The unexpected departure makes Donahue the latest senior military leader to leave his position during a broader Pentagon restructuring effort led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has repeatedly called for reducing the number of senior officers while expanding resources devoted to frontline troops.

According to an Army statement, Donahue will relinquish command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa as well as NATO’s Allied Land Command. His deputy, Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, will assume his responsibilities on an interim basis.

A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Donahue spent much of his career in special operations forces, including command assignments with Delta Force in Iraq and Afghanistan. He later led the 82nd Airborne Division from 2020 to 2022.

Donahue became internationally known during the final stages of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. As commander responsible for security operations at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport, he oversaw the evacuation effort that ended nearly two decades of American military involvement in the country.

On Aug. 30, 2021, Donahue boarded the final U.S. military aircraft departing Afghanistan, becoming the last American service member to leave the country. Images of the general walking toward a C-17 transport aircraft under night-vision conditions became one of the defining photographs of the withdrawal.

The Afghanistan exit has remained a politically contentious issue in Washington. President Donald Trump and Hegseth have repeatedly criticized the withdrawal, despite the operation having originated from an agreement negotiated between the Taliban and the first Trump administration.

Last month, Hegseth ordered a fresh Pentagon review of the withdrawal. The move came after multiple previous examinations conducted by the Department of Defense, U.S. Central Command, the State Department and congressional committees, which collectively reviewed extensive operational records, interviews and video evidence.

Despite criticism surrounding the evacuation, Donahue earned praise from military officials and lawmakers from both major political parties for his handling of the operation. Within defense circles, he had been viewed as a potential future Army chief of staff or candidate for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

His departure also comes as the Army evaluates a possible restructuring of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. According to an Army official familiar with internal discussions, the command could be downgraded from a four-star headquarters to a three-star command as part of broader force adjustments.

The review coincides with renewed Pentagon scrutiny of America’s military posture in Europe and growing calls from U.S. officials for European allies to assume greater responsibility for regional defense.

Speaking to NATO allies last week, Hegseth said the Pentagon would conduct a six-month assessment of U.S. force deployments in Europe to determine whether alliance members are moving toward taking primary responsibility for the continent’s security.

The Pentagon has not publicly commented on the reasons behind Donahue’s departure.

Speaking to participants in a reserve combat officers’ training course at Kibbutz Migdal Oz in the occupied West Bank region of Gush Etzion, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s long-term security would depend on maintaining an independent defense industrial base while continuing to value support from key allies.

“I deeply appreciate the support we have received, and which I have also brought over the years, from our American friends,” Netanyahu said. “But today I say: We need our own independent armaments network. We must manufacture our own armaments.”

The remarks come as Israel continues to reassess its security and defense requirements following a period of heightened regional conflict involving Iran and Tehran-backed armed groups across the Middle East.

Netanyahu said Israel had inflicted significant damage on its adversaries but cautioned that broader security challenges remained unresolved.

“Where we will be 30 years from now depends on our strength,” he said, underscoring the need for sustained investment in military production, technological innovation and leadership development within the armed forces.

Israel maintains one of the world’s most advanced defense sectors, producing a wide range of military equipment including missile defense systems, drones, armored vehicles, precision-guided munitions and cybersecurity technologies. However, the country also relies heavily on strategic military cooperation with the United States, which remains its largest defense partner and supplier of advanced weapons systems.

Netanyahu’s comments reflect growing emphasis within Israeli security circles on ensuring uninterrupted access to critical military equipment during periods of conflict, particularly as regional tensions continue to evolve.

The prime minister also highlighted the importance of integrating emerging technologies into future military planning and preparing a new generation of commanders capable of addressing threats across multiple operational fronts.

His remarks came amid ongoing concerns over Iran’s military capabilities and the activities of Tehran-aligned groups operating across the region. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel remains focused on maintaining a qualitative military advantage and preserving its ability to respond independently to security threats.

The speech forms part of a broader national debate over defense preparedness, strategic autonomy and the future direction of Israel’s military-industrial policy as regional security dynamics continue to shift.

The poll, conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in partnership with the Agam Institute between June 17 and June 20, surveyed 3,644 respondents and found widespread concern about Israel’s strategic position following the conflict and diplomatic settlement.

According to the survey, 92.1 percent of respondents said Iran had either won the conflict or gained more from its outcome than Israel, while 82.9 percent believed Israel’s long-term security position had deteriorated as a result of the war and the subsequent U.S.-Iran agreement.

The findings suggest dissatisfaction extended across Israel’s political spectrum. Among supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing governing bloc, 93.1 percent said Iran had emerged as the victor or principal beneficiary of the conflict.

Opposition to the agreement between Washington and Tehran was also pronounced. Nearly two-thirds of respondents, 63.2 percent, opposed the deal, while only 12.1 percent expressed support. The remainder were either undecided or did not state a preference.

The survey also highlighted declining confidence in Netanyahu’s leadership during the conflict. Some 72.5 percent of respondents said they did not believe the prime minister’s assessment of the military campaign’s achievements, while 56.4 percent rated his management of the conflict as either poor or unsuccessful.

Support for Netanyahu’s continued premiership also appeared to weaken. The poll showed backing for the Israeli leader falling to 29.4 percent in June from 40.5 percent recorded in early March, indicating a significant erosion in public support over the course of the conflict.

Despite concerns about the outcome of the war, the survey found continued public backing for a hardline security approach toward Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon. Nearly half of respondents, 48.2 percent, supported renewed large-scale military action against the Iran-backed group, even if such a move risked friction with the United States. By comparison, 21 percent opposed further escalation.

The release of the survey coincided with efforts to advance diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Representatives from both countries were scheduled to meet in Switzerland on Sunday to discuss transforming the temporary agreement into a more durable framework.

The diplomatic process faces additional uncertainty amid tensions on Israel’s northern border. A renewed ceasefire announced by Washington on Friday followed clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, with both sides accusing each other of violating the truce.

The poll’s findings underscore the political and strategic challenges facing Israel’s leadership as it seeks to reassure the public about the country’s security posture while navigating a rapidly evolving regional landscape shaped by diplomacy, military confrontation and shifting alliances.

The controversy centers on a federal restoration effort valued at more than $14 million, launched as part of preparations for the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations. The project sought to transform the Reflecting Pool by introducing a blue-colored lining intended to enhance reflections of the Washington Monument.

Soon after the refurbished pool was unveiled, however, algae growth reportedly turned the water green, prompting maintenance crews to apply chemical treatments. The measures were followed by reports that sections of the blue coating began peeling from the bottom and sides of the pool, drawing public attention and media scrutiny.

In posts on his social media platform, Trump alleged that vandals had damaged both the pool and surrounding grounds. He claimed that grass near the site had been destroyed and that individuals had attempted to damage the newly installed interior surface.

Federal agencies responsible for maintaining and securing the National Mall, including the U.S. Park Police, the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior, did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations.

Trump later stated that Park Police had arrested multiple individuals in connection with vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, describing the incidents as serious crimes involving national monuments. No official details regarding arrests or charges were released.

One individual identified as having been detained was David Hearn, a 67-year-old resident of Bethesda, Maryland, and former Olympic canoe racer. Hearn told The Associated Press that he stopped at the Reflecting Pool during a bicycle ride and briefly touched a section of the peeling coating to examine its texture.

According to Hearn, he immediately withdrew after being instructed by a park employee but was subsequently detained by National Guard personnel and Park Police for approximately five hours before being released. He said he had been ordered to appear in court next month.

Hearn denied causing damage to the site, describing himself as a curious visitor interested in observing the renovation work. He said the material he touched appeared soft and rubber-like.

The reported detention came as public attention focused on visible deterioration at the recently refurbished pool, including algae accumulation and peeling sections of the blue lining. The causes of those issues have not been officially determined.

Trump also suggested that unidentified individuals may have used chemicals to damage the site, drawing a comparison to a separate incident involving discolored grass on the National Mall where the numbers “86 47” appeared. Authorities have said they are investigating that matter, which some interpreted as a reference to the 47th president.

The Reflecting Pool project has faced increasing scrutiny in recent days as images of maintenance crews removing algae and addressing surface damage circulated widely, raising questions about the effectiveness and durability of the renovation effort.

Chung Biu “Bill” Yuen, 66, and Chi Leung “Peter” Wai, 41, were found guilty last month of assisting a foreign intelligence service by conducting surveillance on prominent dissidents between December 2023 and May 2024.

Wai, who worked for the UK Border Force, was additionally convicted of abusing his position to access confidential government databases in search of information relating to surveillance targets.

The pair, both dual British and Chinese citizens, denied the allegations throughout the proceedings. Chinese authorities rejected the case, with the Chinese Embassy in London describing it as a politically motivated misuse of legal processes.

At London’s Old Bailey court, Judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubb sentenced Yuen to eight years in prison and Wai to 10 years, emphasizing the broader threat posed by modern foreign intelligence operations.

“The United Kingdom now faces persistent, adaptive, and often clandestine interference by foreign state actors and those acting on their behalf,” the judge said during sentencing.

She noted that contemporary espionage activities increasingly extend beyond the theft of military or state secrets and can include surveillance, intimidation and information gathering directed at political dissidents and individuals who have sought refuge under British law.

According to prosecutors, the defendants monitored prominent pro-democracy campaigners from Hong Kong who had relocated to Britain following political crackdowns in the Chinese territory.

The case forms part of growing concerns among British security agencies about foreign interference activities targeting diaspora communities, political activists and critics of overseas governments living in the United Kingdom.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counterterrorism policing in London, described the conduct of the two men as deeply troubling and said their activities were directed against individuals exercising democratic freedoms.

“The activity of Wai and Yuen was truly chilling,” Flanagan said.

“They were spying and targeting individuals in the UK who were pro-democracy campaigners and were simply protesting against the Hong Kong and Chinese government and authorities.”

Relations between London and Beijing have become increasingly strained in recent years over issues including Hong Kong, national security concerns, allegations of foreign interference and espionage-related investigations.

British authorities have repeatedly warned that foreign intelligence operations are becoming more sophisticated, often focusing on surveillance, influence campaigns and efforts to monitor critics living abroad.

The convictions mark a significant milestone in the United Kingdom’s efforts to counter foreign-state interference and reinforce legal protections for political dissidents residing in the country.

Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Lai said Taiwan’s efforts to safeguard its security, democratic system and way of life should not be viewed as a provocation toward Beijing. He reiterated that the island rejects unification under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party and remains committed to enhancing its self-defense capabilities.

The request comes as Washington reviews the proposed arms package, which includes advanced U.S.-developed weapons systems. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this month that the proposal remained under consideration, while American officials have also assessed the impact of overseas military commitments on available weapons stockpiles.

The United States maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan and is legally obligated under domestic legislation to provide the island with defensive capabilities, despite formally recognizing Beijing as the sole government of China. Arms sales to Taiwan remain one of the most contentious issues in U.S.-China relations.

Responding to Lai’s remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said attempts to pursue independence through U.S. support or military means were destined to fail. He accused Taiwan’s leadership of escalating regional tensions and dismissed Taipei’s defense initiatives.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly stated that it reserves the right to use force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains that its future should be determined by its people.

Lai’s administration has pledged to raise defense spending above 3 percent of gross domestic product this year. The government has proposed a broader defense procurement plan worth approximately NT$1.25 trillion ($40 billion), including purchases of American weaponry, domestically produced drones and other military equipment.

However, the proposal has faced resistance in Taiwan’s legislature. Opposition parties, which hold a majority of seats, approved a reduced special defense budget last month worth about $25 billion, cutting roughly one-third of the funding requested by the government.

In a move aimed at addressing capability gaps, Taiwan’s cabinet on Thursday approved an additional NT$210 billion ($6.6 billion) for indigenous unmanned systems. The defense ministry has argued that the reduced budget approved by lawmakers would be insufficient to fully achieve planned force modernization goals.

Lai also accused China of increasing pressure on neighboring countries, including Japan and the Philippines, amid maritime disputes in waters east of Taiwan. His comments followed recent announcements by Tokyo and Manila that they would begin formal negotiations to delimit maritime boundaries between their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves.

China has opposed those talks and continues to assert broad claims across the East and South China Seas. Lai said Beijing’s military activities and coercive actions in the Taiwan Strait and wider Indo-Pacific region were expanding, raising concerns among regional governments.

Japan and the Philippines have strengthened security cooperation in recent years amid shared concerns over China’s maritime claims and growing military presence across disputed waters.

Taiwan is expanding efforts to improve civilian drone skills as concerns over military pressure from China drive broader participation in civil defence initiatives, with new training programs drawing interest from citizens seeking practical ways to contribute during a potential crisis.

In a classroom in Taipei, participants of varying ages recently gathered to learn the basics of drone operation under what organizers describe as Taiwan’s first civil defence-focused drone training program. The initiative, launched in May by the civil defence organization Kuma Academy, reflects a growing emphasis on unmanned aerial systems in public preparedness planning and follows lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine, where drones have become a central feature of modern conflict.

The course introduces participants to drone piloting through practical exercises designed to build manual flying skills. Organizers say the objective is not military training but improving public understanding of how drones can be used for observation, information gathering and emergency response in crisis situations.“The war in Ukraine has really changed how drones are used,” said Pan Chien-chin, a 48-year-old employee of a food company attending the program. For Pan, learning to fly a drone represents acquiring a practical skill that could prove useful if Taiwan ever faces a major emergency.

Taiwan’s civil defence movement has expanded significantly in recent years. Alongside drone training, volunteer organizations across the island have increased programs focused on first aid, casualty evacuation and emergency preparedness. More than 30 volunteer-led civil defence groups are currently active, reflecting growing public interest in resilience measures amid a deteriorating regional security environment.

The latest drone initiative comes as Taiwan faces sustained military pressure from China, which claims the self-governed island as its own territory. Beijing has increased military activities around Taiwan in recent years, including large-scale exercises and regular deployments of aircraft and naval vessels near the island.Tang Tsong-yi, a spokesperson for Kuma Academy, said the drone course aims to help participants understand the capabilities and limitations of unmanned systems in contemporary conflicts.

According to Tang, the training allows civilians to move beyond traditional emergency preparedness by gaining skills that could assist in observing risks and sharing information during a crisis.Interest in drone technology has expanded beyond civil defence organizations. Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration reported that the number of registered drones surpassed 39,000 by December.

Regulatory changes introduced in 2024 lowered the minimum age for drone registration to 14, widening access to the technology among younger users.Educational institutions have also begun incorporating drone-related activities into their programs. Some high schools in Taipei now organize summer camps where students learn to assemble drones and apply them to search-and-rescue scenarios.

Demand for the new civil defence drone training has been strong. Sessions organized by Kuma Academy have sold out through August, with approximately 75 participants able to be trained each month.The participant profile reflects a broad cross-section of Taiwanese society. During one recent session, trainees included teenagers, working professionals and retirees. Women accounted for more than half of attendees.

Among them was 65-year-old retiree Karren Wang, who said drone operation could offer a meaningful way for older citizens to contribute during emergencies. Wang described the training environment as supportive and accessible for beginners, allowing participants with no prior experience to gain confidence in operating the devices.

Several participants interviewed during the training said they had previously completed first-aid courses and other civil defence programs. The addition of drone skills represents a further expansion of citizen preparedness efforts that have gained momentum across Taiwan in recent years.The growing interest in drones also reflects their evolving role in military operations.

In Ukraine, unmanned aerial systems have become deeply integrated into battlefield tactics, conducting reconnaissance, surveillance and attack missions. Military officials have estimated that drones are responsible for a substantial share of battlefield casualties, underscoring how rapidly the technology has altered modern warfare.

For Taiwan, drones are viewed as potentially valuable in any future emergency because of the island’s geography. Mountainous terrain and dispersed population centers can complicate communications and situational awareness, making unmanned systems useful for surveillance and information gathering.The training drones used in the course weigh less than 100 grams and are manufactured entirely in Taiwan.

Organizers deliberately selected systems without GPS guidance or autonomous flight capabilities. The decision reflects concerns that automated commercial drones could become vulnerable to electronic warfare measures such as signal jamming during armed conflict.Instead, trainees are encouraged to develop manual piloting skills and visual navigation techniques that would remain functional even if satellite-based systems were disrupted.

The emphasis on domestically produced equipment also aligns with broader efforts by Taiwan to strengthen supply chains for drone manufacturing independent of China. Taiwanese authorities and industry stakeholders have sought to position the island as a contributor to alternative global drone production networks at a time when concerns over supply-chain security have become increasingly prominent.

Those efforts, however, face political and budgetary challenges. A recently approved special defence budget passed by Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature removed funding designated for domestic drone production, highlighting continuing debates over defence spending priorities.Taiwan remains dependent on the United States for many major defence systems despite maintaining some domestic weapons manufacturing capabilities.

Questions surrounding future security assistance have drawn additional attention following changes in the political landscape in Washington and ongoing discussions regarding arms support for Taiwan.

For some participants, these uncertainties reinforce the importance of individual preparedness. One attendee, who requested anonymity because of employment ties to a defence-related company, said the motivation for joining the program stemmed from a desire to contribute as a citizen despite not serving in the military.

Pan expressed a similar view, saying that while individuals cannot influence broader geopolitical developments, they can take practical steps to prepare themselves.As security concerns continue to shape public debate in Taiwan, civil defence organizations are increasingly incorporating emerging technologies into their training programs, reflecting a wider recognition that skills once associated primarily with military operations are becoming part of broader societal preparedness efforts.

Speaking in an interview, Huang said the world has no choice but to adjust to AI’s rapid spread and encouraged widespread public use of the technology. He compared the transition to past technological shifts like the introduction of automobiles, which changed everyday behavior and public space.

Huang acknowledged concerns about job losses, inequality, and safety risks linked to AI, but said regulation and clear safety standards are necessary rather than resistance to the technology. He also stressed that national security should remain a top priority as governments respond to AI’s growing influence.

The Nvidia chief highlighted how AI is already enabling non-specialists to perform complex tasks such as building websites, analyzing documents, and conducting research, reducing barriers to technical work.

He also addressed policy debates in the United States, including proposals for government ownership stakes in AI companies, expressing skepticism that such measures would be effective while emphasizing that existing ownership already spreads benefits through investments, jobs, and taxes.

Huang further warned that energy supply is a major constraint on AI development, saying the United States needs stronger power infrastructure to support rapidly expanding data centers. He noted that increased demand for electricity could strain the grid if not addressed.

The remarks came as Nvidia continues to grow in value alongside rising global investment in artificial intelligence technologies.

The aircraft crashed while landing at an air force station, according to a statement from the Indian Air Force. Images from the site showed wreckage scattered across a field.

The air force expressed condolences to the families of those killed and said it stood with them during the loss.

The cause of the crash was not immediately disclosed, and authorities were expected to investigate the incident.

The AN-32 is a twin-engine military transport aircraft used by the Indian Air Force for logistics, training and operational missions.

The crash follows another recent accident involving an Indian military aircraft in Assam. In March, two Indian Air Force pilots were killed when a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission in the state.

Military aviation accidents in India have previously led to reviews of aircraft safety, maintenance and training procedures.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Min Zin had been subjected to “criminal compulsory measures” on suspicion of engaging in espionage activities that endanger China’s national security.The ministry did not provide further details about the allegations.

Min Zin founded the Institute for Strategy and Policy Myanmar (ISP-M), which studies political developments, resources and conflict dynamics in Myanmar, a country facing a civil war following a 2021 military coup.Some ISP-M research has examined China’s influence in Myanmar’s border regions, where Beijing has been accused of supporting armed groups aligned with its strategic interests.

It was not immediately clear whether Min Zin was conducting research activities when he was detained.A person with professional ties to ISP-M, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that Min Zin was arrested on June 3 at Kunming airport in China’s Yunnan province, which borders Myanmar.Another source with knowledge of the case said Min Zin had travelled to Kunming to attend a meeting.

Chinese authorities said the US consulate in Guangzhou had been informed about the case. The sources said Min Zin’s family and colleagues were in contact with the consulate.Neither the US State Department nor ISP-M had publicly commented on the detention.

ISP-M is based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, a city that has become a centre for Myanmar political exiles since the military removed the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi.Analysts, including researchers linked to ISP-M, have said China has maintained relations with both Myanmar’s military and armed groups depending on its economic and security interests.