President Biden will attend a dignified transfer for the U.S. service members killed in Jordan, marking the second such event since he took office. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is also expected to attend. The White House has stated that retaliation against the Iran-backed groups responsible for the attack could last "weeks." Biden personally called the parents of one of the fallen soldiers to deliver the news of her posthumous promotion and shared his own experience with grief. The media has not always been allowed to witness dignified transfers, but a change in policy in 2009 now allows access with family consent.
According to CNN's report, retired General Mark Hertling suggests that Iran's leaders may have been caught off guard by the deadly attack on U.S. service members in Jordan, highlighting the actions of Iranian proxy groups and allies and the resulting trouble for Tehran.
President Joe Biden expressed grief and condemnation following an unmanned aerial drone attack that killed three U.S. service members and wounded others in northeast Jordan near the Syria border. He attributed the attack to radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq and vowed to hold those responsible to account. Biden praised the fallen service members for their bravery and unwavering commitment to the nation, pledging to continue the fight against terrorism in their honor.
Several U.S. service members were injured in a missile attack by Iranian-backed militias on Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq. The attack involved a close-range ballistic missile and resulted in eight injuries and minor infrastructural damage. The U.S. military responded with a retaliatory strike, killing several Iranian-backed militia personnel. This comes amid an uptick in attacks on American-affiliated military bases in Iraq and Syria, with concerns that the conflict between Israel and Hamas could escalate into a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Five US service members were killed in a helicopter crash during a training exercise in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but there are no indications of hostile activity. The aircraft was conducting a routine air refueling mission. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed condolences and emphasized the sacrifices made by military personnel. President Joe Biden mourned the deaths and highlighted the bravery and selflessness of service members. The names of the deceased have not been released yet.
A study conducted by Duke University reveals that personal information of active-duty U.S. service members is readily available for purchase from data brokers, including names, phone numbers, addresses, and even details about their children, marital status, net worth, and credit rating. The study found that this information can be bought for as little as 12 cents per person, raising concerns about national security risks. Senators have called for action to address this issue, emphasizing the need to protect those who defend the nation. The study also highlights the lack of regulation in the data brokerage sector, with over 500 websites advertising information on service members. The availability of such data poses a threat as it can be used by foreign spies to identify individuals with access to state secrets.
Former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly confirms on the record several disturbing stories about Donald Trump, including derogatory comments about US service members and veterans. Kelly recounts firsthand experiences of Trump disrespecting military amputees, Gold Star families, and POWs, as well as expressing admiration for autocrats and dictators. He also confirms details from a 2020 story in The Atlantic, where Trump questioned the sacrifices of fallen soldiers and referred to them as "losers" and "suckers." Kelly's statement comes amidst growing criticism from former Trump officials, highlighting Trump's lack of understanding and contempt for democratic institutions and the rule of law.
3M has agreed to pay $6 billion to settle lawsuits from U.S. service members who suffered hearing loss or other injuries after using faulty earplugs made by the company. The settlement, consisting of $5 billion in cash and $1 billion in 3M stock, will be paid out through 2029. This marks the resolution to one of the largest mass torts in U.S. history, with hundreds of thousands of veterans and current service members suing 3M over their Combat Arms Earplug products. 3M maintains that the settlement is not an admission of liability. Additionally, 3M is also facing a separate settlement over contamination of public drinking water systems with harmful chemicals.
Starting next year, US service members living and working in Europe will need to provide personal information and undergo a security screening in order to travel for leisure purposes in 30 European countries. The new travel rules, part of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), will require details such as current job, education level, and criminal history. The regulation applies to citizens of the US, Australia, Canada, and other visa-exempt countries. However, personnel covered by the NATO Status of Forces Agreement and those with valid resident permits are exempt. The exact implementation date is yet to be determined, but it is expected to happen in 2024.
22 US service members have been injured to “various degrees” after a “helicopter mishap” in northeastern Syria. The cause of the incident is under investigation, although no enemy fire was reported. The service members are receiving treatment for injuries and 10 have been evacuated to higher care facilities. The US has approximately 900 troops in Syria as part of the ongoing mission to defeat ISIS.
22 US service members were injured in a helicopter mishap in northeastern Syria, with no enemy fire reported. Ten of the injured were evacuated to higher care facilities. The cause is under investigation, and US forces are operating in Syria to fight the Islamic State terrorist group.
