Author Archive

Katie Bo Williams

Senior National Security Correspondent

Katie Bo Williams
Katie Bo Williams is the senior national security correspondent for Defense One, where she writes about defense, counterterror, NATO, nukes, and more. She previously covered intelligence and cybersecurity for The Hill, including in-depth reporting on the Russia investigations and military detention issues. Before her journalism career, Katie Bo worked in thoroughbred horse racing, helping breed, sell, and prepare the next generation of Kentucky Derby winners. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia. A native of Goochland County, Virginia, she now lives in D.C. and can usually be found haunting one of the various bookstores on Capitol Hill.
Threats

In Syria, US Commanders Hold the Line — and Wait for Biden

Troops maintain the status quo amid a counterterrorism success-turned-frozen war.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Policy

Biden Nominee For Top Policy Post Grilled On Iran, Tweets

"I really believe that the controversy over your nomination is essentially a proxy war” for the Iran nuclear deal, said Sen. Kaine.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Policy

D.C. Guard Commander Says ‘Unusual’ Restrictions Prevented Swift Response To Capitol Riot

“I believe that number could have made a difference,” he said.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Threats

Militias in Iraq Provide Security, Wield Political Power, and May Be Tearing the Country Apart

The top U.S. commander there said Iraq may be headed for another civil war if the government can’t firm up control.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Policy

Khashoggi Report Blames MBS; Biden Skips Sanctions For Crown Prince

Punishing MBS would put the United States in a “hostile” position with Riyadh, an administration official told reporters.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Exclusive Policy

Coalition Plans To Expand Giant ISIS Prison In Syria

The UK-funded effort signals no answer in sight to the thousands of foreign and Syrian detainees.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Policy

CIA Nominee Vows To Probe Mysterious Microwave Attacks

Longtime diplomat Bill Burns sailed through his confirmation hearing on Wednesday.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Threats

Troops Describe Night of Fire From Shadowy Iraqi Militants

After the first rocket struck the Erbil base on Monday, “everything happened pretty quickly.” But U.S. officials still aren't sure who's responsible.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Threats

Photos Reveal Damage from Deadly Rocket Attack at US Base in Iraq

Monday night's attack caught U.S. personnel in their bunks and destroyed contractor living facilities.

  • Katie Bo Williams and Defense One Staff
Breaking News Threats

Rocket Attack Hits US Base in Iraqi Kurdistan; Casualties Reported

Five Americans wounded, including one US troop, and one non-U.S. civilian killed in attack claimed by an Iran-linked militia group, as indirect fire hits airport compound and other sites in Erbil.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Policy

Biden: ‘I Will Never Politicize’ US Troops

Biden also announced a new Pentagon-led review of military strategy towards China.

  • Katie Bo Williams
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Special Operations Technology 2020
Policy

For Biden, Tough Talk on Saudi Arabia Meets Reality

‘We don't yet know exactly’ how Biden will change things, says CENTCOM’s Gen. McKenzie.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Threats

US Flies B-52 Bomber To Gulf In Show of Force Against Iran

“We were also thinking…'Would they try to test the U.S. military in the early days of the new administration?'”

  • Katie Bo Williams
Breaking News Threats

Saudis Expanding US Military Access to Airfields, Port, to Counter Iran

The year-old initiative is intended to give CENTCOM “more options” in a fight, general reveals.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Threats

War Avoided, Biden Transition Brings ‘Opportunity’ for New Iran Relations, Top General Says

‘Our goal was to deter a war,’ said CENTCOM’s Gen. McKenzie of the past few months, en route to the region for his first visit under the new administration.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Policy

Commander in Chief Joe Biden Swears In

The 46th president took the oath on a tense Washington day amid a lingering pandemic and massive security, but no public crowds or Donald Trump.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Policy

Austin Promises Healthy Civilian Control At DOD

“I look forward to working with the chairman, but I have no desire to be the chairman of the Joint Chiefs,” the retired general told senators.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Exclusive Policy

Here’s Who Will Be Running the Pentagon When Biden Takes Office

Dozens named in the most comprehensive roster published to date of who will be running DOD when the president-elect is sworn in.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Exclusive Threats

Troops at Inauguration Pre-Screened for Extremism, Says DC Guard Commander

“We will use the minimum force required to protect ourselves,” said Maj. Gen. William Walker, in an exclusive interview.

  • Katie Bo Williams
Policy

Joint Chiefs Affirm Election Results, Condemn ‘Assault on Our Constitutional Process’

“President-elect Biden will become our 46th Commander in Chief.”

  • Katie Bo Williams