Turkish president warns of imminent offensive against US-backed group, saying 'drying up the terrorist swamp in northern Syria is our top priority'

In Australia, Esper and Pompeo suggest nations are quietly expressing support for plan; counterparts in Melbourne won't commit

Washington accuses Moscow of 'sustained and repeated' violations of nuclear treaty after withdrawing from agreement

Appointment of Army veteran and ex-lobbyist ends longest-ever Pentagon leadership vacuum in American history

Expected confirmation would end seven months without Pentagon chief after Mattis resignation; Navy leader Richard Spencer takes over as acting defense chief

Key congressional committees express dismay after air defense systems begin arriving in Ankara, say Erdogan chose Putin over NATO

After a single day on the job, Mark Esper to meet with fellow NATO defense ministers as US seeks to enlist countries to counter threats to shipping in Persian Gulf

The US has no defense secretary and the temporary one just quit. His replacement might only stay for six weeks; top Democrat calls situation 'appalling'

Army Secretary Mark Esper will come in as acting Pentagon leader amid rising tensions in the Middle East