Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds Press Briefing

View Online Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds Press Briefing Jan. 8, 2025 DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Ok. Good afternoon, everyone. Apologies for being a bit delayed today, but appreciate you being flexible with our schedule. So, just a few things at the top and then happy to take your questions. Tomorrow Secretary Austin will host the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The UDCG, first convened by Secretary Austin in April 2022, has been instrumental in coordinating international support to assist Ukraine in defending its sovereignty against Russia's unprovoked aggression. To date, the United States and our allies and partners have collectively committed more than $126 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. And through the work of its capability coalitions, the UDCG has also been critical in bolstering Ukraine's defense capability and building a credible deterrence force so that it can defend against future aggression as well. While I won't get ahead of any announcements at this milestone meeting of the contact group, which will be Secretary Austin's last, you can expect the secretary to continue this important work at Ramstein tomorrow. He will engage defense ministers and senior military officials from around the world to discuss — to discuss Ukraine's immediate battlefield needs and longer-term defense requirements. And again, as you know, the meetings will focus on key capabilities Ukraine needs, including air defense systems, artillery munitions and armored vehicles, as well as efforts to enhance the defense industrial base. And following the meeting, Secretary Austin will participate in a press conference. Turning to the Middle East, today US Central Command forces conducted multiple precision strikes against two Iranian backed Houthi underground advanced conventional weapons storage facilities within Houthi controlled areas of Yemen. The Houthis used these facilities to conduct attacks against US Navy ships and merchant vessels in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The strikes are part of CENTCOM's efforts to degrade these Iranian backed Houthi attempts to threaten regional partners and military and commercial vessels in the region. Switching gears, on the transition, the department continues to execute a smooth and professional transition with daily interactions with the president-elect's agency review team, or ART. As of 8:00 AM today, ART members have participated in 106 meetings with DOD officials, and the Transition Task Force has responded to 81 requests for information, or RFIs, from the ART. And last, as you probably just saw, the president, Governor Newsom, and others received a briefing on the devastating wildfires in Southern California, which the department continues to monitor. At the president's direction, the Department of Defense will provide additional firefighting personnel and capabilities. The federal government is working closely with the National Guard, which is deployed under the governor's state of emergency declaration. The California National Guard is adding two modular air firefighting system units and two more are being readied by the Nevada National Guard. The Department of Defense has four additional MAFFS that could be used if needed. Additionally, the department is sending ten Navy helicopters with water delivery buckets to immediately assist with aerial suppression. And with that, I'd be happy to take your questions. Lita? Q: Hi, Sabrina. Thank you. Just on Ukraine, the latest amount, it is not, clearly, the entirety of what is left. How concerned is the administration that you are leaving a pretty substantial amount of money not delivered to Ukraine in terms of weapons and several billion dollars? And do you think that those weapons will eventually get to Ukraine? And is there a danger of a lag? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Sure. So, on Ukraine, you know, as you mentioned, there will be a few billion dollars in authority left for the incoming administration to decide what they decide to do with that remaining authority. And, you know, what I would say is, on the question of are we concerned, Ukraine has bipartisan support within Congress. And it is because of our efforts that Ukraine continues to be successful on the battlefield. And you know this. You know, back in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, many people, many pundits thought that Ukraine would fall, you know, immediately. And it is because of this administration's way forward and the commitment of the Ukrainians and their — and their courage and fighting on the battlefield that they continue to survive. But they do that with the support of the United States and other allied countries and coalitions through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. And I think it's pretty clear that the Ukraine Defense Contact Group is — it's more than just a common understanding. It's a common cause. And so, it's really up to the incoming administration to decide what they use — what they decide to do with the remaining authority that's left. But of course, we hope that, you know, in some way the Ukraine Defense Contact Group continues on. But certainly, support for Ukraine remains strong within Congress. And I'm sorry. You had a second question on Ukraine. Q: Oh, no. I was — and a — and a follow up. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Oh, ok. Q: Just on the assistance to California — DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Yeah. Q: Four additional — you said, I'm sorry, ten Navy helicopters. That's active duty, correct? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: It would be through the California National Guard working — well, the department is feeding into the California National Guard's request. So, right now it is all through what — through state authorities. Q: So, these ten Navy helicopters are what then? Isn't that — those aren't active duty? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: So, the — we are standing by to send ten Navy helicopters with water delivery buckets. It's — I don't have the authorities on which they will be provided under. So, I can — I am happy to get back to you on that. Q: I'm not asking for authority. I'm asking is that active-duty Navy that's going to be flying those? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Yeah, that would be my understanding. That's my understanding, yeah. Q: Do you know how many personnel that involves or anything? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: I don't. Q: Do you have any other details? And is that the only active-duty military — DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: You know what? Q: Involved? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Actually — I'm sorry. Can I take the question on if that's — Q: Yeah. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Active duty? I just don't want to misspeak, and I want to make sure that that — that I get you the you the right information. Q: And the authority on active-duty troops involved — DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Sure. Q: In this would be helpful. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Yep, let me get back to you on the active-duty component — Q: Ok. Thank you. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Piece. Q: But these are federal assets? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: These would be federal assets, correct. Q: Yes. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: And then Jen? Yeah. Q: Ok. Can I follow up? So, it seems like a slightly anemic amount of federal assets being provided to the largest fire in California history with the commander in chief out there. Why not flood the zone, if you will, with more assets? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Well, Jen, it's a matter of also can those assets get in the air. And right now, I mean CAL FIRE is — has some of the best capabilities and equipment to fight fires in California. We can surge assets, and the president has directed this department to bolster whatever California needs. But we have to work with California. And right now, we can't even get assets up in the air because the fires are so bad and because the winds are so bad. So, until we can do that — I mean, you're seeing the footage on the ground. I know, you know, you're covering it as well. Until we can get more assets in the air, there's only so much we can provide, so we're going to be standing by to support in every single way that we can. And of course, you know, you saw the president has directed the Department of Defense to feed into what California needs. But there're — you know, there's safety protocols that have to be followed. And until we can get, you know, additional air support in the air, you know, we're standing by ready to support California with what it needs. Q: Ok. And then to follow up, does the Pentagon have military plans to invade Greenland if ordered to do so? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Yeah, I thought I'd get a question on this. Appreciate it. Look, I saw the comments. I'm certainly not going to get into hypotheticals. I think that's for the incoming administration to speak to. We're concerned with the real national security concerns that confront, you know, this building every single day, which is why you're seeing the secretary convene the UDCG tomorrow in Ramstein for the 25th time. You know, we're going to continue to keep our eye on the ball and focus when it comes to Ukraine, when it comes to what we're doing in the Middle East to support Israel, and also continuing to push for a ceasefire in Gaza. And then, you know, while we only have a limited amount of days left in this administration, we're certainly keeping an eye on our pacing challenge in the Indo-Pacific. Q: You are a planning organization. Are there plans to take Greenland by force if ordered to do so? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Yeah, I appreciate the question. And there're — I'm not aware of any plans to do that. Idrees? Q: Yesterday DOJ filed a motion to stop the plea deals for four of the detainees in Guantanamo Bay. Obviously, you can't talk about it because of ongoing litigation, but what is the administration's policy on Guantanamo Bay? Do you want to close Guantanamo Bay, or what is your actual policy on Gitmo? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: I mean, I think the president has been pretty clear that — and what you've seen over the past few months is — is more detainees, you know, leaving Guantanamo Bay. But again, when it comes to this specific appeal, there's a process and — that we are going through with the — with the appeals process. And because of that, you know, these individuals are going to stay there for the — for the foreseeable future. But look, I think every administration has made a concerted effort to try and get detainees out of Guantanamo Bay and slowly close that facility. These things take time. And, you know, as early as this week you saw us, you know, make an announcement about other detainees being transferred to other countries. So — and when it comes to the appeal, I'm just gonna have to leave it at that. Q: But how can you say you — how is it in line with the policy to close Gitmo if you're filing a motion to not let four of them out? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Well, right now, they don't have somewhere to go. So, we have to go through the process of — I mean, they're still under — I mean, this is an appeal that, as you remember, over the summer that when the Secretary weighed in on this process that until it's resolved in the courts, you know, we have to let that play out. So, at this time, we have to go through the judicial proceedings and, you know, I just — I don't have anything more to add right now. Q:  Totally separate topic. On Yemen— DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: — Sure — Q:  What is the administration's policy with the strikes? It was initially to degrade the capability to strike shipping lanes. Is that still the policy? If you can just define what the policy is when it comes to who these? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: So many — so many specific policy questions today, sure. So, when it comes to the Houthis, I mean nothing has changed about Operation Prosperity Guardian that still remains intact and is there to continue to degrade Houthi capabilities, but also to protect commercial shipping and our — and our ships and other Allied ships and coalition ships that go through the Red Sea and the BAM. When it comes to our policy on the Houthis, I mean, we never said we were — we were going to take every capability off the map. What we did say is we're going to continue to work to degrade capabilities and to ensure, you know, upholding the international rules-based order and the free flow of commerce through that region. So, you know, we continue to be successful in our strikes. Again, we're not going to be able to take off the map every single capability, but every single time that we conduct a dynamic strike or do the strikes that you saw Centcom announce earlier this morning, that further degrade their capabilities and takes things off the map that they can use against commercial ships or our own Navy ships. Does that help? Sorry. OK, Janne. Q:  Thank you, Sabrina. Two questions on North Korea and Ukraine. The first question, three days ago, North Korea launched a new hypersonic medium range ballistic missile into the East coast and the Kim Jong Un stated that it could effectively penetrate any defense barrier and inflict a serious military blow on the enemy and specified Guam, a US territory, as the target in case of contingency. What is the Pentagon's reaction on this? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: So, we're aware of North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile and as always, we conduct closely with our allies in the region. We condemn these actions, and we would continue to urge the DPRK from further unlawful and destabilizing acts. We've seen this type of behavior before and while we don't assess that it presents a threat to US forces, we're going to continue to monitor the situation. Q:  Is this a violation of UN Security Council, also? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Yeah, I mean, Janne, I think you've heard us say that previously many times before. Again, it's something that we've seen the DPRK conduct in the past. We take this seriously and we're going to continue to consult with our allies in the region. Q:  On Ukraine, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said the US could negotiate an end to the war with Russia only if security guarantees were made for Ukraine. How would you respond to this? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: You know, Janne, I'm going to let President Zelenskyy's words speak for themselves. He is ultimately the one that is going to have to decide, you know, how this work comes to a conclusion. That's not for us to dictate and that's not for us to dictate those terms. What we are doing as the United States and as the Department of Defense is what the Secretary has done since April 2022, which is convened the UDCG and bring together partners and different coalitions to help Ukraine with what it needs both in the short term and the long term in — in its battlefield requirements. So that's what you're going to see convene tomorrow. I'll leave it at that. Mike. Q:  Are these Navy assets, the helicopters, are they coming from San Diego or the other, you know, Navy, big — the big Navy or other big Navy bases in California? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: I don't have more information on where they're coming from just yet. Q:  OK. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Konstantin. Q:  Thanks. So, over the past 30 days or so, Centcom has announced a series of strikes against ISIS. You know, some of them have been seen — seem to be larger than kind of the usual battle rhythm. Is that an indication that the organization is — that ISIS is either reconstituting itself or is posing a greater threat than usual to the US? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: No, I think from when you saw the fall of Assad, you saw you know Russian assets further consolidate, which allowed US Central Command to take actions in the Bidiya Desert and elsewhere where we hadn't previously, you know, done significant amount of strikes. I wouldn't read into the fact that ISIS is reconstituting in any way. That's exactly why we are in Syria and Iraq, to prevent that from happening to prevent them from becoming, you know, the strength that we saw a decade ago. And that's why the mission there is so important. But you know, these strikes, when they are conducted, it is at the time and place of the commander's choosing, but also because it is that opportune moment and that we will inflict the most damage because of that timing. So, I wouldn't read too much into the cadence as much as it's more about the right time, right place for these strikes to be done. Q:  Fair enough. So then, given all of that sort of in the context of New Orleans and the — that particular attacker's profession of ISIS ideology, you know, is there an assessment from the Pentagon that while perhaps militarily the organization is not an increased threat that ideologically they're still able to influence US service members — or US service members, US citizens in the homeland? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: You know, I certainly think there is — we're certainly aware that groups like ISIS and other terrorist groups use social media or social media platforms to reach all, you know anyone. And that's something that is incredibly concerning, but that's not something that just this department deals with. That's a — that's an interagency effort, including with Homeland Security. You know, in terms of you know the New Orleans suspect that you — that you referenced that is under investigation, but I think something that the investigation is going to look at is just how and why this individual was able to be influenced and able to be targeted and swayed by a — by a group like ISIS, you know, and many years out of the service. So it's of course something that we're concerned about, and that's why our mission in Syria and Iraq is so important to continue to degrade ISIS. As we've seen them proliferate in other parts of the world, we want to make sure that we are, you know, addressing that head on, and that's why we are where we are in both of those places. Yes? Q:  Just days ago, Ukrainian President mentioned that about number of casualties North Korean soldiers about 3800. So, given update of number of casualties North Korean soldiers and any battlefield situation in North Korea? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Excuse me. Sorry. The question was on North Korean soldiers and casualties. Nothing has changed from our assessment, which I think we gave a few weeks ago or maybe last week. Kind of losing track of time. Approximately 1000 DPRK casualties. That's a mix of killed in action and wounded in action. Again, I don't have more than what we've previously provided. Yeah. Q:  Thanks. Does the US currently provide YPG with new ammunition and weapons in Syria? There are some news reports are stating some deliveries landed in Hasaka - Rojava. If so, what is the current capacity of the supply? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Yeah, I don't have anything on those reports. Again, I think you know that our partnership is with the SDF. We work with them when it comes to continuing to further degrade ISIS's capabilities in the region, whether that be partnered rates or you know the unilateral strikes that you've seen Central Command conduct over, you know, the past decade and most recently, you know, in the past few weeks. Tony? Q:  And how does this help the transition with Turks and the administration in Damascus currently supplying them with weapons? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: OK, so again, the work that we do in Syria is a partnership with the SDF. So, I think it's important to remember that — that the whole reason why we are in Syria is to continue that enduring mission to defeat ISIS. That is a partnership with the SDF, whether it be in partnered raids or you know in strikes. Our entire mission in Syria is to ensure the continuing defeat of ISIS. Tony. Q:  A couple PDA follow ups. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Sure. Q:  Exclusive of what's going to be released tomorrow, you know, this massive substantial PDA, how much has been obligated to date or how much has been drawn on to date of the 72 PDAs so far, roughly? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: I can tell you how much we have left in authority. I don't have the totals of how much like over time. I mean, I said in my topper at the very beginning that it's approximately 162, $126 billion in security assistance to Ukraine that the United States and our partners have collectively committed. In terms of authority, there will be a few billion dollars left in authority left. Q: My question is, though, when this comes out tomorrow, for size and scope, it's going to be useful for the public to know how much. It's like over — it's X billions. But can you get that roundup from 2021 through the 72? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Yeah. Tony, I appreciate it. I'm not going to — I'm not going to get ahead of any announcements. You can go back and look through all the different PDAs and totals that we've released over time. I'm not going to do the math from here right now. But what I can tell you is the authority that — you know, you can look and also see what Congress has allocated the department. I can tell you that there's going to be a few billion left in authority for the next administration to decide what to do when it comes to Ukraine. Q: May I push back a little bit here? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Sure. Q: A, the Pentagon's got an obligation to do the math rather than having the public try to go through 72 of these things. The point — that's one point. Two, I think a lot of people are going to wonder why didn't the Pentagon — why were you unable to obligate — use all the authority, the $4.8 billion I think it was. Why not? Why are you leaving any left, given the urgency of the situation? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Well, you might remember, earlier last year we had a gap in funding that we were not able to restock our own shelves and our own supplies. So, when we weren't able to do that and we were operating — when we were operating under a time when we were not able to resupply our own stocks, that prevented us from getting PDAs out the door. And you saw us pause for several weeks, in fact, on being able to supply Ukraine with what it needs on the battlefield. With every single PDA, we have to weigh it against our own readiness. And if the secretary and the chairman do not feel that we can provide a package at a certain amount of time, we will not be able to provide that package. That delay in funding severely limited on what — limited the department on what we were able to provide Ukraine during that time. Q: Well, the thing was passed in April. We're in January. So, a prudent person who doesn't follow this closely would say that was a long time ago. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: And I would tell that prudent person that, look, it takes — the defense industrial base, it still takes a while to produce these capabilities. I mean, the fact that we're at the point of providing over 70, you know, presidential drawdown authority packages to Ukraine, I think speaks volumes to this department's and this administration's commitment to Ukraine. Q: Thanks. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Luis? Q: A follow up? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Sure. Q: Can I get a clarification on the MAFFS, the numbers, please? Can you tell me how many are being provided, how many are being readied? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Yeah. One second here. So sorry, Luis, let me just go back through my — so the California National Guard is adding two MAFFS, and two more are being readied by the Nevada National Guard. And the department has four additional MAFFS that could be used if needed. So, that's a total of eight. Q: Ok. Because I'm reading the White House. And the White House, they said that NORTHCOM is preparing four more, but I guess — DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: I would say that the department, yeah. Q: Ok. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Um-hmm. Q: And also in you topper, you mentioned — you gave an update on the transition context. In the time remaining in his term, is Secretary Austin intending to speak with secretary designate — or actually the nominee, Pete Hegseth, or has that happened? Or again, does he intend to or has it happened? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: I don't have any calls or meetings to announce at this time. Q: So, does that mean there are plans to should he be confirmed? I mean, what exactly does your statement mean? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Right now I don't have anything to announce. If I have something to announce about a meeting or a call, I'll certainly keep you updated. Ok. I'm going to go to the phones and then come back in the room. Chris Gordon, Air and Space? Q: Thanks, Sabrina. I have two questions, one on Ukraine and one on Iraq. Regarding Ukraine, can the Pentagon provide the number of Ukrainian F-16 pilots that have been trained in the US, even if you have to take that question? And can you provide us with a general idea of the US support for the F-16 pilot training program under this administration's tenure? And then my second question, on the actions against ISIS, can the Pentagon explain a little bit more about what exactly happened in the Iraqi mountains? Where the fighters that conducted airstrikes all US aircraft? Did the F-15s and F-16s conduct pre-planned airstrikes as part of this operation? Just trying to understand that a little bit more. Thank you. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Thanks, Chris. For — on your question on the ISIS strikes, I think you're referring to that from a few weeks ago. I think Central Command put out all that we're going to on those strikes. But for more information, I'd refer you to them to speak to that operation. On the F-16 program, I think you're pretty well versed on it. You know, we — we've trained — we are a co-lead on the Air Capability Coalition. We have trained a handful of Ukrainian pilots. You know, that training took place here in the United States, but of course other countries did host Ukrainian pilots and continue to train them. I'm not going to get into specific numbers right now. But, you know, I think you're — I think you're certainly well versed in all the training that goes into the F-16. And, you know, the Air Capability Coalition is still working to train more additional pilots when ready. Heather, USNI? Q: the Houthi said on January 6th that they attacked the Harry S Truman carrier strike group, preventing them from attacking sites in Yemen. Can you confirm whether or not the strike group did receive any attacks or targets by the Houthis and whether or not that did in fact prevent anything? And then in terms of Central Command's policies on announcing when ships have been attacked, is there a specific policy for when they will alert the United States public about any attacks on our ships? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Heather, apologies. You're — you came in a little muffled. So, I think I got — I think I got a little bit of your question. So, I think you asked about an attack on the Harry S Truman, or — or maybe that if the — if the Harry S Truman was hit. The ship was not hit. You know, our destroyers and the carrier strike group, whenever there is something launched from, you know the Houthi controlled areas in Yemen, they will shoot that down in defense of our ships or other commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea or the BAM. But I'm not aware of any attacks on US personnel or ships recently. In terms of, you know, policies on attacks, you know, I think CENTCOM tries to put that out as frequently as possible. But I'd refer you to CENTCOM to speak more to that. Jeff Schogol, Task and Purpose? Q: Thank you. Just wanted to clarify. The four MAFFS and the ten helicopters, is it accurate to say they are going to California, or they could go? And I — I was hoping you could clarify your statement about how nothing can get in the air. Aren't there areas outside of Los Angeles where the US military could put assets in the air to help with the fire? Thank you. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Jeff, you know, for more on where assets can fly, I think California would be better to speak to that. My understanding is the wind conditions are so bad that even to put out the fires right now, you cannot get aircraft or helicopters in the air where those fires are concentrated. Of course, there are other areas in California where you can fly. Again, I'm not a fire expert. I would refer you to the state of California to speak more to that. In terms of the helicopters, the department is sending ten Navy helicopters with water delivery buckets to assist with aerial suppression. And the MAFFS, the department has four additional MAFFS that could be used if needed. With that, coming back in the room, yeah. Q: Thank you, Sabrina. Back to Syria, local media shows that there is increasing US force's activity in northern Syria and parts of north of Iraq, claiming that these forces are moving into Syria. And there are some reports that specific units went into Ain al-Arab or Kobani, which has nothing to do with ISIS. There is no ISIS threat that we know of at that specific area. Can you give us any information on this, or can you approve these reports? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Yeah, I think what you're referring to is some reporting out there that we were — that the United States is somehow setting up a permanent structure, a basing facility in Kobani. And that is just not accurate. The SDF has been operating in that region. But I don't have anything to read out on US forces setting anything up permanently in the northern part of Syria. As you know, our footprint within Syria and the de-ISIS mission is in that eastern part of the country. Q: So, pre-inauguration, there is no — any change in the posture of the US forces? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Nothing has changed in terms of our posture or our mission when it comes to Syria. Yeah. Q: Thank you, Sabrina. So, as previously reported, there are now around 2,000 US troops in Syria. Do they have any role, like, separate defeating ISIS? Do they have another role? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Similar to the question that I just got, there is no change to the mission. The mission continues to be the focus on ensuring the defeat of ISIS. That's why we have our troops there on the ground. That is their sole mission. Q: And one more. Turkish drones today bombed a mass gathering of civilians in — near Kobani. They were protesting against the threat posed by the Turkish backed forces. Is this department engaging with Turkish counterparts on this? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: I don't have anything for you on that. I haven't seen those reports. Yeah. Last question. Q: Back to — DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: — Charlie. Sorry, I'm so sorry. Charlie just got very upset that I was going to say the last question, but he's sitting in the back. So please. Q: Thank you. Back to the combating the wildfires. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Yeah. Q: There's a significant number of Americans, most of them younger Americans who think that DOD's sole mission in life is to drop bombs, fire missiles and shoot at the enemy at faraway lands overseas. But in reality, the humanitarian aid disaster relief mission is a significant part of DOD's mission. Could you please speak to that, the level of commitment DOD has to helping out people overseas or I mean abroad or domestically when called upon and why is it important for Americans to understand that level of commitment? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: I mean, you certainly just outlined it. Do you want to come up here? Look, I think — I think there is of course the perception about the department about, you know, some of the — when you see the imagery of some of the systems and capabilities that we have in our stocks that immediately invokes some type of idea. But you're correct, the department does provide humanitarian support not just for folks here at home but all around the world. You know, middle of last year the department was involved in a humanitarian mission to get aid into Gaza, to get life saving food and medical supplies into Gaza. We've been involved in missions when it comes to Haiti and, you know, and in areas of the world where there have been horrific natural disasters such as flooding or hurricanes or earthquakes. And so, you know, while of course the mission of the department will always be to defend our national security interests, of course there's a humanitarian aspect to that. And I think, you know, I can continue to go on from here, but I would encourage you to speak to each of the services who have their own involvement and own humanitarian work that they do in their missions all around the world. And I think certainly you know of course as we think about what our folks are doing on the ground,  whether it be, you know, how we helped assist residents in North Carolina to, you know, residents in Southern California, it — I think we do a lot of great work that of course doesn't always get covered all the time, but our service members do it very proudly. And with that, I'll go to Charlie. Last question. Q: Completely left field. Venezuelan authorities say they've arrested a number of Americans and among those Americans is a high-ranking military official. Confirmed, deny, acknowledge? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: I've seen those reports, I can't confirm that. I'd refer you to the State Department for more on that. I just can't confirm that. Q: Military aspect of it. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: I cannot confirm that right now. Q: OK, additionally, in the past I think 24 hours, I think Centcom put out a statement that a coalition partner was killed in the anti-ISIS mission. Do we know which coalition partner that might be? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: I don't have that in front of me. I would refer you to Centcom for more details on that. Q: CENTCOM hasn't been very forthwith. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: I'd still refer you to Centcom. I'm sorry, I just don't have those details in front of me. Central command should be able to provide more of that for you. Q: OK. DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: OK, anything else? Q: Can you rule out that it was an American? DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: It was a coalition partner forces, so yes, I can rule out that it was — it was — it was not an American that was killed. All right. Thanks everyone.

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