DOD Addresses Middle East, Indo-Pacific Conflicts, Support For Ukraine
Pentagon "Actively engaged in our objectives related to the current situation in the Middle East region, which is to protect U.S. forces and citizens, support Israel's inherent right to defend itself"
WASHINGTON - Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Major General Pat Ryder held an on-camera press briefing on December 12th addressing the Pentagon's support for Ukraine regarding its right to defend itself against attacks by Russia, support which he stated is "unshakeable", adding that the United States has committed over $44 billion in security assistance to the country. He also addressed the situation in the Middle East. On December 11th he held an off-camera press briefing.
Topics discussed during the on-camera press briefing included:
Washington's Support For Ukraine
Israel/Hamas Conflict In The Middle East
Recent Houthi Attacks From Yemen
Hijacking In Somali
Release Of Hostages By Hamas
CV-22 Osprey Recovery Operations
Possibility Of A Lapse Of Section 702
During the press briefing, Ryder said that the department continues to stay "actively engaged in our objectives related to the current situation in the Middle East region, which is to protect U.S. forces and citizens, support Israel's inherent right to defend itself, work closely with Israel to help secure the release of hostages from Hamas and ensure the crisis doesn't escalate into a broader regional conflict".
In support of these objectives, he said that Secretary Austin will be traveling to the Middle East region next week to meet with leaders in Bahrain, Qatar, and Israel, and will be meeting with U.S. Forces deployed in the region to thank them for their service.
Regarding the Indo-Pacific region, Ryder said that Secretary Austin spoke with the Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara in order to express thanks and gratitude for Japan's support regarding search and rescue operations following the recent CV-22 Osprey mishap that led to the deaths of 8 U.S. Airmen.
Off-Camera On-The-Record Press Briefing On December 11th
Furthermore, on December 11th, Ryder held an off-camera on-the-record press briefing during which he addressed questions about:
The Conflict Between Israel and Hamas
CENTCOM Strikes In The Middle East
Situation Between China and the Philippines
Pentagon Assessment Of Ukraine's Counteroffensive
Topic 1: Conflict In Ukraine:
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