unmanned American drone and threatened greater attacks on U.S. forces in the region. Russia also has been increasing its threats, with new reports indicating Moscow will begin conducting "observational flights" over America.

Against this backdrop of military uncertainty, American forces and their counterparts from across the globe will conduct "training exercise with a focus on protecting critical infrastructure, force protection, and maritime security operations," according to the Defense Department.

Nations scheduled to participate in the war exercise include Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, the Defense Department announced.

"Sea Breeze is an annual multinational maritime exercise, with land, air and amphibious components, and is co-hosted by Ukraine and the United States to enhance interoperability and capabilitiesRelated Topics

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Arkansas' Gafford declares for NBA draft, won't play in NIT

- Mar. 19, 2019 05:52 PM EDT

Arkansas forward Daniel Gafford (10) reaches for a rebound in front of Florida center Kevarrius Hayes (13) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Southeastern Conference tournament Thursday, March 14, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. Florida won 66-50. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas forward Daniel Gafford has declared for the NBA draft and will not play in the NIT, where the Razorbacks faced Providence on Tuesday night.

Coach Mike Anderson said Monday he supports Gafford's decision and believes he will be a first-round draft pick. Gafford, a 6-foot-11 first-team all-SEC pick, could have left last year but returned to Arkansas.

His decision to skip the NIT follows