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Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing

Oct. 17, 2024

SECRETARY MAJOR GENERAL PAT RYDER: All right. Good afternoon, everyone. Thanks very much for your patience today. Just a few things at the top, and we'll get right to your questions. First, as you are aware, Israel confirmed today, the death of the leader of the Hamas terrorist group, Yahya Sinwar. We'd refer you to the Israelis to discuss the details, but this is clearly a significant development and a major counterterrorism achievement.

As you saw from our readout earlier today, Secretary Austin spoke earlier today with Israeli Minister of Defense Gallant to discuss the reports on the killing of Sinwar and to get an update. I would highlight that when the call occurred, the IDF was still working to confirm Sinwar's death. During the call, Secretary Austin also reaffirmed US support for Israel's right to defend itself and reiterated that the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Battery represents the United States' unwavering, enduring and ironclad commitment to Israel's security.

The Secretary also expressed strong support for the immediate release of all remaining hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. We'll have much more to say from the department on the death of Sinwar very soon and we'll keep you updated.

Separately, as we announced last evening, US military forces including US Air Force B-2 bombers conducted precision strikes against five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi controlled areas of Yemen.

US forces targeted several of the Houthis underground facilities, housing various weapons components of the types the Houthis have used to target civilian and military vessels throughout the region. US Central Command is still conducting a post-strike assessment, so I don't have any details to provide on that front, other than to say that we struck exactly what we intended to hit, and we'll provide updates as appropriate.

As Secretary Austin highlighted in his statement last night, the employment of the B-2 bomber was a unique demonstration of the United States' ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened or fortified.

And it demonstrates US global strike capabilities to take action against these targets when necessary, anytime, anywhere. It also sends a clear message to the Houthis that there will continue to be consequences for their illegal and reckless attacks, which put innocent civilian lives and US and partner forces lives at risk.

Shifting gears, Secretary Austin arrived yesterday in Brussels and today participated in a D-ISIS ministerial, the first session of the NATO Defense Ministerial and a productive meeting of the NATO Ukraine Council. In his opening remarks at the D-ISIS Ministerial, Secretary Austin highlighted the work over the last decade of the global coalition to defeat ISIS. And I quote, for 10 years, this coalition has tackled the scourge of ISIS. Our success stems from our resolve, our commitment to working together and our willingness to adapt. These core elements will remain at the heart of the next phase of our mission, end quote.

Tomorrow, Secretary Austin will participate in the second session of the NATO Defense Ministerial and engage with his NATO counterparts to discuss strengthening the collective security of the alliance and international support to Ukraine's defense. We'll continue to provide readouts and updates on the Secretary's engagements throughout his travels.

And finally, the Department of Defense continues to be fully engaged with FEMA and the whole of government relief efforts related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton and will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure we're supporting and coordinating response efforts in support of our fellow Americans.

As of earlier today, the National Guard had more than 4,200 guardsmen, nearly 600 high water vehicles, helicopters and more than a dozen watercraft from seven states mobilized for the response and recovery mission. Following Hurricane Milton. The US Army Corps of Engineers has approximately 450 people supporting with temporary roof support, infrastructure assessment, debris control, flood response and more. Meanwhile, the department's support for the US government's combined response for Hurricane Helene continues as well. The National Guard has roughly 2,500 guardsmen 65 high water vehicles and 11 helicopters, excuse me, from 13 states mobilized. Approximately 1,400 active duty soldiers are mobilized as well, working with federal, state and local partners on coordinated response efforts.

Active duty forces have been engaged in road clearing, commodity distribution and access to isolated personnel. The US Army Corps of Engineers has more than 500 personnel engaged in 33 missions across the region, supporting debris control, temporary power infrastructure assessment, flood control and safe waterways assessments.

Secretary Austin continues to receive updates on these response efforts and the Department continues to be engaged with interagency partners in support of FEMA, the White House, state and local governments. The Secretary and his team are also focused on DOD personnel and their families who may be impacted by the hurricanes.

And with that, I'd be glad to take your questions. We'll start with Associated Press, Tara?

Q: Thanks General Ryder. Does Secretary Austin have plans to talk with Minister Gallant again later today, now that the death has been confirmed? And does the building assess that this death creates a greater opportunity for a ceasefire? Will you see Secretary Austin pressed that further with his counterpart?

MR. RYDER: So I don't have a call to announce now. As I'm sure you can imagine, I'm sure Secretary Austin will speak with Minister Gallant at the earliest opportunity. And again, we'll read that out when it happens. In terms of the opportunities that this presents, I would highlight the President's statement where he highlighted the fact that there is now an opportunity for a day after in Gaza without Hamas in power.

And so it does present an opportunity here for a ceasefire. It presents an opportunity for the release of all the remaining hostages and of course, we'll continue to work toward that end.

Q: OK. And then secondly, on the B-2 use last night, is there another aircraft that could have carried the munitions that the B-2 delivered? And if so, why use the B-2 instead of something that was closer to the region?

MR. RYDER: Yeah, so a couple of things on that. First of all, in the US military, we have, as you know, we have a wide range of aviation capability that can carry a wide assortment of munitions. The B-2 in particular, though, has a large payload, the ability to operate around the world. As I highlighted in the topper, we can strike anywhere, anytime.

And in this particular strike, using its unique capability and ability to carry a large payload to deliver munitions that could penetrate and strike these deep underground facilities that were storing components that the Houthis have been using. Again, it also sends a very clear message that we can strike targets of this nature anytime, anywhere from around the world.

Thank you. Jennifer?

Q: General Ryder, when was the last time the U.S. had a read on where Sinwar was? And do you still have troops helping with Intel sharing on the ground in Israel?

MR. RYDER: Yeah, so as I'm sure you can appreciate, I'm not going to be able to discuss specific intelligence. As you highlight and as the president's statement highlighted, we have had special operations forces and intelligence personnel supporting Israel's hostage recovery efforts, advising on their hostage recovery efforts since shortly after October 7. And so in that regard, by providing them this information, the Israelis have been able to go after and look for hostages, as well as find those who have been holding them hostage, to include Sinwar.

Q: And in terms of the B-2 strike, had you struck these targets before with other aircraft and munitions and had to go back and use the B-2 or is this a repeat strike?

MR. RYDER: To my knowledge, this was not a repeat strike. Again, this was to go after very specific capabilities that the Houthis were storing deep underground.

Q: Was it a response to the 23 missiles that were fired on September 27th at the US destroyers?

MR. RYDER: This was a response to the continued illegal and reckless action that we see by the Houthis. As you know, this is not the first time that we've struck, but certainly these were unique targets in the sense that they were deep underground targets. Oren?

Q: One question on Israel, one on the B-2s. Did the Special Operations Cell provide any information or intelligence that was used as part of the operations around the killing of Yahya Sinwar?

MR. RYDER: So my understanding, Oren, is that the short answer is no. This was an Israeli operation. US forces were not directly involved. Again, as we've highlighted, we've had a small number of special operations forces that have been advising the Israelis on hostage recovery efforts. And again, as the president's statement highlighted, that included working side by side with their Israeli counterparts to help locate and track Sinwar and other Hamas leaders hiding in Gaza who've been holding people to include Americans, hostage since October 7th last year.

Q: Can you say whether information or intelligence generated by the Special Operations Cell there went into previous killings of Hamas leaders like Mohammed Deif or Issa or others?

MR. RYDER: Again, I'm not going to speak about intelligence other than to say — just highlight what I just told you, in terms of sharing intelligence and information in support of hostage recovery efforts and tracking those who have been holding individuals to include Americans hostage.

Q: And then just a very quick question on the B-2s. When the Secretary put out a statement last night saying adversaries seeking to essentially place things deep underground in hardened bunkers, you haven't used the word Iran, but that seems a very clear message to Iran and its underground nuclear facilities?

MR. RYDER: Well, as I highlighted in my topper, it was certainly a message to the Houthis and anyone else, potential adversaries that hide things deep underground. It's a message to them as well. Tony?

Q: One of the unique capabilities is that the B-2 can carry the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, the 30,000 pound bomb that can go deep, deep, deep. Was that used in the first time, here, for the first time?

MR. RYDER: Yeah, Tony, so for operational security reasons, I'm just not going to be able to get into the type of ordnance that was employed in this mission. Again, the B-2 is a very versatile aircraft that can carry a wide range of munitions tailored for the particular operation that it's been tasked to do. And I'll just leave it there.

Q: OK, on THAAD. Has the THAAD battery arrived, and is it now fully integrated with Israel's air defense systems?

MR. RYDER: So you saw our statement earlier in the week that troops have begun to arrive in Israel and the components have begun to arrive in Israel. It's going to be fully operations capable in the near future. I'm not going to get into the specific dates for Operation Security. I will say that it has been integrated into the Israeli air defense, as well as our broader US efforts regionally to support the defense of Israel.

Q: Navy destroyers possibly or swap data with the Navy destroyers in the Eastern Med for air defense and kind of provide an umbrella?

MR. RYDER: So, the way it works is sort of from a theater standpoint. The US works closely with Israel and other partners when it comes to things like air defense to coordinate, to exchange information to ensure that we have a holistic picture and can respond to contingencies throughout the area of responsibility, to include the supporting the defense of Israel.

Q: OK. Thanks.

MR. RYDER: Thanks. Let me go to John, or yeah, and then I'll go to Charlie. Go ahead. Sorry.

Q: Thanks very much, General. This administration has been saying that Hamas have been largely distraught and that's why Israel can't agree to a ceasefire. And today, the vice president said that Hamas have been decimated. Would you say to your Israeli counterparts, to the Israeli government, that if they made the decision to agree to a cease fire today, especially after today's development, that that wouldn't be a silly decision militarily, that they can trust that decision?

MR. RYDER: Well, as I'm sure you can appreciate, I'm not going to provide military-to-military advice from the podium to our Israeli counterparts. To your point, Hamas has been incredibly degraded as evidenced by the killing of their leader, a significant number of their forces. And certainly, do not resemble anything close to what they were on October 7th or the ability to conduct the kinds of operations we saw then.

So I'll leave it to the Israelis to talk about their plans as it relates to Hamas. But as I highlighted earlier and as the President highlighted in his statement, the killing of and the death of Sinwar certainly does present an opportunity. And I'll just leave it there.

Q: Can I just — one quick follow up? So as far as I understand, this administration thinks that it makes sense right now to agree to a ceasefire? That's pretty clear, I guess?

MR. RYDER: Again, I'm Department of Defense, so broadly speaking, we absolutely support a ceasefire so that we can ensure that humanitarian assistance is getting into Gaza, that the Palestinian people can see a restoration of security and stability. But we also recognize the threat that Hamas has posed to Israel, and so we'll continue to consult with Israel and our partners in the region, but obviously we want to see a ceasefire as soon as possible. And most importantly, the release of the hostages that continue to be held by Hamas. Charlie?

Q: Thanks, General. Sinwar had American blood on his hands, and the vice president was willing to go a little bit further than you will from there, saying, American special operations and intelligence personnel have worked closely with their Israeli counterparts to locate and track Sinwar. He's dead now, so we're not at risk of foiling any sort of intelligence around that, but are you not willing to give us an idea where US special forces—

MR. RYDER: I'm not sure what I said that was contrary to that. What I was asked was, was there direct US involvement in this particular Israeli operation, and I said no.

Q: Did US special forces or intelligence know where Sinwar was when this happened?

MR. RYDER: Again, I'm not going to get into intelligence. What I'm telling you is this was an Israeli operation and that we've been sharing information and intelligence in support of hostage recovery efforts and the tracking of these leaders who have been holding hostages, to include Americans. And so much as it's helped to inform Israeli operations in general, writ large, certainly, it has played a role.

But in terms of this particular, what happened today or last night, again—

Q: It's an important question.

MR. RYDER: And I just answered it, so let me go on to Joseph.

Q: Thanks. I know you said the Secretary spoke to his Israeli counterpart before the Sinwar's death is confirmed, but did the Secretary — I mean, because as far as we know, you guys haven't received a day after plan from the Israelis in Gaza yet. Is that correct?

MR. RYDER: Again, from a Department of Defense standpoint, we're continuing to talk with our Israeli counterparts in terms of what that would look like. Certainly, it will be a complex undertaking, but more to follow on that.

Q: And then just a follow up on that, does the Department think there's anything more to be done militarily in Gaza from the Israeli point of view?

MR. RYDER: So that's really a question for the Israelis. Again, I think we've been pretty clear that we want to see a ceasefire. We want to see a restoration of a significant flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza. We want to ensure though that Hamas is not in a position to conduct the kinds of attacks that it did on October 7th. Certainly, they are down for the count in terms of their leader, but again I'll defer to the Israelis to talk about their comfort level on that.

Q: Just a quick last one. What's the Secretary going to do in the Vatican? I think he's got that on the last part of his trip.

MR. RYDER: He's got an official visit, the Vatican City. Again, we'll have a readout of that when he visits there. So let me go to Wafaa. Yes, ma'am?

Q: Thank you, General. Over the years Hamas has shown resilience with replacing leaders when they were killed. So, what's different now? Why the assessment within this administration that the killing of Sinwar would remove a significant obstacle in Gaza?

MR. RYDER: Well, I mean as you highlight and this is always a challenge with terrorist organizations, is that you remove the head, and another quickly replaces. So I'm certain that's something that the Israelis will continue to keep an eye on, as will we. But I also don't think you can discount the significance, again, from a counterterrorism standpoint, the role that Sinwar has played in leading this organization, also as the architect, so to speak, of the October 7th Hamas attack against Israel.

It's significant that he's been taken off the battlefield. Let me go to the phone here real quick. Dan Lamothe, Washington Post.

Q: General, thanks for your time. I wanted to get your assessment. Does the Pentagon have an assessment and maybe would be a better way to put it, of whether with the death of Sinwar, whether this is a particularly dangerous time for US troops in the region, whether you anticipate any kind of retaliation by any of the militias or Iran, or anything as a result?

MR. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Dan. I can't predict the future and I'm not going to speculate. I mean, we already know that the Middle East is in a very tense situation right now and have taken significant steps to ensure that our forces that are in the region, as well as our citizens, are protected. And so as we always do, we'll continue to keep our head on a swivel, protect our forces, support the defense of Israel and be ready to respond to any variety of contingencies should they arise.

Let me go to Phil Stewart, Reuters.

Q: Yeah. Hi. So sorry to go over this again, but I'm a little confused. I thought Sinwar was a particularly vexing target for the intelligence community. And you know the comments today suggest that you did have a fix on him at some point and that you may have contributed to the intelligence picture that led to this operation without US support.

So could you just explain, did US intelligence then — are you suggesting that US intelligence had had a fix on Sinwar?

MR. RYDER: What I'm suggesting, Phil, is that, just to be crystal clear, this was an Israeli operation. There was no US forces directly involved. The United States has helped contribute information and intelligence as it relates to hostage recovery and the tracking and locating of Hamas leaders who have been responsible for holding hostages.

And so certainly that contributes in general to the picture, but again this was an Israeli operation, and I would refer you to them to talk about the details of how the operation went down. Thank you. Let me go to Howard Altman.

Q: Hey. Thanks, really appreciate it. A couple questions about Ukraine. One, what is the Pentagon's assessment of how many North Korean troops are in Russia ready to fight in Ukraine? And secondly, what is the Pentagon's assessment of how the Kursk incursion is going? There are some reports that Ukraine has lost about half the territory invaded. I was hoping you can give me the Pentagon's assessment of both of those things. Thanks.

MR. RYDER: Yeah, thanks, Howard. Definitely seen the reporting on the comments about potential DPRK forces going to Russia or going to Ukraine. I can tell you right now we're looking into those. We can't confirm or corroborate those reports. If true, that would demonstrate an increase in the cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

And I think that would also demonstrate the situation that Russia finds itself in, the dire situation that it finds itself in, in terms of its forces on the battlefield. As you've heard us recently say, the casualties that Russia is experiencing on the front lines are extremely significant, upwards of 600,000 killed or wounded.

And so it just demonstrates the desperation in terms of identifying additional forces for their military, but it's something that will continue to keep a close eye on. And I'm sorry, your second question?

Q: The second question was about Kursk. There's some reporting that Ukraine has lost about half of the territory it gained in that Kursk incursion. Just wondering if the Pentagon has an assessment of how that's going?

MR. RYDER: Based on the information I have, that is not accurate. There has been some incremental, a small amount of territory retaken by the Russians in Kursk, but at this stage nothing that we would consider significant. OK. Come back to the room here. John?

Q: Thank you, General. In president's statement, he used a very active language in terms of the involvement of the US intelligence and providing this information to the Israeli side. Is this cooperation was from September 7th up until now? And was it a two-way intelligence sharing or you only giving them information that you have?

MR. RYDER: Yeah. So as we've said before, and we've talked about this publicly, we sent a small number of special operations forces to Israel to work out of the embassy to advise the Israelis on hostage recovery efforts. And to put this into context, remember that there are American citizens that are being held hostages, so it's appropriate that American forces would be assisting and advising the Israelis on those recovery efforts.

Q: The president actually is comparing this with, I mean putting mentioning Osama bin Laden's death as well, so it sounds like the US sees this like the killing of the group that was responsible of that attack, which Israel used to show it as the 9/11 of Israel. So do you think that this is going to be an opportunity to a ceasefire?

MR. RYDER: Well, again, I think the President's statement speaks for itself and as I already highlighted in that statement, he highlights the fact that this is an opportunity for a day after in Gaza without a Hamas. And so I'll just leave it there. Constantine?

Q: Thanks, Pat. Going back to the deployment, since as you say you know most of the unit appears to now be in Israel, are you able to offer any more specifics as to what the unit is or where they came from, what army base they were deployed from?

MR. RYDER: Constantine, I don't have more to provide for you from the podium here other than to say the unit did deploy from the US and it's an air defense capability that will be integrated into the broader air defense capabilities that we're providing in support of Israel's defense.

Q: OK. And slightly related question. As we sort of look forward to Israel's future, you said the flow of humanitarian aid is important for it to resume. Does the DOD see itself as playing a significant role in getting that humanitarian aid into Israel?

MR. RYDER: So right now, from a US government standpoint, of course USAID is the lead organization on US efforts to get aid in there. Certainly, the department helps to advise and we'll support as necessary, to include on the diplomatic front, as you have seen in some of our readouts recently from Secretary Austin's conversations with Minister Gallant, that has been a topic of discussion and continues to be an important topic of discussion.

So if we have any — I don't have anything to announce right now, but if that changes, we'll let you know. Yes, sir?

Q: Thank you. I have several on Ukraine. First, President Zelenskyy said that the latest weapons package for Ukraine we saw yesterday included some long range weapons. Was this ATACMS or something else, and could you also specify which air to ground munitions were included in this package?

MR. RYDER: Yeah, I appreciate the question. I'm not going to be able to go into more detail beyond what was in the readout.

Q: Secondly, does the Pentagon support the implementation of Zelenskyy's victory plan that he presented these days, specifically when it comes to lifting restrictions on long range strikes inside Russia and continuation of Ukraine's military operations on Russian territory.

MR. RYDER: Well, I know that at the NATO defense ministerials and in his consultations — in his conversations and consultations with his Ukrainian counterpart, we continue to learn more about the president's victory plan. I can tell you what Secretary Austin does support, is Ukraine's success in terms of defending their sovereign territory and the freedom of the Ukrainian people.

And so we're going to continue to work closely with the Ukrainians, closely with our allies and partners to ensure that we understand Ukraine's needs and that we're supporting their capability requirements on the battlefield.

Q: I have a short one. Zelenskyy also said that if they start implementing this victory plan now, it may be possible to end the war next year. Does the Pentagon agree with that assessment?

MR. RYDER: Again, I don't have anything to provide on that other than we're going to continue to support Ukraine for the long haul and we're going to continue to ensure we understand and are supporting their battlefield requirements. Nancy?

Q: The reports are that there was a tank round that brought down the facility where Sinwar was. Does the US know what kind of tank round and whether it was a US provided one?

MR. RYDER: I don't. I'd have to refer you to the IDF.

Q: And then in your announcement about the deployment of the THAAD, one reason that was listed for deploying it was to defend Americans in Israel. I'd like to know if the department is considering also deploying any sort of defense to defend American citizens in Lebanon?

MR. RYDER: I don't have any new announcements to make, but by virtue of the fact that we have DDGs, destroyers, rather, and other capabilities in the region, we certainly again placed the safety and security of American citizens, whether they be in Lebanon or Israel at the top of the priority list. And so we continue to work very hard to ensure that all Americans are safe.

Oh, by the way, as we see Iranian Houthi missiles that are heading towards Israel or towards that vicinity, we certainly have the capability to take those down. But I would just emphasize that regardless of where American citizens are, it's always going to be a top priority for us to protect them.

Q: Lastly, are there any force posture changes or changes in sort of security posture? In light of Sinwar's death, is there anything you can tell us in terms of any shifts that you're making?

MR. RYDER: No announcements to make. As I highlighted earlier, we have a robust posture in the region, and we'll continue to do everything we can to protect Americans to protect U.S. forces and support the defense of Israel. Time for a few more. Janie?

Q: Thank you, General. Two questions, on Russia, North Korea and Ukraine. Russia took North Korea's side and criticized South Korea for carrying out drone provocations in Pyongyang. And Russia submitted a bill to the House of Representatives to ratify the Russia and North Korea mutual Military Cooperation Treaty and declared that it would provide military support in case of conflict between North and South Korea.

How does the United States view Russia's direct intervention in the South and North Korea's conflict?

MR. RYDER: You know, Janne, I would say again that we're going to continue to work closely with our ROK allies to support their defense, and I'll just leave it there. OK.

Q: Second question, Ukraine President Zelenskyy told the press that North Korea's troops are training in the Russian Far East and are active in the Ukraine border area. If that happens, not only will the war in Ukraine be delayed, but military tensions on the Korean peninsula will increase. What is the United States response to this?

MR. RYDER: Yeah, I think I responded to that earlier. Again, we've seen those reports. I can't confirm whether there's North Korean forces that have gone to Russia, and something that will continue to monitor. All right. Last question will go to Jeff Schogol, Task and Purpose.

Q: Thanks. Given the news cycle, you could announce anything about aliens or extraterrestrial life, and no one would care. So just, I'm going to take the shot. What do you got on UFOs, aliens, etc.? Go.

MR. RYDER: The truth is out there, Jeff, and the truth is we have no evidence to indicate extraterrestrial life has visited the planet. Thank you very much, everybody. Appreciate it.

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