1 00:00:01,769 --> 00:00:04,210 Good afternoon , everybody . Uh , just 2 00:00:04,219 --> 00:00:06,330 a few things here at the top and then 3 00:00:06,330 --> 00:00:08,608 we'll get right to your questions . Um , 4 00:00:08,608 --> 00:00:10,890 upfront . I want to just express again 5 00:00:10,899 --> 00:00:13,010 our condolences to the family members 6 00:00:13,010 --> 00:00:15,232 and loved ones of the three US soldiers 7 00:00:15,239 --> 00:00:17,406 who were killed in Jordan this weekend 8 00:00:17,406 --> 00:00:19,628 in the Iran proxy drone attack at tower 9 00:00:19,628 --> 00:00:21,840 22 . Our thoughts and prayers continue 10 00:00:21,850 --> 00:00:24,072 to be with them . Secretary Austin will 11 00:00:24,072 --> 00:00:26,017 be calling each of the families to 12 00:00:26,017 --> 00:00:28,072 personally relay his respects and is 13 00:00:28,072 --> 00:00:29,906 planning to attend the dignified 14 00:00:29,906 --> 00:00:32,072 transfer of remains at Dover Air Force 15 00:00:32,072 --> 00:00:34,239 Base on Friday as well . Of note , the 16 00:00:34,239 --> 00:00:36,461 US Army Reserve announced earlier today 17 00:00:36,461 --> 00:00:38,461 that specialist Kennedy Sanders and 18 00:00:38,461 --> 00:00:40,517 specialist Brionna Moffett have been 19 00:00:40,517 --> 00:00:42,572 posthumously promoted to the rank of 20 00:00:42,572 --> 00:00:44,461 sergeant . We're also keeping our 21 00:00:44,461 --> 00:00:46,683 service members who were wounded in our 22 00:00:46,683 --> 00:00:48,683 thoughts and wish them all a speedy 23 00:00:48,683 --> 00:00:50,850 recovery in terms of updates . At this 24 00:00:50,850 --> 00:00:52,906 time . We're currently tracking more 25 00:00:52,906 --> 00:00:54,683 than 40 US service members with 26 00:00:54,683 --> 00:00:56,406 reported injuries ranging from 27 00:00:56,406 --> 00:00:58,294 lacerations to possible concuss , 28 00:00:58,294 --> 00:01:00,517 concussions pending TB I assessments as 29 00:01:00,517 --> 00:01:02,572 previously briefed , eight personnel 30 00:01:02,572 --> 00:01:04,739 were medically evacuated out of Jordan 31 00:01:04,739 --> 00:01:06,779 for follow on care . Three of those 32 00:01:06,790 --> 00:01:08,790 eight were transported to launch to 33 00:01:08,790 --> 00:01:10,846 regional medical center in Germany , 34 00:01:10,846 --> 00:01:12,679 one of whom is reported to be in 35 00:01:12,679 --> 00:01:14,790 critical but stable condition . The 36 00:01:14,800 --> 00:01:16,911 other two service members are in fair 37 00:01:16,911 --> 00:01:19,260 and stable condition . After further 38 00:01:19,269 --> 00:01:21,491 examination by the launch , dual trauma 39 00:01:21,491 --> 00:01:23,658 team , a determination will be made by 40 00:01:23,658 --> 00:01:25,602 medical staff whether any of these 41 00:01:25,602 --> 00:01:27,658 injured service members will require 42 00:01:27,658 --> 00:01:29,658 transfer back to the US for further 43 00:01:29,658 --> 00:01:31,602 treatment . In terms of additional 44 00:01:31,602 --> 00:01:33,825 details about the drone attack itself . 45 00:01:33,825 --> 00:01:35,991 We know there are still many questions 46 00:01:35,991 --> 00:01:38,213 to include how the one way attack drone 47 00:01:38,213 --> 00:01:40,269 could have penetrated the facility's 48 00:01:40,269 --> 00:01:42,436 air defenses , its point of origin and 49 00:01:42,436 --> 00:01:44,547 which specific Iranian proxy group is 50 00:01:44,547 --> 00:01:46,602 responsible ? I can tell you that us 51 00:01:46,602 --> 00:01:48,713 central command is continuing to look 52 00:01:48,713 --> 00:01:50,880 into all those important questions and 53 00:01:50,880 --> 00:01:50,419 that will keep you updated as new 54 00:01:50,430 --> 00:01:53,099 information becomes available as we are 55 00:01:53,110 --> 00:01:55,910 able to . What we do know is that Iran 56 00:01:55,919 --> 00:01:57,919 backed militias are responsible for 57 00:01:57,919 --> 00:01:59,975 these continued attacks on US forces 58 00:01:59,975 --> 00:02:02,141 and that we will respond at a time and 59 00:02:02,141 --> 00:02:04,260 manner of our choosing . While we do 60 00:02:04,269 --> 00:02:06,325 not seek to escalate tensions in the 61 00:02:06,325 --> 00:02:08,047 region , we will also take all 62 00:02:08,047 --> 00:02:10,380 necessary actions to protect our troops , 63 00:02:10,380 --> 00:02:12,325 our facilities and our interests . 64 00:02:12,649 --> 00:02:14,538 Shifting gears yesterday , the US 65 00:02:14,538 --> 00:02:16,705 ambassador to the Czech Republic Bijon 66 00:02:16,705 --> 00:02:19,240 Sabe and Czech Defense Minister Jana 67 00:02:19,389 --> 00:02:21,619 Cernik Cova signed a contract for the 68 00:02:21,630 --> 00:02:24,570 purchase of 24 F-35 fighter aircraft . 69 00:02:25,029 --> 00:02:27,559 The acquisition of these F-35s will 70 00:02:27,630 --> 00:02:29,741 increase the combat capability of the 71 00:02:29,741 --> 00:02:31,908 Czech military and strengthen NATO and 72 00:02:31,908 --> 00:02:34,229 the bilateral security of Chechnya and 73 00:02:34,240 --> 00:02:36,470 the United States . With the signing , 74 00:02:36,479 --> 00:02:38,590 the Czech Republic joins 18 countries 75 00:02:38,590 --> 00:02:40,757 including 10 in Europe that employ the 76 00:02:40,757 --> 00:02:43,259 F-35 . As you know , all foreign 77 00:02:43,270 --> 00:02:45,492 military sales are co ordinated through 78 00:02:45,492 --> 00:02:47,548 the US State Department . So I would 79 00:02:47,548 --> 00:02:49,770 refer you to my colleagues at state for 80 00:02:49,770 --> 00:02:51,992 more information . And finally , Deputy 81 00:02:51,992 --> 00:02:53,937 Assistant Secretary of Defense for 82 00:02:53,937 --> 00:02:53,750 Western Hemisphere Affairs , Doctor 83 00:02:53,759 --> 00:02:55,592 Daniel Erickson hosted the Prime 84 00:02:55,592 --> 00:02:57,481 Minister of Trinidad and Tobago . 85 00:02:57,481 --> 00:02:59,481 Doctor Keith Rowley at the Pentagon 86 00:02:59,481 --> 00:03:01,537 yesterday , performing the duties of 87 00:03:01,537 --> 00:03:03,648 Deputy under Secretary of Defense for 88 00:03:03,648 --> 00:03:05,537 policy , Miss Melissa Dalton also 89 00:03:05,537 --> 00:03:07,537 joined the meeting to emphasize the 90 00:03:07,537 --> 00:03:09,648 department's strong support of the US 91 00:03:09,648 --> 00:03:11,759 defense partnership with Trinidad and 92 00:03:11,759 --> 00:03:13,370 Tobago dod leaders expressed 93 00:03:13,370 --> 00:03:15,537 appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago's 94 00:03:15,537 --> 00:03:17,648 leadership in the Caribbean community 95 00:03:17,648 --> 00:03:19,370 and in co hosting the upcoming 96 00:03:19,370 --> 00:03:21,481 Caribbean Nations Security Conference 97 00:03:21,481 --> 00:03:23,315 alongside us Southern Command in 98 00:03:23,315 --> 00:03:25,092 November of 2024 . They further 99 00:03:25,092 --> 00:03:26,926 commended the robust partnership 100 00:03:26,926 --> 00:03:29,148 between the Trinidad and Tobago Defense 101 00:03:29,148 --> 00:03:31,370 Force and Delaware National Guard which 102 00:03:31,370 --> 00:03:33,426 celebrates its 20th anniversary this 103 00:03:33,426 --> 00:03:35,481 year . Through the state partnership 104 00:03:35,481 --> 00:03:37,203 program . The senior officials 105 00:03:37,203 --> 00:03:39,481 exchanged views on illicit trafficking , 106 00:03:39,481 --> 00:03:39,050 maritime security defense force , 107 00:03:39,059 --> 00:03:41,080 modernization and training , cyber 108 00:03:41,089 --> 00:03:43,200 security and frameworks to facilitate 109 00:03:43,200 --> 00:03:45,145 expanded bilateral security cooper 110 00:03:45,145 --> 00:03:47,367 operation . The meeting also reaffirmed 111 00:03:47,367 --> 00:03:49,089 the US and dod s commitment to 112 00:03:49,089 --> 00:03:51,145 partnership with Trinidad and Tobago 113 00:03:51,145 --> 00:03:53,089 and to working together to improve 114 00:03:53,089 --> 00:03:54,867 Caribbean regional security and 115 00:03:54,867 --> 00:03:57,033 resilience with that . I'd be happy to 116 00:03:57,033 --> 00:03:59,311 take your questions . We go to A P TAA . 117 00:03:59,311 --> 00:04:01,860 Thanks General Ryder . Um has Secretary 118 00:04:01,869 --> 00:04:04,119 Austin provided the president response 119 00:04:04,130 --> 00:04:06,179 options at this point or is the 120 00:04:06,190 --> 00:04:08,357 building still looking at the best way 121 00:04:08,357 --> 00:04:10,412 to deter future strikes and I have a 122 00:04:10,412 --> 00:04:12,468 few couple of others . Yeah , thanks 123 00:04:12,468 --> 00:04:14,634 Tara . Um So I'm not going to get into 124 00:04:14,634 --> 00:04:16,634 the specific conversations that the 125 00:04:16,634 --> 00:04:18,801 secretary has had with the president . 126 00:04:18,801 --> 00:04:20,801 Uh As I've highlighted , uh we will 127 00:04:20,801 --> 00:04:22,801 respond in a time and manner of our 128 00:04:22,801 --> 00:04:24,523 choosing is the building still 129 00:04:24,523 --> 00:04:26,412 evaluating options on how best to 130 00:04:26,412 --> 00:04:28,523 respond at this point . I'm not going 131 00:04:28,523 --> 00:04:28,199 to get into the specifics as it relates 132 00:04:28,209 --> 00:04:30,265 to potential future operations other 133 00:04:30,265 --> 00:04:32,431 than again , to reiterate that we will 134 00:04:32,431 --> 00:04:34,431 respond in a time and manner of our 135 00:04:34,431 --> 00:04:36,598 choosing . Well , then take it another 136 00:04:36,598 --> 00:04:38,820 way . Um You said from the podium , the 137 00:04:38,820 --> 00:04:40,876 US does not seek to widen this war . 138 00:04:40,876 --> 00:04:42,820 But how do you deter Iran which is 139 00:04:42,820 --> 00:04:44,931 clearly supplied and endorsed some of 140 00:04:44,931 --> 00:04:47,220 these attacks from uh keeping from 141 00:04:47,230 --> 00:04:49,630 doing this again and leading to another 142 00:04:49,640 --> 00:04:52,779 proxy attack on US forces ? Yeah . So 143 00:04:52,790 --> 00:04:55,660 again , as a reminder , uh our forces 144 00:04:55,670 --> 00:04:59,630 are in uh Iraq and Syria uh and 145 00:04:59,779 --> 00:05:03,119 in the region supporting the uh lasting 146 00:05:03,130 --> 00:05:05,130 defeat of ISIS , that's the mission 147 00:05:05,130 --> 00:05:08,070 that we've been focused on . Um when we 148 00:05:08,079 --> 00:05:10,510 need to , we will protect our forces 149 00:05:10,519 --> 00:05:12,630 again , I'm not going to get into uh 150 00:05:12,640 --> 00:05:15,630 telegraphing or discussing potential 151 00:05:15,640 --> 00:05:17,640 future operations other than to say 152 00:05:17,640 --> 00:05:19,696 again , uh We will respond in a time 153 00:05:19,696 --> 00:05:21,807 and manner of our choosing . Jennifer 154 00:05:22,440 --> 00:05:25,339 General Ryder , have you attributed to 155 00:05:25,350 --> 00:05:27,517 Katab Hezbollah or any other group who 156 00:05:27,517 --> 00:05:29,683 is responsible for this drone strike . 157 00:05:29,683 --> 00:05:32,299 So Jennifer Central Command is still 158 00:05:32,309 --> 00:05:34,031 assessing . But again , we are 159 00:05:34,031 --> 00:05:37,510 confident that this , this attack 160 00:05:37,519 --> 00:05:41,160 was sponsored by Iranian backed proxies . 161 00:05:41,170 --> 00:05:43,420 So Katab Hezbollah just put out a 162 00:05:43,450 --> 00:05:46,410 message on telegram suggesting that 163 00:05:46,420 --> 00:05:49,470 telling its fighters not to attack us 164 00:05:49,480 --> 00:05:52,809 bases in Iraq and Syria suggesting that 165 00:05:52,820 --> 00:05:55,589 they will support the fight in Gaza in 166 00:05:55,600 --> 00:05:57,767 other ways and suggesting that even if 167 00:05:57,767 --> 00:05:59,929 the US strikes them not to respond , 168 00:06:00,260 --> 00:06:02,427 what is your response to that ? Yeah , 169 00:06:02,427 --> 00:06:04,538 we we've seen those reports . I don't 170 00:06:04,538 --> 00:06:06,482 have a specific comment to provide 171 00:06:06,482 --> 00:06:08,593 other than action . Speak louder than 172 00:06:08,593 --> 00:06:10,649 words . Thanks , Laura . Thank you a 173 00:06:10,649 --> 00:06:12,760 couple questions . First of all , can 174 00:06:12,760 --> 00:06:15,119 you speak a little bit about the drones 175 00:06:15,130 --> 00:06:17,470 that are based at tower 22 in Altan ? 176 00:06:17,989 --> 00:06:19,989 We saw some , we had some reporting 177 00:06:19,989 --> 00:06:22,045 yesterday that , that there was some 178 00:06:22,045 --> 00:06:24,267 confusion over whether the drone coming 179 00:06:24,267 --> 00:06:26,540 into the base was uh friendly or was 180 00:06:26,549 --> 00:06:28,771 friend or foe . And I know that these , 181 00:06:28,771 --> 00:06:30,827 most of these drones should have iff 182 00:06:30,827 --> 00:06:32,938 software enabling them to distinguish 183 00:06:32,938 --> 00:06:35,160 between the two . So I'm just wondering 184 00:06:35,160 --> 00:06:34,929 if you could tell me whether those 185 00:06:34,940 --> 00:06:37,390 drones do have that software . Yeah , 186 00:06:37,399 --> 00:06:39,399 thanks Laura . So , so no , I'm not 187 00:06:39,399 --> 00:06:41,399 gonna get into the specifics on the 188 00:06:41,399 --> 00:06:43,510 kind of uh capabilities as it relates 189 00:06:43,510 --> 00:06:45,369 to intelligence , surveillance 190 00:06:45,380 --> 00:06:47,380 reconnaissance capabilities that we 191 00:06:47,380 --> 00:06:51,350 have . Um in terms of the uh the 192 00:06:51,600 --> 00:06:54,190 reasons behind how uh this one way 193 00:06:54,200 --> 00:06:56,311 attack drone was able to penetrate uh 194 00:06:56,311 --> 00:06:58,478 the facilities , air defenses . That's 195 00:06:58,478 --> 00:07:00,367 something that central command is 196 00:07:00,367 --> 00:07:02,422 looking at now . Um And I'm just not 197 00:07:02,422 --> 00:07:04,533 going to get in , be able to get into 198 00:07:04,533 --> 00:07:06,756 the specifics of that second question . 199 00:07:06,756 --> 00:07:06,670 Then actually on a different topic , 200 00:07:06,679 --> 00:07:08,790 there was another report today saying 201 00:07:08,790 --> 00:07:10,820 that um the US is open to reopening 202 00:07:10,829 --> 00:07:13,051 discussions with Turkey to let them buy 203 00:07:13,051 --> 00:07:14,996 F-35s . I was wondering if you can 204 00:07:14,996 --> 00:07:16,607 speak on that from the dod S 205 00:07:16,607 --> 00:07:18,662 perspective . Are you aware of those 206 00:07:18,662 --> 00:07:20,885 discussions ? Um I , I've seen uh the , 207 00:07:20,885 --> 00:07:23,051 the comments by our State Department , 208 00:07:23,051 --> 00:07:25,162 uh colleagues on that . I'd refer you 209 00:07:25,162 --> 00:07:27,329 to state to discuss a as you know . Um 210 00:07:27,329 --> 00:07:29,551 Right now with Turkey maintaining the S 211 00:07:29,551 --> 00:07:31,899 400 uh that is currently not something 212 00:07:31,910 --> 00:07:34,519 that , that is um on the table , but 213 00:07:34,529 --> 00:07:36,640 I'd refer you to state . Let me go to 214 00:07:36,640 --> 00:07:38,862 Missy . Um Just a couple of questions . 215 00:07:38,862 --> 00:07:41,100 Pat Thank you . Um Is there any update 216 00:07:41,109 --> 00:07:43,260 on whether Secretary Austin will come 217 00:07:43,269 --> 00:07:45,799 and talk to us um sometime soon for his 218 00:07:45,809 --> 00:07:48,031 question . Uh Again , I don't , I don't 219 00:07:48,031 --> 00:07:50,031 have a date to announce , certainly 220 00:07:50,031 --> 00:07:52,253 aware of the request and we'll keep you 221 00:07:52,253 --> 00:07:54,309 updated . And um on Jordan , can you 222 00:07:54,309 --> 00:07:56,420 just clarify ? Is , are the troops in 223 00:07:56,420 --> 00:07:58,864 Jordan at tower 22 and other bases ? 224 00:07:58,875 --> 00:08:01,355 Are they under oir authority or are 225 00:08:01,364 --> 00:08:03,142 they , they're under some other 226 00:08:03,142 --> 00:08:05,253 authority ? Can you specify that ? Um 227 00:08:05,253 --> 00:08:07,308 and is it right that there are about 228 00:08:07,308 --> 00:08:09,531 3000 troops in Jordan ? Um Missy , I'll 229 00:08:09,531 --> 00:08:11,642 have to come back to you on the total 230 00:08:11,642 --> 00:08:13,920 number of us forces deployed to Jordan . 231 00:08:13,920 --> 00:08:13,820 So we'll , we'll take that question . 232 00:08:13,829 --> 00:08:17,130 Um , the forces that were , um , you 233 00:08:17,140 --> 00:08:19,140 know , that the three soldiers that 234 00:08:19,140 --> 00:08:20,751 were killed again , as we've 235 00:08:20,751 --> 00:08:22,584 highlighted , they were there in 236 00:08:22,584 --> 00:08:24,807 support of operation inherent resolve , 237 00:08:24,807 --> 00:08:27,029 uh , supporting the defeat ISIS mission 238 00:08:27,029 --> 00:08:29,140 that they're under oir authority that 239 00:08:29,140 --> 00:08:32,729 operating in support of OIR . So does 240 00:08:32,739 --> 00:08:34,906 that mean they report to the commander 241 00:08:34,906 --> 00:08:37,530 of OIR ? I , I it's , I mean , I , I 242 00:08:37,539 --> 00:08:39,539 don't want to get into the chain of 243 00:08:39,539 --> 00:08:41,650 command process here , but if they're 244 00:08:41,650 --> 00:08:43,761 there supporting OIR , then certainly 245 00:08:43,761 --> 00:08:45,817 Oir commander can request assistance 246 00:08:45,817 --> 00:08:48,390 from those forces . So , and then the 247 00:08:48,400 --> 00:08:50,622 last question , um and I think we asked 248 00:08:50,622 --> 00:08:52,789 Sabrina this yesterday and I , I think 249 00:08:52,789 --> 00:08:54,844 it was maybe something that you guys 250 00:08:54,844 --> 00:08:54,400 were still looking at just wanted to 251 00:08:54,409 --> 00:08:57,289 ask if there had been any um new 252 00:08:57,299 --> 00:08:59,521 information about any steps that may be 253 00:08:59,521 --> 00:09:03,270 taken to protect um American forces in 254 00:09:03,280 --> 00:09:05,169 the region , like in terms of air 255 00:09:05,169 --> 00:09:07,390 defense or new steps to make sure that 256 00:09:07,400 --> 00:09:09,344 something like this doesn't happen 257 00:09:09,344 --> 00:09:11,289 again . Yeah . So , you know , for 258 00:09:11,289 --> 00:09:13,344 operation security reasons , I'm not 259 00:09:13,344 --> 00:09:15,289 gonna be able to go into specifics 260 00:09:15,289 --> 00:09:17,178 other than to say that us central 261 00:09:17,178 --> 00:09:19,400 command of course , is taking this very 262 00:09:19,400 --> 00:09:21,178 seriously and that we will take 263 00:09:21,178 --> 00:09:23,344 necessary measures and steps to ensure 264 00:09:23,344 --> 00:09:25,289 that our forces are protected , uh 265 00:09:25,289 --> 00:09:27,511 recognizing as well that , that this is 266 00:09:27,511 --> 00:09:29,733 a dangerous neighborhood . Um but yes , 267 00:09:29,733 --> 00:09:31,789 to answer your question , uh we will 268 00:09:31,789 --> 00:09:31,729 take steps to ensure that our forces 269 00:09:31,739 --> 00:09:34,309 are protected . You go to will uh two 270 00:09:34,320 --> 00:09:36,760 questions . Um First , uh Qatar's Prime 271 00:09:36,770 --> 00:09:38,603 Minister expressed some concerns 272 00:09:38,603 --> 00:09:40,830 yesterday that the US response to the 273 00:09:40,840 --> 00:09:43,007 Jordan attack could potentially affect 274 00:09:43,007 --> 00:09:45,173 the uh negotiations over a new hostage 275 00:09:45,173 --> 00:09:46,951 deal . Is , is that part of the 276 00:09:46,951 --> 00:09:48,784 Pentagon's calculus in , in , in 277 00:09:48,784 --> 00:09:50,896 determining the US response to this . 278 00:09:50,896 --> 00:09:52,784 So , well , I don't have anything 279 00:09:52,784 --> 00:09:54,951 specifically on that other than to say 280 00:09:54,951 --> 00:09:54,700 again , you know , as part of any 281 00:09:54,710 --> 00:09:56,710 decision making process , we take a 282 00:09:56,710 --> 00:09:58,599 wide range of considerations into 283 00:09:58,599 --> 00:10:00,599 account again , to include what our 284 00:10:00,599 --> 00:10:02,710 broader regional goals uh are , which 285 00:10:02,710 --> 00:10:04,710 from the very beginning has been to 286 00:10:04,710 --> 00:10:08,489 prevent uh the situation in Israel and 287 00:10:08,500 --> 00:10:12,169 Gaza from uh you know , expanding into 288 00:10:12,179 --> 00:10:14,500 a broader conflict . I just leave it 289 00:10:14,510 --> 00:10:17,150 there . Second . Um It's been , it's 290 00:10:17,159 --> 00:10:19,159 been two days since the , the , the 291 00:10:19,159 --> 00:10:21,326 attack in Jordan . Um Is there concern 292 00:10:21,326 --> 00:10:23,548 that , that this , that delay in , in , 293 00:10:23,548 --> 00:10:25,659 in responding could give these groups 294 00:10:25,659 --> 00:10:29,580 um time to prepare um to uh to , you 295 00:10:29,590 --> 00:10:31,812 know , disperse from micro targets , et 296 00:10:31,812 --> 00:10:34,090 cetera . So , well , what I , you know , 297 00:10:34,090 --> 00:10:36,034 again , I'm not gonna get into any 298 00:10:36,034 --> 00:10:37,812 details about , about what uh a 299 00:10:37,812 --> 00:10:39,989 potential future operation could look 300 00:10:40,000 --> 00:10:42,167 like . You've heard both the president 301 00:10:42,167 --> 00:10:44,278 and Secretary Austin say that we will 302 00:10:44,278 --> 00:10:46,340 respond in a time in a manner of our 303 00:10:46,349 --> 00:10:49,090 choosing . Three US , service members 304 00:10:49,099 --> 00:10:51,280 were killed over 40 wounded . Oh , by 305 00:10:51,289 --> 00:10:53,233 the way these service members were 306 00:10:53,233 --> 00:10:55,400 deployed into the region to contribute 307 00:10:55,400 --> 00:10:57,511 to regional security and stability in 308 00:10:57,511 --> 00:10:59,678 support of the international coalition 309 00:10:59,678 --> 00:11:01,845 to ensure the lasting defeat of Isis . 310 00:11:01,845 --> 00:11:04,011 So there will be consequences and I'll 311 00:11:04,011 --> 00:11:06,067 just leave it at that , sir . Yeah , 312 00:11:06,067 --> 00:11:08,122 thank you . Just a quick question on 313 00:11:08,122 --> 00:11:10,011 the Red Sea since the Houthis are 314 00:11:10,011 --> 00:11:12,122 mainly attacking like foreign ships . 315 00:11:12,122 --> 00:11:14,122 What um what authorization does the 316 00:11:14,122 --> 00:11:16,067 Pentagon have to strike targets in 317 00:11:16,067 --> 00:11:18,489 Yemen ? Uh Again , uh in terms of the 318 00:11:18,500 --> 00:11:20,667 uh strikes , these are all being taken 319 00:11:20,667 --> 00:11:24,429 under uh United Nations uh section 320 00:11:24,440 --> 00:11:27,729 51 in terms of right to self defense . 321 00:11:27,739 --> 00:11:29,809 Uh And you know , again , our focus 322 00:11:29,820 --> 00:11:31,890 there is , is twofold one , it's to 323 00:11:31,900 --> 00:11:33,844 protect international shipping and 324 00:11:33,844 --> 00:11:35,900 Mariners that are transiting the Red 325 00:11:35,900 --> 00:11:37,760 Sea uh as well as to degrade and 326 00:11:37,770 --> 00:11:39,826 disrupt houthi capability to conduct 327 00:11:39,826 --> 00:11:41,869 these kinds of attacks . But I just 328 00:11:41,880 --> 00:11:44,047 have a follow up on , on this and then 329 00:11:44,047 --> 00:11:46,489 I have separate topic . The section 51 330 00:11:46,500 --> 00:11:48,789 that you mentioned , I mean , before 331 00:11:48,799 --> 00:11:50,820 strikes on Yemen , Yemenis did not 332 00:11:50,830 --> 00:11:52,940 attack any US ship . So what self 333 00:11:52,950 --> 00:11:54,728 defense are you talking about ? 334 00:11:54,728 --> 00:11:57,030 Defending international commerce is not 335 00:11:57,039 --> 00:12:00,340 part of the international law ? Well , 336 00:12:00,729 --> 00:12:02,840 so what are you suggesting ? What are 337 00:12:02,840 --> 00:12:05,007 you suggesting ? Huh ? What , what are 338 00:12:05,007 --> 00:12:07,062 you suggesting ? I'm suggesting that 339 00:12:07,062 --> 00:12:09,285 when you refer to this section from the 340 00:12:09,285 --> 00:12:13,030 UN , you're saying US was attacked 341 00:12:13,039 --> 00:12:15,380 by Houthis before the first strike , 342 00:12:15,669 --> 00:12:17,725 the international community has been 343 00:12:17,725 --> 00:12:19,891 attacked by Houthis and the US working 344 00:12:19,891 --> 00:12:21,836 alongside international allies and 345 00:12:21,836 --> 00:12:24,140 partners are working together to help 346 00:12:24,150 --> 00:12:26,390 deter degrade and disrupt their ability 347 00:12:26,400 --> 00:12:28,122 to conduct these attacks . You 348 00:12:28,122 --> 00:12:30,122 referenced something in the UN that 349 00:12:30,419 --> 00:12:32,586 does not apply to this situation prior 350 00:12:32,586 --> 00:12:35,179 to the January 1st wave of attacks in 351 00:12:35,190 --> 00:12:38,919 Yemen , I , I think that 352 00:12:38,929 --> 00:12:41,469 International Mariners uh have the 353 00:12:41,479 --> 00:12:43,270 ability or have the right to be 354 00:12:43,359 --> 00:12:45,369 defended transiting international 355 00:12:45,380 --> 00:12:47,979 waterways . Um So happy to engage with 356 00:12:47,989 --> 00:12:51,039 the offline . Um But I mean , 357 00:12:52,070 --> 00:12:55,799 but I'll come back to you , Tom . Uh 358 00:12:55,919 --> 00:12:58,086 Thanks General . Um Just going back to 359 00:12:58,530 --> 00:13:00,641 Hezbollah . Um You have a pro Iranian 360 00:13:00,641 --> 00:13:02,530 militia saying they're gonna pose 361 00:13:02,530 --> 00:13:04,641 attacks on the US forces and then you 362 00:13:04,641 --> 00:13:06,863 say actions speak louder than words . I 363 00:13:06,863 --> 00:13:06,669 just was wondering if you could talk a 364 00:13:06,679 --> 00:13:08,846 little bit about how that might change 365 00:13:08,846 --> 00:13:11,068 the calculus in the building . Um Would 366 00:13:11,068 --> 00:13:13,346 you be concerned that if you do strike ? 367 00:13:13,346 --> 00:13:15,401 Um Kh or any other groups , then you 368 00:13:15,401 --> 00:13:17,346 are escalating in the face of them 369 00:13:17,346 --> 00:13:19,568 saying they're standing down given that 370 00:13:19,568 --> 00:13:21,235 you've said repeat . Oh , the 371 00:13:21,235 --> 00:13:23,457 administration has said that you didn't 372 00:13:23,457 --> 00:13:25,623 seek to escalate . Yeah , thanks Tom . 373 00:13:25,623 --> 00:13:27,346 Um I'm just not gonna get into 374 00:13:27,346 --> 00:13:29,690 hypotheticals . Um And I'm going to 375 00:13:29,700 --> 00:13:33,330 refrain from editorializing on uh 376 00:13:33,400 --> 00:13:35,511 those kinds of comments after 100 and 377 00:13:35,511 --> 00:13:38,820 60 plus attacks against US forces , sir . 378 00:13:39,010 --> 00:13:41,450 So , but the same Christian calling the 379 00:13:41,460 --> 00:13:43,627 Trump's Christian . Do you welcome the 380 00:13:43,627 --> 00:13:46,500 Kata Hezbollah stateman for 381 00:13:46,909 --> 00:13:49,210 suspension of their attacks on your 382 00:13:49,219 --> 00:13:52,169 forces in Iraq ? Syria have already 383 00:13:52,270 --> 00:13:54,048 provided a comment on that . So 384 00:13:54,048 --> 00:13:56,214 yesterday , the Pentagon officials met 385 00:13:56,214 --> 00:13:58,159 with the Peshmerga forces in Iraqi 386 00:13:58,159 --> 00:14:00,214 Kurdistan and the committee reviewed 387 00:14:00,214 --> 00:14:02,214 the progress made towards Peshmerga 388 00:14:02,214 --> 00:14:04,381 reform . Could you speak of the nature 389 00:14:04,381 --> 00:14:06,548 of your cooperating with the Peshmerga 390 00:14:06,548 --> 00:14:08,659 forces and how you assess the reforms 391 00:14:08,659 --> 00:14:10,992 in the Peshmerga Ministry ? Yeah . Well , 392 00:14:10,992 --> 00:14:13,103 as you know , I mean , we have a long 393 00:14:13,103 --> 00:14:15,179 standing relationship um going back 394 00:14:15,190 --> 00:14:17,830 many years uh with the Peshmerga uh a 395 00:14:17,840 --> 00:14:21,140 as , as it pertains to its association 396 00:14:21,150 --> 00:14:23,372 with the Iraqi security forces . And so 397 00:14:23,419 --> 00:14:25,697 the statement that we posted yesterday , 398 00:14:25,697 --> 00:14:27,752 I think lays out what , what efforts 399 00:14:27,752 --> 00:14:29,863 are being made to further bolster and 400 00:14:29,863 --> 00:14:32,086 strengthen that relationship within the 401 00:14:32,086 --> 00:14:34,252 auspices of the government of Iraq and 402 00:14:34,252 --> 00:14:36,340 the Iraqi security forces . And so 403 00:14:36,349 --> 00:14:39,179 we'll continue to , to uh use that 404 00:14:39,190 --> 00:14:42,359 opportunity to help ensure that uh our 405 00:14:42,369 --> 00:14:44,091 uh Peshmerga partners have the 406 00:14:44,091 --> 00:14:46,200 capabilities . They need to support 407 00:14:46,210 --> 00:14:49,299 broader uh Iraqi security and stability . 408 00:14:49,510 --> 00:14:51,732 And , you know , when we have updates , 409 00:14:51,732 --> 00:14:53,843 we'll certainly pass that along . Let 410 00:14:53,843 --> 00:14:55,899 me go to the phone here real quick . 411 00:14:55,899 --> 00:14:58,177 Eric Schmidt , New York Times , uh Pat , 412 00:14:58,177 --> 00:14:58,130 can you give us a little bit of 413 00:14:58,140 --> 00:15:00,140 chronology on Sunday morning ? What 414 00:15:00,140 --> 00:15:02,362 time did this attack ? The drone attack 415 00:15:02,362 --> 00:15:04,969 take place ? How quickly were uh the 416 00:15:04,979 --> 00:15:07,239 most seriously injured ? Uh will they 417 00:15:07,250 --> 00:15:10,260 be uh were they medevaced to Iraq ? 418 00:15:10,700 --> 00:15:12,756 And um , and , and then just kind of 419 00:15:12,756 --> 00:15:14,969 looking ahead in terms of any 420 00:15:14,979 --> 00:15:17,770 additional air defenses that you may be 421 00:15:17,780 --> 00:15:19,891 uh moving to the region or realigning 422 00:15:19,891 --> 00:15:23,000 the region uh to do this to , to help 423 00:15:23,010 --> 00:15:25,066 protect forces in , in place there . 424 00:15:26,010 --> 00:15:28,066 Yeah , thanks , Eric on the , on the 425 00:15:28,066 --> 00:15:30,177 last question again . Um You know , I 426 00:15:30,177 --> 00:15:32,066 if we have details provide on the 427 00:15:32,066 --> 00:15:34,419 specific types of air defense systems 428 00:15:34,429 --> 00:15:37,909 that we uh would be moving into the the 429 00:15:37,919 --> 00:15:39,697 area , I don't have anything to 430 00:15:39,697 --> 00:15:41,863 announce right now . Other than to say 431 00:15:41,863 --> 00:15:43,863 again , central command is going to 432 00:15:43,863 --> 00:15:45,975 take and is taking necessary steps to 433 00:15:45,975 --> 00:15:48,197 ensure that our forces are protected uh 434 00:15:48,197 --> 00:15:50,252 As far as timelines . Um I will take 435 00:15:50,252 --> 00:15:50,169 that question and we'll come back to 436 00:15:50,179 --> 00:15:52,349 you . Uh Again , this , this attack 437 00:15:52,359 --> 00:15:55,789 happened uh Saturday night , our time , 438 00:15:55,809 --> 00:15:59,289 uh Sunday morning , uh Iraq time . Uh 439 00:15:59,299 --> 00:16:01,466 and again , we'll , we'll come back to 440 00:16:01,466 --> 00:16:03,632 you with what we're able to provide on 441 00:16:03,632 --> 00:16:05,869 that thought . I want to go back to the 442 00:16:05,880 --> 00:16:07,909 KH statement . It's , it's really 443 00:16:07,919 --> 00:16:11,140 unusual and some of the messages in 444 00:16:11,150 --> 00:16:14,159 this statement refer to uh suspension 445 00:16:14,169 --> 00:16:16,280 of these attacks . They don't want to 446 00:16:16,280 --> 00:16:18,113 basically embarrass the Sudanese 447 00:16:18,113 --> 00:16:20,225 government at the same time . They're 448 00:16:20,225 --> 00:16:22,929 saying Iran was not always happy by 449 00:16:22,940 --> 00:16:25,359 escalation against us forces . Would 450 00:16:25,369 --> 00:16:27,729 you credit the department and the 451 00:16:27,739 --> 00:16:31,489 administration at large pressure uh or 452 00:16:31,500 --> 00:16:34,250 messaging uh to Iran and Iraqi 453 00:16:34,260 --> 00:16:37,609 authorities as uh maybe uh uh a 454 00:16:37,619 --> 00:16:39,869 direct result for , for issuing such a 455 00:16:39,880 --> 00:16:43,059 statement . Again . Look , we've seen 456 00:16:43,070 --> 00:16:45,609 that and I'm just gonna stay where , 457 00:16:45,619 --> 00:16:47,700 where I was earlier , actions speak 458 00:16:47,710 --> 00:16:51,409 louder than words . So , OK . All right . 459 00:16:51,830 --> 00:16:53,941 Uh I just wanna be clear on a point . 460 00:16:53,941 --> 00:16:56,052 Part of your answer to Missy and part 461 00:16:56,052 --> 00:16:58,108 of your answer to Eric , you said to 462 00:16:58,108 --> 00:17:00,330 Missy , we will take steps to make sure 463 00:17:00,330 --> 00:16:59,690 our forces are protected . And you said , 464 00:16:59,700 --> 00:17:01,811 if we have something to announce , we 465 00:17:01,811 --> 00:17:03,756 will announce it . But I wanna ask 466 00:17:03,756 --> 00:17:05,978 specifically , you , you are adding air 467 00:17:05,978 --> 00:17:08,144 defense or force protection measures . 468 00:17:08,144 --> 00:17:10,200 You make it sound like there , there 469 00:17:10,200 --> 00:17:12,256 will be changes coming . And I , I'm 470 00:17:12,256 --> 00:17:14,478 saying that we will take necessary step 471 00:17:14,478 --> 00:17:16,478 steps to ensure that our forces are 472 00:17:16,478 --> 00:17:16,420 protected . I don't have any specifics 473 00:17:16,430 --> 00:17:18,541 to announce right now , but above and 474 00:17:18,541 --> 00:17:20,708 beyond the measures that are currently 475 00:17:20,708 --> 00:17:22,486 in place , we're , we're always 476 00:17:22,486 --> 00:17:24,810 assessing uh , force protection . Uh 477 00:17:24,829 --> 00:17:27,140 And so , you know , I'll just leave it 478 00:17:27,150 --> 00:17:30,050 broad like that , especially again in 479 00:17:30,060 --> 00:17:31,949 light of , uh , you know , recent 480 00:17:31,949 --> 00:17:34,439 events . Constantine . Thanks , Pat . 481 00:17:34,449 --> 00:17:37,630 Um , uh , the forces at tower 22 . Are 482 00:17:37,640 --> 00:17:39,862 they receiving hazardous duty incentive 483 00:17:39,862 --> 00:17:42,084 pay ? I'll have to take that question . 484 00:17:42,084 --> 00:17:44,251 My assumption is , yes , but I'll have 485 00:17:44,251 --> 00:17:46,473 to take that question . And then , um , 486 00:17:46,473 --> 00:17:48,584 my other question would be , are they 487 00:17:48,584 --> 00:17:50,640 eligible for combat action ribbons ? 488 00:17:50,640 --> 00:17:52,973 Again ? I want to take that one , Nancy . 489 00:17:52,973 --> 00:17:54,930 Um , um , Sabrina said that the 490 00:17:54,939 --> 00:17:56,883 secretary is going for a follow up 491 00:17:56,883 --> 00:17:59,050 appointment . Can you tell us what the 492 00:17:59,050 --> 00:18:01,217 status of that is ? And if , um , that 493 00:18:01,217 --> 00:18:04,010 means any changes to his health ? So he 494 00:18:04,020 --> 00:18:06,353 went to the appointment last night , uh , 495 00:18:06,353 --> 00:18:08,599 left the doctor's office , uh , as I 496 00:18:08,609 --> 00:18:10,776 understand it , this is part of his uh 497 00:18:10,776 --> 00:18:12,959 plan physical therapy . So , still 498 00:18:13,170 --> 00:18:15,349 recovering well , still healthy , uh 499 00:18:15,359 --> 00:18:17,415 still in the building . And then you 500 00:18:17,415 --> 00:18:19,359 mentioned that he was going to the 501 00:18:19,359 --> 00:18:21,359 dignified transfer on Friday . Will 502 00:18:21,359 --> 00:18:23,692 that be open , any part of that be open ? 503 00:18:23,692 --> 00:18:25,859 Uh So you can contact uh the Air Force 504 00:18:25,859 --> 00:18:28,430 mortuary operations . Uh They manage 505 00:18:28,439 --> 00:18:31,229 press access to the dignified transfer 506 00:18:31,239 --> 00:18:33,869 to my knowledge . Those are again uh up 507 00:18:33,880 --> 00:18:36,047 to the families , whether it's open or 508 00:18:36,047 --> 00:18:38,269 not . But um certainly you can put that 509 00:18:38,269 --> 00:18:40,491 request in with them . And um one other 510 00:18:40,491 --> 00:18:42,602 thing I didn't understand yesterday , 511 00:18:42,602 --> 00:18:44,969 there was some issue around filming um 512 00:18:44,979 --> 00:18:47,589 part of the arrival of Secretary 513 00:18:47,599 --> 00:18:49,266 Stoltenberg . Can you help me 514 00:18:49,266 --> 00:18:51,432 understand what the challenges were in 515 00:18:51,432 --> 00:18:53,543 terms of filming his actual arrival ? 516 00:18:53,543 --> 00:18:55,432 Why I'm not tracking any specific 517 00:18:55,432 --> 00:18:57,321 challenges ? So well , we weren't 518 00:18:57,321 --> 00:18:59,488 allowed as I understand it to film the 519 00:18:59,488 --> 00:19:02,900 walk up , but only at the um upstairs . 520 00:19:02,910 --> 00:19:05,132 I'm just trying to understand if that's 521 00:19:05,132 --> 00:19:07,359 a we followed normal protocol for a 522 00:19:07,369 --> 00:19:09,689 visit as I understand it by the NATO 523 00:19:09,699 --> 00:19:13,380 Secretary General . So typically does 524 00:19:13,390 --> 00:19:15,501 not because it's not a country , it's 525 00:19:15,501 --> 00:19:18,920 not uh afforded honors per se . So it 526 00:19:18,930 --> 00:19:20,652 was the standard arrival , the 527 00:19:20,652 --> 00:19:22,763 secretary arrived in the building per 528 00:19:22,763 --> 00:19:25,099 standard procedure and process and uh 529 00:19:25,109 --> 00:19:27,540 the pool because of the size of the 530 00:19:27,550 --> 00:19:29,699 room was invited uh to come in and 531 00:19:29,709 --> 00:19:33,030 cover the top of that meeting , right ? 532 00:19:33,040 --> 00:19:35,096 I'm just trying to understand , were 533 00:19:35,096 --> 00:19:37,262 they allowed to film the , the outside 534 00:19:37,262 --> 00:19:39,429 part , the arrival . I don't know that 535 00:19:39,429 --> 00:19:41,510 they were not about tracking anybody 536 00:19:41,520 --> 00:19:43,520 saying that they couldn't , we just 537 00:19:43,520 --> 00:19:45,687 followed normal procedure for any type 538 00:19:45,687 --> 00:19:49,589 of uh DV visit to the Pentagon ? Thanks , 539 00:19:50,020 --> 00:19:52,076 sir . Thank you . I have a couple in 540 00:19:52,076 --> 00:19:54,298 Ukraine then on Middle East . So do you 541 00:19:54,298 --> 00:19:56,709 have any updates on weapons deliveries 542 00:19:56,719 --> 00:20:00,119 to Ukraine under UC I um or some of the 543 00:20:00,130 --> 00:20:02,297 capabilities currently being delivered 544 00:20:02,297 --> 00:20:03,890 to Ukraine despite no PD A 545 00:20:03,900 --> 00:20:06,670 announcements . Um , no , no new PD A 546 00:20:06,680 --> 00:20:08,680 announcements . Of course , we were 547 00:20:08,680 --> 00:20:10,680 still standing by on a supplemental 548 00:20:10,680 --> 00:20:12,939 from , from Congress but UUC I 549 00:20:13,030 --> 00:20:14,808 deliveries that was , they were 550 00:20:14,808 --> 00:20:17,500 procured before that . Uh I , I don't 551 00:20:17,510 --> 00:20:19,454 have anything specific to announce 552 00:20:19,454 --> 00:20:21,621 right now . Of course , we're going to 553 00:20:21,621 --> 00:20:23,454 continue to work with Ukraine to 554 00:20:23,454 --> 00:20:25,510 deliver those capabilities . Uh , as 555 00:20:25,510 --> 00:20:27,677 they come online . Also , can you tell 556 00:20:27,677 --> 00:20:27,510 us more about the ongoing Inspector 557 00:20:27,520 --> 00:20:30,489 General's visit to Ukraine ? What they 558 00:20:30,500 --> 00:20:32,667 will be looking into ? Will they go to 559 00:20:32,667 --> 00:20:34,778 the front lines things ? I , I'd have 560 00:20:34,778 --> 00:20:37,000 to refer you to the Inspector General's 561 00:20:37,000 --> 00:20:39,056 office . Let me go back to the phone 562 00:20:39,056 --> 00:20:38,380 here . Uh , Jeff Schole task and 563 00:20:38,390 --> 00:20:42,310 purpose . Thank you . Um , 564 00:20:42,640 --> 00:20:46,040 the National Defense Authorization Act 565 00:20:46,050 --> 00:20:49,130 includes a lot of funding to replenish 566 00:20:49,140 --> 00:20:51,196 the defense department stockpiles of 567 00:20:51,196 --> 00:20:53,362 munitions like artillery shells and sm 568 00:20:53,362 --> 00:20:55,473 six missiles , but there can't be any 569 00:20:55,473 --> 00:20:58,155 new starts until passes a spending bill . 570 00:20:58,265 --> 00:21:01,114 So does the fact that the defense 571 00:21:01,125 --> 00:21:03,305 department is still on a continuing 572 00:21:03,314 --> 00:21:05,604 resolution mean that it hasn't been 573 00:21:05,614 --> 00:21:08,285 able to replenish or any of its stocks 574 00:21:08,295 --> 00:21:10,517 of shells and missiles or , or at least 575 00:21:10,517 --> 00:21:13,109 get started on new contracts . Yeah , 576 00:21:13,119 --> 00:21:15,230 thanks Jeff . You're , you're talking 577 00:21:15,230 --> 00:21:17,849 about in terms of Ukraine or just in 578 00:21:17,859 --> 00:21:21,819 general for the , for the , each 579 00:21:21,829 --> 00:21:24,329 of the services , uh has funding for 580 00:21:24,339 --> 00:21:27,170 shells , missiles to , uh especially 581 00:21:27,180 --> 00:21:29,180 considering that so many have been 582 00:21:29,189 --> 00:21:31,245 given to Ukraine . This is the , the 583 00:21:31,245 --> 00:21:33,578 ammunition build up for the US military . 584 00:21:33,578 --> 00:21:35,689 Yeah . So I'd , I'd refer you to each 585 00:21:35,689 --> 00:21:37,689 of the services to talk about their 586 00:21:37,689 --> 00:21:39,800 current status . But as you highlight 587 00:21:39,800 --> 00:21:41,967 during a continuing resolution , uh we 588 00:21:41,967 --> 00:21:44,245 are limited uh in terms of uh you know , 589 00:21:44,245 --> 00:21:46,356 in , in many ways , in terms of being 590 00:21:46,356 --> 00:21:49,239 able to uh extend contracts , uh it 591 00:21:49,250 --> 00:21:51,439 disrupts training , uh delays , 592 00:21:51,449 --> 00:21:53,616 maintenance and imposes uncertainty on 593 00:21:53,616 --> 00:21:55,838 the workforce . So , uh again , each of 594 00:21:55,838 --> 00:21:57,727 the services can talk about their 595 00:21:57,727 --> 00:21:59,782 individual impacts . Uh Let me go to 596 00:21:59,782 --> 00:22:01,939 Phil Stewart Reuters . Hey there . 597 00:22:01,949 --> 00:22:04,005 Thanks at the White House today . Uh 598 00:22:04,005 --> 00:22:06,227 There was uh some talk that there would 599 00:22:06,227 --> 00:22:08,338 be a , a tiered response to the drone 600 00:22:08,338 --> 00:22:10,689 strike in , in Jordan . Uh And that 601 00:22:10,699 --> 00:22:12,866 could be multiple actions instead of a 602 00:22:12,866 --> 00:22:15,032 single action . Could you just confirm 603 00:22:15,032 --> 00:22:17,143 that , that you're expecting a tiered 604 00:22:17,143 --> 00:22:19,199 response with multiple actions ? And 605 00:22:19,199 --> 00:22:21,310 then secondly , on the , on the uh kh 606 00:22:21,310 --> 00:22:23,477 statement , I mean , could , could you 607 00:22:23,477 --> 00:22:22,689 go for a little more , I mean , what do 608 00:22:22,699 --> 00:22:24,866 you mean by actually speak louder than 609 00:22:24,866 --> 00:22:26,866 words ? You are you , you would you 610 00:22:26,866 --> 00:22:28,921 like to see them make good on this , 611 00:22:28,921 --> 00:22:30,588 this uh promise to suspend uh 612 00:22:30,588 --> 00:22:32,588 operations on us forces . Could you 613 00:22:32,588 --> 00:22:34,810 just elaborate what you meant by that ? 614 00:22:34,810 --> 00:22:34,640 Thanks . Yeah , thanks , Phil . Um on 615 00:22:34,650 --> 00:22:36,594 your , on your first question . Uh 616 00:22:36,594 --> 00:22:38,372 again , we're , we're not gonna 617 00:22:38,372 --> 00:22:40,594 telegraph or discuss details associated 618 00:22:40,594 --> 00:22:42,819 with any future operations . Um And 619 00:22:42,829 --> 00:22:46,060 again , on , on uh the , the statement 620 00:22:46,260 --> 00:22:48,599 that's out there . You , you know , I , 621 00:22:48,609 --> 00:22:50,553 I don't think we could be any more 622 00:22:50,553 --> 00:22:53,140 clear uh that we have called on the 623 00:22:53,150 --> 00:22:55,500 Iranian proxy groups to stop their 624 00:22:55,510 --> 00:22:59,459 attacks . Uh They have not . Uh And so 625 00:22:59,469 --> 00:23:02,020 uh we will respond in a time and manner 626 00:23:02,030 --> 00:23:04,489 of our choosing . Uh when I say actions 627 00:23:04,500 --> 00:23:07,459 speak louder than words . Um You know , 628 00:23:07,890 --> 00:23:10,540 there has been three attacks to my 629 00:23:10,550 --> 00:23:13,739 knowledge uh since the 28th of January . 630 00:23:14,229 --> 00:23:16,900 Uh and I'll just leave it there . Ok . 631 00:23:17,400 --> 00:23:19,400 Got time for just a few more here . 632 00:23:19,400 --> 00:23:21,456 Let's go to Howard Altman War Zone . 633 00:23:21,599 --> 00:23:23,760 Thanks Pat uh a couple of questions . 634 00:23:23,770 --> 00:23:27,699 One . Do you have you um can 635 00:23:27,709 --> 00:23:29,931 you confirm the political reporting and 636 00:23:29,931 --> 00:23:32,098 I have the uh ground to launch a small 637 00:23:32,098 --> 00:23:34,098 diameter bomb could be delivered to 638 00:23:34,098 --> 00:23:36,349 Ukraine as , as soon as tomorrow ? And 639 00:23:36,359 --> 00:23:38,699 then has the Pentagon been informed by 640 00:23:38,709 --> 00:23:41,640 Ukraine of any change at the top of its 641 00:23:41,650 --> 00:23:43,594 uh command ? There's been a lot of 642 00:23:43,594 --> 00:23:45,817 discussion about generals delusion , he 643 00:23:45,817 --> 00:23:48,039 being replaced . Has , has Ukraine said 644 00:23:48,039 --> 00:23:50,150 anything definitive to the Pentagon ? 645 00:23:50,150 --> 00:23:52,317 Yeah , thanks Howard . Uh on , on your 646 00:23:52,317 --> 00:23:54,094 latter question there . I'm not 647 00:23:54,094 --> 00:23:56,428 tracking any changes . Obviously , it's , 648 00:23:56,428 --> 00:23:58,483 it's for Ukraine to discuss their uh 649 00:23:58,483 --> 00:24:00,719 internal uh domestic affairs . Um As 650 00:24:00,729 --> 00:24:04,540 far as the um small diameter bomb , as 651 00:24:04,550 --> 00:24:06,869 we acknowledged last year , uh We will 652 00:24:06,880 --> 00:24:09,270 provide Ukraine with the ground launch 653 00:24:09,280 --> 00:24:11,729 small diameter bomb uh as part of our U 654 00:24:11,739 --> 00:24:14,469 SI A or USA I funded security 655 00:24:14,479 --> 00:24:17,099 assistance efforts . Um However , due 656 00:24:17,109 --> 00:24:19,220 to operation security reasons , we're 657 00:24:19,220 --> 00:24:21,553 not going to confirm specific timelines . 658 00:24:21,553 --> 00:24:23,609 We'll defer to Ukraine to talk about 659 00:24:23,609 --> 00:24:25,553 any delivery . Uh But we do , as I 660 00:24:25,553 --> 00:24:27,609 mentioned , continue to work closely 661 00:24:27,609 --> 00:24:29,831 with Ukraine with our industry partners 662 00:24:29,831 --> 00:24:31,998 to ensure that Ukraine receives and is 663 00:24:31,998 --> 00:24:34,109 ready to use the capabilities uh that 664 00:24:34,109 --> 00:24:36,331 we're delivering to them and as quickly 665 00:24:36,331 --> 00:24:38,800 as possible . Thanks . Sure . So 666 00:24:38,810 --> 00:24:40,609 recognizing there's an ongoing 667 00:24:40,619 --> 00:24:42,869 investigation into it . Is there any 668 00:24:42,880 --> 00:24:45,102 indication at this point with the drone 669 00:24:45,102 --> 00:24:47,140 attack that this was a result of a 670 00:24:47,150 --> 00:24:50,449 technology failure or gap or versus 671 00:24:50,459 --> 00:24:53,079 human error in terms of recognizing 672 00:24:53,089 --> 00:24:55,369 what the technology and information was 673 00:24:55,380 --> 00:24:57,380 saying ? Again , I I appreciate the 674 00:24:57,380 --> 00:24:59,890 question . Um S com is looking into all 675 00:24:59,900 --> 00:25:02,229 of that . The other aspect of this uh 676 00:25:02,239 --> 00:25:04,819 which , which I know you all appreciate 677 00:25:05,020 --> 00:25:07,359 uh is the operations force protection 678 00:25:07,369 --> 00:25:10,709 aspect in terms of um you know , 679 00:25:10,839 --> 00:25:13,280 vulnerabilities . It's not something we 680 00:25:13,290 --> 00:25:15,346 would uh talk about . Certainly from 681 00:25:15,346 --> 00:25:17,512 the podium here , all that to say , uh 682 00:25:17,512 --> 00:25:19,568 we do recognize and , and appreciate 683 00:25:19,568 --> 00:25:21,734 the interest and I I can tell you that 684 00:25:21,734 --> 00:25:23,790 Syncom is looking into all of that . 685 00:25:23,790 --> 00:25:26,670 Yes , ma'am . Uh Do you have any 686 00:25:26,680 --> 00:25:29,189 concern that while you are responding 687 00:25:29,199 --> 00:25:31,390 to this attack , any party , whether 688 00:25:31,400 --> 00:25:34,670 it's ally or adversary would exploit 689 00:25:34,680 --> 00:25:37,150 this situation to their benefit ? And 690 00:25:37,380 --> 00:25:40,079 did you convey any message to that 691 00:25:40,089 --> 00:25:43,739 effect ? Um I'm , I'm not sure I 692 00:25:43,750 --> 00:25:46,083 understand uh what , what you're asking . 693 00:25:48,869 --> 00:25:51,079 Do you have any concern why you are 694 00:25:51,089 --> 00:25:53,170 responding to that attack to this 695 00:25:53,180 --> 00:25:55,209 attack on the American on American 696 00:25:55,219 --> 00:25:58,339 troops in Jordan , that any party , 697 00:25:58,349 --> 00:26:01,650 whether it's a lie or would exploit 698 00:26:01,660 --> 00:26:04,209 this situation to their own benefit . 699 00:26:04,219 --> 00:26:06,275 You've been saying you don't want to 700 00:26:06,275 --> 00:26:09,089 widen this war . And did you convey any 701 00:26:09,099 --> 00:26:11,579 message to any party speaking here 702 00:26:11,589 --> 00:26:15,130 specifically about Lebanon again ? 703 00:26:15,140 --> 00:26:19,069 Um You know , we are not , 704 00:26:19,079 --> 00:26:21,301 first of all taking a step back looking 705 00:26:21,301 --> 00:26:23,135 at the broader region , we fully 706 00:26:23,135 --> 00:26:25,246 recognize the tensions right now that 707 00:26:25,246 --> 00:26:27,540 are in the Middle East from the very 708 00:26:27,550 --> 00:26:29,828 beginning of the Israel Hamas conflict . 709 00:26:29,828 --> 00:26:31,994 We've been very clear that we're going 710 00:26:31,994 --> 00:26:34,106 to work very hard with our allies and 711 00:26:34,106 --> 00:26:36,328 our partners in the region to prevent a 712 00:26:36,328 --> 00:26:38,959 broader conflict when it comes to the 713 00:26:38,969 --> 00:26:41,790 situation in Iraq and Syria and Jordan , 714 00:26:42,109 --> 00:26:44,839 uh our troops were attacked and three 715 00:26:44,849 --> 00:26:47,071 US service members were killed and over 716 00:26:47,071 --> 00:26:50,199 40 wounded . Um The president and the 717 00:26:50,209 --> 00:26:52,209 Secretary of both said that we will 718 00:26:52,209 --> 00:26:54,153 respond in a time and place of our 719 00:26:54,153 --> 00:26:56,320 choosing . Uh I'm again , not gonna go 720 00:26:56,320 --> 00:26:58,819 into details of , of what that could 721 00:26:58,829 --> 00:27:00,773 look like other than the fact that 722 00:27:00,773 --> 00:27:02,829 there will be consequences and , and 723 00:27:02,829 --> 00:27:04,829 I'm just gonna again leave it right 724 00:27:04,829 --> 00:27:06,839 there . Nancy . Last question you 725 00:27:07,020 --> 00:27:08,687 mentioned earlier that Sun is 726 00:27:08,687 --> 00:27:10,853 investigating . Can you tell us who is 727 00:27:10,853 --> 00:27:12,964 investigating ? Is there one person ? 728 00:27:12,964 --> 00:27:14,909 Can you give us some ? We've heard 729 00:27:14,909 --> 00:27:17,076 several references to the , you know , 730 00:27:17,076 --> 00:27:19,131 term of art here . I I would not use 731 00:27:19,131 --> 00:27:21,020 the word investigation there . Uh 732 00:27:21,020 --> 00:27:22,520 review it . Um Of course , 733 00:27:22,520 --> 00:27:26,165 investigation uh has a specific uh you 734 00:27:26,175 --> 00:27:28,286 know , connotation . Obviously , it's 735 00:27:28,286 --> 00:27:30,425 up to centcom whether or not uh they 736 00:27:30,435 --> 00:27:32,657 open a formal investigation . Typically 737 00:27:32,657 --> 00:27:34,768 after any type of incident , there is 738 00:27:34,768 --> 00:27:36,435 always some type of review or 739 00:27:36,435 --> 00:27:39,145 investigation . But my point is uh you 740 00:27:39,155 --> 00:27:42,305 know , us central command uh and 741 00:27:42,979 --> 00:27:45,035 leaders within the command are , are 742 00:27:45,035 --> 00:27:46,868 looking at this . I don't have a 743 00:27:46,868 --> 00:27:48,923 specific name to pass along to you , 744 00:27:48,923 --> 00:27:51,146 but I can tell you we're taking it very 745 00:27:51,146 --> 00:27:53,201 seriously , right ? But we heard the 746 00:27:53,201 --> 00:27:55,423 term yesterday . So what you're telling 747 00:27:55,423 --> 00:27:54,890 us is there's not one person who's 748 00:27:54,900 --> 00:27:57,069 looking into this . Is there some sort 749 00:27:57,079 --> 00:27:59,359 of like , I don't know . Um There's no 750 00:27:59,369 --> 00:28:01,699 like 15 , there's no kind of , I have 751 00:28:01,709 --> 00:28:04,239 to get back to you on that , Nancy . Ok . 752 00:28:04,270 --> 00:28:06,159 Thank you very much . Everybody . 753 00:28:06,159 --> 00:28:05,800 Appreciate it .