Here are the latest U.S. military news briefs from the past 24 hours:
1. U.S. Air Force Officer Self-Immolates Outside Israeli Embassy: An incident occurred outside the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C., where a U.S. Air Force officer set himself on fire in protest against the White House’s stance on the war in Gaza. The officer, reportedly based in Texas, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries after shouting “Free Palestine.” The embassy has been a site of numerous protests following the Israeli military response in Gaza. The officer later died from his burns.
2. U.S. and U.K. Intensify Airstrikes Against Houthi Rebels in Yemen: The U.S. and British forces carried out strikes on over a dozen Houthi targets in Yemen. This operation is part of ongoing efforts against the Iran-backed group, which has conducted attacks disrupting global trade and raising shipping rates. The strikes targeted 18 locations, including underground weapons storage, air defense systems, and a helicopter, in response to Houthi assaults on shipping and solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s actions in Gaza.
3. New Navy Robotics Role: The U.S. Navy is establishing a new job specialty focused on operating drones and other unmanned systems. This move aims to integrate advanced unmanned technologies into Navy operations more seamlessly. The specialty will be selective, emphasizing the importance of these capabilities in modern naval warfare. The Navy expects about 400 sailors to initially fill this new rating, focusing on tactical and operational employment of robotic systems.
4. $75M Military Tech Upgrade for Taiwan: Amidst growing tensions in the region, the U.S. has approved a $75 million Foreign Military Sale to Taiwan. This package includes an upgrade to Taiwan’s Advanced Tactical Data Link System, enhancing the island’s defense and security capabilities. This move underscores the U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s defense amid increasing military maneuvers by China in the Taiwan Strait.
5. Korean Air’s Reconnaissance Drone Production: Korean Air has started mass production of a medium-altitude reconnaissance drone for South Korea’s military. This initiative aims to enhance surveillance capabilities over North Korea. The drones are expected to significantly improve South Korea’s independent surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, with deliveries continuing into 2028. The drones are equipped with advanced communication technologies and can perform a variety of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
