- 2 years ago
Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder holds a press briefing.
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NewsTranscript
00:00All right, well, good afternoon, everybody.
00:03Just a few things here at the top, and we'll get right to your questions.
00:08First up, I can confirm that U.S. Central Command personnel re-anchored and re-established
00:13the temporary pier to the Gaza Beach yesterday.
00:17As has been the case in the past, Israeli Defense Force engineers provided all the necessary
00:21support to ensure the safe emplacement of the pier on the beach, and there were no U.S.
00:26boots on the ground during the re-establishment of the pier.
00:30Overnight, the transfer of humanitarian assistance from Cyprus to Gaza resumed, with more than
00:36656 metric tons, or 1.4 million pounds, being delivered to the marshalling yard in Gaza
00:43today.
00:45Since May 17, when the temporary pier first went operational, over 4,100 metric tons,
00:52or 9.1 million pounds, have been delivered through the Maritime Corridor for onward
00:56delivery by humanitarian organizations.
00:59And I'd like to reiterate that while it's always been our intention for the pier to
01:04be a temporary solution, as part of the broader international effort to surge humanitarian
01:09assistance into Gaza to meet the urgent needs of the Palestinian people, we have not established
01:15an end date for this mission as of now, contrary to some press reporting on the matter.
01:20Therefore, we'll continue to facilitate the transfer of humanitarian aid via the Maritime
01:24Corridor, and as always, take necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of the personnel
01:29operating the pier, to include adjusting to sea states in the eastern Mediterranean Sea,
01:35the same way we do with aircraft operations in the event of inclement weather or conditions.
01:40And finally, the orderly withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger continues.
01:44As AFRICOM highlighted in their announcement earlier this month, U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft
01:49have begun ferrying personnel and equipment out of the country in accordance with the
01:53arrangements made between U.S. officials and the CNSP in May.
01:57While U.S. personnel numbers will naturally fluctuate during the drawdown period, there
02:01are currently approximately 600 U.S. personnel in-country, and we remain on track for a complete
02:06withdrawal by September 15, as agreed upon.
02:09We'll, of course, continue to keep you updated regarding any significant developments.
02:14With that, I'd be happy to take your questions.
02:16Go to Associated Press.
02:18Hi, General Rodriguez.
02:19Thanks for doing this.
02:21With the aid moving back through the pier again, can you give us a sense of how much
02:25of it has actually moved out of the marshaling yard and on to its ultimate destinations,
02:30or is it all still in the marshaling yard?
02:33That's really a question I'll have to direct to USAID and World Food Program.
02:37As you know, they're responsible for the onward distribution, and so they're in the best position
02:44to talk about the current status of that aid and what their game plan is to deliver it.
02:49And World Central Kitchen said they were not using the pier in any way, so is it just World
02:53Food Program participants that are using this pier?
02:57Again, I'd refer you to USAID.
02:59I know they're working, obviously, with humanitarian organizations to include the World Food Program
03:06for distribution, but again, I think the important point here is that this is just one part of
03:11a broader international effort that consists of aid being delivered via a maritime corridor,
03:16the air, and of course, ground being the optimal way to get aid.
03:22But again, we're going to continue to push as much aid into Gaza as we can.
03:26And are there any updates on airdrop operations?
03:28I don't have an update to provide other than the fact that we will continue to conduct
03:32airdrops to get aid into Gaza.
03:35You haven't since the RAFA operation started, or did you have an intermittent start?
03:41Let me look.
03:46We've done, between March 2nd and today, there's been 39 humanitarian assistance airdrops.
03:55The last drop was on June 9th, but again, we will maintain the option and have the capability
04:02and will conduct airdrops in the future.
04:05General Ryder, how concerned is the Pentagon that war could break out on the Lebanese border
04:11with Israel right now?
04:12Yeah, so of course, this is something that we're continuing to follow very closely.
04:18Jennifer, as we've mentioned before, we do have concerns about tensions along that border.
04:25We continue to encourage a diplomatic solution.
04:29And so we're going to stay very focused on that.
04:31What was the purpose of the USS Ford coming in for a port call?
04:36The USS Ford coming to a port call?
04:38I was, well, maybe I misread that they were in the Mediterranean.
04:43I'm not tracking that.
04:45That's a mistake.
04:47In terms of Putin's visit to North Korea and to Vietnam, how seriously do you take this
04:54new mutual defense treaty?
04:56Is this a return to the Cold War?
04:59Is it being seen, are you seeing additional weapons moving from North Korea to Ukraine?
05:06How serious do you take this new relationship?
05:10And just to clarify, you said Vietnam, do you mean DPRK?
05:12I mean, North Korea, yeah, North Korea.
05:14Yeah, I mean, it's obviously something that we're continuing to monitor very closely.
05:20As you've heard others in the U.S. government talk about, you know, there is no surprise
05:24here that they've been developing and fostering this relationship.
05:29So it is something that we're going to take seriously, and it's something that we're going
05:31to continue to monitor.
05:33But what we've also said is that our focus when it comes to the Indo-Pacific region,
05:38and broadly speaking worldwide, is to work with like-minded nations on security and stability
05:44throughout the world to include the Indo-Pacific region.
05:47So we're going to continue to strengthen and bolster those alliances and those relationships
05:52with the idea that our focus is on peace, security, and stability, but certainly are
05:58also going to continue to keep a close eye on this.
06:00And in Vietnam, Putin said that Russia's considering changing its nuclear doctrine, its first use
06:05doctrine.
06:06Do you take that seriously, or is this just nuclear saber-rattling?
06:10You know, we've seen nothing at this point that would require us to change our own strategic
06:16forces posture.
06:17Again, it's not the first time that we've heard of reckless nuclear saber-rattling.
06:23It's certainly irresponsible for countries that maintain these types of capabilities
06:27to make those kinds of comments.
06:28But again, I go back to what I said earlier, that our focus is on security and stability,
06:34not only in the region but throughout the world.
06:36And so we'll continue to stay focused on that.
06:38Let me go here to CNN.
06:39Thanks, General Ryder.
06:41So National Security Advisor Sullivan said earlier this week that with regards to the
06:45policy allowing the U.S. to – allowing Ukraine to use U.S.-made weapons to strike over the
06:49border into Russia, that policy, quote, extends to anywhere that Russian forces are coming
06:54across the border from the Russian side to the Ukrainian side.
06:58So is that consistent with the Pentagon's understanding of this policy, or has the policy
07:02expanded beyond just that kind of narrow Kharkiv region that it was initially understood to
07:07be when this policy decision was made?
07:10Yeah.
07:11So there has been no change in the policy.
07:14And really, at the end of the day, this comes down to counterfire, right?
07:17And what you saw in the Kharkiv region as Russia was conducting its offensive was the
07:22massing of forces – artillery fire, preparatory fire – into Ukraine as they conducted these
07:29operations.
07:30And so the ability to be able to fire back when fired upon is really what this policy
07:36is focused on.
07:37So again, as we see Russian forces firing across the border, the ability for Ukraine
07:45to fire back at those ground forces using U.S.-provided munitions, it's self-defense.
07:51And so it makes sense for them to be able to do that.
07:54And that applies only to the border areas, or could it be further into Russia, or does that –
07:59Again, you know, if you look back at kind of the early days of this war and you had
08:04Russian forces that were – and still are to a large degree – but en masse within
08:09Ukrainian-occupied territory, what you saw were force-on-force conflicts that were happening
08:15within sovereign Ukraine.
08:18So in this case, what you see is Russian forces attempting to use their border as a safe zone
08:24from which to conduct preparatory fires and attacks into Ukraine in support of offensive actions.
08:31And so again, as we see those forces conducting those types of operations from across the border,
08:37we've explained, you know, Ukraine can and does have the right to fire back to defend themselves.
08:43So again, not a change to the policy that was announced earlier.
08:46Now, when it comes to long-term – or excuse me, long-range munitions like ATAKMS,
08:51again, there's been no change in the policy in that regard.
08:54But it's broader than just Kharkiv, to be clear.
08:56Correct.
08:57You know, it's focusing on the strategic intent here, which is counterfire when you're attacked,
09:02you know, returning fire.
09:04Vadi.
09:05Thank you, General.
09:06If I may go back to the situation on the borders between Israel and Lebanon.
09:09Obviously, you've been looking at the tension there.
09:14In terms of how tense the situation, are you seeing an indication that this is higher than before
09:21and that could lead to a wider confrontation?
09:23And do you believe there's still room for diplomatic solution between Israel and Lebanon?
09:28So the latter part of your question first, yes.
09:32You know, I think there's always time to talk and there's always room for diplomatic solutions.
09:39I think given the amount of, you know, rocket fire we've seen going from both sides of the border,
09:49we've certainly been concerned about that situation
09:53and both publicly and privately have been urging all parties to restore calm along that border
09:59and, again, to seek a diplomatic solution.
10:02So, you know, you've heard the White House talk about the fact that they've sent a special envoy.
10:10Secretary Austin, this is something that he's spoken about with his counterparts in the region.
10:16And so, again, this is something that will continue to stay focused on.
10:19And is the situation between Israel and Lebanon and maybe a potential for escalation,
10:24has this prompted the DOD to maybe review the U.S. forces posture in the region or change it in any way so far?
10:32As of right now, I don't have any announcements to make in terms of a force posture.
10:37Again, I think, you know, seeing the forest through the trees here,
10:40what we don't want to see is a broader regional conflict.
10:44And so, again, we're going to stay very focused on working with the rest of the U.S. interagency
10:49and with our partners in the region to attempt to ensure that that doesn't happen
10:54and that this is resolved diplomatically.
10:57Thank you. Let me go to the phone here real quick. Reuters, Idris.
11:01Hey, just a quick question. I may have missed this, but how much aid is currently in the marshalling area?
11:08Yeah, I don't have a number to provide, Idris.
11:11I'd refer you to USAID to talk about how much aid they currently have for onward delivery.
11:18Is there a capacity at which point aid cannot gather at the marshalling area anymore, or is that not a concern?
11:24I mean, there is a certain capacity that the marshalling area can hold.
11:31I don't know that we've reached that at this stage, but, you know, certainly that's a factor.
11:38But, yeah, I don't have a specific amount to provide to you.
11:43Okay. Let me go to the room here. Tony.
11:45Geopolitical questions on North Korea-Russia.
11:48Is the Pentagon assessing or what types of technologies Russia may give to North Korea that they haven't in the past?
11:57I'm thinking ballistic missile guidance technology or along those lines.
12:02Yeah. Thanks, Tony.
12:03I don't have any details, nor am I going to discuss in detail any agreements between Russia and the DPRK at this point.
12:13Again, I'd go back to what I said earlier.
12:15We're not surprised about this continuing burgeoning of this relationship.
12:20It's something that we're going to monitor closely.
12:23And, again, you know, what you have seen in the past is the DPRK providing Russia with munitions that are being employed in Ukraine,
12:32killing Ukrainians and supporting Russia's illegal war.
12:36So, again, definitely concerning for all those nations that respect sovereignty, respect the rule of law.
12:46But, yeah.
12:47Ukraine weapons question.
12:48The White House today announced that it was directing American contractors to ship AMRAAM and Patriot weapons,
12:57missiles that were earmarked for foreign customers, other foreign customers to Ukraine, giving them the priority.
13:03What role does the Pentagon have in this directive, in implementing this directive
13:08or overseeing the shift of missiles from FMS customers to Ukraine?
13:14Yeah, sure.
13:15You know, to your point, as you highlighted, the re-sequencing of planned deliveries.
13:22I hear missile deliveries, not plane.
13:24What's that?
13:25You said plane deliveries?
13:26No, planned.
13:27The planned re-sequencing of planned deliveries.
13:30So we're working closely with industry on the appropriate contracting actions from this re-sequencing
13:39to ensure that we're able to continue to support our security assistance requirements.
13:43So I'm not going to be able to go into any specifics beyond that in terms of, you know,
13:48what those contracting actions are, those companies are.
13:51But needless to say, again, we're going to make sure that not only are we supporting Ukraine,
13:57but that we're continuing to keep on track with those FMS deliveries as quickly as possible.
14:03These are missiles, right?
14:04Not the batteries around Ukraine.
14:06Correct.
14:07These are missiles.
14:08Thank you.
14:09That's correct.
14:10All right.
14:11Noah.
14:12In reference to the policy on cross-border strikes, I just want to make sure I understand for clarity,
14:15was the policy never geographically bound and was always focused on the intent of counterfire,
14:20like you're describing there?
14:22I just want to make sure that I understand this correctly.
14:25Yeah.
14:26I mean, I think, you know, the context was, again,
14:29this Russian offensive that was emanating from the Kharkiv region.
14:33And so being able to check that offensive and enable the Ukrainians to fire back
14:39and to not allow Russia to use that zone across the border there as a safe haven
14:45from which to conduct those attacks.
14:47So it changed in reference to the offensive near Kharkiv,
14:52but it was never intended just to be around Kharkiv, if I understand you.
14:55Yeah, exactly.
14:56I mean, I think the policy here is, again, and I think, you know,
15:00the National Security Advisor put it, you know, in great words here,
15:06in the sense that it's not about geography, it's about common sense, right,
15:09being able to fire back if you're fired upon.
15:11You can go to Tom.
15:12Thanks, General.
15:13Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the leader of the Houthi rebels there,
15:16gave a speech in which he said that U.S. and British airstrikes
15:19have had no effect at all on the group.
15:21Could you comment on that?
15:23Well, they started with a certain amount of capability,
15:26and now they have a less amount of capability, so that's just factually incorrect.
15:30The tempo and severity and damage caused by the attacks is increasing,
15:35and obviously the stress that the U.S. Navy is under is increasing too.
15:39So what's the end point here?
15:41Well, again, as I said on Tuesday, you know, the ultimate objective here
15:45is to ensure freedom of navigation through the Red Sea
15:48and to continue to work with the international community
15:51to safeguard mariners that are transiting this area,
15:55and we'll continue to do that.
15:57And again, you know, the more that the Houthis continue to do these types of attacks long term,
16:05it is going to also, and in the medium and near term,
16:09it's going to continue to have significant impacts on their own citizens,
16:12the people that are living under Houthi control in terms of the ability for aid to be delivered to Yemen,
16:20the environmental impact on the Red Sea, as well as the economic viability of that region.
16:25So again, you know, we're not looking to get into a full-scale conflict with the Houthis.
16:31Our focus, again, continues to be on freedom of navigation
16:34and safety of the maritime corridor, and that's what we'll stay focused on.
16:39Thank you.
16:42What is the Department's comment on the situation that happened earlier this week in the Philippines
16:47at Second Thomas Shoal?
16:49The Philippine government has released video that shows machete-wielding, knife-wielding China Coast Guard
16:59service members attacking these rigid-hull boats belonging to the Philippines on a resupply mission.
17:06What do you have to say to that? And then have a follow-up, please.
17:09Yeah, I mean, I kind of touched on this earlier this week, right?
17:12I mean, this kind of behavior, it's provocative, it's reckless, it's unnecessary.
17:18It's also antithetical to the PRC's claims about respect for sovereignty.
17:25And so, again, the Philippines should have the right to be able to operate within their legal maritime claims.
17:34Those need to be protected.
17:36So, again, we continue to stand by our ally, the Philippines,
17:40and we're going to continue to call out this kind of irresponsible and reckless behavior when we see it.
17:46And when you say stand by, does that mean that the U.S. is considering moving some assets there
17:50to kind of show that support for the Philippines?
17:57Yeah, I don't have any announcements to make, Louis.
17:59We're confident in our force posture in the region right now.
18:02And, again, I'll just leave it at that. Janie.
18:05Thank you, General.
18:07On North Korea and Russia's mutual defense agreement,
18:14this is a treaty that allows Russia to intervene militarily in case of emergency on the Korean Peninsula.
18:24What is the U.S.'s reaction on this?
18:27Well, again, without getting into the specifics of their agreement,
18:31the alliance that the United States has with the ROK and Japan is a defensive alliance, right?
18:38We're there to defend. We're there to make war.
18:41And so, again, our focus is going to be on working with like-minded partners in the region,
18:48to include our allies, ROK and Japan, on ensuring peace, security, and stability throughout the region.
18:55Can you tell what is the difference between South Korea and the United States' mutual defense agreement
19:04and North Korea and Russia's mutual defense agreement?
19:08Is there any difference, it looks like?
19:11Well, again, I'm not going to do a comparative analysis here from the podium in terms of the various agreements,
19:17other than to say we've been very clear about our ironclad support for our ROK allies.
19:22Kim Jong-un told President Putin he fully supported Russia's special military operation against Ukraine,
19:32and Putin promised military technology support, including fighter jets, to North Korea.
19:41What change will this make to the war in Ukraine?
19:47I just think it demonstrates the desperation that a country like Russia needs to align itself with the DPRK
19:57to subjugate the people of Ukraine.
20:00And the fact that they have to go to a country like DPRK to obtain munitions demonstrates how isolated Russia is right now.
20:08But, again, our focus is on preserving regional peace and stability.
20:13And I'll just leave it there. I'm going to move on, Janie, if that's all right.
20:16Go to Lara.
20:17Thanks, Pat.
20:18Is the Pentagon concerned about an increased risk to U.S. troops in the region if Israel expands the conflict into Lebanon?
20:26Well, look, from the very beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas,
20:31we have been focused on ensuring that our forces are protected in the region.
20:38You saw we deployed additional forces in support of deterrence efforts, but also force protection efforts.
20:45So I'm not going to speculate or get into hypotheticals on what if,
20:48other than to say, again, we remain concerned about the potential for escalation along the Israel-Lebanon border,
20:54and we're going to continue to encourage a diplomatic resolution of that tension.
20:59Is the Pentagon concerned about Israel's ability to wage a two-front war at the same time as it's—
21:05Again, look, the focus here, broadly speaking, is on preventing a wider regional conflict.
21:11And I think you've all been following this region long enough to know all the various players and actors that are in the region
21:19that have a stake in that part of the world.
21:23And so, again, we're going to stay focused on encouraging a diplomatic resolution.
21:28Konstantin.
21:29Thanks, Pat.
21:30Earlier this week, Staff Sergeant Gordon Black was sentenced to three years and nine months by a Russian court.
21:38First question, I guess, is, does the Pentagon have a reaction to this sentence?
21:41And then the second question I have is, has anybody from the Pentagon been in contact with Staff Sergeant Black?
21:48Yeah, thanks.
21:49So, obviously, something that we continue to monitor closely,
21:52both the Department and the Army are in contact with State Department, which has the lead,
21:57as I'm sure you can imagine, on something like this, given a U.S. citizen being held in a foreign country.
22:04So I'm going to have to refer you to State Department for any further questions on that.
22:08Okay, thank you.
22:09Thanks.
22:10Sir.
22:11Thank you.
22:12So I have on the decision on how to prioritize Patriot and NASEM's missile deliveries to Ukraine.
22:16So, first, why now and not earlier?
22:18And, secondly, what does it mean for Ukrainians practically?
22:22Will they be receiving more of those missiles?
22:24Will it take less time for them to be delivered for Ukraine?
22:27What will be the quality change here?
22:30So, as I'm sure you know, the Foreign Military Sales Program obviously supports numerous countries around the world.
22:39But in this particular case, in terms of why now, what we're seeing is Russia, once again,
22:45trying to destroy Ukraine's energy system and infrastructure ahead of winter.
22:51And so they urgently need air defense, additional air defense capabilities,
22:56which is, again, a topic you heard Secretary Austin talk about last week.
23:00And so providing Ukraine with additional interceptors more quickly, it's an existential situation.
23:10And so this prompted the decision to resequence near-term plan deliveries of critical air defense interceptors to go to Ukraine.
23:20So that's the reason for why now.
23:25And practically what that means is that it will increase their inventories more quickly
23:31to enable them to continue to defend that critical infrastructure and the civilian population as we go into the winter here.
23:39One more, Patrice.
23:41We saw Romania today announcing that they will also provide additional assistance to Ukraine,
23:45on the condition that the Allies and the United States would help them to fill that gap.
23:49So could you please speak more about that?
23:51Will this replace the assistance that Romania is providing to Ukraine?
23:54Will it be something else?
23:56Yeah.
23:57So I won't speak for Ukraine, other than to say, again, as Secretary Austin highlighted last week in Brussels,
24:03and oh, by the way, has been talking about now for a long time, is air defense continues to be a priority.
24:10And so the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, you know, over 50 Allies and partners are coming together
24:16to find ways to provide capabilities to Ukraine when it comes to air defense.
24:21And certainly, you know, many countries have stepped up in that regard, whether it be Patriots,
24:26whether it be Samtees, whether it be, you know, the NASAM capabilities.
24:30So we're obviously grateful for those countries that continue to do that, and we'll continue to keep after that.
24:38Are there any specific plans to fill that gap for Romania,
24:41because they are saying that there is a condition that Allies, and especially the United States,
24:45will help to find a temporary solution?
24:48Yeah.
24:49Look, again, without getting into specific details, as a, you know, both bilaterally and as NATO Allies,
24:56we work with all of our partners to take into account what their defense needs are,
25:02and we're going to do everything we can to support those.
25:06You know, in the case of this re-sequencing here, again, all the affected countries were notified,
25:11and again, we're working with them to make sure, as I highlighted to Tony,
25:16that industry can work to get those requirements filled.
25:21So across the board, you know, we're going to do what good Allies do.
25:26Oh, by the way, the fact that we've re-sequenced these interceptor deliveries for Ukraine,
25:34again, the bottom line message here is, to our Allies and partners,
25:38is if there's an existential threat, you know, we're going to step up,
25:41and we're going to help you, as we are in this case.
25:43So, yes, sir.
25:44Thank you.
25:45Yesterday, Pentagon accurately DSCA said it will sell thousands of autonomous systems and other military supplies to Taiwan.
25:55But does the Pentagon concern about the backlash from China?
25:59And also, do you feel that Taiwan is adequately prepared for an attack by China at this time?
26:06I'm sorry, can you repeat that last part?
26:08Last part.
26:09Also, do you feel that Taiwan is adequately prepared for an attack by China at this time?
26:16Yeah, so, you know, I guess the way I'd respond to that is, as Secretary Austin has said,
26:20we don't believe that an attack is either imminent or inevitable.
26:26And so I'll just leave it at that.
26:29Time for a couple more.
26:30Yes, sir.
26:31Thank you, General.
26:32Regarding, again, to the tension of the border between Hezbollah and Israel,
26:36there is some reports claiming that the Israel officials have told the U.S.
26:40that they are planning to shift resources from southern Gaza to the northern of Israel
26:47in preparation for possible offensive against Hezbollah.
26:51So do you confirm these reports?
26:53Have you seen these reports?
26:56From last Tuesday when the IDF has been approved operational plans for an offensive in Lebanon,
27:05since that approval, does the Israel ask for any new munitions or weapons from the U.S.?
27:12And what discussions the DOD had to try to de-escalate the situation there?
27:17Yeah, so, you know, in terms of that press reporting,
27:21I'm not going to speak to potential Israeli operations or planning.
27:26I'd refer you to them to talk about their current status.
27:29Again, we've been very clear publicly and privately that we want to see calm restored along the border
27:37in our conversations with partners in the region, to include those in Israel and Lebanon.
27:45And again, I'm not going to get into hypotheticals or speculate on, you know, if something could happen.
27:51Our focus right now is on preventing a wider regional conflict
27:55and on encouraging resolution of these tensions via diplomacy.
28:00So we'll continue to stay focused on that.
28:03And another one, would you give us an update about the status of these 2,000-pound bomb shipments
28:10that is still on hold?
28:12And what about the other deal about the F-15 firefighters to Israel that already has been approved?
28:20Okay, that was five questions.
28:23Okay, so no change in the one shipment that we paused of the 2,000-pound unguided munitions.
28:33And as I mentioned on Tuesday, their final determination on how to proceed with that shipment has not been made.
28:39As far as the press reporting on F-15 sales, as a matter of policy,
28:44we don't confirm or comment on proposed cases until they have actually been notified to Congress.
28:49So I'm not going to have anything additional.
28:51All right, we can do one more question. Yes, sir.
28:53Thank you, General.
28:54Last Sunday, U.S. Central Command conducted an airstrike in Syria.
28:58According to CENTCOM, a senior ISIS official was killed.
29:03Do you believe ISIS still have a stronghold in the region, and how much is this a threat?
29:10So, you know, we've talked about this in the past.
29:14So ISIS as it exists in Iraq and Syria has been greatly diminished from where it was 10 years ago.
29:22We have not seen an uptick in terms of ISIS activity, broadly speaking.
29:28That said, they do remain a threat, which is why, again, you continue to see the international coalition,
29:35of which the U.S. is part, focused on working with regional partners to prevent a resurgence of ISIS
29:42and to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS.
29:46And so it's one of those things that, again, as we've all seen, you can't take your eye off of it,
29:52or else, you know, it can rear its ugly head again.
29:55And so we'll continue to stay focused, as CENTCOM was and is, vis-à-vis their news release.
30:02So, all right, thank you very much, everybody.
30:04Appreciate it.
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