Defense Secretary Esper, In Careful Exchange, Denies Being Briefed On ‘Bounties’ – By Philip Ewing (NPR) / July 9 2020
Defense Secretary Mark Esper never received a briefing about alleged Russian practices against U.S. troops in Afghanistan that included the term “bounty,” he told Congress on Thursday.
Esper said so in an answer to a carefully worded question from Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, who appeared to be aware about how to cue Esper, potentially from the lawmaker’s own awareness of the still-secret underlying intelligence about the Russian allegations.
“To the best of my recollection, I have not received a briefing that included the word ‘bounty,’ ” Esper said.
He and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, vowed they are working to ensure American forces in Afghanistan are as well-equipped and well-protected as possible and they suggested the reports about alleged bounties paid by Russian intelligence to Taliban insurgents still aren’t confirmed.
Turner also asked Esper whether, if he had been told about “bounties” specifically, he would have taken action.
Continue to article: https://www.npr.org/2020/07/09/889471025/defense-secretary-esper-in-careful-exchange-denies-being-briefed-on-bounties
