Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press BriefingSecretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Hosted a Bilateral in Honor of His Excellency Estonian[...]

SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL PAT RYDER: All right, well, good afternoon, everyone. I think it's Tuesday. All right, just a few things on the top here and then I'll get right to your questions. As we announced yesterday, Secretary Austin will depart this Friday for a trip to both Japan and the Philippines. This will be his 11th visit to the Indo-Pacific region as Secretary of Defense.

In Tokyo, the Secretary will participate in the 2024 US-Japan Security Consultative Committee and a historic trilateral ministerial meeting with Japan and South Korea. He'll also meet with senior Japanese officials.

In Manila, Secretary Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will participate in the fourth US Philippines two plus two ministerial dialogue with their Philippine counterparts. The trip underscores the US commitment to strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific region for peace and stability. And following his return from the Indo-Pacific, Secretary Austin and Secretary Blinken will host their Australian counterparts in Annapolis, Maryland on August 6, for the 2024 Australia US ministerial consultations.

We'll have much more to provide on the Secretary's upcoming trip and the Australia-US ministerial consultations in the near future. Separately, Secretary Austin hosted Estonian Minister of Defense, Hanno Pevkur, here at the Pentagon earlier today to discuss a range of regional and bilateral issues. The discussions underscore the importance of maintaining NATO alliance unity and countering Russian aggression in Ukraine.

The two leaders also emphasized the need to strengthen NATO's credible deterrence and defense, highlighting the importance of continued joint exercises to enhance interoperability and efficiency between military forces. Additionally, they discussed the US commitment to a persistent rotational presence in the Baltics, increased defense production to support Ukraine and replenish allied munitions and equipment stocks, and the outcomes of the recent Washington NATO summit. A readout of the meeting will be posted to the DOD website.

Secretary Austin also spoke by phone today with Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Rustam Umarov. During the call, the secretary reaffirmed the unwavering support of the United States for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The two leaders also discussed the outcomes of the NATO summit in Washington and the steps allies are taking to support Ukraine. Minister Umarov provided Secretary Austin an update of dynamics on the ground in Ukraine as Ukraine's forces bravely continue to fight Russian aggression. A readout will be posted to defense.gov later today.

And finally, the 2024 US-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation dialog concludes today after two days of senior level working group meetings and dialog exchange focused on both nations' commitment to strengthening our important bilateral strategic relationship. Secretary Austin will host Iraqi Minister of Defense, Thabit Al-Abbasi in the Pentagon this afternoon to discuss the US-Iraq bilateral defense relationship and the efforts of the Joint Security Cooperation Dialog and Higher Military Commission. We'll provide readouts of both of these as soon as they become available. And with that, glad to take your questions. I know we've got AP on the phone, so we'll go to Tara Copp.

Q: Hello, thank you. I wanted to know if Secretary Austin will be sitting in on any meetings between Netanyahu and White House officials this week. And if any discussions are on the table about increased weapons for Israel, either offensive weapons in Gaza or increased defense weapons like for Iron Dome. Thanks.

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Tara. I don't have any meetings to read out at this time. If -- would the Secretary and the Prime Minister, if that changes, certainly we'll let you know. And nothing to announce at this time in terms of any security -- additional security assistance or increased FMS.

Q: Is the 2,000-pound bomb still held up? Is that still the one shipment that has not been sent to Israel?

GEN. RYDER: That's correct. There's the one shipment of 2,000-pound bombs that is still paused. I'll go to Idris.

Q: Just on the Iraq -- meeting between Iraqi and US officials, is there a sort of goal to have some sort of agreement by the end of the meetings -- by the end of the visit by the Iraqi minister on the transition away from the coalition to a bilateral relationship, or is that something that doesn't need to happen as a result of the meetings?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so again, we'll have a readout in terms of the outcomes of the Joint Security Cooperation Dialog. And really as we've talked about before, so kind of two separate things, all interrelated. The JSCD -- I have to use an acronym because this is the DOD -- is as a forum by where we can discuss our bilateral security relationship.

Of course, the Higher Military Commission was created out of last year's Joint Security Cooperation Dialog. And so, it -- really what they do, Idris, is they provide a forum to discuss not only our bilateral security relationship but in the context of the coalition in Iraq, what the transition of that will look like going forward.

So, right now I don't have anything to read out in terms of decisions or timelines, but of course, recognizing that that is a continued topic of interest, we'll be sure to keep you updated on that. Thank you. Yes, sir.

Q: Thank you, General Pat Ryder. So, is the purpose of the discussion with Iraqis at this building to end the role of the coalition to the National Coalition?

GEN. RYDER: Well again, just if you go back to Prime Minister Sudani's visit to Washington DC earlier this year, they affirmed that we would review the factors to determine when and how the mission of the global coalition in Iraq would end and transition in an orderly manner to ensure -- or to an enduring bilateral security partnership.

This is all, of course, in accordance with Iraq's Constitution and the US-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement of 2008. So, the Higher Military Commission is looking at that transition. What that will look like in the context of the threat that ISIS posed operational considerations as well as Iraqi security forces capacity. And so again, nothing to announce right now, we'll be sure to keep you updated on that.

Q: One more, if you don't mind, on ISIS. Recently CENTCOM released it's six months activities in both Iraq and Syria including Kurdistan Region, that it conducted 196 operations against ISIS. And on the contrary, ISIS launched 153 attacks in both countries. So, in the discussions, did you consider the threats of ISIS?

GEN. RYDER: You know, again, without previewing the readout, I mean certainly. I mean this is a core function of this group is to look at the threat that ISIS poses to the region, and also with the eye towards Iraq's important role when it comes to regional stability. Thank you very much. Tom?

Q: Hi. Hi, general, thanks for doing this. It's quite wordy, isn't it, the descriptions that you're coming up with in terms of the transition in an orderly manner to ensure an enduring bilateral security partnership? Can you put that more in layman's terms, like what is a bilateral security partnership if not troops?

GEN. RYDER: Well, first of all, the global coalition is more than just the United States and Iraq, right? CJTF-OIR represents dozens and dozens of countries that have come together to address the threat of ISIS. And so, what we're talking about here is the transition of the coalition, which again is more than just the United States. But also, through the Joint Security Cooperation Dialog with an eye towards the US-Iraq bilateral security relationship. What does that relationship look like? So that's what I'm talking about. I do appreciate the commentary on my wordy responses.

Q: The security partnership, could that continue with US troops on the ground, or is that --

GEN. RYDER: --Well, I think again the US-Iraq bilateral security relationship is one thing and the global coalition, which is US led right now in the region, what does that look like going forward, again taking into account the three factors that I highlighted.

Q: Okay. So, all right, I didn't really hear an answer there, but that's okay. So, in terms of the -- in terms of -- sorry to beat a dead horse here -- with the US-Iraq bilateral security agreement, could that include a continuing presence of American troops?

GEN. RYDER: Well, again, I don't want to get ahead of the process, that's the discussions that are ongoing is what would that relationship look like under the auspices of the security -- or the Strategic Framework Agreement going forward. So again, it's a very well put question, very eloquently stated. I just can't answer it. Thanks. Yes, sir.

Q: Thanks. Last week General Brown said the in response to the attack in in Iraq, which the Pentagon attributed to an Iran backed group, he said that the US would respond at a time and place of its choosing. Previously you guys have said we reserve the right to do so. Does that mean -- can we interpret that as a decision has been made that the US will respond --

GEN. RYDER: --Yeah, thanks for the question, Joseph. So, I'm not going to forecast or telegraph any potential future operations. I think what the chairman was saying, and he's right, is that we always reserve the right to respond at a time and place of our choosing and that we will put the protection of our forces first and foremost -- the safety of our forces. So, I'll just leave it there.

Q: And then secondly, the -- Yemen's Houthis this morning have put out a new list of targets that they may attack in Israel. Among them includes the -- what they say is the Port of Ashdod where the US has transitioned the Gaza Pier to the Port of Ashdod for humanitarian aid. One, are you guys taking these threats seriously? Two, is there any concern that any US assets could be in danger -- apart from the Red Sea, obviously, that's -- attacks have been going on?

GEN. RYDER: So, a couple of things. So, I think is demonstrated by our actions in the region. We're absolutely taking any Houthi threats seriously and continue to work with allies and partners to degrade and disrupt their capability to launch attacks in the Red Sea and in the region. As it relates to the potential impact on US forces, as I just highlighted, we'll take all necessary measures to ensure that our forces are protected and take appropriate actions. Again, I won't get into potential future actions.

Q: Finally, quickly -- sources have told us that the US shot down either drones or missiles as part of the Houthi attack on Tel Aviv where one drone obviously got through. Can you confirm or deny that the US shot down any or helped in the self-defense?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, I don't have anything to provide beyond what CENTCOM has already put out in their daily CENTCOM updates. So, just leave it there. Let me just go to the phone here real quick. WTOP, J.J. Green.

Q: Yeah, general, thank you for this opportunity. Earlier today, BBC reported NATO Chief Stoltenberg said that Europe should be prepared for a decade of war in Ukraine. A decade of war is -- I'm not sure that the West is prepared for that. But I'm wondering, how far -- how long is the Pentagon prepared to stand by Ukraine considering this, the statement and the conditions on the ground?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, J.J. Well, I think our leadership has been clear on this, that we're going to stand by Ukraine. We're going to support their security and their inherent right to defend themselves. Of course, no one wants to see this war continue. But as long as Russia continues to occupy sovereign Ukrainian territory-- and as long as the Ukrainians continue to fight against Russian aggression and for freedom, the United States will continue to support, as we've done since the beginning of Russia's illegal invasion. And as you've heard Secretary Austin say, Ukraine matters. The security of Ukraine matters because if Russia is allowed to succeed in Ukraine, they won't stop there.

And so this is, of course, of vital importance in terms of not only European security but US and international security. Thank you. Come back to the room. Yes, ma'am.

Q: Back to the Iraqi and US bilateral meeting, during the process of estimation to determine the capability of the Iraqi forces, do you think that now it's time to have the US troops withdrawal from Iraq based on the capability of the Iraqi forces now?

GEN. RYDER: Well, again, I won't get ahead of the discussions within the higher military commission and their recommendations to the senior leaders of both of our countries, Iraq and the United States. So again, we'll continue to keep you updated on that front. The United States is committed to having a continuing bilateral security cooperation relationship with Iraq.

We are fully supportive of Iraq and its important role in regional stability and greatly respect Iraq as a partner and also respect Iraq's sovereignty. So again, we'll have much more to provide in the near future. Sir?

Q: Thank you, sir. My question is that after President Biden's announcement that he's no longer running for the second term, and he fully endorsed and supported the Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidential--or for the party's nomination. My question is that number one, US never had a female president or commander in chief.

If this building or military is ready for a female commander in chief? And two, if secretary is getting any messages from around the globe as far as this announcement is concerned, how they feel about this, maybe US will have a female president?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. Thanks for the question. As I'm sure you can appreciate, I'm not going to get into political campaigns from here. The Pentagon, of course, will always support the commander in chief as elected by the people of the United States, and so I'll just leave it there. Thanks very much. Sir?

Q: Thank you, General. How is the Pentagon observing the ongoing student protest in Bangladesh, where mass killings are being carried out by security forces under shoot on sight orders from the ruling prime minister? Hundreds have been killed and thousands injured. The internet has been shut down and nationwide curfew been declared.

People are demanding the resignation of the prime minister, and the military is on the street. Security forces are using UN armored personnel vehicle, which has been condemned by the UN. So what is your observations?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. Sure. Of course we're continuing to monitor the ongoing situation there. I would say to echo what my colleagues at State Department have said, is that we would call for calm and certainly don't want to see continued violence. So I'll just leave it there. Thank you. Yes, sir.

Q: One follow up if I may. As the US is the largest donor for the peacekeeping support to the UN and those individuals who are violating extreme--involving extreme violation of human rights in their own country, they are deploying to the UN peacekeeping mission. So what is your observation? Those who are not able to maintain peace in their own country, how can they--

GEN. RYDER: --Yeah. Again, I don't have much to provide from the podium here other than, again, we obviously don't want to see violence increase. We, of course, want there to be calm and recognition of human rights, and so I'll just leave it there, sir. Sir?

Q: Thank you, General. [Inaudible] minister Georgiadis said on television the other day that they might raid the Turkish capital with the F-35s that they're going to acquire from the United States. Would you say that such statements from one NATO ally to the other are nothing but irresponsible?

GEN.RYDER: I'm not sure I understand what you're asking.

Q: You said that F-35s that they're going to acquire from the United States, that they might raid the Turkish capital, that those F-35s might appear suddenly one night in Turkey. So how would you evaluate that statement? Would you say that that's irresponsible from one NATO ally to the other?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. I haven't--

Q: [Inaudible]

GEN. RYDER: I haven't seen that out there, so I don't have a comment other than, again, we would always want our NATO allies to work together and would not condone violence.

Q: So historically, the United States has kept a fine balance in providing defense equipment to the Turks and the Greek. Would you say that that balance has been tipped in one side's favor, because it's making one of the NATO allies, those two, making them talk about the capabilities that they haven't even acquired?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah.

Q: [Inaudible] the first delivery is going to take years.

GEN. RYDER: So what I would say is, first of all, when it comes to the relationship between Greece and Turkey, I'd let Greece and Turkey talk to you and characterize the relationship. I would say from where we sit, we certainly value our partnership and alliance with both Turkey and Greece and certainly appreciate the efforts that have gone into addressing some of the areas of mutual concern. And I'll just leave it there. Thank you very much. Ma'am?

Q: Thank you. Ma'am?

GEN. RYDER: Janne, how are you?

Q: Thank you very much. I thought you forgot my name.

GEN. RYDER: You got to call me Pat now then.

Q: OK. On Ukraine, China and North Korea. And Ukraine foreign minister will visit China today at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Do you think China can play a role in stopping Russia's aggression against Ukraine?

GEN. RYDER: It's an interesting question, Janne. So certainly, as I mentioned before, we don't want to see the conflict in Ukraine go on forever. We want to see peace in Ukraine, but it has to come in terms that are acceptable to Ukraine. No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine. And so China can play a productive role in terms of addressing Russia's malign and illegal activity in Ukraine.

And so certainly, if they're able to compel Russia to withdraw its forces and enable the restoration of peace, I think that would be a positive development. But certainly, when it comes to the Ukrainian foreign minister and his conversations with his Chinese counterparts, I'd have to refer you to Ukraine.

Q: Another one. The Russian vice minister of defense is visiting North Korea currently. It was also announced that the weapons and defense industry were discussed as a follow up to military cooperation with North Korea and Russia. How can you comment on this?

GEN. RYDER: Well, again, it's concerning that we continue to see North Korea and Russia further cooperating as it relates to the war in Ukraine. Again, as we've said many times, it's demonstrative of the fact that Russia is now having to seek support from countries like Iran and North Korea in order to obtain additional capabilities as they've experienced some logistical challenges.

And so it's something we'll continue to keep a close eye on. OK. Let me come back to the room here. Louis?

Q: A couple of questions on the coalition that you're referencing. Is that the global coalition against ISIS?

GEN. RYDER: Correct.

Q: OK. So the US presence has been acknowledged to be about 2,500 military personnel in whatever capacity inside Iraq. What is the complementary number of troops from the rest of the global coalitions?

GEN. RYDER: I'd have to get back to you on that. I don't have that number in front of me. Now, you're talking about in Iraq?

Q: In Iraq [inaudible].

GEN. RYDER: Yeah. So when it comes to the number of forces of other countries, that's something we really let other countries address. So I'm only going to speak to the US in that regard.

Yeah, I'll just leave it there.

Q: And so these discussions were specifically about the coalition's presence inside Iraq and not necessarily that the coalition itself will be done or that its mission is complete, correct?

GEN. RYDER: Well, again this is something that the higher military commission is looking at, right in terms of the three factors that I highlighted, what is the threat of ISIS, what are

the operational requirements and then what is the status of the ISF as it relates to being prepared to address the ISIS threat.

And so that's not to say that members of the coalition can't play an important role, whatever that may be as it relates to Iraq's preferences, in terms of addressing ISIS. And so that's part of those discussions. Again, recognizing the fact that it's not just the United States, this is an international coalition that 10 years ago came together to defeat ISIS. And so, part of this is ensuring that ISIS can't resurge. We know that they remain committed to resurging, and we know that they remain committed to directing and inspiring attacks. And so, I think it's a positive -- a very positive development that the HMC as a forum is able to come together and look at this holistically, also with an eye towards our own US-Iraq bilateral security relationship.

Q: And if I could switch gears towards JLOTS, since we're close to the 31st, which is the authorization -- the end of the authorization date, are those components now heading back to the US or when can we expect them to?

GEN. RYDER: So, the JLOTS components are being packed up. I'm not going to -- for operation security reasons and policy reasons I'm not going to get into specific redeployment timelines. But as we briefed recently, as Admiral Cooper from CENTCOM briefed recently, the JLOTS mission has concluded.

Q: You said mission complete --

GEN. RYDER: --I'm saying it has concluded. Thank you. Jared?

Q: So, just if I could follow up on Joe's question, I mean, how concerned is the department that these Israeli strikes in Yemen and vice versa could lead to additional escalation? Or is there confidence within the department that this is still largely contained?

GEN. RYDER: Yeah, so a couple things here. So, again, we've always been concerned about regional escalation and remain so. And so, we'll continue to do -- take appropriate steps to deter potential -- an expansion of regional conflict, both through our force presence, but also importantly through diplomatic means.

I think you heard the Israelis say they had been targeted by the Houthis over 200 times. Obviously, the vast majority of those attacks were taken down through air defense capabilities and one got through. So, we absolutely support their inherent right to defend themselves against these kinds of attacks. But to answer your question, yes, we will remain focused on trying to prevent a wider regional conflict.

Q: Did the US advise the Israelis against striking within Yemen?

GEN. RYDER: Look, there was no US involvement in this-- in their strike. Again, they gave us advanced notice that they were going to do it. I won't go into more detail beyond that other than there was no US involvement, and we support their right to defend themselves. Okay, I can take a couple more. Let me go to Jeff Schogol, Task & Purpose. Jeff, are you there? Okay, nothing heard. All right. Thanks very much, everybody. Appreciate your time today.

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