Africa

France said the hostages were rescued Thursday night following a battle in Burkina Faso.

Gen. Stephen Townsend, who took over as TRADOC commander just over a year ago, was confirmed to take command of AFRICOM.

Personnel from US Africa Command delivered 800 metric tons of food and supplies.

A U.S. general charged that Russian mercenaries have gained a foothold in the Central African Republic.

The U.S. military has delivered 125 tons of food to areas of Mozambique struggling to recover from Cyclone Idai.

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa is moving in to support relief agencies.

Troops are on the ground assessing the scope of the growing humanitarian crisis.

National Security Adviser John Bolton said the command should be headquartered in the region it covers.

As of Aug. 31, Air Force tankers had conducted 2,919 sorties and offloaded 92.3 million pounds of fuel to coalition fighters.

Two members of Marine Special Operations Command received awards for a gun battle with al-Qaida militants in Northern Africa.