Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "The continued assault by Syrian regime forces -- enabled by Russian airstrikes -- against opposition-held areas, as well as regime and allied militias’ continued besiegement of hundreds of thousands of civilians, have clearly signaled the intention to seek a military solution rather than enable a political one.

Washington, DC - The United States welcomes the recent announcement that the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) have signed an agreement to permit resumed cooperation against illegal armed groups. This agreement follows nearly a year during which such cooperation had ceased.

Washington, DC - The Administration today announced an FY2017 Department of Defense funding request of $3.4 billion for the European Reassurance Initiative (ERI).  This request, which quadruples last year’s ERI funding level, represents a significant augmentation of our efforts to ensure peace and security in Europe.  Over the past two years, the United States has increased military activities in Eastern and Central Europe to reassure allies and partners of our commitment to their security and territorial integrity. 

Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "Fourteen years ago in the Colombian town of Bojayá, FARC guerillas launched an explosive that landed on the roof of a Roman Catholic church, killing 79 men, women and children who were huddled inside, seeking safety.

Washington, DC - Acting Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs Brian Nilsson traveled to the United Kingdom January 26-30 to participate in the U.S.-UK Defense Trade Cooperation Treaty (DTCT) Management Board meetings, as well as to participate in an industry roundtable hosted by ADS Group.

Port Victoria, Seychelles - Maritime forces from Eastern Africa, Western Indian Ocean island nations, Europe and the United States, as well as several international organizations began the fifth iteration of the multinational maritime exercise Cutlass Express, yesterday.