Jun 08 U.S. says it will intensify counter-IS fight in Afghanistan By Robert Burns, Associated Press 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. Continue reading
Apr 26 Mattis calls on Defense Department to do more on sexual assault in the military By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press 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… Continue reading
Apr 13 Trump consults with allies as he weighs Syria decision By Robert Burns, Catherine Lucey, Associated Press 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… Continue reading
Feb 02 U.S. has no evidence of Syrian use of sarin gas, Mattis says By Robert Burns, Associated Press 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. Continue reading
Jan 19 Watch 5:10 News Wrap: Mattis advocates defense strategy against world powers By PBS News Hour 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. Continue watching
Jan 19 China, Russia now outpace the threat of terrorism, Pentagon says By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press China's expanding military and Russia's increasing aggression are bigger U.S. national security priorities than terrorism, the Pentagon said Friday. Continue reading
Dec 21 Jim Mattis is the first Pentagon chief to visit Guantanamo since 2002 By Robert Burns, Associated Press 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. Continue reading
Oct 28 Mattis says threat of nuclear attack by North Korea accelerating By Robert Burns, Associated Press 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. Continue reading
Oct 27 Watch 2:43 Standing at the world’s most dangerous border, Mattis sends a warning to North Korea By PBS News Hour 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… Continue watching
Oct 27 Pentagon chief Mattis stresses diplomacy as the answer to ending Korean crisis By Robert Burns, Associated Press He made the point over and over -- at the Panmunjom "truce village" where North literally meets South; at a military observation post inside the Demilitarized Zone, and in off-the cuff comments to U.S. and South Korean troops. Continue reading