The US Military is said to have 800 military sites in around 80 countries. Why does the US need so many military bases? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about the American military's presence overseas.

Gravitas: Why does the US military have 800 bases in 80 countries?

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

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

Earlier, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said that eight Chinese H-6K bombers, four J-16 fighter jets and a Y-8 anti-submarine aircraft had entered the ADIZ.

China says U.S. military intervention in South-China Sea not good for peace

With just about two days left until outgoing US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-final-act-outgoing-trump-administration-targets-huawei-suppliers-357438">Trump's</a> term formally ends, Trump has promised to ensure a peaceful transition of power days after his loyalists stormed the US Capitol.

US vice president Mike Pence addressed a crowd of service members at the Lemoore naval air station in California touting the Trump administration's foreign policy achievements.

Pence said that the current administration has always understood that if you want peace, prepare for war.

"Four years ago, we inherited a military that had been hollowed out by devastating budget cuts. our troops hadn't seen a significant pay raise in nearly 10 years. our military lacked equipment at a level that was actually impacting readiness, and our nato allies weren't meeting their commitments to our common defense," Pence said.

"Iran was resurgent across the Middle East and a terrorist organization controlled a landmass the size of Pennsylvania and I couldn't be more proud to stand before all you heroes today and report under the leadership of President Donald Trump we've rebuilt our military, we've restored the arsenal of democracy, and we've enacted the largest increases in our national defense since the days of Ronald Reagan," Pence asserted.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration carried out its 13th federal execution since July just days before president-elect Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony. Dustin Higgs was convicted in the killing of three women in 1996. He was the third convict this week to receive a lethal injection at a federal prison in Indiana.

The US Justice department had resumed federal executions last year. The number of federal death sentences carried out under Trump since 2020 is more than in the previous 56 years combined. The number of prisoners on federal death row have been reduced by nearly a quarter.

With just about two days left until outgoing US President Donald Trump's term formally ends, Trump has promised to ensure a peaceful transition of power days after his loyalists stormed the US Capitol.

With just about two days left until outgoing US President Donald Trump's term formally ends, Trump has promised to ensure a peaceful transition of power days after his loyalists stormed the US Capitol. US vice president Mike Pence addressed a crowd of service members at the Lemoore naval air station in California touting the Trump administration's foreign policy achievements. Pence said that the current administration has always understood that if you want peace, prepare for war. "Four years ago, we inherited a military that had been hollowed out by devastating budget cuts. our troops hadn't seen a significant pay raise in nearly 10 years. our military lacked equipment at a level that was actually impacting readiness, and our nato allies weren't meeting their commitments to our common defense," Pence said. "Iran was resurgent across the Middle East and a terrorist organization controlled a landmass the size of Pennsylvania and I couldn't be more proud to stand before all you heroes today and report under the leadership of President Donald Trump we've rebuilt our military, we've restored the arsenal of democracy, and we've enacted the largest increases in our national defense since the days of Ronald Reagan," Pence asserted. Meanwhile, the Trump administration carried out its 13th federal execution since July just days before president-elect Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony. Dustin Higgs was convicted in the killing of three women in 1996. He was the third convict this week to receive a lethal injection at a federal prison in Indiana. The US Justice department had resumed federal executions last year. The number of federal death sentences carried out under Trump since 2020 is more than in the previous 56 years combined. The number of prisoners on federal death row have been reduced by nearly a quarter.

We enacted largest increase in national defense since Reagan: Pence to US military

The US military troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are at its lowest with 2,500 each in about two decades since the war started, the Pentagon announced on Friday.&nbsp;

"Today, the United States is closer than ever to ending nearly two decades of war and welcoming in an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace process to achieve a political settlement and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire," Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller was quoted as saying in a statement reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-military-releases-13-civilians-policeman-from-taliban-prison-356661">Afghan military releases 13 civilians, policeman from Taliban prison</a>

Miller said that a path to peace in both the nations means&nbsp;the cuts of troop without compromising with the security for Americans and its allies.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-forces-foil-is-plan-to-assassinate-top-us-envoy-356264">Afghan forces foil IS plan to assassinate top US envoy</a>

He added that further reduction will depend on the progress of peace talks between Afghanistan and the Taliban.&nbsp;

"Moving forward, while the (Defense) Department continues with planning capable of further reducing US troop levels to zero by May of 2021, any such future drawdowns remain conditions-based," Miller said.

Miller said that troop reduction in Iraq reflects the "the increased capabilities" of Iraqi security personnel, adding that this does not mean a "change in the US policy".&nbsp;

"US and Coalition forces remain in Iraq to ensure the enduring defeat of (the Islamic State group)," he said, adding that counterterrorism operations will continue in Iraq with sharing "airpower" and "intelligence". 
&nbsp;

The US military troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are at its lowest with 2,500 each in about two decades since the war started, the Pentagon announced on Friday. "Today, the United States is closer than ever to ending nearly two decades of war and welcoming in an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace process to achieve a political settlement and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire," Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller was quoted as saying in a statement reported by news agency AFP.

The US military troops in Afghanistan and Iraq are at its lowest with 2,500 each in about two decades since the war started, the Pentagon announced on Friday. "Today, the United States is closer than ever to ending nearly two decades of war and welcoming in an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led peace process to achieve a political settlement and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire," Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller was quoted as saying in a statement reported by news agency AFP. Also read | Afghan military releases 13 civilians, policeman from Taliban prison Miller said that a path to peace in both the nations means the cuts of troop without compromising with the security for Americans and its allies. Also read | Afghan forces foil IS plan to assassinate top US envoy He added that further reduction will depend on the progress of peace talks between Afghanistan and the Taliban. "Moving forward, while the (Defense) Department continues with planning capable of further reducing US troop levels to zero by May of 2021, any such future drawdowns remain conditions-based," Miller said. Miller said that troop reduction in Iraq reflects the "the increased capabilities" of Iraqi security personnel, adding that this does not mean a "change in the US policy". "US and Coalition forces remain in Iraq to ensure the enduring defeat of (the Islamic State group)," he said, adding that counterterrorism operations will continue in Iraq with sharing "airpower" and "intelligence".

With 2,500 each, US says lowest troops deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan in about two decades

The US military on Monday blamed the Taliban for a spate of assassinations of prominent Afghans, the first time Washington has directly accused the insurgent group of the killings.

The charge comes as the Afghan government and Taliban are due Tuesday to resume peace talks in Qatar, as both sides seek an end to the long-running conflict.

"The Taliban's campaign of unclaimed attacks and targeted killings of government officials, civil society leaders &amp; journalists must... cease for peace to succeed," Colonel Sonny Leggett, spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan, said on Twitter.

The deputy governor of Kabul province, five journalists, and a prominent election activist have been among those assassinated since November.

Afghan officials blame the Taliban for the killings, but the hardline group has denied the charge, while the rival Islamic State group says its fighters were responsible for some of them.

Leggett's statement comes as the Taliban accused US forces of carrying out airstrikes against insurgents in Kandahar, Nangarhar and Helmand provinces in recent days.

The Taliban said the strikes violated an agreement signed in February that paved the way for the withdrawal of all foreign forces by May 2021.

Leggett said the US would continue to defend Afghan forces against Taliban attacks.

The State Department said that Zalmay Khalilzad, the veteran US diplomat who negotiated last year's agreement, was returning to Qatar where he would meet separately with the Taliban and Afghan government teams.

Khalilzad will seek "an immediate, significant reduction in violence and ceasefire and an agreement on a political roadmap and power-sharing as soon as possible," the State Department said.

Khalilzad will also travel to Kabul, Pakistan and Turkmenistan as he seeks to ensure broad international support for the peace process.

Violence has surged across Afghanistan, with the Taliban and government forces fighting daily across swathes of rural areas.

The Taliban carried out more than 18,000 attacks in 2020, Afghanistan's spy chief Ahmad Zia Siraj told lawmakers Monday.

Nishank Motwani of the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit said the insurgents would not claim responsibility for the killings while peace talks were ongoing, but nevertheless wanted to demonstrate to its cadre "that the Taliban are who they are and have not changed".

The US military on Monday blamed the Taliban for a spate of assassinations of prominent Afghans, the first time Washington has directly accused the insurgent group of the killings.

The US military on Monday blamed the Taliban for a spate of assassinations of prominent Afghans, the first time Washington has directly accused the insurgent group of the killings. The charge comes as the Afghan government and Taliban are due Tuesday to resume peace talks in Qatar, as both sides seek an end to the long-running conflict. "The Taliban's campaign of unclaimed attacks and targeted killings of government officials, civil society leaders & journalists must... cease for peace to succeed," Colonel Sonny Leggett, spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan, said on Twitter. The deputy governor of Kabul province, five journalists, and a prominent election activist have been among those assassinated since November. Afghan officials blame the Taliban for the killings, but the hardline group has denied the charge, while the rival Islamic State group says its fighters were responsible for some of them. Leggett's statement comes as the Taliban accused US forces of carrying out airstrikes against insurgents in Kandahar, Nangarhar and Helmand provinces in recent days. The Taliban said the strikes violated an agreement signed in February that paved the way for the withdrawal of all foreign forces by May 2021. Leggett said the US would continue to defend Afghan forces against Taliban attacks. The State Department said that Zalmay Khalilzad, the veteran US diplomat who negotiated last year's agreement, was returning to Qatar where he would meet separately with the Taliban and Afghan government teams. Khalilzad will seek "an immediate, significant reduction in violence and ceasefire and an agreement on a political roadmap and power-sharing as soon as possible," the State Department said. Khalilzad will also travel to Kabul, Pakistan and Turkmenistan as he seeks to ensure broad international support for the peace process. Violence has surged across Afghanistan, with the Taliban and government forces fighting daily across swathes of rural areas. The Taliban carried out more than 18,000 attacks in 2020, Afghanistan's spy chief Ahmad Zia Siraj told lawmakers Monday. Nishank Motwani of the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit said the insurgents would not claim responsibility for the killings while peace talks were ongoing, but nevertheless wanted to demonstrate to its cadre "that the Taliban are who they are and have not changed".

US military blames Taliban for spate of Afghan assassinations

The US&nbsp;military defended on Sunday its air strikes against&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;fighters last week, as the insurgent group accused Washington of violating a signed agreement.

The&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;launched a major offensive in the southern province of Helmand in a bid to take its capital, prompting US&nbsp;air strikes in support of Afghan security forces, which were being overrun.

"American forces have violated the Doha agreement in various forms by carrying out excessive air strikes following the new developments in Helmand,"&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;spokesman Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi said in a statement.

The US-Taliban&nbsp;pact, signed in Doha, provides for foreign forces to leave Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees and a pledge from the insurgents to sit down with the Afghan government to find a peaceful settlement to decades of war.

Col. Sonny Leggett, a spokesman for the US&nbsp;forces, denied that the strikes violated the deal.

"The entire world has witnessed the&nbsp;Taliban's offensive operations in Helmand - attacks which injured and displaced thousands of innocent Afghan civilians," Leggett said on Twitter, reiterating a call for "all sides" to reduce violence.

US&nbsp;special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who met the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;last week in Doha, the capital of Qatar, to agree to a 'reset' of their commitments, said violence was still too high.

"Unfounded charges of violations and inflammatory rhetoric do not advance peace," he said on Twitter on Monday, urging strict adherence to the troop withdrawal deal and a gradual easing of violence.

While last week's major fighting in Helmand has simmered down, violence elsewhere continues.

Since Saturday,&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;clashes with security forces in several districts of northeastern Badakhshan, including its capital of Faizabad, have killed at least four of the forces.

Talks between&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;and Afghan government negotiators began last month in Doha, but the process has only moved slowly, while violence escalated, a factor diplomats and officials have said is sapping the trust needed for negotiations to succeed.

The US military defended on Sunday its air strikes against Taliban fighters last week, as the insurgent group accused Washington of violating a signed agreement.

The US military defended on Sunday its air strikes against Taliban fighters last week, as the insurgent group accused Washington of violating a signed agreement. The Taliban launched a major offensive in the southern province of Helmand in a bid to take its capital, prompting US air strikes in support of Afghan security forces, which were being overrun. "American forces have violated the Doha agreement in various forms by carrying out excessive air strikes following the new developments in Helmand," Taliban spokesman Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi said in a statement. The US-Taliban pact, signed in Doha, provides for foreign forces to leave Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees and a pledge from the insurgents to sit down with the Afghan government to find a peaceful settlement to decades of war. Col. Sonny Leggett, a spokesman for the US forces, denied that the strikes violated the deal. "The entire world has witnessed the Taliban's offensive operations in Helmand - attacks which injured and displaced thousands of innocent Afghan civilians," Leggett said on Twitter, reiterating a call for "all sides" to reduce violence. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who met the Taliban last week in Doha, the capital of Qatar, to agree to a 'reset' of their commitments, said violence was still too high. "Unfounded charges of violations and inflammatory rhetoric do not advance peace," he said on Twitter on Monday, urging strict adherence to the troop withdrawal deal and a gradual easing of violence. While last week's major fighting in Helmand has simmered down, violence elsewhere continues. Since Saturday, Taliban clashes with security forces in several districts of northeastern Badakhshan, including its capital of Faizabad, have killed at least four of the forces. Talks between Taliban and Afghan government negotiators began last month in Doha, but the process has only moved slowly, while violence escalated, a factor diplomats and officials have said is sapping the trust needed for negotiations to succeed.

US military defends air strikes that Taliban says violate troop pact

The U.S. military on Sunday defended its air strikes against Taliban fighters last week as the insurgent group accused Washington of violating their signed agreement and warned of consequences if such actions continued.

The Taliban launched a major offensive in the southern province of Helmand in a bid to take the provincial capital, prompting U.S. air strikes in support of Afghan security forces, which were being overrun.

"American forces have violated the Doha agreement in various forms by carrying out excessive air strikes following the new developments in Helmand province," Taliban spokesman Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi said in a statement on Sunday.

The U.S.-Taliban agreement, signed in Doha, provides for foreign forces to leave Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees and a pledge from the insurgents to sit down with the Kabul administration to find a peaceful settlement to decades of war.

"Responsibility and consequences from continuation of such actions shall fall squarely on the shoulders of the American side," Ahmadi warned, adding that air and drone strikes had also been carried out in other provinces.

Col. Sonny Leggett, spokesman for the U.S. forces, denied that the strikes violated the agreement.

"The entire world has witnessed the Taliban`s offensive operations in Helmand - attacks which injured and displaced thousands of innocent Afghan civilians," Leggett tweeted, reiterating a call for "all sides" to reduce violence.

Talks between Taliban and Afghan government negotiators began last month in Doha, but the process has only moved slowly, while violence has continued. Diplomats and officials have said this is sapping the trust required for the talks to succeed.

After the Helmand fighting, U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad said on Thursday that the Taliban had agreed to "reset" their commitments and reduce the number of casualties.

Earlier this month, the Taliban welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump`s tweet that all American troops should be "home by Christmas" - well before the May 2021 timeline agreed in Doha.

The U.S. military on Sunday defended its air strikes against Taliban fighters last week as the insurgent group accused Washington of violating their signed agreement and warned of consequences if such actions continued.

The U.S. military on Sunday defended its air strikes against Taliban fighters last week as the insurgent group accused Washington of violating their signed agreement and warned of consequences if such actions continued. The Taliban launched a major offensive in the southern province of Helmand in a bid to take the provincial capital, prompting U.S. air strikes in support of Afghan security forces, which were being overrun. "American forces have violated the Doha agreement in various forms by carrying out excessive air strikes following the new developments in Helmand province," Taliban spokesman Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi said in a statement on Sunday. The U.S.-Taliban agreement, signed in Doha, provides for foreign forces to leave Afghanistan in exchange for security guarantees and a pledge from the insurgents to sit down with the Kabul administration to find a peaceful settlement to decades of war. "Responsibility and consequences from continuation of such actions shall fall squarely on the shoulders of the American side," Ahmadi warned, adding that air and drone strikes had also been carried out in other provinces. Col. Sonny Leggett, spokesman for the U.S. forces, denied that the strikes violated the agreement. "The entire world has witnessed the Taliban`s offensive operations in Helmand - attacks which injured and displaced thousands of innocent Afghan civilians," Leggett tweeted, reiterating a call for "all sides" to reduce violence. Talks between Taliban and Afghan government negotiators began last month in Doha, but the process has only moved slowly, while violence has continued. Diplomats and officials have said this is sapping the trust required for the talks to succeed. After the Helmand fighting, U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad said on Thursday that the Taliban had agreed to "reset" their commitments and reduce the number of casualties. Earlier this month, the Taliban welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump`s tweet that all American troops should be "home by Christmas" - well before the May 2021 timeline agreed in Doha.

US military defends air strikes as Taliban warns of 'consequences'

A transgender man Paulo Batista is striving to fulfill his father’s dying wish for him to join the US military. But he says all he has heard from the armed forces is either silence or a door slamming shut. Watch report.

Transgender man pursues dream to serve in US military: Hopes for waiver or change in policy

Paulo Batista is lifting weights and hitting the books, striving to fulfill his father’s dying wish for him to join the U.S. military. But he says all he has heard from the armed forces is either silence or a door slamming shut.

Batista is transgender, effectively banned from military service under a policy announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in 2017 and formally adopted in 2019, reversing a policy former President Barack Obama’s administration had enacted, after extensive review, to allow transgender military service.

Still, Batista continues his quest, hopeful of a waiver or a policy change that might let him in, even as military recruiters rebuff his entreaties. He pumps iron in his garage, his muscular and tattooed arms able to bench press 275 pounds. He pops out 100 push-ups a day.

He is also studying for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a test developed by the Pentagon to measure a recruit’s potential.

“My heart is sold for this as a career. There’s a feeling about wearing that uniform,” said Batista, 36, who is too old for the Army or Marines and has focused on the Navy and Air Force. “When you love what you do, it’s no longer a job, and serving my country would never be a job.”

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the Trump transgender policy can stand while it faces four separate lawsuits in lower courts.

Although most transgender military personnel as of 2019 were allowed to continue serving, new recruits have been kept out.

“To my knowledge, there are zero transgender people who have sought to enlist who have been able to enlist since the ban went into effect,” said Jennifer Levi of GLBTQ Legal Advocates &amp; Defenders, one of the groups suing the Trump administration.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, who was Obama’s vice president, has pledged to instruct the Pentagon to restore the right of transgender people to serve in the military if he wins the Nov. 3 election. Polls show Biden leading Trump.

The Defense Department said no officials were available to comment for this article and did not respond to a Reuters request for data on the enlistment of transgender recruits.

Batista was still presenting as female in 2002 when he entered the military’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, but dropped out to care for his sick father.

Fred Batista died of cancer in 2007 at age 69.

“I want to do nothing more than to make the one man, my hero, prouder of me from above,” Batista said. “The true American dream we all know is pure freedom, no matter who or what you are.”

Paulo Batista is lifting weights and hitting the books, striving to fulfill his father’s dying wish for him to join the U.S. military. But he says all he has heard from the armed forces is either silence or a door slamming shut.

Paulo Batista is lifting weights and hitting the books, striving to fulfill his father’s dying wish for him to join the U.S. military. But he says all he has heard from the armed forces is either silence or a door slamming shut. Batista is transgender, effectively banned from military service under a policy announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in 2017 and formally adopted in 2019, reversing a policy former President Barack Obama’s administration had enacted, after extensive review, to allow transgender military service. Still, Batista continues his quest, hopeful of a waiver or a policy change that might let him in, even as military recruiters rebuff his entreaties. He pumps iron in his garage, his muscular and tattooed arms able to bench press 275 pounds. He pops out 100 push-ups a day. He is also studying for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a test developed by the Pentagon to measure a recruit’s potential. “My heart is sold for this as a career. There’s a feeling about wearing that uniform,” said Batista, 36, who is too old for the Army or Marines and has focused on the Navy and Air Force. “When you love what you do, it’s no longer a job, and serving my country would never be a job.” The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the Trump transgender policy can stand while it faces four separate lawsuits in lower courts. Although most transgender military personnel as of 2019 were allowed to continue serving, new recruits have been kept out. “To my knowledge, there are zero transgender people who have sought to enlist who have been able to enlist since the ban went into effect,” said Jennifer Levi of GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, one of the groups suing the Trump administration. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, who was Obama’s vice president, has pledged to instruct the Pentagon to restore the right of transgender people to serve in the military if he wins the Nov. 3 election. Polls show Biden leading Trump. The Defense Department said no officials were available to comment for this article and did not respond to a Reuters request for data on the enlistment of transgender recruits. Batista was still presenting as female in 2002 when he entered the military’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, but dropped out to care for his sick father. Fred Batista died of cancer in 2007 at age 69. “I want to do nothing more than to make the one man, my hero, prouder of me from above,” Batista said. “The true American dream we all know is pure freedom, no matter who or what you are.”

Transgender man's dream of joining US military thwarted for now

US President Donald Trump's announcement of completing the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan by Christmas has taken aback nation's military, with officials saying they haven't been informed about the process and concerned over its impact on Taliban-Afghanistan peace talks.&nbsp;

Trump on Wednesday tweeted that the remaining number of "brave" US military personnel would return by Christmas, a move welcomed by the Taliban.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nato-chief-says-allies-will-leave-afghanistan-together-333582">NATO chief says allies will leave Afghanistan together</a>

He elaborated his announcement in an interview to Fox News, saying: "We're down to 4,000 troops in Afghanistan. I'll have them home by the end of the year. They're coming home, you know, as we speak. Nineteen years is enough. They're acting as policemen, OK? They're not acting as troops."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/donald-trump-wants-us-forces-to-pull-out-from-afghanistan-by-christmas-333352">Donald Trump wants US forces to pull out from Afghanistan by Christmas</a>

Several US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity said they were not informed about any new deadline, reported news agency The Associated Press.

In fact, they pointed to remarks by National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien on Wednesday, in which he said: "as of today, there are under 5,000 and that will go to 2,500 by early next year".

The US military has also continually said that counterterrorism personnel would remain in Afghanistan for some time in view of threats by al-Qaida and Islamic State.&nbsp;

The US has earlier maintained that any troop withdrawal from Afghanistan would depend on the situation on the ground and a considerable reduction in Taliban attacks.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump's announcement of completing the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan by Christmas has taken aback nation's military, with officials saying they haven't been informed about the process and concerned over its impact on Taliban-Afghanistan peace talks.

US President Donald Trump's announcement of completing the troop withdrawal from Afghanistan by Christmas has taken aback nation's military, with officials saying they haven't been informed about the process and concerned over its impact on Taliban-Afghanistan peace talks. Trump on Wednesday tweeted that the remaining number of "brave" US military personnel would return by Christmas, a move welcomed by the Taliban. Also read | NATO chief says allies will leave Afghanistan together He elaborated his announcement in an interview to Fox News, saying: "We're down to 4,000 troops in Afghanistan. I'll have them home by the end of the year. They're coming home, you know, as we speak. Nineteen years is enough. They're acting as policemen, OK? They're not acting as troops." Also read | Donald Trump wants US forces to pull out from Afghanistan by Christmas Several US officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity said they were not informed about any new deadline, reported news agency The Associated Press. In fact, they pointed to remarks by National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien on Wednesday, in which he said: "as of today, there are under 5,000 and that will go to 2,500 by early next year". The US military has also continually said that counterterrorism personnel would remain in Afghanistan for some time in view of threats by al-Qaida and Islamic State. The US has earlier maintained that any troop withdrawal from Afghanistan would depend on the situation on the ground and a considerable reduction in Taliban attacks.

US military startled with Trump's announcement of complete troop withdrawal from Afghanistan

U.S. and UK military personnel conducted joint military exercises off the British coast this week. F35 fighter jets from UK and U.S. forces were seen landing and taking off from HMS Queen Elizabeth on Thursday (October 1), ahead of the 65,000-tonne carrier’s full deployment overseas in 2021.

UK and US conduct military drills off British coast

The US Army announced Friday it was stepping up its military deployment -- both troops and equipment -- in northeastern Syria despite a push to limit its presence there, a move that follows tensions with Russia in the region.

US Central Command (Centcom) "has deployed Sentinel radar, increased the frequency of US fighter patrols over US forces, and deployed Bradley Fighting Vehicles to augment US forces" in the area, which is controlled by the US and its Kurdish allies, spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement.&nbsp;

The number of armored vehicles sent as reinforcement did not exceed half a dozen, and "less than 100 people" were sent to maneuver them, a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

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Without mentioning Russia, Urban said the moves were meant "to help ensure the safety and security of Coalition forces," and that the US "does not seek conflict with any other nation in Syria, but will defend Coalition forces if necessary."

The US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said however that the actions "are a clear signal to Russia to adhere to mutual de-confliction processes and for Russia and other parties to avoid unprofessional, unsafe and provocative actions in northeast Syria."

US Bradley Fighting Vehicles were pulled out of the region last October by President Donald Trump, who tried in early 2019 to recall all US troops from Syria, before agreeing to leave a few hundred to protect oil wells.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fbi-chief-russia-targeting-joe-biden-in-us-election-2020-328437">Also read|&nbsp;FBI Chief: Russia targeting Joe Biden in US Election 2020</a>

Several incidents in recent weeks have pitted the US military against Russian forces now deployed along the Turkish border under an agreement with Ankara.&nbsp;

At the end of August, seven American soldiers were injured in a collision with a Russian vehicle.&nbsp;

Videos posted on Twitter, apparently filmed by witnesses and the Russians themselves, showed Russian armor and helicopters attempting to block American vehicles and then force them out of the area.

The tanks were flown in from a base in Kuwait, anti-jihadist coalition spokesman Colonel Wayne Marotto said in another statement.

US and Russian troops frequently interact in Syria, but confrontations have been rare.

The US Army announced Friday it was stepping up its military deployment -- both troops and equipment -- in northeastern Syria despite a push to limit its presence there, a move that follows tensions with Russia in the region.

The US Army announced Friday it was stepping up its military deployment -- both troops and equipment -- in northeastern Syria despite a push to limit its presence there, a move that follows tensions with Russia in the region. US Central Command (Centcom) "has deployed Sentinel radar, increased the frequency of US fighter patrols over US forces, and deployed Bradley Fighting Vehicles to augment US forces" in the area, which is controlled by the US and its Kurdish allies, spokesman Captain Bill Urban said in a statement. The number of armored vehicles sent as reinforcement did not exceed half a dozen, and "less than 100 people" were sent to maneuver them, a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity said. Also read| US Elections 2020: Do election fraud claims made by Trump have substance? Without mentioning Russia, Urban said the moves were meant "to help ensure the safety and security of Coalition forces," and that the US "does not seek conflict with any other nation in Syria, but will defend Coalition forces if necessary." The US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said however that the actions "are a clear signal to Russia to adhere to mutual de-confliction processes and for Russia and other parties to avoid unprofessional, unsafe and provocative actions in northeast Syria." US Bradley Fighting Vehicles were pulled out of the region last October by President Donald Trump, who tried in early 2019 to recall all US troops from Syria, before agreeing to leave a few hundred to protect oil wells. Also read| FBI Chief: Russia targeting Joe Biden in US Election 2020 Several incidents in recent weeks have pitted the US military against Russian forces now deployed along the Turkish border under an agreement with Ankara. At the end of August, seven American soldiers were injured in a collision with a Russian vehicle. Videos posted on Twitter, apparently filmed by witnesses and the Russians themselves, showed Russian armor and helicopters attempting to block American vehicles and then force them out of the area. The tanks were flown in from a base in Kuwait, anti-jihadist coalition spokesman Colonel Wayne Marotto said in another statement. US and Russian troops frequently interact in Syria, but confrontations have been rare.

US military strengthens deployment in Syria

The Pentagon’s research and development arm is investigating whether the very equipment meant to save military pilots' lives on the battlefield is causing them to become disoriented and crash.

According to a report published in the Forbes magazine, the problem could be making pilots so disoriented that they crash their planes, fears DARPA, the Pentagon’s pet research agency.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-will-not-play-any-role-in-us-elections-us-army-general-mark-milley-323938">Military will not play any role in US elections: US Army General Mark Milley</a>

''Current cockpits are flooded with Radio Frequency (RF) noise from on-board emissions, communication links, and navigation electronics, including strong electromagnetic (em) fields from audio headsets and helmet tracking technologies,” warns a new DARPA research project.

“Pilots often report minor cognitive performance challenges during flight, and from 1993 to 2013, spatial disorientation in us air force pilots accounted for 72 class a mishaps, 101 deaths, and 65 aircraft lost.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-targets-convoy-carrying-us-military-equipment-near-iraq-kuwait-crossing-319587">Explosion targets convoy carrying US military equipment near Iraq-Kuwait crossing</a>

The US&nbsp;military fears that some of these crashes may have been caused by electromagnetic fields. But currently, there is no way to be sure.

“It has been hypothesised that the cockpit radio frequency and electromagnetic fields may influence cognitive performance including task saturation, misprioritisation, complacency and spatial disorientation,” DARPA notes.

“However, electromagnetic fields and radio waves in cockpits are not currently monitored, little effort has been made to shield pilots from these fields, and the potential impacts of these fields on cognition have not been assessed.”

DARPA’s impact of cockpit electro-magnetics on aircrew neurology (iceman) is a two-year project that aims to determine whether radio waves and magnetic fields are harming pilots.

Previous DARPA research has found that “human brains sense magnetic fields, like those used by animals for navigation, and that this process is ‘jammed’ (disrupted) by radio waves (rf), impacting brainwaves and behavior.

Furthermore, recent findings were the first to show that even weak radio frequency fields and ‘earth strength’ magnetic fields have measurable, reproducible effects on human brainwaves and unconscious behavior in a controlled environment.”

To give an idea of just powerful cockpit electronics have become, DARPA notes that “current tactical audio headsets project magnetic fields up to 10 times earth strength.”

Phase I&nbsp;of iceman will determine how much radio frequency and electromagnetic field noise are present in cockpits. Phase II&nbsp;will examine the effects of radio frequency and electromagnetic noise on the human body. Researchers will be asked to design sensors to measure these effects, and to find ways to mitigate them.

The Pentagon’s research and development arm is investigating whether the very equipment meant to save military pilots' lives on the battlefield is causing them to become disoriented and crash.

The Pentagon’s research and development arm is investigating whether the very equipment meant to save military pilots' lives on the battlefield is causing them to become disoriented and crash. According to a report published in the Forbes magazine, the problem could be making pilots so disoriented that they crash their planes, fears DARPA, the Pentagon’s pet research agency. Also read: Military will not play any role in US elections: US Army General Mark Milley ''Current cockpits are flooded with Radio Frequency (RF) noise from on-board emissions, communication links, and navigation electronics, including strong electromagnetic (em) fields from audio headsets and helmet tracking technologies,” warns a new DARPA research project. “Pilots often report minor cognitive performance challenges during flight, and from 1993 to 2013, spatial disorientation in us air force pilots accounted for 72 class a mishaps, 101 deaths, and 65 aircraft lost.” Also read: Explosion targets convoy carrying US military equipment near Iraq-Kuwait crossing The US military fears that some of these crashes may have been caused by electromagnetic fields. But currently, there is no way to be sure. “It has been hypothesised that the cockpit radio frequency and electromagnetic fields may influence cognitive performance including task saturation, misprioritisation, complacency and spatial disorientation,” DARPA notes. “However, electromagnetic fields and radio waves in cockpits are not currently monitored, little effort has been made to shield pilots from these fields, and the potential impacts of these fields on cognition have not been assessed.” DARPA’s impact of cockpit electro-magnetics on aircrew neurology (iceman) is a two-year project that aims to determine whether radio waves and magnetic fields are harming pilots. Previous DARPA research has found that “human brains sense magnetic fields, like those used by animals for navigation, and that this process is ‘jammed’ (disrupted) by radio waves (rf), impacting brainwaves and behavior. Furthermore, recent findings were the first to show that even weak radio frequency fields and ‘earth strength’ magnetic fields have measurable, reproducible effects on human brainwaves and unconscious behavior in a controlled environment.” To give an idea of just powerful cockpit electronics have become, DARPA notes that “current tactical audio headsets project magnetic fields up to 10 times earth strength.” Phase I of iceman will determine how much radio frequency and electromagnetic field noise are present in cockpits. Phase II will examine the effects of radio frequency and electromagnetic noise on the human body. Researchers will be asked to design sensors to measure these effects, and to find ways to mitigate them.

Equipment meant to save pilots leading to disorientation, crashes: Report

Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins, a former US Forces officer, has been arrested and charged with spying for Moscow on Friday.

Debbins was a former officer for&nbsp;US Special Forces Green Berets, but was also working as a spy for Russia, the Justice Deprtment revealed.

"The facts alleged in this case are a shocking betrayal by a former Army officer of his fellow soldiers and his country," said FBI senior counterintelligence official Alan Kohler in a statement. Debbins will be facing a sentenced to prison for life, according to the charges filed.

Son of Russia

The former officer started working for Russia back in 1996, even before he joined the special forces. Russia is native home for Debbins' mother due to which he had taken several trips there, where he was then recruited.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lori-loughlin-and-husband-sentenced-to-jail-for-college-fraud-322313">Also read:&nbsp;Lori Loughlin and husband sentenced to jail for college fraud</a>

Investigations have revealed that Debbins met with Russian agents in&nbsp;Chelyabinsk while he was still finishing his university, and was approached as he was seen to be "pro-Russian" politics.

After being approached by the Russian agents, Debbins married his Russian girlfriend and joined the US milotary with the help of his father-in-law who was also in the military.

Termed as "Son of Russia", Debbins' Russian code name was&nbsp;Ikar Lesnikov.

When Debbins exoressed his desire to quit the military, he faced pressure from his Russian bosses and was instead pushed into joining the US Special Forces due to which he travelled to germany and later&nbsp;Azerbaijan.

However, the ties, reportedly, ended rather quickly later in 2011 when Debbins moved back to the US and started a graduate course. On the date of arrest, Debbins is reported to be a professor at the&nbsp;Wisconsin International University in Ukraine.

The FBI has denoucned the double agent and has called his actions to be an act of betrayal to his country and fellow soldiers.

Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins, a former US Forces officer, has been arrested and charged with spying for Moscow on Friday. Debbins was a former officer for US Special Forces Green Berets, but was also working as a spy for Russia, the Justice Deprtment revealed.

Peter Rafael Dzibinski Debbins, a former US Forces officer, has been arrested and charged with spying for Moscow on Friday. Debbins was a former officer for US Special Forces Green Berets, but was also working as a spy for Russia, the Justice Deprtment revealed. "The facts alleged in this case are a shocking betrayal by a former Army officer of his fellow soldiers and his country," said FBI senior counterintelligence official Alan Kohler in a statement. Debbins will be facing a sentenced to prison for life, according to the charges filed. Son of Russia The former officer started working for Russia back in 1996, even before he joined the special forces. Russia is native home for Debbins' mother due to which he had taken several trips there, where he was then recruited. Also read: Lori Loughlin and husband sentenced to jail for college fraud Investigations have revealed that Debbins met with Russian agents in Chelyabinsk while he was still finishing his university, and was approached as he was seen to be "pro-Russian" politics. After being approached by the Russian agents, Debbins married his Russian girlfriend and joined the US milotary with the help of his father-in-law who was also in the military. Termed as "Son of Russia", Debbins' Russian code name was Ikar Lesnikov. When Debbins exoressed his desire to quit the military, he faced pressure from his Russian bosses and was instead pushed into joining the US Special Forces due to which he travelled to germany and later Azerbaijan. However, the ties, reportedly, ended rather quickly later in 2011 when Debbins moved back to the US and started a graduate course. On the date of arrest, Debbins is reported to be a professor at the Wisconsin International University in Ukraine. The FBI has denoucned the double agent and has called his actions to be an act of betrayal to his country and fellow soldiers.

Former US Special Forces soldier charged with spying for Russia

The US is set to withdraw almost 12,000 troops from Germany in what it described as a "strategic" repositioning of its forces in Europe.

U.S, European troops carry out training ops in Bavaria

The U.S. military on Wednesday unveiled plans to withdraw about 12,000 troops from Germany. Trump announced his intention last month to cut by about a third the 36,000-strong U.S. troop contingent in Germany

U.S to withdraw about 12,000 troops from Germany; Trump says 'The move is strategic'

The US is moving forward with President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw nearly 12,000 troops from Germany, a plan that will cost billions to execute and will take years.

Trump announced the decision on Wednesday, citing Berlin was not spending the NATO target of 2% of its GDP on defence and because Germany was taking "advantage" of the US.

"We spend a lot of money on Germany, they take advantage of us on trade and they take advantage on the military, so we're reducing the force," he told reporters at the White House.

The plan to pull US troops from the long-time NATO ally has been met with broad bipartisan opposition amid concerns that it will weaken the US military's position vis a vis Russia, however the Trump Administration has decided to proceed with the move.

To this end, &nbsp;approximately 11,900 US troops, a mix of Army and Air Force units, will be removed from Germany to meet Trump's mandated cap of 25,000 US forces in Germany, according to a senior US defense official, a number higher than the figure of 9,500 that was used when the reduction was first announced.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-move-11900-troops-out-from-germany-says-pentagon-316779">Also read |&nbsp;US to move 11,900 troops out from Germany says Pentagon</a>

Of the troops leaving Germany some 5,400 will be "staying in Europe," the official said. The remaining 6,400 forces and their families will be returned to the US and will in time redeploy to Europe.

Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said this would cost billions of dollars as new military construction will likely be required both in Europe and the US to house the additional troops.

The timeline suggests that the plan could be reversed should Trump lose the election in November.

Key US command centres will also be repositioned as part of the move, Esper and top military leaders confirmed Wednesday.

The US is moving forward with President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw nearly 12,000 troops from Germany, a plan that will cost billions to execute and will take years.

The US is moving forward with President Donald Trump's plan to withdraw nearly 12,000 troops from Germany, a plan that will cost billions to execute and will take years. Trump announced the decision on Wednesday, citing Berlin was not spending the NATO target of 2% of its GDP on defence and because Germany was taking "advantage" of the US. "We spend a lot of money on Germany, they take advantage of us on trade and they take advantage on the military, so we're reducing the force," he told reporters at the White House. The plan to pull US troops from the long-time NATO ally has been met with broad bipartisan opposition amid concerns that it will weaken the US military's position vis a vis Russia, however the Trump Administration has decided to proceed with the move. To this end, approximately 11,900 US troops, a mix of Army and Air Force units, will be removed from Germany to meet Trump's mandated cap of 25,000 US forces in Germany, according to a senior US defense official, a number higher than the figure of 9,500 that was used when the reduction was first announced. Also read | US to move 11,900 troops out from Germany says Pentagon Of the troops leaving Germany some 5,400 will be "staying in Europe," the official said. The remaining 6,400 forces and their families will be returned to the US and will in time redeploy to Europe. Secretary of Defence Mark Esper said this would cost billions of dollars as new military construction will likely be required both in Europe and the US to house the additional troops. The timeline suggests that the plan could be reversed should Trump lose the election in November. Key US command centres will also be repositioned as part of the move, Esper and top military leaders confirmed Wednesday.

US move to withdraw troops from Germany can cost billions and take years

US Troops withdrawal from Germany | Trump's move hints at growing cracks in NATO

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has issued a de facto ban on displaying the Confederate flag at military installations around the world by authorising only certain flags that promote unity.

Republican President Donald Trump had, however, earlier cited free speech rights in his defense of Americans who fly the Confederate flag.

"The flags we fly must accord with the military imperatives of good order and discipline, treating all our people with dignity and respect, and rejecting divisive symbols," Esper said in the memo.

The Confederate flag was flown by breakaway Southern states that advocated for the continuation of slavery and lost the 1861-65 US Civil War. Flying the flag can be offensive to many Americans, who see it as a reminder of the enslavement of Black Americans and as a symbol of white supremacy.

Supporters say the flag represents the South's heritage and culture and, along with US military bases named after Confederate generals and statues honoring them, serve as memorials to Confederate casualties in the Civil War.

Trump has criticised the desecration and removal of statues of Confederate and other former US leaders to energise his political base.

Trump has also publically opposed renaming US military bases named after Confederate generals, such as Fort Hood in Texas and Fort Bragg in North Carolina, putting him at odds with his military, whose top general has said the matter should be re-examined.

Esper also clashed with Trump last month by opposing the deployment of active-duty troops to address civil unrest across the country following the May 25 killing of George Floyd, an African American, by a white police officer in Minneapolis.

Beyond the American flag, Esper's memorandum cites a series of flags that can be flown on military installations, including state flags and ones to honour prisoners of war and service members who went missing in action.

Most US military services, including the Marine Corps, have already banned the display of Confederate flags, but Esper's memorandum is department-wide and will affect military installations around the world.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has issued a de facto ban on displaying the Confederate flag at military installations around the world by authorising only certain flags that promote unity.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has issued a de facto ban on displaying the Confederate flag at military installations around the world by authorising only certain flags that promote unity. Republican President Donald Trump had, however, earlier cited free speech rights in his defense of Americans who fly the Confederate flag. "The flags we fly must accord with the military imperatives of good order and discipline, treating all our people with dignity and respect, and rejecting divisive symbols," Esper said in the memo. The Confederate flag was flown by breakaway Southern states that advocated for the continuation of slavery and lost the 1861-65 US Civil War. Flying the flag can be offensive to many Americans, who see it as a reminder of the enslavement of Black Americans and as a symbol of white supremacy. Supporters say the flag represents the South's heritage and culture and, along with US military bases named after Confederate generals and statues honoring them, serve as memorials to Confederate casualties in the Civil War. Trump has criticised the desecration and removal of statues of Confederate and other former US leaders to energise his political base. Trump has also publically opposed renaming US military bases named after Confederate generals, such as Fort Hood in Texas and Fort Bragg in North Carolina, putting him at odds with his military, whose top general has said the matter should be re-examined. Esper also clashed with Trump last month by opposing the deployment of active-duty troops to address civil unrest across the country following the May 25 killing of George Floyd, an African American, by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Beyond the American flag, Esper's memorandum cites a series of flags that can be flown on military installations, including state flags and ones to honour prisoners of war and service members who went missing in action. Most US military services, including the Marine Corps, have already banned the display of Confederate flags, but Esper's memorandum is department-wide and will affect military installations around the world.

Pentagon issues ban on Confederate flag at military bases

Firefighters battle blaze on US warship Bonhomme Richard for 2 days

After reports of a possible Russian military intelligence unit secretly offering bounties to kill the American troops in Afghanistan broke out, White House clarified that the US President Donald Trump and the Vicep President Mike Pence had not been briefed on the matter.

"The United States receives thousands of intelligence reports a day and they are subject to strict scrutiny," White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baseless-russia-denies-accusation-of-giving-bounties-to-taliban-to-attack-us-forces-308996">Also read|&nbsp;'Baseless': Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces</a>

The statement had to be issued after one of the leading national newspapers published an article claiming that an unnamed source from the White House had revealed that the President was informed about the intelligence report in a closed-doors meeting, but the President had failed to act on it.

However, the McEnany, on Saturday, clarified against this claim and said that&nbsp;"the CIA Director, National Security Advisor, and the Chief of Staff can all confirm that neither the President nor the Vice President was briefed on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence."

She also added that she issued the statement to highlight the inaccuracy of the newspaper that published that article with the claims made by the unnamed source.

There has been no comment from Donald Trump and Mike Pence on this matter yet.

Russia, meanwhile, has denied the accusation of offering bounties to attack the US forces.

After reports of a possible Russian military intelligence unit secretly offering bounties to kill the American troops in Afghanistan broke out, White House clarified that the US President Donald Trump and the Vicep President Mike Pence had not been briefed on the matter.

After reports of a possible Russian military intelligence unit secretly offering bounties to kill the American troops in Afghanistan broke out, White House clarified that the US President Donald Trump and the Vicep President Mike Pence had not been briefed on the matter. "The United States receives thousands of intelligence reports a day and they are subject to strict scrutiny," White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement. Also read| 'Baseless': Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces The statement had to be issued after one of the leading national newspapers published an article claiming that an unnamed source from the White House had revealed that the President was informed about the intelligence report in a closed-doors meeting, but the President had failed to act on it. However, the McEnany, on Saturday, clarified against this claim and said that "the CIA Director, National Security Advisor, and the Chief of Staff can all confirm that neither the President nor the Vice President was briefed on the alleged Russian bounty intelligence." She also added that she issued the statement to highlight the inaccuracy of the newspaper that published that article with the claims made by the unnamed source. There has been no comment from Donald Trump and Mike Pence on this matter yet. Russia, meanwhile, has denied the accusation of offering bounties to attack the US forces.

Inaccurate: White House rubbishes reports of Trump's failed actions on Russian bounties' case

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday said that the country was reviewing the deployment of its forces across the world so that it was prepared to counter the threat posed by China to countries like India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

You could disagree with Donald Trump on many things but, there is one thing that the US President doesn’t lie about and that is the American military. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;According to Donald Trump "The United States has the best military by far, anywhere in the world.”

The American military remains the strongest fighting force in the world and&nbsp;this is not about weapons. The presence of the US Defence forces extends beyond the borders of America.

Nearly two lakh personnel are on active duty outside the United States. They are stationed in more than 170 countries. The US Military is on every continent of the planet. They are backed up by a global network of military installations. The United States remains the largest operator of military bases abroad.

In 2015, a report claimed that the United States maintains nearly 800 military bases in more than 70 countries. In comparison — countries like Britain, France and Russia have around 30 bases combined.

But — what’s of interest to India, is the US Indo-pacific command. Earlier, this was known as the pacific command. But, the Trump administration renamed it two years ago.

Declaring its greater emphasis on South Asia especially, towards India. The indo-pacific command — is a combined armed force unit of the United States.

It’s one of the oldest and largest combatant commands. That specifically deals with the indo-pacific.

The Indo-pacific command has been busy. With China stepping up its military activities — America too stepped up its patrolling in the region. This month, three American warships patrolled in the waters close to China.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), with its strike group, was seen in the Philippine Sea near Guam.

The USS Nimitz - strike groups — was in the Pacific waters, off the US West coast and — the USS Ronald Regan was deployed from Japan to the Philippine Sea but on the southern side.

This happened for the first time in nearly three years. A report described the American buildup as an unusual sight. Three warships — accompanied by the American navy cruisers, destroyers, fighter jets and other aircraft. If the United States wants to escalate the pressure on China. The Indo-Pacific is where the action will be.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday said that the country was reviewing the deployment of its forces across the world so that it was prepared to counter the threat posed by China to countries like India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday said that the country was reviewing the deployment of its forces across the world so that it was prepared to counter the threat posed by China to countries like India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. You could disagree with Donald Trump on many things but, there is one thing that the US President doesn’t lie about and that is the American military. According to Donald Trump "The United States has the best military by far, anywhere in the world.” The American military remains the strongest fighting force in the world and this is not about weapons. The presence of the US Defence forces extends beyond the borders of America. Nearly two lakh personnel are on active duty outside the United States. They are stationed in more than 170 countries. The US Military is on every continent of the planet. They are backed up by a global network of military installations. The United States remains the largest operator of military bases abroad. In 2015, a report claimed that the United States maintains nearly 800 military bases in more than 70 countries. In comparison — countries like Britain, France and Russia have around 30 bases combined. But — what’s of interest to India, is the US Indo-pacific command. Earlier, this was known as the pacific command. But, the Trump administration renamed it two years ago. Declaring its greater emphasis on South Asia especially, towards India. The indo-pacific command — is a combined armed force unit of the United States. It’s one of the oldest and largest combatant commands. That specifically deals with the indo-pacific. The Indo-pacific command has been busy. With China stepping up its military activities — America too stepped up its patrolling in the region. This month, three American warships patrolled in the waters close to China. The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), with its strike group, was seen in the Philippine Sea near Guam. The USS Nimitz - strike groups — was in the Pacific waters, off the US West coast and — the USS Ronald Regan was deployed from Japan to the Philippine Sea but on the southern side. This happened for the first time in nearly three years. A report described the American buildup as an unusual sight. Three warships — accompanied by the American navy cruisers, destroyers, fighter jets and other aircraft. If the United States wants to escalate the pressure on China. The Indo-Pacific is where the action will be.

Breaking down global presence of the US Defence forces

The US has sent its bombers back to the base in Guam. Meanwhile, Japan is building a hypersonic missile. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about this military posturing.

Gravitas: Military posturing during a pandemic

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 U.S. Air Force's elite flying squad, the Thunderbirds, and the Navy's Blue Angels, flew over New York and New Jersey on Tuesday (April 28) to thank first responders, military personnel and essential workers who have been on the frontlines of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Military jets flyover New York City in formation to thank first responders

A report by News Week (New York based magazine) claimed that more than 150 military bases of United States of America have been infected of Coronavirus (COVID-19) which has halted military training.

Report: More than 150 US military bases infected of COVID-19, infection halts training

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 U.S. Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Forces held a training exercise called 'Nautical Defender' on Wednesday (February 26) at the King Abdulaziz Naval base. The military exercise is designed to build combined war fighting capabilities.

Joint military exercises between Saudi and US Marines

Iran calls its missile strikes on U.S. military assets in Iraq 'a fierce revenge'. Two Iraqi bases were targetted. While the U.S. President Trump says 'All is Well', Iran's revolutionary guards hint at more strikes. Details in this report. #US #Iran #Gravitas #IranMissile #USMilitary

Gravitas: How Iran's missile strikes against US military assets in Iraq unfolded?

Hearing about Iran's ballistic missile attack on Iraq's al-Asad airbase, which hosts U.S. soldiers, was emotional for Wayne Anstead, the owner of a cigar lounge in Fayetteville, North Carolina, which is frequented by members of the U.S. military.

Popular cigar lounge near Fort Bragg remembers troops deployed to Iraq

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