1 00:00:02,130 --> 00:00:04,780 All right , good afternoon . Happy 2 00:00:04,789 --> 00:00:07,630 Thursday . Um All right . Just a few 3 00:00:07,639 --> 00:00:09,639 things at the top and then happy to 4 00:00:09,639 --> 00:00:12,649 take your questions . Um Secretary 5 00:00:12,659 --> 00:00:14,770 Austin returned yesterday from a busy 6 00:00:14,770 --> 00:00:16,629 week of travel . A summary of 7 00:00:16,639 --> 00:00:18,806 highlights includes productive working 8 00:00:18,806 --> 00:00:20,972 meetings with his NATO counterparts in 9 00:00:20,972 --> 00:00:23,500 Brussels and a first ever G7 Defense 10 00:00:23,510 --> 00:00:25,940 Ministerial in Naples , a historic 11 00:00:25,950 --> 00:00:28,006 visit to Kiev in which the Secretary 12 00:00:28,006 --> 00:00:29,728 underscored the United states' 13 00:00:29,728 --> 00:00:31,950 unwavering commitment to supporting the 14 00:00:31,950 --> 00:00:33,950 Ukrainian people in their fight for 15 00:00:33,950 --> 00:00:36,061 freedom and a papal engagement at the 16 00:00:36,061 --> 00:00:37,783 Vatican in Rome , in which the 17 00:00:37,783 --> 00:00:40,006 Secretary and his Holiness Pope Francis 18 00:00:40,006 --> 00:00:42,117 discussed shared concerns over global 19 00:00:42,117 --> 00:00:44,283 security challenges and the importance 20 00:00:44,283 --> 00:00:46,283 of promoting peace and stability in 21 00:00:46,283 --> 00:00:48,959 conflict affected regions . Turning to 22 00:00:48,970 --> 00:00:51,081 the Middle East yesterday , Secretary 23 00:00:51,081 --> 00:00:52,970 Austin spoke by phone to Minister 24 00:00:52,970 --> 00:00:55,137 Gallant to discuss Israel's operations 25 00:00:55,137 --> 00:00:56,914 in Lebanon and the humanitarian 26 00:00:56,914 --> 00:00:59,090 situation in Gaza . Secretary Austin 27 00:00:59,099 --> 00:01:01,210 expressed his condolences for the IDF 28 00:01:01,210 --> 00:01:02,990 brigade commander killed in the 29 00:01:03,000 --> 00:01:05,309 northern Gaza strip over the weekend 30 00:01:05,540 --> 00:01:07,151 and welcomed the movement of 31 00:01:07,160 --> 00:01:09,160 humanitarian assistance through the 32 00:01:09,160 --> 00:01:12,000 era's crossing . He urged that Israel 33 00:01:12,010 --> 00:01:14,232 take all necessary steps to address the 34 00:01:14,232 --> 00:01:17,040 dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and 35 00:01:17,050 --> 00:01:19,217 to work to seize opportunities for the 36 00:01:19,217 --> 00:01:21,217 release of hostages and a ceasefire 37 00:01:21,217 --> 00:01:23,900 presented by the death of Sinar . The 38 00:01:23,910 --> 00:01:25,799 secretary also expressed his deep 39 00:01:25,799 --> 00:01:28,510 concern over reports of strikes against 40 00:01:28,519 --> 00:01:30,690 the Lebanese armed forces and 41 00:01:30,699 --> 00:01:32,921 emphasized the importance of taking all 42 00:01:32,921 --> 00:01:35,143 necessary measures to ensure the safety 43 00:01:35,143 --> 00:01:37,088 and security of the Lebanese armed 44 00:01:37,088 --> 00:01:40,290 forces and unifil forces . And earlier 45 00:01:40,300 --> 00:01:42,900 today US forces participated in an 46 00:01:42,910 --> 00:01:45,260 Iraqi led operation against ISIS 47 00:01:45,269 --> 00:01:47,760 fighters in the Anbar province in Iraq . 48 00:01:48,699 --> 00:01:52,559 Our assessment of the operation , no 49 00:01:52,569 --> 00:01:54,791 US personnel injured in the operation . 50 00:01:55,000 --> 00:01:57,056 We'll have more info to share soon . 51 00:01:57,430 --> 00:01:59,597 Additionally , I have an update on the 52 00:01:59,597 --> 00:02:01,430 two service members wounded in a 53 00:02:01,430 --> 00:02:03,374 partnered raid with Iraqi security 54 00:02:03,374 --> 00:02:05,486 forces on October 22nd . Earlier this 55 00:02:05,486 --> 00:02:07,486 week , the ISF enabled by personnel 56 00:02:07,486 --> 00:02:10,100 from CJ TFOIR conducted strikes and 57 00:02:10,110 --> 00:02:11,943 follow on raids on multiple ISIS 58 00:02:11,943 --> 00:02:14,360 locations in central Iraq , targeting 59 00:02:14,369 --> 00:02:16,591 several senior Isis leaders and killing 60 00:02:16,591 --> 00:02:19,410 at least seven ISIS operatives during 61 00:02:19,419 --> 00:02:21,550 the operation . Two US military 62 00:02:21,559 --> 00:02:23,726 personnel were wounded by an explosion 63 00:02:23,726 --> 00:02:26,100 while assisting Iraqi forces with site 64 00:02:26,110 --> 00:02:28,729 exploitation . While both service 65 00:02:28,740 --> 00:02:30,796 members sustained serious injuries , 66 00:02:30,796 --> 00:02:32,851 they are in stable condition and are 67 00:02:32,851 --> 00:02:34,740 currently en route to Walter Reed 68 00:02:34,740 --> 00:02:36,740 medical center for follow on care . 69 00:02:36,740 --> 00:02:38,796 Additionally , we recently learned a 70 00:02:38,796 --> 00:02:40,962 third service member is being assessed 71 00:02:40,962 --> 00:02:43,184 for potential TB I and as you know TB I 72 00:02:43,184 --> 00:02:45,970 numbers can fluctuate over time . All 73 00:02:45,979 --> 00:02:48,090 are in stable condition and receiving 74 00:02:48,090 --> 00:02:49,979 the care that they need . We will 75 00:02:49,979 --> 00:02:51,923 provide more information about the 76 00:02:51,923 --> 00:02:54,090 outcome of the rates and the status of 77 00:02:54,090 --> 00:02:53,860 these service members as it becomes 78 00:02:53,869 --> 00:02:57,300 available . And finally , today , 79 00:02:57,309 --> 00:02:59,420 President Biden issued the first ever 80 00:02:59,420 --> 00:03:01,198 national security memorandum on 81 00:03:01,198 --> 00:03:02,869 Artificial Intelligence . The 82 00:03:02,880 --> 00:03:04,713 department strongly supports the 83 00:03:04,713 --> 00:03:06,436 leadership of president of the 84 00:03:06,436 --> 00:03:08,436 president and the vice president to 85 00:03:08,436 --> 00:03:10,547 prioritize the adoption of artificial 86 00:03:10,547 --> 00:03:12,602 intelligence and national security . 87 00:03:12,602 --> 00:03:14,769 The department worked with the NSC and 88 00:03:14,769 --> 00:03:16,824 our interagency partners to align on 89 00:03:16,824 --> 00:03:18,936 the scope of work outlined in the NSM 90 00:03:18,936 --> 00:03:20,547 and to begin preparations on 91 00:03:20,547 --> 00:03:22,658 implementing the guidance directed to 92 00:03:22,658 --> 00:03:24,800 the dod to keep pace with the rapid 93 00:03:24,809 --> 00:03:27,259 maturity of this technology . We intend 94 00:03:27,270 --> 00:03:29,159 to leverage existing efforts like 95 00:03:29,159 --> 00:03:31,339 replicator and our experimentation 96 00:03:31,350 --> 00:03:33,350 efforts like the global information 97 00:03:33,350 --> 00:03:35,460 dominance experiment and the rapid 98 00:03:35,470 --> 00:03:38,309 defense experimentation reserve . The 99 00:03:38,320 --> 00:03:40,542 Chief Digital and A I office is working 100 00:03:40,542 --> 00:03:42,709 closely with industry , the A I Safety 101 00:03:42,709 --> 00:03:44,931 Institute of the Department of Commerce 102 00:03:44,931 --> 00:03:46,709 and the military departments to 103 00:03:46,709 --> 00:03:48,876 accelerate ethical and responsible use 104 00:03:48,876 --> 00:03:50,653 of A I to support international 105 00:03:50,653 --> 00:03:52,653 partnership and building off of the 106 00:03:52,653 --> 00:03:54,830 political decora declaration on 107 00:03:54,839 --> 00:03:56,839 responsible military use of A I and 108 00:03:56,839 --> 00:03:58,950 autonomy . Next week , the department 109 00:03:58,950 --> 00:04:01,119 is hosting a three day responsible A I 110 00:04:01,130 --> 00:04:04,149 in defense forum with 16 nations in the 111 00:04:04,160 --> 00:04:06,470 A I partnership for defense NATO 112 00:04:06,479 --> 00:04:08,312 partners and key partners in the 113 00:04:08,312 --> 00:04:10,535 industry . And with that , I'd be happy 114 00:04:10,535 --> 00:04:12,701 to take your questions . Lita , thanks 115 00:04:12,701 --> 00:04:15,259 Sabrina . Um Two things . One , just on 116 00:04:15,270 --> 00:04:18,899 this latest Iraq operation US 117 00:04:18,910 --> 00:04:22,279 forces was it were with again , 118 00:04:22,500 --> 00:04:25,679 Iraqi forces . Was this a similar raid 119 00:04:25,820 --> 00:04:27,987 to what happened the other day ? Is it 120 00:04:27,987 --> 00:04:30,098 that type of thing and were there are 121 00:04:30,098 --> 00:04:32,320 there , do you have any details on Iraq 122 00:04:32,320 --> 00:04:34,487 on Isis killed or anything like that ? 123 00:04:34,487 --> 00:04:36,390 Um So still waiting for a final 124 00:04:36,399 --> 00:04:38,910 assessment of the uh similar in that um 125 00:04:38,920 --> 00:04:41,750 this raid was like the one on October 126 00:04:41,760 --> 00:04:45,309 22nd and going after ISIS fighters in 127 00:04:45,320 --> 00:04:47,600 Iraq . Um this was an Iraqi led 128 00:04:47,609 --> 00:04:50,230 operation . So us forces , you know , 129 00:04:50,239 --> 00:04:52,579 participated , but um it was an Iraqi 130 00:04:52,589 --> 00:04:54,940 led operation . Um hopefully we'll have 131 00:04:54,950 --> 00:04:57,320 more to share soon . But as I mentioned , 132 00:04:57,329 --> 00:04:59,769 I'm not to my knowledge , no , uh , us 133 00:04:59,779 --> 00:05:01,730 personnel injured . And then , uh 134 00:05:01,739 --> 00:05:05,329 secondly , on North Korean forces in 135 00:05:05,339 --> 00:05:07,369 Russia , do you have any updates on 136 00:05:07,470 --> 00:05:09,692 whether or not you've seen any movement 137 00:05:09,692 --> 00:05:11,859 of North Korean forces out of 138 00:05:11,869 --> 00:05:13,758 Vladivostok ? Are they , are they 139 00:05:13,758 --> 00:05:15,925 moving across Russia ? Are they moving 140 00:05:15,925 --> 00:05:18,091 into near Ukraine ? Anything on that ? 141 00:05:18,091 --> 00:05:20,258 Sure . I don't have any updates . Um , 142 00:05:20,258 --> 00:05:22,425 other than what the secretary spoke to 143 00:05:22,425 --> 00:05:24,369 yesterday , um , that we have seen 144 00:05:24,369 --> 00:05:26,369 evidence of D pr K troops that have 145 00:05:26,369 --> 00:05:28,591 gone into Russia . Um I think you heard 146 00:05:28,591 --> 00:05:30,647 yesterday . It's , you know , likely 147 00:05:30,647 --> 00:05:33,480 around 3000 . Um , what exactly they're 148 00:05:33,489 --> 00:05:35,920 doing has yet to be seen . Um , but 149 00:05:35,929 --> 00:05:37,985 it's something that we certainly are 150 00:05:37,985 --> 00:05:39,985 going to continue to monitor . Um , 151 00:05:39,985 --> 00:05:42,040 just to emphasize the point that the 152 00:05:42,040 --> 00:05:44,040 secretary made yesterday , um , you 153 00:05:44,040 --> 00:05:46,207 know , this really highlights Russia's 154 00:05:46,207 --> 00:05:48,839 desperation . Um , you know , tin 155 00:05:48,850 --> 00:05:52,609 cupping to the D Pr K to Iran , um , 156 00:05:53,519 --> 00:05:56,140 enticing D pr K soldiers , you know , 157 00:05:56,149 --> 00:05:58,149 if , if they were to ever enter the 158 00:05:58,149 --> 00:06:01,079 fight . Um I think that shows that 159 00:06:01,089 --> 00:06:03,260 Putin has failed in his strategic 160 00:06:03,269 --> 00:06:05,920 objectives on the battlefield . Um But 161 00:06:05,929 --> 00:06:07,873 we're going to keep monitoring and 162 00:06:07,873 --> 00:06:10,040 we'll keep you updated . But the White 163 00:06:10,040 --> 00:06:09,809 House had made it clear they're 164 00:06:09,820 --> 00:06:11,820 training , there's efforts to train 165 00:06:11,820 --> 00:06:15,630 them . You at this point don't know 166 00:06:15,640 --> 00:06:18,820 or have not seen any evidence that they 167 00:06:18,829 --> 00:06:22,420 have moved out of the training to other 168 00:06:22,429 --> 00:06:25,480 locations . Nothing , nothing so far . 169 00:06:25,489 --> 00:06:27,545 What again , what exactly they'll be 170 00:06:27,545 --> 00:06:29,711 doing from their , from their training 171 00:06:29,711 --> 00:06:31,767 in Russia still remains to be seen . 172 00:06:31,767 --> 00:06:33,878 Yeah , Natasha , thanks . So it seems 173 00:06:33,878 --> 00:06:35,933 like there's been pretty significant 174 00:06:35,933 --> 00:06:37,933 uptick in the number of these raids 175 00:06:37,933 --> 00:06:40,459 against ISIS figures , the Iraqi led 176 00:06:40,470 --> 00:06:42,692 raids and you keep saying that they are 177 00:06:42,692 --> 00:06:44,637 Iraqi led but service members keep 178 00:06:44,637 --> 00:06:46,803 getting injured and we had heard , you 179 00:06:46,803 --> 00:06:48,748 know , that part of the problem is 180 00:06:48,748 --> 00:06:48,670 booby traps , but that usually affects 181 00:06:48,679 --> 00:06:50,735 kind of the first person through the 182 00:06:50,735 --> 00:06:52,901 door . So if these are Iraqi led , why 183 00:06:52,901 --> 00:06:54,735 do these us service members keep 184 00:06:54,735 --> 00:06:56,957 getting injured ? And can you explain , 185 00:06:56,957 --> 00:06:56,609 I guess in more detail what their 186 00:06:56,619 --> 00:06:59,450 actual role is in these raids . Um , 187 00:06:59,480 --> 00:07:01,647 you know , for some of the rates , I , 188 00:07:01,647 --> 00:07:03,813 I'd have to get you more information . 189 00:07:03,813 --> 00:07:06,036 I'd refer you to Centcom in exactly for 190 00:07:06,036 --> 00:07:05,760 each rate , what us personnel are 191 00:07:05,769 --> 00:07:07,991 assisting with as each rate is slightly 192 00:07:07,991 --> 00:07:10,213 different . Um , in terms of injuries . 193 00:07:10,213 --> 00:07:12,380 I mean , these are still , even though 194 00:07:12,380 --> 00:07:14,547 they're Iraqi led , there are still us 195 00:07:14,547 --> 00:07:16,769 personnel that are putting themselves , 196 00:07:16,769 --> 00:07:18,825 um , you know , in , in , in an area 197 00:07:18,825 --> 00:07:21,047 where there's dangerous activity . Um , 198 00:07:21,047 --> 00:07:23,269 you know , certainly with the raid that 199 00:07:23,269 --> 00:07:25,491 happened earlier this week , we saw two 200 00:07:25,491 --> 00:07:27,380 service members , um , experience 201 00:07:27,380 --> 00:07:29,380 serious injuries , but , you know , 202 00:07:29,380 --> 00:07:31,269 thankfully they're in , in stable 203 00:07:31,269 --> 00:07:33,269 condition . Um , I think we'll have 204 00:07:33,269 --> 00:07:35,269 more to share on each raid . Um , I 205 00:07:35,269 --> 00:07:37,491 know central command is , is working to 206 00:07:37,491 --> 00:07:39,547 get you more information . So I just 207 00:07:39,547 --> 00:07:41,547 don't have more on the one that was 208 00:07:41,547 --> 00:07:43,713 also conducted uh earlier today . Ok . 209 00:07:43,713 --> 00:07:45,713 And then on Gaza , Secretary Austin 210 00:07:45,713 --> 00:07:47,936 spoke with glo yesterday . Um obviously 211 00:07:47,936 --> 00:07:49,991 there was a 30 day deadline that was 212 00:07:49,991 --> 00:07:52,213 given to the to to see whether more aid 213 00:07:52,213 --> 00:07:51,734 was going to go into northern Gaza . 214 00:07:51,744 --> 00:07:53,800 Has there been progress made on that 215 00:07:53,800 --> 00:07:55,966 front ? Well , as you heard me mention 216 00:07:55,966 --> 00:07:55,845 in the topper , you know , we have seen 217 00:07:55,855 --> 00:07:58,077 more aid move through the es crossing . 218 00:07:58,295 --> 00:08:00,945 It's not enough . Um I think you know 219 00:08:00,954 --> 00:08:03,176 what the secretary has said also echoes 220 00:08:03,184 --> 00:08:05,128 what Secretary Blinken said in the 221 00:08:05,128 --> 00:08:08,079 region . Um The humanitarian situation 222 00:08:08,089 --> 00:08:11,839 is , is dire in Gaza and particularly 223 00:08:11,850 --> 00:08:13,906 in northern Gaza . We do need to see 224 00:08:13,906 --> 00:08:16,017 more humanitarian aid getting in . Um 225 00:08:16,017 --> 00:08:17,739 That's something that comes up 226 00:08:17,739 --> 00:08:19,961 consistently on his calls with Minister 227 00:08:19,961 --> 00:08:21,961 Galant . Um And it's something that 228 00:08:21,961 --> 00:08:24,183 again came up yesterday . We are seeing 229 00:08:24,183 --> 00:08:26,406 some progress but we want to see more . 230 00:08:26,406 --> 00:08:26,010 Um So we're going to keep pushing on 231 00:08:26,019 --> 00:08:28,019 that issue , but we are seeing some 232 00:08:28,019 --> 00:08:30,241 progress getting in uh when it comes to 233 00:08:30,241 --> 00:08:32,575 humanitarian aid , Joseph . Thanks . Um , 234 00:08:32,575 --> 00:08:34,852 also on the secretary's call yesterday , 235 00:08:34,852 --> 00:08:37,075 we certainly go on . Um , you mentioned 236 00:08:37,075 --> 00:08:39,130 that he expressed deep concern about 237 00:08:39,130 --> 00:08:41,297 the target of Un O troops and Lebanese 238 00:08:41,297 --> 00:08:43,241 soldiers . Uh , less than 24 hours 239 00:08:43,241 --> 00:08:45,463 later , another three Lebanese soldiers 240 00:08:45,463 --> 00:08:47,630 were killed this morning in an Israeli 241 00:08:47,630 --> 00:08:49,741 attack . Um , it's not the first time 242 00:08:49,741 --> 00:08:51,908 the secretary has brought it up . So , 243 00:08:51,908 --> 00:08:53,963 and these are troops that are backed 244 00:08:53,963 --> 00:08:56,075 and , uh an institution that's funded 245 00:08:56,075 --> 00:08:58,260 um in large part by the US . So , I 246 00:08:58,270 --> 00:09:00,214 mean , what's the message that the 247 00:09:00,214 --> 00:09:02,214 secretary is getting when he raises 248 00:09:02,214 --> 00:09:04,381 these concerns ? It's either go on and 249 00:09:04,381 --> 00:09:06,214 maybe the Israelis don't take it 250 00:09:06,214 --> 00:09:08,270 seriously or the secretary's message 251 00:09:08,270 --> 00:09:10,381 may not be given across . So , what's 252 00:09:10,381 --> 00:09:12,548 your response ? Well , you know what , 253 00:09:12,548 --> 00:09:14,603 I , without going into too many more 254 00:09:14,603 --> 00:09:16,659 details of the call , you know , and 255 00:09:16,659 --> 00:09:18,826 without speaking for Minister Galant , 256 00:09:18,826 --> 00:09:20,739 I think they certainly hear our 257 00:09:20,750 --> 00:09:22,750 concerns and they understand them . 258 00:09:22,809 --> 00:09:26,674 They understand the need to uh conduct 259 00:09:26,684 --> 00:09:29,315 operations that take into account 260 00:09:29,325 --> 00:09:31,492 whether it be Lebanese armed forces or 261 00:09:31,492 --> 00:09:33,794 UFL operating in that , that area . Um 262 00:09:33,924 --> 00:09:36,035 They do need to ensure the safety and 263 00:09:36,035 --> 00:09:38,344 security of Lebanese armed forces and 264 00:09:38,354 --> 00:09:40,521 UFL forces . And that's something that 265 00:09:40,521 --> 00:09:42,924 um has been reiterated . They do 266 00:09:42,934 --> 00:09:45,275 understand that . Um And we're gonna 267 00:09:45,284 --> 00:09:47,395 keep making it clear and , you know , 268 00:09:47,395 --> 00:09:49,562 keep pressing for details when we need 269 00:09:49,562 --> 00:09:51,728 more information . Um but I just don't 270 00:09:51,728 --> 00:09:53,395 have more to provide from the 271 00:09:53,395 --> 00:09:55,617 conversation . Two more one are there , 272 00:09:55,617 --> 00:09:57,562 have you guys seen any indications 273 00:09:57,562 --> 00:09:59,673 because the US has helped Israel with 274 00:09:59,673 --> 00:10:02,349 certain ISR . Um Have you seen any 275 00:10:02,359 --> 00:10:04,137 indication that there's Iranian 276 00:10:04,137 --> 00:10:06,690 personnel inside of Lebanon operating ? 277 00:10:07,390 --> 00:10:09,390 I don't have anything to provide on 278 00:10:09,390 --> 00:10:11,309 that final point . Some reports 279 00:10:11,320 --> 00:10:13,450 indicate that Israel may have delayed 280 00:10:13,460 --> 00:10:16,020 its response or this , what everybody 281 00:10:16,030 --> 00:10:18,010 is expecting is a response to Iran 282 00:10:18,020 --> 00:10:21,849 because of the leak . Do you 283 00:10:21,859 --> 00:10:23,970 have any , can you confirm that one ? 284 00:10:23,970 --> 00:10:26,137 Do you have any updates on this leak ? 285 00:10:26,137 --> 00:10:27,915 I don't have any updates . It's 286 00:10:27,915 --> 00:10:27,770 something that , you know , I , I don't 287 00:10:27,780 --> 00:10:29,820 have more to provide than what uh 288 00:10:29,830 --> 00:10:32,108 General Ryder provided . Um on Tuesday , 289 00:10:32,108 --> 00:10:34,219 which is that the FBI is the lead 290 00:10:34,229 --> 00:10:36,770 agency um when it comes to the leak of 291 00:10:36,780 --> 00:10:38,780 classified documents and that , you 292 00:10:38,780 --> 00:10:40,979 know , dod is feeding into that um 293 00:10:41,450 --> 00:10:44,260 investigation . Um It's in , it's in 294 00:10:44,270 --> 00:10:46,437 the early days . So we have to let the 295 00:10:46,437 --> 00:10:48,437 investigation take its course um in 296 00:10:48,437 --> 00:10:50,159 terms of any impact to Israeli 297 00:10:50,159 --> 00:10:52,159 operations or , you know , when you 298 00:10:52,159 --> 00:10:54,103 know , Israel chooses to respond , 299 00:10:54,103 --> 00:10:56,326 that's not really something I can speak 300 00:10:56,326 --> 00:10:58,492 to . I'd refer to the Israelis to , to 301 00:10:58,492 --> 00:11:00,492 speak to that . Janie , thank you , 302 00:11:00,492 --> 00:11:02,659 Sabrina . On North Korea . Excuse me , 303 00:11:02,679 --> 00:11:05,510 Secretary Austin said that he had 304 00:11:05,520 --> 00:11:07,900 confirmed the evidence of North Korean 305 00:11:07,909 --> 00:11:11,090 troops in Russia . However , he said 306 00:11:11,099 --> 00:11:14,299 that he could not yet confirm the role 307 00:11:14,309 --> 00:11:16,365 of the North Korean troops , right ? 308 00:11:16,619 --> 00:11:19,039 And but last month , North Korea 309 00:11:19,049 --> 00:11:22,200 shipped the 20,000 boxes of world 310 00:11:22,210 --> 00:11:25,700 supplies and stockpiles to 311 00:11:25,710 --> 00:11:29,219 Russia in advance . Ultimately , it is 312 00:11:29,229 --> 00:11:32,780 clear that the North Korean military 313 00:11:32,869 --> 00:11:36,549 will play a role in intervening in 314 00:11:36,559 --> 00:11:39,799 Russia's war in Ukraine by sending 315 00:11:39,809 --> 00:11:43,159 troops . How do you assess this ? 316 00:11:43,500 --> 00:11:45,167 Yes , Janie , there's a clear 317 00:11:45,167 --> 00:11:47,389 relationship and clear link between the 318 00:11:47,389 --> 00:11:49,570 D Pr K and Russia . Um And we've seen 319 00:11:49,580 --> 00:11:51,929 that over the course of the war and as 320 00:11:51,940 --> 00:11:55,580 it's developed , um the D Pr K Iran are 321 00:11:55,590 --> 00:11:57,520 providing military assistance and 322 00:11:57,530 --> 00:11:59,840 support as Russia engages in this 323 00:11:59,849 --> 00:12:02,182 illegal war and has been for , you know , 324 00:12:02,182 --> 00:12:04,238 2.5 years . Um I think what's really 325 00:12:04,238 --> 00:12:06,405 important here . Um And to take a step 326 00:12:06,405 --> 00:12:10,289 back is Vladimir Putin has become so 327 00:12:10,299 --> 00:12:13,210 desperate that he is now willing and , 328 00:12:13,219 --> 00:12:16,200 and soliciting , um , you know , 329 00:12:16,210 --> 00:12:18,440 potentially support from the D Pr K to 330 00:12:18,450 --> 00:12:20,859 put their , their personnel on the 331 00:12:20,869 --> 00:12:23,150 battlefield . Um And , you know , we're 332 00:12:23,159 --> 00:12:26,080 talking about , uh , you know , over 333 00:12:26,090 --> 00:12:30,070 500,000 casualties that , you know , 334 00:12:30,080 --> 00:12:31,747 Russia has experienced on the 335 00:12:31,747 --> 00:12:34,510 battlefield . Um So if the D Pr K 336 00:12:34,520 --> 00:12:37,229 soldiers enter into combat , um they 337 00:12:37,239 --> 00:12:39,406 would be co belligerents and that is a 338 00:12:39,406 --> 00:12:42,429 very serious issue . Um But it's not a , 339 00:12:42,849 --> 00:12:44,960 it's , you know , it's something that 340 00:12:44,960 --> 00:12:46,793 we're , you know , aware of this 341 00:12:46,793 --> 00:12:48,960 relationship , we're going to continue 342 00:12:48,960 --> 00:12:51,340 to monitor . And I think again , the 343 00:12:51,349 --> 00:12:53,516 important point here is that it really 344 00:12:53,516 --> 00:12:56,080 highlights Putin's desperation because 345 00:12:56,090 --> 00:12:58,130 he has really failed to meet his 346 00:12:58,140 --> 00:13:00,473 strategic objectives on the battlefield . 347 00:13:00,530 --> 00:13:03,979 When North Korean Kim Jong un inspected 348 00:13:03,989 --> 00:13:07,380 the ICBM unit and 349 00:13:07,390 --> 00:13:11,359 ordered the nuclear readiness . Can 350 00:13:11,369 --> 00:13:14,219 you predict that North Korea and Russia 351 00:13:14,650 --> 00:13:18,400 are likely to use nuclear weapons 352 00:13:18,710 --> 00:13:21,929 at a critical time ? I don't have 353 00:13:21,940 --> 00:13:24,273 anything on what you're referring to if , 354 00:13:24,273 --> 00:13:26,329 if you're referring to any testing . 355 00:13:26,329 --> 00:13:26,250 But , um , you know , we've seen that 356 00:13:26,260 --> 00:13:28,820 saber rattling , you know , dangerous 357 00:13:28,830 --> 00:13:31,200 rhetoric coming out of Russia . It's 358 00:13:31,210 --> 00:13:33,043 something that we certainly take 359 00:13:33,043 --> 00:13:35,099 seriously , but nothing's changed in 360 00:13:35,099 --> 00:13:37,154 terms of our nuclear posture . Thank 361 00:13:37,154 --> 00:13:39,154 you . I have several on Ukraine and 362 00:13:39,154 --> 00:13:41,770 then we will be on the A I . Sure . So 363 00:13:41,780 --> 00:13:44,479 North Korean troops , if they are used 364 00:13:44,489 --> 00:13:46,711 in a fight against Ukraine , would that 365 00:13:46,711 --> 00:13:48,711 prompt a stronger response from the 366 00:13:48,711 --> 00:13:50,878 United States , like increase military 367 00:13:50,878 --> 00:13:52,609 aid packages or maybe lifting 368 00:13:52,619 --> 00:13:54,841 restrictions on longer range weapons or 369 00:13:54,841 --> 00:13:57,219 something else ? Well , you know , what 370 00:13:57,229 --> 00:13:59,489 I would say is without getting into the 371 00:13:59,500 --> 00:14:02,359 hypotheticals , um , in terms of 372 00:14:02,369 --> 00:14:04,425 increased assistance . I mean , just 373 00:14:04,425 --> 00:14:06,647 within the last week , we've rolled out 374 00:14:06,647 --> 00:14:08,758 nearly $800 million in , in aid and , 375 00:14:08,758 --> 00:14:10,869 and presidential drawdown packages to 376 00:14:10,869 --> 00:14:13,036 Ukraine that is significant and that's 377 00:14:13,036 --> 00:14:15,091 just within the last week . Um , the 378 00:14:15,091 --> 00:14:17,349 commitment to Ukraine hasn't changed . 379 00:14:17,479 --> 00:14:19,590 Um , our policy on long range strikes 380 00:14:19,590 --> 00:14:21,646 and being able to use something like 381 00:14:21,646 --> 00:14:25,590 attacks has not changed . Um , I think 382 00:14:25,599 --> 00:14:27,488 you've seen time and again , this 383 00:14:27,488 --> 00:14:29,655 administration's commitment to Ukraine 384 00:14:29,655 --> 00:14:31,821 for as long as it takes , but it's not 385 00:14:31,821 --> 00:14:33,877 just us , you know , it's allies and 386 00:14:33,877 --> 00:14:35,932 partners and , and one of the things 387 00:14:35,932 --> 00:14:37,988 that was discussed at you know , the 388 00:14:37,988 --> 00:14:39,766 NATO Defense Ministerial at the 389 00:14:39,766 --> 00:14:41,932 inaugural G7 ministerial , um there is 390 00:14:41,932 --> 00:14:43,932 wide support for Ukraine within the 391 00:14:43,932 --> 00:14:45,877 international community , not just 392 00:14:45,877 --> 00:14:48,099 within Europe . Um So it's not just the 393 00:14:48,099 --> 00:14:50,210 United States supporting Ukraine , it 394 00:14:50,210 --> 00:14:52,210 is a global effort . Um But again , 395 00:14:52,210 --> 00:14:54,432 just can't get , get down into the road 396 00:14:54,432 --> 00:14:55,988 of hypotheticals . So House 397 00:14:55,988 --> 00:14:58,043 Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike 398 00:14:58,043 --> 00:14:59,988 Turner , he yesterday said that if 399 00:14:59,988 --> 00:15:02,210 North Korean troops do attack Ukraine , 400 00:15:02,210 --> 00:15:04,155 the US should take direct military 401 00:15:04,155 --> 00:15:06,266 action against them . Is it something 402 00:15:06,266 --> 00:15:08,599 that might be possible ? Look , I again , 403 00:15:08,599 --> 00:15:10,099 just not going to get into 404 00:15:10,099 --> 00:15:12,210 hypotheticals right now , what we are 405 00:15:12,210 --> 00:15:14,321 doing as the Department of Defense is 406 00:15:14,321 --> 00:15:14,280 supporting Ukraine with its military 407 00:15:14,289 --> 00:15:16,233 objectives , which is helping with 408 00:15:16,233 --> 00:15:18,400 security assistance . Um The secretary 409 00:15:18,400 --> 00:15:20,511 had the opportunity to travel with to 410 00:15:20,511 --> 00:15:22,289 Kiev . Um He met with President 411 00:15:22,359 --> 00:15:25,000 Zelensky , his counterpart , Minister 412 00:15:25,460 --> 00:15:27,016 Umer , you know , was given 413 00:15:27,016 --> 00:15:29,016 presentations by other parts of the 414 00:15:29,016 --> 00:15:31,260 Ukrainian military um to understand how 415 00:15:31,270 --> 00:15:33,940 their , um you know , military 416 00:15:33,950 --> 00:15:36,117 objectives on the battlefield fit with 417 00:15:36,117 --> 00:15:38,172 their strategic objectives and their 418 00:15:38,172 --> 00:15:40,394 long term goals . Um Again , I'm just , 419 00:15:40,394 --> 00:15:42,506 I can't , I can't go down the road of 420 00:15:42,506 --> 00:15:44,561 hypotheticals because right now , uh 421 00:15:44,561 --> 00:15:47,369 what exactly D Pr K troops are doing in 422 00:15:47,380 --> 00:15:49,880 Russia still remains to be seen ? Um 423 00:15:49,890 --> 00:15:52,330 But I think again , it highlights that 424 00:15:52,340 --> 00:15:54,340 Putin has really failed to meet his 425 00:15:54,340 --> 00:15:56,979 strategic objectives . Could you tell 426 00:15:56,989 --> 00:15:59,045 more about the , how the Pentagon is 427 00:15:59,045 --> 00:16:00,989 going to implement the President's 428 00:16:00,989 --> 00:16:03,156 memorandum to adopt the A I technology 429 00:16:03,156 --> 00:16:05,322 where is A I going to be adopted ? How 430 00:16:05,530 --> 00:16:07,419 soon ? So everything will be done 431 00:16:07,419 --> 00:16:10,539 through the CD A O . You know , again , 432 00:16:10,549 --> 00:16:12,716 the NSM was just rolled out today , so 433 00:16:12,716 --> 00:16:14,716 there'll be more to come . And as I 434 00:16:14,716 --> 00:16:16,938 mentioned in the top , uh we are having 435 00:16:16,938 --> 00:16:19,105 a summit , I believe it's in the first 436 00:16:19,105 --> 00:16:18,789 part of next week . So there'll be more 437 00:16:18,799 --> 00:16:22,270 to share after that , Noah . Um Given 438 00:16:22,280 --> 00:16:24,502 that Secretary Dawson has spoken to his 439 00:16:24,502 --> 00:16:26,502 Russian counterpart directly in the 440 00:16:26,502 --> 00:16:28,724 past . I'm wondering if the presence of 441 00:16:28,724 --> 00:16:30,780 North Korean troops there now , as a 442 00:16:30,780 --> 00:16:32,891 new development is something he could 443 00:16:32,891 --> 00:16:35,113 raise in a direct call . If there was a 444 00:16:35,113 --> 00:16:37,169 direct call um to read out , I would 445 00:16:37,169 --> 00:16:36,880 certainly do that . But right now , I 446 00:16:36,890 --> 00:16:39,112 don't have any calls to read out . Um I 447 00:16:39,112 --> 00:16:40,890 think we have made our concerns 448 00:16:40,890 --> 00:16:43,001 publicly pretty well known about this 449 00:16:43,001 --> 00:16:44,946 latest development . Um But I just 450 00:16:44,946 --> 00:16:47,001 don't have anything more to share on 451 00:16:47,001 --> 00:16:49,223 that . Could you characterize the state 452 00:16:49,223 --> 00:16:51,390 of communication between defense talks 453 00:16:51,390 --> 00:16:53,446 with the US and Russia right now ? I 454 00:16:53,446 --> 00:16:53,320 don't have anything to read out other 455 00:16:53,330 --> 00:16:55,700 than that uh last call that took place . 456 00:16:55,710 --> 00:16:58,210 Um I'm sorry , I don't remember the 457 00:16:58,219 --> 00:17:00,275 exact date , but it was , I think it 458 00:17:00,275 --> 00:17:02,441 was over the summer . Uh Another quick 459 00:17:02,441 --> 00:17:04,163 one , the dia put out a report 460 00:17:04,163 --> 00:17:06,040 yesterday on nuclear issues 461 00:17:06,050 --> 00:17:08,272 specifically assessing adversaries like 462 00:17:08,272 --> 00:17:10,989 Russia and China . Um It listed motives 463 00:17:11,000 --> 00:17:12,889 for China's nuclear build up that 464 00:17:12,889 --> 00:17:15,056 haven't necessarily been talked to but 465 00:17:15,056 --> 00:17:17,222 before , at least in such a report and 466 00:17:17,222 --> 00:17:18,778 among them are putting more 467 00:17:18,778 --> 00:17:21,000 capabilities behind long held strategic 468 00:17:21,000 --> 00:17:23,111 concepts . And another is parody with 469 00:17:23,111 --> 00:17:25,333 the US in terms of its nuclear build up 470 00:17:25,333 --> 00:17:27,389 is that reflecting increased clarity 471 00:17:27,389 --> 00:17:29,278 for the US on something that they 472 00:17:29,278 --> 00:17:31,167 traditionally struggle to get the 473 00:17:31,167 --> 00:17:33,389 Chinese to talk about publicly . Yeah . 474 00:17:33,389 --> 00:17:35,500 No , I , you know , I don't have more 475 00:17:35,500 --> 00:17:35,400 to share on the report . I think I'd 476 00:17:35,410 --> 00:17:37,354 let the report's findings speak to 477 00:17:37,354 --> 00:17:39,410 itself , but just don't have more to 478 00:17:39,410 --> 00:17:41,632 add from here in the back . Thank you , 479 00:17:41,632 --> 00:17:43,743 Sabrina . Um As you mentioned a while 480 00:17:43,743 --> 00:17:46,439 ago that the AIDS is still not enough 481 00:17:46,449 --> 00:17:48,819 that going into Gaza . So that does not 482 00:17:48,829 --> 00:17:52,680 mean that Israeli didn't yet meet 483 00:17:53,099 --> 00:17:56,160 uh the 30 days um letter that's been 484 00:17:56,170 --> 00:17:58,750 sent by the uh Secretary Austin and uh 485 00:17:58,969 --> 00:18:02,520 uh Secretary uh Lincoln . And you know , 486 00:18:02,530 --> 00:18:05,209 the clock is ticking for the 30 days . 487 00:18:05,219 --> 00:18:06,997 So , uh are you considering for 488 00:18:07,020 --> 00:18:09,959 something like uh hold some um 489 00:18:09,969 --> 00:18:11,920 munitions to Israel ? What you are 490 00:18:11,930 --> 00:18:14,135 planning if there is I will not meet 491 00:18:14,145 --> 00:18:16,694 this letter ? Well , what I mentioned 492 00:18:16,704 --> 00:18:18,760 in the top uh was that we are seeing 493 00:18:18,760 --> 00:18:20,871 more aid come through the ES crossing 494 00:18:20,871 --> 00:18:23,037 and that is a good sign and we want to 495 00:18:23,037 --> 00:18:25,275 see more um it's not enough uh more 496 00:18:25,285 --> 00:18:27,474 needs to be done and we know that the 497 00:18:27,484 --> 00:18:29,706 the situation particularly in the North 498 00:18:29,706 --> 00:18:32,035 is getting worse . Um but we have seen 499 00:18:32,045 --> 00:18:35,000 some more aid get in . Um again , not 500 00:18:35,010 --> 00:18:37,121 gonna speak to the letter , but I can 501 00:18:37,121 --> 00:18:40,969 tell you that this is a AAA an issue 502 00:18:40,979 --> 00:18:43,090 that the secretary has raised with Mr 503 00:18:43,090 --> 00:18:44,868 Gallant . And of course you saw 504 00:18:44,868 --> 00:18:46,646 Secretary Blinken in the region 505 00:18:46,646 --> 00:18:48,923 directly raising it as well . You know , 506 00:18:48,925 --> 00:18:52,114 today secretary already announced that 507 00:18:52,125 --> 00:18:54,314 us and Israeli negotiators are set to 508 00:18:54,324 --> 00:18:56,454 travel to Doha in the coming days to 509 00:18:56,464 --> 00:18:58,824 attempt to reach a ceasefire and 510 00:18:58,834 --> 00:19:00,954 hostage deal in Gaza . I know the dod 511 00:19:00,964 --> 00:19:03,131 they are not involved directly in this 512 00:19:03,131 --> 00:19:05,297 negotiation . But this time , how much 513 00:19:05,297 --> 00:19:07,464 do you have a confidence maybe will be 514 00:19:07,464 --> 00:19:09,742 like some progress will happen in Doha ? 515 00:19:09,742 --> 00:19:12,130 Some you know , we have released from 516 00:19:12,140 --> 00:19:14,362 the White House . This is a good chance 517 00:19:14,362 --> 00:19:16,949 for that to have some progress in this 518 00:19:16,959 --> 00:19:20,290 negotiation . What about ? No , thanks 519 00:19:20,300 --> 00:19:23,839 for the question . Look , I 520 00:19:23,849 --> 00:19:25,849 think you've seen a commitment from 521 00:19:25,849 --> 00:19:27,793 this administration to continue to 522 00:19:27,793 --> 00:19:30,310 engage parties to come to the table to 523 00:19:30,319 --> 00:19:32,041 reach a cease fire as you just 524 00:19:32,041 --> 00:19:33,930 mentioned before . You know , the 525 00:19:33,930 --> 00:19:36,260 humanitarian situation is is dire . Um 526 00:19:36,270 --> 00:19:38,381 So we know that a cease fire would be 527 00:19:38,381 --> 00:19:40,910 the best way to get whether it be food , 528 00:19:40,920 --> 00:19:43,089 water , you know , humanitarian needs 529 00:19:43,099 --> 00:19:45,420 in um as well as medical treatment into 530 00:19:45,430 --> 00:19:49,369 into Gaza . Um We also 531 00:19:49,380 --> 00:19:51,547 know that , you know , Israel has been 532 00:19:51,547 --> 00:19:55,010 effective in really dismantling Hamas 533 00:19:55,030 --> 00:19:57,650 in Gaza , Hamas , you know , cannot 534 00:19:57,660 --> 00:20:01,000 conduct the type of attack that they 535 00:20:01,010 --> 00:20:03,121 conducted on October 7th today . They 536 00:20:03,121 --> 00:20:05,066 just don't , they , they have been 537 00:20:05,140 --> 00:20:07,699 dismantled into a way where they are 538 00:20:07,709 --> 00:20:09,820 not that , that same organization pre 539 00:20:09,820 --> 00:20:12,689 October 7th . Um We have also urged , 540 00:20:12,699 --> 00:20:14,310 you know , Sin's death is an 541 00:20:14,310 --> 00:20:16,780 opportunity . Um Let's use it . So 542 00:20:16,790 --> 00:20:19,012 again , you're seeing Secretary Lincoln 543 00:20:19,012 --> 00:20:21,234 in the region . Um I don't have more to 544 00:20:21,234 --> 00:20:23,401 add to his comments , but we certainly 545 00:20:23,401 --> 00:20:25,179 haven't given up hope . Um It's 546 00:20:25,179 --> 00:20:24,719 something that this administration is 547 00:20:24,729 --> 00:20:26,896 going to continue to push for . Yeah , 548 00:20:27,959 --> 00:20:30,181 sorry , two questions . Um The first is 549 00:20:30,181 --> 00:20:33,689 that Harry S Truman , which is Swiss on 550 00:20:33,699 --> 00:20:35,921 its way to the Middle East is currently 551 00:20:35,921 --> 00:20:38,088 in the North Sea doing some stuff with 552 00:20:38,088 --> 00:20:40,143 the Arctic . So I was wondering , um 553 00:20:40,143 --> 00:20:42,366 what kind of message is that sending um 554 00:20:42,366 --> 00:20:44,588 that that that carrier strike group can 555 00:20:44,588 --> 00:20:47,670 take a um an extended period to go up 556 00:20:47,680 --> 00:20:49,624 to the High North instead of going 557 00:20:49,624 --> 00:20:51,958 straight to the syncom area of response . 558 00:20:51,958 --> 00:20:54,459 Um And then second , the dod IG report 559 00:20:54,469 --> 00:20:57,410 came out today about uh naval seal 560 00:20:57,420 --> 00:20:59,476 training following the death of Kyle 561 00:20:59,476 --> 00:21:01,910 Mullen um highlighting that the dod 562 00:21:01,920 --> 00:21:04,229 North , um the Navy Seals have policies 563 00:21:04,239 --> 00:21:07,209 about sleep deprivation um and pe D 564 00:21:07,219 --> 00:21:09,441 testing . So I was wondering if the dod 565 00:21:09,441 --> 00:21:11,663 is planning to create any policies as a 566 00:21:11,663 --> 00:21:13,775 result of that investigation ? Let me 567 00:21:13,775 --> 00:21:15,941 take the question on the investigation 568 00:21:15,941 --> 00:21:19,030 um in terms of uh the Harry S Truman 569 00:21:19,040 --> 00:21:21,489 first , let me remind you that in the 570 00:21:21,500 --> 00:21:23,444 Sam A or we still have the Lincoln 571 00:21:23,444 --> 00:21:26,189 operating um the , the Truman as , as I 572 00:21:26,199 --> 00:21:29,040 know folks track where our ships are 573 00:21:29,050 --> 00:21:31,217 moving was always scheduled to do this 574 00:21:31,217 --> 00:21:33,383 exercise . It was a , it was a planned 575 00:21:33,383 --> 00:21:35,217 exercise . Um She is in the UAOR 576 00:21:35,217 --> 00:21:38,209 continuing to operate . Um I don't have 577 00:21:38,219 --> 00:21:40,300 any announcements to make on her 578 00:21:40,310 --> 00:21:42,532 movements other than that , she could , 579 00:21:42,532 --> 00:21:44,643 you know , continue to operate within 580 00:21:44,643 --> 00:21:46,866 the UAO , which includes , includes the 581 00:21:46,866 --> 00:21:48,977 Mediterranean . Um but it's important 582 00:21:48,977 --> 00:21:51,088 to remember that we not only have the 583 00:21:51,088 --> 00:21:53,310 ABE operating in the Centcom A or we've 584 00:21:53,310 --> 00:21:55,421 augmented our air frames as well . Um 585 00:21:55,421 --> 00:21:58,560 And so , you know , we have , uh , you 586 00:21:58,569 --> 00:22:00,791 know , a lot of , a lot of air power in 587 00:22:00,791 --> 00:22:02,847 the region and of course , as you're 588 00:22:02,847 --> 00:22:04,736 tracking , we also have the Thaad 589 00:22:04,736 --> 00:22:07,013 Battery and that's in Israel . So , um , 590 00:22:07,013 --> 00:22:08,958 you know , for more on the Harriet 591 00:22:08,958 --> 00:22:11,125 Truman , I'd refer you to , you know , 592 00:22:11,125 --> 00:22:10,849 you come or the Navy to speak to her 593 00:22:10,859 --> 00:22:12,970 movements , but I don't have anything 594 00:22:12,970 --> 00:22:14,803 to announce today . Is there any 595 00:22:14,803 --> 00:22:17,074 concern about the straining of carrier 596 00:22:17,084 --> 00:22:19,140 strike groups since they're , you're 597 00:22:19,140 --> 00:22:21,306 bringing in some from the Indo Pacific 598 00:22:21,306 --> 00:22:23,473 area ? Now , um , it seems that all of 599 00:22:23,473 --> 00:22:25,473 our East coast ones are pretty much 600 00:22:25,473 --> 00:22:25,454 going deployment to deployment to 601 00:22:25,464 --> 00:22:27,520 employment with extensions . So , is 602 00:22:27,520 --> 00:22:29,520 there any concern from the dod that 603 00:22:29,520 --> 00:22:31,520 we're straining our sailors ? We're 604 00:22:31,520 --> 00:22:33,686 straining our ships past what they can 605 00:22:33,686 --> 00:22:35,631 do . Look , one of the secretary's 606 00:22:35,631 --> 00:22:37,964 priorities is taking care of our people . 607 00:22:37,964 --> 00:22:37,714 It's something that he is always 608 00:22:37,724 --> 00:22:39,946 concerned about . If , if you know , we 609 00:22:39,946 --> 00:22:42,540 are putting a strain on our , um , you 610 00:22:42,550 --> 00:22:44,383 know , apparatus or , you know , 611 00:22:44,383 --> 00:22:46,729 whether or any service , but um , these 612 00:22:46,739 --> 00:22:48,906 are decisions made in conjunction with 613 00:22:48,906 --> 00:22:51,699 the joint staff , um , that , you know , 614 00:22:52,410 --> 00:22:54,760 he feels necessary to deploy carry 615 00:22:54,770 --> 00:22:56,859 strike groups when appropriate , um 616 00:22:57,060 --> 00:22:59,116 October 7th was something that , you 617 00:22:59,116 --> 00:23:01,282 know , we did not predict was going to 618 00:23:01,290 --> 00:23:03,410 happen . Um , so we did have to surge 619 00:23:03,420 --> 00:23:05,364 new capabilities to the region and 620 00:23:05,364 --> 00:23:07,420 you've seen us rotate those out as , 621 00:23:07,420 --> 00:23:09,531 you know , some carrier strike groups 622 00:23:09,531 --> 00:23:11,531 have had to be extended over time . 623 00:23:11,531 --> 00:23:13,253 Secretary completely knows and 624 00:23:13,253 --> 00:23:15,253 understands that folks have to come 625 00:23:15,253 --> 00:23:15,130 home , they have to see their families 626 00:23:15,140 --> 00:23:17,307 and , and of course , that ship has to 627 00:23:17,307 --> 00:23:19,140 go through significant amount of 628 00:23:19,140 --> 00:23:20,973 maintenance . So it's absolutely 629 00:23:20,973 --> 00:23:22,973 something that's on the secretary's 630 00:23:22,973 --> 00:23:24,973 mind . It's on our , you know , our 631 00:23:24,973 --> 00:23:27,140 service chief's minds as well . Um And 632 00:23:27,140 --> 00:23:29,307 I think that's why , you know , taking 633 00:23:29,307 --> 00:23:31,140 care of our people is one of the 634 00:23:31,140 --> 00:23:33,084 secretary's priorities , Charlie . 635 00:23:33,084 --> 00:23:35,307 Welcome back . Thank you . It's nice to 636 00:23:35,307 --> 00:23:37,529 see you regarding the leak . Uh We know 637 00:23:37,529 --> 00:23:39,418 that the Secretary of Defense and 638 00:23:39,418 --> 00:23:41,584 Minister Gallant spoke . Um , we never 639 00:23:41,584 --> 00:23:43,640 got any details . I read out of that 640 00:23:43,640 --> 00:23:46,310 conversation how the readout posted on 641 00:23:46,319 --> 00:23:48,719 defense darker exactly about what they 642 00:23:48,729 --> 00:23:51,050 spoke about . We have a read out of , 643 00:23:51,229 --> 00:23:53,340 no , we have a read out of their call 644 00:23:53,340 --> 00:23:56,650 from Saturday and from yesterday , but 645 00:23:56,660 --> 00:23:58,882 there are no details . I mean , I don't 646 00:23:58,882 --> 00:24:01,104 have more details to provide other than 647 00:24:01,104 --> 00:24:03,104 the readout that's online . I don't 648 00:24:03,104 --> 00:24:02,469 have the read out in front of me . 649 00:24:02,880 --> 00:24:05,047 There's , there's a level of trust , I 650 00:24:05,047 --> 00:24:06,991 suppose that may have damaged that 651 00:24:06,991 --> 00:24:09,910 relationship . We have the United 652 00:24:09,920 --> 00:24:12,031 States essentially spying on , on our 653 00:24:12,150 --> 00:24:14,372 because we're not getting any where the 654 00:24:14,372 --> 00:24:16,150 United States isn't getting any 655 00:24:16,150 --> 00:24:18,317 information that they need to when you 656 00:24:18,317 --> 00:24:20,483 have us forces in the region as far as 657 00:24:20,483 --> 00:24:20,280 these attacks . That's the reason I'm 658 00:24:20,290 --> 00:24:22,512 wondering if that relationship is under 659 00:24:22,512 --> 00:24:24,679 strain . My more pointed question is I 660 00:24:24,679 --> 00:24:26,901 know that you said that the Pentagon is 661 00:24:26,901 --> 00:24:28,846 supporting the FBI investigation , 662 00:24:29,959 --> 00:24:31,626 which part of the Pentagon is 663 00:24:31,626 --> 00:24:33,819 supporting that uh investigation . And 664 00:24:33,829 --> 00:24:36,000 how can you be sure if this was the 665 00:24:36,010 --> 00:24:38,232 source of the leak , that that leak has 666 00:24:38,232 --> 00:24:40,399 been blocked ? So I'm not going to get 667 00:24:40,399 --> 00:24:42,459 into specifics on what uh particular 668 00:24:42,469 --> 00:24:44,747 office is supporting the investigation . 669 00:24:44,900 --> 00:24:46,733 I can tell you the department is 670 00:24:46,733 --> 00:24:48,678 broadly . Um Of course , we always 671 00:24:48,678 --> 00:24:50,678 would work , you know , with our um 672 00:24:50,678 --> 00:24:52,789 with law enforcement agencies when it 673 00:24:52,789 --> 00:24:54,844 comes to investigation pertaining to 674 00:24:54,844 --> 00:24:56,789 the department . Um But I just , I 675 00:24:56,789 --> 00:24:58,789 can't get into more specifics about 676 00:24:58,789 --> 00:25:00,956 that . Um In terms of um you said , uh 677 00:25:00,956 --> 00:25:03,067 uh sorry , uh paraphrasing here , but 678 00:25:03,067 --> 00:25:05,410 you said is the relationship between 679 00:25:05,420 --> 00:25:07,476 the United States and Israel under a 680 00:25:07,476 --> 00:25:10,030 strain . Um Look , the secretary 681 00:25:10,040 --> 00:25:12,318 continues to speak to Minister Gallant . 682 00:25:12,318 --> 00:25:14,119 Uh He spoke to Mr Gallant just 683 00:25:14,130 --> 00:25:16,241 yesterday as we were coming home from 684 00:25:16,241 --> 00:25:18,540 Italy . Uh I expect more engagements 685 00:25:18,550 --> 00:25:20,910 with um Mr Gallant to continue in the 686 00:25:20,920 --> 00:25:24,489 future I , I think they have a , a very 687 00:25:24,500 --> 00:25:26,722 good relationship with each other . You 688 00:25:26,722 --> 00:25:28,722 know , they've spoken to each other 689 00:25:28,722 --> 00:25:28,510 quite frequently , but I just don't 690 00:25:28,520 --> 00:25:30,576 have more to add in terms of these , 691 00:25:30,576 --> 00:25:33,530 these intel leaks . Yes . Thomas 692 00:25:33,949 --> 00:25:36,660 military.com can , uh , can the 693 00:25:36,670 --> 00:25:38,392 Pentagon provide any update on 694 00:25:38,392 --> 00:25:40,226 hurricane response , active duty 695 00:25:40,226 --> 00:25:42,392 soldiers were called up for recovery ? 696 00:25:42,392 --> 00:25:44,670 Are they still assisting at this point ? 697 00:25:44,670 --> 00:25:46,780 And is there any further analysis of 698 00:25:46,790 --> 00:25:49,239 damage to dod installations from those ? 699 00:25:50,885 --> 00:25:53,052 Thanks for the question . I don't have 700 00:25:53,052 --> 00:25:55,274 more to provide than what General Ryder 701 00:25:55,274 --> 00:25:57,441 provided on Tuesday , which is that um 702 00:25:57,441 --> 00:25:59,496 the active duty that we're assisting 703 00:25:59,496 --> 00:26:01,552 North Carolina , particularly around 704 00:26:01,552 --> 00:26:03,718 Hurricane Helene ? Um Their mission is 705 00:26:03,718 --> 00:26:05,829 ending and we'll be back . Uh I think 706 00:26:05,829 --> 00:26:08,107 what is it tomorrow ? Um So , you know , 707 00:26:08,107 --> 00:26:09,829 during that time , they , they 708 00:26:09,829 --> 00:26:12,869 delivered uh his incredible amount of 709 00:26:12,880 --> 00:26:15,102 um life saving aid to folks that needed 710 00:26:15,102 --> 00:26:16,936 it most in uh the North Carolina 711 00:26:16,936 --> 00:26:19,158 communities . Um Again , this is a fema 712 00:26:19,158 --> 00:26:21,229 led effort . But um you know , of 713 00:26:21,239 --> 00:26:23,461 course , we were happy to plug in where 714 00:26:23,461 --> 00:26:25,683 we could and provide the resources that 715 00:26:25,683 --> 00:26:27,906 we did . Um But their mission is coming 716 00:26:27,906 --> 00:26:29,795 to a close one more question . Um 717 00:26:29,795 --> 00:26:31,961 Presidential election right around the 718 00:26:31,961 --> 00:26:34,183 corner is dod preparing in any specific 719 00:26:34,183 --> 00:26:36,183 ways , whether that's for potential 720 00:26:36,183 --> 00:26:38,183 public demonstrations , um National 721 00:26:38,183 --> 00:26:40,350 Guard response to polling locations or 722 00:26:40,350 --> 00:26:42,183 is us Cyber Command , you know , 723 00:26:42,183 --> 00:26:44,128 monitoring election interference , 724 00:26:44,128 --> 00:26:46,017 anything like that , I don't have 725 00:26:46,017 --> 00:26:48,183 anything to provide right now in terms 726 00:26:48,183 --> 00:26:51,310 of any requests for assistance . Um uh 727 00:26:51,319 --> 00:26:53,709 in terms of cyber command and uh 728 00:26:53,719 --> 00:26:55,979 monitoring elections , I think we 729 00:26:55,989 --> 00:26:58,189 always monitor for misinformation . Um 730 00:26:58,199 --> 00:27:00,366 And unfortunately , we continue to see 731 00:27:00,366 --> 00:27:02,421 misinformation and the um you know , 732 00:27:02,421 --> 00:27:04,839 social media spaces continue to , you 733 00:27:04,849 --> 00:27:07,989 know , push false narratives . Um And , 734 00:27:08,000 --> 00:27:10,167 and so that's something that we always 735 00:27:10,167 --> 00:27:12,389 monitor and , and have called attention 736 00:27:12,389 --> 00:27:14,611 to whether it be from this podium or um 737 00:27:14,611 --> 00:27:16,833 others in the administration . But , um 738 00:27:16,833 --> 00:27:18,944 I just don't have more to add . Yes . 739 00:27:18,944 --> 00:27:21,111 Uh Thank you . S so , as you point out 740 00:27:21,111 --> 00:27:23,199 within a week , this is the second 741 00:27:23,209 --> 00:27:26,459 joint operation against Isis in Iraq in 742 00:27:26,869 --> 00:27:28,647 Syria , they have been the same 743 00:27:28,660 --> 00:27:31,640 operations , doesn't mean that Isis is 744 00:27:31,650 --> 00:27:35,489 reviving and regrouping . Um 745 00:27:36,150 --> 00:27:38,619 Again , is I is not what it was and uh 746 00:27:38,630 --> 00:27:42,119 like from 10 years ago , um I think we 747 00:27:42,130 --> 00:27:44,750 continue to see ISIS , um , operate 748 00:27:44,760 --> 00:27:46,538 within Iraq and Syria and their 749 00:27:46,538 --> 00:27:48,704 footprint has spread to other parts of 750 00:27:48,704 --> 00:27:50,910 the world . Um I don't think that 751 00:27:50,920 --> 00:27:53,319 demonstrates necessarily , um , you 752 00:27:53,329 --> 00:27:56,910 know , about their resurgence in 753 00:27:56,920 --> 00:27:59,087 Iraq or Syria , but it represents that 754 00:27:59,087 --> 00:28:01,198 they still remain a threat , which is 755 00:28:01,198 --> 00:28:03,869 why we do these partnered raids with 756 00:28:03,880 --> 00:28:06,910 the Iraqi security forces . A question . 757 00:28:07,170 --> 00:28:08,892 How do you look at the Turkish 758 00:28:08,892 --> 00:28:12,270 operations in the north of Syria since 759 00:28:12,280 --> 00:28:14,680 yesterday ? There have been like dozens 760 00:28:14,689 --> 00:28:18,290 of like , uh security forces 761 00:28:18,300 --> 00:28:20,750 killed and civilians . Well , I think , 762 00:28:20,760 --> 00:28:22,871 you know , as you saw in Turkey looks 763 00:28:22,871 --> 00:28:24,927 like to be a terrorist attack and of 764 00:28:24,927 --> 00:28:27,149 course , um you know , on behalf of our 765 00:28:27,149 --> 00:28:29,260 depart the department , you know , we 766 00:28:29,260 --> 00:28:31,427 express our condolences to the victims 767 00:28:31,427 --> 00:28:33,482 and those that were also injured and 768 00:28:33,482 --> 00:28:35,760 you know , their families , but um they 769 00:28:35,770 --> 00:28:37,659 have a right to hold those people 770 00:28:37,659 --> 00:28:39,603 accountable that uh conducted that 771 00:28:39,603 --> 00:28:41,770 attack . Yeah , right here . Thanks so 772 00:28:41,770 --> 00:28:43,826 much to regarding your leaks . Uh So 773 00:28:43,826 --> 00:28:46,048 General Ryder the other day stated that 774 00:28:46,359 --> 00:28:50,140 uh orient tt is not the subject of any 775 00:28:50,150 --> 00:28:53,300 investigation regarding the leaks . Uh 776 00:28:53,689 --> 00:28:57,660 uh Do you confirm that she is 777 00:28:57,670 --> 00:29:00,589 still working as a chief of staff for 778 00:29:00,599 --> 00:29:03,420 uh uh Christopher May ? So 779 00:29:04,589 --> 00:29:07,569 I'm just gonna say that uh there are , 780 00:29:07,579 --> 00:29:09,635 there are some names floating around 781 00:29:09,635 --> 00:29:11,690 and neither official is a subject of 782 00:29:11,690 --> 00:29:13,690 interest and the department remains 783 00:29:13,690 --> 00:29:15,579 fully committed to supporting the 784 00:29:15,579 --> 00:29:17,690 investigation . Um I'm just not gonna 785 00:29:17,690 --> 00:29:19,912 go into specifics on , on personnel and 786 00:29:19,912 --> 00:29:22,135 where they're working . Um And we leave 787 00:29:22,135 --> 00:29:25,819 it there . Uh Yeah . So do you , 788 00:29:26,270 --> 00:29:29,310 do you deny that she , do you confirm 789 00:29:29,319 --> 00:29:31,319 what they were ? The general writer 790 00:29:31,319 --> 00:29:33,263 said the other day that she is not 791 00:29:33,263 --> 00:29:35,208 particular because her name is out 792 00:29:35,208 --> 00:29:37,263 there ? Uh She has been named . So , 793 00:29:37,263 --> 00:29:37,089 yeah , and I think it's really 794 00:29:37,099 --> 00:29:39,739 dangerous when a investigation is just 795 00:29:39,750 --> 00:29:43,540 a few days in um to be putting names 796 00:29:43,550 --> 00:29:45,900 out there again , as General Ryder said , 797 00:29:45,910 --> 00:29:49,239 and I will say again , um neither of 798 00:29:49,250 --> 00:29:50,939 the officials whose names are 799 00:29:50,949 --> 00:29:54,060 circulating are the subject of interest 800 00:29:54,069 --> 00:29:56,939 um uh in this investigation . And we 801 00:29:56,949 --> 00:29:58,949 are committed to working with the , 802 00:29:58,949 --> 00:30:01,171 with the FBI on this to make it clear . 803 00:30:01,171 --> 00:30:03,449 I don't think I can make it more clear . 804 00:30:03,449 --> 00:30:05,930 The Pentagon is categorically denies 805 00:30:06,229 --> 00:30:10,130 that , that she and confirms that she 806 00:30:10,140 --> 00:30:13,650 is not under investigation regarding 807 00:30:13,869 --> 00:30:15,869 the leaks . I think , I , I think I 808 00:30:15,869 --> 00:30:17,925 just said that neither official is a 809 00:30:18,089 --> 00:30:21,119 subject of interest in the back and 810 00:30:21,130 --> 00:30:23,352 then I'll go to . Thank you very much , 811 00:30:23,352 --> 00:30:27,310 Sabrina . I have honored uh , uh James 812 00:30:27,349 --> 00:30:29,405 Bond Stockdale here . My teacher for 813 00:30:29,405 --> 00:30:31,238 ethics . I want to honor another 814 00:30:31,238 --> 00:30:33,380 veteran Mr Anderson from the Iraq war 815 00:30:33,390 --> 00:30:37,199 who was my Spanish teacher . Uh So he 816 00:30:37,209 --> 00:30:39,400 said , and this question is regarding 817 00:30:39,410 --> 00:30:42,349 you and your allies who fight against 818 00:30:42,359 --> 00:30:44,780 terrorism , I mean , Pakistan . Um So 819 00:30:44,790 --> 00:30:46,790 Mr Anderson had taught me that dime 820 00:30:46,790 --> 00:30:49,569 aqui is to amigos ao the Hare quire 821 00:30:50,089 --> 00:30:52,609 Usted that tell me who your friends are 822 00:30:52,619 --> 00:30:54,729 and I'll tell you who you are . Uh 823 00:30:55,530 --> 00:30:57,697 yesterday we had second anniversary of 824 00:30:57,699 --> 00:30:59,921 a journalist who was killed in Pakistan 825 00:30:59,921 --> 00:31:03,599 two years ago . Uh 10 years ago , 826 00:31:04,099 --> 00:31:06,550 an I SI official went to the judge who 827 00:31:06,560 --> 00:31:09,510 is a high court judge now to uh rule 828 00:31:09,520 --> 00:31:12,869 against me . Uh fingers are pointed at 829 00:31:12,880 --> 00:31:15,699 your allies . How does it affect you 830 00:31:15,709 --> 00:31:18,300 and how do you feel about it ? I'm 831 00:31:18,310 --> 00:31:20,477 sorry , I'm just not familiar with the 832 00:31:20,477 --> 00:31:22,699 case that you're referencing . But what 833 00:31:22,699 --> 00:31:22,040 I can tell you is broadly this 834 00:31:22,050 --> 00:31:23,994 administration and this department 835 00:31:23,994 --> 00:31:26,106 supports uh journalists wherever they 836 00:31:26,106 --> 00:31:29,430 work uh to be able to report freely and 837 00:31:29,439 --> 00:31:32,869 without fear of harassment . Ok . Do 838 00:31:32,880 --> 00:31:34,880 you have one more ? I would like to 839 00:31:34,880 --> 00:31:37,102 have two more because it's , the entire 840 00:31:37,102 --> 00:31:38,991 country has been . All the fourth 841 00:31:38,991 --> 00:31:40,991 pillar has been destroyed and state 842 00:31:40,991 --> 00:31:42,880 department usually gets political 843 00:31:42,880 --> 00:31:44,936 answers . You give more uh realistic 844 00:31:44,936 --> 00:31:46,991 answer . So I want to , but two more 845 00:31:46,991 --> 00:31:49,369 would be great , please . Last week , 846 00:31:49,380 --> 00:31:51,547 we had several parliamentarians picked 847 00:31:51,547 --> 00:31:55,229 up in Pakistan uh just to have their 848 00:31:55,239 --> 00:31:58,689 vote in a constitutional amendment . Um 849 00:31:59,609 --> 00:32:01,387 in Pakistan , the current Prime 850 00:32:01,387 --> 00:32:03,442 Minister , we have , his brother was 851 00:32:03,442 --> 00:32:05,665 accused of taking money from Al Qaeda . 852 00:32:05,665 --> 00:32:08,530 Chief Osama Bin Laden , the State 853 00:32:08,540 --> 00:32:10,651 Department . I have brought this into 854 00:32:10,651 --> 00:32:12,873 the notice . You know , if my colleague 855 00:32:12,873 --> 00:32:14,984 had last week asked you that Al Qaeda 856 00:32:14,984 --> 00:32:17,096 is again growing in that region . How 857 00:32:17,096 --> 00:32:19,040 do you feel about having political 858 00:32:19,040 --> 00:32:20,818 leadership who have taken money 859 00:32:20,818 --> 00:32:22,707 according to their own even party 860 00:32:22,707 --> 00:32:24,929 members , they have taken money from Al 861 00:32:24,929 --> 00:32:26,707 Qaeda leaders . How do you have 862 00:32:26,707 --> 00:32:28,540 political leaders like that in a 863 00:32:28,540 --> 00:32:30,596 country while at the same time , you 864 00:32:30,596 --> 00:32:32,818 know , the terrorism again growing over 865 00:32:32,818 --> 00:32:34,818 there ? So I don't have anything on 866 00:32:34,818 --> 00:32:37,040 these reports that you're referencing . 867 00:32:37,040 --> 00:32:39,096 I can tell you , you know , Al Qaeda 868 00:32:39,096 --> 00:32:41,207 does remain a threat , something that 869 00:32:41,207 --> 00:32:43,373 we monitor , but I don't have anything 870 00:32:43,373 --> 00:32:42,219 else . And do you want to ask your 871 00:32:42,229 --> 00:32:45,020 final question ? Yes , please . My last 872 00:32:45,030 --> 00:32:48,660 question is that we have had 873 00:32:48,670 --> 00:32:50,559 government senior officials being 874 00:32:50,559 --> 00:32:53,729 kidnapped . We have had judges being 875 00:32:53,739 --> 00:32:57,250 threatened , uh pictures in their 876 00:32:57,260 --> 00:32:59,930 bedrooms taken and again , pointed out , 877 00:33:00,079 --> 00:33:02,135 your fingers are pointed out at your 878 00:33:02,135 --> 00:33:06,030 allies and your friends in battlefield . 879 00:33:06,270 --> 00:33:08,270 Again , I want to say this to you . 880 00:33:08,270 --> 00:33:10,326 Like , do you take these things into 881 00:33:10,326 --> 00:33:12,270 consideration because I know State 882 00:33:12,270 --> 00:33:14,381 Department doesn't take them ? Do you 883 00:33:14,381 --> 00:33:14,319 raise these concerns at all with your 884 00:33:14,329 --> 00:33:16,489 friends and allies who go to military 885 00:33:16,500 --> 00:33:18,667 colleges here to get their degrees and 886 00:33:18,667 --> 00:33:20,719 stuff ? Like , do that all discuss 887 00:33:20,729 --> 00:33:22,951 these things with them . Look , I'm not 888 00:33:22,951 --> 00:33:25,062 familiar with the reports that you're 889 00:33:25,062 --> 00:33:27,118 referencing . I , you know , I think 890 00:33:27,118 --> 00:33:29,750 you can uh be rest assured that the 891 00:33:29,760 --> 00:33:31,927 United States is always going to stand 892 00:33:31,927 --> 00:33:34,699 for democratic principles um and uh the 893 00:33:34,709 --> 00:33:37,000 promotion of democracy all around the 894 00:33:37,010 --> 00:33:39,121 world , but I , I don't have anything 895 00:33:39,121 --> 00:33:41,288 more to add to those reports . Louie . 896 00:33:41,589 --> 00:33:44,939 I , yes , I have a a leaks question and 897 00:33:44,949 --> 00:33:47,619 uh two follow ups on Jenny's questions 898 00:33:47,760 --> 00:33:50,410 about . That's right . Um Are you aware 899 00:33:50,420 --> 00:33:52,198 that uh do you have information 900 00:33:52,198 --> 00:33:54,253 suggesting that there has been a new 901 00:33:54,253 --> 00:33:56,253 leak of documents or do you know if 902 00:33:56,253 --> 00:33:58,979 there's um the possibility that there 903 00:33:58,989 --> 00:34:01,045 may be additional documents that are 904 00:34:01,045 --> 00:34:03,900 released or part of this ? I'm not 905 00:34:03,910 --> 00:34:06,020 aware of any . Um But it's something 906 00:34:06,030 --> 00:34:08,399 that the IC of course , you know , uh 907 00:34:08,570 --> 00:34:10,750 given this latest alleged leak of 908 00:34:10,760 --> 00:34:12,982 classified documents is gonna look into 909 00:34:13,820 --> 00:34:17,060 and um with regards to North Korea um 910 00:34:17,070 --> 00:34:19,409 on the trip , uh the secretary when he 911 00:34:19,419 --> 00:34:21,419 confirmed the presence of the North 912 00:34:21,419 --> 00:34:23,363 Koreans , he also talked about the 913 00:34:23,363 --> 00:34:25,363 potential implications for the Indo 914 00:34:25,363 --> 00:34:27,419 Pacific . Um can you walk us through 915 00:34:27,419 --> 00:34:30,389 what that means ? I mean , potentially , 916 00:34:30,399 --> 00:34:32,343 I mean , if there are casualties , 917 00:34:32,343 --> 00:34:34,566 could this and South Korea , you know , 918 00:34:34,566 --> 00:34:36,520 promising assistance now or is he 919 00:34:36,530 --> 00:34:38,474 suggesting that they might provide 920 00:34:38,474 --> 00:34:40,689 assistance to Ukraine ? Um , is , is 921 00:34:40,699 --> 00:34:42,532 that what he's talking about the 922 00:34:42,532 --> 00:34:44,477 potential tensions between both of 923 00:34:44,477 --> 00:34:46,699 those countries and how it would impact 924 00:34:46,699 --> 00:34:48,810 the United States ? No , I think what 925 00:34:48,810 --> 00:34:48,750 the secretary was referring to is that , 926 00:34:48,760 --> 00:34:52,188 you know , if , if the 927 00:34:52,198 --> 00:34:54,279 soldiers from the D Pr K do get 928 00:34:54,289 --> 00:34:56,345 involved in active combat operations 929 00:34:56,345 --> 00:34:58,898 within Ukraine , that is destabilizing 930 00:34:59,049 --> 00:35:01,839 to the Indo Pacific . Um And of course , 931 00:35:01,849 --> 00:35:04,158 that has an impact to our allies , uh 932 00:35:04,168 --> 00:35:06,335 whether it be in Europe or , or in the 933 00:35:06,335 --> 00:35:08,112 Indo Pacific , particularly the 934 00:35:08,112 --> 00:35:10,438 Republic of Korea . Um I mean , as the 935 00:35:10,448 --> 00:35:12,504 secretary characterized it , which I 936 00:35:12,509 --> 00:35:14,787 think he did a better job than I would . 937 00:35:14,787 --> 00:35:17,379 But you know , the , if it is the case 938 00:35:17,389 --> 00:35:20,000 that D Pr K soldiers enter into combat , 939 00:35:20,120 --> 00:35:22,064 they would be co belligerents with 940 00:35:22,064 --> 00:35:24,287 Russia . And that is a , that is a very 941 00:35:24,287 --> 00:35:26,459 serious issue . Um It's also serious 942 00:35:26,469 --> 00:35:28,949 that , uh you know , this does 943 00:35:28,959 --> 00:35:32,570 highlight Russia's desperation . Um And 944 00:35:32,580 --> 00:35:34,413 so I think because it highlights 945 00:35:34,413 --> 00:35:36,302 Russia's de desperation , it also 946 00:35:36,302 --> 00:35:38,413 highlights the fact that we have been 947 00:35:38,413 --> 00:35:40,413 successful in continuing to arm and 948 00:35:40,413 --> 00:35:42,469 support Ukraine with what it needs . 949 00:35:42,469 --> 00:35:44,580 And it's not just the department , of 950 00:35:44,580 --> 00:35:44,479 course , we , you know , roll out 951 00:35:44,489 --> 00:35:46,822 multimillion dollar packages to Ukraine , 952 00:35:46,822 --> 00:35:48,822 but you have other sections of this 953 00:35:48,822 --> 00:35:51,270 administration from , you know , Energy 954 00:35:51,280 --> 00:35:53,113 State , et cetera that have also 955 00:35:53,113 --> 00:35:55,336 supported Ukraine during this time . Um 956 00:35:55,336 --> 00:35:58,489 And I think it also shows that um under 957 00:35:58,500 --> 00:36:00,850 the secretary's leadership , the U DC G , 958 00:36:00,860 --> 00:36:04,139 which , you know , convenes um monthly 959 00:36:04,219 --> 00:36:07,030 um has been incredibly successful in 960 00:36:07,040 --> 00:36:10,080 galvanizing the world . Um Don't worry 961 00:36:10,100 --> 00:36:13,530 about that North Korea . 962 00:36:13,719 --> 00:36:16,489 Uh Ukraine's Defense Intelligence 963 00:36:16,500 --> 00:36:19,439 Service has posted a statement publicly 964 00:36:19,449 --> 00:36:21,671 saying that as of yesterday , they have 965 00:36:21,671 --> 00:36:23,820 detected the movement of North Korean 966 00:36:23,830 --> 00:36:25,959 troops into Kirk . Can you provide a 967 00:36:25,969 --> 00:36:28,191 comment or any indication if that is an 968 00:36:28,191 --> 00:36:30,413 accurate report ? I don't have anything 969 00:36:30,413 --> 00:36:32,525 on that , that report . All I have is 970 00:36:32,525 --> 00:36:34,580 what I was able to , you know , what 971 00:36:34,580 --> 00:36:36,525 was , what the secretary mentioned 972 00:36:36,525 --> 00:36:36,090 yesterday . And I know the White House 973 00:36:36,100 --> 00:36:38,100 also did as well , but I don't have 974 00:36:38,100 --> 00:36:40,211 anything more on those reports . It's 975 00:36:40,211 --> 00:36:42,433 something that we're gonna monitor . Um 976 00:36:42,433 --> 00:36:42,260 And as we , you know , have committed , 977 00:36:42,270 --> 00:36:44,437 we'll keep you updated on that . I see 978 00:36:44,437 --> 00:36:46,603 Mike with a question . How comfortable 979 00:36:46,603 --> 00:36:48,770 are you that Israel actually pays heed 980 00:36:48,770 --> 00:36:51,080 to the suggestions that are coming from 981 00:36:51,260 --> 00:36:53,459 uh se secretary and the other and the 982 00:36:53,469 --> 00:36:55,525 other leaders . I mean , if they had 983 00:36:55,525 --> 00:36:57,747 paid attention , I mean , if it , if it 984 00:36:57,747 --> 00:36:59,858 were to listen to you , I mean , they 985 00:36:59,858 --> 00:36:59,699 wouldn't have gone under Rafa Yaya , I 986 00:37:00,320 --> 00:37:02,376 would still be alive . They wouldn't 987 00:37:02,376 --> 00:37:04,542 have launched these attacks and the he 988 00:37:04,542 --> 00:37:06,320 into Lebanon that decimated the 989 00:37:06,320 --> 00:37:08,376 Hezbollah leadership , they wouldn't 990 00:37:08,376 --> 00:37:10,598 have launched a strike in Tehran that , 991 00:37:10,598 --> 00:37:12,542 uh , took out the , uh , the other 992 00:37:12,542 --> 00:37:14,598 leader there . I mean , are you , do 993 00:37:14,598 --> 00:37:16,764 you think they're just , uh , ignoring 994 00:37:16,764 --> 00:37:16,629 you ? And what's the , what's the 995 00:37:16,639 --> 00:37:18,860 reason ? Oh , Mike , that's quite a 996 00:37:18,870 --> 00:37:20,981 leaning question . I would say that . 997 00:37:20,981 --> 00:37:23,699 Um , we never said you can't conduct 998 00:37:23,709 --> 00:37:27,419 operations to dismantle , um , 999 00:37:28,010 --> 00:37:30,419 uh , and go after Hamas leadership , 1000 00:37:30,429 --> 00:37:32,389 but we were concerned about how 1001 00:37:32,399 --> 00:37:35,100 operations take to civilians and 1002 00:37:35,110 --> 00:37:36,999 removing those civilians from the 1003 00:37:36,999 --> 00:37:39,110 battle space . That's something we've 1004 00:37:39,110 --> 00:37:40,777 impressed upon them . Um They 1005 00:37:40,777 --> 00:37:42,943 absolutely have a right to prosecute , 1006 00:37:42,943 --> 00:37:44,999 um , you know , Lebanese Hezbollah , 1007 00:37:44,999 --> 00:37:46,666 that's , that's on the border 1008 00:37:46,666 --> 00:37:48,832 threatening Israeli citizens that have 1009 00:37:48,832 --> 00:37:50,999 not been able to return to their homes 1010 00:37:50,999 --> 00:37:52,832 in the north . Um You know , the 1011 00:37:52,832 --> 00:37:54,499 dismantling of , of Hezbollah 1012 00:37:54,499 --> 00:37:56,499 leadership has implications for the 1013 00:37:56,499 --> 00:37:58,554 United States . Um that , you know , 1014 00:37:58,554 --> 00:38:00,777 you're taking a terrorist off the map . 1015 00:38:00,840 --> 00:38:03,830 Um It's our conversations with the 1016 00:38:03,840 --> 00:38:05,673 Israelis is how you conduct your 1017 00:38:05,673 --> 00:38:07,840 operations . Um And that's always been 1018 00:38:07,840 --> 00:38:09,840 something that we've impressed upon 1019 00:38:09,840 --> 00:38:12,007 them and , and continue to do . So , I 1020 00:38:12,007 --> 00:38:14,118 mean , you've seen the multiple calls 1021 00:38:14,118 --> 00:38:16,229 that the secretary has had , um , you 1022 00:38:16,229 --> 00:38:18,340 know , not enough aid is getting into 1023 00:38:18,340 --> 00:38:20,396 Gaza . Um That is a huge concern for 1024 00:38:20,396 --> 00:38:22,673 this administration and you cover this , 1025 00:38:22,679 --> 00:38:24,568 uh you know , that we set up uh a 1026 00:38:24,568 --> 00:38:26,623 maritime corridor over the summer to 1027 00:38:26,623 --> 00:38:29,540 surge aid in . Um that helped , 1028 00:38:31,030 --> 00:38:33,141 but there's we , I mean , we know the 1029 00:38:33,141 --> 00:38:35,363 land crossings are the best way for aid 1030 00:38:35,363 --> 00:38:37,419 to get in and um , you can do that , 1031 00:38:37,419 --> 00:38:39,530 you can get humanitarian aid to those 1032 00:38:39,530 --> 00:38:41,419 who need it most while conducting 1033 00:38:41,419 --> 00:38:43,141 operations . And that , that's 1034 00:38:43,141 --> 00:38:42,580 something that we've impressed upon 1035 00:38:42,590 --> 00:38:44,790 them from the beginning . Ok . All 1036 00:38:44,800 --> 00:38:47,078 right . Um , I'm gonna , I'm gonna , I , 1037 00:38:47,078 --> 00:38:49,356 sorry , I have to wrap it up for today , 1038 00:38:49,356 --> 00:38:48,760 but thanks everyone . Have a good one .