MILITARY ADMINISTRATION
From flowers to guns: Women's struggle against military conscription in Myanmar
Thousands of people are fleeing Myanmar due to the military junta's announcement of conscription to bolster its forces against armed groups challenging its power. The exodus is driven by fear of forced recruitment, with reports of human rights abuses and violence against women. The situation worsened after the 2021 coup, leading to widespread displacement and unrest. Women, in particular, face increased risks of trafficking, exploitation, and discrimination.
New Cuban radar site near US military base could aid China spying, think tank says
Cuba is constructing a new radar site near Santiago de Cuba, capable of monitoring U.S. military activities at Guantanamo Bay, according to satellite imagery analyzed by a Washington think tank. The facility, set east of Santiago de Cuba and due to be operational soon, could track signals up to 8,000 miles away. The development raises concerns about China's strategic interests, despite denials from Cuban officials. This site adds to suspicions of increased Chinese surveillance capabilities in Cuba, targeting U.S. military and space operations.
North Korea says its recent missile tests involved new ballistic missile with 'super-large warhead'
North Korea announced Tuesday the successful test-firing of a new tactical ballistic missile, named Hwasongpho-11Da-4.5, capable of carrying a 4.5 ton-class "super-large warhead." The test aimed to verify flight stability and accuracy, with a range from 90 to 500 kilometers. South Korea reported two missiles launched, with differing flight paths: one reaching 600 kilometers and the other 120 kilometers. North Korea plans further tests in July. These developments follow heightened North Korean military activities since 2022, focusing on expanding its nuclear-capable arsenal amid regional tensions with the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.
The Saipan surprise: How delicate talks led to the unlikely end of Julian Assange's 12-year saga
About a year and a half ago, a lawyer for Julian Assange presented federal prosecutors in Virginia with a request to dismiss the case against him. This move was notable given Assange's publication of hundreds of thousands of secret documents and his status as perhaps the highest-profile detainee facing a U.S. extradition request. The Justice Department was involved in a battle in British courts to extradite him to the United States for trial.
US has 'some concerns' over India-Russia military engagement: Kurt Campbell
US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell has expressed concerns over India's military and technology engagement with Russia, but also has confidence in New Delhi to advance partnership in key areas. The US is seeking to develop a deeper and stronger technological relationship with India, despite the ongoing relationship between India and Russia. Campbell emphasized that while there are areas of alignment between the US and India, there may be differences in perspectives and historical ties.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange pleads guilty in deal with US that secures his freedom, ends legal fight
Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, pleaded guilty to obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets, ending a prolonged legal battle over press freedom and national security. The deal, struck in Saipan, allows Assange to return to Australia without U.S. prison time. Assange had been jailed in the UK since 2019, resisting extradition. The plea resolves a Trump-era criminal case and highlights Assange's role in revealing military misconduct. His wife expressed relief, and Assange's supporters celebrate his impending freedom.
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WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to plead guilty in espionage act case in US court, will be freed from prison
Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, will plead guilty to conspiring to obtain and disseminate classified US defense information under a deal with the US Justice Department. This agreement concludes a decade-long legal battle involving multiple countries. Assange will appear in a federal court in the Mariana Islands to enter his plea, after which he will return to Australia. The case has sparked significant debates over press freedom and national security.
US military looks for West Africa 'Plan B' after Niger ousting
Air Force General C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is visiting Africa to explore options for maintaining a U.S. presence in West Africa after Niger decided to expel the U.S. military in favor of partnering with Russia. Brown mentioned opportunities to work with countries in West Africa to possibly relocate capabilities from Niger to other locations. However, replicating the U.S. counter-terrorism presence in Niger seems unlikely. The changing political landscape in the region, with several coups, presents challenges for U.S. strategy. The U.S. is evaluating its goals and relationships in the region amid these changes.
Netanyahu again claims the US is withholding arms shipments, days after Washington denies it
Israeli PM Netanyahu claimed a 'dramatic drop' in U.S. weapons for Gaza war, escalating tensions with the Biden administration.
US proposes rules to stop Americans from investing in Chinese technology with military uses
The proposed rule stems from President Joe Biden's August 2023 executive order regarding the access that "countries of concern" have to American dollars that fund advanced technologies, which the US government says would enhance their military, intelligence, surveillance and cyber capabilities. The order identified China, Hong Kong and Macau as countries of concern.
Missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels strike 2 ships in the Gulf of Aden, US military says
Yemen's Houthi rebels launched missile attacks on two ships in the Gulf of Aden. The first target was the Antigua- and Barbuda-flagged cargo ship Norderney, which was hit by two anti-ship ballistic cruise missiles, causing a fire that was extinguished by the crew. The second target was the Liberian-flagged, Swiss-owned container ship Tavvishi, which sustained damage but continued its journey. A coalition warship intercepted a second missile aimed at the Tavvishi.
Maldives and China discuss further bolstering defence ties
After Maldives and China signed a defence agreement on March 4, President Mohamed Muizzu, who is perceived to be pro-China, announced that Beijing would supply military equipment and train soldiers under the agreement but offered no details, the portal said. Two days later, Muizzu announced that the Maldives would get free "non-lethal" military equipment and training from China's military under the agreement and underlined that it would further strengthen the Indian Ocean island nation's independence and autonomy.
China defence chief says Beijing ready to 'forcefully' stop Taiwan independence
The remarks at an annual security forum in Singapore followed the first substantive face-to-face talks in 18 months between the two countries' defence chiefs.
Combined passing out parade of Agniveervayu trainees held at Tambaram IAF
1,983 trainees, including 234 women, passed out from MTI and WTI after 22 weeks of military training at Air Force Station, Tambaram.
US, Chinese defence chiefs meet in Singapore
US and Chinese defence chiefs held talks in Singapore at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Lloyd Austin and Dong Jun met to discuss military dialogue and tensions over Taiwan and other issues.
China's military says Taiwan drills met goals but it is ready for further action
China, which views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, staged two days of war games around the island following the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te, whom Beijing calls a "separatist".
US presses TikTok, Meta and X to crack down on antisemitic posts: report
The Biden administration urges tech companies to tackle antisemitic content. Companies like Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and TikTok met with U.S. special envoy Deborah Lipstadt to combat rising antisemitism post Hamas attack on southern Israel and Gaza Strip bombardment.
US will announce $275 million more in artillery and ammunition for Ukraine, officials say
The United States is set to announce $275 million in military aid for Ukraine to combat Russian advances in the Kharkiv region. The aid package includes HIMARS and artillery rounds.
Xi's bugbear: The man behind China's latest shock-and-awe maneuver
Taiwan's new leader, Lai Ching-te, has provoked China into military drills around the island in response to his inauguration and calls for Beijing to cease threats. China views Taiwan as a rebel province, while Lai asserts the country's separate status. The military escalation raises fears of a possible invasion.
Yemen's Houthi rebels launch a missile that strikes an oil tanker in the Red Sea, US military says
Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted the Panama-flagged, Greek-owned oil tanker in the Red Sea amid conflicts over the Israel-Hamas war. They disrupted trade routes to China and Russia, causing a fire aboard the Wind. The rebels faced a US-led airstrike campaign in Yemen's Marib province.
US says Israel's use of US arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
Biden administration suggests Israel's use of U.S. weapons in Gaza may breach international law, lacking specific evidence. Report underscores potential violations. Debate stirs over humanitarian aid restrictions and political motives, fueling tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Congress.
Israel orders people in more areas of Gaza's Rafah to evacuate
Israel pushes for Rafah evacuations to Al-Mawasi for aid, hinting at a ground assault. Orders given for various areas to seek Gaza City shelters. Tensions rise as ceasefire talks stall, causing more civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
US says Israel's use of US arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration suggested that Israel's use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Gaza may have breached international law but stopped short of conclusive evidence due to wartime complexities. While finding "reasonable" evidence of violations, the report did not link specific U.S. arms to individual airstrikes. This assessment could influence future decisions on arms provisions to Israel. Critics argue the review overlooks clear Israeli blocks on aid delivery during the conflict, raising concerns about potential starvation among Palestinians in Gaza.
Has Israel followed the law in its war in Gaza? The US is due to render a first-of-its-kind verdict
The Biden administration is set to determine if Israel's actions in Gaza violate international and U.S. laws, amid scrutiny over its military support for Israel. This decision could influence the flow of weapons and aid to Israel. Critics question whether the U.S. will hold Israel accountable for alleged human rights violations, while supporters argue for maintaining strong ties with Israel. The administration's findings could impact future military assistance to Israel and have broader implications for U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Biden administration to miss deadline for report on Israeli weapons use, sources say
A National Security Memorandum, known as NSM-20, that U.S. President Joe Biden issued in February requires the State Department to report to Congress by May 8 on whether it finds credible Israel's assurances that its use of U.S. weapons does not violate U.S. or international law.
US military's pier in Gaza to cost $320 million
The U.S. military's plan to construct a pier off Gaza for humanitarian aid has seen costs soar to $320 million, doubling initial estimates. The project aims to provide a sea route for aid into Gaza, supplementing land routes. President Joe Biden announced the initiative in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to Israel's military campaign against Hamas. Concerns have been raised about the project's cost and the safety of U.S. troops involved, particularly in light of potential threats from Hamas militants.
Limits to Russia-China strategic partnership
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's recent visit to China raised eyebrows about the depth of the Beijing-Moscow alliance. Despite appearances, the partnership is more complex than a simple embrace. Russia lacks a formal military alliance with China, maintaining a strong military partnership with India instead. Recent deliveries of warships and Igla-S systems to India underscore this relationship, enhancing India's air defense capabilities. Russia should tread carefully with China, which aims to become the dominant partner, a prospect Moscow finds uncomfortable.
Top former US generals say failures of Biden administration in planning drove chaotic fall of Kabul
The top US generals overseeing the Afghanistan evacuation blamed the Biden administration for the chaotic departure, saying it was inadequately planned and ordered too late. They advised keeping 2,500 troops in Afghanistan for stability but were overruled. The State Department's delay in calling for an evacuation was cited as a major flaw. The White House defended Biden's decision to withdraw, citing constraints from previous agreements. The generals also discussed their discomfort with the lack of readiness for an evacuation and the challenges faced in the final days of the war.
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