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John Vandiver

An F-35 Lightning II flies away from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany June 18, 2019. The Air Force deployed F-35s and F-15s to Germany on a short notice deployment, part of a Pentagon concept to send military assets overseas on quick training missions.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
An F-35 Lightning II flies away from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany June 18, 2019. The Air Force deployed F-35s and F-15s to Germany on a short notice deployment, part of a Pentagon concept to send military assets overseas on quick training missions.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

Air Force sends F-35s, F-15s to Europe in combat readiness test

The U.S. Air Force sent a group of fighters and transport aircraft to Poland, Lithuania and Estonia Tuesday in a test of the service's ability to quickly deploy air power overseas, the military said.

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With the assistance of a German engineer battalion, Strykers from the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment complete a contested wet-gap crossing near Kaunas, Lithuania, during training in June 2018. A defense bill passed by lawmakers wants the Pentagon to examine how to better reinforce the Baltics with more air defenses, troop rotations and other measures aimed at countering Russia. <br>Ellen Brabo/U.S. Army
With the assistance of a German engineer battalion, Strykers from the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment complete a contested wet-gap crossing near Kaunas, Lithuania, during training in June 2018. A defense bill passed by lawmakers wants the Pentagon to examine how to better reinforce the Baltics with more air defenses, troop rotations and other measures aimed at countering Russia. <br>Ellen Brabo/U.S. Army

Proposed law calls on Pentagon to consider more troops, surveillance in Baltic region

The Baltic region has long been an area of concern for the U.S. military in Europe, and U.S. military and Western security analysts have warned that NATO allies may be outgunned by Russia in the Baltics.

Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile launchers are seen in Sevastopol in 2018. A first shipment of the sophisticated missile defense system arrived in Turkey on Friday, July 12, 2019.<br>Courtesy Russian Defense Ministry
Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile launchers are seen in Sevastopol in 2018. A first shipment of the sophisticated missile defense system arrived in Turkey on Friday, July 12, 2019.<br>Courtesy Russian Defense Ministry

Turkey takes shipment of Russian S-400 missile defense system despite US warnings

The first shipment of a sophisticated Russian missile defense system arrived in Turkey on Friday, as the prospect of U.S. sanctions looms over the NATO ally.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service said 5 Star Nutrition has blocked the sale of the products, “Alpha Shredded” and “Trenatestin,” on military installations.<br>BreeAnn Sachs/U.S. Air Force
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service said 5 Star Nutrition has blocked the sale of the products, “Alpha Shredded” and “Trenatestin,” on military installations.<br>BreeAnn Sachs/U.S. Air Force

Supplements containing steroids found at Moody Air Force Base exchange

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service said 5 Star Nutrition has blocked the sale of the products, “Alpha Shredded” and “Trenatestin,” on military installations.

U.S. soldiers participate in an exercise at the Panzer Range Complex in Boeblingen, Germany, April 16, 2019. The Army will pay an additional $1.2 million to cover the costs of lowering noise levels at the suburban Stuttgart firing range, where locals have long complained about the crackle of gunfire.<br>Jason D. Johnston/U.S. Army
U.S. soldiers participate in an exercise at the Panzer Range Complex in Boeblingen, Germany, April 16, 2019. The Army will pay an additional $1.2 million to cover the costs of lowering noise levels at the suburban Stuttgart firing range, where locals have long complained about the crackle of gunfire.<br>Jason D. Johnston/U.S. Army

Army bill jumps by $1.2 million for noise reduction at Stuttgart area range

The U.S. Army has agreed to pay an additional $1.2 million to cover the costs of a project to lower noise levels at a suburban Stuttgart firing range, where frustrated locals have long complained about the crackle of gunfire.

Chinese troops unload a Role 2 mobile hospital for exercise Combined Aid 2019 in Feldkirchen, Germany, July 3, 2019. China for the first time has deployed armored medical vehicles and personnel to Europe to conduct training with the Germany military.<br>Dirk Bannert/German army
Chinese troops unload a Role 2 mobile hospital for exercise Combined Aid 2019 in Feldkirchen, Germany, July 3, 2019. China for the first time has deployed armored medical vehicles and personnel to Europe to conduct training with the Germany military.<br>Dirk Bannert/German army

In a first, Chinese military deploys for medical drill with German forces in Europe

The Chinese army for the first time has deployed armored medical vehicles and personnel to Europe to conduct training with the German military, marking a groundbreaking foray into NATO territory.

A remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper taxis toward the runway at Miroslawiec Air Base, Poland, March 1, 2019. An unspecified number of MQ-9 Reapers, personnel and support equipment temporarily relocated to Campia Turzii Air Base, Romania, while the runway at Miroslawiec Air Base undergoes construction.<br>Preston Cherry/U.S. Air Force
A remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper taxis toward the runway at Miroslawiec Air Base, Poland, March 1, 2019. An unspecified number of MQ-9 Reapers, personnel and support equipment temporarily relocated to Campia Turzii Air Base, Romania, while the runway at Miroslawiec Air Base undergoes construction.<br>Preston Cherry/U.S. Air Force

US drones make temporary move to Black Sea region

The shift south for a group of MQ-9 Reapers was prompted by construction at their main operating base in northwest Poland, U.S. Air Forces in Europe said.

Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Hermesmann took command of U.S. Marines in Europe and Africa from Maj. Gen. Russell A.C. Sanborn on Tuesday, July 7, 2019, during a ceremony at Devil Dog Field at the unit's headquarters in Boeblingen, Germany.<br>U.S. Marine Corps
Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Hermesmann took command of U.S. Marines in Europe and Africa from Maj. Gen. Russell A.C. Sanborn on Tuesday, July 7, 2019, during a ceremony at Devil Dog Field at the unit's headquarters in Boeblingen, Germany.<br>U.S. Marine Corps

New commander will oversee Marines from the Arctic to Africa

Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Hermesmann will lead a mission that involves everything from countering Russia in the High North to improving the combat skills of allies involved in counterterrorism fights in Africa.

A soldier demonstrates how to use the Javelin anti-tank missile system to a delegation of senior Ukrainian military officials at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany in 2017. Ukraine for the first time has asked to purchase U.S. military equipment through the Pentagon's weapons sales program.<br>Kayla Christopher/U.S. Army
A soldier demonstrates how to use the Javelin anti-tank missile system to a delegation of senior Ukrainian military officials at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany in 2017. Ukraine for the first time has asked to purchase U.S. military equipment through the Pentagon's weapons sales program.<br>Kayla Christopher/U.S. Army

Ukraine seeks weapons through Pentagon foreign sales program for first time

America’s top diplomat in Ukraine said the U.S. is in the process of reviewing the request. While the West has offered various forms of support to Ukraine’s military since 2014, the U.S. only recently began providing lethal military gear.

Russian 9M728 cruise missiles, left, and 9M723 short-range ballistic missiles, right. <br>Courtesy Russian Ministry of Defense
Russian 9M728 cruise missiles, left, and 9M723 short-range ballistic missiles, right. <br>Courtesy Russian Ministry of Defense

NATO, Russia talks yield no progress as demise of key missile ban looms

High level talks between the U.S.-led NATO alliance and Russian officials Friday failed to produce a solution in a dispute over a new Russian missile system that is putting at risk a Cold War-era arms control treaty.

Nigerien Armed Forces conduct a convoy movement, key leader engagement and ambush exercise during Flintlock 18 in Niger, April 2018. U.S. Africa Command said it provided surveillance support earlier this week and assisted in the evacuation of Niger forces caught in a battle with Islamic militants near an army camp at the country's border with Mali.<br>Jeremiah Runser/U.S. Africa Command
Nigerien Armed Forces conduct a convoy movement, key leader engagement and ambush exercise during Flintlock 18 in Niger, April 2018. U.S. Africa Command said it provided surveillance support earlier this week and assisted in the evacuation of Niger forces caught in a battle with Islamic militants near an army camp at the country's border with Mali.<br>Jeremiah Runser/U.S. Africa Command

US Africa Command provided backup during deadly attack in Niger

The U.S. military provided surveillance support and helped with the evacuation of Niger forces during a battle with suspected Islamic militants last week, AFRICOM said.

D-Day veteran Charles Shay at a D-Day 75th anniversary ceremony honoring air crews and airborne troops at Picauville, France, Tuesday, June 4, 2019. Marie-Pascale Legrand sits behind him, at right.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
D-Day veteran Charles Shay at a D-Day 75th anniversary ceremony honoring air crews and airborne troops at Picauville, France, Tuesday, June 4, 2019. Marie-Pascale Legrand sits behind him, at right.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

Veterans' Stories

'He was so lonely': D-Day veteran who struggled in the US finds new home in Normandy

Charles Shay, an American veteran who just turned 95, now lives about 20 miles from the beach he stormed 75 years ago as a 19-year-old Army medic.

Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile launchers in Sevastopol in 2018. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the system, whose purchase has caused tension with Washington, will be delivered within days.<br>Courtesy of Russian Defense Ministry
Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile launchers in Sevastopol in 2018. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the system, whose purchase has caused tension with Washington, will be delivered within days.<br>Courtesy of Russian Defense Ministry

NATO ally Turkey rebuffs US, poised to receive Russian weapons system

For the U.S. military, deploying Russian-made air defenses inside a NATO country poses a technological security risk for the F-35.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Marcus Hicks, center, relinquishes command of special operations troops in Africa Friday, June 29, 2019, during a ceremony at Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart, home to U.S. Africa Command.<br>Daniel Love/DOD
U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Marcus Hicks, center, relinquishes command of special operations troops in Africa Friday, June 29, 2019, during a ceremony at Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart, home to U.S. Africa Command.<br>Daniel Love/DOD

Outgoing US special operations general warns of growing threat in Africa

Maj. Gen. Marcus Hicks, who led U.S. special operations troops in Africa during a tumultuous two-year tenure, warned during a change of command Friday that security conditions are deteriorating in Western Africa, a region where four U.S. troops were killed at the start of his time in command.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper talk as dignitaries set up for a group photo on the second day of NATO defense ministers meetings at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Thursday, June 27, 2019.<br>NATO
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper talk as dignitaries set up for a group photo on the second day of NATO defense ministers meetings at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Thursday, June 27, 2019.<br>NATO

New acting defense chief Esper wants allies to play bigger role in countering Iran

Acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper urged NATO allies Thursday to create a new naval security mission to safeguard ships transiting the increasingly volatile Persian Gulf, following accusations that Iran has been behind multiple attacks on commercial shipping in the area.

Soldiers at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria salute during a ceremony rehearsal at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Thursday, June 27, 2019. The temperature was about 90 degrees at 3 p.m., according to a commonly used weather app. Soldiers in Germany were experiencing temperatures nearing 100 degrees on June 26.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes
Soldiers at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria salute during a ceremony rehearsal at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Thursday, June 27, 2019. The temperature was about 90 degrees at 3 p.m., according to a commonly used weather app. Soldiers in Germany were experiencing temperatures nearing 100 degrees on June 26.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes

Army reviewing air conditioning policies in Germany as temperatures soar

There is potentially good news for the Army in Europe: officials are looking at recent weather trends to see if policies that limit the use of air conditioning need to be modified.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg answers questions at a news conference at the organization's headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers.<br>Courtesy of NATO
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg answers questions at a news conference at the organization's headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, ahead of a meeting of NATO defense ministers.<br>Courtesy of NATO

US, allies warn Russia that missile defenses will be bolstered to counter new threat

The U.S.-led NATO alliance will consider bolstering its air and missile defense systems in Europe as well as enhancing its conventional forces if Russia doesn’t abolish a new missile system that poses a threat to the Continent, the alliance’s top official said Wednesday.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg answers questions at a news conference at the organization's headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, a day before NATO defense ministers are scheduled to meet there.<br>Courtesy of NATO
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg answers questions at a news conference at the organization's headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, a day before NATO defense ministers are scheduled to meet there.<br>Courtesy of NATO

Allied spending up, Russian weapons on agenda as Esper meets NATO defense ministers

Allies in Europe and Canada boosted defense spending by a combined 3.9% this year, marking the fifth consecutive year defense budgets have increased among non-U.S. NATO allies, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Tuesday.

<br>Unsplash.com
<br>Unsplash.com

Marine jailed for 16 years for murder of Kenyan Olympic champion’s daughter

Cpl. Reuben Chebon Mwei, originally assigned to 2nd Maintenance Battalion, based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., was convicted of murder and false imprisonment Monday.

Army Secretary Mark Esper congratulates a soldier assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, at the brigade’s headquarters at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, June 4, 2019. Esper has been named acting defense secretary by President Donald Trump, and will be heading to Brussels next week for a NATO defense ministers meeting.<br>Davide Dalla Massara/U.S. Army
Army Secretary Mark Esper congratulates a soldier assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, at the brigade’s headquarters at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, June 4, 2019. Esper has been named acting defense secretary by President Donald Trump, and will be heading to Brussels next week for a NATO defense ministers meeting.<br>Davide Dalla Massara/U.S. Army

New Pentagon boss expected to bring burden-sharing message to NATO

Incoming Acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper will head to Europe next week, where he is expected to press allies to increase spending while meeting with NATO defense ministers.

U.S. paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade and other allied paratroopers conduct night airborne operations from a C-17 Globemaster III during the Swift Response exercise at Boboc Drop Zone, Romania, June 14, 2019. A Canadian paratrooper was killed and two U.S. soldiers were injured Tuesday, June 18, during a Swift Response jump in Bulgaria.<br>Graigg Faggionato/U.S. Army
U.S. paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade and other allied paratroopers conduct night airborne operations from a C-17 Globemaster III during the Swift Response exercise at Boboc Drop Zone, Romania, June 14, 2019. A Canadian paratrooper was killed and two U.S. soldiers were injured Tuesday, June 18, during a Swift Response jump in Bulgaria.<br>Graigg Faggionato/U.S. Army

Canadian paratrooper killed, two US soldiers hurt during Bulgaria parachute jumps

A Canadian paratrooper was killed and three allied servicemembers, including two Americans, were injured during an Army-led training exercise in Bulgaria, officials said Thursday.

During boarding training in the Black Sea, a Ukrainian special operations soldier provides security alongside U.S. special operators during exercise Sea Breeze in 2017. The U.S. is increasing military aid to Ukraine, with a focus on helping beef up the country’s navy and marines.<br>Henry Gundacker/U.S. Army
During boarding training in the Black Sea, a Ukrainian special operations soldier provides security alongside U.S. special operators during exercise Sea Breeze in 2017. The U.S. is increasing military aid to Ukraine, with a focus on helping beef up the country’s navy and marines.<br>Henry Gundacker/U.S. Army

Pentagon to send more arms and equipment to Ukraine

The U.S. will deliver more sniper rifles, grenade launchers, counter-artillery radars and other gear to the Ukrainian military as part of an ongoing effort to bolster its defenses on land and at sea, the Pentagon announced.

A U.S. soldier fires the M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle near the Bemowo Piskie training area, Poland, in June 2017. The same weapon was used by the 13-year-old son of a U.S. Army officer on a German military range nearly three years ago. The incident is now under investigation by German authorities.<br>Charles Rosemond/U.S. Army
A U.S. soldier fires the M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle near the Bemowo Piskie training area, Poland, in June 2017. The same weapon was used by the 13-year-old son of a U.S. Army officer on a German military range nearly three years ago. The incident is now under investigation by German authorities.<br>Charles Rosemond/U.S. Army

Germans probe how US officer’s 13-year-old was permitted to fire sniper rifle at Bundeswehr range

While the incident happened in Oct. 2016, it only came to light last week when a formal complaint was made, Spiegel reported.

President Donald Trump participates in a joint news conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda in the Rose Garden of the White House, Wednesday, June 12, 2019.<br>Shealah Craighead/White House
President Donald Trump participates in a joint news conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda in the Rose Garden of the White House, Wednesday, June 12, 2019.<br>Shealah Craighead/White House

NATO greets Trump’s Poland troop plan warmly; effect on US bases in Germany uncertain

NATO and Baltic officials welcomed a decision by President Donald Trump to boost the number of U.S. troops in Poland, but Berlin was mum in the wake of an announcement that included the possibility of pulling forces from Germany.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with Polish President Andrzej Duda during a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, in Washington. <br>Evan Vucci/AP
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Polish President Andrzej Duda during a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, in Washington. <br>Evan Vucci/AP

Trump considers moving up to 2,000 troops to Poland as Polish president agrees to buy F-35s

Last year, Poland had proposed building a “Fort Trump” in hopes of luring the United States to base a larger American military force there.

Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade prepare to exit a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Exercise Rock Spring 19 at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 6, 2019. The Army recently increased tour lengths for single soldiers moving to Europe and Japan from two to three years.<br>Henry Villarama/U.S. Army
Paratroopers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade prepare to exit a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Exercise Rock Spring 19 at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, March 6, 2019. The Army recently increased tour lengths for single soldiers moving to Europe and Japan from two to three years.<br>Henry Villarama/U.S. Army

Army extends single soldier tours in Europe, Japan to three years

According to the Army, the move to extend tours in Europe and Japan is designed to save money and boost the combat readiness of overseas units.

Seawolf-class submarine USS Connecticut and Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Hartford break through the Arctic ice March 9, 2018, during Ice Exercise 2018. NATO?s top official is in Iceland for high-level talks, which the Arctic becoming a growing security concern for NATO amid mounting interest from Russia and China.<br>Courtesy U.S. Navy
Seawolf-class submarine USS Connecticut and Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Hartford break through the Arctic ice March 9, 2018, during Ice Exercise 2018. NATO?s top official is in Iceland for high-level talks, which the Arctic becoming a growing security concern for NATO amid mounting interest from Russia and China.<br>Courtesy U.S. Navy

Iceland rift over NATO membership sidelined in Arctic security talks

NATO’s top official in Iceland on Tuesday downplayed worries about a potential rift with the small Arctic Council nation, whose leader has expressed interest in quitting the alliance.

U.S. Marines operate a Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle in southwestern Asia on Dec. 5, 2018. <br>Matthew Crane/U.S. Army
U.S. Marines operate a Cougar Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle in southwestern Asia on Dec. 5, 2018. <br>Matthew Crane/U.S. Army

US troops escape injury in Niger roadside bomb blast

U.S. Africa Command said Sunday that a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle activated the bomb while four servicemembers were entering a firing range in the vicinity of Ouallam, Niger.

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US MRAP vehicle is damaged in Niger incident

A U.S. mine-resistant vehicle was damaged Saturday in Niger, and the military is investigating whether the incident was the result of hostile intent, U.S. Africa Command said.

Secretary of the Army Mark Esper visits Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, to meet with soldiers from the Hawaii, Tennessee and California National Guards, reservists from Pennsylvania and soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.<br>Nicole Mejia/U.S. Army
Secretary of the Army Mark Esper visits Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, to meet with soldiers from the Hawaii, Tennessee and California National Guards, reservists from Pennsylvania and soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.<br>Nicole Mejia/U.S. Army

Army secretary talks with US soldiers in Kosovo as mission continues into 20th year

Mark Esper said his focus during the trip was to get feedback from soldiers rather than delve into the fraught political situation in the country.

A Somali national army soldier stands in formation after receiving a training certificate after completing 14 weeks of logistical operations training with the U.S. 10th Mountain Division.<br>Evan Parker/U.S. Navy
A Somali national army soldier stands in formation after receiving a training certificate after completing 14 weeks of logistical operations training with the U.S. 10th Mountain Division.<br>Evan Parker/U.S. Navy

ISIS in Somalia recruiting up as US airstrikes continue

Since April, AFRICOM has launched about eight airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia, killing roughly 20 militants, including the group’s second-in-command. While some past estimates by security analysts have put the size of the militant group at between 100 and 200 fighters, military officials now say the group could be larger.

Black and Hispanic servicemembers are more likely to face criminal investigations and trials, according to a Government Accountability Office report.<br>Courtesy U.S. Air Force
Black and Hispanic servicemembers are more likely to face criminal investigations and trials, according to a Government Accountability Office report.<br>Courtesy U.S. Air Force

Blacks and Hispanics face military trials at disproportionate rates, GAO report to Congress says

The Government Accountability Office report also found that the services don’t record race and ethnic data in the same way, making it difficult to compare disparities among the military branches. Still, the report concluded that multiple racial disparities exist.

A group of Italian paratroopers pull security during Exercise Immediate Response at Cerklje ob Krki Airbase, Slovenia, on May 14, 2019. The exercise is a multinational drill co-led by Croatian and Slovenian armed forces, and U.S. Army Europe. <br>Austin Berner/U.S. Army Reserve
A group of Italian paratroopers pull security during Exercise Immediate Response at Cerklje ob Krki Airbase, Slovenia, on May 14, 2019. The exercise is a multinational drill co-led by Croatian and Slovenian armed forces, and U.S. Army Europe. <br>Austin Berner/U.S. Army Reserve

EUCOM sees larger role for US diplomats in military exercises

There is a push to bring U.S. embassy teams in Europe into the training fold, with military and civilian officials coordinating their actions in mock crisis management scenarios, according to the leader of EUCOM’s exercises and assessments division.

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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.

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.