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Philippines, US military drills underscore Washington's defence commitment, US official says

Philippines, US military drills underscore Washington's defence commitment, US official says

By Karen Lema MANILA, April 14 (Reuters) - The latest round of military drills involving the Philippines, the United States and several partner nations will underscore Washington's "ironclad" commitment to its treaty ally and to the region, even as global attention remains fixed on the Middle East,
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US Forces to Participate in Large-Scale Combat Drills in the Philippines Amid Middle East Tensions

US Forces to Participate in Large-Scale Combat Drills in the Philippines Amid Middle East Tensions

The United States is set to join over 17,000 military personnel from the Philippines and other allied nations in one of the largest annual combat exercises, known as Balikatan, in the Philippines. Scheduled from April 20 to May 8, the drills will include a ship-sinking exercise involving Japanese forces in the South China Sea. The exercises aim to demonstrate the U.S.'s commitment to regional security in Asia, despite ongoing military engagements in the Middle East. The drills will also involve forces from Japan, France, and Canada, highlighting the importance of multinational cooperation in maintaining regional stability.
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U.S. Forces to Participate in Large-Scale Combat Drills in the Philippines

U.S. Forces to Participate in Large-Scale Combat Drills in the Philippines

The United States is set to participate in one of the largest annual combat exercises in the Philippines, known as the Balikatan, from April 20 to May 8, 2026. Over 17,000 American and Filipino military personnel will engage in these drills, which underscore the U.S.'s commitment to Asia despite its focus on the Middle East. The exercises will include forces from Japan, France, and Canada, and will feature a missile-firing exercise in the South China Sea. The drills aim to enhance regional security and demonstrate the U.S.'s dedication to its alliances in Asia.
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Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Littrell Reflects on Vietnam War Service

Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Littrell Reflects on Vietnam War Service

Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Gary Littrell, a Medal of Honor recipient, shared his experiences from the Vietnam War and the significance of receiving the prestigious award. Littrell, who served with distinction, recounted the challenges and sacrifices faced during his military service. His reflections are part of a broader initiative to highlight the voices and stories of veterans, emphasizing the personal and historical impact of their contributions. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government, recognizing acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
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This Day in History: How the Withdrawal Timeline Shifted

This Day in History: How the Withdrawal Timeline Shifted

troops from Afghanistan marked the end of a two-decade-long military engagement. This process, initiated under the Trump administration and conclud...
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Another boat strike in the eastern Pacific Ocean leaves 2 dead, US military says

Another boat strike in the eastern Pacific Ocean leaves 2 dead, US military says

The U.S. military says it carried out another strike Monday on a boat accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two people
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U.S. Military to Enforce Blockade on Iranian Ports

U.S. Military to Enforce Blockade on Iranian Ports

The U.S. Central Command has announced that American forces will commence a blockade of maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports starting Monday morning. This strategic move is part of ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, aimed at exerting pressure on Iran's maritime activities. The blockade is expected to impact shipping routes and could have significant implications for international trade and regional stability. The announcement comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and follows a series of diplomatic and military maneuvers in the region.
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Philippines Requests U.S. Waiver Extension for Russian Oil Purchases Amid Diversification Efforts

Philippines Requests U.S. Waiver Extension for Russian Oil Purchases Amid Diversification Efforts

The Philippines has formally requested an extension from the United States to continue purchasing Russian oil and petroleum products. This request follows the expiration of a previous waiver on April 11. Secretary of Energy Sharon Garin expressed optimism about securing the extension but noted that the government is also exploring alternative energy sources from countries such as Colombia, Argentina, Canada, and the U.S. The move is part of a broader strategy to diversify energy sources. Additionally, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has suspended excise taxes on kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas, although his economic team has opposed similar measures for diesel and gasoline, citing limited relief from such actions.
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US, Australia, Philippines hold second joint drills in South China Sea this year

US, Australia, Philippines hold second joint drills in South China Sea this year

MANILA, April 13 (Reuters) - The U.S. and Australia joined the Philippines for their second joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea this year, amid tensions with China in the disputed waterway.
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The Latest: US military warns it will blockade Iranian ports after ceasefire talks end

The Latest: US military warns it will blockade Iranian ports after ceasefire talks end

President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy will swiftly begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz after U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement
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Iran War Diverts U.S. Military Focus from Asia Ahead of Trump's China Summit

Iran War Diverts U.S. Military Focus from Asia Ahead of Trump's China Summit

The ongoing conflict with Iran is diverting U.S. military resources and attention away from Asia, raising concerns about the impact on strategic interests in the region. The war has delayed President Trump's summit with China's leader Xi Jinping, where economic and security issues are at stake. Critics argue that the focus on the Middle East is undermining efforts to counter China's influence in Asia, particularly regarding Taiwan and regional stability. The situation highlights the challenges of balancing multiple international conflicts and maintaining a strategic focus on Asia.
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CENTCOM Details U.S. Blockade of Iranian Ports After President Trump's Announcement

CENTCOM Details U.S. Blockade of Iranian Ports After President Trump's Announcement

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) released new details on the enforcement of a maritime blockade of Iran, following President Trump's announcement after the collapse of ceasefire talks with Tehran. The blockade will apply to all vessels of all nationalities entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including ports on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The operation does not amount to a blanket closure of nearby international waters, allowing commercial vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian destinations to pass unimpeded. The military emphasized impartial enforcement regardless of a ship's flag or country of origin.