WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:02.750 (press chatting) 00:09.050 --> 00:10.350 - Good afternoon everyone. 00:11.839 --> 00:15.180 It's okay, good afternoon, it's okay. (laughs) 00:15.180 --> 00:16.430 You'll have to bear with me today, 00:16.430 --> 00:18.830 my voice is sort of slipping way from me. 00:21.640 --> 00:24.800 One of Secretary Mattis' top priorities 00:24.840 --> 00:28.070 is strengthening alliances and building new partnerships. 00:28.610 --> 00:30.312 This morning, the secretary welcomed 00:30.312 --> 00:32.950 Uzbekistan President Mirziyoev 00:34.346 --> 00:36.046 to The Pentagon for the first time 00:36.080 --> 00:38.250 to renew the strategic partnership 00:38.680 --> 00:39.980 between our two countries. 00:40.670 --> 00:42.870 They discussed mutual security interests, 00:43.050 --> 00:45.320 and addressed emerging challenges. 00:46.130 --> 00:48.640 The two leaders affirmed their shared commitment 00:48.970 --> 00:50.490 to stability in Afghanistan 00:50.490 --> 00:53.420 and continued security cooperation in the region. 00:54.980 --> 00:58.860 On Afghanistan, Farah has not fallen. 00:59.670 --> 01:03.130 This week, the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, 01:03.490 --> 01:06.470 supported by U.S. airpower and advisors, 01:06.990 --> 01:09.260 defeated a major Taliban offensive 01:09.480 --> 01:11.770 in Farah City in Western Afghanistan. 01:12.830 --> 01:16.260 Today, in spite of vain Taliban attempts 01:16.260 --> 01:19.710 to challenge the Afghan government's control of Farah City, 01:20.230 --> 01:24.200 remains under control of Afghan Defense and Security Forces. 01:25.120 --> 01:27.860 Our Afghan partners' success in places like Farah 01:28.182 --> 01:31.390 are a testament to the tremendous improvement 01:31.390 --> 01:35.830 in the Afghan National Army, Afghan Special Security Forces, 01:36.240 --> 01:37.960 and the Afghan Air Force. 01:38.770 --> 01:43.770 Afghan A-29s and Mi-17s conducted multiple air strikes 01:44.470 --> 01:47.160 during the Afghan-led offensive in Farah. 01:48.430 --> 01:51.190 Now, for the first time across Afghanistan, 01:51.670 --> 01:55.360 all six Afghan Army corps are on the offensive 01:55.490 --> 01:56.510 against the Taliban. 01:57.360 --> 02:00.480 This is a great milestone for Afghanistan 02:00.880 --> 02:03.060 that will allow for coordinated campaigns 02:03.330 --> 02:05.710 as they take the fight to the Taliban 02:06.190 --> 02:07.440 throughout the country. 02:08.510 --> 02:10.980 We stand firmly beside our Afghan partners, 02:11.210 --> 02:14.980 and will continue to reinforce this Afghan-led offensive. 02:16.190 --> 02:19.190 As Secretary Mattis has said, we stand by the Afghan people, 02:19.570 --> 02:21.270 we stand by the Afghan government, 02:21.690 --> 02:24.690 and the NATO mission in Afghanistan will continue 02:24.690 --> 02:27.670 as we drive the Taliban to a political settlement. 02:28.820 --> 02:30.340 On the situation in Hawaii, 02:31.300 --> 02:36.150 on May 3rd, the Kilauea volcano became active, 02:36.810 --> 02:39.510 threatening the Puna district of Hawaii's main island. 02:40.320 --> 02:43.000 There are currently 2,000 Hawaii residents 02:43.000 --> 02:44.470 under evacuation orders, 02:44.890 --> 02:46.290 our thoughts and prayers are with those 02:46.290 --> 02:47.680 affected by the situation. 02:48.350 --> 02:52.010 On May 4th, approximately 150 National Guard members 02:52.340 --> 02:56.070 began securing the disaster area and assisting residents. 02:56.760 --> 02:58.470 These National Guard members are assisting 02:58.470 --> 03:01.300 with the traffic control and evacuation procedures, 03:01.690 --> 03:04.330 fire prevention, air quality test, 03:04.330 --> 03:06.680 and providing support to local law enforcement. 03:07.320 --> 03:09.730 Additionally, Secretary Mattis appointed 03:09.730 --> 03:12.640 Brigadier General Kenneth Harrah to serve 03:12.640 --> 03:14.350 as the dual-status commander, 03:14.690 --> 03:17.580 overseeing the National Guard's continued support. 03:18.310 --> 03:21.930 His appointment is effective May 16th through June 14th. 03:22.410 --> 03:24.630 We will continue to monitor the situation 03:24.630 --> 03:26.970 and adapt our support as needed. 03:27.370 --> 03:29.220 With that I will take your questions. 03:30.050 --> 03:32.160 Tom. (laughs) 03:32.699 --> 03:33.532 - [Tom] Hello. 03:33.532 --> 03:34.365 - Hello. 03:34.365 --> 03:38.090 - On Afghanistan, you said that this is a testament 03:38.090 --> 03:41.560 to tremendous improvements in ANDSF operations, 03:41.960 --> 03:46.270 but it's still the case that the Taliban can attack at will 03:46.510 --> 03:49.070 major population centers and districts, 03:49.710 --> 03:50.880 sorry provincial centers. 03:50.880 --> 03:54.110 How is this a tremendous improvement? 03:54.540 --> 03:56.470 This is still a major offensive 03:56.470 --> 04:00.760 and it took intense U.S. air support to drive it back. 04:01.550 --> 04:03.300 - Well one, I think it's important to remember 04:03.300 --> 04:05.740 that progress and violence can coexist. 04:06.270 --> 04:08.094 It's also important to remember 04:08.094 --> 04:12.710 that the Taliban has not had the initiative. 04:13.730 --> 04:16.340 You also see that they're using this, 04:16.540 --> 04:17.700 they're hitting soft targets, 04:17.700 --> 04:21.130 they're hitting polling places, they're desperate, 04:21.130 --> 04:23.280 this is also the start of the fighting season, 04:23.280 --> 04:24.910 so this is not unexpected. 04:25.250 --> 04:29.160 But the Afghan forces have done tremendous work 04:29.650 --> 04:32.380 with the six corps now working across the country. 04:32.680 --> 04:34.420 So, it's still a long fight, 04:34.888 --> 04:38.730 but absolutely there's been progress that's been made, 04:38.730 --> 04:40.130 and there will continue to be progress. 04:40.130 --> 04:42.560 And I think you also see with the South Asia strategy 04:42.560 --> 04:44.970 the fact that you do have the six corps 04:44.970 --> 04:46.930 now trained and on the offensive. 04:46.930 --> 04:48.200 That all shows progress. 04:54.100 --> 04:57.017 - I think 25 Afghan Security Forces 04:58.470 --> 04:59.920 were killed in the operation, 05:00.120 --> 05:01.930 and today the Air Force tweeted, 05:02.540 --> 05:05.810 "The Taliban Forces in Farah City, Afghanistan 05:05.810 --> 05:09.680 would much rather have heard #Yanny or #Laurel 05:09.820 --> 05:13.940 than the deafening #BRRRT they got courtesy of our A-10." 05:15.110 --> 05:18.160 Do you think it's appropriate for the, and here's the tweet, 05:18.160 --> 05:20.080 do you think it's appropriate for the Air Force 05:20.480 --> 05:23.360 to put out such a lighthearted comment, 05:23.720 --> 05:26.010 essentially kinda making war a meme, 05:27.162 --> 05:31.230 in light of the heavy casualties that the Afghans took? 05:32.060 --> 05:34.430 - What I would say is I haven't seen that tweet, 05:34.430 --> 05:37.340 so I will take a look at it and I can come back to you, 05:37.340 --> 05:40.450 but what's important to understand is that 05:40.500 --> 05:42.120 this is the Afghan's fight. 05:42.470 --> 05:44.930 We are working by, with, and through these partners. 05:44.930 --> 05:47.970 And they are dying to secure their own future. 05:48.240 --> 05:50.920 And I think that shouldn't be forgotten in any of this. 05:50.920 --> 05:51.753 Lucas, yeah. 05:52.000 --> 05:55.120 - [Lucas] Can you rule out Iran's involvement 05:55.120 --> 05:57.380 in this violence in Western Afghanistan? 05:58.040 --> 05:59.890 Taking place not far from the border. 06:00.150 --> 06:03.200 - I don't think you can ever rule out how much Iran 06:03.518 --> 06:06.070 interferes throughout this region. 06:07.880 --> 06:10.351 Iran remains the most destabilizing factor 06:10.351 --> 06:11.830 in the Middle East. 06:12.260 --> 06:15.610 So no, I don't think you can ever rule out their mischief. 06:15.810 --> 06:18.660 - Do you have any indications that Iranian forces 06:18.660 --> 06:20.790 or intelligence agents did play a role 06:20.790 --> 06:22.520 in the specific attacks in Farah? 06:23.010 --> 06:24.810 - I don't have any specific details. 06:24.940 --> 06:25.773 Tara. 06:25.773 --> 06:27.380 - Different topic, earlier this week, 06:27.380 --> 06:29.500 Politico reported that the White House and EPA 06:29.500 --> 06:33.510 were trying to delay or squash a report from HHS, 06:33.510 --> 06:36.700 talking about water contamination at military bases. 06:36.700 --> 06:39.040 This has become a issue of concern 06:39.040 --> 06:40.190 for a lot of military families, 06:40.190 --> 06:42.693 especially after DOD provided the brief 06:42.693 --> 06:45.270 of the different contaminants that have been found 06:45.270 --> 06:46.370 at their bases. 06:46.850 --> 06:48.680 Do you think that DOD will step in 06:48.720 --> 06:51.110 and encourage the release of this report? 06:51.770 --> 06:53.620 - Tara, I will definitely look into it. 06:53.620 --> 06:54.460 Let me take that 06:54.460 --> 06:56.810 and I'll come back to you today about it, okay? 06:57.227 --> 06:58.377 Let me go to this side. 06:59.260 --> 07:00.093 Hello. 07:00.093 --> 07:00.926 - Hi, how are you? 07:00.960 --> 07:01.793 - Good, how are you? 07:01.793 --> 07:05.610 Can you address reports that the DOD is pulling 07:05.610 --> 07:09.840 the B-52 bombers from the MAX THUNDER Exercise, 07:09.840 --> 07:10.980 is that true? 07:12.050 --> 07:13.570 The exercise is with South Korea, 07:13.570 --> 07:17.800 and does the U.S. military plan to alter 07:17.800 --> 07:20.300 any of its exercises with South Korea 07:20.300 --> 07:23.440 during the planned June 12th talks 07:23.440 --> 07:24.940 with North Korea in Singapore? 07:25.260 --> 07:26.860 - So what I can tell you is that 07:28.148 --> 07:30.740 the scope of our exercises have not changed, 07:31.010 --> 07:33.260 I won't be able to speak to specific details, 07:33.430 --> 07:37.230 but our exercises have been annual, 07:37.570 --> 07:40.830 they've been long-standing, they're defensive in nature, 07:41.160 --> 07:42.500 and they will continue. 07:43.140 --> 07:46.280 With respect to, and these are alliance decisions. 07:46.310 --> 07:48.650 This is something that we do to ensure the readiness 07:48.650 --> 07:51.380 of both our forces as well as the South Korean forces. 07:52.201 --> 07:53.760 What was the second part of your question? 07:55.900 --> 07:59.460 - Will future exercises during the talks 07:59.460 --> 08:01.820 with North Korea on June 12th, 08:02.871 --> 08:04.371 will they continue as planned? 08:04.540 --> 08:07.550 - So our schedule for our exercises continue. 08:07.830 --> 08:10.720 Everything else that is firmly in the hands of the diplomats 08:10.720 --> 08:12.470 we will continue to ensure our readiness, 08:12.470 --> 08:15.880 and to ensure that we are ready and able 08:15.880 --> 08:17.040 to do whatever we need to do. 08:17.040 --> 08:18.710 But these are long-planned exercises 08:18.710 --> 08:19.970 and the scope hasn't changed. 08:19.970 --> 08:21.930 - And just on a different topic, 08:21.930 --> 08:26.110 does The Pentagon still plan to ban Huawei and ZTE phones 08:26.110 --> 08:27.900 from Pentagon military stores? 08:28.694 --> 08:32.620 - So, they were taken away from exchanges, 08:33.680 --> 08:37.150 we are always looking at security issues, 08:37.360 --> 08:39.960 with respect to these electronic devices, 08:40.540 --> 08:42.860 so that has stayed, 08:43.040 --> 08:45.320 they have been taken out of those exchanges, 08:45.490 --> 08:47.570 and nothing has changed with respect to that. 08:49.000 --> 08:49.833 Travis. 08:50.540 --> 08:52.790 - Yes, can you confirm that the administration 08:52.790 --> 08:55.520 is interested in housing immigrant children 08:55.710 --> 08:57.870 at U.S. military bases in the South, 08:58.440 --> 09:01.720 and can you clarify what the U.S. military's role would be 09:01.910 --> 09:04.010 if such an agreement like that is reached? 09:04.640 --> 09:09.640 - So, right now, HHS is conducting a site survey. 09:10.242 --> 09:12.340 Right now, they are in the lead, 09:12.990 --> 09:15.850 no requests have been made to us at this point, 09:15.850 --> 09:17.400 so no decisions have been made. 09:17.440 --> 09:19.250 - And what would the DOD role be? 09:19.728 --> 09:23.050 - Again, we need to wait for whatever the results 09:23.050 --> 09:24.410 of their site survey is, 09:24.410 --> 09:27.850 and we'll work with them to figure out a way forward. 09:27.850 --> 09:29.830 But right now we don't have anymore details than that. 09:29.830 --> 09:30.670 - [Female Reporter] Just one follow-up. 09:30.670 --> 09:31.503 - Sure. 09:31.503 --> 09:33.400 - [Female Reporter] If it's military facilities, 09:33.400 --> 09:34.780 why would HHS be in the lead? 09:34.780 --> 09:38.400 Why wouldn't DOD be weighing in pretty aggressively on this? 09:38.730 --> 09:41.620 - So HHS is in the lead 09:41.620 --> 09:43.910 because they would ultimately have responsibilities 09:43.910 --> 09:47.520 for these children that would be detained. 09:47.890 --> 09:51.060 So, they have the lead with respect to, 09:51.060 --> 09:53.650 across the government, and looking at facilities. 09:53.830 --> 09:55.160 So we are a part of that, 09:55.440 --> 09:57.850 and at this time we haven't gotten any requests. 09:57.850 --> 09:58.960 This is an initial survey, 09:58.960 --> 10:01.860 and so those are all the details I have at the moment. 10:01.900 --> 10:03.190 - [Female Reporter] Can you confirm the bases, 10:03.190 --> 10:05.110 the four bases in Texas and Arkansas, 10:05.110 --> 10:06.930 that are being looked at by HHS? 10:06.930 --> 10:09.350 - I cannot, it's an initial survey. 10:09.350 --> 10:10.980 And again, I want to emphasize, 10:10.980 --> 10:12.930 this is going on across the government. 10:13.250 --> 10:15.700 - When you say they are conducting the site survey, 10:15.700 --> 10:18.100 the survey is of which sites? 10:19.200 --> 10:20.700 - It's an initial site survey, 10:20.770 --> 10:24.760 it includes other facilities, I can't get into the details. 10:24.940 --> 10:27.060 And again, we haven't been asked, 10:27.260 --> 10:29.790 so this is an initial survey. 10:30.200 --> 10:32.550 We haven't been asked about any particular site. 10:32.550 --> 10:33.650 - [Male Reporter] Well surely they'd have to ask you 10:33.650 --> 10:35.820 to come onto military property? 10:36.301 --> 10:39.400 - I have no details about which sites they're looking at, 10:39.620 --> 10:42.529 I only know that HHS is looking 10:42.529 --> 10:43.979 and they're conducting a site 10:44.050 --> 10:45.370 throughout the U.S. government. 10:45.370 --> 10:48.240 - But you said that they will be the lead 10:48.240 --> 10:51.350 because they will be responsible for these children. 10:51.670 --> 10:55.650 It means that they would work inside the military base? 10:56.703 --> 10:59.010 - The way I understand it is that 10:59.210 --> 11:01.660 they're looking at facilities across the U.S. government, 11:01.660 --> 11:03.510 to include the Department of Defense. 11:04.870 --> 11:07.090 They will identify facilities, 11:07.210 --> 11:09.130 and if they decide that those are 11:09.130 --> 11:10.600 facilities that they can use, 11:10.780 --> 11:13.130 then they would talk to the agency responsible. 11:13.440 --> 11:17.410 They would be the lead, with respect to those properties. 11:17.650 --> 11:19.400 But obviously, we will work with them. 11:19.400 --> 11:22.430 But they are responsible for the care, 11:22.500 --> 11:24.490 they're responsible for identifying sites. 11:24.490 --> 11:26.240 That's all the details that I have. 11:27.157 --> 11:27.990 Goyle. 11:28.330 --> 11:30.210 - Thank you madam, two questions please. 11:30.210 --> 11:32.610 As far as the attacks and ongoing attacks 11:32.610 --> 11:34.470 in Afghanistan are concerned, 11:34.860 --> 11:37.240 who is behind, somebody must be financing. 11:37.240 --> 11:39.140 That's what the Afghani people are saying, 11:39.140 --> 11:40.550 that nobody's answering them 11:40.550 --> 11:42.250 and they're still living in dark. 11:42.250 --> 11:45.120 That somebody's financing all these terrorists 11:45.120 --> 11:47.560 or ISILs or whatever, Talibans? 11:48.200 --> 11:51.110 - Well you know that, one of the key things 11:51.110 --> 11:52.530 that General Nicholson has changed 11:52.530 --> 11:54.920 is how much he's going after revenue streams. 11:55.240 --> 11:58.189 Many of the strikes have been, and very successfully, 11:58.189 --> 12:02.130 going after counter-financing. 12:02.470 --> 12:05.550 So, this is being financed, 12:05.550 --> 12:07.500 but we're looking at that aggressively. 12:07.560 --> 12:09.730 So that's something that's been different 12:09.730 --> 12:12.540 and more aggressive with General Nicholson. 12:12.780 --> 12:14.830 So we'll continue to pursue that, 12:14.830 --> 12:18.040 to ensure that we do cut off also the sources 12:18.040 --> 12:19.450 of finance for this terror. 12:19.690 --> 12:22.230 - Well thing that's been bothering them for a long time, 12:22.230 --> 12:23.920 not only the people of Afghanistan, 12:23.920 --> 12:28.920 but also the president and other officials in Afghanistan, 12:30.070 --> 12:31.650 they have been saying that Pakistan 12:31.650 --> 12:34.140 is behind all those strikes. 12:34.290 --> 12:38.190 Is U.S. listening them over the years? 12:40.160 --> 12:42.480 - We believe that Pakistan can certainly do more 12:42.480 --> 12:44.220 with respect to regional security. 12:44.220 --> 12:45.220 They can certainly do more 12:45.220 --> 12:47.420 with respect to security within Afghanistan. 12:47.560 --> 12:48.860 And we would look to them, 12:48.880 --> 12:51.430 and hope that they would both help, 12:51.430 --> 12:53.260 because they are both victims of terrorism, 12:53.260 --> 12:55.110 and they've also sponsored terrorism. 12:55.130 --> 12:58.620 So, we look to Pakistan to create more opportunities 12:58.620 --> 12:59.670 to secure the region. 12:59.790 --> 13:04.790 - And second, as far as terrorism in India is concerned, 13:05.780 --> 13:08.930 it was surprising that now the former 13:08.960 --> 13:11.703 Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, 13:11.703 --> 13:16.703 on terrorism he made an assertion that Pakistan 13:17.460 --> 13:21.250 was behind all those attacks against India, 13:21.250 --> 13:22.900 in India, in the Mumbai attacks. 13:22.900 --> 13:27.840 And it was also revealed earlier by former president, 13:33.580 --> 13:35.540 Pakistan's former president, 13:35.980 --> 13:39.540 and he said that Pakistan was always supporting 13:39.590 --> 13:41.090 terrorism against India. 13:41.790 --> 13:44.540 Now, where do we stand now, 13:44.540 --> 13:48.220 because high officials, president and prime minister, 13:48.360 --> 13:50.340 of course formers, now they're claiming 13:50.340 --> 13:53.450 that Pakistan is supporting terrorism against India. 13:53.760 --> 13:56.440 - Again, this is an inflection point for Pakistan. 13:56.440 --> 13:58.550 Pakistan has decisions to make. 13:58.940 --> 14:00.710 And we hope that they will be a partner 14:00.710 --> 14:02.060 in safeguarding the region. 14:03.130 --> 14:03.963 Way in the back. 14:04.770 --> 14:06.930 - Yeah, I wanted to ask, has there been any contact 14:06.930 --> 14:09.110 between Secretary Mattis and his counterparts 14:09.110 --> 14:12.000 in Israel after last week's airstrikes? 14:12.500 --> 14:15.399 And what level of support or coordination 14:15.399 --> 14:18.640 did The Pentagon provide, whether logistics or intelligence, 14:19.350 --> 14:21.450 to the Israelis prior to those airstrikes? 14:22.630 --> 14:24.670 - Secretary is in regular contact 14:24.670 --> 14:26.920 often with his counterparts around the world. 14:27.230 --> 14:31.010 With respect to any help, we did not participate, 14:31.150 --> 14:34.430 this was a Israeli-led strike last week. 14:37.260 --> 14:38.510 Right here in the middle. 14:38.710 --> 14:39.810 - Thank you very much. 14:40.350 --> 14:42.440 Tu Assamese from Turkish Radio Television. 14:42.440 --> 14:43.940 I have two questions on Syria. 14:44.460 --> 14:48.220 First of all, the U.S. is arming YPG or SDF, 14:48.220 --> 14:50.640 and training them to fight against ISIS, 14:50.990 --> 14:54.140 but last week Bakirk showed three maps, 14:54.640 --> 14:57.300 showing that since 2014, 14:57.826 --> 15:01.460 the area which has been taken from ISIS, 15:02.240 --> 15:03.390 becomes much bigger. 15:04.070 --> 15:06.880 ISIS lose many areas in Syria, 15:07.200 --> 15:09.710 there are little areas remained in Syria. 15:09.710 --> 15:12.990 So, is the U.S. still sending weapons 15:12.990 --> 15:15.980 and arming YPG to fight against ISIS? 15:16.360 --> 15:20.347 - First of all, I haven't seen Mr. Bakirk's map, 15:21.564 --> 15:23.640 what I can tell you is that we are working 15:23.640 --> 15:27.860 by, with, and through the SDF, the Syrian Democratic Forces. 15:28.190 --> 15:33.000 We vet everyone who works with us in the SDF, 15:33.320 --> 15:36.190 and the fight against ISIS in the MERV continues. 15:36.670 --> 15:38.770 - Can I follow up with my second question? 15:39.500 --> 15:43.500 SDF, or YPG, is the Syrian branch of PKK, 15:43.500 --> 15:45.980 which is a U.S. designated terrorist organization, 15:45.980 --> 15:50.580 so can YPG or SDF be a reasonable solution 15:50.580 --> 15:51.950 to fight against ISIS? 15:52.860 --> 15:56.270 - We believe that the Kurdish elements of the SDF 15:56.850 --> 15:58.760 are a very effective force, 15:58.780 --> 16:01.630 and have proven very effective in the fight against ISIS. 16:01.770 --> 16:03.494 This is a complicated battle space, 16:03.494 --> 16:07.078 and we are glad that the SDF can now focus 16:07.078 --> 16:10.070 on the offensive to finish ISIS in the MERV. 16:11.480 --> 16:12.734 Right here in the middle. 16:12.734 --> 16:14.230 - [Female Reporter] Hi, Lara Sully, member of the AVHV. 16:14.230 --> 16:15.280 Can you give us an update 16:15.280 --> 16:17.280 on when we can expect to see the result 16:17.280 --> 16:18.780 of the missile defense review? 16:21.050 --> 16:22.250 - It is still in review, 16:22.610 --> 16:26.850 but I anticipate it should be coming in the next few weeks. 16:27.556 --> 16:29.440 - [Female Reporter] If I could follow up, 16:29.440 --> 16:31.340 what is the hold up? 16:31.340 --> 16:35.400 - It's just a matter of it's in process. 16:35.563 --> 16:40.350 One thing that the secretary reviews the reports 16:40.350 --> 16:42.000 that come out of this department. 16:42.360 --> 16:44.180 So it's in coordination, 16:44.180 --> 16:46.680 we wanna make sure we get it right the first time. 16:46.860 --> 16:48.250 It's important, missile defense, 16:48.250 --> 16:51.780 the future of missile defense, we also, this is a strategy. 16:52.380 --> 16:55.232 It's important to ensure that we are showing 16:55.232 --> 16:57.260 what we're doing moving forward. 16:57.260 --> 16:59.830 We have talked a lot about, over this last year, 17:00.150 --> 17:04.330 about our budgets and the investments we need to make. 17:04.470 --> 17:07.770 So when we show where we're going and what we need, 17:07.770 --> 17:09.350 and the investments we need to make, 17:09.350 --> 17:10.990 we wanna make sure that it's thorough. 17:10.990 --> 17:13.870 So, I do anticipate in the next couple of weeks. 17:14.578 --> 17:15.411 Jeff. 17:15.980 --> 17:18.040 - Thank you, the U.S. was able to operate 17:18.040 --> 17:21.800 out of an Uzbek air base from 2001 to 2005. 17:22.180 --> 17:25.000 Did Secretary Mattis and the president of Uzbekistan 17:25.000 --> 17:27.700 discuss the possibility of the U.S. military 17:27.700 --> 17:30.440 once again operating from inside Uzbekistan? 17:31.090 --> 17:33.150 - I can tell you that the secretary and the president 17:33.150 --> 17:36.270 talked about how do we deepen our mil to mil relationship. 17:36.270 --> 17:39.710 I can also tell you that talking about initiatives 17:39.710 --> 17:42.810 and ways to further bring stability to that region. 17:43.720 --> 17:44.920 - But was there any discussion 17:44.920 --> 17:46.870 specifically about military bases? 17:47.983 --> 17:50.000 - They talked about how do we continue 17:50.000 --> 17:51.370 to deepen that relationship, 17:51.370 --> 17:53.700 I won't get into the specifics of their conversation, 17:53.700 --> 17:56.850 but the secretary is hardened by the idea 17:56.850 --> 17:59.750 of deepening that mutual cooperation in the region. 18:00.740 --> 18:01.573 Kasim. 18:02.120 --> 18:04.450 - [Kasim] To what extent the secretary is concerned 18:04.450 --> 18:07.046 about the tension rising on the Gaza border 18:07.046 --> 18:09.120 and the increasing civilian casualties 18:09.120 --> 18:10.570 killed by Israeli army there? 18:15.640 --> 18:18.716 - What I can tell you is we have taken a look 18:18.716 --> 18:21.650 at our embassies and security, 18:22.820 --> 18:25.670 and we have increased the number 18:25.670 --> 18:28.020 of Marine security guards at our embassies. 18:28.750 --> 18:31.750 Obviously, we're monitoring the situation very closely. 18:32.150 --> 18:34.710 But Israel has the right of self-defense. 18:35.300 --> 18:40.300 And so, we'll continue to keep a sharp eye on the situation, 18:41.460 --> 18:43.560 as well as our embassies around the world. 18:44.020 --> 18:47.660 - You justify those civilian casualties on Gaza border? 18:50.130 --> 18:51.680 - What I would tell you is that 18:51.880 --> 18:54.380 we are going to continue to monitor the situation. 18:54.700 --> 18:57.120 Israel has the right of self-defense, 18:57.120 --> 18:59.320 and it has the right to protect its borders. 19:00.260 --> 19:01.093 Elizabeth. 19:01.490 --> 19:03.360 - [Elizabeth] Thanks, can you just speak to when you said 19:03.360 --> 19:04.716 the exercises in South Korea are ongoing, 19:04.716 --> 19:06.110 we haven't changed the scope. 19:06.110 --> 19:07.170 Have there been any discussions 19:07.170 --> 19:09.260 about scaling them back in the future, 19:09.260 --> 19:10.800 scaling back future exercises 19:10.800 --> 19:12.810 in order to ensure that the summit goes forward 19:12.810 --> 19:14.350 between Kim and Trump? 19:14.550 --> 19:16.450 - There has been no discussion of that. 19:16.690 --> 19:17.523 Wes. 19:17.523 --> 19:19.210 - [Wes] Hi, if we could go back to Afghanistan for a second. 19:19.210 --> 19:22.100 Do you know if there were U.S. advisors on the ground 19:22.100 --> 19:25.170 in Farah, in the vicinity of Farah City, during this battle, 19:25.170 --> 19:26.850 and if so, what role they played? 19:27.420 --> 19:28.530 - What I can tell you is that 19:28.530 --> 19:31.410 there were U.S. advisors assisting. 19:31.870 --> 19:34.170 Obviously, there were also coalition airstrikes 19:34.170 --> 19:36.110 that assisted in the offensive. 19:37.080 --> 19:37.913 - [Wes] Thank you. 19:39.244 --> 19:40.077 - Gianni. 19:40.430 --> 19:41.830 - Thank you very much Dana. 19:42.560 --> 19:47.560 On North Korea, do you have any reason why North Korea 19:48.380 --> 19:53.380 complain about the MAX THUNDER Exercise in South Korea? 19:56.266 --> 20:01.030 Also, you have any plan to reduce some USFK in South Korea? 20:02.740 --> 20:05.740 - There's been no talk of reducing anything, 20:05.740 --> 20:07.610 there's been no talk of changing our scope. 20:07.610 --> 20:10.880 Our scope hasn't changed, these are annual exercises. 20:11.250 --> 20:12.900 We're very transparent about them, 20:12.900 --> 20:16.780 they are defensive in nature, and the scope hasn't changed. 20:16.780 --> 20:18.300 This is about the alliance, 20:18.300 --> 20:20.290 this is about safeguarding the alliance, 20:20.290 --> 20:23.270 this is about ensuring our readiness as an alliance. 20:27.118 --> 20:29.004 - Just to follow up on Kasim's question, 20:29.004 --> 20:31.850 regarding the additional security at the U.S. embassies, 20:32.700 --> 20:34.550 have the Marines that were requested, 20:34.990 --> 20:38.210 are they on station or have been deployed as of now, 20:38.310 --> 20:40.020 or are they still kind of moving in? 20:40.020 --> 20:42.500 And have you received any additional requests 20:42.630 --> 20:44.980 for security from any other embassies 20:45.030 --> 20:46.180 aside from the ones listed? 20:46.180 --> 20:48.420 - So, we're doing this in coordination 20:48.420 --> 20:50.700 with the State Department. 20:51.550 --> 20:55.790 These are Marine security guards who are deployed, 20:55.920 --> 20:58.540 who work in the wire, 20:58.940 --> 21:01.160 security at the embassies and consulates. 21:02.985 --> 21:03.970 These are not additional Marines, 21:03.970 --> 21:07.240 these are the Marines that are designated 21:07.260 --> 21:11.100 to support our embassies and consulates around the world. 21:12.030 --> 21:14.620 - [Male Reporter] Has the department received any request? 21:15.030 --> 21:17.130 - I have not seen any additional requests. 21:17.940 --> 21:18.773 Lucas. 21:18.773 --> 21:21.340 - [Lucas] These guys were sent because of the decision 21:21.340 --> 21:23.500 to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, right? 21:23.500 --> 21:27.950 It's not because of the situation in Gaza, correct? 21:27.950 --> 21:29.440 - It has nothing to do with Gaza, 21:29.440 --> 21:32.100 it has to do with just a heightened sense of security, 21:32.100 --> 21:34.110 and in coordination with the State Department 21:34.110 --> 21:35.310 to ensure that we're ready. 21:35.310 --> 21:39.770 But let's be clear, we're always surveying the security 21:39.770 --> 21:40.740 and the force protection 21:40.740 --> 21:42.540 around our embassies and consulates. 21:42.720 --> 21:45.570 And so we continue to be vigilant about that. 21:45.930 --> 21:47.630 - And on North Korea, is there a plan B? 21:47.630 --> 21:49.400 In case the summit doesn't happen, 21:49.400 --> 21:51.900 and you need to do other things? 21:54.040 --> 21:56.280 - Our position is we wanna ensure 21:56.280 --> 22:00.970 that our diplomats negotiate from a position of strength. 22:01.130 --> 22:06.030 So, that is our mission and we will see what happens. 22:07.920 --> 22:10.560 You guys have to have some more questions, clearly. 22:10.560 --> 22:11.393 Tom. 22:11.480 --> 22:13.300 - [Tom] How does The Pentagon feel about the prospect 22:13.300 --> 22:16.700 of having to work with Muqtada al-sadr in Iraq, 22:17.330 --> 22:21.310 given his role in killing U.S. forces? 22:22.280 --> 22:24.010 - Well, I'm not gonna speculate 22:24.010 --> 22:26.320 on preliminary results of elections, 22:26.550 --> 22:31.230 but what I will say is that the Iraqi democracy is thriving, 22:31.600 --> 22:33.290 and that's a good thing. 22:34.680 --> 22:35.880 I don't know if any of you knew this, 22:35.880 --> 22:38.470 but they had about 18 polling stations 22:38.470 --> 22:39.770 here in the United States. 22:40.720 --> 22:41.800 That's tremendous. 22:42.830 --> 22:45.900 So, we look forward to standing with our Iraqi partners 22:46.380 --> 22:47.810 as their democracy grows. 22:48.833 --> 22:50.951 We wanna work by, with, and through 22:50.951 --> 22:54.440 and see them prosper as a democracy. 22:54.710 --> 22:56.790 - [Man] We have time for a few more questions. 22:56.920 --> 22:58.810 - Al-Sadr has American blood on his hands, 22:58.810 --> 23:00.200 that was the gist of the question. 23:00.200 --> 23:02.850 Is the secretary troubled that a man responsible 23:02.850 --> 23:05.060 for the deaths of hundreds of American troops 23:05.060 --> 23:06.050 over a decade ago, 23:06.360 --> 23:08.780 could potentially become the next leader of Iraq, 23:08.780 --> 23:10.760 or at least this coalition and have a role 23:10.760 --> 23:11.860 in the future of Iraq, 23:11.860 --> 23:14.110 with American forces on the ground right now? 23:15.260 --> 23:17.810 - Decisions of Iraqis are for the Iraqis. 23:18.286 --> 23:21.410 We will continue to work by, with, and through our partners. 23:21.690 --> 23:23.250 But I'm not gonna speculate 23:23.250 --> 23:27.290 on what is still a preliminary result of an election. 23:27.290 --> 23:28.150 - The secretary isn't nervous, 23:28.150 --> 23:30.680 the secretary isn't troubled by the election results at all? 23:30.680 --> 23:31.513 - You know the secretary 23:31.513 --> 23:33.460 doesn't get troubled or nervous, Lucas. 23:33.936 --> 23:35.709 (laughing) 23:35.709 --> 23:38.059 - [Female Reporter] If Sadr does rise to power, 23:38.630 --> 23:42.480 would the U.S. be looking at alternative force protection 23:42.480 --> 23:43.770 or troop levels? 23:44.810 --> 23:48.160 - I think we need to see how things actually fall out first. 23:48.830 --> 23:49.663 Jeff. 23:49.663 --> 23:52.070 - You had mentioned two briefings ago, 23:52.140 --> 23:55.080 that American military aircraft in Djibouti 23:55.080 --> 23:57.420 were getting lasers shined at them 23:57.750 --> 23:59.130 from a Chinese military base. 23:59.130 --> 24:01.760 Has that continued, or did it stop 24:01.760 --> 24:03.960 when the U.S. formally admonished China? 24:04.410 --> 24:08.590 - I am not aware of any additional lasering incidents 24:08.608 --> 24:11.460 in Djibouti, but I'm happy to come back 24:11.460 --> 24:13.450 with you with any updates. 24:13.980 --> 24:16.330 Okay, thank you all very much. 24:21.356 --> 24:23.619 (reporters chatting)