Flashpoints

The latest news from Air Force Times about global conflict, terrorism and U.S. military affairs

U.S. Army soldiers conduct preflight checks and load cargo onto CH-47 Chinooks Aug. 27, 2023, at al-Asad air base, Iraq.

3 US troops injured in drone attack in Iraq; Biden orders airstrikes

One of the U.S. troops suffered critical injuries in the attack that occurred Monday, according to officials.

3 days ago

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy poses for a photo after his interview with The Associated Press in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Nov. 30, 2023.

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy issues plea for support during Washington visit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke at the National Defense University on Monday.

3 weeks ago

Flashpoints

The Pentagon working group to combat extremism could be finished

The Countering Extremist Activity Working Group was established in 2021 to address an increase in concerning behavior among troops.

Air Force Reserve staff sergeant arrested for role in Jan. 6 riot

Kyle Douglas McMahan was arrested on felony charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot.

3 weeks ago

US to announce fresh weapons aid for Ukraine as Congress is stalled

The latest weapons package will be provided through presidential drawdown authority, or PDA, which pulls weapons from existing U.S. stockpiles.

3 weeks ago

In this handout photo released by Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippines BRP Jose Rizal, right, and USS Gabrielle Giffords during a tactical exercise between Philippines and the United States in the West Philippine Sea on Thursday Nov. 23, 2023.

US Navy ship ‘intruded’ in South China Sea waters, China says

The U.S. Navy said the ship “was conducting routine operations in international waters ... consistent with international law.”

4 weeks ago

Marine veteran killed in Ukraine was ‘fearless,’ his commander says

Veteran Marine Lance Cpl. Joel David Beal was hit by a mortar round while attempting to destroy a Russian infantry vehicle, his commander said.

4 weeks ago

Members of the Oath Keepers extremist group stand on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.

Problems persist with how services report extremism, DOD watchdog says

Findings show ongoing issues with how the services track and report data on extremism in the ranks.

4 weeks ago

Extremism stand-down checked a box with no lasting result, critics say

While some saw no reason for the training and believed it ignited division among the ranks, others thought it didn’t go far enough.

4 weeks ago

U.S. Army soldiers conduct preflight checks and load cargo onto CH-47 Chinooks Aug. 27, 2023, at al-Asad air base, Iraq.

Iranian-backed group vows to expand conflict if US airstrikes continue

U.S. fighter jets struck a Kataib Hezbollah operations center and a command-and-control node south of Baghdad on Tuesday, two defense officials said.

5 weeks ago

US, Philippines conduct joint patrols in South China Sea near Taiwan

The patrols come days after Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called the situation in the South China Sea increasingly “dire.”

5 weeks ago

This photo provided by the North Korean government, shows what it says a launch of the newly developed Chollima-1 rocket carrying the Malligyong-1 satellite at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, on May 31, 2023.

North Korea claims it successfully put spy satellite into orbit

North Korea claimed Wednesday to have successfully placed a spy satellite into orbit with its third launch attempt this year.

5 weeks ago

President Joe Biden and China's President President Xi Jinping walk in the gardens at the Filoli Estate in Woodside, Calif., Wednesday, Nov, 15, 2023, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative conference.

Biden, Xi agree to restart military communications

President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping left their first meeting in a year showcasing modest agreements to re-establish military communications.

6 weeks ago

Biden seeks better military relations with China when he meets with Xi

The plan is to revive the regular talks under the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement, used to improve safety in the air and sea.

6 weeks ago

Drone attacks on US troops in Middle East rise to 55 in under a month

The U.S. has struck multiple targets in Syria in retaliation.

6 weeks ago

Chinese coast guard and suspected Chinese militia ship block the Philippine coast guard ship BRP Cabra as they approach Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, during a resupply mission at the disputed South China Sea on Friday Nov. 10, 2023.

Chinese ships chase Philippine vessels in South China Sea

China has stood by its claim to virtually the entire South China Sea, clashing with its neighbors and drawing in the U.S., Manila’s treaty ally.

7 weeks ago

Mental health evacuations for deployed US troops are on the rise

In 2022, 38.8% of evacuations from Central Command were mental health-related, compared to 33.5% in 2021 and 27.2% in 2020.

7 weeks ago

Fort Campbell soldier accused of cyberstalking, threatening judges

Two judges told the FBI they feared for their lives after the soldier posted a threat to Facebook on Oct. 26.

7 weeks ago

Netherlands sends five F-16s to Romania to train Ukrainian pilots

The Netherlands and Denmark are in charge of coordinating European efforts to provide Ukraine with F-16 capabilities.

7 weeks ago