Latest news with #MarineCorps
Business Insider
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
U.S. Africa Command declares Sahel ‘global terrorism epicenter'
The top U.S. military commander leading AFRICOM in Africa has issued a stark warning about the rapid expansion of terrorist groups in the Sahel region. The Sahel region in Africa has become a critical hotspot for global terrorism, according to U.S. AFRICOM commander General Michael Langley. AFRICOM emphasizes enhanced cooperation with African nations to address these threats through intelligence sharing and capacity building. Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS-affiliated organizations are significantly expanding in the region, posing severe security challenges. On May 30, Marine Corps General Michael Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), declared the Sahel the 'epicenter of terrorism on the globe.' U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley made the disclosure during a digital press briefing at the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference, Africa's premier forum for military leaders to address key security challenges across the continent. He highlighted a worsening security crisis that threatens not only the affected African countries but also poses potential risks to global security, including the United States. General Langley described the Sahel, which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as a 'flashpoint of prolonged conflict and growing instability.' Terrorist organizations affiliated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS have expanded significantly in recent years. According to Langley, groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Jama'at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin have grown substantially since 2022, spreading across multiple areas within the region. The security situation in Burkina Faso is especially alarming. General Langley noted that the Burkinabe government no longer maintains effective control over large parts of its territory, illustrating the depth of the crisis. More troubling still, Langley warned that these terrorist groups are seeking to extend their reach into West Africa's coastal countries, including Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Benin. If they succeed, these groups could increase their revenues through illicit activities such as smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading. There is also concern that these coastal areas could serve as platforms to launch attacks beyond Africa, potentially threatening U.S. homeland security. ' We are monitoring this closely because they could develop the capacity to threaten the homeland, ' Langley said. AFRICOM lists challenges in Africa The briefing also acknowledged the challenges AFRICOM faces following the U.S. withdrawal of troops from Niger after the military coup in 2023. This withdrawal has limited the U.S. military's ability to track terrorist activity and conduct counterterrorism operations in the region. In response, AFRICOM is shifting its focus toward supporting African nations to assume greater responsibility for their security. This strategy involves enhanced intelligence sharing, leveraging new technologies, and strengthening regional cooperation. General Langley's warning reflects the deteriorating security landscape in the Sahel, where terrorist groups are exploiting weak governance, poverty, and ongoing conflicts to increase their influence. His message serves as a call to action for African countries and their international partners to work together urgently to address these threats. As these groups become stronger and more ambitious, the danger extends beyond Africa's borders, reinforcing the Sahel's emergence as a global terrorism hotspot. Coordinated efforts are crucial to safeguard peace and security not just in Africa but worldwide.
New York Post
18 hours ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Terror networks ‘thriving' in Africa — could pose threat to US, top general warns: ‘Growing more aggressive'
The top US general in Africa warned Friday that terror groups in the Sahel region are 'thriving' and may eventually pose a threat to the homeland. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley described the Sahel region, which includes Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, as 'the epicenter of terrorism' in a press briefing at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. 'They're in crisis,' Langley, who heads US Africa Command, said of the three central African nations. Advertisement 'The terrorist networks affiliated with ISIS and al-Qaida are thriving, particularly in Burkina Faso, where the government has lost control of wide swaths of territory across their sovereign nation,' the general continued. 'Attacks are resurging in the Lake Chad region as well, and extremist groups are growing more aggressive.' Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of US Africa Command, warned that terror groups in the Sahel region may eventually be able to carry out attacks inside the US. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Terror groups in the region, which include ISIS-Sahel and al Qaeda-aligned Jama'at Nusrat ul Islam wa al Muslimin (JNIM), have recently set their sights on expanding westward, the general explained, which could provide them easier access to the US. 'One of the terrorists' new objectives is gaining access to West Africa coasts,' Langley said. 'If they secure access to the coastline, they can finance their operations through smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading. 'This puts not just African nations at risk, but also increases the chance of threats reaching the US shores.' Langley noted that JNIM, which has expanded 'fourfold' since 2022, is of particular concern to the US. Advertisement 'We're keeping a good eye on this, because they could have the capacity to attack the homeland,' he said of the group. Langley described the Sahel region as the 'epicenter of terrorism.' AFP via Getty Images In a massive blow to counterterrorism operations, the US military withdrew from Niger last year after the governing junta ended an agreement that had allowed American troops to operate out of the country. Langley indicated that in the months since the withdrawal, the US has not been able to keep as close an eye on the terror groups in the region. Advertisement 'Unfortunately, with our withdrawal from the region, we have lost our ability to monitor these terrorist groups closely but continue to liaison with partners to provide what support we can,' the general said. 'Since we've left Niger … we're observing a rise in attacks by violent extremist organizations, not only in Niger but across the Sahel,' Langley said, noting that attacks are growing in both 'frequency and complexity.' 'The scale and brutality of some of these incidents are really troubling.' To counter the terror surge, Langley said the US is pursuing 'opportunities to collaborate' with Sahel-region nations, including Burkina Faso and Nigeria.
Wall Street Journal
21 hours ago
- General
- Wall Street Journal
What Do Students Think of War? A Vet Reports
I can't help but feel that Peggy Noonan wrote her column 'Memorial Day and the Best Movies of Our Lives' while wearing rose-colored glasses (Declarations, May 24). She writes that 'we're all recovering from World War II, or any war, or any era, together.' That's a nice thought, but it was far from my experience when I left the Marine Corps and went to college in 2014. I was more often called a 'cog in the military-industrial complex,' a 'mindless drone' or a 'baby-killer' than shown compassion or understanding by my peers, who had no connection to or real knowledge of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. When I tried to explain to the feminists in my English class some of the things I saw regarding the treatment of women overseas, they told me, 'That doesn't really happen.' People will always have different views on wars, but we've entered an era of denial, distortion and revisionist history. These experiences didn't end after my time in academia either. I hope Ms. Noonan will forgive me for not sharing her feelings of togetherness. Much of America has lost the plot about Memorial Day. I pray we can find it again someday. Daniel Carpenter
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hometown Hero: Marine Thomas Andrejeski honored with heartfelt surprise from Freedom High School students
FREEDOM, Wis. (WFRV) – In a heartwarming display of gratitude and community spirit, students from Freedom High School went above and beyond to give back to a local hero. This week's Hometown Hero, Thomas Andrejeski, a proud Marine Corps veteran, received a remarkable surprise that left him both speechless and grateful. Andrejeski shared his journey from military service to becoming a vital part of the Veterans Village, where he serves as a driver for fellow veterans. After dedicating years to his country, he found himself giving back to those who had also served. However, little did he know that a group of high school students had a special surprise in store for him. Hometown Heroes Special: Local 5 tributes those who made ultimate sacrifice serving our nation Jay Abitz, an automotive instructor at Freedom High School, explained the initiative funded by the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Community Impact Grant, which provided the budget to purchase a vehicle that students would then repair and donate to a veteran in need. This year, the project, named 'Freedom Wheels 3.0,' took on an even more poignant significance. The vehicle, a 2012 Chevy Malibu, was previously owned by Abitz's grandmother, a WWII Navy veteran who passed away. Freedom High School senior Jacob Martino, who played a significant role in the project, expressed the pride he felt in contributing to this meaningful cause. He recounted the lessons learned throughout the repair process, highlighting the mentorship of Mr. Abitz. Hometown Heroes: Robert Lace of Neenah selected as grand marshal for nation's oldest Flag Day parade 'There were some things in here that I did not know how to do. I did not know how to take the belt off, replace the serpentine belt, but Mr. Abitz showed me what to do and showed me how to do it, and now I know how to do it; everything else was just nuts and bolts,' he explained. 'He's essentially a second dad, like he'll teach you all the stuff you really need to know.' Martino also emphasized the importance of giving back to someone who had selflessly served the country, stating, 'It just feels good to give back to him.' Jonny Bradle, an alumnus of the program and now the owner of his own auto shop, joined the effort, excited to lend his skills to a project that meant so much to him. 'I was really excited to do this project with Jay simply because I started here when I was in high school,' he shared. 'This automotive program, I've always loved it, it made me want to go to school and do what I do today.' When Thomas learned he was the recipient of a newly refurbished car, he was overwhelmed with disbelief. Hometown Heroes: Wisconsin Blue Star Mothers serve community while their children serve the country 'There are so many scams out there nowadays, so I actually got to see things to believe it,' he remarked. The moment he laid eyes on the vehicle, painted in his favorite color, black, the shock quickly turned into joy. 'This car is going to benefit not just me but the veterans at Veterans Village in Grand Chute,' Andrejeski explained. 'I take them to their appointments for the doctor, the VA clinic, and grocery shopping, so the ones without vehicles will appreciate this.' The touching collaboration between the students, their instructors, and the local community showcases the profound impact of honoring those who have served. Freedom High School's initiative not only provides a vehicle but also reinforces the values of service, respect, and gratitude within the community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Concurrent Technologies Corporation to Continue Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Marine Corps Control Systems with New Contract Option
Johnstown, PA, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM) has awarded Option Year 4 and a modification of the Facility Related Controls Systems (FRCS) Programmatic Support Contract to Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC). Our diverse and dedicated project team, which includes our small business partner, Risk Mitigation Consulting (RMC), will continue providing Policy, Architecture, Cyber, and Community of Practice expertise. The Marine Corps FRCS program consists of 350+ networked systems, including energy, utilities, fire and life safety, electronic security, and several other platforms associated with the operation of an installation. CTC's activities under this contract are designed to secure the infrastructure and optimize the usage of Installation FRCS data. 'As cyber threats grow in sophistication and frequency, securing the operational technology and control systems that underpin military installations is a strategic imperative,' said Edward J. Sheehan, Jr., CTC President and CEO. 'We appreciate the opportunity to continue delivering advanced programmatic support, enhanced system resilience, and providing specialized training that equips Marine Corps personnel to defend critical infrastructure against evolving cyber and physical threats.' As a result of CTC's continued work, the Marine Corps will reduce cyber risk and secure the transmission of FRCS/OT communication while trying to extend the operating life of devices, systems, and plants. Furthermore, our work will enable the traceability of efforts to develop, transmit, store and use FRCS data in the development of trends and cost savings. 'Our team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) continue to achieve phenomenal results in both our planning and implementation phases on the contract. We understand the importance of the work we are performing that supports warfighting, lethality and readiness,' said Josh Ingraham, CTC Program Director. 'We understand the necessity of securing the Marine Corps' critical infrastructure while enabling the installations to support the warfighter's missions.' Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) is an independent, nonprofit, applied scientific research and development professional services organization. CTC collaborates with its technology transition affiliate, Enterprise Ventures Corporation, to leverage research, development, test and evaluation work to provide transformative, full-lifecycle solutions. To best serve their clients' needs, CTC offers the complete ability to fully design, develop, test, prototype, and build. CTC delivers robust, technical, and innovative solutions that safeguard our national security, retain U.S. technological advantage, and ensure the primacy of American manufacturing. For more information about CTC, visit Attachment Mary Bevan Concurrent Technologies Corporation 814-269-2490 [email protected]
