2026 • Page 191 of 282 • The Defense Post

Feb- 2026 -

15 February

Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State, speaks at the 62nd Munich Security Conference.

Rubio Says US Does Not Want ‘Vassal’ Europe on Visit to Trump’s Allies

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the US does not want a "vassal" Europe, a day after he called on Europeans to embrace President Donald Trump's vision for "renewal" of the global order.

15 February

Africa

FARDC soldiers patrol near Goma after an attack by M23 rebels. (Photo: AFP)

Staff Writer With AFP

Nobel-Winner Mukwege Warns DR Congo Ceasefire at Risk

Nobel Prize-winning Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege cast doubt over the longevity of the potential ceasefire in DR Congo's conflict with the Rwanda-backed M23 militia.

15 February

Terrorism

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted 10 strikes against more than 30 ISIS targets in Syria, Feb. 3 – 12, to sustain relentless military pressure on remnants from the terrorist network.

Staff Writer With AFP

US Military Says Struck More Than 30 IS Targets in Syria

The US military said Saturday that its forces had struck more than 30 Islamic State group targets in Syria this month, maintaining pressure on the jihadists after a deadly attack on US troops last year.

15 February

Nuclear

An Iranian flag fluttering at an undisclosed location in the Islamic republic next to a surface-to-surface Qiam-1 (Rising) missile

Staff Writer With AFP

Swiss Say Oman to Host US-Iran Talks in Geneva Next Week

Switzerland said Saturday that Oman would host talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva next week, with Washington pushing Tehran to make a deal to limit its nuclear program.

15 February

Terrorism

A Nigerian soldier on patrol in Banki, in the northeastern state of Borno, a region where Boko Haram insurgents are especially active

Staff Writer With AFP

Dozens Killed in Fresh Nigeria Attacks

Motorcycle-riding gunmen swept into three villages in a central region of Nigeria, shooting dead or cutting the throats of at least 46 people, a humanitarian source told AFP on Saturday.

15 February

War

Staff Writer With AFP

Russian Strike on Ukraine’s Odesa Kills Woman: Governor

An overnight Russian drone strike on Odesa set a residential building on fire and killed a woman inside, the governor of the southern Ukrainian region said on Saturday morning.

15 February

Arctic

Pictured: 21 Nov 2025 – View of the 24 F-35B Jets embarked onboard the Flight Deck of HMS Prince of Wales. As part of the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group Full Operating Capability, the largest fifth-generation Carrier Air Wing has ever been embarked on HMS Prince of Wales. 24 F-35B Jets on deck, in support of NATO on NEPTUNE STRIKE 25-4. This proves NATO’s willingness and readiness to act in support of allied nations’ peace and security. Italian F-35Bs have been on board HMS Prince of Wales for NEPTUNE STRIKE, an enhanced vigilance activity, as part of Operation HIGHMAST, proving interoperability and interchangeability between the two nations. The Joint Carrier Air Wing has conducted NEPTUNE STRIKE, showcasing the UK and Italian ability and willingness to work together on behalf of NATO in the Mediterranean and beyond. Led by the UK flagship HMS Prince of Wales and involving a dozen nations, the eight-month mission – known as Operation HIGHMAST – is reaching its final stages. After operations across the Indo-Pacific over the last five months, the task group has returned to the Mediterranean for further multinational exercises before making its homeward voyage. The goal of Operation HIGHMAST is to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate collective resolve with our allies and showcase British trade and industry. Over the course of the deployment, upwards of 4,500 British military personnel have been involved, including nearly 600 RAF and 900 soldiers alongside 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.

Staff Writer With AFP

UK to Deploy Aircraft Carrier Group to Arctic This Year: PM

Britain will deploy its aircraft carrier group to the North Atlantic this year in a "powerful show of force" against Russian threats in the Arctic, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Saturday.

15 February

Sea

An Australian submarine surfaces from the waters in the foreground. Land is seen peeking in the far background, with the whole scene illuminated by sunlight peering out of the clouds above.

Staff Writer With AFP

Australia Unveils Initial $2.8B for New Nuclear Subs Facility

Australia unveiled $2.8 billion in spending on Sunday as a "down payment" on a new facility to build nuclear submarines under the tripartite AUKUS security pact with Britain and the United States.

14 February

Europe

U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin speak at a press conference during a summit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 15, 2025. (Alaska National Guard photo by Alejandro Peña)

Staff Writer With AFP

Europe Calls for US Reset at Security Talks

European leaders called Friday for a reset in relations with the United States as they met at a top security conference where US President Donald Trump's potshots at traditional transatlantic ties loomed large.

14 February

War

Staff Writer With AFP

Russia, Ukraine to Hold Talks in Geneva on February 17-18

Russia and Ukraine will hold US-brokered talks on February 17-18 in Geneva, both countries said Friday, announcing the next leg in fraught negotiations seeking to end the four-year war.

Trends Shaping the Defense World

JOIN 100,000+ FOR DEFENSE NEWS, TRENDS & INSIGHTS