In Pakistan, Former Prime minister Imran Khan slammed the military establishment for not taking any action to stop what he called an international conspiracy that ousted him from power. For more perspective on this, we're joined by Dr. Hamid Khan; Journalist & Strategic Affairs Expert.

Imran Khan vs Army: Pakistan's Military in muddled waters?

In Pakistan, the political drama seems to have become a never-ending saga. Now, former Prime minister Imran Khan slammed the military establishment for not taking any action to stop what he called an international conspiracy that ousted him from power.

Pakistan: Imran Khan blasts Army for his ouster as Prime Minister

Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday batted for the need to do more in terms of different dynamics exhibited on the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and said the armed forces have learnt valuable lessons from 'Operation Snow Leopard' in Ladakh.

He stressed the need for better technologies for guarding the most sensitive operational area falling under Northern Command as it is 'always in combat'.

"The Northern Command exemplifies the notion of 'two-and-a-half front'. It has unique frontiers and varied terrain ranging from plains to super-high altitude, as also the normal to extreme weather conditions with temperatures going to as low as minus 50 to 70 degrees," Lt Gen Dwivedi said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/using-violence-as-a-political-resource-is-an-act-of-terrorism-says-tamil-nadu-governor-rn-ravi-476788">Using violence as a political resource is an act of terrorism, says Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi</a>

At a two-day 'North Tech Symposium 2022' at the Northern Command Headquarters here, he said the lessons of Operational Snow Leopard have been "fully assimilated and fused into our capacities of swift mobilisation, appropriate force posturing and infrastructure development in synergy with the Central Armed Police Forces and civil administration".

He said the solutions that the Army is seeking for border guarding and internal security challenges will lead to operational convergence of all forces co-employed within the Northern Command.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Amarnath Yatra terror plot busted

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Referring to the clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, Lt Gen Dwivedi said, "There is still more that needs to be done considering the dynamics exhibited in terms of differing perceptions on the Line of Actual Control."

There is a need to be geared up at all times and be battle-hardened to counter the dynamic operational situations and challenges, and come out as winners, he said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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"This needs adaptability of our troops to the ever-changing battlefield environment as well as the adoption of innovative solutions to surprise the adversary, gain ascendancy and be always a step ahead in cognitive, virtual and physical space," he said.

The Northern Army Commander said the "eyeball to eyeball" deployment, from the plains of Jammu to the Siachen Glaciers and further to eastern Ladakh, and the dynamic internal security situation in the Jammu and Kashmir make Northern Command the most unique theatre.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-3-years-jet-airways-conducts-first-test-flight-in-hyderabad-476761">After 3 years, Jet Airways conducts first test flight in Hyderabad</a>

"Ever since its raising, the Northern Command has been 'Always in Combat', he said.

,.

Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday batted for the need to do more in terms of different dynamics exhibited on the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and said the armed forces have learnt valuable lessons from 'Operation Snow Leopard' in Ladakh.

Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday batted for the need to do more in terms of different dynamics exhibited on the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and said the armed forces have learnt valuable lessons from 'Operation Snow Leopard' in Ladakh. He stressed the need for better technologies for guarding the most sensitive operational area falling under Northern Command as it is 'always in combat'. "The Northern Command exemplifies the notion of 'two-and-a-half front'. It has unique frontiers and varied terrain ranging from plains to super-high altitude, as also the normal to extreme weather conditions with temperatures going to as low as minus 50 to 70 degrees," Lt Gen Dwivedi said. Also read | Using violence as a political resource is an act of terrorism, says Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi At a two-day 'North Tech Symposium 2022' at the Northern Command Headquarters here, he said the lessons of Operational Snow Leopard have been "fully assimilated and fused into our capacities of swift mobilisation, appropriate force posturing and infrastructure development in synergy with the Central Armed Police Forces and civil administration". He said the solutions that the Army is seeking for border guarding and internal security challenges will lead to operational convergence of all forces co-employed within the Northern Command. Watch | Gravitas: Amarnath Yatra terror plot busted Referring to the clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, Lt Gen Dwivedi said, "There is still more that needs to be done considering the dynamics exhibited in terms of differing perceptions on the Line of Actual Control." There is a need to be geared up at all times and be battle-hardened to counter the dynamic operational situations and challenges, and come out as winners, he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: "This needs adaptability of our troops to the ever-changing battlefield environment as well as the adoption of innovative solutions to surprise the adversary, gain ascendancy and be always a step ahead in cognitive, virtual and physical space," he said. The Northern Army Commander said the "eyeball to eyeball" deployment, from the plains of Jammu to the Siachen Glaciers and further to eastern Ladakh, and the dynamic internal security situation in the Jammu and Kashmir make Northern Command the most unique theatre. Also read | After 3 years, Jet Airways conducts first test flight in Hyderabad "Ever since its raising, the Northern Command has been 'Always in Combat', he said. ,.

More needs to be done in terms of different dynamics on LAC, says Northern Army commander

It's a journey like no other. This shocking viral video shows how this woman is using a precarious zipline to get to another village on the other side of a deep canyon.

This is how children go to school here

This is how children go to school here...

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has warned Israel and said Iran will target Israel's heart if acted against Iran. He added that Iran watches any move by Israel closely.

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi warns Israel against hostile moves

Amid the constitution crisis in the country, Pakistan's Army has conducted a test of the surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile Shaheen-III on Saturday. &nbsp;

The test of the missile, which can strike targets up to 2,750 kilometres, was successful. In this range, it can hit a number of Indian cities. &nbsp;

This comes as all eyes of Pakistan are on the Parliament, where Prime Minister Imran Khan may face ouster after no-confidence vote is held. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-vote-yet-pak-national-assembly-session-gets-adjourned-again-after-resumption-469772" hreflang="en">No vote yet: Pak National Assembly session gets adjourned again</a>&nbsp;

In a statement, the military's media wing Inter Services Public Relations, said, "The test flight was aimed at revalidating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system." &nbsp;

The Pakistan government agencies claim this missile is capable of reaching the farthest point in India like northeast or Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Dawn newspaper reported. &nbsp;

This missile is solid-fuelled. It is also equipped with the Post-Separation Altitude Correction (PSAC) system. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Heated debate in Pakistan's parliament amid the ongoing political crisis

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The solid fuel is helpful in rapid response capabilities, while the PSAC feature enables it to adjust the warhead trajectory for greater accuracy and evading anti-ballistic missile defence systems, the report said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In March 2015, the missile was tested for the first time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Amid the constitution crisis in the country, Pakistan's Army has conducted a test of the surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile Shaheen-III on Saturday.

Amid the constitution crisis in the country, Pakistan's Army has conducted a test of the surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile Shaheen-III on Saturday. The test of the missile, which can strike targets up to 2,750 kilometres, was successful. In this range, it can hit a number of Indian cities. This comes as all eyes of Pakistan are on the Parliament, where Prime Minister Imran Khan may face ouster after no-confidence vote is held. Also Read: No vote yet: Pak National Assembly session gets adjourned again In a statement, the military's media wing Inter Services Public Relations, said, "The test flight was aimed at revalidating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system." The Pakistan government agencies claim this missile is capable of reaching the farthest point in India like northeast or Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Dawn newspaper reported. This missile is solid-fuelled. It is also equipped with the Post-Separation Altitude Correction (PSAC) system. Watch: Heated debate in Pakistan's parliament amid the ongoing political crisis The solid fuel is helpful in rapid response capabilities, while the PSAC feature enables it to adjust the warhead trajectory for greater accuracy and evading anti-ballistic missile defence systems, the report said. In March 2015, the missile was tested for the first time. (With inputs from agencies)

As Pak’s Parliament decides PM’s future, army conducts ballistic missile Shaheen-III test successfully

Why does the Army dictate Islamabad's foreign policy? The answer lies in Pakistan's history. After 1947, the Pak Army became a close-knit institute which believed in a 'martial race'. Western support further helped the Army become influential. Palki Sharma Upadhyay explains.

Gravitas: The power & influence of Pakistan Army

While the whole country is celebrating Holi, soldiers of Indian army, Para Military forces deputed in Kashmir Valley far from their&nbsp;homes celebrated it with each other. The soldiers in various districts of the Kashmir Valley splashed colours on each other. The regiment&nbsp;they belong to is what they call their&nbsp;family.&nbsp;

In Srinagar's 117 Battalion of CRPF, soldiers along with their&nbsp;teammates as well as their officers celebrated the festival of Holi. It's a day when they are all a family with no boundaries of ranks. Soldiers were dancing to the Bollywood songs and&nbsp;feeding each other sweets.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-politicise-legitimate-energy-transaction-message-from-new-delhi-on-getting-discounted-russian-oil-463381" hreflang="en">Don't politicise legitimate energy transaction: India on Russian oil price</a>

''All the CRPF and people from nearby areas have come together to celebrate the festival. We are missing our families, but these soldiers are our family. We live together for the whole year and consider each other family. It's so good to celebrate festivals together&nbsp;with each other. '' said Manoj Kumar, CRPF soldier, 117 Battalion.&nbsp;

The security forces prepared various cuisines for the jawans to enjoy the day. The whole motive is to make soldiers happy and not feel as if they are far from their homes. To keep the morale high, various activities are organised for them as well.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankan-boat-with-six-crew-held-for-fishing-in-indian-waters-463221" hreflang="en">Sri Lankan boat with six crew held for fishing in Indian waters</a>

''We are all from different states of the country and our cultures are different. But these festivals bring us together. We celebrate the festival of Holi together. And as you can see there is only happiness all over. We should always spread love. '' said Krishan Kumar, CRPF Soldier.&nbsp;

Whether it is Holi or Diwali or Eid, security forces come together to celebrate these festivals with full fervour. They might be away from home, but they stand by each other while guarding the country.s

While the whole country is celebrating Holi, soldiers of Indian army, Para Military forces deputed in Kashmir Valley far from their homes celebrated it with each other.

While the whole country is celebrating Holi, soldiers of Indian army, Para Military forces deputed in Kashmir Valley far from their homes celebrated it with each other. The soldiers in various districts of the Kashmir Valley splashed colours on each other. The regiment they belong to is what they call their family. In Srinagar's 117 Battalion of CRPF, soldiers along with their teammates as well as their officers celebrated the festival of Holi. It's a day when they are all a family with no boundaries of ranks. Soldiers were dancing to the Bollywood songs and feeding each other sweets. Also read | Don't politicise legitimate energy transaction: India on Russian oil price ''All the CRPF and people from nearby areas have come together to celebrate the festival. We are missing our families, but these soldiers are our family. We live together for the whole year and consider each other family. It's so good to celebrate festivals together with each other. '' said Manoj Kumar, CRPF soldier, 117 Battalion. The security forces prepared various cuisines for the jawans to enjoy the day. The whole motive is to make soldiers happy and not feel as if they are far from their homes. To keep the morale high, various activities are organised for them as well. Also read | Sri Lankan boat with six crew held for fishing in Indian waters ''We are all from different states of the country and our cultures are different. But these festivals bring us together. We celebrate the festival of Holi together. And as you can see there is only happiness all over. We should always spread love. '' said Krishan Kumar, CRPF Soldier. Whether it is Holi or Diwali or Eid, security forces come together to celebrate these festivals with full fervour. They might be away from home, but they stand by each other while guarding the country.s

Soldiers celebrate Holi in Kashmir, while being away from homes

Russian lawmakers moved Friday to impose harsh&nbsp;jail&nbsp;terms for publishing "fake&nbsp;news" about the&nbsp;army, which a senior lawmaker said will apply to foreigners too, as Moscow moves to muffle dissent over its&nbsp;invasion of Ukraine.

The new legislation sets out&nbsp;jail&nbsp;terms of varying lengths and fines against people who publish "knowingly false information" about the military.

"If the fakes led to serious consequences, (the legislation) threatens imprisonment of up to 15 years," the lower house of parliament said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-stage-public-executions-in-ukraine-crackdowns-and-detaining-opponents-also-a-part-of-plan-458907">Russia to stage public executions in Ukraine; crackdowns and detaining opponents also a part of plan</a>

Speaking at the session, the head of the head of the parliament's information committee Alexander Khinshtein said the law "concerns all citizens, not only Russian ones, because we are talking about actions against&nbsp;Russia."

Amendments were also passed to fine or&nbsp;jail&nbsp;&nbsp;people calling for sanctions against&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;with&nbsp;jail&nbsp;terms.

The past year has seen an unprecedented crackdown on independent and critical voices in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;that has intensified since the invasion.

The chairman of parliament Vyacheslav Volodin railed against foreign social&nbsp;media&nbsp;after Facebook was briefly inaccessible in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;on Friday.

"All these IT companies beginning with Instagram, and ending with the others, are based in the United States of America. It is clear they are used as weapons. They carry hatred and lies. We need to oppose this," he said.&nbsp;

Russia's&nbsp;media&nbsp;watchdog said Friday it had&nbsp;restricted access to the BBC and other independent&nbsp;media&nbsp;websites, further tightening controls over the internet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-to-sell-nfts-to-fund-attack-against-russia-says-deputy-pm-mykhailo-fedorov-458903">Ukraine to sell NFTs to fund attack against Russia, says Deputy PM Mykhailo Fedorov</a>

Foreign&nbsp;media&nbsp;restricted

The independent&nbsp;news&nbsp;website Meduza, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, and the Russian-language website of the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Svoboda, were "limited," said Roskomnadzor, following a request from prosecutors.

Roskomnadzor said in each case, the request was filed on February 24, the day Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his attack on Ukraine.

Valery Fadeyev, the head of the Kremlin's human rights council accused Western&nbsp;media&nbsp;of being behind "a huge flow of false information that comes from Ukraine" and said&nbsp;the council had set up a project to stop it.

In another attack on critical voices, Russian police on Friday were carrying out searches at the office of the country's most prominent rights group, Memorial, which was ordered to close late last year, sparking international outcry.

Russia's invasion has already claimed hundreds of lives, displaced more than a million people and spurred allegations of war crimes.

Western-led sanctions levelled against&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in retaliation have sent the ruble into free-fall forcing the central bank to impose a 30-percent tax on sales of hard currency after a run on lenders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisishungary-pm-orban-calls-sanctions-double-edged-weapon-458898">Russia-Ukraine Crisis:Hungary PM Orban calls sanctions 'double-edged weapon'</a>

State-media&nbsp;narratives

Moscow has few economic tools with which to respond but the Duma, or lower house, on Friday adopted a bill that would freeze any assets inside&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;of foreigners "violating rights of Russians".

Russian&nbsp;media&nbsp;have been instructed to publish only information provided by official sources, which describe the invasion as a military operation.&nbsp;

State-controlled broadcasters have meanwhile reinforced government narratives about nationalism in Ukraine and Moscow's claim that Ukrainian soldiers are using civilians as human shields.

For the moment, it appears the invasion has marked the beginning of the end for what remains of&nbsp;Russia's independent&nbsp;media.

Ekho Mosvky -- a liberal-leaning radio station majority-owned by&nbsp;Russia's energy giant Gazprom -- said Thursday it would shut down after being taken off air over its Ukraine war coverage.

Authorities had on Monday blocked the Ekho website and took the station off air as punishment for spreading "deliberately false information" about the conflict.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Why Asia is not interested in Russia-Ukraine war

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-asia-is-not-interested-in-russia-ukraine-war-458716/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Another independent outlet, Znak, said Friday it was ceasing work "due to the large number of restrictions that have recently appeared for the work of the&nbsp;media&nbsp;in&nbsp;Russia".

The BBC said this week that the audience of its Russian language&nbsp;news&nbsp;website had "more than tripled...with a record reach of 10.7 million people in the last week".

In a Friday response to the blocking, a BBC spokesperson said the company will "continue our efforts to make BBC&nbsp;News&nbsp;available in&nbsp;Russia, and across the rest of the world" despite the restrictions.&nbsp;

Russian lawmakers moved Friday to impose harsh jail terms for publishing "fake news" about the army, which a senior lawmaker said will apply to foreigners too, as Moscow moves to muffle dissent over its invasion of Ukraine.

Russian lawmakers moved Friday to impose harsh jail terms for publishing "fake news" about the army, which a senior lawmaker said will apply to foreigners too, as Moscow moves to muffle dissent over its invasion of Ukraine. The new legislation sets out jail terms of varying lengths and fines against people who publish "knowingly false information" about the military. "If the fakes led to serious consequences, (the legislation) threatens imprisonment of up to 15 years," the lower house of parliament said in a statement. Also read | Russia to stage public executions in Ukraine; crackdowns and detaining opponents also a part of plan Speaking at the session, the head of the head of the parliament's information committee Alexander Khinshtein said the law "concerns all citizens, not only Russian ones, because we are talking about actions against Russia." Amendments were also passed to fine or jail people calling for sanctions against Russia with jail terms. The past year has seen an unprecedented crackdown on independent and critical voices in Russia that has intensified since the invasion. The chairman of parliament Vyacheslav Volodin railed against foreign social media after Facebook was briefly inaccessible in Russia on Friday. "All these IT companies beginning with Instagram, and ending with the others, are based in the United States of America. It is clear they are used as weapons. They carry hatred and lies. We need to oppose this," he said. Russia's media watchdog said Friday it had restricted access to the BBC and other independent media websites, further tightening controls over the internet. Also read | Ukraine to sell NFTs to fund attack against Russia, says Deputy PM Mykhailo Fedorov Foreign media restricted The independent news website Meduza, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, and the Russian-language website of the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Svoboda, were "limited," said Roskomnadzor, following a request from prosecutors. Roskomnadzor said in each case, the request was filed on February 24, the day Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his attack on Ukraine. Valery Fadeyev, the head of the Kremlin's human rights council accused Western media of being behind "a huge flow of false information that comes from Ukraine" and said the council had set up a project to stop it. In another attack on critical voices, Russian police on Friday were carrying out searches at the office of the country's most prominent rights group, Memorial, which was ordered to close late last year, sparking international outcry. Russia's invasion has already claimed hundreds of lives, displaced more than a million people and spurred allegations of war crimes. Western-led sanctions levelled against Russia in retaliation have sent the ruble into free-fall forcing the central bank to impose a 30-percent tax on sales of hard currency after a run on lenders. Also read | Russia-Ukraine Crisis:Hungary PM Orban calls sanctions 'double-edged weapon' State-media narratives Moscow has few economic tools with which to respond but the Duma, or lower house, on Friday adopted a bill that would freeze any assets inside Russia of foreigners "violating rights of Russians". Russian media have been instructed to publish only information provided by official sources, which describe the invasion as a military operation. State-controlled broadcasters have meanwhile reinforced government narratives about nationalism in Ukraine and Moscow's claim that Ukrainian soldiers are using civilians as human shields. For the moment, it appears the invasion has marked the beginning of the end for what remains of Russia's independent media. Ekho Mosvky -- a liberal-leaning radio station majority-owned by Russia's energy giant Gazprom -- said Thursday it would shut down after being taken off air over its Ukraine war coverage. Authorities had on Monday blocked the Ekho website and took the station off air as punishment for spreading "deliberately false information" about the conflict. Watch | Gravitas: Why Asia is not interested in Russia-Ukraine war Another independent outlet, Znak, said Friday it was ceasing work "due to the large number of restrictions that have recently appeared for the work of the media in Russia". The BBC said this week that the audience of its Russian language news website had "more than tripled...with a record reach of 10.7 million people in the last week". In a Friday response to the blocking, a BBC spokesperson said the company will "continue our efforts to make BBC News available in Russia, and across the rest of the world" despite the restrictions.

Russia Ukraine Crisis: Russia backs jail time for 'fake' army news, restricts media

Its's one thing to train in blue-water sailing in a creek and entirely another to be doing so at the high seas, in the Bay of Bengal. Well, you could call the transition a sea change. This is precisely the feeling that nine women officers of the Indian army experienced, after completing a historic expedition from Chennai to Visakhapatnam and back.&nbsp;

Sailing on a German-origin, class A yacht, which is meant for navigating the open ocean. However, this is unlike any other expedition. While the boat does have an engine for backup and emergency purposes, its primary propulsion is the ability and seamanship of the crew to dynamically adjust the sails and harness the winds, ocean current to reach their destination.&nbsp;

WION spoke to the crew to understand their mission and how they accomplished it successfully. 
&nbsp; 
Belonging to different arms and services of the Indian army and having no prior experience in sailing, it was their thirst for adventure that brought the women officers together.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-evacuate-stranded-citizens-in-ukraine-from-neighbouring-countries-sources-456437">Also read |&nbsp;India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries: Sources</a>

"Most of us did not know anything about sailing. Our training at army heavy bridging training camp, Marve, began with an introduction to sailing, what it is about, the nuances, different kinds of boats, principles of sailing and even navigation in day and night conditions. It's amazing how our team of women officers have completed the mission successfully, with specialised training for a few weeks" said Captain Shubham Solanki, who was part of the sailing crew.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The yacht with sails that’s being towed was home to 9women officers of <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> for 7days,as they sailed 2000kms <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vizag?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vizag</a> and back.. 
 
It’s cabin is barely 150sqft in size and that’s where everything from, comms to resting, Kitchen, storage washrooms are <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/women?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#women</a> <a href="https://t.co/LGn9F5XY6U">pic.twitter.com/LGn9F5XY6U</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1497220796451856385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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At the high seas, their yacht was at the mercy of the elements. While the nearly 2000km round-trip was expected to take only four days, the challenges posed by the wind conditions made the trip longer by three days.&nbsp;

While sailing, the crew took turns to perform all functions on-board, which included manning the boat, navigating, cooking, communications etc. While the sailors did get to rest after their task, it was near-impossible to catch sleep while sailing on a vessel that was being tossed around by the ocean current. The nine-member crew had an onboard shelter that was barely 150 square feet, where they had to manage everything from cooking to dining to communications, storing supplies and even getting some rest. 
&nbsp; 
According to Major Mukta Shree Gautam, the captain of the expedition, it was a rare privilege and opportunity to lead the first-ever mission by women officers of the army.&nbsp;

"I cannot be thankful enough to have a team who excel in whatever they do. We shared the same passion for adventure. We learnt that women make an amazing team. It was the most cherished memory. We learnt how to keep calm, manage at high sea, implement the learnings when conditions are unfavourable. How we cooperated and implemented our learnings and kept the team morale high, was amazing," she said.

For Major Priya Das, who was part of the expedition crew, the deep blue seas have always been a fascination and her love for adventure sports was an added advantage.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-change-your-photo-on-your-aadhaar-card-click-here-to-see-the-steps-456532">Also read |&nbsp;Want to change your photo on your Aadhaar card? Click here to see the steps</a>

"I'm extremely fond of adventure sports… Land, sky and sea have always been mesmerising for me… On land, I have experienced horse-riding and many other adventure sports, in terms of flying I have done a micro-light flying course in a fixed-wing aircraft… To date, I was painting deep blue only on canvas and now I have had the experience to have such a great experience of the real deep-blue at sea, via this expedition," she expressed. 
&nbsp; 
Although initiated by the Indian army adventure wing, this maiden sea-sailing expedition by women officers of the Indian Army has a greater goal.&nbsp;

It is aimed at motivating young women to consider a career in the Indian defence forces and to promote adventure sports and specifically sailing. With a 7500-km-long coastline, sailing is a sport with immense potential in India.

Its's one thing to train in blue-water sailing in a creek and entirely another to be doing so at the high seas, in the Bay of Bengal. Well, you could call the transition a sea change.

Its's one thing to train in blue-water sailing in a creek and entirely another to be doing so at the high seas, in the Bay of Bengal. Well, you could call the transition a sea change. This is precisely the feeling that nine women officers of the Indian army experienced, after completing a historic expedition from Chennai to Visakhapatnam and back. Sailing on a German-origin, class A yacht, which is meant for navigating the open ocean. However, this is unlike any other expedition. While the boat does have an engine for backup and emergency purposes, its primary propulsion is the ability and seamanship of the crew to dynamically adjust the sails and harness the winds, ocean current to reach their destination. WION spoke to the crew to understand their mission and how they accomplished it successfully. Belonging to different arms and services of the Indian army and having no prior experience in sailing, it was their thirst for adventure that brought the women officers together. Also read | India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries: Sources "Most of us did not know anything about sailing. Our training at army heavy bridging training camp, Marve, began with an introduction to sailing, what it is about, the nuances, different kinds of boats, principles of sailing and even navigation in day and night conditions. It's amazing how our team of women officers have completed the mission successfully, with specialised training for a few weeks" said Captain Shubham Solanki, who was part of the sailing crew. The yacht with sails that’s being towed was home to 9women officers of @adgpi for 7days,as they sailed 2000kms #Chennai - #Vizag and back.. It’s cabin is barely 150sqft in size and that’s where everything from, comms to resting, Kitchen, storage washrooms are #india #women pic.twitter.com/LGn9F5XY6U — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 25, 2022 × At the high seas, their yacht was at the mercy of the elements. While the nearly 2000km round-trip was expected to take only four days, the challenges posed by the wind conditions made the trip longer by three days. While sailing, the crew took turns to perform all functions on-board, which included manning the boat, navigating, cooking, communications etc. While the sailors did get to rest after their task, it was near-impossible to catch sleep while sailing on a vessel that was being tossed around by the ocean current. The nine-member crew had an onboard shelter that was barely 150 square feet, where they had to manage everything from cooking to dining to communications, storing supplies and even getting some rest. According to Major Mukta Shree Gautam, the captain of the expedition, it was a rare privilege and opportunity to lead the first-ever mission by women officers of the army. "I cannot be thankful enough to have a team who excel in whatever they do. We shared the same passion for adventure. We learnt that women make an amazing team. It was the most cherished memory. We learnt how to keep calm, manage at high sea, implement the learnings when conditions are unfavourable. How we cooperated and implemented our learnings and kept the team morale high, was amazing," she said. For Major Priya Das, who was part of the expedition crew, the deep blue seas have always been a fascination and her love for adventure sports was an added advantage. Also read | Want to change your photo on your Aadhaar card? Click here to see the steps "I'm extremely fond of adventure sports… Land, sky and sea have always been mesmerising for me… On land, I have experienced horse-riding and many other adventure sports, in terms of flying I have done a micro-light flying course in a fixed-wing aircraft… To date, I was painting deep blue only on canvas and now I have had the experience to have such a great experience of the real deep-blue at sea, via this expedition," she expressed. Although initiated by the Indian army adventure wing, this maiden sea-sailing expedition by women officers of the Indian Army has a greater goal. It is aimed at motivating young women to consider a career in the Indian defence forces and to promote adventure sports and specifically sailing. With a 7500-km-long coastline, sailing is a sport with immense potential in India.

7 days at sea, harnessing the wind, Indian army women officers sail 2000 kms, making history

In a first, an army officer from Pakistan's minority Hindu community, Kelash Kumar, has become the first man to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. This is not the first time Kumar has made history, in 2019, he became the first-ever Hindu major in the Pakistan army and was then posted in the Ministry of Defence.

He comes from the Tharparkar district of Sindh province and joined the Pakistan army as a captain after completing his&nbsp;MBBS from the Liaquat University of Medical Health and Sciences (LUMHS), in Jamshoro.

Not just this, but Kumar has also been awarded the Tamgha-e-Difa, Tamgha-e-Baqa and Tamgha-e-Azam for his services.

He also served in the army operation Al-Meezan and was also a part of operation Raah-e-Nijat in Swat against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/putin-and-an-excited-imran-khan-discuss-cooperation-and-exchange-views-on-regional-issues-456140">Also read |&nbsp;Putin and an 'excited' Imran Khan discuss cooperation and exchange views on regional issues</a>

Several took to social media for congratulating Kumar on his achievement.&nbsp;

"All the minorities living in Pakistan have equal facilities and rights. Be it religious rites or education, everyone is free according to religion. An example of this is that Kelash Kumar becomes 1st Lieutenant Col of Pak Army from Hindu Community," wrote a person on Twitter.

Another person wrote, "History in Making Kelash Kumar becomes the first #Hindu officer to have been promoted as Lieutenant Colonel in #PakArmy. Congratulations, Kelash!!!"

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Bundles Congrats dear Lt Col Dr Kelash Kumar as first ever Hindu Officer reaching to rank in Pak Army ... <a href="https://t.co/Jig9EeMVft">pic.twitter.com/Jig9EeMVft</a>
— Nisar Mughal (@NisarMu4) <a href="https://twitter.com/NisarMu4/status/1497083391937712130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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History in Making 
 
Kelash Kumar becomes the first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hindu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hindu</a> officer to have been promoted as Lieutenant Colonel in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakArmy</a>. 
 
Congratulations, Kelash!!! <a href="https://t.co/U0o6uApTTP">pic.twitter.com/U0o6uApTTP</a>
— Kapil Dev (@KDSindhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/KDSindhi/status/1496896633031868426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

In a first, an army officer from Pakistan's minority Hindu community, Kelash Kumar, has become the first man to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. This is not the first time Kumar has made history, in 2019, he became the first-ever Hindu major in the Pakistan army and was then posted in the Ministry of Defence.

In a first, an army officer from Pakistan's minority Hindu community, Kelash Kumar, has become the first man to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. This is not the first time Kumar has made history, in 2019, he became the first-ever Hindu major in the Pakistan army and was then posted in the Ministry of Defence. He comes from the Tharparkar district of Sindh province and joined the Pakistan army as a captain after completing his MBBS from the Liaquat University of Medical Health and Sciences (LUMHS), in Jamshoro. Not just this, but Kumar has also been awarded the Tamgha-e-Difa, Tamgha-e-Baqa and Tamgha-e-Azam for his services. He also served in the army operation Al-Meezan and was also a part of operation Raah-e-Nijat in Swat against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Also read | Putin and an 'excited' Imran Khan discuss cooperation and exchange views on regional issues Several took to social media for congratulating Kumar on his achievement. "All the minorities living in Pakistan have equal facilities and rights. Be it religious rites or education, everyone is free according to religion. An example of this is that Kelash Kumar becomes 1st Lieutenant Col of Pak Army from Hindu Community," wrote a person on Twitter. Another person wrote, "History in Making Kelash Kumar becomes the first #Hindu officer to have been promoted as Lieutenant Colonel in #PakArmy. Congratulations, Kelash!!!" Bundles Congrats dear Lt Col Dr Kelash Kumar as first ever Hindu Officer reaching to rank in Pak Army ... pic.twitter.com/Jig9EeMVft — Nisar Mughal (@NisarMu4) February 25, 2022 × History in Making Kelash Kumar becomes the first #Hindu officer to have been promoted as Lieutenant Colonel in #PakArmy. Congratulations, Kelash!!! pic.twitter.com/U0o6uApTTP — Kapil Dev (@KDSindhi) February 24, 2022 ×

In a first, Hindu army officer Kelash Kumar promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Pakistan army

Designed specifically for Sikh soldiers in the army, global defence & homeland security company MKU has come out with 'The Veer Helmet' which can be worn comfortably over their under-turban cloth, giving Sikh soldiers an added layer of safety. #army #sikh #soldier

'Veer Helmet': Special helmets for Sikh soldiers in Indian Army

An air raid on a rebel base "neutralised" 57 "terrorists" in northern&nbsp;Mali&nbsp;where eight&nbsp;soldiers&nbsp;were also&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in fighting, the&nbsp;army&nbsp;said Saturday.

Friday's air force strike targeted a "terrorist base" and "violent clashes" led to the&nbsp;soldiers' deaths, a statement said.

The troops were targeted by "unidentified armed men" in the Archam region near the border with restive Burkina Faso and Niger, the statement said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-announces-mali-troop-pullout-after-decade-454037">France announces Mali troop pullout after decade</a>

About 40 civilians were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;this week in this zone where rival jihadist groups, including the so-called Islamic State, operate, locals told AFP.

The civilians were considered to be loyal to rival jihadist groups, according to the local sources.

Mali&nbsp;is at the epicentre of a Sahel-wide jihadist conflict, which has&nbsp;killed&nbsp;thousands of&nbsp;soldiers&nbsp;and civilians and displaced some two million people.

Watch |&nbsp;Mali asks France to expedite pulling out of troops from country

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mali-asks-france-to-expedite-pulling-out-of-troops-from-country-454523/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rival jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State not only carry out regular attacks on national and foreign troops, but are also fighting each other for territory.

An air raid on a rebel base "neutralised" 57 "terrorists" in northern Mali where eight soldiers were also killed in fighting, the army said Saturday. Friday's air force strike targeted a "terrorist base" and "violent clashes" led to the soldiers' deaths, a statement said.

An air raid on a rebel base "neutralised" 57 "terrorists" in northern Mali where eight soldiers were also killed in fighting, the army said Saturday. Friday's air force strike targeted a "terrorist base" and "violent clashes" led to the soldiers' deaths, a statement said. The troops were targeted by "unidentified armed men" in the Archam region near the border with restive Burkina Faso and Niger, the statement said. Also read | France announces Mali troop pullout after decade About 40 civilians were killed this week in this zone where rival jihadist groups, including the so-called Islamic State, operate, locals told AFP. The civilians were considered to be loyal to rival jihadist groups, according to the local sources. Mali is at the epicentre of a Sahel-wide jihadist conflict, which has killed thousands of soldiers and civilians and displaced some two million people. Watch | Mali asks France to expedite pulling out of troops from country Rival jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State not only carry out regular attacks on national and foreign troops, but are also fighting each other for territory.

Mali army says 8 soldiers killed, nearly 60 'terrorists neutralised'

Two Army soldiers and an LeT&nbsp;terrorist were killed in an encounter in south Kashmir's volatile Shopian district, a senior police official said here on Saturday.

The encounter took place after a joint search operation was launched Friday night in Chermarg in Zainpora of Shopian based on a specific intelligence input of the police about the presence of a terrorist there, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Range) Vijay Kumar said.

The security personnel involved in the search operation, following the standard operating procedure, closed in on a cluster of houses and started moving out civilians.

When the search team reached the house of Gowhar Ahmed Bhat, he intentionally misled them and denied providing shelter to any terrorist.

As Bhat was being questioned, a terrorist opened fire on the search team from inside the house, causing grievous injuries to two army personnel.

In the ensuing encounter, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Abdul Qayoom Dar, a resident of Laroo Kakpora in Pulwama, was neutralised and arms and ammunition, including one AK rifle and a pistol, were recovered.

The injured Army personnel died later. The Army identified the deceased soldiers as Sepoys Santosh Yadav and Chavan Romit Tanaji of 1 Rashtriya Rifles.

"A case has been registered and the house owner arrested under terror laws," Kumar said in a statement.

LeT&nbsp;terrorist Dar was arrested and booked under the Public Safety Act after an encounter took place in his house in April 2020. He was released in August 2021. However, he continued to work as a sleeper cell for the banned terrorist group and fled from his house recently.

After verifying his disappearance and joining with the banned terror outfit, the Pulwama Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) declared him as an active terrorist of the LeT outfit, Kumar said.

Two Army soldiers and an LeT terrorist were killed in an encounter in south Kashmir's volatile Shopian district, a senior police official said here on Saturday. The encounter took place after a joint search operation was launched Friday night in Chermarg in Zainpora of Shopian based on a specific intelligence input of the police about the presence of a terrorist there, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Range) Vijay Kumar said.

Two Army soldiers and an LeT terrorist were killed in an encounter in south Kashmir's volatile Shopian district, a senior police official said here on Saturday. The encounter took place after a joint search operation was launched Friday night in Chermarg in Zainpora of Shopian based on a specific intelligence input of the police about the presence of a terrorist there, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Range) Vijay Kumar said. The security personnel involved in the search operation, following the standard operating procedure, closed in on a cluster of houses and started moving out civilians. When the search team reached the house of Gowhar Ahmed Bhat, he intentionally misled them and denied providing shelter to any terrorist. As Bhat was being questioned, a terrorist opened fire on the search team from inside the house, causing grievous injuries to two army personnel. In the ensuing encounter, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Abdul Qayoom Dar, a resident of Laroo Kakpora in Pulwama, was neutralised and arms and ammunition, including one AK rifle and a pistol, were recovered. The injured Army personnel died later. The Army identified the deceased soldiers as Sepoys Santosh Yadav and Chavan Romit Tanaji of 1 Rashtriya Rifles. "A case has been registered and the house owner arrested under terror laws," Kumar said in a statement. LeT terrorist Dar was arrested and booked under the Public Safety Act after an encounter took place in his house in April 2020. He was released in August 2021. However, he continued to work as a sleeper cell for the banned terrorist group and fled from his house recently. After verifying his disappearance and joining with the banned terror outfit, the Pulwama Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) declared him as an active terrorist of the LeT outfit, Kumar said.

Two Indian soldiers, terrorist killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian

The Kuwait army has finally decided to allow women in combat roles. However, without guns, drawing criticism and backlash.

In a first, the Kuwait army allows women in combat roles, but without guns

According to <a href="https://en.insidesyriamc.com/" rel="nofollow" target="blank">Inside Syria Media Center</a> military sources in Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), SDF-Kurds will join the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) as “Northern Syria Protection units” after the establishment of the federal system in Syria.

A Rojava official and the joint chief of defence in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), Rezan Gilo stated that the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have no problem joining the Syrian army if a federal state is awarded in northern Syria (Kurdish autonomous territories as part of the federal Syria). They are now in process of considering the possibility <a href="http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/ef87496d-e1c4-41e9-a176-10139e5d5a46" rel="nofollow" target="blank">of joining</a> the SAA.

“There is no problem for our forces to join the Syrian army if a new Syrian constitution is drafted on a federal basis and the rights of all the Syrian components are reserved,” Gilo stated.

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<h5>Unification of SDF and SAA may also become another link in the chain of the U.S.’ blunders and failures of strategic planning.</h5>
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Analysts believe if the SDF ever join the national army, it would be under American supervision and guidance. Anyway, unification of SDF and SAA may also become another link in the chain of the U.S.’ blunders and failures of strategic planning.

Riad Darar of the Syrian Democratic Council confirmed this. He also noticed that if Syria was united, he believes there would be no need to have a separate force because they would join the Syrian Army. To prevent joining the rumours have been circulating online for about a month of a new army created with the U.S. supervision.

The U.S. is now allegedly in the process of forming a regular army instead of the SDF and will actually begin distributing military ranks soon to their chosen officers under American supervision.

Recent events indicate that the Syrian Kurds are beginning to realise the hopelessness of cooperation with the American side. Apparently, ‘the Kurdish card’ of Washington is bursting at the seams.

Despite the fact that the U.S. plans to extend its presence in the region, the White House’s intention will not clearly be directed to help the Kurds and the latter are clearly aware of this.

As a matter of fact, the unification of the Kurdish forces with the government troops of B. Assad will probably be the best way to solve the Kurdish problem.

The federalisation will not only legitimise the rights of the Kurds, but it can also push the people of Syria to unite under the banners of government forces, whose reputation and rating are only gaining momentum day by day.

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<h5>The top secret of the deal between the SDF and the SAA is that it will help expel the U.S. and its allies from the Syrian political arena and complete this so protracted confrontation.</h5>
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The top secret of the deal between the SDF and the SAA is that it will help expel the U.S. and its allies from the Syrian political arena and complete this so protracted confrontation.

For your information:

The Democratic Federation of Northern Syria (DFNS), most commonly known as Rojava, is a de facto autonomous region originating in and consisting of three self-governing cantons in northern Syria, namely Afrin Canton, Jazira Canton and Kobanî Canton, as well as adjacent areas of northern Syria like Shahba region.

The region gained its de facto autonomy in 2012 as part of the ongoing Rojava conflict and the wider Civil War in Syria establishing and gradually expanding an officially secular policy based on the contemporary Western democratic confederalist principles of democratic socialism, gender equality, and ecological sustainability.

Northern Syria is polyethnic and home to sizeable ethnic Kurdish, Arab, Syriac-Assyrian and Turkmen populations, with smaller communities of ethnic Armenians, Circassians, and Chechens. This diversity is mirrored in its constitution, society, and politics.

Despite such diversity, Rojava is regarded by Kurdish nationalists as Western Kurdistan, one of the four parts of Great Kurdistan. It is also considered by Assyrians as Gozarto (meaning Upper Mesopotamia), part of the historical Syriac-Assyrian homeland.

While entertaining some foreign relations, the cantons within Rojava are not officially recognised as autonomous by the government of Syria or any international state or organisation. For their part, supporters of its constitution consider their system a model for a federalised Syria as a whole, rather than independence.

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Syrian Kurds are beginning to realise the hopelessness of cooperation with the American side, Hence, SDF-Kurds may sign a secret deal with Syria and join the Syrian Arab Army (SAA)

According to Inside Syria Media Center military sources in Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), SDF-Kurds will join the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) as “Northern Syria Protection units” after the establishment of the federal system in Syria. A Rojava official and the joint chief of defence in Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava), Rezan Gilo stated that the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have no problem joining the Syrian army if a federal state is awarded in northern Syria (Kurdish autonomous territories as part of the federal Syria). They are now in process of considering the possibility of joining the SAA. “There is no problem for our forces to join the Syrian army if a new Syrian constitution is drafted on a federal basis and the rights of all the Syrian components are reserved,” Gilo stated. Unification of SDF and SAA may also become another link in the chain of the U.S.’ blunders and failures of strategic planning. × Analysts believe if the SDF ever join the national army, it would be under American supervision and guidance. Anyway, unification of SDF and SAA may also become another link in the chain of the U.S.’ blunders and failures of strategic planning. Riad Darar of the Syrian Democratic Council confirmed this. He also noticed that if Syria was united, he believes there would be no need to have a separate force because they would join the Syrian Army. To prevent joining the rumours have been circulating online for about a month of a new army created with the U.S. supervision. The U.S. is now allegedly in the process of forming a regular army instead of the SDF and will actually begin distributing military ranks soon to their chosen officers under American supervision. Recent events indicate that the Syrian Kurds are beginning to realise the hopelessness of cooperation with the American side. Apparently, ‘the Kurdish card’ of Washington is bursting at the seams. Despite the fact that the U.S. plans to extend its presence in the region, the White House’s intention will not clearly be directed to help the Kurds and the latter are clearly aware of this. As a matter of fact, the unification of the Kurdish forces with the government troops of B. Assad will probably be the best way to solve the Kurdish problem. The federalisation will not only legitimise the rights of the Kurds, but it can also push the people of Syria to unite under the banners of government forces, whose reputation and rating are only gaining momentum day by day. The top secret of the deal between the SDF and the SAA is that it will help expel the U.S. and its allies from the Syrian political arena and complete this so protracted confrontation. × The top secret of the deal between the SDF and the SAA is that it will help expel the U.S. and its allies from the Syrian political arena and complete this so protracted confrontation. For your information: The Democratic Federation of Northern Syria (DFNS), most commonly known as Rojava, is a de facto autonomous region originating in and consisting of three self-governing cantons in northern Syria, namely Afrin Canton, Jazira Canton and Kobanî Canton, as well as adjacent areas of northern Syria like Shahba region. The region gained its de facto autonomy in 2012 as part of the ongoing Rojava conflict and the wider Civil War in Syria establishing and gradually expanding an officially secular policy based on the contemporary Western democratic confederalist principles of democratic socialism, gender equality, and ecological sustainability. Northern Syria is polyethnic and home to sizeable ethnic Kurdish, Arab, Syriac-Assyrian and Turkmen populations, with smaller communities of ethnic Armenians, Circassians, and Chechens. This diversity is mirrored in its constitution, society, and politics. Despite such diversity, Rojava is regarded by Kurdish nationalists as Western Kurdistan, one of the four parts of Great Kurdistan. It is also considered by Assyrians as Gozarto (meaning Upper Mesopotamia), part of the historical Syriac-Assyrian homeland. While entertaining some foreign relations, the cantons within Rojava are not officially recognised as autonomous by the government of Syria or any international state or organisation. For their part, supporters of its constitution consider their system a model for a federalised Syria as a whole, rather than independence. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Disillusioned with US, Kurds want to join Arab Army

A&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;army&nbsp;officer who defected and fled the country has detailed battlefield&nbsp;losses&nbsp;to&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;in the southern part of&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state, with at least 50 soldiers killed and 200 badly wounded in 2021 by opposition fighters with homemade weapons.

Kaung Thu Win, a captain who defected in December, offered a rare first-hand account of intensified fighting in&nbsp;Chin, in&nbsp;Myanmar's northwest, where the military junta has faced some of the fiercest armed resistance since it seized power a year ago.

He said he switched sides after hearing reports by colleagues of military abuses during clashes last year.

Speaking in northeastern India where he and his family have fled, the 32-year-old showed Reuters his national and military identity cards and detailed 12 incidents between May and December in which soldiers were killed or wounded by&nbsp;rebels.

He also showed Reuters some 30 classified&nbsp;army&nbsp;documents he said backed up his version of recent events in southern&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state, where civilians opposed to the coup have taken up arms and are working with an established ethnic insurgent group. He based his estimate of military casualties on that information.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-new-trend-myanmar-families-disown-kin-fighting-military-rule-to-avert-oppression-451113">&nbsp;In new trend, Myanmar families disown kin fighting military rule to avert oppression</a>

The documents, stored on his mobile device, add new details of a major clash near the town of Mindat that have not previously been reported. They provide further evidence of a growing popular rebellion against&nbsp;Myanmar's military rulers that has spread across the country.

Four other&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;defectors who reviewed some of the documents said they mirrored others they had seen in terms of language, format and descriptions of combat.

Myanmar's military, known as the Tatmadaw, has acknowledged battlefield&nbsp;losses, but it has not provided details.

The Tatmadaw did not respond to requests for comment on events in&nbsp;Chin, the account given by Kaung Thu Win or the documents he produced. The military has previously described armed groups opposed to the junta as "terrorists".

The Indian home ministry did not reply to a request for comment on&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;defectors seeking refuge across the border with&nbsp;Chin.

Groups of fighters began forming in&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state in the weeks after the Feb. 1 coup, but the Tatmadaw felt the full force of the rebellion after a convoy of seven vehicles was ambushed near the town of Mindat on May 14, according to Kaung Thu Win.

In the Mindat attack, one of the biggest clashes reported so far, hundreds of rebel fighters attacked the convoy around dawn, firing at troops from hillside positions, leaving five soldiers dead and 37 personnel unaccounted for, according to one of the documents.

"We were attacked by an estimated 1,000 insurgents," read an internal field report on the fighting. "Six&nbsp;army&nbsp;trucks were burned down, and many weapons were lost."

CASUALTIES MOUNT

In addition to details about the Mindat attack, the documents shown by the former captain include maps of military facilities in southern&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state, information about&nbsp;army&nbsp;supplies and battlefield reports of skirmishes with&nbsp;rebels.

&nbsp;The fighting in the southern areas of&nbsp;Chin, involving hastily formed&nbsp;Chinland Defence Force (CDF) guerrilla groups, has been fierce.

Kaung Thu Win said at least 20&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;soldiers were killed in the May 14 ambush.

"It was only after the May 14 incident that the Tatmadaw started taking the CDF seriously," he told Reuters in an interview. "It was a meeting of ... hunting guns (used by the CDF) and modern weapons."

The military did not respond when asked whether this ambush represented a turning point.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-junta-accused-of-burning-hundreds-of-homes-451051">Myanmar junta accused of burning hundreds of homes</a>

The captain said his position as liaison officer meant that military documents, including those detailing supplies and convoys, were provided to him by staff at the regional headquarters that oversaw his frontline outpost in&nbsp;Chin.

He said he also had access to accounts of the Mindat ambush because he was part of the military investigation into the incident.

The ex-officer did not know the outcome of the probe, but said Major Yan Naung Htoo, who was involved in the battle, was put under house arrest in Monywa around September.

Reuters has been unable to reach the officer. The military did not comment when asked about his situation or a broader probe.

A Jan. 10 statement from a CDF group in Kalay said Kaung Thu Win had handed them guns and ammunition. The group said they had led the captain and his wife to a safe area and paid him for the arms. His wife had just given birth to their first child.

A spokesman for the Kalay defence force, CDF KKG, said they paid the captain around 6 million kyat ($3,300). That was below the estimated value of 9 million for the weapons and ammunition, but the group could not afford the full amount, the spokesman added.

He said&nbsp;defectors were under no obligation to the defence group, but they ask them about Tatmadaw operations before moving them to safety.

The captain confirmed he had been paid by the CDF KKG in return for the weapons, but declined to say how much.

'ARMED INSURRECTION'

The&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military continued to suffer steady casualties throughout 2021, as guerrilla outfits across the state gained strength, according to Kaung Thu Win.

His account of the May clash underlines the scale of resistance to&nbsp;Myanmar's military. Some analysts now call the conflict a civil war.

The military calls the rebellion an "armed insurrection", and military ruler Min Aung Hlaing said there were more than 9,000 "terrorist attacks" last year. The junta said in January it had "largely restored national stability" by the second half of 2021.

Soldiers whose bodies are not immediately found following a battle are often classified as unaccounted for, Kaung Thu Win said, explaining the difference in fatalities listed in the report of the Mindat ambush - five - and his estimate of 20.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A CDF statement on Jan. 26 put the death toll among troops at 1,029 across the whole of&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;between April and December 2021. During that period, CDF groups sustained 58 fatalities, alongside 27 civilian deaths, the statement added.

Opposition groups say more than 1,000 soldiers have swapped sides in recent months.

The Tatmadaw declined to comment when asked about the figures from the captain and resistance groups.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 35 people massacred in Myanmar

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'LOVED MY JOB'

The youngest of three children born to civil servants in&nbsp;Myanmar's Yangon region, Kaung Thu Win said he entered the prestigious Defence Services Academy in 2006. Reuters could not reach the academy for comment.

Three years later, he graduated from the military university and joined Light Infantry Battalion 216, which was deployed to&nbsp;Myanmar's Karen and Shan states to fight ethnic armed groups battling for greater autonomy.

During some operations in Shan, he said he saw civilian properties destroyed, but deemed such incidents the inevitable consequence of armed conflict.

"I was proud of my work and I still loved my job," he said.

In 2016, Kaung Thu Win said he was sent to a command post in&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state's Matupi town. He said he was posted as its liaison officer at a regional command centre in Monywa when the military staged the coup last February.

He recalled seeing Tatmadaw helicopters flying in wounded troops from the front for treatment at Monywa base, he added.

In October, the military began sending reinforcements into southern&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state, taking the total number of troops in the area to some 1,200, up from 800 previously, Kaung Thu Win said. CDF fighters have also said troop numbers have increased.

Around the same time, the captain also began hearing of Tatmadaw troops torching villages along the routes their convoys would take, sending civilian populations fleeing into forested areas for safety.

"I received first-hand information (from colleagues)," he said, "I decided to defect because, after the coup, I've seen so many stories and events where the lives and possessions of citizens were targeted intentionally by the Tatmadaw."

Late last year, the United Nations, human rights groups and foreign governments raised concerns over the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;military's&nbsp;heavy-handed response to uprisings in&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state.

Some rights groups warned it mirrored the Tatmadaw's brutal clamp down on Rohingya Muslims in neighbouring Rakhine state in 2017, which led to the exodus of some 730,000 people.

The military has said it was waging a legitimate campaign in Rakhine against insurgents who attacked police posts.

With Kaung Thu Win's wife still pregnant with their first child, he said the couple decided to wait before trying to leave the country.

On Dec. 22, a day after he abruptly cut communications with his colleagues, Kaung Thu Win, his wife and their infant left Monywa on a bus and travelled to the border of&nbsp;Chin&nbsp;state where they contacted&nbsp;rebels, who guided them to a safe house.

"I am satisfied because I'm not one of those soldiers that people hate," the ex-officer said, cradling his infant. "I am now a normal citizen and I'm proud of it."

A Myanmar army officer who defected and fled the country has detailed battlefield losses to rebels in the southern part of Chin state, with at least 50 soldiers killed and 200 badly wounded in 2021 by opposition fighters with homemade weapons.

A Myanmar army officer who defected and fled the country has detailed battlefield losses to rebels in the southern part of Chin state, with at least 50 soldiers killed and 200 badly wounded in 2021 by opposition fighters with homemade weapons. Kaung Thu Win, a captain who defected in December, offered a rare first-hand account of intensified fighting in Chin, in Myanmar's northwest, where the military junta has faced some of the fiercest armed resistance since it seized power a year ago. He said he switched sides after hearing reports by colleagues of military abuses during clashes last year. Speaking in northeastern India where he and his family have fled, the 32-year-old showed Reuters his national and military identity cards and detailed 12 incidents between May and December in which soldiers were killed or wounded by rebels. He also showed Reuters some 30 classified army documents he said backed up his version of recent events in southern Chin state, where civilians opposed to the coup have taken up arms and are working with an established ethnic insurgent group. He based his estimate of military casualties on that information. Also read | In new trend, Myanmar families disown kin fighting military rule to avert oppression The documents, stored on his mobile device, add new details of a major clash near the town of Mindat that have not previously been reported. They provide further evidence of a growing popular rebellion against Myanmar's military rulers that has spread across the country. Four other Myanmar defectors who reviewed some of the documents said they mirrored others they had seen in terms of language, format and descriptions of combat. Myanmar's military, known as the Tatmadaw, has acknowledged battlefield losses, but it has not provided details. The Tatmadaw did not respond to requests for comment on events in Chin, the account given by Kaung Thu Win or the documents he produced. The military has previously described armed groups opposed to the junta as "terrorists". The Indian home ministry did not reply to a request for comment on Myanmar defectors seeking refuge across the border with Chin. Groups of fighters began forming in Chin state in the weeks after the Feb. 1 coup, but the Tatmadaw felt the full force of the rebellion after a convoy of seven vehicles was ambushed near the town of Mindat on May 14, according to Kaung Thu Win. In the Mindat attack, one of the biggest clashes reported so far, hundreds of rebel fighters attacked the convoy around dawn, firing at troops from hillside positions, leaving five soldiers dead and 37 personnel unaccounted for, according to one of the documents. "We were attacked by an estimated 1,000 insurgents," read an internal field report on the fighting. "Six army trucks were burned down, and many weapons were lost." CASUALTIES MOUNT In addition to details about the Mindat attack, the documents shown by the former captain include maps of military facilities in southern Chin state, information about army supplies and battlefield reports of skirmishes with rebels. The fighting in the southern areas of Chin, involving hastily formed Chinland Defence Force (CDF) guerrilla groups, has been fierce. Kaung Thu Win said at least 20 Myanmar soldiers were killed in the May 14 ambush. "It was only after the May 14 incident that the Tatmadaw started taking the CDF seriously," he told Reuters in an interview. "It was a meeting of ... hunting guns (used by the CDF) and modern weapons." The military did not respond when asked whether this ambush represented a turning point. Also read | Myanmar junta accused of burning hundreds of homes The captain said his position as liaison officer meant that military documents, including those detailing supplies and convoys, were provided to him by staff at the regional headquarters that oversaw his frontline outpost in Chin. He said he also had access to accounts of the Mindat ambush because he was part of the military investigation into the incident. The ex-officer did not know the outcome of the probe, but said Major Yan Naung Htoo, who was involved in the battle, was put under house arrest in Monywa around September. Reuters has been unable to reach the officer. The military did not comment when asked about his situation or a broader probe. A Jan. 10 statement from a CDF group in Kalay said Kaung Thu Win had handed them guns and ammunition. The group said they had led the captain and his wife to a safe area and paid him for the arms. His wife had just given birth to their first child. A spokesman for the Kalay defence force, CDF KKG, said they paid the captain around 6 million kyat ($3,300). That was below the estimated value of 9 million for the weapons and ammunition, but the group could not afford the full amount, the spokesman added. He said defectors were under no obligation to the defence group, but they ask them about Tatmadaw operations before moving them to safety. The captain confirmed he had been paid by the CDF KKG in return for the weapons, but declined to say how much. 'ARMED INSURRECTION' The Myanmar military continued to suffer steady casualties throughout 2021, as guerrilla outfits across the state gained strength, according to Kaung Thu Win. His account of the May clash underlines the scale of resistance to Myanmar's military. Some analysts now call the conflict a civil war. The military calls the rebellion an "armed insurrection", and military ruler Min Aung Hlaing said there were more than 9,000 "terrorist attacks" last year. The junta said in January it had "largely restored national stability" by the second half of 2021. Soldiers whose bodies are not immediately found following a battle are often classified as unaccounted for, Kaung Thu Win said, explaining the difference in fatalities listed in the report of the Mindat ambush - five - and his estimate of 20. A CDF statement on Jan. 26 put the death toll among troops at 1,029 across the whole of Chin between April and December 2021. During that period, CDF groups sustained 58 fatalities, alongside 27 civilian deaths, the statement added. Opposition groups say more than 1,000 soldiers have swapped sides in recent months. The Tatmadaw declined to comment when asked about the figures from the captain and resistance groups. Watch | Gravitas: 35 people massacred in Myanmar 'LOVED MY JOB' The youngest of three children born to civil servants in Myanmar's Yangon region, Kaung Thu Win said he entered the prestigious Defence Services Academy in 2006. Reuters could not reach the academy for comment. Three years later, he graduated from the military university and joined Light Infantry Battalion 216, which was deployed to Myanmar's Karen and Shan states to fight ethnic armed groups battling for greater autonomy. During some operations in Shan, he said he saw civilian properties destroyed, but deemed such incidents the inevitable consequence of armed conflict. "I was proud of my work and I still loved my job," he said. In 2016, Kaung Thu Win said he was sent to a command post in Chin state's Matupi town. He said he was posted as its liaison officer at a regional command centre in Monywa when the military staged the coup last February. He recalled seeing Tatmadaw helicopters flying in wounded troops from the front for treatment at Monywa base, he added. In October, the military began sending reinforcements into southern Chin state, taking the total number of troops in the area to some 1,200, up from 800 previously, Kaung Thu Win said. CDF fighters have also said troop numbers have increased. Around the same time, the captain also began hearing of Tatmadaw troops torching villages along the routes their convoys would take, sending civilian populations fleeing into forested areas for safety. "I received first-hand information (from colleagues)," he said, "I decided to defect because, after the coup, I've seen so many stories and events where the lives and possessions of citizens were targeted intentionally by the Tatmadaw." Late last year, the United Nations, human rights groups and foreign governments raised concerns over the Myanmar military's heavy-handed response to uprisings in Chin state. Some rights groups warned it mirrored the Tatmadaw's brutal clamp down on Rohingya Muslims in neighbouring Rakhine state in 2017, which led to the exodus of some 730,000 people. The military has said it was waging a legitimate campaign in Rakhine against insurgents who attacked police posts. With Kaung Thu Win's wife still pregnant with their first child, he said the couple decided to wait before trying to leave the country. On Dec. 22, a day after he abruptly cut communications with his colleagues, Kaung Thu Win, his wife and their infant left Monywa on a bus and travelled to the border of Chin state where they contacted rebels, who guided them to a safe house. "I am satisfied because I'm not one of those soldiers that people hate," the ex-officer said, cradling his infant. "I am now a normal citizen and I'm proud of it."

Myanmar army defector recounts heavy losses inflicted by Chin rebels

Pakistan has launched a massive crackdown on Baloch people after a series of daring attacks on its border forces that killed scores of troops. Media reports say that over a dozen people have been abducted by forces in just three days from across the province. 
 
In one of the latest abductions, Pakistani security forces reportedly took away four youngsters from Panjgur and Quetta and moved them to unknown locations. The Balochistan Post says that their whereabouts are not known.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-prime-minister-imran-khan-visits-balochistan-after-assaults-by-militants-451459">Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan visits Balochistan after assaults by militants</a> 
 
In another incident, the newspaper says that the Pakistani forces raided the house of Haji Nisar Sarparra and took away his son Haroon Waleed Sarparra.

"It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistani forces have reportedly apprehended more than ten individuals from the Sarparra family during several raids in Mastung, Nushki and Quetta. All of them remain missing to this day", reported the newspaper.

The arrested people include former soldiers, students and people who have been critical of the Pakistani government and the military. Among the people arrested includes Nazeer Rehmat, the brother of the General Secretary of Baloch Students Organization, Mama Azeem Baloch. 
 
Geopolitical analyst and Pakistan watcher Mark Kinra told India Narrative: "Pakistan Army's reaction of abducting Baloch nations was expected as a consequence of the massive attacks on the Panjgur and Noshki FC camps.

"On the other hand, the Baloch also would have anticipated and prepared themselves for these reactions considering decades of enforced disappearances. Such reactions will only seek to bolster Baloch freedom struggle". 
 
Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-72-hour-ops-pak-security-forces-kill-remaining-balochistan-insurgents-toll-reaches-20-450797">&nbsp;After 72-hour ops, Pak security forces kill remaining Balochistan insurgents, toll reaches 20</a>

In Khuzdar too, the forces detained Hafeez Baloch, a final-year MPhil student in the Physics Department of the Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad. 
 
Kinra adds: "These arrests will not deter Baloch nationalist organisations from carrying out attacks in various parts of Balochistan including on check posts of the Pakistani Army. Pakistan PM Imran is raising salaries of Frontier Corps and Rangers by 15 per cent, as they guard most of the border areas and are the first targets of Baloch fighters.

This increase in salaries shows that Pakistan is trying to keep up the morale of its soldiers who are otherwise being used as fodder by the establishment, considering that Pakistan is not looking for a solution to its Baloch problem".

The military has launched a massive crackdown in the aftermath of the deadly siege on the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Panjgur and Noshki that reportedly killed about 190 odd troops. 
 
"There is a feeling in the military establishment that such a devastating attack on the forces could not have happened without inside knowledge. The Pakistani military feels that vital insight was leaked to the Baloch armed groups which helped them take on well-equipped and highly trained Pakistani personnel for three days in their own camp", says an expert.

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan PM Imran Khan, Army chief Javed Bajwa to visit Balochistan amid rising tensions

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-army-chief-javed-bajwa-to-visit-balochistan-amid-rising-tensions-451424/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Besides the abductions, the Pakistani forces are alleged to have randomly killed people during the tense situation that enveloped Panjgur last week. In Panjgur, the forces allegedly killed a young student identified as Ehtisham Sarwar.

They allegedly also abducted and killed two individuals for breaking the curfew during the attack on the FC camp in Panjgur.

With the internet down and a complete blackout on media, information about the tense situation in Balochistan is trickling through Baloch media organisations and social media.

Pakistan has launched a massive crackdown on Baloch people after a series of daring attacks on its border forces that killed scores of troops. Media reports say that over a dozen people have been abducted by forces in just three days from across the province.

Pakistan has launched a massive crackdown on Baloch people after a series of daring attacks on its border forces that killed scores of troops. Media reports say that over a dozen people have been abducted by forces in just three days from across the province. In one of the latest abductions, Pakistani security forces reportedly took away four youngsters from Panjgur and Quetta and moved them to unknown locations. The Balochistan Post says that their whereabouts are not known. Also read | Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan visits Balochistan after assaults by militants In another incident, the newspaper says that the Pakistani forces raided the house of Haji Nisar Sarparra and took away his son Haroon Waleed Sarparra. "It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistani forces have reportedly apprehended more than ten individuals from the Sarparra family during several raids in Mastung, Nushki and Quetta. All of them remain missing to this day", reported the newspaper. The arrested people include former soldiers, students and people who have been critical of the Pakistani government and the military. Among the people arrested includes Nazeer Rehmat, the brother of the General Secretary of Baloch Students Organization, Mama Azeem Baloch. Geopolitical analyst and Pakistan watcher Mark Kinra told India Narrative: "Pakistan Army's reaction of abducting Baloch nations was expected as a consequence of the massive attacks on the Panjgur and Noshki FC camps. "On the other hand, the Baloch also would have anticipated and prepared themselves for these reactions considering decades of enforced disappearances. Such reactions will only seek to bolster Baloch freedom struggle". Also read | After 72-hour ops, Pak security forces kill remaining Balochistan insurgents, toll reaches 20 In Khuzdar too, the forces detained Hafeez Baloch, a final-year MPhil student in the Physics Department of the Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad. Kinra adds: "These arrests will not deter Baloch nationalist organisations from carrying out attacks in various parts of Balochistan including on check posts of the Pakistani Army. Pakistan PM Imran is raising salaries of Frontier Corps and Rangers by 15 per cent, as they guard most of the border areas and are the first targets of Baloch fighters. This increase in salaries shows that Pakistan is trying to keep up the morale of its soldiers who are otherwise being used as fodder by the establishment, considering that Pakistan is not looking for a solution to its Baloch problem". The military has launched a massive crackdown in the aftermath of the deadly siege on the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Panjgur and Noshki that reportedly killed about 190 odd troops. "There is a feeling in the military establishment that such a devastating attack on the forces could not have happened without inside knowledge. The Pakistani military feels that vital insight was leaked to the Baloch armed groups which helped them take on well-equipped and highly trained Pakistani personnel for three days in their own camp", says an expert. Watch | Pakistan PM Imran Khan, Army chief Javed Bajwa to visit Balochistan amid rising tensions Besides the abductions, the Pakistani forces are alleged to have randomly killed people during the tense situation that enveloped Panjgur last week. In Panjgur, the forces allegedly killed a young student identified as Ehtisham Sarwar. They allegedly also abducted and killed two individuals for breaking the curfew during the attack on the FC camp in Panjgur. With the internet down and a complete blackout on media, information about the tense situation in Balochistan is trickling through Baloch media organisations and social media.

Pakistani army abducting people across Balochistan in crackdown to avenge attacks

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree which allows the increase of the army by 100,000 in addition to the current troops over the next three years.

Ukraine President Zelensky signs decree to increase army strength by 100,000 troops in 3 years

The terror groups in the Kashmir valley have got hold of arms and ammunition left by the US army in Afghanistan. In a recent video released by a terror organisation, American made rifles and pistols can be seen being used by the terrorists.&nbsp;

Six foreign terrorists were recently killed in Jammu and Kashmir by security forces in different operations, all of them were carrying US-made M4 carbine rifles.&nbsp;

In a video released by a terror group named People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), several terrorists can be seen using M249 automatic rifles 509 tactical guns, M1911 pistols and M4 carbine rifles. All these weapons are being used by the American army as well.&nbsp;

It is believed that the leftover arms and ammunition are being sold openly by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The terror groups from Pakistan are buying these weapons and ammunition from the Taliban and sending them across the border to Kashmir Valley.&nbsp; 
Some of the ammunitions like M4 carbine rifles have been recovered by forces in recent operations.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-willow-bats-have-now-entered-international-markets-446240">Also read |&nbsp;Kashmir Willow bats have now entered international markets</a>

The Defence analyst in India had always predicted that the arms and ammunition will fall into the hands of terror groups operating from Pakistan. According to security forces, there are around 85 foreign terrorists in the Kashmir valley. These foreign terrorists have been carrying American assault rifles.&nbsp;

The security forces also believe that these rifles, pistols, grenades etc are being sent from across the border with the help of drones.&nbsp;

Many such instances were foiled by the security forces on the border.&nbsp;

The sophisticated weaponry is a new and big challenge for the security forces in the Kashmir Valley. And in response to this, Jammu and Kashmir police will be the first police force in the country to get US-made Sig Sauer 716 Rifles and Sig Sauer MPX 9MM pistols.&nbsp;

The terror groups in the Kashmir valley have got hold of arms and ammunition left by the US army in Afghanistan. In a recent video released by a terror organisation, American made rifles and pistols can be seen being used by the terrorists.

The terror groups in the Kashmir valley have got hold of arms and ammunition left by the US army in Afghanistan. In a recent video released by a terror organisation, American made rifles and pistols can be seen being used by the terrorists. Six foreign terrorists were recently killed in Jammu and Kashmir by security forces in different operations, all of them were carrying US-made M4 carbine rifles. In a video released by a terror group named People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), several terrorists can be seen using M249 automatic rifles 509 tactical guns, M1911 pistols and M4 carbine rifles. All these weapons are being used by the American army as well. It is believed that the leftover arms and ammunition are being sold openly by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The terror groups from Pakistan are buying these weapons and ammunition from the Taliban and sending them across the border to Kashmir Valley. Some of the ammunitions like M4 carbine rifles have been recovered by forces in recent operations. Also read | Kashmir Willow bats have now entered international markets The Defence analyst in India had always predicted that the arms and ammunition will fall into the hands of terror groups operating from Pakistan. According to security forces, there are around 85 foreign terrorists in the Kashmir valley. These foreign terrorists have been carrying American assault rifles. The security forces also believe that these rifles, pistols, grenades etc are being sent from across the border with the help of drones. Many such instances were foiled by the security forces on the border. The sophisticated weaponry is a new and big challenge for the security forces in the Kashmir Valley. And in response to this, Jammu and Kashmir police will be the first police force in the country to get US-made Sig Sauer 716 Rifles and Sig Sauer MPX 9MM pistols.

US army weapon left in Afghanistan makes its way to Kashmir; Terror group releases video

Pics: Indian Army unveils new uniform at the parade ground on Army Day

The Indian Army honours its brave soldiers on January 15 and also gives gallantry awards and Sena medals. It was on this day that Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over command of the Army in 1949. Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over command from General Sir Francis Butcher who was the last British commander-in-chief of India. The Indian Army is one of the largest in the world with seven commands. The Indian Army has fought in every conflict since 1947. Indian Army soldiers had also fought in World War-I and World War-II.

What you need to know about Army Day

The Pakistan Army seems to love land more than its motherland. After several accusations of encroachment, it has now been accused of building a golf course by encroaching 8,000 acres of land in a national park. Palki Sharma gets you the story.

Gravitas: Pak Army accused of encroaching on 8,000 acres of land

More than 16 tourists have been killed in their vehicles after heavy snowfall in Murree, Pakistan. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The federal government of the country has called in the army and other civil-armed forces for rescue operations. &nbsp;

In a striking claim over the incident, SHO Murree police station Raja Rasheed told Geo.tv that most people, who were killed in Murree, did not die of the cold. They died as they left heaters on in the car and went to sleep. The fumes from the heater killed them, claimed SHO.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After thousands of vehicles entered the city, all the routes got blocked in Murree, which left the tourists helpless on the roads. &nbsp;

On Saturday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, in a video message, said that Murree had "seen a huge number of tourists after 15-20 years", and due to that, a crisis took place. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-in-crackdown-pakistan-sets-ablaze-huge-quantity-of-illicit-drugs-liquor-443119" hreflang="en">Watch: In crackdown, Pakistan sets ablaze huge quantity of illicit drugs, liquor</a>

The government had to close the road between Islamabad and Murree. "Islamabad and Rawalpindi's commissioners, deputy commissioners, police, are carrying out rescue operations," Rasheed said. &nbsp;

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Sheikh Rasheed filmed giving directions to drivers to move on a jammed murree road <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/murree?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#murree</a> <a href="https://t.co/lZZim8Va2F">pic.twitter.com/lZZim8Va2F</a>
— Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) <a href="https://twitter.com/MurtazaViews/status/1479733464849076226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan Army’s five platoons have been deployed for rescue efforts, while Rangers and Frontier Corps will also be positioned on an emergency basis. &nbsp;

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⛔️ MURREE: 
Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed confirms atleast 16-19 deaths of tourists stuck in snow/snowstorm 
•Roads: Isbd-Murree closed till Sunday night 
•Civil Armed Forces called-in to help <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Murree?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Murree</a> 
🎥:Stranded Tourists, esp. women+children directed to nearby <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakArmy</a> camp <a href="https://t.co/RnOpRg2CAr">pic.twitter.com/RnOpRg2CAr</a>
— Developing Pakistan (@developingpak) <a href="https://twitter.com/developingpak/status/1479726797881167872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"As many as 1,000 vehicles have been stuck since night [...] some have been evacuated; 16-19 deaths took place in cars. The locals provided food and blankets to the stranded people," the interior minister said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-nsa-to-visit-kabul-amid-simmering-tensions-on-durand-line-over-border-fencing-443033" hreflang="en">Pakistan’s NSA to visit Kabul amid simmering tensions on Durand Line over border fencing</a>

The authorities would evacuate 1,000 vehicles by Saturday evening, while the roads would remain closed to Murree till 9 pm on Sunday. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

More than 16 tourists have been killed in their vehicles after heavy snowfall in Murree, Pakistan. The federal government of the country has called in the army and other civil-armed forces for rescue operations.

More than 16 tourists have been killed in their vehicles after heavy snowfall in Murree, Pakistan. The federal government of the country has called in the army and other civil-armed forces for rescue operations. In a striking claim over the incident, SHO Murree police station Raja Rasheed told Geo.tv that most people, who were killed in Murree, did not die of the cold. They died as they left heaters on in the car and went to sleep. The fumes from the heater killed them, claimed SHO. After thousands of vehicles entered the city, all the routes got blocked in Murree, which left the tourists helpless on the roads. On Saturday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, in a video message, said that Murree had "seen a huge number of tourists after 15-20 years", and due to that, a crisis took place. Also Read | Watch: In crackdown, Pakistan sets ablaze huge quantity of illicit drugs, liquor The government had to close the road between Islamabad and Murree. "Islamabad and Rawalpindi's commissioners, deputy commissioners, police, are carrying out rescue operations," Rasheed said. Sheikh Rasheed filmed giving directions to drivers to move on a jammed murree road #murree pic.twitter.com/lZZim8Va2F — Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) January 8, 2022 × Pakistan Army’s five platoons have been deployed for rescue efforts, while Rangers and Frontier Corps will also be positioned on an emergency basis. ⛔️ MURREE: Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed confirms atleast 16-19 deaths of tourists stuck in snow/snowstorm •Roads: Isbd-Murree closed till Sunday night •Civil Armed Forces called-in to help #Murree 🎥:Stranded Tourists, esp. women+children directed to nearby #PakArmy camp pic.twitter.com/RnOpRg2CAr — Developing Pakistan (@developingpak) January 8, 2022 × "As many as 1,000 vehicles have been stuck since night [...] some have been evacuated; 16-19 deaths took place in cars. The locals provided food and blankets to the stranded people," the interior minister said. Also Read: Pakistan’s NSA to visit Kabul amid simmering tensions on Durand Line over border fencing The authorities would evacuate 1,000 vehicles by Saturday evening, while the roads would remain closed to Murree till 9 pm on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak heavy snowfall: Over 16 get killed, but not due to 'cold', claims official; govt deploys army

South Korean superstar pop band BTS will take an "extended period of rest" following US&nbsp;appearances this month before returning to the stage in Seoul in March, the group`s management company said. 
 
Bighit Music, the group's management company, said in a statement on Sunday that the musicians would take a break over the holidays and prepare for a concert and new album that will start a "new chapter." 
 
"They are preparing for a concert this coming March to connect and communicate with fans in-person in Seoul," the statement said. 
 
The seven-member boy band is a global sensation, with catchy upbeat tunes including this past summer's hit 'Butter.' 
 
BTS held online performances during the COVID-19 pandemic and recently thrilled fans with a series of live shows in Los Angeles.

South Korean superstar pop band BTS will take an "extended period of rest" following US appearances this month before returning to the stage in Seoul in March, the group`s management company said.

South Korean superstar pop band BTS will take an "extended period of rest" following US appearances this month before returning to the stage in Seoul in March, the group`s management company said. Bighit Music, the group's management company, said in a statement on Sunday that the musicians would take a break over the holidays and prepare for a concert and new album that will start a "new chapter." "They are preparing for a concert this coming March to connect and communicate with fans in-person in Seoul," the statement said. The seven-member boy band is a global sensation, with catchy upbeat tunes including this past summer's hit 'Butter.' BTS held online performances during the COVID-19 pandemic and recently thrilled fans with a series of live shows in Los Angeles.

K-pop band BTS to take extended break ahead of March concert

K-Pop sensation BTS are playing their first in-person concerts since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and legions of die-hard fans have descended on Los Angeles to see their idols in the flesh. 
 
The seven-member group from South Korea held the first of four 'Permission to Dance on Stage'&nbsp;concerts at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday. 
 
Speaking at a news conference before their second show on Sunday night, BTS member RM said being on stage again for the first time since 2019 was an emotional experience. 
 
"Seeing all the fans, seeing the stadium filled with all the fans yesterday got me really emotional beyond words," RM told reporters. 
The concerts are BTS` first since 2019, when they wrapped up their last tour from North America to Europe to Asia. 
 
As the pandemic spread last year, the band postponed and then called off what was meant to be their biggest international tour involving nearly 40 concerts, holding online shows instead. 
 
Since their 2013 debut, BTS has spearheaded a global K-Pop craze with catchy, upbeat music and dances, as well as lyrics and social campaigns aimed at empowering young people. 
 
Last week, they won the top prize of Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards and Best Pop Song for their summer hit 'Butter', among other awards. 
 
BTS` fanbase, dubbed "the ARMY", is notorious for its fervent dedication to the group. 
 
"We are super excited to see them tonight. It`s been so long," said 37-year-old Ravy Sok outside SoFi Stadium on Sunday. "We saw them almost two years ago at Jingle Ball. Finally, this is another opportunity to see them again." 
 
Her friend Stephanie Tea, 31, added: "They literally have inspired us and have helped us through so much in our lives and they`re such a huge inspiration for us." 
 
The band will complete the four-date run with shows on Wednesday and Thursday.

K-Pop sensation BTS are playing their first in-person concerts since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and legions of die-hard fans have descended on Los Angeles to see their idols in the flesh.

K-Pop sensation BTS are playing their first in-person concerts since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and legions of die-hard fans have descended on Los Angeles to see their idols in the flesh. The seven-member group from South Korea held the first of four 'Permission to Dance on Stage' concerts at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday. Speaking at a news conference before their second show on Sunday night, BTS member RM said being on stage again for the first time since 2019 was an emotional experience. "Seeing all the fans, seeing the stadium filled with all the fans yesterday got me really emotional beyond words," RM told reporters. The concerts are BTS` first since 2019, when they wrapped up their last tour from North America to Europe to Asia. As the pandemic spread last year, the band postponed and then called off what was meant to be their biggest international tour involving nearly 40 concerts, holding online shows instead. Since their 2013 debut, BTS has spearheaded a global K-Pop craze with catchy, upbeat music and dances, as well as lyrics and social campaigns aimed at empowering young people. Last week, they won the top prize of Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards and Best Pop Song for their summer hit 'Butter', among other awards. BTS` fanbase, dubbed "the ARMY", is notorious for its fervent dedication to the group. "We are super excited to see them tonight. It`s been so long," said 37-year-old Ravy Sok outside SoFi Stadium on Sunday. "We saw them almost two years ago at Jingle Ball. Finally, this is another opportunity to see them again." Her friend Stephanie Tea, 31, added: "They literally have inspired us and have helped us through so much in our lives and they`re such a huge inspiration for us." The band will complete the four-date run with shows on Wednesday and Thursday.

BTS 'emotional beyond words' to play in front of fans again

In a major embarrassment for the powerful army of Pakistan, country’s chief justice Gulzar Ahmed said colonels and majors are acting like kings. &nbsp;

The chief justice said, "What the colonels and majors desire, happens," while questioning the defence secretary in Supreme Court on Friday as it was found that the military was using "strategic and defence" land for commercial activities like renting out for wedding parties and cinemas. &nbsp;

Headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Qazi Mohammad Amin Ahmed and Justice Ijazul Ahsan, the three-judge bench heard the issue of lands of the military being used for commercial purposes at the Karachi registry of the Supreme Court. &nbsp;

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The Chief Justice grilled the defence secretary, retired Lt Gen Mohammad Hilal Hussain, reported Dawn newspaper.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The CJP asked whether structures, such as "cinemas and wedding halls", were built for defence purposes. &nbsp;

"This land was given to you for strategic and defence (purposes and yet) you have started commercial activities on it. Were wedding halls, cinemas and housing societies built for defence purposes?" the chief justice asked. &nbsp;

All Askari Housing Projects, which are called as Army Housing Scheme Defence, were built on cantonment lands, remarked CJP. &nbsp;

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"We have decided that this will not happen again," the defence secretary said. He added that the construction of housing societies and military land’s commercial use would be checked and stopped. &nbsp;

Justice Amin asked defence secretary to provide a written explanation on how would that be made possible. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Go and tell all the chiefs (of the armed forces) that the land meant for defence purposes will not be used for commercial objectives. Go to all the military cantonments and tell them the land will be used only for strategic purposes," CJP Ahmed ordered the defence secretary. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a major embarrassment for the powerful army of Pakistan, country’s chief justice Gulzar Ahmed said colonels and majors are acting like kings. The chief justice said, "What the colonels and majors desire, happens," while questioning the defence secretary in Supreme Court on Friday as it was found that the military was using "strategic and defence" land for commercial activities like renting out for wedding parties and cinemas.

In a major embarrassment for the powerful army of Pakistan, country’s chief justice Gulzar Ahmed said colonels and majors are acting like kings. The chief justice said, "What the colonels and majors desire, happens," while questioning the defence secretary in Supreme Court on Friday as it was found that the military was using "strategic and defence" land for commercial activities like renting out for wedding parties and cinemas. Headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Qazi Mohammad Amin Ahmed and Justice Ijazul Ahsan, the three-judge bench heard the issue of lands of the military being used for commercial purposes at the Karachi registry of the Supreme Court. Also Read: Pak may give citizenship to foreigners living for 7 consecutive years, says report The Chief Justice grilled the defence secretary, retired Lt Gen Mohammad Hilal Hussain, reported Dawn newspaper. The CJP asked whether structures, such as "cinemas and wedding halls", were built for defence purposes. "This land was given to you for strategic and defence (purposes and yet) you have started commercial activities on it. Were wedding halls, cinemas and housing societies built for defence purposes?" the chief justice asked. All Askari Housing Projects, which are called as Army Housing Scheme Defence, were built on cantonment lands, remarked CJP. Also Read: Pakistan imposes travel ban on African countries amid Omicron alarm "We have decided that this will not happen again," the defence secretary said. He added that the construction of housing societies and military land’s commercial use would be checked and stopped. Justice Amin asked defence secretary to provide a written explanation on how would that be made possible. "Go and tell all the chiefs (of the armed forces) that the land meant for defence purposes will not be used for commercial objectives. Go to all the military cantonments and tell them the land will be used only for strategic purposes," CJP Ahmed ordered the defence secretary. (With inputs from agencies)

Army colonels, majors are acting like kings, says chief justice of Pakistan  

China’s new and third aircraft carrier whose technology could potentially rival US could be launched “roughly in three to six months”, a report by a Washington-based think tank has stated after analysing recent satellite images.

In images provided by Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the carrier —which is simply known as the Type 003 —was seen on the edge of completion on October 23, in the Jiangnan shipyard in Shanghai.

The CSIS has said that the installation of the carrier’s main external components including the vessel’s catapults, which will assist with launching aircraft, is nearing completion.

Work on other military vessels at Jiangnan appears to have slowed as the shipyard works to fill commercial orders, it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-steer-chinas-future-xi-is-rewriting-its-past-427513">To steer China’s future, Xi is rewriting its past</a>

Only a few additional items -- such as radar and weapon systems -- remain to be installed before the vessel can slip into the Yangtze River, the analysts said.

The new launchers will allow China to launch a wider variety of planes from the Type 003 faster and with more ammunition.

“The inclusion of catapults on the Type 003 is a major leap forward for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). China’s two existing aircraft carriers, the&nbsp;Liaoning&nbsp;and&nbsp;Shandong, rely on less advanced ski jump-style takeoff systems,” the analysts said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-uses-fake-us-aircraft-carrier-navy-ships-for-missile-target-practice-427621">China uses fake US aircraft carrier Navy ships for missile target practice</a>

“The Type 003’s new Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) launch system will enable the PLAN to launch fixed-wing aircraft with heavier payloads and more fuel, as well as larger aircraft that have a lower thrust-to-weight ratio. Most CATOBAR systems are steam driven, but it is widely rumored that China has developed an electromagnetic launch system similar to the one developed for the US Navy’s new Gerald R. Ford class of carriers,” they added.

Matthew Funaiole, senior fellow at the CSIS's China Project, said Type 003 would be the Chinese military's “first foray into a modern aircraft carrier.”

“This is a pretty significant step forward. They’ve really committed to building out a carrier program, and they continue to push the boundaries of what they're able to do,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

China’s new and third aircraft carrier whose technology could potentially rival US could be launched “roughly in three to six months”, a report by a Washington-based think tank has stated after analysing recent satellite images.

China’s new and third aircraft carrier whose technology could potentially rival US could be launched “roughly in three to six months”, a report by a Washington-based think tank has stated after analysing recent satellite images. In images provided by Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the carrier —which is simply known as the Type 003 —was seen on the edge of completion on October 23, in the Jiangnan shipyard in Shanghai. The CSIS has said that the installation of the carrier’s main external components including the vessel’s catapults, which will assist with launching aircraft, is nearing completion. Work on other military vessels at Jiangnan appears to have slowed as the shipyard works to fill commercial orders, it added. Also read | To steer China’s future, Xi is rewriting its past Only a few additional items -- such as radar and weapon systems -- remain to be installed before the vessel can slip into the Yangtze River, the analysts said. The new launchers will allow China to launch a wider variety of planes from the Type 003 faster and with more ammunition. “The inclusion of catapults on the Type 003 is a major leap forward for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). China’s two existing aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, rely on less advanced ski jump-style takeoff systems,” the analysts said. Also read | China uses fake US aircraft carrier Navy ships for missile target practice “The Type 003’s new Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) launch system will enable the PLAN to launch fixed-wing aircraft with heavier payloads and more fuel, as well as larger aircraft that have a lower thrust-to-weight ratio. Most CATOBAR systems are steam driven, but it is widely rumored that China has developed an electromagnetic launch system similar to the one developed for the US Navy’s new Gerald R. Ford class of carriers,” they added. Matthew Funaiole, senior fellow at the CSIS's China Project, said Type 003 would be the Chinese military's “first foray into a modern aircraft carrier.” “This is a pretty significant step forward. They’ve really committed to building out a carrier program, and they continue to push the boundaries of what they're able to do,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

China’s new aircraft carrier, rivalling US, could be launched in 3 to 6 months: Analysts

Women serving in the U.K. military say they are raped, sexually assaulted and bullied for refusing sexual advances. Some women personnel say even overseas war zones are safer than British military mess and accommodation. Palki Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: Women in British army battle rape, sexual assault

The National Emergency Operation Center confirmed on Wednesday that 48 people have died due to landslides and flooding in Nepal following heavy rain.&nbsp;

According to the operation centre, 31 people have gone missing since the havoc began on Sunday.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has announced appropriate relief for the families of the deceased and those affected by the floods and landslides.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Deuba announced that assistance would be provided to the victims of floods and landslides in different parts of the country during a meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/48-died-31-missing-in-nepals-flood-and-landslides-422329">48 died, 31 missing in Nepal's flood and landslides</a>

With 11 casualties, the district of Ilam in Eastern Nepal recorded the most casualties, followed by Doti with nine.

It is yet to be assessed in detail the extent of loss and damage, but it is reported to have affected over 12 districts.

For relief and rescue in the affected areas, the Ministry of Home Affairs has mobilized the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force.&nbsp;

According to meteorologists, the change in weather patterns in the Himalayan country is caused by the activation of two weather systems at once.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rain-in-indias-northern-states-claims-46-lives-alert-sounded-in-southern-kerala-state-422189">Rain in India's northern states claims 46 lives, alert sounded in southern Kerala state</a>

According to Home Ministry spokesperson, Phanindra Mani Pokharel, six persons each died in Humla, Dhankuta and Panchthar due to landslides.&nbsp;Four persons lost their lives in Baitadi, one each in Kalikot, Dadeldhura, Pyuthan and Udayapur and two in Sunsari, according to the Home Ministry official.

A total of 23 people have gone missing in Bajhang while one in Doti, two in Pyuthan and five in Ilam. Twenty-three people sustained injuries due to the natural disaster in different districts, according to the ministry.

(With inputs from agencies)

The National Emergency Operation Center confirmed on Wednesday that 48 people have died due to landslides and flooding in Nepal following heavy rain. According to the operation centre, 31 people have gone missing since the havoc began on Sunday.

The National Emergency Operation Center confirmed on Wednesday that 48 people have died due to landslides and flooding in Nepal following heavy rain. According to the operation centre, 31 people have gone missing since the havoc began on Sunday. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has announced appropriate relief for the families of the deceased and those affected by the floods and landslides. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Deuba announced that assistance would be provided to the victims of floods and landslides in different parts of the country during a meeting of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Also read | 48 died, 31 missing in Nepal's flood and landslides With 11 casualties, the district of Ilam in Eastern Nepal recorded the most casualties, followed by Doti with nine. It is yet to be assessed in detail the extent of loss and damage, but it is reported to have affected over 12 districts. For relief and rescue in the affected areas, the Ministry of Home Affairs has mobilized the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force. According to meteorologists, the change in weather patterns in the Himalayan country is caused by the activation of two weather systems at once. Also read | Rain in India's northern states claims 46 lives, alert sounded in southern Kerala state According to Home Ministry spokesperson, Phanindra Mani Pokharel, six persons each died in Humla, Dhankuta and Panchthar due to landslides. Four persons lost their lives in Baitadi, one each in Kalikot, Dadeldhura, Pyuthan and Udayapur and two in Sunsari, according to the Home Ministry official. A total of 23 people have gone missing in Bajhang while one in Doti, two in Pyuthan and five in Ilam. Twenty-three people sustained injuries due to the natural disaster in different districts, according to the ministry. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal floods: Police, army called in for rescue effort; 48 dead

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