Zelenskyy, Austin urge continued US support for Ukraine in final meeting
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used their final high-profile meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany to emphasize the need for continued international support for Ukraine. Addressing leaders from about 50 nations at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, Austin warned that reducing military aid could lead to greater instability and urged unwavering support.
“No responsible leader would let Putin have his way,” Austin said.
Without directly addressing President-elect Donald Trump’s policies, Austin stressed the importance of continued support for Ukraine to maintain the rules-based international order. He added that halting military aid now would invite “more aggression, chaos, and war.”
“I’m leaving this contact group, not with a farewell, but with a challenge. The coalition to support Ukraine must not flinch. It must not falter, and it must not fail. Ukraine’s survival is on the line. But so is all of our security,” Austin said.
Austin acknowledged uncertainty surrounding the incoming administration’s approach but pointed to the coalition’s progress and urged leaders to remain committed.
Zelenskyy echoed these concerns, framing Ukraine’s fight as a broader defense of sovereignty.
“No matter what’s going on in the world, everyone wants to feel sure that their country will not just be erased off the map,” Zelenskyy said.
In its final weeks, the Biden administration focused on bolstering Ukraine’s defenses. A recently approved $500 million weapons package includes air defense missiles, sustainment equipment for F-16 fighter jets and other critical supplies. The Pentagon is working to deliver the aid before Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
US troops in Syria essential to prevent ISIS resurgence: Defense secretary
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the continued deployment of American forces in Syria is necessary to block the Islamic State (ISIS) from resurging and destabilizing the region. Speaking at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on Wednesday, Jan. 8, Austin stressed the role of approximately 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria, particularly in overseeing detention camps that hold tens of thousands of ISIS fighters and their families.
Austin cautioned that without the U.S. presence, ISIS fighters could reenter society and pose a renewed threat.
Estimates indicate there are between 8,000 and 10,000 ISIS fighters in these camps, with at least 2,000 classified as highly dangerous.
“I think that we still have some work to do in terms of keeping a foot on the throat of ISIS,” Austin said.
Since 2015, U.S. forces have worked alongside the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to combat ISIS. While the SDF has been instrumental in countering ISIS, it faces mounting challenges following the December collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Turkey views the SDF as an affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group Ankara designates as a terrorist organization.
Turkey issued warnings of military action unless Kurdish forces withdraw from key border areas. Ankara-backed forces recently seized the town of Manbij, further complicating the SDF’s ability to manage over 10,000 ISIS detainees under its custody.
Fear of ISIS resurgence drives support of US troops in Syria
SDF Commander Gen. Mazloum Abdi called for continued U.S. support, warning that a withdrawal could enable ISIS to regain strength and destabilize the region.
Abdi referenced a recent ISIS-inspired attack in New Orleans as evidence of the group’s persistent threat.
“The key factor of stabilization in this area is the U.S. presence on the ground,” Abdi said.
Discussions remain ongoing about the establishment of a U.S. and French-led demilitarized zone along the Turkey-Syria border to de-escalate tensions between Turkish forces and the SDF.
French officials, including Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, voiced strong support for Kurdish forces, emphasizing their vital role in combating ISIS.
Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken also stressed the importance of the SDF’s work in guarding thousands of ISIS detainees, calling it a critical security interest for both the U.S. and Turkey.
Future of US troops in Syria uncertain
The long-term presence of U.S. troops in Syria remains uncertain as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.
During his first term, Trump proposed withdrawing U.S. forces from Syria. This lead to a Turkish offensive against Kurdish territories and the resignation of then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.
Trump has not yet announced specific plans for Syria, leaving questions about the U.S. role in the region unanswered.
Sec. Austin to announce billions in Ukraine military aid in Germany
The Biden administration is preparing what could be one of its final major weapons packages for Ukraine. This comes as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin heads to Germany this week for a critical meeting with international allies.
Austin is expected to announce the aid during the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base on Thursday, Jan. 9. It remains unclear whether the coalition, established under Austin’s leadership, will continue under the incoming Trump administration.
Officials anticipate the new package will total several billion dollars and will be sourced from existing U.S. military stockpiles for rapid delivery. The aid is expected to include critical equipment such as air defense systems, artillery and armored vehicles.
While substantial, the package will not deplete the approximately $4 billion remaining in congressionally authorized funding for Ukraine. Defense officials have indicated that “more than a couple of billion dollars” will likely be left for the incoming administration to allocate as it deems appropriate.
In recent weeks, the Biden administration has expedited nearly $6 billion in military and economic aid to Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently announced $3.4 billion in economic support to sustain Ukraine’s government operations, schools and emergency services, alongside $2.5 billion in security assistance to address immediate defense needs.
Since 2022, the U.S. has provided $66 billion of the $126 billion in total aid contributed by international allies. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group, comprising 50 nations, has played a pivotal role in coordinating this support.
Established by Austin after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the group has focused on delivering training, equipment and financial assistance to bolster Ukraine’s defenses.
As the conflict approaches its third year, both Ukraine and Russia are seeking strategic gains before the U.S. presidential transition on Jan. 20. Ukraine continues to face relentless missile strikes and aerial attacks from Russia, while simultaneously launching a second offensive in the Kursk region.
Transition discussions between the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump’s team have addressed the future of U.S. aid to Ukraine. While Trump has pledged to end the war, he has acknowledged that achieving such a goal will likely be complex.
Biden administration asks federal appeals court to block 9/11 plea deals
The Biden administration asked a federal appeals court to block a plea agreement for accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. The controversial deal would spare Mohammed from the death penalty for his role in planning the terror attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
The deadly attack rocked the U.S. and began the war on terrorism.
In court filings Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Justice Department argued the government would be irreparably harmed if the guilty pleas were accepted for Mohammed and two co-defendants in the 9/11 attacks.
It said the government would be denied a chance for a public trial and the opportunity to “seek capital punishment against three men charged with a heinous act of mass murder that caused the death of thousands of people and shocked the nation and the world.”
However, attorneys for the defendants argued the deal was already legally in effect and that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who began the administration’s efforts to throw it out, acted too late.
Mohammed is set to enter his guilty plea on Friday, Jan. 10, if the appeal is not granted. His co-defendants, accused of lesser roles in 9/11, are due to enter theirs next week.
Wildfires force thousands to evacuate Southern California
Three massive wildfires are burning out of control in Southern California, putting thousands of homes at risk. And President-elect Donald Trump shares his plans to acquire Greenland, the Panama Canal and bring Canada as the 51st state. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.
Southern California wildfires force thousands to evacuate
Three separate wildfires are burning in the Los Angeles, California, area, and there is no end in sight, as strong winds are fueling the flames. The most extreme of the three is the Palisades Fire, which spans nearly 3,000 acres and has already forced 30,000 residents to evacuate.
Cities surrounding Pacific Palisades, including Malibu, issued evacuation orders. Officials there told all residents to prepare to leave their homes, whether they were under evacuation orders or not since the inferno was moving so quickly.
All hands are on deck to fight the #PalisadesFire in Southern California. California is deeply grateful for the brave firefighters & first responders battling the blaze.
We will continue to mobilize resources and support local communities as they respond to this severe weather. pic.twitter.com/JZrYy85e4z
The neighboring city of Santa Monica also issued an evacuation order for the northern part of the city. It also closed the area to the public, warning of an immediate threat to life.
As thousands of firefighters continue to battle the flames, authorities work to find the fire’s cause.
A second wildfire, dubbed the Eaton Fire, burns near Pasadena. A city spokeswoman said it has “created its own firestorm” with flying embers igniting at least a dozen other spot fires.
So far, the Eaton Fire has consumed about 1,000 acres. It engulfed homes and forced more than 100 people to evacuate from a nursing home — some in wheelchairs and on gurneys. A federal disaster declaration is now in effect for the Eaton Fire.
Crews are also battling the Hurst Fire about 100 acres in the San Fernando Valley, which is in the northern part of Los Angeles County. The Hurst Fire also prompted evacuation orders.
The Los Angeles County canceled schools in 19 districts Wednesday, Jan. 8. Plus, more than 200,000 people are without access to power, either because of the powerful Santa Ana winds or because a utility provider turned off electricity to prevent additional fires.
The forecast called for the winds to continue for days, producing gusts that could top 100 miles per hour in the mountains and foothills.
Biden administration asks federal appeals court to block 9/11 plea deals
The Biden administration asked a federal appeals court to block a plea agreement for accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. The controversial deal would spare Mohammed from the death penalty for his role in planning the terror attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
The deadly attack rocked the U.S. and began the war on terrorism.
In court filings Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Justice Department argued the government would be irreparably harmed if the guilty pleas were accepted for Mohammed and two co-defendants in the 9/11 attacks.
It said the government would be denied a chance for a public trial and the opportunity to “seek capital punishment against three men charged with a heinous act of mass murder that caused the death of thousands of people and shocked the nation and the world.”
The Defense Department negotiated and approved the plea deal but later revoked it.
However, attorneys for the defendants argued the deal was already legally in effect and that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who began the administration’s efforts to throw it out, acted too late.
Mohammed is set to enter his guilty plea on Friday, Jan. 10, if the appeal is not granted. His co-defendants, accused of lesser roles in 9/11, are due to enter theirs next week.
Harris, Johnson deliver eulogies for President Jimmy Carter
The 39th president died last week at the age of 100.
Carter’s body had been lying in repose since Saturday, Jan. 5, at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta before being transported Tuesday morning to Washington D.C.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson each delivered a eulogy during Tuesday’s ceremony
“We all know that his care for humanity didn’t stop at building homes,” Johnson said. “In the face of illness, President Jimmy Carter brought lifesaving medicine. In the face of conflict, he brokered peace. In the face of discrimination, he reminded us that we are all made in the image of God. If you were to ask him why he did it all, he would likely point to his faith.”
Harris highlighted Carter’s faith. She said, “James Earl Carter, Jr. loved our country. He lived his faith. He served the people. And he left the world better than he found it.”
Carter’s body will lie in state through Thursday morning, Jan. 9, and then be taken to the National Cathedral for a state funeral. Biden is expected to deliver a eulogy.
Trump suggests using military, economic force to expand America
In a wide-ranging press conference from Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump touched on a bunch of topics, including a $20 billion foreign investment to build data centers in the U.S. He also talked about his plans to revoke Biden’s recent ban on offshore oil and natural gas drilling as well as expansion strategies for the United States.
Trump reiterated his goals of acquiring the Panama Canal, which has been under Panama’s sole control since 1999, and Greenland, a territory of Denmark.
Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., is leading an American delegation currently in Greenland, though the country’s prime minister said he is there as “a private individual.”
The Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen responded to Trump’s remarks Tuesday, saying Greenland was not for sale.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede reiterated this point, saying “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders. Our future and fight for independence is our business.”
A reporter asked the president-elect if he can assure that he would not use any military force to take control of either the Panama Canal or Greenland.
“I can’t assure you, you’re talking about Panama and Greenland,” Trump replied. “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two but, I can say this we need them for economic security. The Panama Canal was built for a military. I’m not going to commit to that now.”
In response to those remarks, the prime minister of Denmark called the United States its country’s “closest ally” and did not believe the U.S. would use any force to secure Greenland. Panama’s foreign minister repeated earlier comments from the country’s president that the sovereignty of the Panama Canal is not negotiable.
“[I’d use] economic force because Canada and the United States — that would really be something,” he said. “You get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like. It would also be much better for national security. Don’t forget, we basically protect Canada.”
Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued his response in a post on X saying, “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.”The president-elect also spoke of one more geographical goal of his in the upcoming term: to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, saying it “has a beautiful ring to it.”
Not long after his remarks, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia said she directed her staff to begin drafting legislation for the name change.
Police: Former soldier used AI to plan Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion attack
New details are emerging about the man who blew up a Tesla Cybertruck outside Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day. Las Vegas police said Tuesday the attacker used generative AI, including ChatGPT to plan the attack.
An investigation into former soldier Matthew Livelsberger, 37, found his search history on ChatGPT included questions about firearms and explosives. Straight Arrow News reporter Lauren Taylor has more details on the investigation into the Cybertruck explosion.
Girl Scout cookie season begins, 2 flavors discontinued
Girl Scout cookie season has arrived. The annual tradition is meant to teach young girls about entrepreneurial skills through selling boxes of cookies.
Almost everyone has a favorite, of course, but if yours is Girl Scout S’mores or Toast-Yay! Cookies — bad news. The Girl Scouts plan to retire those two flavors later this year.
The organization said discontinuing those two flavors may lead to something new and delicious.
Mystery drone sightings: New Jersey requests assistance from Pentagon
New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith, R, requested U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin provide a state military base with the tools it needs to take down mystery drones spotted across the Garden State. Authorities spotted unmanned aerial systems by the dozen over sensitive security locations and critical infrastructure.
“This is a national security issue of the highest order and people need to have their concerns, which are very well founded, and I have them too, allayed,” Smith told Straight Arrow News.
Between 12 and 30 drones followed a 47-foot Coast Guard ship while running near Barnegat inlet, Smith said.
“Don’t tell me that’s not some kind of intimidation,” he added.
Smith asks Pentagon for help
Smith wrote a letter to Austin, requesting his assistance.
“I urgently request all capabilities possessed by the Department of Defense, especially those in use by Joint Base McQuire-Dix-Lakehurst to be immediately deployed to identify and address the potential threats posed by UAS over the state of New Jersey.”
New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith in a letter to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst can identify and take down unauthorized drones, but the base commander told Smith he doesn’t have the authority to do so.
Federal government remains silent
Smith expressed disappointment toward the federal government for the lack of response. He said the U.S. Coast Guard told him they do not have any rules of engagement for the encounters.
The Department of Homeland Security is failing to do its job, Smith said.
The New Jersey lawmaker spoke with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), but the organization was unable to explain.
National security a top concern
Lawmakers at the state and federal level are concerned the drones could be a threat to national security.
There are multiple sensitive locations in New Jersey, including Joint Base McQuire-Dix and Naval Weapons Stations Earle. The naval station provides guns, artillery and explosives for the Atlantic fleet carrier and expeditionary strike groups.
Smith said the federal government shouldn’t ignore these mystery drone sightings, especially amid ongoing threats from China, Russia, Iran and other Middle Eastern countries.
“Drones are the method of modern warfare,” Smith said. “It’s the game changer.”
A New Jersey state senator called for a limited state of emergency that would ban all drones until the public receives an explanation.
Taiwan on alert as China deploys 90 ships in military exercise
Taiwan is reporting one of the largest Chinese naval deployments near its waters in recent months, with nearly 90 vessels and reserved airspace zones near the island sparking fresh concerns about regional security and military posturing. The seven airspace zones are near its Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, which Taiwan said could signal upcoming military exercises.
Taiwan is on high alert after China deploys naval fleets and coastguard vessels for military exercises across a broad swath of region's waters pic.twitter.com/oNyxBUMnjB
These zones will remain active until Wednesday, Dec. 11, though China has not announced specific tests or drills.
Taiwan described these moves as “unilateral provocations” intended to intimidate the region. Officials said Chinese aircraft and balloons have also been spotted over the Taiwan Strait. In response, Taiwan’s military initiated combat readiness exercises and is closely monitoring the situation.
Chinese state media suggest the maneuvers follow Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent trip to Guam and Hawaii. Beijing opposes any official interactions between Taiwan and the United States, calling such engagements an infringement on its sovereignty.
China continues to view Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out using force to assert control. Taipei accuses Beijing of using “grey-zone tactics,” such as frequent military patrols, to pressure the island without escalating to direct conflict.
Austin downplayed the possibility of an imminent attack on Taiwan but emphasized China’s intent and growing capability to challenge international norms.
“There’s a lot of speculation about when Mr. Xi will decide to do one thing or another,” Austin said. ” would just say from my vantage point at this point in time, I don’t think, you know, an attack is either imminent or unavoidable. So, again, our goal is to make sure that we continue to work with like-minded partners and allies to ensure that we maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. And we’ve been pretty successful at that thus far.”
US military judge upholds plea agreements for 9/11 masterminds
A military judge ruled Wednesday, Nov. 6, that plea agreements struck by alleged Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two co-defendants are valid. This voids an order by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to throw out the deals.
The ruling by Air Force Col. Matthew McCall means the three defendants could soon enter guilty pleas, taking a dramatic step toward wrapping up the long-running prosecution in one of the deadliest attacks on the United States.
The plea agreements would spare the defendants the risk of the death penalty in exchange for the guilty pleas. Government prosecutors had negotiated the deals with defense attorneys under government auspices. The top official for the military commission at the Guantanamo Bay naval base had approved the agreements.
Austin had attempted to nullify the agreements, citing the need for the defense secretary’s approval in possible death penalty cases tied to one of the gravest crimes ever carried out on U.S. soil.
McCall’s 29-page ruling concludes Austin lacked the legal authority to toss out the plea deals. The ruling also calls the timing of Austin’s move “fatal,” coming after Guantanamo’s top official already had approved the deals.
Abiding by Austin’s order would give defense secretaries “absolute veto power” over any act they disagree with, McCall wrote. That would be contrary to the independence of the presiding official over the Guantanamo trials.
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said the Pentagon is reviewing the decision but had no further comment.
Families of some of the victims and others oppose the plea deals, seeking trial and possible death sentences.
The prosecution has faced delays and legal difficulties, including years of ongoing pretrial hearings to determine the admissibility of statements by the defendants given their years of torture in CIA custody.
The CIA’s destruction of videos of interrogations and the question of whether Austin’s plea deal reversal constituted unlawful interference are among the issues likely to be raised in any death penalty appeals.
Additionally, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit would likely hear arguments on whether the torture of the men tainted subsequent interrogations by “clean teams” of FBI agents that didn’t involve violence.
At least 30 killed, including children, after Israel targets weapons facility in Gaza
At least 30 people are dead after Israeli strikes in the northern Gaza region. One of the strikes included a home where displaced families were sheltering.
Palestinian health officials said 10 people were killed in a strike early Tuesday, Nov. 5, including four children. This followed a different strike late Monday night, Nov. 4, that left at least 20 people dead, including six children.
The Israeli military said the strikes were targeting a weapons storage facility. IDF officials said “numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians.”
The strikes came as the United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNRWA) said Israel started letting fewer aid trucks into Gaza. U.N. officials said this is making shortages of food, medicine and other essentials worse. However, Israel denied that claim.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration is pushing Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. According to the State Department, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reviewed actions Israel has taken to increase aid and told the country’s defense minister more needed to be done.
It comes more than three weeks after the United States warned it would consider restricting weapons transfers to Israel if it didn’t take steps to improve conditions for civilians in Gaza. That includes allowing at least 350 aid trucks in per day and taking humanitarian pauses to enable aid deliveries.
Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin gave Israel 30 days to make significant improvements or risk losing crucial military aid from the U.S.
Pentagon confirms North Korean military presence in Russia
The U.S. government confirmed that members of the North Korean military are now in Russia, though their exact mission remains unclear. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed that while there is evidence of North Korean forces on Russian soil, their specific role is still being evaluated.
This marks the first official U.S. confirmation following earlier accusations from Ukraine and South Korea that North Korea was sending troops to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine. NATO and allied nations are now closely monitoring the situation.
“What exactly they’re doing is left to be seen,” Austin said.
He added that if North Korean troops are directly involved in combat, it would represent a serious escalation with global implications, affecting not just Europe but also the Indo-Pacific region.
The deployment of North Korean forces raises further questions about the state of Russia’s military. Austin suggested this move could signal deeper vulnerabilities in Russia’s war effort, as Moscow increasingly relies on external allies like Iran and North Korea for support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously shared intelligence that up to 12,000 North Korean troops could be joining Russian forces.
