THE United States needs to keep troops deployed in Syria to prevent Islamic State from reconstituting as a major threat following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s government, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday.

Since the fall of President Bashar Assad regime, tensions across the Middle East have continued to remain high.

The U.S. needs to keep troops deployed in Syria to prevent the Islamic State group from reconstituting as a major threat following the ouster of Bashar Assad's government, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told The Associated Press.

American leadership on Ukraine is "critical" and continued assistance for Kyiv is key, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday, a day ahead of the expected announcement of a major new US military aid package.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin looks on from the East Room of the White House during a Medal of Freedom ceremony on January 4, 2025, in Washington, DC. On Wednesday, Austin said that Syria...

U S Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has said American troops must remain in Syria to prevent the Islamic State from regaining a foothold, warning that pulling out prematurely would allow the terror

Pursuing a policy of peace through strength is vital to Ukraine’s survival and America’s security. The United States and its allies and partners must continue to stand by Ukraine and strengthen its hand for the negotiations that will someday bring Mr. Putin’s war of aggression to an end.

Even as Russia seems to have the upper hand in its invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin faces a growing number of challenges that will complicate any effort to lock in its gains, the outgoing Pentagon chief said.

The incoming defense secretary will face several challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the turmoil in the Middle East.

Outgoing Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin has said that even though Russia appears to have the upper hand in its invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin is facing a growing number of challenges that will complicate any attempts to consolidate its gains.

SecDef confirmation hearing set for Jan. 14. Pete Hegseth, who is Donald Trump’s announced nominee to succeed Lloyd Austin as U.S. defense secretary, will go before the newly GOP-controlled Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.

With Donald Trump about to be sworn in and Republicans in control of the House and Senate, the GOP “can’t blame the Democrats for not getting something done,” Hern said.