The Defense Department said late Monday that there is “no corroborating evidence” to support the explosive New York Times report last week that said the Russian military offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The report sent shock waves through Washington and prompted President Trump to outright deny knowing anything about the intel cited in the report. The New York Times, citing unnamed officials, reported Friday that it is believed that some “Islamist militants” or “criminal elements” collected payouts. “Nevertheless, the administration, including the National Security Council staff, have been preparing should the situation warrant action,” he said. A White House official told Fox News on Monday that Trump has now been briefed on the issue.

Source: Fox News June 30, 2020 04:41 UTC