Here are the latest U.S. military news briefs:

  1. High-Altitude Balloon Over Western U.S.: A small balloon was spotted drifting high above the Western United States but has been determined to pose no security threat. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a binational organization of the U.S. and Canada, detected the balloon flying at an altitude between 43,000 and 45,000 feet. NORAD fighters intercepted the balloon over Utah, assessing it as non-maneuverable and not a threat to national security. This incident occurred a year after a Chinese spy balloon gathered intelligence from U.S. military sites, despite attempts to block it​.
  2. Sanctions Against Russia: The U.S. has issued sanctions on more than 500 Russian-linked targets in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago and the death in prison of opposition leader Alexey Navalny. New export restrictions on nearly 100 entities have also been imposed for providing support to Russia, aiming to reduce Russia’s energy revenues further. These sanctions target Russia’s Mir payment system, financial institutions, its military-industrial base, and officials believed to be involved in Navalny’s death, marking the largest single tranche of penalties since the invasion began​.
  3. U.S. Downs Houthi Drones: The U.S. military has reported shooting down several drones operated by the Houthi forces. This action is part of ongoing efforts to maintain security and protect regional interests. The downing of these drones occurs amidst increased tensions and military actions in the Middle East​.
  4. Marine Corps Passes Financial Audit: For the first time in history, the Marine Corps has successfully passed a full financial audit, a significant achievement confirmed by a Defense Department official this Friday. The audit, which scrutinized over $46.3 billion in assets, marks the culmination of a dedicated two-year endeavor by the branch. Independent accountants, contracted by the Defense Department, awarded the Marine Corps’ fiscal year 2023 financial statement an “unmodified opinion.” This rating affirms the utmost accuracy of the financial data presented, as verified through rigorous examination.

These briefs cover significant developments in national security, international sanctions, and military operations, highlighting the U.S. military’s ongoing activities and strategic responses to global challenges.