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What to know about the militants targeted by US airstrikes in Nigeria
President Donald Trump said on social media that the “powerful and deadly” strikes in the Nigerian state of Sokoto were carried out against IS gunmen.
Trump says US struck Islamic State targets in Nigeria
The president says the U.S. launched a “powerful and deadly" strike against ISIS forces in Nigeria, claiming the group targeted Christians.
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Navy needs to improve fire safety enforcement on ships, watchdog warns
Staffing shortages and ineffective ways of ensuring contractors comply with safety standards threaten to derail fire prevention efforts, GAO found.
China’s military buildup makes US increasingly vulnerable, DOD says
The Pentagon's latest annual report on the People’s Liberation Army described China’s recent buildup as “historic.”
New charges for Guard shooting suspect enable death penalty talks
Lakanwal remains charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill and illegal possession of a firearm in the Nov. 26 shooting.
How America observed Christmas — at home and abroad — during WWII
Amid shortages, rationing, separation and grief, Americans fought to keep the yuletide spirit alive.
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Santa’s elves have been busy bringing cheer to military families
Santa takes time for train rides with military families through Alaska, and to attend parties with gifts and treats.
Six wargames to add to your holiday gift list
Some wargames aren't available to the public. Fortunately, there are games out there that can be obtained without needing a security clearance.
Ham, turkey and cigars? A look at Christmas festivities during WWII
It's not too late to put Snowflake potatoes on one's Christmas day menu.
At least 2 killed in Mexican Navy plane crash near Galveston, Texas
A small Mexican Navy plane transporting a 1-year-old medical patient along with seven others crashed Monday near Galveston, Texas.
In other news
DOD needs more consistent Indo-Pacific deterrence funding, GAO says
An annual assessment of how DOD funds deterrence efforts in the Indo-Pacific revealed problematic inconsistencies, according to a GAO report.
Review: ‘In Waves and War’ shows promise of psychedelics to treat PTSD
The documentary, streaming Monday, follows a group of veterans undergoing experimental treatments currently not approved for clinical use in the U.S.
An enduring symbol: why troops keep naming things after reptiles
From cobras to gators, reptilian mascots and call signs appear on patches, aircraft and unit logos across every branch. Why?
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Battlefield 6 review: the return of a war game worth fighting for
After the rocky reception of Battlefield 2042, game developer DICE needed a strong comeback. The new Battlefield 6 mostly delivers, our reviewer writes.
The next military shooter showdown: ‘Call of Duty’ vs. ‘Battlefield’
This fall, two video game franchises are going head-to-head, with the upcoming releases of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7" and "Battlefield 6."
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The state of US hypersonic capabilities | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 12.13.25
As China and other U.S. rivals claim to field operational hypersonic missiles, where does the U.S. stand in developing its own weapons? An expert weighs in.
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Jordan says its air force joined US strikes on Islamic State in Syria
Jordan confirmed that its air force took part in strikes launched by the United States on Islamic State group targets in Syria.
US launches operation to ‘eliminate’ ISIS fighters in Syria: Hegseth
A U.S. official said that the attack was conducted using F-15 Eagle jets, A-10 Thunderbolt ground attack aircraft and AH-64 Apache helicopters.
Pentagon fails financial audit for 8th year in a row
DOD is the only one of the government’s 24 major agencies never to pass.
By Tanya Noury
US military to stop shooting pigs and goats for medic training
The move ends a practice that had been made obsolete by simulators that mimic battlefield injuries.
Radar, other upgrades planned for experimental US Air Force AI fighter
Raytheon was awarded a contract from the Air Force to put its air-cooled, compact PhantomStrike fire control radar into the X-62 as part of its upgrades.
Military lawyer swiftly fired after defying Trump deportation push
An Army Reserve lawyer detailed as a federal immigration judge has been fired after granting asylum at a high rate.
Raw sewage, broken AC, bugs: Report reveals squalor at border mission
The visits uncovered “unsanitary conditions in bathroom facilities,” specifically “leaking raw sewage, non-functional toilets, and general disrepair..."
By Eve Sampson
Coasties to get $2,000 one-time ‘devotion to duty’ payment
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard will receive their own (taxed) version of President Donald Trump’s “Warrior Dividend” this month.
By Patricia Kime
US Navy to develop new class of smaller, more ‘agile’ combatant ships
The first hull is expected to hit the water in 2028 as a more nimble companion to the Navy’s larger warships, Navy Secretary John Phelan said.
By J.D. Simkins
Navy launches suicide drone from ship at sea for first time
A LUCAS drone was successfully launched from the flight deck of the USS Santa Barbara, a littoral combat ship currently operating in the Arabian Gulf.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher