Lead Story
Zelensky replaces Ukraine's army chief Syrskyi with Drapatyi after days of protests
President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on July 21 and named Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, as Ukraine's new top military commander. The shake-up followed six days of protests in Kyiv and other cities that began after the removal of a defense official who had clashed with Syrskyi, with demonstrators demanding accountability in the military's top ranks. Drapatyi previously commanded Ukraine's Ground Forces and several combat formations during the war, and is seen as representing a younger generation of battlefield commanders.
Read more →Lead Story
Zelensky replaces Ukraine's army chief Syrskyi with Drapatyi after days of protests
President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on July 21 and named Major General Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, as Ukraine's new top military commander. The shake-up followed six days of protests in Kyiv and other cities that began after the removal of a defense official who had clashed with Syrskyi, with demonstrators demanding accountability in the military's top ranks. Drapatyi previously commanded Ukraine's Ground Forces and several combat formations during the war, and is seen as representing a younger generation of battlefield commanders.
Hegseth tells Congress Iran war has cost $37.5 billion as US strikes continue for 10th night
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate on July 21 that the war with Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far, up from a $29 billion Pentagon estimate in May, and is seeking additional funding from Congress through the end of the fiscal year. The hearing came as US forces carried out a tenth consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, with Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine facing sharp questioning from senators over the war's cost and scope.
Read more →Hegseth tells Congress Iran war has cost $37.5 billion as US strikes continue for 10th night
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate on July 21 that the war with Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far, up from a $29 billion Pentagon estimate in May, and is seeking additional funding from Congress through the end of the fiscal year. The hearing came as US forces carried out a tenth consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, with Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine facing sharp questioning from senators over the war's cost and scope.
Houthis declare naval blockade of Saudi Arabia through the Bab al-Mandab Strait
Yemen's Houthi movement announced on July 20 that it will block vessels servicing Saudi ports from passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world's most critical oil-shipping chokepoints. Houthi spokesman Yahya Sarea called the move retaliation for what the group described as a Saudi siege on Yemeni ports and an airstrike on Sanaa's airport. Tankers began turning back within hours of the announcement; the strait carried an average of 7.4 million barrels of oil per day in June, according to Kpler, raising fears of a wider disruption to global energy markets.
Read more →Houthis declare naval blockade of Saudi Arabia through the Bab al-Mandab Strait
Yemen's Houthi movement announced on July 20 that it will block vessels servicing Saudi ports from passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world's most critical oil-shipping chokepoints. Houthi spokesman Yahya Sarea called the move retaliation for what the group described as a Saudi siege on Yemeni ports and an airstrike on Sanaa's airport. Tankers began turning back within hours of the announcement; the strait carried an average of 7.4 million barrels of oil per day in June, according to Kpler, raising fears of a wider disruption to global energy markets.