FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks were discussed.

The talks also included further developments on the ongoing investigations in the United States over the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, and probe around cyber-terror and cyber-crimes of various kinds.

NIA said that during the discussion, Gupta underlined the active nexus between the terrorist organisations and terrorist elements with the members of "Organised Criminal Syndicates which was spreading to the United States as well".

Over this nexus, Wray said that "a blending of lines between terrorists and criminals was now visible in cyberspace as well. Terror incidents like 9/11 and the Mumbai attacks have changed the way in which nations respond to terror threats," according to a statement released by NIA.

The NIA DG also raised concerns about how the threats in the cyber domain were on the rise and the ways in which digital space was being extensively exploited by the extremists in order to propagate radical views across the globe.

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FBI Director Wray Visits NIA HQrs, Holds Extensive Deliberations with NIA DG <a href="https://t.co/BCkMxZWxDD">pic.twitter.com/BCkMxZWxDD</a>
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He further highlighted that the Indian agency had also spotted the use of cryptocurrency for the purpose of terror financing.

"The two sides noted that with the advent of newer technologies at a fast pace, tracing, tracking and investigating crypto transactions is turning out to be a huge challenge. Both the agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, terror-related crimes, cyber-enabled terror attacks, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational terror crimes," NIA said in an official press statement.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-director-meets-cbi-chief-amid-us-allegations-against-india-over-alleged-pannun-murder-plot-668688">FBI director meets CBI chief amid US allegations against India over alleged Pannun 'murder plot'&nbsp;</a>

Wray also informed the NIA that the FBI was aggressively investigating the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco.

<h2>FBI Director, Delhi Police Chief emphasise need to intercept criminals finding shelter across border</h2>

Wray, who is on his two-day visit to India, also met the Delhi Police chief where both agencies highlighted the threat posed by criminals who operate across borders while also stressing the need to thwart these individuals from finding shelter in different countries.

The discussions also touched upon closer cooperation from both ends to combat transnational cybercrimes, improve access to encrypted communication applications, and the imperative to share information.&nbsp;

The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks were discussed.

FBI Director Christopher Wray on Tuesday (Dec 12) visited the NIA headquarters where he met with the counter-terrorism law enforcement agency's Director General Dinkar Gupta and issues related to acts and activities of terrorist-organised criminal networks were discussed. The talks also included further developments on the ongoing investigations in the United States over the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, and probe around cyber-terror and cyber-crimes of various kinds. NIA said that during the discussion, Gupta underlined the active nexus between the terrorist organisations and terrorist elements with the members of "Organised Criminal Syndicates which was spreading to the United States as well". Over this nexus, Wray said that "a blending of lines between terrorists and criminals was now visible in cyberspace as well. Terror incidents like 9/11 and the Mumbai attacks have changed the way in which nations respond to terror threats," according to a statement released by NIA. The NIA DG also raised concerns about how the threats in the cyber domain were on the rise and the ways in which digital space was being extensively exploited by the extremists in order to propagate radical views across the globe. FBI Director Wray Visits NIA HQrs, Holds Extensive Deliberations with NIA DG pic.twitter.com/BCkMxZWxDD — NIA India (@NIA_India) December 12, 2023 × He further highlighted that the Indian agency had also spotted the use of cryptocurrency for the purpose of terror financing. "The two sides noted that with the advent of newer technologies at a fast pace, tracing, tracking and investigating crypto transactions is turning out to be a huge challenge. Both the agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, terror-related crimes, cyber-enabled terror attacks, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational terror crimes," NIA said in an official press statement. Also read: FBI director meets CBI chief amid US allegations against India over alleged Pannun 'murder plot' Wray also informed the NIA that the FBI was aggressively investigating the attack on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. FBI Director, Delhi Police Chief emphasise need to intercept criminals finding shelter across border Wray, who is on his two-day visit to India, also met the Delhi Police chief where both agencies highlighted the threat posed by criminals who operate across borders while also stressing the need to thwart these individuals from finding shelter in different countries. The discussions also touched upon closer cooperation from both ends to combat transnational cybercrimes, improve access to encrypted communication applications, and the imperative to share information. The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI 'aggressively investigating' attack on Indian Consulate in San Francisco: Director Wray

India's Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement in the Lok Sabha rectifying the response given to a question raised last week on the designation of Hamas.

"I rise to lay a statement correcting the reply given on December 8, 2023, to unstarred question number 980 by Kumbakudi Sudhakaran, MP, regarding the declaration of Hamas as a terrorist organisation," Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said in the House.

The correction was made after Minister of State Meenakshi Lekhi, took to her official X account and wrote in a posting clarifying that she had not signed any paper with the question related to the declaration of Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

"You have been misinformed as I have not signed any paper with this question and this answer," Lekhi stated on X in reply to a post citing the report.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday (Dec 9) said that the answer needs a technical correction.

'"We have noted that Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 980 answered on 8 December 2023 needs a technical correction in terms of reflecting Shri V. Muraleedharan as the Minister of State replying to the Parliament Question. This is being suitably undertaken," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

Lekhi, in a press conference later that day, denied signing any such paper and said that she had asked for an inquiry into the matter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-top-court-approves-modi-govts-2019-move-that-stripped-jammu-and-kashmir-of-its-special-status-668426">India: SC approves Modi govt's 2019 move that stripped J&amp;K's special status</a>

"I would like to clarify that I have not signed any paper regarding that question. I have tagged PMO and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding the breach. I have also called the Foreign Secretary and asked for an investigation and action should be taken against those responsible," the MoS stated.

She added, "It has to be found out who committed this from the MEA without the signature of the concerned minister. I hope that there will be a prompt inquiry into the matter."

Congress MP K Sudhakaran had raised a question asking if the government had proposed a plan to declare Hamas as a terrorist organisation or if the government of Israel had raised a demand asking the same.

"Designation of an organisation as terrorist is covered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and declaring any organisation as terrorist is considered as per the provisions of the Act by the relevant government departments," the government said in a reply.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement in the Lok Sabha rectifying the response given to a question raised last week on the designation of Hamas.

India's Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement in the Lok Sabha rectifying the response given to a question raised last week on the designation of Hamas. "I rise to lay a statement correcting the reply given on December 8, 2023, to unstarred question number 980 by Kumbakudi Sudhakaran, MP, regarding the declaration of Hamas as a terrorist organisation," Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said in the House. The correction was made after Minister of State Meenakshi Lekhi, took to her official X account and wrote in a posting clarifying that she had not signed any paper with the question related to the declaration of Hamas as a terrorist organisation. "You have been misinformed as I have not signed any paper with this question and this answer," Lekhi stated on X in reply to a post citing the report. The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday (Dec 9) said that the answer needs a technical correction. '"We have noted that Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 980 answered on 8 December 2023 needs a technical correction in terms of reflecting Shri V. Muraleedharan as the Minister of State replying to the Parliament Question. This is being suitably undertaken," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. Lekhi, in a press conference later that day, denied signing any such paper and said that she had asked for an inquiry into the matter. Also read: India: SC approves Modi govt's 2019 move that stripped J&K's special status "I would like to clarify that I have not signed any paper regarding that question. I have tagged PMO and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding the breach. I have also called the Foreign Secretary and asked for an investigation and action should be taken against those responsible," the MoS stated. She added, "It has to be found out who committed this from the MEA without the signature of the concerned minister. I hope that there will be a prompt inquiry into the matter." Congress MP K Sudhakaran had raised a question asking if the government had proposed a plan to declare Hamas as a terrorist organisation or if the government of Israel had raised a demand asking the same. "Designation of an organisation as terrorist is covered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and declaring any organisation as terrorist is considered as per the provisions of the Act by the relevant government departments," the government said in a reply. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian government 'corrects reply' in Lok Sabha on question concerning designation of Hamas

FBI Director Christopher Wray met CBI Director Praveen Sood in India's capital New Delhi on Monday (Dec 11) where ways to achieve greater cooperation in cyber-related financial crimes along with other topics were discussed, news agency PTI reported citing officials.

Wray and other senior officials reached the agency headquarters in the afternoon for the meeting.

The FBI Director, during his two-day visit to India, is set to meet top officials of Indian security and law enforcement establishments, the officials said.

He arrived in New Delhi on Sunday evening (Dec 10).

Wray and Sood, during their meeting, discussed issues related to the exchange of information on cybercrime cases, narcotics, pending judicial requests and extradition of wanted criminals, people familiar with the matter said.

"Both agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, cyber-enabled financial crimes, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational crimes," CBI said in an official press statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-strategic-partner-but-ones-behind-assassination-plot-should-be-held-accountable-white-house-667394">India a strategic partner but those behind Pannun 'murder plot' should be held accountable: White House</a>

The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil.

The US Ambassador, Eric Garcetti during a panel discussion at the Carnegie 'Global Technology Summit', had made a mention of the FBI director's visit to India.

He said that India was "the number one country she (US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen) went to outside the United States, four times this year. The Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) just came here for the third time. Secretary of Defence (Lloyd Austin) for the second time. The FBI director is here next week."

Earlier, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on being asked about Wray's visit to India, said that it was a part of the overall bilateral cooperation in areas of cyber security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics.

"As you're aware, we have robust security, cyber-security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics cooperation with the US agencies. We are also engaged in capacity-building programmes. So as part of this ongoing bilateral cooperation, a visit By the FBI director is in the works," he had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

FBI Director Christopher Wray met CBI Director Praveen Sood in India's capital New Delhi on Monday (Dec 11) where ways to achieve greater cooperation in cyber-related financial crimes along with other topics were discussed, news agency PTI reported citing officials.

FBI Director Christopher Wray met CBI Director Praveen Sood in India's capital New Delhi on Monday (Dec 11) where ways to achieve greater cooperation in cyber-related financial crimes along with other topics were discussed, news agency PTI reported citing officials. Wray and other senior officials reached the agency headquarters in the afternoon for the meeting. The FBI Director, during his two-day visit to India, is set to meet top officials of Indian security and law enforcement establishments, the officials said. He arrived in New Delhi on Sunday evening (Dec 10). Wray and Sood, during their meeting, discussed issues related to the exchange of information on cybercrime cases, narcotics, pending judicial requests and extradition of wanted criminals, people familiar with the matter said. "Both agencies recognised the challenges posed by organised crime networks, cyber-enabled financial crimes, ransomware threats, economic crimes and transnational crimes," CBI said in an official press statement. Also read: India a strategic partner but those behind Pannun 'murder plot' should be held accountable: White House The high-profile visit comes against the backdrop of allegations by Washington over India's alleged connection to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil. The US Ambassador, Eric Garcetti during a panel discussion at the Carnegie 'Global Technology Summit', had made a mention of the FBI director's visit to India. He said that India was "the number one country she (US Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen) went to outside the United States, four times this year. The Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) just came here for the third time. Secretary of Defence (Lloyd Austin) for the second time. The FBI director is here next week." Earlier, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on being asked about Wray's visit to India, said that it was a part of the overall bilateral cooperation in areas of cyber security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. "As you're aware, we have robust security, cyber-security, counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics cooperation with the US agencies. We are also engaged in capacity-building programmes. So as part of this ongoing bilateral cooperation, a visit By the FBI director is in the works," he had said. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI director meets CBI chief amid US allegations against India over alleged Pannun 'murder plot'

Alexey Navalny's lawyers on Monday (Dec 11) said that they had lost all contact with the imprisoned Russian opposition leader and his whereabouts are unknown.

Navalny's lawyers made several attempts to get access to two penal colonies near Moscow where he was believed to be but they were informed that the 47-year-old was neither at IK-6 nor at IK-7.

Spokesperson Kira Yarmysh took to social media platform X and said, "Today, as on Friday, the lawyers tried to get to IK-6 and IK-7 — &nbsp;two colonies in the Vladimir region where Alexey Navalny might be. They have just been informed simultaneously in both colonies that he is not there. We still don't know where Alexey is."

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Today, as on Friday, the lawyers tried to get to IK-6 and IK-7 — two colonies in the Vladimir region where Alexey <a href="https://twitter.com/navalny?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@navalny</a> might be. They have just been informed simultaneously in both colonies that he is not there. 
 
We still don't know where Alexey is.
— Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kira_Yarmysh/status/1734206839581995171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Yarmysh said staff at the IK-6 facility in Melekhovo, 235 km (145 miles) east of Moscow, had told his lawyer waiting outside that the opposition leader was no longer among its inmates.

"Where they have taken him, they refuse to say," she said on social media platform X.

<h2>Navalny's disappearance '0% coincidence, 100% direct political control,' says&nbsp;aide Volkov</h2>

Navalny aide Leonid Volkov in a posting on X said that the timing was "0% coincidence and 100% direct manual political control from the Kremlin."

He added: "It is no secret to Putin who his main opponent is in these 'elections'. And he wants to make sure that Navalny’s voice is not heard."

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Судя по всему, Алексея Навального нет во Владимирской области (с поправкой на то, что верить ФСИН на слово безоговорочно не стоит). 
Это значит, что он может быть где угодно. 
Что хуже всего — может несколько недель быть на этапе. 
Разумеется, то, что это происходит именно сейчас…
— Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) <a href="https://twitter.com/leonidvolkov/status/1734212927639416877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Navalny was charged by Russian prosecutors under article 214 of the Kremlin's penal code, to which he had responded by saying, “I don’t even know whether to describe my latest news as sad, funny or absurd.”

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-hold-presidential-vote-in-four-occupied-ukrainian-regions-668598">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-hold-presidential-vote-in-four-occupied-ukrainian-regions-668598">Russia to hold presidential vote in four occupied Ukrainian regions</a>

He said that his charges were part of the Kremlin's desire to initiate a new criminal case against him every three months. Never before has a convict in solitary confinement for more than a year had such a rich social and political life, he added.

Alexei Navalny, 47, who is one of the most ardent opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for campaigning against official corruption and organizing major anti-Kremlin protests, was arrested in 2021 after he returned to Russia from Germany.&nbsp;

Since then, he has been handed three prison terms.

In August, the Kremlin critic was given an extra 19 years in prison in addition to a sentence of 11.5 years he had been already serving. His political movement has been outlawed and declared "extremist."

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Alexey Navalny's lawyers on Monday (Dec 11) said that they had lost all contact with the imprisoned Russian opposition leader and his whereabouts are unknown. Navalny's lawyers made several attempts to get access to two penal colonies near Moscow where he was believed to be but they were informed that the 47-year-old was neither at IK-6 nor at IK-7.

Alexey Navalny's lawyers on Monday (Dec 11) said that they had lost all contact with the imprisoned Russian opposition leader and his whereabouts are unknown. Navalny's lawyers made several attempts to get access to two penal colonies near Moscow where he was believed to be but they were informed that the 47-year-old was neither at IK-6 nor at IK-7. Spokesperson Kira Yarmysh took to social media platform X and said, "Today, as on Friday, the lawyers tried to get to IK-6 and IK-7 — two colonies in the Vladimir region where Alexey Navalny might be. They have just been informed simultaneously in both colonies that he is not there. We still don't know where Alexey is." Today, as on Friday, the lawyers tried to get to IK-6 and IK-7 — two colonies in the Vladimir region where Alexey @navalny might be. They have just been informed simultaneously in both colonies that he is not there. We still don't know where Alexey is. — Кира Ярмыш (@Kira_Yarmysh) December 11, 2023 × Yarmysh said staff at the IK-6 facility in Melekhovo, 235 km (145 miles) east of Moscow, had told his lawyer waiting outside that the opposition leader was no longer among its inmates. "Where they have taken him, they refuse to say," she said on social media platform X. Navalny's disappearance '0% coincidence, 100% direct political control,' says aide Volkov Navalny aide Leonid Volkov in a posting on X said that the timing was "0% coincidence and 100% direct manual political control from the Kremlin." He added: "It is no secret to Putin who his main opponent is in these 'elections'. And he wants to make sure that Navalny’s voice is not heard." Судя по всему, Алексея Навального нет во Владимирской области (с поправкой на то, что верить ФСИН на слово безоговорочно не стоит). Это значит, что он может быть где угодно. Что хуже всего — может несколько недель быть на этапе. Разумеется, то, что это происходит именно сейчас… — Leonid Volkov (@leonidvolkov) December 11, 2023 × Earlier this month, Navalny was charged by Russian prosecutors under article 214 of the Kremlin's penal code, to which he had responded by saying, “I don’t even know whether to describe my latest news as sad, funny or absurd.” Also read: Russia to hold presidential vote in four occupied Ukrainian regions He said that his charges were part of the Kremlin's desire to initiate a new criminal case against him every three months. Never before has a convict in solitary confinement for more than a year had such a rich social and political life, he added. Alexei Navalny, 47, who is one of the most ardent opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for campaigning against official corruption and organizing major anti-Kremlin protests, was arrested in 2021 after he returned to Russia from Germany. Since then, he has been handed three prison terms. In August, the Kremlin critic was given an extra 19 years in prison in addition to a sentence of 11.5 years he had been already serving. His political movement has been outlawed and declared "extremist." (With inputs from agencies)

Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny goes missing from prison: Lawyers

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday sprang a surprise and announced the name of three-time Ujjain South MLA Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister of the central Indian state Madhya Pradesh, bringing an end to the tenure of Shivraj Singh Chouhan who led the election campaign of the party that won 163 seats in the recent assembly elections, while defying all concerns of anti-incumbency. 
 
The party also announced that Jagdish Devda and Rajendra Shukla will be the two Deputy CMs in the state.

Yadav was a cabinet minister in the the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. He became MLA for the first time from Ujjain South seat in 2013. In the 2018 assembly elections, he was again elected from the same seat. 
 
“I am a small worker of the party. I thank all of you, the state leadership and the central leadership. With your love and support, I will try to fulfil my responsibilities," Yadav said after the announcement.

Meanwhile, the BJP&nbsp;further announced that&nbsp;former Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar will be the speaker of the house in MP.&nbsp;

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had clinched a massive victory in Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. The results came out in favour of the BJP despite exit polls predicting a tight race.&nbsp;

The BJP won 163&nbsp;seats which was more than double the number of seats of Congress.

The ruling party won the recent assembly polls in MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

On Sunday, BJP had announced Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, as the new chief minister of Chhattisgarh.&nbsp; 
 
The CM of Rajasthan is likely to be announced on Tuesday after a meeting of the new legislators amid the presence of central observers of the party. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday sprang a surprise and announced the name of three-time Ujjain South MLA Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister of the central Indian state Madhya Pradesh, bringing an end to the tenure of Shivraj Singh Chouhan who led the election campaign of the party that won 163 seats in the recent assembly elections, while defying all concerns of anti-incumbency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday sprang a surprise and announced the name of three-time Ujjain South MLA Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister of the central Indian state Madhya Pradesh, bringing an end to the tenure of Shivraj Singh Chouhan who led the election campaign of the party that won 163 seats in the recent assembly elections, while defying all concerns of anti-incumbency. The party also announced that Jagdish Devda and Rajendra Shukla will be the two Deputy CMs in the state. Yadav was a cabinet minister in the the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government. He became MLA for the first time from Ujjain South seat in 2013. In the 2018 assembly elections, he was again elected from the same seat. “I am a small worker of the party. I thank all of you, the state leadership and the central leadership. With your love and support, I will try to fulfil my responsibilities," Yadav said after the announcement. Meanwhile, the BJP further announced that former Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar will be the speaker of the house in MP. India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had clinched a massive victory in Madhya Pradesh Assembly election. The results came out in favour of the BJP despite exit polls predicting a tight race. The BJP won 163 seats which was more than double the number of seats of Congress. The ruling party won the recent assembly polls in MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. On Sunday, BJP had announced Vishnu Deo Sai, a tribal leader, as the new chief minister of Chhattisgarh. The CM of Rajasthan is likely to be announced on Tuesday after a meeting of the new legislators amid the presence of central observers of the party. (With inputs from agencies)

India: BJP appoints Mohan Yadav as the new chief minister of Madhya Pradesh

The U.N. human rights chief urged countries on Monday to work together to defeat threats such as war and pollution at an event to mark 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that risks being overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Ministers, diplomats and activists attended the Geneva event where Volker Turk invoked the spirit in which the newly-formed United Nations adopted the declaration in December 1948, in response to what the document calls "barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind".

"I view today's event as a call to hope, and a call to action," said Turk, an Austrian, who said the declaration had inspired successes such as the end of racial segregation in the United States and apartheid in South Africa.

"At a time of so little solidarity, and so much divisive and short-sighted vision, I view it as a call to overcome polarisation."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-leader-alexey-navalny-goes-missing-from-prison-668638">Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny goes missing from prison</a>

But he also lamented failures in the struggle, such as war, referring to "millions of people suffering unbearably in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, notably in Gaza, and Israel" as well as famine, discrimination, repression and pollution.

Never before in the period after World War Two has the world seen so many conflicts, with 55 now active, including a war between rival military factions in Sudan and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations said.

In communications about the two-day event, Turk's office has avoided the word "celebrate" in referring to the anniversary, preferring instead the term "mark".

Other U.N. officials were more downbeat than Turk.

Lynn Hastings, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said human rights were under assault more than two months after Hamas' deadly cross-border attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, followed by a retaliatory Israeli bombing campaign.

"In 2023, I should not have to issue such a statement," she said. "It is as if we have learned nothing in the past 75 years."

The U.N. human rights chief urged countries on Monday to work together to defeat threats such as war and pollution at an event to mark 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that risks being overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The U.N. human rights chief urged countries on Monday to work together to defeat threats such as war and pollution at an event to mark 75 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that risks being overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Ministers, diplomats and activists attended the Geneva event where Volker Turk invoked the spirit in which the newly-formed United Nations adopted the declaration in December 1948, in response to what the document calls "barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind". "I view today's event as a call to hope, and a call to action," said Turk, an Austrian, who said the declaration had inspired successes such as the end of racial segregation in the United States and apartheid in South Africa. "At a time of so little solidarity, and so much divisive and short-sighted vision, I view it as a call to overcome polarisation." Also read: Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny goes missing from prison But he also lamented failures in the struggle, such as war, referring to "millions of people suffering unbearably in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, notably in Gaza, and Israel" as well as famine, discrimination, repression and pollution. Never before in the period after World War Two has the world seen so many conflicts, with 55 now active, including a war between rival military factions in Sudan and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the United Nations said. In communications about the two-day event, Turk's office has avoided the word "celebrate" in referring to the anniversary, preferring instead the term "mark". Other U.N. officials were more downbeat than Turk. Lynn Hastings, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said human rights were under assault more than two months after Hamas' deadly cross-border attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, followed by a retaliatory Israeli bombing campaign. "In 2023, I should not have to issue such a statement," she said. "It is as if we have learned nothing in the past 75 years."

UN marks 75 years of human rights declaration in shadow of Gaza war

The voting for Russian presidential elections, which is scheduled to be held in March 2024, is set to be conducted also in the four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed last year, Moscow said in a statement on Monday (Dec 11).

The Central Elections Commission said that the voting in March would be given a go-ahead in Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, the Ukrainian regions where Russia still doesn't have complete military control.

"The decision was adopted unanimously," commission vice-president Nikolay Bulayev said, according to the state-run news agency TASS.

The elections are set to be conducted over three days from March 15 to 17.

Earlier, Ukraine had urged the international community to "resolutely condemn Russia's intention to hold presidential elections in the occupied Ukrainian territories".

Kyiv had also called on the West to sanction individuals responsible.

Russia had previously also conducted elections in occupied regions of Ukraine. The polling was condemned by Kyiv and the West and was dubbed as null and void.

In the month of September, Moscow had also held ballots for local officials in the four Ukrainian regions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-injured-after-russian-strike-on-kyiv-biden-to-host-zelensky-at-white-house-amid-deadlock-on-aid-668361">At least 4 injured after airstrike on Kyiv; Biden to host Zelensky at W. House</a>

A year earlier, it had held a "referendum" to annex the territories.&nbsp;

Both the votes were denounced by Kyiv and the West.

<h2>Putin to run again in presidential polls</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to take part in the upcoming presidential vote, giving him a chance to extend his decades-long grip on power.&nbsp;

As per state-run news agencies, Putin told Lieutenant Colonel Artyom Zhoga, a Russian military officer, about this decision following an awards ceremony for army personnel at the Kremlin.&nbsp;

This came after Russian lawmakers on Thursday moved Putin a step closer to a fifth term in office by setting the date of the country's 2024 presidential election for March 17, which was voted unanimously by the members of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly.&nbsp;

Valentina Matviyenko, the head of the chamber, had said "With this decision, we are effectively launching the start of the election campaign."&nbsp;

She said, "By choosing a head of state together, we fully share the common responsibility and common destiny of our fatherland."&nbsp;

Even though five major parties have been allowed to submit a candidate for the vote, Putin is likely to win the elections as most of his critics, who could challenge him, are either in jail or in exile.

(With inputs from agencies)

The voting for Russian presidential elections, which is scheduled to be held in March 2024, is set to be conducted also in the four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed last year, Moscow said in a statement on Monday (Dec 11).

The voting for Russian presidential elections, which is scheduled to be held in March 2024, is set to be conducted also in the four Ukrainian regions that Russia claims to have annexed last year, Moscow said in a statement on Monday (Dec 11). The Central Elections Commission said that the voting in March would be given a go-ahead in Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, the Ukrainian regions where Russia still doesn't have complete military control. "The decision was adopted unanimously," commission vice-president Nikolay Bulayev said, according to the state-run news agency TASS. The elections are set to be conducted over three days from March 15 to 17. Earlier, Ukraine had urged the international community to "resolutely condemn Russia's intention to hold presidential elections in the occupied Ukrainian territories". Kyiv had also called on the West to sanction individuals responsible. Russia had previously also conducted elections in occupied regions of Ukraine. The polling was condemned by Kyiv and the West and was dubbed as null and void. In the month of September, Moscow had also held ballots for local officials in the four Ukrainian regions. Also read: At least 4 injured after airstrike on Kyiv; Biden to host Zelensky at W. House A year earlier, it had held a "referendum" to annex the territories. Both the votes were denounced by Kyiv and the West. Putin to run again in presidential polls Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to take part in the upcoming presidential vote, giving him a chance to extend his decades-long grip on power. As per state-run news agencies, Putin told Lieutenant Colonel Artyom Zhoga, a Russian military officer, about this decision following an awards ceremony for army personnel at the Kremlin. This came after Russian lawmakers on Thursday moved Putin a step closer to a fifth term in office by setting the date of the country's 2024 presidential election for March 17, which was voted unanimously by the members of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly. Valentina Matviyenko, the head of the chamber, had said "With this decision, we are effectively launching the start of the election campaign." She said, "By choosing a head of state together, we fully share the common responsibility and common destiny of our fatherland." Even though five major parties have been allowed to submit a candidate for the vote, Putin is likely to win the elections as most of his critics, who could challenge him, are either in jail or in exile. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to hold presidential vote in four occupied Ukrainian regions

China's TikTok has agreed to spend $840 million to buy most of Indonesian tech conglomerate GoTo's e-commerce unit – a move that appears to allow it to restart its online shopping business in Southeast Asia's largest economy.

It also said it will invest further in the business, Tokopedia, which is Indonesia's biggest e-commerce platform, for a total outlay of $1.5 billion.

TikTok had been forced to close its relatively new e-commerce service, TikTok Shop, in Indonesia after the country banned online shopping on social media platforms in September, citing the need to protect smaller merchants and users' data.

The new partnership will commence with a pilot period carried out in close consultation with and supervision by relevant regulators, the companies said in a joint statement.

"We are creating an Indonesian e-commerce champion, combining Tokopedia's strong local presence with TikTok's mass market reach and technological prowess," GoTo CEO Patrick Walujo said in a statement.

"GoTo now sits on a much stronger foundation and we expect this partnership to bring many benefits not just for e-commerce, but for our on-demand services and fintech businesses as well," he said.

GoTo's businesses include ride-hailing, delivery and financial services.

Under the deal, TikTok, which is owned by China's ByteDance, will buy 75.01% of Tokopedia and inject TikTok Shop's Indonesia business into the enlarged Tokopedia entity.

Officials at Indonesia's trade ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Many of Indonesia's more than 270 million people are active social media users and TikTok has been looking to translate its 125 million user base there into a significant source of e-commerce revenue.

TikTok Shop is currently available in only a few countries including the United States, Britain and Singapore, according to its website.

The deal will be concluded by the first quarter of 2024 and Tokopedia will receive a $1 billion promissory note from TikTok that can be used to fund working capital needs, the companies said.

Tokopedia competes with Shopee owned by Singapore-headquartered Sea and Lazada owned by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba.

It saw half-year gross revenue climb 14% to 4.5 trillion rupiah ($288 million) in August while its underlying loss narrowed sharply to 752 billion rupiah from 3.7 trillion rupiah a year ago.

Shares in GoTo, however, tumbled 13% on Monday - their biggest percentage decline in six months - as some investors took profits after the stock had rallied on expectations of a deal with TikTok.

Indonesia's e-commerce industry is set to expand to be worth about $160 billion by 2030 from $62 billion this year, according to a report by Google, Singapore state investor Temasek Holdings and consultancy Bain &amp; Co.

China's TikTok has agreed to spend $840 million to buy most of Indonesian tech conglomerate GoTo's e-commerce unit – a move that appears to allow it to restart its online shopping business in Southeast Asia's largest economy.

China's TikTok has agreed to spend $840 million to buy most of Indonesian tech conglomerate GoTo's e-commerce unit – a move that appears to allow it to restart its online shopping business in Southeast Asia's largest economy. It also said it will invest further in the business, Tokopedia, which is Indonesia's biggest e-commerce platform, for a total outlay of $1.5 billion. TikTok had been forced to close its relatively new e-commerce service, TikTok Shop, in Indonesia after the country banned online shopping on social media platforms in September, citing the need to protect smaller merchants and users' data. The new partnership will commence with a pilot period carried out in close consultation with and supervision by relevant regulators, the companies said in a joint statement. "We are creating an Indonesian e-commerce champion, combining Tokopedia's strong local presence with TikTok's mass market reach and technological prowess," GoTo CEO Patrick Walujo said in a statement. "GoTo now sits on a much stronger foundation and we expect this partnership to bring many benefits not just for e-commerce, but for our on-demand services and fintech businesses as well," he said. GoTo's businesses include ride-hailing, delivery and financial services. Under the deal, TikTok, which is owned by China's ByteDance, will buy 75.01% of Tokopedia and inject TikTok Shop's Indonesia business into the enlarged Tokopedia entity. Officials at Indonesia's trade ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Many of Indonesia's more than 270 million people are active social media users and TikTok has been looking to translate its 125 million user base there into a significant source of e-commerce revenue. TikTok Shop is currently available in only a few countries including the United States, Britain and Singapore, according to its website. The deal will be concluded by the first quarter of 2024 and Tokopedia will receive a $1 billion promissory note from TikTok that can be used to fund working capital needs, the companies said. Tokopedia competes with Shopee owned by Singapore-headquartered Sea and Lazada owned by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. It saw half-year gross revenue climb 14% to 4.5 trillion rupiah ($288 million) in August while its underlying loss narrowed sharply to 752 billion rupiah from 3.7 trillion rupiah a year ago. Shares in GoTo, however, tumbled 13% on Monday - their biggest percentage decline in six months - as some investors took profits after the stock had rallied on expectations of a deal with TikTok. Indonesia's e-commerce industry is set to expand to be worth about $160 billion by 2030 from $62 billion this year, according to a report by Google, Singapore state investor Temasek Holdings and consultancy Bain & Co.

TikTok set to restart e-commerce in Indonesia with $1.5 billion Tokopedia investment

The United Nations on Monday (Dec 11) officially concluded its decade-old deployment in Mali, its spokesperson released a statement saying, in a move that Mali's military leaders ordered.&nbsp;

The mission, which was also known as MINUSMA, lowered the United Nations flag on its headquarters in the capital Bamako, its spokesperson Fatoumata Kaba told the news agency AFP.

She further said that this symbolic ceremony marked the end of the mission. However, some elements of it are still there, she added.

A "liquidation phase" is scheduled for Jan 1, 2024, where activities like handing over the remaining equipment to the authorities will occur.

<h2>UN troops' departure won't be delayed: Mali junta</h2>

Earlier, Malian foreign minister Abdoulaye Diop had released a statement saying that the withdrawal of United Nations peacekeepers from northern Mali would not be delayed and would happen on time by December 31.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-injured-after-russian-strike-on-kyiv-biden-to-host-zelensky-at-white-house-amid-deadlock-on-aid-668361">At least 4 injured after airstrike on Kyiv; Biden to host Zelensky at W. House</a>

The UN expressed concerns that its drawdown may get hampered by an uptick in fighting in the northern part of the country.

"Everything must be done to ensure the work of MINUSMA is ended by December 31," Diop had said in a video posted on social media on Saturday evening.

"The government does not foresee any extension of this deadline," he said in the recording of comments he made to a meeting of the diplomatic corps in the capital, Bamako.

Mali's ruling junta took over power in the year 2020 and demanded the departure of the mission in the month of June which has been deployed since 2013.

The withdrawal of the United Nations stabilisation mission, MINUSMA, ignited fears that the fighting between the troops and armed factions would heighten over territorial control.&nbsp;

MINUSMA for a decade had maintained around 15,000 soldiers and police in Mali. The hostile acts had claimed the lives of around 180 members.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PressRelease?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PressRelease</a> - Closure of the MINUSMA camp in Sevare, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mopti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mopti</a> region. 
 
📖👉🏿 <a href="https://t.co/QWZ3HOxNof">https://t.co/QWZ3HOxNof</a>
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&nbsp;

As of Friday, more than 10,500 uniformed and civilian MINUSMA personnel had left Mali, out of a total of around 13,800 staff at the start of the withdrawal, the UN mission said on X.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The United Nations on Monday (Dec 11) officially concluded its decade-old deployment in Mali, its spokesperson released a statement saying, in a move that Mali's military leaders ordered.

The United Nations on Monday (Dec 11) officially concluded its decade-old deployment in Mali, its spokesperson released a statement saying, in a move that Mali's military leaders ordered. The mission, which was also known as MINUSMA, lowered the United Nations flag on its headquarters in the capital Bamako, its spokesperson Fatoumata Kaba told the news agency AFP. She further said that this symbolic ceremony marked the end of the mission. However, some elements of it are still there, she added. A "liquidation phase" is scheduled for Jan 1, 2024, where activities like handing over the remaining equipment to the authorities will occur. UN troops' departure won't be delayed: Mali junta Earlier, Malian foreign minister Abdoulaye Diop had released a statement saying that the withdrawal of United Nations peacekeepers from northern Mali would not be delayed and would happen on time by December 31. Also read: At least 4 injured after airstrike on Kyiv; Biden to host Zelensky at W. House The UN expressed concerns that its drawdown may get hampered by an uptick in fighting in the northern part of the country. "Everything must be done to ensure the work of MINUSMA is ended by December 31," Diop had said in a video posted on social media on Saturday evening. "The government does not foresee any extension of this deadline," he said in the recording of comments he made to a meeting of the diplomatic corps in the capital, Bamako. Mali's ruling junta took over power in the year 2020 and demanded the departure of the mission in the month of June which has been deployed since 2013. The withdrawal of the United Nations stabilisation mission, MINUSMA, ignited fears that the fighting between the troops and armed factions would heighten over territorial control. MINUSMA for a decade had maintained around 15,000 soldiers and police in Mali. The hostile acts had claimed the lives of around 180 members. #PressRelease - Closure of the MINUSMA camp in Sevare, #Mopti region. 📖👉🏿 https://t.co/QWZ3HOxNof — MINUSMA (@UN_MINUSMA) December 9, 2023 × As of Friday, more than 10,500 uniformed and civilian MINUSMA personnel had left Mali, out of a total of around 13,800 staff at the start of the withdrawal, the UN mission said on X. (With inputs from agencies)

UN mission in Mali officially concludes 10-year deployment

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other&nbsp;United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained.&nbsp;

The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months.

"What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. 
 
"Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?"

"The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-will-run-again-in-russian-presidential-elections-next-march-667595">Putin will run again in Russian presidential elections next March</a>

<h2>US defends veto</h2>

The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire.

"This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood.

Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way."

"We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood.

UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas.

"Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council.

Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas."

Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution.

Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally. Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained. The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months. "What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. "Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?" "The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire." Also read: Putin will run again in Russian presidential elections next March US defends veto The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire. "This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood. Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way." "We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood. UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas. "Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council. Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas." Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution. Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people." (With inputs from agencies)

US vetoes UNSC resolution demanding immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, says it would ‘benefit’ Hamas

Several rockets were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad's heavily secured Green Zone early on Friday (Dec 8), the mission said in its statement.

The attack on the embassy is the latest in a spate of such incidents, and comes amid intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

"A multi-rocket attack was launched at US and Coalition forces in the vicinity of Union III and the Baghdad embassy complex" without causing any reported casualties or damage, a US official said.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

The United States directs an international coalition combating jihadists in Iraq and Syria for which its&nbsp;forces have been under repeated&nbsp;attacks.

As per news agency AFP, there were five attempted strikes against the United States and coalition troops on Friday (Dec 8) besides the attack on the embassy in Baghdad.&nbsp;

Rockets were fired twice at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and three bases in Syria were targeted, according to a US military official speaking on condition of anonymity. No casualties or damages were reported from the sites the official further said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-launches-antisemitism-probe-against-elite-universities-as-three-varsity-chiefs-face-backlash-667707">US Congress launches antisemitism probe against elite universities as three varsity chiefs face backlash</a>

<h2>US 'strongly condemns' rocket attacks</h2>

The United States released a statement "strongly" condemning the attacks and called on Iraq to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"The many Iran-aligned militias that operate freely in Iraq threaten the security and stability of Iraq, our personnel, and our partners in the region," spokesman Matthew Miller said in the statement.

The US embassy said "two salvoes of rockets" were launched at the mission compound in Baghdad at around 4:15 am (0115 GMT).

"Indications are the attacks were initiated by Iran-aligned militias," said a US spokesperson.

"The Iraqi government has repeatedly committed to protect diplomatic missions as well as US military personnel, who are present in the country at Iraq's invitation," Miller said.

"This is non-negotiable, as it is our right to self-defence."

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warned that attacks on embassies threatened the country's security and called on its&nbsp;forces to bring the ones responsible to justice.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several rockets were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad's heavily secured Green Zone early on Friday (Dec 8), the mission said in its statement. The attack on the embassy is the latest in a spate of such incidents, and comes amid intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Several rockets were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad's heavily secured Green Zone early on Friday (Dec 8), the mission said in its statement. The attack on the embassy is the latest in a spate of such incidents, and comes amid intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. "A multi-rocket attack was launched at US and Coalition forces in the vicinity of Union III and the Baghdad embassy complex" without causing any reported casualties or damage, a US official said. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The United States directs an international coalition combating jihadists in Iraq and Syria for which its forces have been under repeated attacks. As per news agency AFP, there were five attempted strikes against the United States and coalition troops on Friday (Dec 8) besides the attack on the embassy in Baghdad. Rockets were fired twice at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and three bases in Syria were targeted, according to a US military official speaking on condition of anonymity. No casualties or damages were reported from the sites the official further said. Also read: US Congress launches antisemitism probe against elite universities as three varsity chiefs face backlash US 'strongly condemns' rocket attacks The United States released a statement "strongly" condemning the attacks and called on Iraq to bring the perpetrators to justice. "The many Iran-aligned militias that operate freely in Iraq threaten the security and stability of Iraq, our personnel, and our partners in the region," spokesman Matthew Miller said in the statement. The US embassy said "two salvoes of rockets" were launched at the mission compound in Baghdad at around 4:15 am (0115 GMT). "Indications are the attacks were initiated by Iran-aligned militias," said a US spokesperson. "The Iraqi government has repeatedly committed to protect diplomatic missions as well as US military personnel, who are present in the country at Iraq's invitation," Miller said. "This is non-negotiable, as it is our right to self-defence." Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warned that attacks on embassies threatened the country's security and called on its forces to bring the ones responsible to justice. (With inputs from agencies)

US embassy in Baghdad struck with 7 mortars, Washington blames Iran-aligned militias, demands action

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9).

"If necessary, they will perfectly execute the job of guiding and leading us towards a super strong strike," the anonymous commentary said while defending space development as its right to defend itself.

The satellites will be sported after the Malligyong-1 satellite that Pyongyang launched in the month of November, the move which governments in the United States, South Korea and Japan condemned stating it violated UN&nbsp;Security Council resolutions.

<h2>US, S Korea and Japan security advisors set to discuss North Korea</h2>

The national security advisers of the United States, South Korea and Japan are scheduled to hold a trilateral meeting in Seoul on Saturday (Dec 9) after Pyongyang warned of launching more spy satellites.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-makes-rare-appearance-at-un-defends-spy-satellite-launch-663579">North Korea makes rare appearance at UN, defends spy satellite launch after Kim inspects White House images</a>

US Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell on Thursday said that Washington was to focus more on deterrence while also working with its allies.

"I am worried that North Korea, in the current environment, has decided that they are no longer interested in diplomacy with the United States," Campbell said.

<h2>Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’</h2>

Earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his spy rocket satellite.

The regions included South Korea's capital Seoul and all the other cities that host US military bases.

Kim inspected the shots, along with other imagery captured of some areas within North Korea, during his visit to the control centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) in Pyongyang on Friday (Nov 24), reported state news agency KCNA.

The pictures were taken as the satellite passed over the peninsula on Friday morning, said KCNA, which included captures of Seoul, and Mokpo, Kunsan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, where US and South Korean military bases are located.

"The NATA reported to Kim Jong Un on the plan for photographing the region of South Korean puppets and the additional fine-tuning process of the reconnaissance satellite," the report said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9).

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9). "If necessary, they will perfectly execute the job of guiding and leading us towards a super strong strike," the anonymous commentary said while defending space development as its right to defend itself. The satellites will be sported after the Malligyong-1 satellite that Pyongyang launched in the month of November, the move which governments in the United States, South Korea and Japan condemned stating it violated UN Security Council resolutions. US, S Korea and Japan security advisors set to discuss North Korea The national security advisers of the United States, South Korea and Japan are scheduled to hold a trilateral meeting in Seoul on Saturday (Dec 9) after Pyongyang warned of launching more spy satellites. Also read: North Korea makes rare appearance at UN, defends spy satellite launch after Kim inspects White House images US Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell on Thursday said that Washington was to focus more on deterrence while also working with its allies. "I am worried that North Korea, in the current environment, has decided that they are no longer interested in diplomacy with the United States," Campbell said. Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ Earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his spy rocket satellite. The regions included South Korea's capital Seoul and all the other cities that host US military bases. Kim inspected the shots, along with other imagery captured of some areas within North Korea, during his visit to the control centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) in Pyongyang on Friday (Nov 24), reported state news agency KCNA. The pictures were taken as the satellite passed over the peninsula on Friday morning, said KCNA, which included captures of Seoul, and Mokpo, Kunsan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, where US and South Korean military bases are located. "The NATA reported to Kim Jong Un on the plan for photographing the region of South Korean puppets and the additional fine-tuning process of the reconnaissance satellite," the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon

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