'unprecedented' situation Black, who served deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, is currently in a pre-trial detention facility. The Russian Interior Ministry clarified that a complaint was lodged against Black by a 32-year-old woman he met in South Korea. The ministry stated that an altercation between them led to accusations of theft, resulting in Black's arrest. Watch | Gaza truce talks resume in Cairo | Students protests spread to Europe × Although the Russian foreign ministry maintains the absence of political motives in Black's case, it nonetheless marks another instance of strained relations between the two nations. "He will remain in detention until his next hearing pending determination," as per the US Army. An Army spokeswoman Cynthia Smith reportedly said, “Official and leave travel is currently restricted pursuant to the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide. There is no evidence Black intended to remain in Russia." (With inputs from agencies)

Pentagon says US soldier arrested in Russia for theft flouted army rules

In its efforts to ramp up preparations for a possible conflict with China. The Pentagon is now funding drone thorugh its replicator program. The program is an effort to field new systems by August 2025 to help counter China.

US' 'Switchblade 600' drone: US begins funding new drone to counter China by August 2025

In its efforts to ramp up preparations for a possible conflict with China. The Pentagon is now funding drone through its replicator program. The program is an effort to field new systems by August 2025 to help counter China.

US: Pentagon funds AeroVironment's 'Switchblade 600' drone

A US drone strike in northwest Syria a year ago mistakenly killed a civilian, a Pentagon review found.

The Pentagon on Thursday (May 2) acknowledged in an internal investigation, that the United States mistakenly killed a civilian in Syria in a 2023 drone strike, saying US forces had misidentified an intended al Qaeda target.&nbsp;

The combatant command said in a statement,&nbsp;the Syrian, Lufti Hasan Masto, was struck and killed instead&nbsp;of an intended senior al Qaeda leader, as&nbsp;first reported by The Washington Post.

The US&nbsp;forces misidentified the target but found that the strike was conducted in compliance with the law of armed conflict," the statement further said.

(More to follow)

A US drone strike in northwest Syria a year ago mistakenly killed a civilian, a Pentagon review found. The Pentagon on Thursday (May 2) acknowledged in an internal investigation, that the United States mistakenly killed a civilian in Syria in a 2023 drone strike, saying US forces had misidentified an intended al Qaeda target.

A US drone strike in northwest Syria a year ago mistakenly killed a civilian, a Pentagon review found. The Pentagon on Thursday (May 2) acknowledged in an internal investigation, that the United States mistakenly killed a civilian in Syria in a 2023 drone strike, saying US forces had misidentified an intended al Qaeda target. The combatant command said in a statement, the Syrian, Lufti Hasan Masto, was struck and killed instead of an intended senior al Qaeda leader, as first reported by The Washington Post. The US forces misidentified the target but found that the strike was conducted in compliance with the law of armed conflict," the statement further said. (More to follow)

US airstrike in Syria mistakenly killed civilian, not al Qaeda leader, Pentagon admits

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