"I think the [Maldives] marine corps is probably where we can help focus a lot of our efforts," said a 5th SFAB team leader. "They're the ones that will help respond to any crises that pop up in the country."
“Afghanistan was a very narrowly scoped mission, by intent. But now, as we look outside Afghanistan ... you’re really going to see a huge return on investment," said the incoming leader of Security Force Assistance Command.
Although the initial focus is on the Pacific, SFABs will be regionally aligned to commands overseeing Latin America, Europe and Africa, while some may remain in the Middle East.
Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a veteran Iraqi militant who was closely allied with Iran and rose to be a senior militia commander during the war against the Islamic State group, was killed overnight Friday in a U.S. strike that also felled Iran’s top general.