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US downs Chinese balloon, a flashpoint in US-China tensions
Biden said he wanted the balloon downed on Wednesday, but was advised the best time for the operation would be when it was over water.
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Pentagon & Congress
US pledges longer-range ‘small-diameter bomb’ for Ukraine
The U.S. announced Friday it will send Ukraine the Boeing-made ground-launched small-diameter bomb, a weapon that can double its strike range.
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US to send Ukraine longer-range bombs in latest policy reversal
The U.S. will provide ground-launched small diameter bombs as part of a $2.17 billion aid package the U.S. is expected to announce Friday.
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North Korea warns of ‘toughest reaction’ to allies’ drills
North Korea for decades has described the United States’ combined military exercises with South Korea as rehearsals for a potential invasion.
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Taiwan activates defenses in response to China incursions
Taiwan's Defense Ministry says 20 Chinese aircraft crossed the central line in the Taiwan Strait that has been an unofficial buffer zone between the sides.
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Ukraine pushes for Western fighter jets after tank deals
Ukraine has won support from Baltic nations and Poland for its weekslong quest to obtain Western fighter jets.
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How to fix a howitzer: US offers help line to Ukraine troops
A group of U.S. and allied troops and contractors is using phones and tablets to provide maintenance advice to Ukrainian troops on the battlefield.
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Afghan soldier seeking US asylum hopes for ‘American dream’
Abdul Wasi Safi, who fled Afghanistan following the withdrawal of U.S. forces, was freed this week after spending months in immigration detention.
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Feds drop charges against Afghan soldier seeking asylum in US
After months of publicity and a bipartisan congressional effort to request a pardon from the president, Abdul Wasi Safi could be set free.
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In reversal, US poised to approve Abrams tanks for Ukraine
However, it could take months or years for their delivery.
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Afghan soldier seeking asylum in US remains jailed after border arrest
Abdul Wasi Safi, a former officer in the Afghan National Security Forces, was arrested at the U.S. southern border after fleeing the Taliban.
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Former Navy SEAL, listed as a deserter, dies fighting in Ukraine
Daniel W. Swift was reportedly involved in an operation in Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, when he was killed.
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Treasury designates Wagner Group a transnational criminal organization
The U.S. believes the Russian private military company has 50,000 personnel fighting in Ukraine, including 10,000 contractors and 40,000 convicts.
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Ukraine’s allies fail to reach breakthrough on sending new tanks
Defense leaders gathered at Ramstein Air Base in Germany to rally support for Ukraine could not reach an agreement on the provision of new Western tanks.
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Austin meets new German defense minister over Ukraine tank support
All eyes are on a Jan. 20 meeting of Ukraine donor countries in Germany, where the question of Kyiv's support with main battle tanks tops agenda.
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US still holds back long-range ATACMS missiles from Ukraine
The long-range weapons are seen by the Pentagon as needless for the conflict, and possibly escalatory – at least for now.
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The West doubles down on aiding Ukraine with heavy weapons
Plans to send yet heavier equipment designed to win maneuver battles are expected to come to a head.
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US, Ukraine top military chiefs meet in person for first time
Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met Tuesday with Ukraine’s chief military officer at an undisclosed location in Poland.
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