Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press ConferenceContracts for Aug. 8, 2024Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks' Fireside Chat with Honorable Mac[...]

DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: OK, good afternoon. All right, just a few things at the top and then happy to take your questions. On Tuesday, the 34th Australia-US Ministerial Consultations, known as AUSMIN, took place in Annapolis. During a series of productive and substantive discussions, Secretary Austin and Secretary of State Blinken met with their Australian counterparts, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, to further strengthen the US Australia alliance and the cooperation between our two countries in the Indo-Pacific region and globally.

The leaders also reaffirmed that the unbreakable alliance between the United States and Australia is essential to promoting a prosperous and peaceful region. Coming off the heels of yet another momentous trip to the Indo-Pacific region last week, Tuesday's AUSMIN caps off a historic two weeks of engagements that have successfully advanced our partnerships and alliances toward a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Among the many accomplishments discussed at AUSMIN, I'd like to highlight just a few. The United States and Australia reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing force posture cooperation across various domains, including land, maritime, air and space, ensuring both countries can respond more quickly and effectively in the region.

Both nations also announced significant progress on co-production and co-development activities that will strengthen our advanced capabilities, bolster the resilience of our respective defense industrial bases, and ensure we're prepared to respond to regional challenges for decades to come. These efforts, alongside increased rotations of US forces to Australia and expanded trilateral cooperation with Japan, exemplified the deepening resolve and steadfast commitment of the United States and Australia to our shared strategic goals. For more information, you can find a joint statement and the fact sheet regarding yesterday's AUSMIN on the DOD website - I'm sorry, Tuesday's.

Separate but related, as we work to bolster strategic partnerships abroad, Secretary Austin and Deputy Secretary Hicks remain deeply committed to accelerating the department's Defense Innovation Development and Acquisition here at home. In remarks delivered at the NDIA Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference yesterday, Deputy Secretary Hicks outlined the progress the department has made over the last four years in driving the sustainable change and innovation necessary to ensuring our armed services have the

capabilities on hand to meet our geopolitical moment. Her remarks, as well as a fact sheet outlining the department's lines of effort toward innovation and modernization, are available on defense.gov.

And jumping in a very different direction once more, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous success Team USA has displayed at the Olympic Games in Paris, which will officially conclude this weekend. This year we had nine US Army athletes compete in the Olympic Games. So, on behalf of the entire Department of Defense, we want to congratulate Team USA. Thanks for making us proud and for finishing strong. And of course, the entire department looks forward to cheering on three US Army athletes who will compete in the Paralympic Games in Paris later this month.

And finally, before I take your questions, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the tensions in the Middle East, as I know many of you are interested in receiving updates. As you are aware, last week Secretary Austin bolstered our force posture in the region to improve US force protection, increase support for the defense of Israel, and to ensure the United States is prepared to respond to a various number of contingencies. The secretary and the department remain intently focused on de-escalating tensions in the region and pushing for a ceasefire as part of the hostage deal to end the war in Gaza.

And with that, I'd be happy to take your questions. Tara, would you like to start us off?

Q: Sure. Hi, Sabrina. On the Middle East, has the department seen any indications by Iran or Hezbollah that an attack is imminent? And besides force posture changes, are there any other developments as far as getting Americans out if you need to do an evacuation?

SABRINA SINGH: So, in terms of the imminence of any attack, look, I can't really speak to that. I certainly wouldn't speak to any intelligence. We've, of course, seen the public messaging that has come out, whether it be from Hezbollah or from Iran. And that's why the secretary made the decision that he did to bolster our force posture in the region. And of course, our commitment to the defense of Israel remains ironclad.

And I'm sorry, on your second question, could you - do you mind repeating it?

Q: Just any additional - are they taking heightened security measures? I know you've moved additional forces around the region, but are they on, like, the highest level of security posture? And then to follow up, yesterday there were a couple of no-fly warnings issued by countries about not flying over Iranian airspace. Do you take that as an indication that an attack may be imminent?

SABRINA SINGH: For those I think equivalent of NOTAMS that were issued by other countries, I don't have anything for you on that. I'd refer you to those other countries. My understanding is some of those are routine in nature. But I'd refer you to those countries that that issued that.

In terms of our force posture levels, look, of course we remain poised to respond should we need to be called for the defense of Israel. I think also in your question you had mentioned, you know, any planning for evacuation. And again, we're a planning organization. It's something that is a capability that of course we have.

But right now, our main focus is making sure that we're postured to make sure that our forces are protected. We're postured to come to the defense of Israel should we need to. But what we really want to see is tensions de-escalate. And you saw the secretary speak to that at his press conference on Tuesday. The need for this hostage deal to go forward - or the ceasefire deal to go forward so we can get hostages home, that's really our focus and that's what we want to see moving forward.

Liz?

Q: Thanks. On the attack at al-Assad earlier this week, how many US service members were injured total? I believe we got seven service members and contractors were injured, but has that number gone up since? And how many have returned to duty? How many are still seeking treatment?

SABRINA SINGH: Yeah. No, thanks, Liz, for the question. So, initially our assessment was that it was seven personnel that were injured. That was our initial report.

It is actually five service members that were injured in the attack. After conducting a post-strike analysis, we determined that four service members and one contractor was actually injured in the attack. The other two received, you know, very minor injuries and returned to duty right away. And again it was two personnel initially thought to have been injured during the attack, but were screened by medics and after that attack were immediately returned to duty.

In terms of the status of the other personnel, three of the five injured personnel have been transferred to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for additional treatment. The remaining personnel, the one service member and contractor have returned to duty and are in the region.

Q: And can you explain what exactly happened? Was it two rockets that impacted the base, or you know, how was this able to get past the US protection?

SABRINA SINGH: Yeah, thanks for the question. So it was two rockets launched by what we believe to be an Iranian backed Shia militia group that that impacted Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq. There was a third rocket that was intercepted before it impacted the base. In terms of how these rockets got through, look, that's something that CENTCOM is going to review and is reviewing right now. We want to make sure that this doesn't happen again and so CENTCOM is going to adjust and take the proper measures needed to protect our forces in the region. But I don't have more to share right now.

Q: Can you provide us an update on Ukraine's incursion into Kursk? Is that consistent with the United States's sort of understanding of what Ukraine can and cannot do with US weapons?

SABRINA SINGH: Thanks for the question. So yes, it is. It is consistent with our policy and we have supported Ukraine from the very beginning to defend themselves against attacks that are coming across the border and for the need for crossfires. So they are taking actions to protect themselves from attacks that are coming from a region that are within the US policy of where they can operate, you know, our weapons, our systems, our capabilities. In terms of this actual operation that's ongoing in the Kursk region that you've referenced, I'd refer you to the Ukrainians to speak more to that. We are getting more information, but really it's for them to speak to their own operations.

Q: So is the policy then essentially wherever they see an attack emanating from or grouping of troops, so could that include Moscow as well, if they saw some sort of preparation for them to then go into Moscow, is that that -

SABRINA SINGH: Again, we don't support long range attacks into Russia. These are more for crossfire. I'm not going to put a specific range on it. As you know -

Q: - Do they know what the limit is?

SABRINA SINGH: - They (Ukrainians) are aware of the US policy and what we are supportive of. I think you know from the very beginning we are supportive of Ukraine and their success on the battlefield. But as the dynamics have shifted on the battlefield, they've been able to actually push the Russians back further into Russian territory. But as they see attacks coming across the border, they have to be able to have the capabilities to respond. And so you're seeing some of these cross-border counter fire measures that they're being able to take that are near the border of Ukraine.

We don't support long range attacks into (Russia). We've said that from the very beginning. I'm not going to draw, you know, a circular map here for you of where they can and can't strike, but we've been very clear with the Ukrainians.

Janne?

Q: Thank you, Sabrina. Two questions on the North Korea and Ukraine. First question, as you know North Korea's Kim Jong Un announced that 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers have been deployed to the front lines. What impact do you think this will have on the US and South Korea missile defense system?

SABRINA SINGH: Thanks, Janne. So I haven't actually seen that announcement, but any type of actions that further destabilize the region and what we've seen from the DPRK its actions just like that that continue to hurt relationships in the region, further destabilize the region, but I don't have anything specific on that report.

Q: But this is threatening to the Korean Peninsula -

SABRINA SINGH: - Yeah, I don't have anything more specific to add to that.

Q: Second question, it was reported that North Korea armored vehicles was found at the battlefield in Ukraine. Is North Korea-Russia military cooperation actually taking place after the military treaty between Putin and Kim Jong un?

SABRINA SINGH: So I think what we've seen is a deepening partnership and cooperation between the DPRK and Russia. And we've been very clear about our concerns of that deepening alliance along with Iran as well, supplying munitions and capability to Russia as they continue to wage an illegal and unlawful war against their sovereign neighbor.

In terms of this armored vehicle that you're referencing, I have, candidly, not seen that report, but we know that the DPRK is providing military assistance to Russia. What I can say is what we're focused on and what we're focused on is making sure that Ukraine has what it needs to be successful to be successful on the battlefield.

You've seen us roll out Presidential drawdown authority packages, you know, pretty consistently. We're going to continue to do that. And of course, Ukraine has the backing of the Ukraine defense contact group that the secretary convenes almost monthly. And I think that is a strong showing of support from the United States and countries like minded countries all around the world for Ukraine.

Yeah, Joe.

Q: Thanks. Back to Liz's question, on that strike or attack, can we - I mean, so the secretary said I think a couple of days ago that no attacks - or the US won't accept any attacks on its personnel in the region. We saw a couple of attacks on US forces in the last couple of weeks. We haven't seen the US respond to any of those. We saw a self-defense strike on July 31st and then this strike came, so can we expect a US response?

SABRINA SINGH: We always reserve the right to respond at a time and place of our choosing. I'm certainly not going to get ahead of the Secretary or any decisions that he makes in conjunction with the President and the National Security Council. But we always reserve that right and we will take measures that we need to, to ensure the protection of our forces.

Q: Just one more on the self-defense strike on July 31st, is there any additional information that you can share in terms of if there were any - if anybody was killed in that in that strike Because there's been reports that there were actually some Houthi members or fighters in Iraq at the time?

SABRINA SINGH: I would refer you to CENTCOM for more details on that strike.

Q: Just one last one on Gaza, has the department seen a day after plan yet from its Israeli counterparts on - for a day-after planning Gaza?

SABRINA SINGH: That's something that we continue to urge for - urge for with our, you know, with the secretary's calls with Minister Gallant. We continue to urge to see, you know, what does planning look like when the war ends. It's not something that I'm going to get into details on from here, but it's something that we are in and always communicating with the Israelis on whether it be from here in this building or from throughout the interagency.

It's something that we're very mindful of and want to make sure that there is a plan in place for when this war ends. And I think getting to your larger question here, the best way for that, for a plan to be put into place is we need to see this, the ceasefire deal come to fruition. We need to see, you know, hostages come back to their loved ones. That's the best way in ensuring the next step forward to move forward what a transition plan looks like.

Q: You're urging them, but have you seen a plan? When it comes to -

SABRINA SINGH: I'm not going to be able to provide more at this time.

Yeah? - I'm sorry. I don't think I know your name.

Q: John Hendren [sp] with Al Jazeera English.

SABRINA SINGH: Nice to meet you.

Q: When it comes to a potential attack by Iran or its affiliates on Israel, is the US force posture purely defensive? Is it possible offensive capabilities would be used? Are there limits?

SABRINA SINGH: Our force posture within the Middle East, especially when it comes to, you know, protecting our forces coming to the defense of Israel is defensive in nature. And you've saw from the very beginning, you know, on October 8th when the secretary directed the USS Ford Carrier strike group to move to the region and then a few days later also directed the Ike to move to the region.

What you're seeing now is bolstered force posture that has evolved over time as, you know, the you know, engagements in the region have gone on, but everything that we're doing is defensive in nature including Operation Prosperity Guardian that is continuing to engage, you know, very dangerous threats and missile projections from the Houthis on an almost daily basis. That is a defensive coalition in nature. It is there to protect commercial shipping through the Red Sea, through the BAM. That's exactly what our forces are doing there.

Q: Might that change if there were an attack on US forces in the region?

SABRINA SINGH: I'm not going to get into any hypotheticals here. Mike, did I see - no? Never mind. Yes.

Q: Thank you, Sabrina. Just getting back to your Iraq, you know the Iraqi government is responsible for protecting US forces in the country, but I don't know if the Prime Minister of Iraq -

Q: Is not willing or does not have the control to rein in these militia groups to protect US forces. So, what measures you're going to take?

SABRINA SINGH: Well, I just - before I walked up here, I saw that the Iraqi government arrested five people that were considered responsible for the attack on US forces at al-Asad Airbase, and we certainly welcome those actions.

We have a good partnership with the Iraqi government. And what I will say is sort of to what Joe was asking about, is I'm not going to telegraph or get ahead of the secretary, but we always will take measures to protect our forces. And should we decide to respond, it will be at a time and place of our choosing, and I wouldn't be announcing that from the podium.

Q: Thank you.

SABRINA SINGH: Yes, in the back.

Q: Same issue, this time a new group in Iraq. They call themselves Sorian [Ph]. They pushed a statement and they claimed the responsibility for this attack. So - but still, you have not labeled any militia groups in Iraq which were behind this attack. So, do you welcome or do you - sorry, do you buy this statement by this Iraqi militia group is - that

they were behind this attack? And why it takes so long for you to determine which group was behind this attack?

SABRINA SINGH: We know that it is a Iranian backed Shia militia group that is responsible for this attack. Am I going to go into our intelligence assessments here from the podium with you? I'm just not going to do that. But, you know, I haven't seen the statement from this group. What I can tell you is we always reserve the right to respond to protect our forces, and I'm just going to have to leave it at that.

Q: And has the Iraqi government requested you to not attack these groups, to not respond these groups because they are taking care of those who were responsible for that? And adding that there were some reports from the Iraqi media that the US were involved in arresting these members of the militia groups who were behind this attack. Have you been involved within these arrests?

SABRINA SINGH: I'm not aware of US forces being involved in the arrest of individuals that were responsible for the attack. We pass on intelligence when it comes to, you know - we're always coordinating with the Iraqi government, and of course, you know, in close coordination when it comes to an attack on US forces and making sure that the Iraqi government is aware that - and we've said this both publicly and privately in our conversations, that we will always do what we need to do to protect our forces. And if that means a response, we will take it. But I have nothing to telegraph for you from here, and just not going to get into any other intel.

Q: Have they requested you to not respond to this attack because they are taking care of this issue?

SABRINA SINGH: I don't have anything for you on that, and I don't have any calls to read out.

I'm going to come back in the room, but I'm just going to go to the phone before I forget. Jeff Schogol, Task and Purpose.

Q: Thank you. Have there been any more attacks on US troops in Iraq and Syria since the Al-Asad attack? And the foiled attack on Taylor Swift concerts, was that - does DOD know, was that planned by ISIS leadership in Syria, or is it proof that low level haters gotta hate? [Laughter]

SABRINA SINGH: All right. Well, thanks, Jeff for the question. In terms of any attacks on US forces or any additional attacks on US forces since the initial attack at Al-Asad Air Base, I'm not aware of any, but I'd refer you to CENTCOM for any more details.

In terms of the thwarted ISIS plot on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, you know, I think we know all too well the threat of ISIS. And we will always do what we need with our partners and allies in passing on, whether it be intelligence or any support, when it comes to ISIS or any threats that our partners or allies might face anywhere in the world. I don't have more for you other than that, but thanks for the question.

Last question from the phone. Chris Gordon, Air and Space.

Q: Thanks, Sabrina. On the additional forces in the Middle East, the statement last week, your statement said DOD is also taking steps to increase our readiness to deploy additional land based ballistic missile defense. Could you clarify what that means? Is the US deploying more ground based ballistic missile defense to the region? I'm not asking what systems or where. It's just a yes/no.

SABRINA SINGH: Yeah. Thanks, Chris. So, that was referring to additional units that have been placed on PTDO orders, but none that have deployed to the region at this time.

Matt?

Q: Thanks, Sabrina. Can you give us an update on any of those force posture augmentations announced for the Middle East? CENTCOM announced F-22s arriving. Do you have any updates on any vessels, air defense, or other aircraft arriving in the region?

SABRINA SINGH: I think that's our biggest announcement to make. I think you saw, as you mentioned, CENTCOM announcing that additional F-22s have landed in the region and are there to augment the forces that are - that are already there with the TR that's already in the CENTCOM AOR. And then, of course you have additional destroyers and cruisers moving closer to Israel to help with the defense of Israel, should it come to that. But it's really the F-22s that CENTCOM announced earlier this morning.

Q: OK. Do you anticipate more arriving in the coming days, or do you have any timeline you can give us?

SABRINA SINGH: I don't have anything more additional or timelines to announce at this time.

Yes, Brad.

Q: Yeah. Thanks. So, just on the Ukraine attacks into Russia, are you concerned that Russia will escalate tensions over this attack, including with the US, nuclear threats, anything like that?

SABRINA SINGH: No, because at the end of the day, Ukraine is fighting for its sovereign territory that its neighbor invaded. So, if we want to de-escalate tensions, as we've said

from the beginning, the best way to do that is Putin can make that decision today to withdraw troops from Ukraine.

Ukraine is going to do everything it can to continue to take back its sovereign territory. And that's what we're seeing they're doing in this - what you're referring to in this, you know, Kursk Oblast. We're going to continue to support Ukraine with the capabilities and the systems that they need. We don't feel like this is escalatory in any way. Ukraine is doing what it needs to do to be successful on the battlefield.

Yes.

Q: Thank you, Sabrina. I have two questions. The first one, can you speak a little bit about to why F-22 fighter jets is in the region at this time, I mean, which they are not generally thought as a defensive platform?

SABRINA SINGH: Actually, they can be a very invaluable defensive platform. They add a maneuverability, additional systems that allow the commander to have more versatile options. And I think it sends a very clear signal to the region that we want to see tensions de-escalate, and it sends a really, I think, powerful message of deterrence.

Q: And second question. Regarding to the call between Secretary Austin and his Egypt - Egyptian counterpart today -

SABRINA SINGH: Sure.

Q: Does Secretary Austin believe that the US allies in the region will help this time the US like what they did in April, regarding to the Iranian uh attack? Do you have any assurance from them that they will do that, like what they did in April?

SABRINA SINGH: So, I appreciate the question, but, of course, just not going to go down this hypothetical route of what could happen. I think, you know, we have a great, strong partnership with Egypt. You saw the readout of the call, which - I'm sorry. I should have mentioned that a readout is available on Defense.gov. I just don't have more to add, other than I would say that I would let other allies and partners in the region speak for themselves.

Yeah, of course. Noah?

Q: There was a story yesterday about US responses to Houthi attacks and then the defensive strikes that have taken place in the last ten months that listed very specific numbers of munitions the US has used. Are you familiar with whether those are accurate?

SABRINA SINGH: I don't know the story that you're referencing, and I wouldn't comment on any specifics at this point.

Yeah. Um-hmm.

Q: Thank you, Sabrina. As the situation in Venezuela evolves, is the DOD supplying options to policymakers?

SABRINA SINGH: In terms of what?

Q: In terms of a potential employment of forces, in terms of a potential use of maybe Navy assets, especially since vessels from the Chinese and the Russian navies are mooring in Venezuela.

SABRINA SINGH: Yeah, this is something that I would refer you to my State Department colleagues on. I'm not aware of any plans of DOD getting involved in any way. It's something that we monitor from here as a department, but this is really something that State should speak to. We want to see - you know, I'll just leave it at that. I'll let my State Department colleagues take it from there.

Yes.

Q: Thank you very much, Sabrina, Ensocia Kash [Ph]. Last week, your colleagues at the State Department, I asked them whether the Taliban regime in Afghanistan are a terrorist organization or not. And they said that they are pretty sure that they are a terrorist organization. Is that the kind of statement they should be giving after US spending 20 years there, 2500 soldiers, which in my journalism, I know that they are not declared as a terrorist organization by US Justice Department. The TTP is and General Patrick is standing also said that TTP and ISIS are serious threats and you know US is keeping. So what do you feel as a military spokesperson about the State Department officials with such a casual attitude about Taliban?

SABRINA SINGH: I mean, I haven't seen the direct transcript here, and I think you're paraphrasing a bit. But look, I would say that there's no question that my colleagues at the State Department, this administration takes the threat of the Taliban very seriously. We know intimately the pain and suffering they've inflicted on the people in their own country.

I don't have anything more to offer other than to say that I don't think it was meant to be considered a flippant comment by them. I'd certainly refer you to them for more. But this administration knows deeply the pain that they've inflicted.

Q: Thank you very much. And one last question. Jerusalem Post yesterday reported that Pakistan might give Shaheed III cruise ballistic missile to Iran in case of intense - if something more crazy happens between Iran and Israel. Is Pentagon taking this serious? I mean, because there is obviously conflict.

Pakistan Foreign Office issued a statement once they put the name of Israel there. Few hours later they removed the name of Israel there. The Senate passed a resolution condemning Israel and now Jerusalem Post has reported this. Is the US at all concerned that maybe if some different regime like Imran Khan comes, who is obviously criticizing Israel from sitting in jail, what is Pentagon looking at?

SABRINA SINGH: I don't have a response to it because I haven't seen the report. And sorry, I'm just gonna have to leave it at that.

Charlie?

Q: Sabrina, thank you. So a couple of weeks ago, the Russians had threatened to arm Houthi rebels with anti-ship ballistic missiles. Shortly after that, we saw Russian warships anchored off the coast of Yemen and that was being tracked. Now with this new incursion with these continued Russian threats, how closely are you seeing collusion or the relationship between the Russians and the Houthis?

SABRINA SINGH: So I've seen the reporting on that. We haven't seen a - we've seen Russia previously express or trying to seek relationships with organizations, countries that have, you know, or that are engaged in behaviors that, you know, are opposed to what the United States is. I don't have anything more for you. We haven't seen Russia supplying the Houthis with any type of capabilities. It's something that we'll continue to monitor, but I just don't have more for you right now on that.

Q: Can I just follow up on the ISIS question too?

SABRINA SINGH: Yeah.

Q: The haters gonna hate.

SABRINA SINGH: Yeah, please do.

Q: Well, not for that particular part, but -

SABRINA SINGH: - Do you have any more Taylor Swift references that you want me to respond to?

Q: No, I don't. That's - afraid not. The question was, and I want to drill down a little bit closer into that, would you have seen if this was a more serious level of ISIS coordination, was there in terms of the intelligence, in terms of our US forces in that region that this is something more than a couple of radicalized self-radicalized individuals?

SABRINA SINGH: Well, thanks for the question. I'll reiterate what I said to Jeff is that we know all too well the threat of ISIS. And in terms of this specific threat that impacted

concerts in Vienna, I'm just not going to be able to speak more to that intelligence right now. But it is Something that the intelligence community continues to, you know, as always monitor.

We've seen ISIS pose threats whether it be in Europe, in Asia, and in Africa. It is something that we are deeply, deeply concerned about. So we're certainly not out of the woods when it comes to ISIS, but it's something that, you know, a global coalition of like-minded nations have come together to continue to address all around the world. And that's what you saw when it comes in this instance or other instances. We're always going to share intelligence with our allies and partners and even with those countries that we don't have the best of relationships with.

You saw us have a duty to warn with those attacks that happened in Russia. That's something that we did because we were concerned about that ISIS threat that had developed. So it's something that we're going to continue to monitor. I'll just leave it at that. OK? Did we have one more? OK, Sure.

Q: There have been new clashes between Iranian backed Arab tribes and the Kurdish forces, Syrian Democratic Forces. To your knowledge, have US forces engaged in the fight or does it affect the campaign against ISIS?

SABRINA SINGH: I'm not aware of US forces engaging. Yeah, I'll have to leave it at that. Thanks. All right. Thanks, everyone. Happy Thursday.

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