Defense News: A shared burden: African Lion 26 planning concludes, uniting NATO and African partners for regional security

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

TUNIS, Tunisia — Allies representing Tunisia, the United States, France and Italy met in Tunis Jan. 21-24 for the final planning event of the Tunisian portion of African Lion 2026.

Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of U.S. Africa Command, the exercise seeks to strengthen the collective security capabilities of the United States, African nations and global allies.

“The primary purpose of AL26 is to build joint warfighting readiness, multinational interoperability and reinforce strategic partnerships in a critical region,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Corbett Baxter, lead planner for AL26. “Strong, enduring partnerships are critical to countering terrorist groups and malign actors while advancing shared international security interests.”

For the second, consecutive year, the Tunisian portion of AL26 will feature a large contingent of Italian and French special operations units that will partner directly with Tunisian counterparts to conduct airborne operations, live fire training and joint targeting and site exploitation enabled by U.S. intelligence and explosive ordinance disposal assets. AFRICOM welcomes European allies’ active participation and sees it as critical to the future of the exercise.

“AL26 is a strategic investment in the security and stability of the region,” Baxter said. “The training we execute alongside partners and allies ensures that we are collectively prepared to respond to crises across the full spectrum of conflict.”

African Lion 2026 will take place April 20-May 8 throughout Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal. This year’s exercise involves more than 5,600 personnel from over 30 nations.

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About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

Anti-ICE Antifa member arrested on federal charges of Cyberstalking and Threatening Communications after allegedly calling for the murder and assault of federal immigration officers in Minneapolis

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

MINNEAPOLIS – Self-identified Antifa member Kyle Wagner was arrested today on federal threat and cyberstalking charges following alleged murder and assault threats against ICE, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. Wagner, 37 of Minneapolis, is expected to make an initial appearance in federal court today.

“This man allegedly doxxed and called for the murder of law enforcement officers, encouraged bloodshed in the streets, and proudly claimed affiliation with the terrorist organization Antifa before going on the run,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s arrest illustrates that you cannot run, you cannot hide, and you cannot evade our federal agents: if you come for law enforcement, the Trump Administration will come for you.”

“It’s no surprise that an Antifa terrorist is allegedly threatening to kill and assault federal law enforcement officers as they dutifully remove criminal threats from neighborhoods,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “After all, this is what Antifa is about, lawlessness and violence. But under the leadership of President Trump and Attorney General Bondi, there is no safe haven for terrorists and no protection from the full weight of justice.

“We know that a ‘worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.’ And Wagner’s alleged actions were an attempt to spread fire into our peaceful community. That is not going to happen,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.

According to the criminal complaint, Wagner has escalated his opposition to ICE operations, including conspiring and threatening to assault federal law enforcement officers in Minneapolis. In January 2026, Wagner repeatedly posted on Facebook and Instagram encouraging his followers to forcibly confront, assault, impede, oppose, and resist federal officers whom he referred to as the “gestapo” and “murderers.”

On January 8, 2026, Wagner posted a video directly threatening ICE agents by stating, “I’ve already bled for this city, I’ve already fought for this city, this is nothing new, we’re ready this time, ICE we’re f—ing coming for you.” The following day, Wagner posted about the “constant harassment of ICE” and said that “we need to continue that, but we also need to cripple them.” Wagner then advocated for physical confrontation, stating, “Anywhere we have an opportunity to get our hands on them, we need to put our hands on them.”

Wagner also urged others to “hunt” ICE, including those who are “armed” to “fight [ICE]. This is kill or be killed.” He described agitators’ “goal [ ] to unmask and identify [ICE] agents – stop their ability to arrest individuals through group resistance.” On January 10, 2026, Wagner asserted that “we are at f—– war” and stated, “So, either we’re going to win, or I will die in this process.” On January 13, 2026, Wagner praised the success of the agitators’ anti-ICE efforts, stating, “This is where ICE has come to die” and then threatened ICE agents, “We want to know who they are. We will identify every single one of them and we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. If it has to be done at the barrel of a gun, then let us have a little f—— fun.”

On January 24, 2026, Wagner stated that he was “not talking about peaceful protests anymore.” And urged violence against federal officers: “Get your f—– guns and stop these f—— people.” Wagner also reposted a video where he passed out gas masks and shields to agitators.

The complaint further alleges that on January 29, 2026, Wagner, used his Instagram account to dox a pro-ICE individual by publishing a phone number, birth month and year, and address in Oak Park, Michigan, threatening the individual. Wagner later admitted that he doxxed the victim’s parents’ house.

A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent.  As a felony trial cannot be held on a complaint, a decision to seek an indictment will be made in the near future.

The case was investigated by the agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS MAN FEDERALLY CHARGED FOR ARMED TRAFFICKING OF METHAMPHETAMINE AND ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Bobby Womack, 45, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon armed career criminal. 

FIVE INDICTMENTS RETURNED AND THIRTEEN ILLEGAL ALIENS CONVICTED OF IMMIGRATION, FALSE DOCUMENT OFFENSES IN JANUARY

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PENSACOLA and GAINESVILLE – Today, United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced that five previously deported illegal aliens have been indicted separately by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States, and thirteen illegal aliens were convicted of federal crimes in the month of January.

Defense News: Military planners in Rome finalize tech industry’s debut at ALFS 2026

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

ROME, Italy — Military planners from U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) convened in Rome, Jan. 26-29, for the final planning event of the African Land Forces Summit 2026.

The final planning event confirmed the objectives and logistical requirements for ALFS 2026, an annual forum dedicated to fostering cooperation and addressing security challenges across the African continent.

“This final planning event is critical for a successful ALFS 2026,” said Maj. Mike Scholmuca, SETAF-AF lead planner for ALFS 2026. “Our goal is to ensure the summit continues to be a vital platform for our African partners to strengthen security cooperation, address shared challenges effectively and increase our collective lethality.”

The final planning event in Rome represents one of the last steps in the extensive preparations necessary for the large-scale summit, aiming to ensure ALFS 2026 is a productive and impactful gathering for all participating nations.

A new addition to ALFS is the inclusion of industry partners from Africa, Europe, and the U.S. Incoprorating industry partners allows for a collaborative dialogue between the public and private sectors on dual-use technologies and military acquistion.

ALFS is centered on enabling African partners by sharing knowledge and best practices. ALFS 26 will provide a platform for leaders to discuss strategies that reinforce sovereignty and security on the African continent.

Established in 2010 and hosted by SETAF-AF on behalf of the Chief of Staff of the Army, the African Land Forces Summit has become a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among African military leaders and international partners.

In addition to industry partners, ALFS 2026 is expected to draw military and academic leaders from across Africa, Europe, and the U.S, to facilitate strategic discussions and collaborative efforts to address the complex security challenges facing Africa and to prepare for future challenges.

The spotlight now shifts to the final preparations for ALFS 26.

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

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Lakeland Tax Preparer Sentenced To 57 Months In Federal Prison And Ordered To Pay The Internal Revenue Service Nearly $13 Million In Restitution

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Jeffrey Dixon to four years and nine months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aiding and assisting in the filing of false and fraudulent tax returns. Dixon pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1,093,552.50, the proceeds of the criminal conduct, and to pay restitution in the amount of $12,964,382.00 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

Gambino Crime Family Soldier Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Related Charges

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, James Laforte, also known as “Jimmy,” an inducted member of the Gambino organized crime family, pleaded guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Marutollo to racketeering conspiracy, Hobbs Act extortion and Hobbs Act extortion conspiracy, witness retaliation, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Defense News: Resources for Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Source: United States Army

U.S. Army Soldier Athletes in the Olympics

Want to know more about U.S. Army Soldiers competing in the Winter Olympics? Click this link to read about them.

Follow the Army coverage at DVIDS (Milan2026)

Learn more about Soldiers competing at U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program website

Watch the Games online

Service members and Veterans can stream NBCUniversal’s full coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics for free through ShopMyExchange.com from Feb. 6–22. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service partnership provides access to more than 2,300 hours of events, including live competitions, practice sessions, highlights and interviews. You must verify eligibility with an active ShopMyExchange.com account. Viewers can watch on NBCOlympics.com. For more information click this link

More Important Links for Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Official Games Information

U.S. Embassy Guidance, updates and recommendations for U.S. citizens attending the Games

Official Ticket Portal

Follow Team USA

Follow Team Italy