Pentagon

US orders 8,500 troops on heightened alert amid Russia worry

The Pentagon ordered 8,500 troops on higher alert to potentially deploy to Europe as part of a NATO "response force" amid growing concern that Russia could soon make a military move on Ukraine. President Joe Biden consulted with key European leaders, underscoring U.S. solidarity with allies there.

"To send an army to Ukraine if the Russians attack? That's not an option."

"That option is not on the table. The idea that the United States will use force unilaterally to confront Russia in the event of its invasion of Ukraine is currently unrealistic. But if that invasion happens, there will be serious consequences," Biden told reporters outside the White House, reports the Voice of America.

US special forces quietly training Taiwanese: Official

U.S. special operations forces have been quietly training Taiwanese troops for months, risking the ire of China, a Pentagon official said on Oct. 7.

A contingent of around 20 special operations and conventional forces has been conducting the training for less than a year, the official, who declined to be identified, told AFP, adding that some of the trainers rotate in and out.

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