DefenceTalkBased on military progress in the campaign to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, U.S. Central Command is undertaking an operational alignment and rebalancing effort to achieve three specific goals, CENTCOM commander Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel told the House Armed Services Committee yesterday. However, the commander said, “We remain very clear-eyed regarding […]https://www.defencetalk.com/centcom-undertaking-realignment-to-meet-defeat-future-threats-71521/

DefenceTalkFresh regime air strikes and heavy clashes shook rebel-held Eastern Ghouta on Sunday (Feb 25) despite a UN demand for a ceasefire to end one of the most ferocious assaults of Syria’s civil war. After days of diplomatic wrangling, the Security Council on Saturday adopted a resolution calling for a 30-day ceasefire in Syria “without […]https://www.defencetalk.com/strikes-clashes-rock-syrias-ghouta-despite-ceasefire-call-71505/

DefenceTalkRussia has tested over 200 new types of arms in Syria during its campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad, a senior lawmaker said Thursday, as Moscow was accused of taking part in air strikes against rebel-held Eastern Ghouta. “As we helped the brotherly Syrian people, we tested over 200 new types of weapons,” said […]https://www.defencetalk.com/russia-tested-over-200-new-weapons-in-syria-mp-71503/

DefenceTalkUS Ambassador Nikki Haley said today that it was “time for the Security Council to act” following the release of a report by UN experts concluding that Iran had violated the arms embargo on Yemen. The report found that Tehran had failed to block supplies to Yemen’s Huthi rebels of ballistic missiles that were fired […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-wants-un-action-over-report-on-iranian-missiles-to-yemen-71478/

DefenceTalkA US-led coalition drone has destroyed a Russian-designed tank in eastern Syria close to the scene of last week’s attack on pro-regime forces that left more than 100 Damascus loyalists dead, officials said Tuesday. The strike on the T-72 tank occurred Saturday near Al Tabiyeh, in Deir Ezzor province, the Pentagon said in a statement. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/coalition-destroys-russian-made-tank-in-syria-71471/

DefenceTalkAMMAN, Jordan: A radio crackles to life on what seems like another routine security patrol in a remote village. 1st Lt. Brent Lemler, of Bravo Company “Bushmasters,” 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, keys his hand-held radio and responds. While listening to the communication, he motions for his squad leaders. After a moment, 1st Lt. Lemler […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-soldiers-sharpen-tactical-anti-terrorism-skills-in-jordan-71462/

DefenceTalkEnabled by accelerated successes following the liberation of Mosul, the coalition will shift its focus in Iraq from enabling combat operations to sustaining military gains against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials announced yesterday. “The coalition will tailor our forces in consultation with our Iraqi partners […]https://www.defencetalk.com/coalition-forces-announce-shift-as-campaign-against-isis-progresses-in-iraq-syria-71429/

DefenceTalkIgnoring the rumble of heavy artillery, Yemeni commander Nasr al-Dibani points at Huthi bases from a jagged clifftop, outlining his push to break a grinding stalemate on the frontline outside Sanaa. “Whoever controls Nihm controls Sanaa,” Dibani, flanked by armed loyalists, said from atop a newly captured hill, Al-Humra, on the outskirts of the Yemeni […]https://www.defencetalk.com/on-mountain-frontline-yemen-army-makes-push-for-sanaa-71406/

DefenceTalkSurrounded by the clear blue skies and bright orange sand of Oman, Omani and U.S. forces conducted a simulated assault against dozens of enemy fighters, Jan. 31, 2018, in the culminating event of Inferno Creek 18, a three-week training exercise conducted by the U.S. and Omani armies near Thumrait, Oman. The joint exercise allowed multiple […]https://www.defencetalk.com/soldiers-forge-partnership-with-oman-in-combat-assault-training-exercise-71403/

DefenceTalkAs Turkey continues its attack on Kurdish forces along the Syrian border town of Afrin, the Defense Department says the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is the common threat in the region, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White told reporters today. Published reports say Turkey launched the Afrin military operation Jan. 20. “[We] are […]https://www.defencetalk.com/turkeys-assault-on-kurdish-fighters-concerns-united-states-71165/