‘Vulnerable’ countries are rebuffing demands for reforms and are turning to China and Russia for security, officials have said
The US government is facing a “reckoning” over its Africa policy after being ordered to withdraw more than 1,000 troops from Niger and losing access to a crucial drone base, Washington insiders have told Politico.
The US confirmed last week that it is planning an “orderly and responsible withdrawal” from Niger. The West African nation’s transitional government, which previously expelled French troops in a similar fashion, has opted for security cooperation with Russia. Neighboring Chad has also reportedly asked Americans to leave, as part of a wider regional shift away from Western powers on the continent.
Speaking to Politico, anonymous US officials have claimed the developments are down to America pursuing ideological goals when dealing with African nations. Washington has attempted to make aid conditional on democratic reforms and other political demands, which some African leaders have rebuffed, arguing that the US “ignores similar issues with allies in other parts of the world,” according to the report on Monday......more
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is preparing to leave the Trump administration after what a new report has described as months of tension with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, potentially triggering another change at the army’s top echelons.
According to the Friday report by The Wall Street Journal, Driscoll is expected to step down before the end of the year and could leave his post earlier. The newspaper cited people familiar with discussions over his departure.
The Journal reported that Driscoll and his family vacated the official residence assigned to the army secretary at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall this summer, a move that could indicate he was preparing to leave the position.
The reported departure would come at a time of continuing uncertainty at the top echelons of the army.
Hegseth abruptly removed Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George in April, while Trump has not yet nominated a permanent successo....more below
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The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) warns the enemies that any act of aggression against the Islamic Republic will not go unanswered.
In a statement on Thursday, the IRGC issued a “stern warning” to the enemies after US forces launched strikes against the southern Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas.
Following the US military attack on a point on the outskirts of Bandar Abbas Airport with aerial projectiles, the IRGC carried out new strikes targeting the US air base from which the attack originated in the wee hours of Thursday, it added.
“This response is a serious warning to the enemy that they should know the act of aggression will not go unanswered,” the IRGC emphasized.
The elite military force warned of a “more decisive” response if the enemy repeated any act of aggression.
It also said the responsibility for the consequences of any IRGC response lies with the aggressor.
The statement comes after the IRGC Navy on Thursday forced an American tanker to turn back. The tanker ...
