SENIOR GERMAN MILITARY OFFICIALS
Can you 'Trump-proof' NATO? As Biden falters, Europeans look to safeguard the military alliance
Growing skepticism about President Joe Biden's reelection chances has European leaders anticipating the NATO summit in Washington. The prospect that former President Donald Trump, a known critic of the alliance, may return to power over its mightiest military is particularly concerning. The NATO summit, which begins Tuesday, will mark the military alliance's 75th anniversary. NATO consists of 32 European and North American allies committed to mutual defense against armed attacks.
Israel kills a top Hezbollah commander, which replies with a rocket barrage
Israeli forces killed a senior Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon with a drone strike, prompting Hezbollah to retaliate with a heavy rocket barrage across the border. The incident escalated tensions amid efforts by Western diplomats to prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah. Cross-border exchanges intensified as Israeli officials discussed shifting military focus from Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah, seen as a more formidable threat. The conflict has displaced over 150,000 people, with fears that further escalation could lead to widespread devastation and regional conflict involving Iran.
Israeli strike kills another senior Hezbollah commander as diplomats scramble for calm in Lebanon
A Hezbollah statement identified the killed commander as Mohammad Naameh Nasser, who went by the name “Abu Naameh,” his nom de guerre. A Hezbollah official speaking anonymously said he was head of the group's Aziz Unit, one of three regional divisions in southern Lebanon.
US military bases in Europe on high alert amid terror threat concerns
Several US military bases across Europe have heightened their security alert to Force Protection Condition "Charlie," indicating a significant terror threat. This measure, last seen over a decade ago, reflects growing concerns ahead of major events like the Paris Olympics and European football championships. European countries have ramped up security, with Germany and France taking extensive precautions to address potential dangers. Authorities advise vigilance amid these heightened threat levels.
From Classmates to Commanders: Sainik School graduates Dwivedi and Tripathi now command India's Armed Forces
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, once classmates at Sainik School Rewa, now lead the Indian Army and Navy. Their unique bond, formed in the early 1970s, has strengthened inter-service ties. With Admiral Tripathi already at the helm and Lieutenant General Dwivedi stepping in as Army Chief, their careers highlight the influence of early connections in military leadership.
With a corrupt military, can China's Xi Jinping wage and win a war?
Despite Xi Jinping's efforts to strengthen China's military, internal corruption and challenges in military modernization hinder the country's ambitions for global dominance. The ongoing anti-corruption campaign and concerns over military capabilities pose significant obstacles in Xi's quest for establishing a 'world-class' military.
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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.
What is Azm-e-Istehkam, Pakistan's new military operation tasked to take on TTP and other militant groups
Pakistan’s leadership approved a new military operation, Azm-e-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability), to combat rising violence and terrorism. Following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s review of counterterrorism efforts, the operation targets domestic security threats and cross-border fighters from Afghanistan. The initiative includes socioeconomic measures to reduce extremism and aims to strengthen legal support for prosecuting terrorists. The plan addresses increased violence, potential cross-border tensions, and Chinese concerns about infrastructure security.
India may be supplying arms to Israel as 'return favor' for Kargil, claims Former Israeli Ambassador
Former Israeli Ambassador Daniel Carmon has indicated that India might be providing arms to Israel for its Gaza conflict, as a gesture of gratitude for Israel's support during the 1999 Kargil War. Reports claim India supplied drones and munitions to Israel, though India has neither confirmed nor denied these claims. The ongoing conflict has sparked protests in India, raising concerns about the support of Israel's military actions in Gaza.
An Israel offensive into Lebanon risks an Iranian military response, top US military leader says
Top U.S. military officer warns that an Israeli offensive in Lebanon could lead to broader war, with Iran likely to back Hezbollah. Israel has threatened military action if Hezbollah isn't pushed from the border. Diplomatic efforts are underway, including meetings between Israeli and U.S. officials. The U.S. is concerned about assisting Israel against Hezbollah's rockets. The conflict has already caused casualties on both sides. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah claims to have over 100,000 fighters, potentially escalating the conflict with broader regional involvement.
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.
Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani to be next Vice Chief of Army Staff
Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani is set to be the next Vice Chief of Army Staff succeeding Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, following the government's clearance of his appointment.
US Army says it killed senior ISIS official in Syria
A senior ISIS official, Usamah Jamal Muhammad Ibrahim al-Janabi, was killed in a US airstrike in Syria, disrupting the group's ability to conduct terror attacks. The strike, conducted by US Central Command, targeted al-Janabi, identified as a senior ISIS facilitator. This action is part of ongoing efforts to degrade ISIS's operational capabilities in the region. The US military has been targeting ISIS operatives in Africa and the Middle East, aiming to ensure the group's enduring defeat and prevent the resurgence of its forces.
Hezbollah vows to intensify attacks against Israel after senior military commander is killed
Earlier Wednesday, Hezbollah fired a massive barrage of rockets into northern Israel, further escalating tensions as the fate of an internationally backed plan for a cease-fire in Gaza hung in the balance. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed ally of the Palestinian Hamas group, has traded fire with Israel nearly every day since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7, and says it will only stop if there is a truce in Gaza.
Iran helicopter crash shows Tehran's reliance on an aging fleet as well as its challenges at home
While the cause of the May 19 crash remains unknown, the sudden death of the hard-line protege of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei exposed the contradictions and challenges facing the country's Shiite theocracy. The Iranian military investigators probing the crash have previously faced international criticism over their report on troops shooting down a Ukrainian airliner in 2020.
US military completes major exercise in Africa and works to deepen partnerships
The U.S. and top African allies conducted the African Lion military exercise in Morocco, addressing new challenges in volatile regions. The exercise showcased joint military operations and emphasized a holistic approach to instability issues beyond military solutions.
Top Russian military officials are being arrested. Why is it happening?
Following the arrest of a Russian deputy defense minister last month, a series of detentions of senior military officials on corruption charges has unfolded. These arrests coincided with President Vladimir Putin's fifth term and a reshuffle of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The detentions have sparked speculation about Putin's control over the Defense Ministry, potential turf battles, or other internal power plays. Corruption has long been entrenched in Russia's system, but the recent crackdown, especially amid the war in Ukraine, suggests a significant shift in handling graft within the defense sector.
Deputy Russian military chief of staff jailed for bribery in latest arrest of senior defense official
A deputy chief of the Russian military general staff, Lt Gen Vadim Shamarin, has been arrested on charges of large-scale bribery, according to Russian news reports. This follows the recent arrest of Maj Gen Ivan Popov, a former top commander in Russia's offensive in Ukraine, also on bribery charges. These arrests are part of a series of high-profile bribery cases involving senior military officials. Shamarin, who is also the head of the defense ministry's main communications directorate, is being held in custody for two months. The arrests come amid wider allegations of incompetence and corruption within the Russian military leadership.
Russia begins nuclear drills in an apparent warning to West over Ukraine
Russia's military has started drills with tactical nuclear weapons in response to Western officials' comments on deeper involvement in Ukraine. The drills involve non-strategic nuclear weapons like Kinzhal and Iskander missiles in the Southern Military District near Ukraine and Crimea.
German defence industry says it will need government help to reduce dependence on China
Hans Christoph Atzpodien, head of the Bundesverband der Deutschen Sicherheits- und Verteidigungsindustrie (BDSV), said the U.S. defence industry had, under government pressure, widely shed their dependency on Beijing in recent years.
Gaza fighting intensifies, Israel asks why armed men were at UN site
Israeli troops clashed with militants across Gaza, including in the city of Rafah, in a recent escalation of the seven-month-old conflict, resulting in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties. Tensions between Israel and the United Nations rose as Israel sought explanations for footage showing armed men near U.N. relief agency vehicles. India worked to repatriate the body of a U.N. staffer killed in Rafah. The U.S. urged Israel to present a clear plan for Gaza's future, emphasizing the unacceptability of both Israeli occupation and Hamas governance. Netanyahu insisted on eliminating Hamas before considering an alternative Gaza administration.
Around 95 Myanmar nationals have entered Mizoram in past one week
A senior official in Mizoram said, " We are collecting reports of fresh arrival of refugees from Myanmar, there are reports that 95 more Myanmarese, including some women, fled to Mizoram during the past week and took shelter in Lawngtlai and other districts."
Russia targets energy facilities in air attack on Ukraine, officials say
A Russian air attack on Ukraine damaged several energy infrastructure facilities across the country, according to Ukraine's military and energy officials. The strike targeted power generation and transmission facilities in regions far from the frontlines, including Poltava, Kirovohrad, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Vinnytsia. While the scale of the attack is not yet clear, there were reports of equipment damage and fires. Despite the attacks, Ukraine's national grid operator stated that all missiles targeting Kyiv were destroyed, with no major damage or injuries reported. Russia has previously targeted Ukrainian power facilities, claiming they are legitimate military targets.
Chinese President Xi Jinping appoints senior diplomat Xu Feihong as new envoy to India
Xi Jinping appoints Xu Feihong as China's new Ambassador to India after 18-month delay amid Ladakh standoff. Xu will succeed Sun Weidong in New Delhi, with ongoing negotiations and 21 rounds of talks between Beijing and New Delhi.
Russia announces nuclear weapon drills after angry exchange with senior Western officials
Russia has announced plans to conduct drills simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons, citing provocative statements from Western officials about the Ukraine conflict. This marks the first time Russia has publicly announced such drills, which are intended to increase readiness. The announcement comes amid heightened tension between Russia and NATO, with some Western leaders suggesting potential military involvement in Ukraine. In a separate incident, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck vehicles in Russia's Belgorod region, killing six and injuring 35, including two children. The region has been a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks in recent months.
Chinese military officials met US and Russian naval officials this week
Chinese military officials engaged in meetings with their U.S. and Russian counterparts during a naval symposium in Qingdao, China. These discussions aimed to enhance communication and trust, with China expressing its willingness to collaborate with all countries for a shared maritime future. This development follows a period of strained relations, including a breakdown in communication after a visit to Taiwan by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The meetings come amidst heightened regional tensions, with the U.S. and Japan discussing Japan's potential inclusion in the AUKUS defense grouping, which China views as a threat to regional stability.
Russia may be ready to attack NATO in 5-8 years, German official says
"By then, based on our analysis, Russia (will have) reconstituted its own forces to a degree that an attack against NATO soil could be possible," Lieutenant General Carsten Breuer told reporters during a visit to Poland. "I am not saying it will take place but that it could be possible," he said late on Wednesday.
U.S. targets unlikely to be on list in possible Iranian attack, officials say
U.S. intelligence analysts and officials anticipate that Iran will launch strikes on multiple targets inside Israel in the coming days in retaliation for an Israeli bombing in Syria that killed several senior Iranian commanders. The U.S. and Iran have no direct channels of communication, increasing the risk of misinterpretation and escalation. President Biden reiterated U.S. support for Israel and warned Iran against attacking. The exact nature of the planned Iranian attack remains unclear, but it is expected to involve drones and missiles, given Iran's arsenal.
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