U.S. says it will intensify counter-IS fight in Afghanistan
The Afghan government's unilateral halt to attacks on the Taliban is giving U.S. counterterrorism forces a chance to intensify combat operations against Islamic State-affiliated extremists in eastern Afghanistan.
Mattis calls on Defense Department to do more on sexual assault in the military
In a memo released Thursday, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that officers and commanders must act as substitute parents for their young troops, charging leaders to "use their authority and force of personality to prevent and eliminate sexual assault from…
Trump consults with allies as he weighs Syria decision
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned that such an attack could spin out of control, suggesting caution in advance of a decision on how to respond to an attack against civilians last weekend that U.S. officials are increasingly certain involved the…
U.S. has no evidence of Syrian use of sarin gas, Mattis says
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the U.S. is "looking for evidence" that the Syrian government has used the deadly chemical sarin on its citizens.
In our news wrap Friday, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis insisted the U.S. military must focus more on opposing China and Russia's growing influence, outlining a new national defense strategy prioritizing preparing for war against major world powers, instead of terrorism.
China's expanding military and Russia's increasing aggression are bigger U.S. national security priorities than terrorism, the Pentagon said Friday.
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis visited the American Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to offer holiday greetings to troops Thursday. It was the first trip there by a Pentagon chief in almost 16 years.
In remarks in Seoul with South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo at his side, Mattis accused the North of illegal and unnecessary missile and nuclear programs.
On an unannounced visit to the heavily fortified demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis reaffirmed the U.S. alliance with the South in the face of increasing provocations from the North, while declaring a commitment to…
