US aircraft have ramped up their airstrikes against al Qaeda in Yemen, bringing the total to more than 70 in about one month. Aircraft conducted 20 more strikes since the middle of last week, hitting militants, infrastructure, fighting positions, and equipment, the Pentagon said Monday, according to VOA. The airstrike campaign follows the Jan. 29 raid inside Yemen that resulted in the death of Navy SEAL Chief Special Warfare Officer William “Ryan” Owens, several civilians, and the destruction of an MV-22 Osprey.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.