Maj. Jill Metzger, an Air Force officer based at Manas AB, Kyrgyzstan, went missing Sept. 5 in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishek, US Central Command Air Forces confirmed today. According to a report from the Associated Press news service, Metzger separated from a group of other service members while shopping at a department store in Bishkek. She has not been seen since. US and Kyrgyz officials are currently searching for her. (Read more here.)
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.