All articles tagged with #lloyd austin
A federal appeals court has canceled plea deals for three men accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks, including alleged ringleader Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, after former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rescinded them, citing a desire for a death-penalty trial. The decision, split 2-1, raises questions about legal authority and the future of the long-delayed case, which remains mired in legal and procedural disputes.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz informed US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin of a potential new hostage deal that could lead to the release of all hostages, including those with American citizenship, according to Israeli media reports. This development is ongoing.
The U.S. Department of Defense has announced a $988 million security assistance package for Ukraine, aimed at enhancing its combat capabilities against Russian aggression. This package, part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, includes unmanned aerial systems and rocket munitions, and brings the total U.S. security aid to Ukraine since February 2022 to over $62 billion. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of global support for Ukraine and noted that Russia has suffered significant losses due to its invasion. The announcement was made at the Reagan National Defense Forum, where Austin highlighted the unity and strengthened resolve of NATO in response to Russia's actions.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a new $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine, consisting of contracts for drones and air defense munitions, as part of his final major speech before leaving office. He defended the Biden administration's national security record and highlighted strengthened alliances in the Indo-Pacific. The future of U.S. aid to Ukraine remains uncertain as the incoming Trump administration begins discussions with Ukrainian officials.
The Biden administration has announced a nearly $1 billion aid package for Ukraine, bringing the total U.S. commitment to over $62 billion since Russia's invasion in 2022. This package, part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, will fund contracts for new military systems rather than drawing from existing U.S. stockpiles. As the Trump administration prepares to take office, there is uncertainty about the future of U.S. aid to Ukraine, with foreign leaders urging Trump to continue support. Meanwhile, Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, faces scrutiny over personal conduct allegations.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a $1 billion military aid package for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for strong US global leadership. This brings total US security assistance to Ukraine to $62 billion since the war began. Austin's remarks at the Reagan National Defense Forum highlighted the importance of continued support for Ukraine, contrasting with President-elect Donald Trump's "America first" stance. Austin also noted increased US military cooperation with allies and significant aid to Israel. The announcement comes amid discussions on the value of foreign aid by Trump's incoming administration.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a $1 billion long-term security aid package for Ukraine, sourced from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, at the Reagan National Defense Forum. This package will fund rocket munitions, drones, and weapon repair equipment. Austin emphasized the U.S. and allies' role as "the arsenal of Ukrainian democracy" and highlighted the significant casualties suffered by Russia. The announcement comes amid discussions on continued support for Ukraine and the potential policy shifts with the incoming U.S. administration.
The United States and Fiji are in talks to strengthen military ties, with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announcing negotiations for a Status of Forces Agreement to facilitate US military operations in Fiji. The US has pledged $4.9 million for Fiji's military modernization and signed a logistics cooperation deal. Austin's visit, the first by a US defense secretary to Fiji, highlights the strategic importance of Fiji amid the US-China power struggle in the South Pacific. Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized the significance of the visit for US-Fiji relations.
The Pentagon plans to challenge a military court's ruling that invalidated Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's decision to cancel plea deals for 9/11 co-conspirators, which would have spared them the death penalty. The court deemed Austin's action improper, asserting he overstepped his authority. The plea deals involved Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and others, who are being tried as enemy combatants for their roles in the 9/11 attacks.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed support for former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, recently dismissed by Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasizing Gallant's valued expertise. Austin reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel's security against Iranian threats and discussed regional conflicts, including a cease-fire in Gaza and tensions in Lebanon. Gallant's firing is linked to his stance on a cease-fire, military service for religious students, and calls for an investigation into the October 7 Hamas attacks. Netanyahu faces criticism for potentially prolonging the conflict for political reasons.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has instructed the military to ensure a smooth transition to President-elect Donald Trump, emphasizing the military's duty to uphold the Constitution and remain apolitical. This directive comes amid concerns over Trump's plans to use federal forces at the border and replace career civil servants with loyalists. The Biden administration has taken steps to protect civil servants from political interference, following Trump's previous executive order aimed at reducing job security for federal employees.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the strategic importance of protecting civilians in Gaza, implicitly criticizing Israel's conduct in the war. He advocated for a hearts-and-minds approach to defeating Hamas and called for increased humanitarian aid. Austin also discussed global stability, support for Ukraine, and confirmed he is cancer-free amid health concerns.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of focusing on China's threat in the Asia-Pacific region during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, despite ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Austin met with Chinese officials to address tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to regional security and alliances. Chinese officials criticized the U.S. strategy as divisive and self-serving. The Philippines also condemned China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea, with Austin reiterating U.S. support for Manila.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that war with China is neither imminent nor unavoidable, highlighting the importance of dialogue to prevent miscalculations. His comments at the Shangri-La defense forum followed a meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, the first since 2022. Despite ongoing tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea, Austin stressed the need for continued communication to manage strategic risks and support regional allies.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed America's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, emphasizing the importance of cooperation for regional prosperity and security. He highlighted the U.S.'s partnerships with countries like the Philippines, Australia, and Japan, and dismissed the notion of forming a NATO-like alliance in the region. Austin also addressed concerns about potential conflicts, particularly with China, and reiterated the U.S.'s commitment to mutual defense treaties.