Army Maj. Gen. William Webster says the push by US lawmakers to establish a definite departure date is “a recipe for disaster.” According to the Washington Post, Webster, who commands 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq, told reporters that setting a date diminishes the sacrifices of the troops in Iraq. He said that US troops “believe they’re doing the right thing” and that “they’re helping” Iraqis. Webster believes “setting a date is a loser.”
U.S. Southern Command recently announced its first lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in two months, and the first under a newly formed permanent counter-cartel task force. The U.S. is also reportedly planning to transfer MQ-9 drones to Colombia to bolster its counter-cartel efforts.