US EUROPEAN COMMAND
Joe Biden's lapses are said to be increasingly common and worrisome
Like many people his age, Biden, 81, has long experienced instances in which he mangled a sentence, forgot a name or mixed up a few facts, even though he could be sharp and engaged most of the time. But in interviews, people in the room with him more recently said that the lapses seemed to be growing more frequent, more pronounced and more worrisome.
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.
US and Europe warn Lebanon's Hezbollah to ease strikes on Israel and back off from wider Mideast war
Mediators from the U.S., Europe, and Arab nations are working to prevent escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon from turning into a broader Middle East conflict. Despite ongoing violence and threats from Iran and Israel, efforts are focused on warning Hezbollah against provoking Israel further. The situation has been marked by cross-border attacks and strong rhetoric, with fears that a second front in the region could open, complicating the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Diplomatic efforts continue, with hopes that a resolution in Gaza could ease tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Chinese Communist Party expels two ex-defence ministers on corruption charges
The Chinese Communist Party has expelled two former defense ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, in an anti-corruption crackdown. This move follows Li's disappearance last year and comes amid rising tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan.
Suspected Houthi attack targets a ship in the Gulf of Aden, while Iraqi-claimed attack targets Eilat
Early Wednesday, a suspected missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted a ship in the Gulf of Aden. Concurrently, an Iraqi militant group allied with the Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack on the southern Israeli port city of Eilat. These incidents mark an ongoing escalation linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, as well as tensions involving Yemen's internal politics.
European Space Agency shares mesmerizing image of Ram Setu linking India and Sri Lanka
ESA Ram Setu Image: The European Space Agency released a satellite image of the historic Ram Setu, linking India and Sri Lanka. Spanning 48 km, this limestone shoal bridge holds geological, historical, and mythological significance. Protected as national parks, the shallow waters around the bridge support diverse marine life. The image underscores Ram Setu's cultural heritage and ecological importance, highlighting its unique role in regional history and mythology.
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Aerial drone launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels hits ship in the Red Sea, causing damage and injuries
A drone launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels damaged a vessel in the Red Sea, the latest in a series of attacks targeting shipping in the region. The attack occurred off the coast of Hodeida, damaging a bulk carrier. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center reported the mariners on board were safe. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack, contradicting reports that it was carried out with a drone boat. The US military confirmed the attack on the vessel, which was en route to Egypt from Malaysia.
Vladimir Putin’s hybrid war opens a second front on NATO’s eastern border
Several masked men removed navigational aids on the Narva River, separating Estonia from Russia, signaling Russia's intent to provoke and destabilize Baltic states. These acts, seen as part of a hybrid war, include airspace violations, GPS interference, and recruiting criminals for sabotage. The region is increasingly a second front in the West's conflict with Moscow. Neighboring countries are reinforcing borders and seeking NATO's attention, as Russia's actions aim to spread fear and division, utilizing disinformation and migrant crises.
Global traders flood American markets in search for safety
International investors are flooding American markets with $30 billion in stock funds, mainly targeting US tech shares. The S&P 500 and long-dated Treasuries are outperforming global markets amid economic and political uncertainties.
US Navy faces its most intense combat since World War II against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels
The US Navy is engaged in intense combat with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, marking its most significant sea battle since World War II. The conflict, overshadowed by other regional wars, involves daily attacks on commercial vessels and warships in vital waterways. The Houthis' arsenal has evolved from rifles to drones and missiles, posing a serious threat. Despite risks at sea and in the air, the Navy remains vigilant, facing a determined adversary in a complex and challenging conflict.
Modi 3.0 in action: NDA's 100-day dash unveiled with key ministry moves
With the National Democratic Alliance assuming power, all Union ministries are set to launch their 100-day plans. ET provides a snapshot of the key government initiatives and actions planned for the next three months.
ECB cuts rates, keeps next move under wraps
The European Central Bank cut interest rates for the first time in five years, lowering the deposit rate to 3.75%. The move came in response to inflation uncertainty following a slowdown. This move is seen as the start of an easing cycle, but future cuts may be delayed due to price and wage pressures. ECB remains data-dependent and may wait until September for further action. Fed's stance may impact ECB's decisions.
Yemen's Huthis attack Greek, US ships: CENTCOM
Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have resumed attacks on Red Sea shipping, targeting a Greek commercial vessel and other ships in recent incidents. The rebels launched missiles and drones at the ships, including a Maltese-flagged vessel, MV Cyclades, and two US vessels. The attacks, part of a series of incidents since November, have raised concerns about the safety of shipping routes in the region. The Huthis claim solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict and vow to continue attacks until Israel stops its actions in Gaza.
Ukraine's farm minister is the latest corruption suspect as Kyiv aims to undo recent Russian gains
Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau suspects Solskyi headed an organized crime group that between 2017 and 2021 unlawfully obtained land worth 291 million hryvnias ($6.85 million) and attempted to obtain other land worth 190 million hryvnias ($4.47 million).
Ukraine gets a big boost of US aid. It still faces a long slog to repel Russia
The US House of Representatives approved the package on Saturday after months of delays by some Republicans wary of US involvement overseas. It was passed by the Senate on Tuesday, and President Joe Biden said he would sign it Wednesday.
US aid could buy Kyiv time, but Ukraine needs many more troops
Ukrainian artillery gunners near Kupiansk are hopeful about the imminent U.S. aid package, seen as a crucial lifeline in their battle against Russian forces. The $61 billion aid is expected to replenish Ukraine's low stocks of artillery shells and air defenses. While the aid is anticipated to boost Ukraine's defense capabilities, challenges remain, including manpower shortages and questions about fortifications. The aid's impact may take time, with analysts suggesting a possible improvement in Ukraine's situation from autumn onwards.
China helping Russia expand its defence base amid Ukraine conflict: Report
Amid the conflict in Ukraine, China is reportedly providing significant support to Russia's defense industry, helping Moscow undertake its most ambitious military manufacturing expansion since the Soviet era. This support includes the production of drones and the supply of materials critical for Russia's defense production cycle, filling gaps caused by US sanctions and export controls. The deepening China-Russia partnership extends to various areas, including microelectronics, artillery munitions, and satellite capabilities. Despite efforts by the US to persuade China to stop supporting Russia, the support continues, posing challenges for Ukraine and its allies.
NATO weighs a plan to provide long-term military help to Ukraine as Russian troops assert control
NATO is considering a plan to provide more stable military support to Ukraine amid Russian advances on the battlefield. The proposal aims to reduce reliance on short-term offers and increase long-term commitments. This plan would involve NATO coordinating the efforts of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which gathers countries to provide weapons and ammunition. While NATO would not directly supply weapons, it would provide an institutional framework to support Ukraine. The plan is expected to be endorsed at a summit in July, potentially involving up to USD 100 billion in support.
Poland told allies in advance about dismissal of Eurocorps commander, minister says
Poland informed its NATO allies well in advance about the dismissal of Lieutenant General Jaroslaw Gromadzinski as commander of Eurocorps due to a security matter. The decision followed an investigation by Poland's counterintelligence service into Gromadzinski's security clearance. Poland's Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that there is no concern among allies regarding this matter, emphasizing that it is Poland's internal decision. The new commander of Eurocorps will be Lieutenant General Piotr Blazeusz, the first deputy chief of the General Staff of the Polish Army.
The new AI disruption tool: Devin(e) or Devil for software engineers?
After ChatGPT made waves all over the world for its surprising generative AI capacity, a US-based company called Cognition has announced the launch of a new AI tool called Devin which it claims to be the world's first fully autonomous AI software engineer which can write code with command prompts.
Israel launches another raid on Gaza's main hospital as UN says 'famine is imminent' in north
Israeli forces raid Gaza hospital, U.N. warns of famine. Cease-fire talks ongoing. Northern Gaza in humanitarian crisis. Oxfam criticizes aid distribution issues. Hostilities continue in war-torn region, worsening the situation.
UN agency says 'famine is imminent' in northern Gaza, which Israel has largely isolated for months
The World Food Program on Monday released the latest findings of its Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, an international process for estimating the scale of hunger crises.
Red Sea ballistic missile attacks trigger Asian interest in defences
The use of anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) in the Red Sea has piqued Asian interest in defense systems to counter them, experts and industry officials report. Despite the challenges posed by China's substantial ASBM arsenal, recent U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) releases highlight 48 ASBMs and 12 interceptions in the Red Sea since November. This has led to increased demand in Asia for integrated air and missile defense systems, including sensors, weapons, and command-and-control systems. However, challenges remain, particularly in countering small, "low-end" threats like drones, which have been used alongside ASBMs in the Red Sea.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy takes command of country's armed forces amid escalating military tensions
President Volodymyr Zelensky has replaced General Valerii Zaluzhnyi as the head of Ukraine's armed forces, marking a significant shift in the country's military leadership amid ongoing tensions with Russia
German air defence frigate leaves port to join EU Red Sea mission
Germany's air defense frigate joins an EU mission in the Red Sea to protect merchant ships from Houthi militia attacks. The mission aims to safeguard vital trade routes amid disruptions caused by the conflict in Yemen. The EU initiative, named Aspides, involves multiple countries but refrains from direct strikes on Houthi forces. The German frigate Hesse enhances air defense capabilities, awaiting EU mandate and parliamentary approval for full participation.
Will Yemen air strikes stop the Red Sea attacks?
US and British strikes on rebel-held Yemen on Friday marked a sharp escalation after weeks of attacks on Red Sea shipping by the Iran-backed Huthi insurgents. "It seems very likely that the Huthis will continue attacking ships with whatever capabilities they have left.
Five US troops die in training air crash in eastern Mediterranean
Five American service members were killed when a military aircraft crashed into the Mediterranean during a training exercise, the US European Command (EUCOM) said Sunday. "During a routine air refueling mission as part of military training, a US military aircraft carrying five service members suffered a mishap and crashed into the Mediterranean Sea.
What you need to know about Hezbollah, the group backing Hamas against Israel
Lebanon's Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has engaged in a deadly exchange of fire with Israel, escalating tensions in the region. Hezbollah, a Shi'ite Islamist group, has a powerful military with advanced weapons and has played a role in conflicts in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. It has deep ties to Palestinian groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon is controversial, with supporters viewing it as a defender against Israel, while opponents accuse it of undermining the state. Western countries, including the US, consider Hezbollah a terrorist organization.
Armenia holds drills with US amid rift with Russia
The exercises come amid mounting frustration in Armenia over what it sees as Russia's failure to act as a security guarantor amid mounting tensions with its historic rival Azerbaijan. "Exercise Eagle Partner's opening ceremony has kicked off," the US Army's Europe and Africa spokesperson told AFP. Armenia's defence ministry said the exercises aimed to "increase the level of interoperability" with US forces in international peacekeeping missions.
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