A newly surfaced federal lawsuit is reigniting one of the most controversial allegations to emerge from the war in Yemen—that a team of American military veterans was recruited to carry out targeted assassinations on behalf of the United Arab Emirates. At the center of the case is Anssaf Ali Mayo, a Yemeni politician who claims […]
IRAN — The U.S. Department of Defense is urgently searching for private contractors capable of delivering prefabricated, hardened shelter systems to protect American personnel as operations against Iran intensify. The request, issued through a “sources sought” notice, highlights the Pentagon’s need for transportable bunkers designed to withstand blast, fragmentation, and ballistic threats.
UKRAINE — When former U.S. Marine officer Andrew Milburn arrived in Ukraine in the early stages of the war, his role was not to fight on the frontlines, but to prepare others for it. As the founder of The Mozart Group, Milburn assembled a small team of Western military veterans focused on training Ukrainian forces […]
Mercenaries and modern private military contractors may look similar on the surface—both are paid to operate in conflict zones—but the reality is very different, especially in today’s contracting environment. Historically, mercenaries were individuals or small groups hired directly for combat, often with little oversight, loyalty, or long-term structure. From ancient Greek fighters to Renaissance condottieri, […]
When the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was stripped of its independent mandate in July 2025—cutting more than 80% of its programs and staff—it left a vacuum in the global aid system. Commentators have been quick to suggest that the private sector could “replace” USAID. On paper, the idea sounds efficient. In reality, it’s […]