Trump names nominees to take over Middle East, Africa commands
If confirmed, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper would be the second Navy officer to lead U.S. Central Command.
Mideast Africa
Israel claims drone interceptions with high-power lasers
Officials have declined to say which weapons were used, hinting only at a new generation of smaller, mobile laser guns.
US military changes tone in Africa, urges burden-sharing among allies
The U.S. military’s new posture comes even though many African armies remain ill-equipped and insurgent groups expand.
Israeli defense firms lament a chill from erstwhile client Philippines
The source of the bilateral freeze is murky, with some executives here blaming the Israeli government’s unwillingness to back Filipino sovereignty claims.
Air Force One greeted by fighter escorts during Trump’s Mideast visit
Like Saudi Arabia did a day earlier, Qatar gave Trump's Air Force One a ceremonial escort from its F-15 fighter jets — an exceptionally rare sight.
Ill-fated Gaza pier mission lacked sufficient training, equipment: IG
The Defense Department's Gaza pier mission resulted in 62 personnel being injured and at least $31 million in damages, federal investigators found.
In search of new partners, Russia courts Gulf countries
Iran, Russia and China held their fifth joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Oman last month.
US forces strike Yemen oil port in ongoing campaign against Houthis
The attack is the first strike U.S. Central Command has publicly described in weeks.
Saddam Haftar’s visit to Ankara marks shift in Turkey’s Libya policy
The meeting comes shortly after reports that U.S. oil giant Chevron has expressed interest in exploring a 47,000 km² area south of Crete.
Qatar is in line to get US drones, bombs worth $2 billion
The Gulf nation's request for SeaGuardian drones had been pending for years.
Saildrone launches Red Sea naval drone hardened against GPS jamming
Electromagnetic interference is a widespread problem for forces in the area, as Houthi rebels target commercial vessels.
Islamic State leader for Iraq and Syria killed, Iraq says
Al-Rifai was killed in an operation by members of the Iraqi national intelligence service and U.S.-led coalition forces, Iraqi officials said.
Libya, where US and Russia joust, could test Trump-Putin vibes
Libya has just had a training visit from a B-52 bomber as U.S. generals try to tempt local leaders to eject Russian forces.
Turkish submarine test-fires ‘Atmaca’ anti-ship missile
A critical aspect of the test was the submarine’s ability to launch the canister from its torpedo tubes.
China, Iran and Russia hold joint naval drills in Mideast
The joint drills took place near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which in the past has seen Iran seize commercial ships.
US arms exports to Europe triple, boosted by Ukraine aid: SIPRI
“The new figures clearly reflect the rearmament taking place among states in Europe in response to the threat from Russia,” one analyst said.
Israeli firms want a piece of the US cruise missile market
Rafael and Bet Shemesh aim for a market in need of fresh competition to lower prices.
