We can confirm that the explosion at the Abbey Gate was the result of a complex attack that resulted in a number of US & civilian casualties. We can also confirm at least one other explosion at or near the Baron Hotel, a short distance from Abbey Gate. We will continue to update.
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We can confirm an explosion outside Kabul airport. Casualties are unclear at this time. We will provide additional details when we can.
Evacuation operations in Kabul will not be wrapping up in 36 hours. We will continue to evacuate as many people as we can until the end of the mission. #HKIA
To correct erroneous reports, the U.S. Military did not leave any dogs in cages at Hamid Karzai International Airport, including the reported military working dogs. Photos circulating online were animals under the care of the Kabul Small Animal Rescue, not dogs under our care.
Russian claims that the United States was involved in any way with Ukrainian naval operations near the Zmiiny Island are false. We did not provide ISR or any other support. Chalk this up to just one more lie by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
48 hours. From Presidential authorization on April 13th, to the first shipments departing on April 15th. That's the speed at which we are mobilizing to help equip the Ukrainians with the material they need to defend their country.
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This evening, the U.S. conducted defensive precision strikes against Kataib Hizbollah facilities across Iraq. These strikes targeted 5 weapon storage facilities to significantly degrade their ability to conduct future attacks against the U.S. & coalition forces.
We are now in contact with the Polish government following the statement issued today. As we have said, the decision about whether to transfer Polish-owned planes to Ukraine is ultimately one for the Polish government. (1/4)
No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated. We’re pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe.
We can confirm that the explosion near the Abbey Gate of the Kabul airport has resulted in an unknown number of casualties. We will continue to update.
We are not developing biological or chemical weapons inside Ukraine. This is textbook Russian propaganda.
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A bittersweet day for me, as it’s my last day as Pentagon Press Secretary. It’s been the honor of a lifetime serving , , and all of the outstanding men and women at the . I’m certainly going to miss it!
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It’s been a productive day here at NATO HQ in Brussels. The U.S. and remain resolute and steadfast in our support to Ukraine. #WeAreNATO
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Replying to
The prospect of fighter jets “at the disposal of the Government of the United States of America” departing from a U.S./NATO base in Germany to fly into airspace that is contested with Russia over Ukraine raises serious concerns for the entire NATO alliance. (3/4)
Replying to
It is simply not clear to us that there is a substantive rationale for it. We will continue to consult with Poland and our other NATO allies about this issue and the difficult logistical challenges it presents, but we do not believe Poland’s proposal is a tenable one. (4/4)
The U.S. is not setting up a no-fly zone in Ukraine.
0:04
Been some reporting on options the US is considering in advance of talks with Russia. Can state unequivocally that we are NOT weighing cuts to troops in Europe or posture changes there. Also not looking at changing troop numbers in the Baltics and Poland.
Replying to
We will continue consulting with our Allies and partners about our ongoing security assistance to Ukraine, because, in fact, Poland’s proposal shows just some of the complexities this issue presents. (2/4)
Replying to
These strikes were defensive, proportional, & in direct response to the threat posed by Iranian-backed Shia militia groups who continue to attack bases hosting OIR coalition forces.
Our support to Ukraine continues … every single day.
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.@USAirForce Airmen secure 155 mm M777 towed howitzers for transport as part of U.S. security assistance to 
Ukraine.
Ukraine.
It’s been a great day here at . More than 40 countries from around the globe came together to discuss concrete ways to continue helping Ukraine fight against Russia’s unjust, unprovoked invasion.
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We are working incredibly hard at an unprecedented scale — and an unprecedented speed — to help another nation defend itself. No other nation can do this. There's no historic comparison to anything we've done in the past.
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.: This afternoon, at the direction of President Biden, U.S. fighter aircraft assigned to USNORTHCOM successfully brought down the high-altitude surveillance balloon launched by and belonging to the PRC over the water off the South Carolina coast.
We are deeply saddened by the news of Indonesia’s lost submarine, and our thoughts are with the Indonesian sailors and their families. At the invitation of the Indonesian government, we are sending airborne assets to assist in the search for the missing submarine.
I just want to say "farewell and following seas" to Jen Psaki as she steps down from the most important podium in the world.
She's more than a role model for me. She's a friend & shipmate, whose advice I've cherished and whose trust I've endeavored to deserve.
Thank you, Jen.
My mother was a Navy kid, a Navy spouse, a Navy Mom ... and now a Navy grandmother.
She knows how much military families serve.
I can still hear her telling us to "get out of the rack and heave to" in the morning!
Happy Mother's Day, Mom & thanks for always being our anchor.
The United States will not tolerate attacks against our people, our interests, or our allies. We will take any action necessary to protect our forces in Iraq and the region.
Great that had a chance to talk to these soldiers before they head back home to Ukraine. His message was clear: we support you, and we'll continue to everything we can to help Ukraine win this war.
All of this is by choice. Mr. Putin can stop this war right now by agreeing to a diplomatic solution or – at least – just stopping the bombing and the death and destruction he is causing.
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Our commitment to helping Ukraine defend itself continues. This brings to $2.3 billion this administration has provided Ukraine.
Best decision I ever made was becoming a military spouse myself. (Clearly, I was the lucky one.)
We appreciate everything our military spouses do every day to make it possible for our military to defend this nation.
Thank you for YOUR service.
#MilitarySpouseAppreciationDay
Mr Putin has achieved exactly zero of his objectives inside Ukraine. He didn’t take Kyiv. He didn’t topple the government. He didn’t remove Ukraine as a nation state.
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Democracy doesn't work without a free press. A free press holds governments accountable. It makes us better at the job of defending this nation, and it's why we take questions — tough questions — every day. Proud to celebrate #WorldPressFreedomDay with & .
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She looks a good deal happier than I did at the briefing ... and next time, let her ask a question!
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So my daughter, who is on Easter Break this week, decided to join the briefing with @PentagonPresSec today. 
She’s very proud of herself LOL
I suppose I need to find a better way to lock the office doors when I work from home…
She’s very proud of herself LOL
I suppose I need to find a better way to lock the office doors when I work from home…
Minister , thank you for the marvelous welcome today at the Ministry of Defence—Your Honor Guard soldiers are true professionals
I am humbled to have been selected by Austin to serve as the Press Secretary and am grateful for the opportunity to serve our military and our nation in this role.
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I'm very pleased to have Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder start as our new @pentagonpressec today. Pat and I have known each for other a long time, and I know he’ll do a fantastic job working with our team and communicating on behalf of the @deptofdefense.
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Our alliance commitment with the Philippines is ironclad. The Department stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Philippines as it lawfully exercises its rights in the South China Sea.
Great to be back in Israel. The beauty and the richness of this place never ceases to amaze me.
Today, met with Japan’s Defense Minister to deepen the U.S.-Japan defense relationship; the cornerstone of peace and security in a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific. Thank you, Minister Kishi and for hosting us.
As has said: Mental health is health. Period. But we know words are not enough, so here are a couple efforts underway at the right now. It’s our hope that this #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we can help shine a light on these difficult but important issues.
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Leaving Japan confident that the U.S.-Japan alliance is stronger than ever. Thank you Prime Minister for hosting us.
Pleased to note that tested negative today for COVID and will be returning to the office tomorrow.
He’s grateful for the vaccines, which rendered less severe the effects of the virus.
He will continue to observe CDC and HPCON Charlie guidelines in the Pentagon.
Arrived in Germany last night. Looking forward to talks today with German leaders to reinforce the value the United States places on the bilateral defense relationship with one of our closest NATO Allies.
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Replying to
There was already 1,000 troops in Kabul; we ordered 3,000 in last week, and the President accepted recommendation today to move in the lead battalion of the 82nd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, adding another 1,000.
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An E-4B refuel mid-flight simply never gets old. My goodness, the skills it takes! Great flying by these aircrews. Thank you so much.
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It's been 10 yrs since the earthquake & tsunami in Japan. I flew over some of the area shortly after, and those images will stick with me forever. But as hard as that time was, I also view it as a testament to the strength of our alliance & friendship with the Japanese people.
Today, honored and paid his respects to the the brave soldiers who, for India, made the ultimate sacrifice. What a tremendous memorial to remember India’s heroes.
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Leaving Brussels confident in the work has accomplished for the Alliance. The U.S. commitment to safeguard the freedom and security of all NATO members remains strong. #WeAreNATO
Replying to
Army Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson for appointment to the grade of general, and assignment as commander, U.S. Southern Command, Doral, Florida.
As of this morning, all public Pentagon tours are canceled until further notice. We regret the inconvenience to our more than 2,000 visitors a week, but our key priorities are the health of our people & ensuring our ability to continue executing vital national security missions.
ON POINT: A F-22 flies w/ F-16s during NATO Air Shielding 10/12 in Poland. The event showcased the importance of ’s Air Shielding mission & interoperability among U.S. & NATO allies. #GreatWayofLife #ServiceBeforeSelf
ac.nato.int/archive/2022/A
Today POTUS announced he had authorized the deployment of approximately 5,000 troops to Afghanistan to ensure a safe and orderly drawdown of US personnel.
Here's a breakdown of what that looks like ...
1/2
At President Biden's direction, US military forces earlier this evening conducted defensive precision airstrikes against facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups in the Iraq-Syria border region. Our full statement here.
Great discussion today with communication professionals. Thanked them for all they do to tell the stories of our Guardsmen and women. Terrific questions from them about how we interact in today’s information environment.
The capabilities of the KC-10 aerial refueling tanker are on full display. Nice work,
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Man, I’m telling you, this was an impressive group of people.
They’re on their way to great achievements in journalism & communications.
No way I could have competed with them when I was that age … no way.
And, yes, I made an unapologetic effort to recruit each of them!
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Last week, @PentagonPresSec John F. Kirby welcomed 20 journalism and mass communications students and faculty members from eight historically Black colleges and universities for in-person and virtual discussions about DoD’s public affairs mission.
We are revealing information about two recent DPRK missile tests because we believe the international community must speak in a united voice to oppose the further development and proliferation of such weapons by the DPRK. My full statement here:
DoD announced today additional security assistance to meet Ukraine's critical security & defense needs. 🇺🇦🇺🇸
As I said at the briefing today, the US supports the Afghan peace process and no decision has been made on future force posture.
THANK YOU to the more than 14,000 forces working around the clock in every state & territory to help defeat COVID19! #InThisTogether 🇺🇸
Receiving 150,000 pounds of fuel from a KC-10 at 24,000 feet up in the air. Fantastic work by our pilots, Lt. Col. Doug Johnson & Lt. Col. Adam Smith.
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(1/2) Statement by :
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of Afghan service members killed Thursday in a helicopter crash in Wardak province. My thoughts and prayers—as well as those of everyone in the —go out to friends and loved ones now grieving.
Back home after a round the world trip with the visiting key allies and partners. I'm glad our traveling press came along and reported it out.
I misspoke:
NATO's Resolute Support mission is not ending May 1st. There has also been no decision to change or reduce air support to the Afghan Security Forces.
As Gen McKenzie said, our main effort is transitioning to one of withdrawal.
My errors all, and I regret them.
The numbers in yesterday’s report on sexual assault in the military are tragic and disappointing, but we can & will change this trajectory. In fact, & are already undertaking unprecedented cultural and organizational change to directly address this problem.
Today’s 2+2 meeting with Minister Suh & Minister Chung is a testament to the importance of the U.S.-ROK Alliance in these unprecedented times. From regional security issues to cooperation on global challenges, we are in lockstep with the ROK. Kachi Kapshida!
From tonight: “Racial disparities in the military justice system have been a problem for far too long. We know it, and we are going to work hard to fix it.”
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The United Kingdom is our closest and most stalwart ally. Together we will uphold our shared values and defend a free & open rules-based order.
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. is in the Indo-Pacific region this week to meet with allies and partners as we work together to deepen security cooperation and preserve a free & open Indo-Pacific.
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Leaving the Republic of Korea knowing that the U.S.-ROK Alliance is stronger than ever and we will continue to go together towards a peaceful and secure Korean Peninsula. Thank you, President and Minister Suh for hosting us.
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The also welcomes the mutual decision made by the US and Japan to extend current Host Nation Support agreement for 1 yr. This further demonstrates the strength & resolute nature of the US-Japan Alliance. We, too, look forward to continuing productive negotiations.
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@StateDeptPM welcomes the decision made by the United States and #Japan to extend the current Host Nation Support agreement for one year. We look forward to continuing productive negotiations for the next agreement and meeting security challenges together. 
ON POINT: U.S. Army Soldiers set up security during a warfighter exercise 9/24 at Ft Carson, CO. partnered w/ to host the Army's first Warfighter exercise concentrated on the Indo-Pacific 9/24-10/3. #GreatWayofLife #ServiceBeforeSelf
army.mil/article/261239
We stand with our Philippine allies in condemning the PRC’s efforts to impede lawful operations at Second Thomas Shoal. Our commitment to the U.S.-Philippines alliance is ironclad.
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We stand with our Philippine allies in the face of the PRC’s reckless actions near Second Thomas Shoal. state.gov/u-s-support-fo
ON POINT: Sailors unfold a U.S. flag aboard USS Roosevelt 10/30 as it departs Denmark during a deployment. conducts ops 24/7 w/ Allies & partners to advance regional security & stability. #GreatWayofLife #ServiceBeforeSelf
c6f.navy.mil
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Replying to @PressSec
Proud to stand at my podium, today and every day, alongside @PentagonPresSec and @StateDeptSpox to take your questions.
DoD Statement on Today's Actions by North American Aerospace Defense Command
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More infant formula is on the way.
The first pallets from @POTUS’ Operation Fly Formula are being loaded onto a military plane in Germany right now.
The first plane lands in the U.S. tomorrow morning, with more coming soon.
(1/4) Every day around the globe, the men and women of America’s Armed Forces safeguard vital U.S. national interests by backstopping diplomacy, confronting aggression, deterring conflict, projecting strength, and protecting the American people.
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I was in this meeting in Munich. That was never said. This headline is false, . The mtg itself was a constructive, bipartisan, bicameral discussion on what the future U.S. presence in Africa will look like.
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NBC NEWS: Sen. Graham to Defense Secretary Esper in spat over Africa plan: I could ‘make your life hell’
nbcnews.to/39UM5DZ
As a global crisis, COVID-19 shd be an area of cooperation between nations. Instead, the Communist Party of China has chosen to promulgate false & absurd conspiracy theories about the origin of COVID-19 blaming U.S. service members. #ChinaPropaganda
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2/2 CDC was caught on the spot. When did patient zero begin in US? How many people are infected? What are the names of the hospitals? It might be US army who brought the epidemic to Wuhan. Be transparent! Make public your data! US owe us an explanation!
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Some additional detail on this historic day. @POTUS asked @KJP46 if she would serve as the next @PressSec in the oval office this afternoon.
NATO Defense Ministerial has kicked off here in Brussels. Austin & Defense leaders from 30 nations to discuss the alliance’s collective defense & security. #WeAreNATO
Today, Ukraine’s Independence Day, the announced today approximately $3 billion in additional security assistance for Ukraine under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). (1/2)
On Sunday, the USNS Mercy received its first patients. Today, the is scheduled to arrive in NYC. Both hospital ships will provide overflow medical care that will allow local hospitals to focus on #COVID19 patients.
DoD announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine today, which includes critical air defense and ammunition capabilities, underscoring unwavering U.S. support for Ukraine. 🇺🇸🇺🇦
Replying to
Air Force Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost for appointment to the grade of general, and assignment as commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.
A huge thanks to the Public Affairs team for the Herculean task of supporting the Ukraine Defense Consultative Group over the last week. It was a pleasure and an honor to meet a few of tomorrow’s PA leaders.
ON POINT: Five partner nation air forces supported Operation Christmas Drop '22, 4-13 Dec, DoD’s longest-running humanitarian aid mission delivering essential supplies to western Pacific island communities. #GreatWayofLife #ServiceBeforeSelf
pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-D
Right now I’m in the air from Hawaii to Japan as & travel to bolster our Indo-Pacific alliances & partnerships. As we focus on the region’s challenges this week, China chief among them, I’d encourage a read of our oped about the trip: washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/