Essay: US military is leaving Niger even less secure – why it didn’t succeed in combating terrorism
In an article first published on The Conversation, OLAYINKA AJALA looks at US successes and failures in their mission to tackle terrorism in Niger…
Iraq eyes drawdown of US-led forces starting September, sources say
Baghdad, Iraq Reuters Iraq wants troops from a US-led military coalition to begin withdrawing in September and to formally end the coalition’s work by September, 2025, four Iraqi sources said, with some US forces likely to remain in a newly negotiated advisory capacity. The Iraqi position is being discussed with US officials in Washington this […]
US military ends Gaza floating pier mission to bring aid to Palestinians by sea
Washington DC, US Reuters The US military announced on Wednesday that its mission to install and operate a temporary, floating pier off the coast of Gaza was complete, formally ending an extraordinary but troubled effort to bring humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The pier, announced by President Joe Biden during a televised address to Congress in […]
Contractors arrive in Haiti to build base for Kenyan-led forces
Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Civilian contractors have arrived in Haiti to build living quarters for a Kenyan-led international security force meant to counter gang violence in the Caribbean nation, the US military’s Southern Command said. The UN Security Council approved in October the creation of the Multinational Security Support mission to help Haitian police wrest back […]
Hundreds rally in Niger’s capital to push for US military departure
Niamey, Niger Reuters Hundreds took to the streets of Niger’s capital on Saturday to demand the departure of US troops, after the ruling junta further shifted its strategy by ending a military accord with the United States and welcoming Russian military instructors. Marching arm in arm through central Niamey, the crowd waved Nigerien flags in […]
US military airlifts embassy personnel from Haiti, bolsters security
Washington DC, US Reuters The US military said on Sunday it has carried out an operation in Haiti to airlift non-essential embassy personnel from the country and added US forces to bolster embassy security, as the Caribbean nation reels under a state of emergency. The operation was the latest sign of Haiti’s troubles as gang […]
EU sees maritime aid corridor to Gaza opening this weekend amid famine fears
Cairo, Egypt/Larnaca, Cyprus Reuters The head of the European Commission said on Friday a maritime aid corridor could start operating between Cyprus and Gaza this weekend, part of accelerating Western efforts to relieve the humanitarian crisis in the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave. Ursula von der Leyen’s comments came a day after President Joe Biden announced plans […]
US in new strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen
Washington DC, US Reuters The US military said on Wednesday its forces conducted strikes on 14 Houthi missiles that were loaded to be fired from Yemen, in the fourth day of US strikes in less than a week. In a statement on social media platform X, US Central Command said the Houthi missiles presented an […]
US military steps up Middle East surveillance as threats to troops grow
Washington DC, US Reuters The US military is taking new steps to protect its troops in the Middle East as concerns mount about attacks by Iran-backed groups, and it is leaving open the possibility of evacuations of military families if needed, officials tell Reuters. The measures include increasing US military patrols, restricting access to base […]
In the US, a faith advisory board with Trump ties urges religious vaccine exemptions for military
RNS More than 1,700 religious leaders organised by former President Donald Trump’s faith advisers are urging the US military to grant religious exemptions to COVID-19 vaccine mandates, alleging service members with spiritual objections to the inoculations are being “stripped of their religious liberties”. But while the effort singled out COVID-19 vaccine mandates first initiated by President […]