All articles tagged with #us forces
U.S. Central Command says a strike in northwest Syria killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an Al-Qaeda affiliate leader connected to the ISIS gunman who killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter in Palmyra on Dec. 13, part of ongoing operations against ISIS and attackers of Americans.
US and allied forces conducted large-scale strikes against Islamic State targets across Syria in direct response to the December Palmyra attack that killed three Americans, part of Operation Hawkeye Strike; the operation follows a prior round of strikes and highlights ISIS remnants’ ongoing presence in the country.
US officials briefed lawmakers that Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife were injured while fleeing US forces during a raid, with Maduro hitting his head behind a steel door and both receiving medical attention; some US personnel were also injured in the firefight, and the operation aimed to influence Venezuela's leadership without regime change.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces, prompting strong condemnation from Venezuelan officials who called it an illegal kidnapping and declared a state of emergency, while opposition leaders expressed readiness to assume power amid international tensions and accusations of resource exploitation by the U.S.
US forces intercepted a second oil tanker off Venezuela's coast as part of a broader campaign to pressure President Maduro, following a recent seizure and amid US sanctions and a declared blockade, with Venezuela condemning the actions as criminal.
The US plans to modestly reduce military forces in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia starting next month, citing improved European land army readiness, but this move has sparked bipartisan criticism and concerns over NATO's deterrence, especially amid ongoing Russian aggression. The reductions are seen as symbolic by some experts, with US commitments in Poland and the Baltic states remaining strong, though critics warn the withdrawals could embolden Russia and undermine alliance unity.
The Trump administration has deployed warships, fighter jets, and surveillance aircraft to the region as part of an armed conflict against narco-terrorists, with U.S. forces closing in on Venezuela.
President Trump is considering military and diplomatic options to target drug trafficking routes inside Venezuela, including potential land strikes and covert operations, amid increased US military presence in the Caribbean, though no decision has been finalized.
US forces conducted a strike in the Pacific Ocean against a vessel suspected of drug trafficking, resulting in two deaths, marking the eighth such operation since September and the first in the Caribbean, amidst rising tensions with Colombia and ongoing efforts to combat drug cartels.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have launched a missile attack called 'Annunciation of Victory' on the US military base at Al Udeid in Qatar, following Tehran's vow to retaliate against US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The attack caused visible flares and loud explosions, prompting US and UK advisories for citizens to shelter in place and Qatar to temporarily shut its airspace. Al Udeid is a key US military hub in the Middle East with around 10,000 troops.
US officials warn Iran may carry out retaliatory attacks against American forces in the Middle East soon, amid ongoing tensions following US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites; the US seeks diplomatic solutions to prevent escalation, while Iran vows to defend itself.
Travis Timmerman, an American citizen from Missouri, has been handed over to U.S. forces after being detained in Syria for seven months. Initially traveling on a religious pilgrimage, Timmerman was arrested after entering Syria from Lebanon. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, he was released and found in a Damascus suburb. U.S. special forces took custody of him near the Syrian border with Iraq and Jordan. Timmerman, who has embraced a spiritual path, reflected on his transformation during his imprisonment.
The Navy destroyer Gravely, along with U.S. forces, successfully intercepted a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile and two drones in the Red Sea, with no reported injuries or damage. This engagement follows the Houthi's recent attempts to attack U.S. warships and discussions among U.S. officials about achieving maritime security in the region. While acknowledging the impact of the terrorist designation on the Houthi's fundraising, U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to de-escalate the situation.
US forces intercepted six Houthi unmanned aerial vehicles over the southern Red Sea after the group launched anti-ship missiles at a Chinese-owned oil tanker, with no reported casualties. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the M/V Huang Pu, and U.S. forces successfully engaged the UAVs, preventing further escalation.
The Pentagon announced that about 1,000 U.S. forces will be needed to construct a temporary maritime corridor to deliver aid to Gaza, with the construction expected to take about 60 days. The plan involves loading aid onto ships in Cyprus, transferring it to smaller logistics vessels at a U.S. military pier in the eastern Mediterranean, and then transporting it to a causeway attached to Gaza's shore. Despite the risk of potential attacks from Hamas, the U.S. military will not have forces on the ground in Gaza, and the U.S. Navy will be responsible for protecting the causeway and pier. This initiative is part of the Biden administration's efforts to increase aid delivery to Gaza, following the recent airdrops of about 124,000 meals.