Latest Lloyd Austin News

Russia keeps up pressure on the front line as Ukraine gets a boost from Western military aid

Jun. 25, 2024 21:33 PM EDT

DONETSK REGION, Ukraine (AP) — Relentless Russian attacks on Ukrainian positions defending the strategically important eastern town of Chasiv Yar are disrupting troop rotations and the delivery of some supplies, soldiers in the area say. Russian troops are seeking to press their...

Senior Blinken aide is taking a top job with Austin after Senate confirmation holdup

Jun. 24, 2024 10:39 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Monday that one of his most senior aides is leaving for a top job with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and will be replaced by a brother of President Joe Biden’s national security adviser. State Department counselor...

An Israel offensive into Lebanon risks an Iranian military response, top US military leader says

Jun. 23, 2024 21:11 PM EDT

ESPARGOS, Cape Verde (AP) — The top U.S. military officer warned on Sunday that any Israeli military offensive into Lebanon would risk an Iranian response in defense of the powerful Hezbollah militant group there, triggering a broader war that could put U.S. forces in the region in danger. ...

NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn't happen this week

Jun. 07, 2024 11:35 AM EDT

A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. ___ Video edited to make it appear Biden...

US defense secretary meets Cambodian officials to push for stronger ties with Chinese ally

Jun. 04, 2024 10:11 AM EDT

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Cambodian officials on Tuesday to discuss a possible resumption of joint military exercises, suggesting the beginning of a thaw in relations between the countries that have been strained over Cambodia's growing closeness...

Chinese defense minister accuses US of causing friction with its support for Taiwan and Philippines

Jun. 01, 2024 23:17 PM EDT

SINGAPORE (AP) — China's defense minister on Sunday acknowledged the importance of newly renewed military-to-military communications with the United States as tensions escalate in the Asia-Pacific, while at the same time accusing Washington of causing the friction with its support for Taiwan and...

US defense secretary says war with China neither imminent nor unavoidable, stressing need for talks

Jun. 01, 2024 10:05 AM EDT

SINGAPORE (AP) — United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told a gathering of top security officials Saturday that war with China was neither imminent nor unavoidable, despite rapidly escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, stressing the importance of renewed dialogue between him...

Pentagon chief extends deployment of aircraft carrier, ships in the Red Sea as Houthi attacks go on

May. 31, 2024 17:17 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group that for months has launched crucial strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen to protect military and commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden will remain in the region for at least another month, according to U.S. officials. ...

Air National Guard unit that was suspended after classified documents leak will restart mission

May. 31, 2024 14:53 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Air National Guard intelligence unit involved in the massive classified documents leak by an airman last year has been recertified and will return to its mission on Saturday after months of investigations, improvements and inspections, the Air Force said. The...

Top US and Chinese defense officials seek to restore communications as tensions rise in Indo-Pacific

May. 31, 2024 10:46 AM EDT

SINGAPORE (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with his Chinese counterpart for more than an hour Friday, as the two countries seek to repair lines of communications between their militaries that could be critical as tensions continue to rise between the two in the Indo-Pacific region....