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John Vandiver

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Strike kills two militants as US-backed forces push into ISIS territory in Somalia

The U.S. military said it killed two Islamic State fighters Wednesday in Somalia, where there has been an uptick in airstrikes against the militant group in the past month.

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Airmen assigned to the 31st Expeditionary Squadron use a steamroller to level asphalt while paving a flight line on Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger, in December 2018. The U.S. military?s new base is scheduled to open this summer.<br>Daniel Asselta/U.S. Air Force
Airmen assigned to the 31st Expeditionary Squadron use a steamroller to level asphalt while paving a flight line on Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger, in December 2018. The U.S. military?s new base is scheduled to open this summer.<br>Daniel Asselta/U.S. Air Force

The runway is ready, but flights still on hold at new US drone site in Niger

The U.S. military has finally completed runway work at a new air base in Agadez, Niger, but Air Force officials said Wednesday it will still be several months before flight operations can begin at what is anticipated to be a major intelligence gathering hub in western Africa.

Nigerien soldiers conduct a simulated mounted patrol during exercise Flintlock in Agadez, Niger, April 18, 2018. <br>Eric Holman/U.S. Army
Nigerien soldiers conduct a simulated mounted patrol during exercise Flintlock in Agadez, Niger, April 18, 2018. <br>Eric Holman/U.S. Army

Islamic State group emerges as a political force in western Africa

ISIS-West Africa, which broke away from the militant group Boko Haram three years ago, continues to launch high profile attacks that have placed the Nigerian military “under tremendous strain,” according to U.S. Africa Command.

San Gimignano is one of the more popular villages in Tuscany for visitors. It's famous for its towers, which date to the 12th century, as well as the local Vernaccia wine.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
San Gimignano is one of the more popular villages in Tuscany for visitors. It's famous for its towers, which date to the 12th century, as well as the local Vernaccia wine.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

europe quick trips

Tuscany well worth making an extended family trip destination

Rolling hills topped with cypress trees might be a Tuscan travel book cliche, but the old villages and romantic back roads are hard to top.

A Russian SU-27 Flanker fighter and an IL-22 aircraft fly along the Baltic coast, Thursday, May 16, 2019.<br>Twitter/British Defense Ministry
A Russian SU-27 Flanker fighter and an IL-22 aircraft fly along the Baltic coast, Thursday, May 16, 2019.<br>Twitter/British Defense Ministry

NATO fighters scrambled to intercept Russian jets during ‘professional’ encounter

NATO jets were scrambled twice in two days to intercept Russian aircraft flying along the Baltic coastline toward Moscow’s military hub in Kaliningrad, the British Defense Ministry said Thursday.

American soldiers talk with their German counterparts during exercise Allied Spirit X at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, April 9, 2019. <br>Brandon Jacobs/U.S. Army
American soldiers talk with their German counterparts during exercise Allied Spirit X at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, April 9, 2019. <br>Brandon Jacobs/U.S. Army

US warns Europe on defense contract bids that could exclude American companies

The Trump administration has issued a warning to European Union allies that a decadeslong partnership is at risk if the American defense industry isn’t allowed to compete for contracts on new EU military projects.

U.S. soldiers gather for a brief during a combined joint patrol rehearsal in Manbij, Syria, Nov. 7, 2018. U.S. military officials have said there is an elevated threat level facing U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Syria, primarily from Iranian-controlled Shiite militias.<br>Zoe Garbarino/U.S. Army
U.S. soldiers gather for a brief during a combined joint patrol rehearsal in Manbij, Syria, Nov. 7, 2018. U.S. military officials have said there is an elevated threat level facing U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Syria, primarily from Iranian-controlled Shiite militias.<br>Zoe Garbarino/U.S. Army

Trump: Report of US plans calling for up to 120,000 troops if conflict begins with Iran is 'fake news'

President Donald Trump dismissed a New York Times report that the Pentagon has drafted plans to send up to 120,000 troops to the Middle East in the event Iran launches an attack on U.S. forces in the region or restarts its nuclear weapons program as “fake news,” but added, “Would I do that? Absolutely.” He insisted the White House has not signed off on a troop increase but if it does “we’d send a hell of a lot more troops than that.”

Ships steam in formation in the Atlantic Ocean on May 9, 2019, during exercise Formidable Shield. Nine nations are participating by contributing ships and aircraft, including Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and the U.S.<br>Susan Damman/U.S. Navy
Ships steam in formation in the Atlantic Ocean on May 9, 2019, during exercise Formidable Shield. Nine nations are participating by contributing ships and aircraft, including Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and the U.S.<br>Susan Damman/U.S. Navy

US and allies deploy missile defense off Scotland in high-end sea battle drill

U.S. and allied warships were slated to begin live-fire drills off the coast of Scotland on Friday as part of an exercise designed to test NATO’s ability to coordinate missile defense during a fight at sea.

Cmdr. Isaac Harris, executive officer of the destroyer USS Ramage, gives a tour of the ship to Brazilian sailors during a port visit in Suape, Brazil in November 2018. President Donald Trump said he will grant special military status to Brazil, making it a ''major non-NATO ally'' in a move to boost cooperation.<br>Ian Parham/U.S. Navy
Cmdr. Isaac Harris, executive officer of the destroyer USS Ramage, gives a tour of the ship to Brazilian sailors during a port visit in Suape, Brazil in November 2018. President Donald Trump said he will grant special military status to Brazil, making it a ''major non-NATO ally'' in a move to boost cooperation.<br>Ian Parham/U.S. Navy

Trump bumps up Brazil to 'major non-NATO' ally

President Donald Trump informed Congress of his intent to make the South American state the 18th country to receive the designation.

An Army civilian who fought off home invaders with a kitchen knife during an attempted robbery in Landstuhl, Germany, says he was fighting for his life and his family’s lives.<br>Courtesy of the German police
An Army civilian who fought off home invaders with a kitchen knife during an attempted robbery in Landstuhl, Germany, says he was fighting for his life and his family’s lives.<br>Courtesy of the German police

US Army civilian in Germany is cleared in stabbing death of home invader

German authorities were required to investigate whether the American used reasonable or excessive force in defending himself during the attack on Feb. 10.

U. S. Army Col. Richard Gulley during his retirement ceremony in Stuttgart in June 2017. Gulley is suing the service for refusing to provide internal records that he says could help clear his name, which he said was tarnished after being subjected to a criminal investigation over housing allowance payments.<br>Courtesy Richard Gulley
U. S. Army Col. Richard Gulley during his retirement ceremony in Stuttgart in June 2017. Gulley is suing the service for refusing to provide internal records that he says could help clear his name, which he said was tarnished after being subjected to a criminal investigation over housing allowance payments.<br>Courtesy Richard Gulley

Reservist seeks to clear name in battle over Army housing benefits

Retired U.S. Army Col. Richard Gulley is suing the service for refusing to provide records that he said could help clear his name, which was tarnished after he endured a criminal investigation over housing allowance payments.

The fast attack submarine USS Seawolf is submerged after surfacing through the arctic ice July 30, 2015. U.S. military officials will hold talks this week in Greenland about security in the arctic. A top concern is China, which is investing heavily in the high north and beyond in Europe.<br>U.S. Navy
The fast attack submarine USS Seawolf is submerged after surfacing through the arctic ice July 30, 2015. U.S. military officials will hold talks this week in Greenland about security in the arctic. A top concern is China, which is investing heavily in the high north and beyond in Europe.<br>U.S. Navy

China tops agenda as military leaders from 11 nations mull Arctic security

China’s Arctic ambitions are expected to dominate the discussion later this week when U.S. military leaders convene with partners for security talks in Greenland, an economically vulnerable land where China is working to gain a foothold.

Polish president Andrzej Duda meets with soldiers assigned to the Tennessee Army National Guard?s 2nd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment's Task Force Raider, during a visit to Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, March 6, 2019. The U.S. and Poland are negotiating an agreement that could mean stationing more American forces in the country.<br>Sarah Kirby/U.S. Army
Polish president Andrzej Duda meets with soldiers assigned to the Tennessee Army National Guard?s 2nd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment's Task Force Raider, during a visit to Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, March 6, 2019. The U.S. and Poland are negotiating an agreement that could mean stationing more American forces in the country.<br>Sarah Kirby/U.S. Army

More US troops bound for Poland, defense minister says

U.S. military officials say the types of forces that could be stationed in Poland are still being considered, suggesting the final arrangement could be something less than a sprawling base.

The outgoing commander of U.S. European Command, Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, left, watches as Army Secretary Mark T. Esper passes the command's colors to incoming commander Air Force Gen. Tod. D. Wolters at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, May 2, 2019.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
The outgoing commander of U.S. European Command, Army Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, left, watches as Army Secretary Mark T. Esper passes the command's colors to incoming commander Air Force Gen. Tod. D. Wolters at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, May 2, 2019.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

Wolters looks to push 'competitive advantage' in Europe

Air Force Gen. Tod Wolters assumed command Thursday of U.S. troops in Europe, where the military has expanded its mission in recent years to counter a more aggressive Russia.

L'Osteria is a new restaurant in Stuttgart's Europaviertel section, a redeveloped quarter that includes the city library and a large shopping mall. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
L'Osteria is a new restaurant in Stuttgart's Europaviertel section, a redeveloped quarter that includes the city library and a large shopping mall. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Big pizzas satisfy at L’Osteria in Stuttgart

The pizzas are too big for the plates at L’Osteria, an Italian restaurant chain in Europe that opened a new branch recently in Stuttgart’s newish Europaviertel section.

A recent report claims that the Turkish government may have tracked the movement of U.S. troops inside Turkey as part of its investigation into the 2016 attempted coup.<br>file
A recent report claims that the Turkish government may have tracked the movement of U.S. troops inside Turkey as part of its investigation into the 2016 attempted coup.<br>file

Documents reveal Turkey tracked US military because of coup connection suspicions

Turkish intelligence reports, which included information on U.S. drone operations, troop movements and counter Islamic State operations, were reviewed on the suspicion that Americans might have been involved in a failed coup, according to a group that monitors the Turkish government.

A Marine drinks water at Twentynine Palms, Calif. Heat-related illnesses increased among troops during the past five years, and young Marines and soldiers based in the southeastern U.S. were most at risk, according to a new military medical report.<br>U.S. Marine Corps
A Marine drinks water at Twentynine Palms, Calif. Heat-related illnesses increased among troops during the past five years, and young Marines and soldiers based in the southeastern U.S. were most at risk, according to a new military medical report.<br>U.S. Marine Corps

Cases of heat-related illnesses on the rise, especially among Marines

In 2018, there were 578 diagnoses of heatstroke and 2,214 diagnoses of heat exhaustion among active duty servicemembers, according to the Defense Health Agency’s April surveillance report.

F-22 Raptors from the 3rd Wing and 477th Fighter Group participate in a close formation taxi with an E-3 Sentry and a C-17 Globemaster III, March 26, 2019, during a Polar Force exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The U.S. boosted military spending last year for the first time since 2010, with a 4.6% annual increase that added up to $649 billion.<br>Justin Connaher/U.S. Air Force
F-22 Raptors from the 3rd Wing and 477th Fighter Group participate in a close formation taxi with an E-3 Sentry and a C-17 Globemaster III, March 26, 2019, during a Polar Force exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The U.S. boosted military spending last year for the first time since 2010, with a 4.6% annual increase that added up to $649 billion.<br>Justin Connaher/U.S. Air Force

US military spending up as global outlay hits 31-year high

The U.S. was by far the biggest spender with a 4.6% annual increase that added up to $649 billion — an amount nearly equal to the next eight largest defense budgets combined.

Soldiers with the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade look at a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense weapon system at Fort Hood, Texas. The unit will send a THAAD system to Romania this summer.<br>69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade
Soldiers with the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade look at a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense weapon system at Fort Hood, Texas. The unit will send a THAAD system to Romania this summer.<br>69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

THAAD anti-missile system to deploy to Romania

The deployment came at the request of NATO and is needed while maintenance is done on the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System in Romania, U.S. European Command said.

An unexploded 500-pound bomb from World War II has been discovered in the Wiesbaden suburb of Bierstadt, east of Aukamm Housing Area. It will be detonated at 7 p.m., Aril 11, 2019, by the German authorities. The bomb was found at the center of the evacuation area, marked in red.<br>Courtesy of Geoportal Wiesbaden
An unexploded 500-pound bomb from World War II has been discovered in the Wiesbaden suburb of Bierstadt, east of Aukamm Housing Area. It will be detonated at 7 p.m., Aril 11, 2019, by the German authorities. The bomb was found at the center of the evacuation area, marked in red.<br>Courtesy of Geoportal Wiesbaden

WWII bomb leads to evacuations near Wiesbaden base housing area

A World War II-era bomb discovered near an Army housing area in Wiesbaden has prompted local evacuations, but base facilities are not affected, the military said Thursday.

A Norwegian air force F-35 flies over Norway in August 2018. Turkey's insistence on moving forward with its plan to buy Russian S-400 surface-to-air missiles has provoked threats from top U.S. officials, who warn that could mean the cancellation of a deal to sell F-35 fighters to Ankara.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
A Norwegian air force F-35 flies over Norway in August 2018. Turkey's insistence on moving forward with its plan to buy Russian S-400 surface-to-air missiles has provoked threats from top U.S. officials, who warn that could mean the cancellation of a deal to sell F-35 fighters to Ankara.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

Turkish president rejects US ultimatum, says missile deal with Moscow final

The president of Turkey said Wednesday that his country’s plan to acquire a Russian air defense system has been finalized, marking the latest rejection of a demand by Washington that the NATO ally abandon its deal with Moscow or face consequences.

U.S. AFRICOM logo<br>
U.S. AFRICOM logo<br>

AFRICOM evacuates US forces from Libya as fighting intensifies

U.S. forces in Libya have been evacuated for their safety in connection with the deteriorating security situation in the country, which now has U.S. Africa Command conducting “prudent military planning” as it assesses the situation, the military said Sunday.

Commander of the U.S. Africa Command Gen. Thomas Waldhauser arrives for the start of a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 7, 2019. After the hearing in which questions arose over U.S. military airstrikes in Somalia, Waldhauser ordered an in-depth review to determine if civilians had been killed in the airstrikes.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Commander of the U.S. Africa Command Gen. Thomas Waldhauser arrives for the start of a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 7, 2019. After the hearing in which questions arose over U.S. military airstrikes in Somalia, Waldhauser ordered an in-depth review to determine if civilians had been killed in the airstrikes.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

Civilian deaths in Somalia airstrike weren’t reported properly, AFRICOM says

A U.S. counterterrorism unit inaccurately reported the deaths of two civilians in Somalia following an airstrike, U.S. Africa Command said Friday, marking the first public acknowledgement that noncombatants have been killed in the military’s expanded bombing campaign in the country.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with NATO foreign ministers and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on April 3, 2019. Pompeo said the following day that China's actions will influence the alliance's future course.<br>Courtesy NATO
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with NATO foreign ministers and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on April 3, 2019. Pompeo said the following day that China's actions will influence the alliance's future course.<br>Courtesy NATO

US leaders say China is an emerging threat for NATO

The U.S.-led NATO pact must adapt to face an increased threat posed by China even as European allies work to counter Russia’s activities, America’s top diplomat said Thursday at a meeting of alliance foreign ministers.

U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Katherine Wheelbarger and Lithuanian Policy Director Robertas Sapronas pose after signing the U.S-Lithuania Defense Cooperation Strategic Roadmap at the Pentagon, April 2, 2019.<br>DOD
U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Katherine Wheelbarger and Lithuanian Policy Director Robertas Sapronas pose after signing the U.S-Lithuania Defense Cooperation Strategic Roadmap at the Pentagon, April 2, 2019.<br>DOD

With Lithuania pact, US signals increased military role near Russia

The United States will continue to deploy troops to Lithuania and help the country develop anti-tank and missile systems, according to a comprehensive defense agreement the two countries signed this week to boost cooperation in a region set on edge by Russia’s military resurgence.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, April 3, 2019.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, April 3, 2019.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes

Safer together: NATO chief tells Congress that pact must endure amid global threats

The United States is stronger with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization than it would be without it, the head of the 29-nation alliance said Wednesday in Washington, marking the first time the leader of the security pact addressed a joint session of Congress.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in Washington. <br>Evan Vucci/AP
President Donald Trump shakes hands with with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in Washington. <br>Evan Vucci/AP

Trump praises NATO allies for spending but says Germany not contributing enough

President Donald Trump took credit Tuesday for an increase in defense spending among NATO members, suggesting that an alliance he has harshly criticized has turned a corner. But Germany did not escape criticism.

Gen. Tod D. Wolters, left, and Gen. Stephen J. Townsend share a laugh as they prepare to testify Tuesday, April 2, 2019, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Wolters has been nominated to head the European Command and Townsend to head the Africa Command.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Gen. Tod D. Wolters, left, and Gen. Stephen J. Townsend share a laugh as they prepare to testify Tuesday, April 2, 2019, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Wolters has been nominated to head the European Command and Townsend to head the Africa Command.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

AFRICOM, EUCOM nominees eye Russia, China as major concerns

Air Force Gen. Tod Wolters and Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend faced questioning Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee, following their nominations to head the European Command and Africa Command respectively.

A view of NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. According to observers, a chief concern as the alliance turns 70 is that the source of tension is mainly coming from NATO's two most important member states: the U.S. and Germany.<br>NATO
A view of NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. According to observers, a chief concern as the alliance turns 70 is that the source of tension is mainly coming from NATO's two most important member states: the U.S. and Germany.<br>NATO

ANALYSIS

NATO 70th anniversary comes with celebrations and an undercurrent of uncertainty

Even as NATO leaders tout generations of solidarity, analysts wonder whether the pact’s close ties will last.

Air Force Master Sgt. Patrick Wagnon, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, unloads a World Food Program pallet from a C-130J Hercules at Maputo International Airport, Mozambique, March 30, 2019, for the relief effort in Mozambique and surrounding areas following Cyclone Idai.<br>Corban Lundborg/U.S. Air Force
Air Force Master Sgt. Patrick Wagnon, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, unloads a World Food Program pallet from a C-130J Hercules at Maputo International Airport, Mozambique, March 30, 2019, for the relief effort in Mozambique and surrounding areas following Cyclone Idai.<br>Corban Lundborg/U.S. Air Force

Military relief efforts in Mozambique in full swing

U.S. Africa Command is delivering food and supplies after Cyclone Idai spurred widespread flooding in Mozambique, causing more than 700 deaths and displacing thousands of people.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook sails alongside Georgian coast guard ships in the Black Sea, Jan. 25, 2019. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance has stepped up its presence in the Black Sea and would continue to work closely with partners in the region.<br>Ford Williams/U.S. Navy
The guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook sails alongside Georgian coast guard ships in the Black Sea, Jan. 25, 2019. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance has stepped up its presence in the Black Sea and would continue to work closely with partners in the region.<br>Ford Williams/U.S. Navy

NATO approves spending at US forces support site in Poland, eyes expanded presence in Black Sea

NATO said construction on the site near Powidz, Poland, will begin this summer and is expected to take about two years to complete.

U.S. Veterans for Peace activists Ken Mayers and Tarak Kauff are shown following their March 18, 2019, arraignment in Ennis, Ireland.The veterans turned peace activists are awaiting trial on charges of trespassing in connection with allegations they approached a suspected U.S. military aircraft on layover at the Shannon Airport.<br>Ellen Davidson/Creative Commons
U.S. Veterans for Peace activists Ken Mayers and Tarak Kauff are shown following their March 18, 2019, arraignment in Ennis, Ireland.The veterans turned peace activists are awaiting trial on charges of trespassing in connection with allegations they approached a suspected U.S. military aircraft on layover at the Shannon Airport.<br>Ellen Davidson/Creative Commons

US veterans face trial after peace protest in Ireland

The Irish Times reported that the two breached security in an effort to reach an aircraft they believed was used to transport U.S. troops. The men did not reach the aircraft and were detained by authorities.

In an August, 2018 file photo, Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, tours the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, Ga. <br>Markeith Horace/U.S. Army
In an August, 2018 file photo, Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, tours the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, Ga. <br>Markeith Horace/U.S. Army

Army Gen. Stephen Townsend is nominated to lead AFRICOM

For the past year, Gen. Stephen J. Townsend has been the commander in charge of Army training. If confirmed, he will replace Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, who has commanded AFRICOM since 2016.

Capt. Kris Candelaria, commander Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas, arrives to the firing line in the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area in a M2 Bradley on March 23, 2019. <br>Michael Eaddy/U.S. Army
Capt. Kris Candelaria, commander Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas, arrives to the firing line in the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area in a M2 Bradley on March 23, 2019. <br>Michael Eaddy/U.S. Army

‘We got zero notice’: Army resumes Cold War-era snap deployments to Europe

The Army is relearning the art of snap deployments as it adapts to a new Pentagon strategy — known as Dynamic Force Employment — that calls upon the military as a whole to keep adversaries off balance with more unpredictable troop movements.

Marines from the U.S. and Ukraine standing together after a company-level attack during the land portion of Exercise Sea Breeze, Saturday, July 14, 2018. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said NATO allies could take additional steps when allies convene next week to help Ukraine defend against Russia.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes
Marines from the U.S. and Ukraine standing together after a company-level attack during the land portion of Exercise Sea Breeze, Saturday, July 14, 2018. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said NATO allies could take additional steps when allies convene next week to help Ukraine defend against Russia.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes

Pompeo wants NATO to take ‘actions’ to help Ukraine

The U.S. and its allies in Europe could agree at an upcoming NATO meeting to provide more support to Ukraine in its efforts to resist Russian aggression in the region, America’s top diplomat said Wednesday.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James D. Craig, center, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa commander, talks with staff from the U.S. Agency for International Development about getting aid to people affected by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique.<br>Courtesy USAID/Facebook
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James D. Craig, center, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa commander, talks with staff from the U.S. Agency for International Development about getting aid to people affected by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique.<br>Courtesy USAID/Facebook

Airfield assessments underway as military readies for Mozambique mission

A U.S. military team dispatched to Mozambique to help with disaster relief efforts is assessing airfields in the country as it prepares to deliver supplies into areas where floods have forced thousands from their homes.