Spain Forces U.S. Jets Out After Blocking Bases for Iran Strikes
Spain has barred the use of its military bases for strikes on Iranian targets, prompting the immediate departure of U.S. aircraft stationed in the country
Four U.S. soldiers who went missing during a training exercise in Lithuania have now been found dead, with three of them identified as Dante Taitano, 21, Edvin Franco, 25, and Jose Duenez, 25. The identity of the fourth soldier has not yet been disclosed by U.S. military officials. The discovery of the last missing soldier on Tuesday marked the conclusion of the week-long search effort.
A tactical training exercise in the Pabradė area, near the Belarusian border, turned tragic when the soldiers and their armored vehicle went missing in a swampy region. The first three bodies were recovered on Monday after U.S., Polish, and Lithuanian rescue teams managed to retrieve the submerged vehicle from a peat bog. The fourth body was later found nearby with the help of excavators.
In Vilnius, hundreds gathered for a solidarity rally outside the U.S. Embassy to honor the fallen soldiers. The event drew civilians, military personnel, and politicians, all paying tribute to the deceased servicemen.
U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania, Kara C. McDonald, expressed deep appreciation for Lithuania’s support during the search efforts. Speaking at the gathering, she highlighted the strength of the alliance between the two nations, describing it as heartfelt and unwavering.
"We feel that we are one of your own, and that is an expression of alliance," McDonald stated, thanking the Lithuanian authorities and citizens for their solidarity. "Thank you so much for the capabilities you have brought to bear."
The soldiers' deaths have cast a shadow over the training exercise, with military officials now working to understand the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Global oil markets have reacted sharply to the escalation of military strikes against Iran. According to Agence France-Presse, the price of Brent crude has jumped by roughly 42% since the start of U.S. and Israeli attacks on the country.
Earlier this month, Croatia welcomed its first group of conscripts at the Eugen Kvaternik military training center near Slunj, marking the return of compulsory military service, which had been suspended since 2007
Turkish air defenses shot down a third missile targeting Incirlik Air Base, near Adana, reportedly fired from Iran, according to Cumhuriyet
The United States has temporarily eased restrictions on the purchase of certain Russian oil shipments currently stranded at sea, as global energy markets face growing strain due to the ongoing war involving Iran.
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq on Thursday while taking part in Operation Epic Fury, the name given by the Pentagon to American military operations connected to the war with Iran. U.S. Central Command confirmed the incident
The widening conflict linked to the war with Iran has claimed the life of a French soldier in Iraq, while drone attacks and missile launches continued to shake the Middle East on Friday
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