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US DEFENCE SECRETARY NEWS

Democrats call for release of classified video of deadly strike on alleged drug boat in Caribbean

December 08, 2025 10:09 am

At least 11 people were killed in the strike carried out by US military on September 2, including the two men who were allegedly killed after a second strike was ordered.

Hegseth defends strikes on alleged cartel boats, says Trump can order use of force 'as he sees fit'

December 07, 2025 11:41 am

Hegseth dismissed criticism of the strikes, which have killed more than 80 people and now face intense scrutiny over concerns that they violated international law.

Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal to share details of airstrike posed risk to US personnel, finds Pentagon watchdog

Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal to share airstrike details posed risk to US personnel: Pentagon watchdog

December 04, 2025 1:24 am

The report states that Hegseth should not have used Signal and that senior Defense Department officials need better training on protocols.

For Trump, Hegseth’s take-no-prisoners approach is a growing liability

December 02, 2025 7:41 am

As investigations mount into the legality of strikes that have killed scores of people in the waters off Venezuela, his take-no-prisoners, leave-no-survivors approach has led even Republican supporters to demand answers.

US kills two men in another strike on suspected drug vessel, Hegseth says

November 05, 2025 6:52 am

Hegseth's post included an 18-second video clip of a boat in water that gets struck and explodes.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's plane makes 'unscheduled landing' in UK after reporting cracked windshield

October 16, 2025 9:27 am

Hegseth was heading back to the US from Belgium after attending NATO’s Defence Minister’s meeting when his Boeing C-32 made the emergency stop, off the south west coast of Ireland.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, china

China accuses US' Defence Secretary Hegseth of 'vilifying' remarks at security forum

June 01, 2025 8:30 am

China has objected to Hegseth calling it a threat in the Indo-Pacific, the ministry added, describing his comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday as "deplorable".

US Defence Secretary Hegseth announces 20% cut to senior-most ranks of military

May 06, 2025 9:51 am

Hegseth in a memo ordered a reduction of 10% of overall general-level officers in the military and 20% of four-star positions in the National Guard.

Donald Trump News Highlights: US judge temporarily blocks President Trump’s plan to freeze federal funding

January 31, 2025 10:19 am

Donald Trump News Highlights: The White House said that the order wasn’t as sweeping as it appeared and Office of Management and Budget acting director Matthew Vaeth, said that federal agencies “must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance”.

US, China defence leaders hold first talks in 18 months

US, China defense leaders hold first talks in 18 months

April 17, 2024 5:49 pm

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a video call with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun as the two countries seek to restore dialogue amid rising regional tensions.

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US Defence Secy meets Rajnath, says India 'central pillar' in US approach in Indo-Pacific

March 20, 2021 6:17 pm

Austin arrived here on Friday on a three-day visit as part of his three-nation first overseas tour that signalled the Biden administration's strong commitment to its relations with its close allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.