DefenceTalkCBS News has learned that the Pentagon is making the initial preparations for a cruise missile attack on Syrian government forces. We say “initial preparations” because such an attack won’t happen until the president gives the green light. And it was clear during an interview on CNN Friday that he is not there yet. “If […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-preps-for-possible-cruise-missile-attack-on-syria-48849/

DefenceTalkUN Security Council members are seeking “clarity” on opposition claims that Syrian troops used chemical weapons in an attack near Damascus, Argentina’s UN envoy, the council president, said Wednesday. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s office said earlier he was “shocked” by the reports and that UN weapons experts in Syria to probe previous allegations were […]https://www.defencetalk.com/un-council-seeks-clarity-on-syria-chem-weapons-claim-48846/

DefenceTalkCanceling U.S. participation in the Bright Star military exercise with Egypt sends a strong objection to the Egyptian government about the recent violence in the country, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said here today. President Barack Obama announced the decision earlier today. Despite the cancellation, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has told Egyptian Defense Minister Lt. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-cancels-bright-star-exercise-with-egypt-48779/

DefenceTalkAlgeria’s army has reinforced its forces along the eastern border with Tunisia, Interior Minister Daho Ould Kablia said on Thursday, days after the killing of eight Tunisian soldiers. The soldiers were found on Monday with their throats cut after being ambushed by jihadist militants in Mount Chaambi, an area near the border with Algeria. Algeria’s […]https://www.defencetalk.com/algeria-army-boosts-forces-on-tunisia-border-minister-48662/

DefenceTalkGermany has started withdrawing its soldiers and material from Afghanistan. The move poses a great logistical challenge and will also be expensive. Despite the Bundeswehr’s experience in overseas assignments, getting its equipment out of Afghanistan will prove to be an unprecedented logistical challenge. According to information provided by the German military, it will have to […]https://www.defencetalk.com/germany-starts-moving-equipment-out-of-afghanistan-48626/

DefenceTalkRussian video game publisher 1C Company boarded a former US aircraft carrier to re-write the Cuban Missile Crisis that had super powers on the brink of nuclear war in 1962. The tense Cold War stand-off has an apocalyptic outcome in the “Nuclear Union” computer game showcased late Thursday amid vintage fighter jets on the hangar […]https://www.defencetalk.com/russian-war-games-play-on-former-us-aircraft-carrier-48632/

DefenceTalkThe top US general has informed Congress of options for military intervention in Syria, but stressed that the decision of whether to go to war was one for civilian leaders. In a non-classified letter made public Monday, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey set out five options — from nonlethal intelligence […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-general-lays-out-military-options-in-syria-48560/

DefenceTalkDespite Taliban resistance, U.S. military objectives in Afghanistan are on track, senior U.S. military leaders told the Senate Armed Services Committee today. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr. told the committee during their reconfirmation hearing that the International Security Assistance Force mission is on track to achieve its objectives […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-on-track-in-afghanistan-military-leaders-tell-senate-48529/

DefenceTalkPakistan reached an understanding with the United States on drone strikes targeting Islamist militants and the attacks can be useful, according leaked remarks from a former intelligence chief. Pakistan publicly condemns US missile attacks on Taliban and Al-Qaeda operatives as a violation of its sovereignty, but the new revelations are the latest sign of double-dealing […]https://www.defencetalk.com/report-reveals-pakistan-us-understanding-on-drones-48334/

DefenceTalkSoldiers with 2nd Platoon, 49th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Company, attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), supported the Afghan National Army’s EOD team from the 4th Kandak, 1st Brigade, 203rd Corps, with running a counter improvised explosive device lane for the 4th Kandak Route Clearance Company, June 20, at Camp […]https://www.defencetalk.com/eod-supports-afghan-armys-counter-ied-training-48246/