US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth is in headlines and a topic of discussion on social media because of his chest tattoo, a Jerusalem cross.&nbsp;

The former Fox News host has many tattoos on his body. Still, this particular one became the talk of the town once again after 2021, when Hegseth was denied working on the security team for President Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration. Many high-ranking military officials thought the tattoo was an extremist symbol.&nbsp;

A few months ago, Hegseth himself claimed this on a podcast show. "I was deemed an extremist because of a tattoo by my National Guard unit in Washington," Hegseth said in the podcast "The Shawn Ryan Show."

"Jerusalem cross tattoo, it's just a Christian symbol," he added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-names-karoline-leavitt-as-white-house-press-secretary-she-becomes-youngest-ever-to-take-charge-of-post-776568">Trump names Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, she becomes youngest-ever to take charge of post</a>

<h2>What's The Tattoo?</h2>

The tattoo on Hegseth's chest is an image of the Jerusalem cross with four small crosses on each corner of the cross. He has another tattoo on his bicep that says "Deus Vult," which means God wills it.&nbsp;

An X user, also a Democrat supporter, shared the image of Hegseth with the tattoo and wrote, "Trump secretary of defence...are we supposed to pretend that isn't a Swastika?"&nbsp;

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Trumps secretary of defense.... are we supposed to pretend that isn't a SWASTIKA ???? <a href="https://t.co/6hPugvNCtr">pic.twitter.com/6hPugvNCtr</a>
— Claire (@ClaireFosterPHD) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClaireFosterPHD/status/1857102825903227262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Countering the post, another X user (And a Republican supporter) wrote, "Democrats think this is a Swastika."&nbsp;

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Democrats think this is a Swastika 🤣🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/tnDQIKLWzk">pic.twitter.com/tnDQIKLWzk</a>
— The Gay Republican 🇺🇲✝️🇮🇱 (@GayRepublicSwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/GayRepublicSwag/status/1857173697116660012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>An Appreciator of Jews&nbsp;</h2>

Hegseth is an Army National Guard veteran and according to his website has served in Afghanistan, Iraq Guantanamo Bay and Cuba.&nbsp;

Before joining Fox News, he unsuccessfully ran for Senate in Minnesota in 2012.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hawaii-flight-climbs-up-at-dramatic-speed-to-avoid-colliding-with-mountain-range-776570">Hawaii flight climbs up at dramatic speed to avoid colliding with mountain range</a>

In his coverage on the news channel, Hegseth has been an advocate of Israel.

In 2016, during an interview with the Jewish Press, Hegseth said, "This is not some mystical land that can be dismissed." He was referring to biblical and historical sites in Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>Hegseth's Controversial Remarks&nbsp;</h2>

Hegseth recently shared various controversial remarks such as firing "woke generals" in the military and also spoke against the combat role of women in the military, The Times of India reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth is in headlines and a topic of discussion on social media because of his chest tattoo, a Jerusalem cross.

US President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth is in headlines and a topic of discussion on social media because of his chest tattoo, a Jerusalem cross. The former Fox News host has many tattoos on his body. Still, this particular one became the talk of the town once again after 2021, when Hegseth was denied working on the security team for President Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration. Many high-ranking military officials thought the tattoo was an extremist symbol. A few months ago, Hegseth himself claimed this on a podcast show. "I was deemed an extremist because of a tattoo by my National Guard unit in Washington," Hegseth said in the podcast "The Shawn Ryan Show." "Jerusalem cross tattoo, it's just a Christian symbol," he added. Also read | Trump names Karoline Leavitt as White House press secretary, she becomes youngest-ever to take charge of post What's The Tattoo? The tattoo on Hegseth's chest is an image of the Jerusalem cross with four small crosses on each corner of the cross. He has another tattoo on his bicep that says "Deus Vult," which means God wills it. An X user, also a Democrat supporter, shared the image of Hegseth with the tattoo and wrote, "Trump secretary of defence...are we supposed to pretend that isn't a Swastika?" Trumps secretary of defense.... are we supposed to pretend that isn't a SWASTIKA ???? pic.twitter.com/6hPugvNCtr — Claire (@ClaireFosterPHD) November 14, 2024 × Countering the post, another X user (And a Republican supporter) wrote, "Democrats think this is a Swastika." Democrats think this is a Swastika 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/tnDQIKLWzk — The Gay Republican 🇺🇲✝️🇮🇱 (@GayRepublicSwag) November 14, 2024 × An Appreciator of Jews Hegseth is an Army National Guard veteran and according to his website has served in Afghanistan, Iraq Guantanamo Bay and Cuba. Before joining Fox News, he unsuccessfully ran for Senate in Minnesota in 2012. Also read | Hawaii flight climbs up at dramatic speed to avoid colliding with mountain range In his coverage on the news channel, Hegseth has been an advocate of Israel. In 2016, during an interview with the Jewish Press, Hegseth said, "This is not some mystical land that can be dismissed." He was referring to biblical and historical sites in Israel. Hegseth's Controversial Remarks Hegseth recently shared various controversial remarks such as firing "woke generals" in the military and also spoke against the combat role of women in the military, The Times of India reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Online uproar over Trump's Defence Secretary pick Pete Hegseth's tattoo

US President-elect Donald Trump picked US Army National Guard veteran and Fox News Channel host Pete Hegseth as his secretary of defence on Tuesday. Watch this report for more details!

US: Army veteran and Fox News Host Pete Hegseth Picked to Serve as Defense Secretary

US: Donald Trump Nominates Army veteran and Fox News Host Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary

Controversy over US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's health continues and it's not going away. It has put the White House also in a very tight spot after days of uproar among lawmakers. On Tuesday US officials disclosed that Austin was getting treated for prostate cancer and is recovering well.

Secrecy over Austin's illness land White House in trouble

Pentagon Chief&nbsp;Lloyd Austin was hospitalised due to complications arising from a "recent elective medical procedure", according to a statement released by Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder on Friday (Jan 5).

The&nbsp;update on&nbsp;Defence Secretary Austin comes at a critical juncture for the United States as West Asia is facing a potential wider conflict in the region against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;

Pentagon Press Secretary Ryder in the&nbsp;statement on Secretary of Defence said that Austin was&nbsp;admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre on the evening of January 1 as he was posed with "complications" following a medical procedure.

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"He is recovering well and is expecting to resume his full duties today. At all times, the Deputy Secretary of Defense was prepared to act for and exercise the powers of the Secretary, if required," the statement added.&nbsp;

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Ryder did not elaborate on the nature of the complications. The Pentagon Press Secretary also did not reveal the expected duration of Austin's hospital stay.

A Pentagon spokesman termed the elective procedure&nbsp;"minor," as per ABC News.&nbsp;Austin's hospitalisation was not disclosed by the Pentagon earlier and when reportedly probed over the delay in giving an update on Austin, Ryder said that it was "an evolving situation" and that "we had to consider a number of factors, including medical and personal privacy issues."&nbsp;

"We are now in a position to update you," Pentagon Press Secretary added.&nbsp;

<h2>Increased tensions in Iraq and Syria&nbsp;</h2>

Strikes in Iraq and Syria targeting US troops have intensified, prompting a recent US strike that killed an Iran-backed commander in Baghdad. Austin was being made aware of the strike.

Citing a defence department spokesperson, news agency Reuters said that the deputy secretary is automatically authorised to perform the duties of the secretary in case of his inability.

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The spokesperson also said that there were routine decisions by Hicks on Austin's behalf during the week.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin was hospitalised due to complications arising from a "recent elective medical procedure", according to a statement released by Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder on Friday (Jan 5).

Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin was hospitalised due to complications arising from a "recent elective medical procedure", according to a statement released by Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder on Friday (Jan 5). The update on Defence Secretary Austin comes at a critical juncture for the United States as West Asia is facing a potential wider conflict in the region against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war. Pentagon Press Secretary Ryder in the statement on Secretary of Defence said that Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre on the evening of January 1 as he was posed with "complications" following a medical procedure. Also Read | Russia fires North Korean missiles at Ukraine for first time - Kyiv official "He is recovering well and is expecting to resume his full duties today. At all times, the Deputy Secretary of Defense was prepared to act for and exercise the powers of the Secretary, if required," the statement added. Also Read | Four 'US Donkey flights' had already left before France intercepted fifth: Report Ryder did not elaborate on the nature of the complications. The Pentagon Press Secretary also did not reveal the expected duration of Austin's hospital stay. A Pentagon spokesman termed the elective procedure "minor," as per ABC News. Austin's hospitalisation was not disclosed by the Pentagon earlier and when reportedly probed over the delay in giving an update on Austin, Ryder said that it was "an evolving situation" and that "we had to consider a number of factors, including medical and personal privacy issues." "We are now in a position to update you," Pentagon Press Secretary added. Increased tensions in Iraq and Syria Strikes in Iraq and Syria targeting US troops have intensified, prompting a recent US strike that killed an Iran-backed commander in Baghdad. Austin was being made aware of the strike. Citing a defence department spokesperson, news agency Reuters said that the deputy secretary is automatically authorised to perform the duties of the secretary in case of his inability. Watch | Gravitas | Italian PM says it is absolutely possible to be a mother and run a country × The spokesperson also said that there were routine decisions by Hicks on Austin's behalf during the week. (With inputs from agencies)

Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin hospitalised, defence department gives update 

In a clear indication of intensified efforts in supporting the conflict-ridden Ukraine, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday (September 19) that Washington will be providing M1 Abrams tanks to Kyiv, media reports said. Austin hinted that the battle tanks will 'soon' be entering Ukraine, a move that will amp up Ukraine's positioning against Russia in a war that is grinding on in its second year now.&nbsp;

“I’m... pleased to announce that the M1 Abrams tanks that the United States had previously committed to will be entering Ukraine soon,” media reports&nbsp;quoted Austin as saying.&nbsp;

Austin made these comments at the opening of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Ramstein, Germany.&nbsp;

Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Mark A Milley travelled to Germany to host an in-person meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. &nbsp;

This was the 15th meeting of the UDCG since Secretary Austin formed the international group in April 2022, a statement from US Department of Defence said.&nbsp;

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In attendance were ministers of defence and senior military officials from nearly 50 nations.&nbsp;

The leaders assembled for the Germany meeting discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the "continued close coordination by the international community to provide the Ukrainian people with the means necessary to defend their sovereign territory."

Before arriving in Germany, Austin wrote on X, "This coalition of countries are coming together at a critical time, and underscores the unwavering resolve of the international community to aid Ukraine’s efforts to defend their nation from Russia’s war of aggression."

This shows the defiant posture the US continues to take in the face of Russian aggression.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ukraine-looking-to-sue-poland-hungary-and-slovakia-over-their-bans-on-food-imports-637495">Ukraine looking to sue Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia over their bans on food imports</a>

It is worth noting that US has already given billions of dollars of aid to Ukraine in security assistance.&nbsp;

<h2>Zelensky to meet Biden&nbsp;</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to address global leaders who have assembled at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday (September 19).

As per Washington Post, the Ukrainian president is also expected to attend the UN Security Council meetings.

He is likely to meet other leaders, including US President Joe Biden.

Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine fires 6 Defence Ministers as fighting continues in the east

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Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, “We are now at a critical juncture in time, as Ukraine continues to advance on the battlefield, and it is critical to sustain and strengthen worldwide support for Ukraine.”&nbsp;

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In a clear indication of intensified efforts in supporting the conflict-ridden Ukraine, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday (September 19) that Washington will be providing M1 Abrams tanks to Kyiv, media reports said.

In a clear indication of intensified efforts in supporting the conflict-ridden Ukraine, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday (September 19) that Washington will be providing M1 Abrams tanks to Kyiv, media reports said. Austin hinted that the battle tanks will 'soon' be entering Ukraine, a move that will amp up Ukraine's positioning against Russia in a war that is grinding on in its second year now. “I’m... pleased to announce that the M1 Abrams tanks that the United States had previously committed to will be entering Ukraine soon,” media reports quoted Austin as saying. Austin made these comments at the opening of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Ramstein, Germany. Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Mark A Milley travelled to Germany to host an in-person meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. This was the 15th meeting of the UDCG since Secretary Austin formed the international group in April 2022, a statement from US Department of Defence said. Also Read | Chinese President Xi says US and China 'should and must' achieve peaceful co-existence In attendance were ministers of defence and senior military officials from nearly 50 nations. The leaders assembled for the Germany meeting discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the "continued close coordination by the international community to provide the Ukrainian people with the means necessary to defend their sovereign territory." Before arriving in Germany, Austin wrote on X, "This coalition of countries are coming together at a critical time, and underscores the unwavering resolve of the international community to aid Ukraine’s efforts to defend their nation from Russia’s war of aggression." This shows the defiant posture the US continues to take in the face of Russian aggression. Also Read | Ukraine looking to sue Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia over their bans on food imports It is worth noting that US has already given billions of dollars of aid to Ukraine in security assistance. Zelensky to meet Biden Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to address global leaders who have assembled at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Tuesday (September 19). As per Washington Post, the Ukrainian president is also expected to attend the UN Security Council meetings. He is likely to meet other leaders, including US President Joe Biden. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine fires 6 Defence Ministers as fighting continues in the east × Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, “We are now at a critical juncture in time, as Ukraine continues to advance on the battlefield, and it is critical to sustain and strengthen worldwide support for Ukraine.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

US to provide M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine 'soon': Lloyd Austin in Germany

With an aim to repair the relations which were impeded during the US invasion 20 years ago, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin paid a surprise visit to Iraq on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Upon his arrival in the country, the defence secretary while taking to Twitter wrote, "Wheels down in Baghdad. I’m here to reaffirm the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership as we move toward a more secure, stable, and sovereign Iraq."&nbsp;

The visit by the Pentagon chief comes just ahead of the 20th anniversary of the invasion that resulted in the killings of many Iraqi civilians.&nbsp;

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Austin led the 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion in 2003. Later, he again returned to Baghdad in 2008 for a little over a year. Finally, Austin was deployed to Iraq once again in late 2010 as the top commander. With his experience as a combat leader, Austin oversaw the troops' withdrawal from Iraq. He also assured a deep comittment for safety and dignity of Iraqi people along with equal economic opportunity for all of them.&nbsp;

The withdrawal of US troops led to a significant rise of Daesh in the country.&nbsp;

Austin said, "Now, our defence cooperation against Daesh is a key pillar of our bilateral relationship, and the United States remains committed to this fight in support of Iraq's security and the security of the entire region."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/germany-planning-to-ban-huawei-zte-from-parts-of-5g-networks-paper-569540">Germany planning to ban Huawei, ZTE from parts of 5G networks: Paper</a>

"We'll continue to increase inter-operability among our - among our - allies and partners, and we'll continue working to accomplish this mission together," he added.&nbsp;

US presently has 2,500 troops in Iraq deployed to combat the Islamic State.&nbsp;Over this, the Pentagon chief said that US forces are ready to remain in Iraq at the invitation of the government of Iraq.&nbsp;

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"Now, these forces are operating in a non-combat, advise, assist and enable role to support the Iraqi led fight against terrorism." He said that US is focused on the mission of defeating Daesh and its presence in the region has no other purpose.&nbsp;

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With an aim to repair the relations which were impeded during the US invasion 20 years ago, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin paid a surprise visit to Iraq on Tuesday.

With an aim to repair the relations which were impeded during the US invasion 20 years ago, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin paid a surprise visit to Iraq on Tuesday. Upon his arrival in the country, the defence secretary while taking to Twitter wrote, "Wheels down in Baghdad. I’m here to reaffirm the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership as we move toward a more secure, stable, and sovereign Iraq." The visit by the Pentagon chief comes just ahead of the 20th anniversary of the invasion that resulted in the killings of many Iraqi civilians. Also Read | First Brussels suicide bombing victim, now a Paralympian, testifies Austin led the 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion in 2003. Later, he again returned to Baghdad in 2008 for a little over a year. Finally, Austin was deployed to Iraq once again in late 2010 as the top commander. With his experience as a combat leader, Austin oversaw the troops' withdrawal from Iraq. He also assured a deep comittment for safety and dignity of Iraqi people along with equal economic opportunity for all of them. The withdrawal of US troops led to a significant rise of Daesh in the country. Austin said, "Now, our defence cooperation against Daesh is a key pillar of our bilateral relationship, and the United States remains committed to this fight in support of Iraq's security and the security of the entire region." Also Read | Germany planning to ban Huawei, ZTE from parts of 5G networks: Paper "We'll continue to increase inter-operability among our - among our - allies and partners, and we'll continue working to accomplish this mission together," he added. US presently has 2,500 troops in Iraq deployed to combat the Islamic State. Over this, the Pentagon chief said that US forces are ready to remain in Iraq at the invitation of the government of Iraq. Watch | Why is Estonia's election result important for Ukraine? "Now, these forces are operating in a non-combat, advise, assist and enable role to support the Iraqi led fight against terrorism." He said that US is focused on the mission of defeating Daesh and its presence in the region has no other purpose. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin visits Iraq, vows defence support against Islamic State

The US Secretary of Defense has claimed that China is trying to establish a new normal around them. Taiwan speaking to an American broadcaster Lloyd Austin said that Washington does not think an invasion is imminent but Beijing is trying to change the status quo via military actions around the island.

US Secretary of Defence says China trying to establish new normal, invasion not imminent

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin arrived in India for a three-day visit on Thursday. He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the very first day of his visit.

As he landed in India, Lloyd tweeted that he was "thrilled" to be in the country.

"Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region," he tweeted.

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Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. <a href="https://t.co/0wA88ERrDn">pic.twitter.com/0wA88ERrDn</a>
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&nbsp;

PM Modi after his meet with Austin tweeted that Indo-US partnership was a force for global good.

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Pleasure to meet U.S. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a>. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good. <a href="https://t.co/Z1AoGJlzFX">pic.twitter.com/Z1AoGJlzFX</a>
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On Friday, Austin also met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval

"Secretary Austin commended India's leadership role in the Indo-Pacific and growing engagement with like-minded partners across the region to promote shared goals," according to a readout by the US department of defence.

"The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promote a free and open regional order. Both sides exchanged perspectives on shared challenges confronting the region and committed to further strengthen their broad ranging and robust defence cooperation," the readout added.

Welcoming Austin, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said his visit to India is definitely going to further deepen the cooperation and partnership between two countries. Austin and Singh are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on Saturday.

Austin's visit to India came days after the top leadership of the Quad grouping of the US, India, Japan and Australia vowed to expand their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amidst China's aggressive actions in the region.

(With PTI inputs)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin arrived in India for a three-day visit on Thursday. He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the very first day of his visit.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin arrived in India for a three-day visit on Thursday. He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the very first day of his visit. As he landed in India, Lloyd tweeted that he was "thrilled" to be in the country. "Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region," he tweeted. Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. pic.twitter.com/0wA88ERrDn — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) March 19, 2021 × PM Modi after his meet with Austin tweeted that Indo-US partnership was a force for global good. Pleasure to meet U.S. @SecDef Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to @POTUS @JoeBiden. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good. pic.twitter.com/Z1AoGJlzFX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2021 × On Friday, Austin also met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval "Secretary Austin commended India's leadership role in the Indo-Pacific and growing engagement with like-minded partners across the region to promote shared goals," according to a readout by the US department of defence. "The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promote a free and open regional order. Both sides exchanged perspectives on shared challenges confronting the region and committed to further strengthen their broad ranging and robust defence cooperation," the readout added. Welcoming Austin, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said his visit to India is definitely going to further deepen the cooperation and partnership between two countries. Austin and Singh are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on Saturday. Austin's visit to India came days after the top leadership of the Quad grouping of the US, India, Japan and Australia vowed to expand their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amidst China's aggressive actions in the region. (With PTI inputs)

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi

President Donald Trump on Monday announced by tweet that he had fired his defense secretary Mark Esper, further destabilizing a government already navigating Trump's refusal to concede election defeat to Democrat Joe Biden.

"Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service," Trump said on Twitter, announcing his replacement by Christopher Miller, the current head of the National Counterterrorism Center.

The firing of Esper, who had clashed with Trump over his suggestion of using military personnel to quash civic unrest, comes a week after the US presidential election.

Trump, who is pursuing so far flimsy claims of election fraud in the courts, has only until January 20 before he has to leave office and Biden takes over.

President Donald Trump on Monday announced by tweet that he had fired his defense secretary Mark Esper, further destabilizing a government already navigating Trump's refusal to concede election defeat to Democrat Joe Biden.

President Donald Trump on Monday announced by tweet that he had fired his defense secretary Mark Esper, further destabilizing a government already navigating Trump's refusal to concede election defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. "Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service," Trump said on Twitter, announcing his replacement by Christopher Miller, the current head of the National Counterterrorism Center. The firing of Esper, who had clashed with Trump over his suggestion of using military personnel to quash civic unrest, comes a week after the US presidential election. Trump, who is pursuing so far flimsy claims of election fraud in the courts, has only until January 20 before he has to leave office and Biden takes over.

Trump tweets he has 'terminated' defense secretary Mark Esper

India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has tested positive for coronavirus, following which the defence ministry carried out a massive contact-tracing exercise.

Ajay Kumar's condition is stable and he is currently under home-quarantine.

At least 35 officials working at the ministry's headquarters in South Block in the Raisina Hills have been sent on home quarantine after reports of Kumar testing positive for the infection emerged on Wednesday morning.

It is learnt that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh did not attend office as part of a precautionary measure.

The offices of the defence minister, the defence secretary, the Army Chief and the Navy Chief are on the first floor of the South Block.

Sources said all laid down protocols on contact-tracing and quarantining of people are being scrupulously followed.

(with inputs from PTI)

India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has tested positive for coronavirus, following which the defence ministry carried out a massive contact-tracing exercise. Ajay Kumar's condition is stable and he is currently under home-quarantine.

India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has tested positive for coronavirus, following which the defence ministry carried out a massive contact-tracing exercise. Ajay Kumar's condition is stable and he is currently under home-quarantine. At least 35 officials working at the ministry's headquarters in South Block in the Raisina Hills have been sent on home quarantine after reports of Kumar testing positive for the infection emerged on Wednesday morning. It is learnt that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh did not attend office as part of a precautionary measure. The offices of the defence minister, the defence secretary, the Army Chief and the Navy Chief are on the first floor of the South Block. Sources said all laid down protocols on contact-tracing and quarantining of people are being scrupulously followed. (with inputs from PTI)

India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar tests coronavirus positive: Sources

United States&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper arrived in Kabul Sunday on an unannounced visit, an Afghan official said.

Esper's visit, his first to Afghanistan since being confirmed as Pentagon chief in July,&nbsp;comes amid deep uncertainty about the fate of America's military mission in Afghanistan after talks between Washington and the Taliban collapsed.&nbsp;

According to Fawad Aman, a spokesman for the Afghan defence ministry, Esper was due to meet with "key leaders and receive an operational update".

The United States and the Taliban were last month on the brink of signing a deal that would have seen US forces begin to withdraw from Afghanistan in return for various insurgent security commitments.

But negotiations collapsed at the last minute when President Donald Trump declared talks "dead" following a Taliban attack that killed a US soldier.&nbsp;

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy leading negotiations, has since spoken informally with Taliban officials in Pakistan, raising the possibility the US is seeking to resume talks.

US Forces-Afghanistan, headquartered in Kabul, did not immediately return a request for comment on Esper's visit.

United States Defense Secretary Mark Esper arrived in Kabul Sunday on an unannounced visit, an Afghan official said. Esper's visit, his first to Afghanistan since being confirmed as Pentagon chief in July, comes amid deep uncertainty about the fate of America's military mission in Afghanistan after talks between Washington and the Taliban collapsed.

United States Defense Secretary Mark Esper arrived in Kabul Sunday on an unannounced visit, an Afghan official said. Esper's visit, his first to Afghanistan since being confirmed as Pentagon chief in July, comes amid deep uncertainty about the fate of America's military mission in Afghanistan after talks between Washington and the Taliban collapsed. According to Fawad Aman, a spokesman for the Afghan defence ministry, Esper was due to meet with "key leaders and receive an operational update". The United States and the Taliban were last month on the brink of signing a deal that would have seen US forces begin to withdraw from Afghanistan in return for various insurgent security commitments. But negotiations collapsed at the last minute when President Donald Trump declared talks "dead" following a Taliban attack that killed a US soldier. Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy leading negotiations, has since spoken informally with Taliban officials in Pakistan, raising the possibility the US is seeking to resume talks. US Forces-Afghanistan, headquartered in Kabul, did not immediately return a request for comment on Esper's visit.

United States Defence Secretary Esper in Kabul on unannounced visit

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar said that the GST Council's decision to exempt GST on specified defence goods not being manufactured indigenously (up to 2024) will greatly benefit defence preparedness.

"Exemption of Goods and Services Tax on specified defence goods not manufactured in India will greatly benefit defence preparedness," Kumar said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday announced that GST and I-GST will be exempted for imports of specified defence goods not being manufactured indigenously.&nbsp;

"This is being extended upto only 2024," Sitharaman said.

Finance minister said this while addressing a press conference in Panaji, Goa after the 37th GST Council meeting.&nbsp;

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar said that the GST Council's decision to exempt GST on specified defence goods not being manufactured indigenously (up to 2024) will greatly benefit defence preparedness.

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar said that the GST Council's decision to exempt GST on specified defence goods not being manufactured indigenously (up to 2024) will greatly benefit defence preparedness. "Exemption of Goods and Services Tax on specified defence goods not manufactured in India will greatly benefit defence preparedness," Kumar said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday announced that GST and I-GST will be exempted for imports of specified defence goods not being manufactured indigenously. "This is being extended upto only 2024," Sitharaman said. Finance minister said this while addressing a press conference in Panaji, Goa after the 37th GST Council meeting.

Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar lauds government over exemption of GST on specified defence goods

President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Defense Department called Turkey's acquisition of a Russian missile defense system "disappointing" Tuesday, in the administration's first comment since the first S-400 missile parts were delivered last week.

"It's certainly disappointing," Defense Secretary nominee Mark Esper told his Senate confirmation hearing.

"Turkey has been a long-standing and very capable NATO ally, but their decision on the S-400 is the wrong one and it's disappointing," he said.

Esper said he would abide by the decision last year to drop Turkey from NATO's F-35 fighter jet development program due to Ankara’s decision to buy the S-400 system, the delivery of which began on Friday.

Esper said he had already told Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar that his policy is, "You can either have the S-400 or the F-35. You cannot have both."

"Acquisition of the S-400 fundamentally undermines the capability of the F-35 and our ability to maintain that overmatch in the skies going forward," Esper told the Senate panel.

Despite warning Ankara multiple times over the past two years that it could face sanctions and other retaliatory action for acquiring the Russian system, Washington officials have been silent since the deliveries began Friday.

It was not clear if new sanctions, demanded by the US Congress, would be enacted.

But in May the Pentagon said it was preparing to cut Turkey out of the network of manufacturers supplying parts to the F-35.

A number of Turkish manufacturers are making parts and equipment for the F-35, including internally carried Stand-off Missiles, airframe assemblies and wiring, leaving the NATO program partially dependent on them.

On Monday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the delivery of the first S-400 equipment and said the next step was to jointly produce the system.

"We have begun to receive our S-400s. Some said, 'they cannot buy them'... God willing the final part of this (delivery) will be in April 2020," Erdogan told a crowd of several thousand in Ankara.

President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Defense Department called Turkey's acquisition of a Russian missile defense system "disappointing" Tuesday, in the administration's first comment since the first S-400 missile parts were delivered last week.

President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Defense Department called Turkey's acquisition of a Russian missile defense system "disappointing" Tuesday, in the administration's first comment since the first S-400 missile parts were delivered last week. "It's certainly disappointing," Defense Secretary nominee Mark Esper told his Senate confirmation hearing. "Turkey has been a long-standing and very capable NATO ally, but their decision on the S-400 is the wrong one and it's disappointing," he said. Esper said he would abide by the decision last year to drop Turkey from NATO's F-35 fighter jet development program due to Ankara’s decision to buy the S-400 system, the delivery of which began on Friday. Esper said he had already told Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar that his policy is, "You can either have the S-400 or the F-35. You cannot have both." "Acquisition of the S-400 fundamentally undermines the capability of the F-35 and our ability to maintain that overmatch in the skies going forward," Esper told the Senate panel. Despite warning Ankara multiple times over the past two years that it could face sanctions and other retaliatory action for acquiring the Russian system, Washington officials have been silent since the deliveries began Friday. It was not clear if new sanctions, demanded by the US Congress, would be enacted. But in May the Pentagon said it was preparing to cut Turkey out of the network of manufacturers supplying parts to the F-35. A number of Turkish manufacturers are making parts and equipment for the F-35, including internally carried Stand-off Missiles, airframe assemblies and wiring, leaving the NATO program partially dependent on them. On Monday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the delivery of the first S-400 equipment and said the next step was to jointly produce the system. "We have begun to receive our S-400s. Some said, 'they cannot buy them'... God willing the final part of this (delivery) will be in April 2020," Erdogan told a crowd of several thousand in Ankara.

Turkey's Russian missile buy 'disappointing': Pentagon nominee

President Donald Trump plans to nominate Patrick Shanahan, a former<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/wall-street-falls-as-white-house-plans-to-raise-china-tariffs-216536&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiVgJjsq5DiAhUQ63MBHQPmDr04FBAWMAF6BAgOEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw30tEi3Z-dFj6kb01bknfo3"> Boeing Co executive</a>, as his defence secretary, the White House said on Thursday, breaking with tradition by choosing someone who made a career at a top defence company as Pentagon chief.&nbsp;

Shanahan had been under investigation by the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-preparing-to-move-f-35-manufacturing-work-out-of-turkey-215777&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiP1t76q5DiAhWI63MBHSuTBLMQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2RfVJO3oZ_OXM1PSEXkCp8"> Pentagon</a> inspector general for allegedly seeking preferential treatment of Boeing while at the Defence Department but he was cleared of wrongdoing in April. He has been acting defence secretary since January, the longest in Pentagon history.

"Based upon his outstanding service to the country and his demonstrated ability to lead, President Trump intends to nominate <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-plays-important-role-in-afghan-peace-process-acting-us-defence-secretary-217162&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjYopOMrJDiAhXR7HMBHQr2DvMQFjACegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Y3Uknh9v8Ni71efCGGM5h">Patrick M. Shanahan </a>to be the secretary of defence," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a statement.

Early tests for Shanahan will include handling growing tensions with Iran, renewed missile tests by North Korea and questions about how the United States should handle the political and economic crisis in Venezuela.

Shanahan said in a statement that he was committed to modernising US&nbsp;military forces and if confirmed would aggressively implement Trump`s national defence strategy which prioritises competition with China and Russia over the counterinsurgency wars that have consumed the Pentagon for much of the past two decades.

Shanahan, 56, was thrust into the role in an acting capacity in January after Jim Mattis abruptly resigned over policy differences with Trump.&nbsp;

On his first day as acting Pentagon chief in January, Shanahan told civilian leaders of the US&nbsp;military to focus on "China, China, China."&nbsp;

The Trump administration has announced its intention to withdraw most US&nbsp;troops from Syria and diplomatic efforts are underway to bring an end to the 17-year-old war Afghanistan.

But the most pressing short-term issue is likely to be Iran. Earlier this week the Pentagon said it was sending a carrier strike group and bombers to the Middle East after US&nbsp;intelligence signalled possible preparations by Tehran to stage attacks against US&nbsp;forces or interests.

Shanahan is expected to be confirmed by senators, though he could face a tough confirmation process because of his tenure at Boeing.

Lawmakers have previously expressed concern about undue influence on the Pentagon from defence companies.&nbsp;

Ties between Boeing and the Trump administration run deep, with Trump using the company`s products and sites as a backdrop for major announcements.

Boeing, the world`s largest planemaker, is facing one of the biggest crises in its 103-year history following the disasters on Lion Air in Indonesia last year and another on Ethiopian Airlines in March, which together killed all 346 on board.

The Pentagon inspector general started the investigation of Shanahan in March for allegedly promoting Boeing in Pentagon meetings and disparaging competitors. But a report published on April 25 said none of the allegations was substantiated.

Defence secretaries have traditionally come from a political or policy background, serving as a counterweight to the military brass in decision making. Mattis, a retired Marine general, was one of the few former military leaders to become the secretary.&nbsp;

Mattis implicitly criticised Trump in his resignation letter for failing to value allies who fight alongside the United States, including in places like Syria.

Shanahan is unlikely to be an effective counterweight to Trump`s often impulsive decision making. He toured the US border with Mexico in February in what was seen as a show of support for Trump`s planned border wall.&nbsp;

BOEING TIES

Shanahan has been serving in an acting capacity since the start of the year, making him the longest acting defence secretary ever. He joined Boeing in 1986 and spent more than three decades there, working on the 737 and 787 Dreamliner commercial aeroplanes.&nbsp;

Shanahan was also the president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems and worked on the Apache, Chinook and Osprey military aircraft.&nbsp;

Trump himself has been a strong proponent of military products made by US&nbsp;defence companies. In phone calls and public appearances with world leaders, Trump has gone further than any of his predecessors to act as a salesman for the US defence industry.

A senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Shanahan believed that he was answerable to Trump and it was his job to implement decisions made by the president.&nbsp;

In February, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator James Inhofe, said he did not think Trump would nominate Shanahan. But since then, officials say Inhofe has privately told Shanahan he would back him.&nbsp;

"We need a confirmed leader at the Department and, after working with him closely over the last few months, I welcome his selection," Inhofe said in a statement on Thursday.

During Shanahan`s Senate confirmation hearing to be deputy defence secretary in 2017, the committee`s then-chairman, John McCain, voiced deep concern about giving the deputy job to an executive from one of the five corporations accounting for the lion’s share of US&nbsp;defence spending.

"I have to have confidence that the fox is not going to be put back into the henhouse," said McCain, who died in August.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

President Donald Trump plans to nominate Patrick Shanahan, a former Boeing Co executive, as his defence secretary, the White House said on Thursday, breaking with tradition by choosing someone who made a career at a top defence company as Pentagon chief.

President Donald Trump plans to nominate Patrick Shanahan, a former Boeing Co executive, as his defence secretary, the White House said on Thursday, breaking with tradition by choosing someone who made a career at a top defence company as Pentagon chief. Shanahan had been under investigation by the Pentagon inspector general for allegedly seeking preferential treatment of Boeing while at the Defence Department but he was cleared of wrongdoing in April. He has been acting defence secretary since January, the longest in Pentagon history. "Based upon his outstanding service to the country and his demonstrated ability to lead, President Trump intends to nominate Patrick M. Shanahan to be the secretary of defence," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a statement. Early tests for Shanahan will include handling growing tensions with Iran, renewed missile tests by North Korea and questions about how the United States should handle the political and economic crisis in Venezuela. Shanahan said in a statement that he was committed to modernising US military forces and if confirmed would aggressively implement Trump`s national defence strategy which prioritises competition with China and Russia over the counterinsurgency wars that have consumed the Pentagon for much of the past two decades. Shanahan, 56, was thrust into the role in an acting capacity in January after Jim Mattis abruptly resigned over policy differences with Trump. On his first day as acting Pentagon chief in January, Shanahan told civilian leaders of the US military to focus on "China, China, China." The Trump administration has announced its intention to withdraw most US troops from Syria and diplomatic efforts are underway to bring an end to the 17-year-old war Afghanistan. But the most pressing short-term issue is likely to be Iran. Earlier this week the Pentagon said it was sending a carrier strike group and bombers to the Middle East after US intelligence signalled possible preparations by Tehran to stage attacks against US forces or interests. Shanahan is expected to be confirmed by senators, though he could face a tough confirmation process because of his tenure at Boeing. Lawmakers have previously expressed concern about undue influence on the Pentagon from defence companies. Ties between Boeing and the Trump administration run deep, with Trump using the company`s products and sites as a backdrop for major announcements. Boeing, the world`s largest planemaker, is facing one of the biggest crises in its 103-year history following the disasters on Lion Air in Indonesia last year and another on Ethiopian Airlines in March, which together killed all 346 on board. The Pentagon inspector general started the investigation of Shanahan in March for allegedly promoting Boeing in Pentagon meetings and disparaging competitors. But a report published on April 25 said none of the allegations was substantiated. Defence secretaries have traditionally come from a political or policy background, serving as a counterweight to the military brass in decision making. Mattis, a retired Marine general, was one of the few former military leaders to become the secretary. Mattis implicitly criticised Trump in his resignation letter for failing to value allies who fight alongside the United States, including in places like Syria. Shanahan is unlikely to be an effective counterweight to Trump`s often impulsive decision making. He toured the US border with Mexico in February in what was seen as a show of support for Trump`s planned border wall. BOEING TIES Shanahan has been serving in an acting capacity since the start of the year, making him the longest acting defence secretary ever. He joined Boeing in 1986 and spent more than three decades there, working on the 737 and 787 Dreamliner commercial aeroplanes. Shanahan was also the president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems and worked on the Apache, Chinook and Osprey military aircraft. Trump himself has been a strong proponent of military products made by US defence companies. In phone calls and public appearances with world leaders, Trump has gone further than any of his predecessors to act as a salesman for the US defence industry. A senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Shanahan believed that he was answerable to Trump and it was his job to implement decisions made by the president. In February, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator James Inhofe, said he did not think Trump would nominate Shanahan. But since then, officials say Inhofe has privately told Shanahan he would back him. "We need a confirmed leader at the Department and, after working with him closely over the last few months, I welcome his selection," Inhofe said in a statement on Thursday. During Shanahan`s Senate confirmation hearing to be deputy defence secretary in 2017, the committee`s then-chairman, John McCain, voiced deep concern about giving the deputy job to an executive from one of the five corporations accounting for the lion’s share of US defence spending. "I have to have confidence that the fox is not going to be put back into the henhouse," said McCain, who died in August.

Trump picks ex-Boeing executive Shanahan as defence secretary

It looks like Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday suspended defiant police chief Pujith Jayasundara and named his successor as well as a new defence secretary as part of the revamping of the security establishment following the country's worst terror attack.

Sri Lanka Blasts: Sri Lankan police chief sent on leave after a week of blasts

Boeing Crisis: US acting defence secretary probed

The Trump administration is considering Jim Webb, a former Democratic senator who also served as Navy secretary under Republican President Ronald Reagan, to be the next defence secretary, the New York Times reported on Thursday.

Citing an unnamed official, the Times said Vice President Mike Pence and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney had reached out to Webb. It said what it described as a senior Defense Department official confirmed Webb's name had been circulating at the White House.

Jim Mattis stepped down from his job as secretary of defence on Tuesday and President Donald Trump said a day later he had essentially fired Mattis, a retired Marine general whose letter of resignation was seen as a sharp rebuke to the Republican president.

Mattis resigned after Trump's surprise decisions to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria and half of the 14,000-strong contingent in Afghanistan. Trump has named Patrick Shanahan, a former Boeing Co executive who was Mattis's deputy, as acting defence secretary.

The Times said Webb could potentially allow Trump to bypass "more hawkish Republicans whose names have been floated to replace Jim Mattis."

It said Republican senators Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham and former Republican Senator Jim Talent had also been mentioned as possible replacements for Mattis.

The White House declined to comment on the Times report.

The Times said Webb did not respond to a request for comment.

Webb, 72, is a decorated war veteran who served in the Vietnam War, the author of 10 books and an Emmy award-making journalist and filmmaker.

A former U.S. senator from Virginia, Webb ran a long-shot campaign for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.

"Americans don't like the extremes to which both parties have moved in recent years and, quite frankly, neither do I," he said in October 2015 when announcing he was dropping his bid.

The Trump administration is considering Jim Webb, a former Democratic senator who also served as Navy secretary under Republican President Ronald Reagan, to be the next defence secretary, the New York Times reported on Thursday.

The Trump administration is considering Jim Webb, a former Democratic senator who also served as Navy secretary under Republican President Ronald Reagan, to be the next defence secretary, the New York Times reported on Thursday. Citing an unnamed official, the Times said Vice President Mike Pence and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney had reached out to Webb. It said what it described as a senior Defense Department official confirmed Webb's name had been circulating at the White House. Jim Mattis stepped down from his job as secretary of defence on Tuesday and President Donald Trump said a day later he had essentially fired Mattis, a retired Marine general whose letter of resignation was seen as a sharp rebuke to the Republican president. Mattis resigned after Trump's surprise decisions to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria and half of the 14,000-strong contingent in Afghanistan. Trump has named Patrick Shanahan, a former Boeing Co executive who was Mattis's deputy, as acting defence secretary. The Times said Webb could potentially allow Trump to bypass "more hawkish Republicans whose names have been floated to replace Jim Mattis." It said Republican senators Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham and former Republican Senator Jim Talent had also been mentioned as possible replacements for Mattis. The White House declined to comment on the Times report. The Times said Webb did not respond to a request for comment. Webb, 72, is a decorated war veteran who served in the Vietnam War, the author of 10 books and an Emmy award-making journalist and filmmaker. A former U.S. senator from Virginia, Webb ran a long-shot campaign for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination. "Americans don't like the extremes to which both parties have moved in recent years and, quite frankly, neither do I," he said in October 2015 when announcing he was dropping his bid.

Trump considering former Senator Webb for defence secretary: Report

France said on Saturday that it would not hesitate to strike Syrian government targets again if the chemical red line was crossed, but that no new strikes were planned at this stage, adding that it would renew a push for peace through dialogue with Russia.

President Emmanuel Macron ordered the military intervention in Syria alongside the United States and Britain in response to a poison gas attack that killed dozens of people last week.

"Our objectives were met," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told BFM TV.

If the red line banning the use of chemical weapons was crossed again, there would be another intervention, he said, while adding: "I think the lesson will have been learnt."

The French strikes, involving 12 cruise missiles, fighter jets and warships, were Macron's first major military decision since taking office a year ago and was all but inevitable after the young president repeatedly said France would strike if a fatal chemical attack took place in Syria.

"This action was proportionate and targeted, it was not aimed at (Syrian President Bashar al) Assad's allies nor at the civilian population," Le Drian said in a televised statement.

Le Drian said France, which has backed opponents of Assad throughout the civil war, would swiftly take new political initiatives to find a solution to the crisis.

He added that Paris would work with all countries and that there were no changes to Macron's planned trip to Russia next month.

While there had been general public warnings broadcast by U.S. President Donald Trump, Macron himself and other Western leaders, a French presidency source said Macron did not tell Russian President Vladimir Putin the allies would strike overnight when they talked over the phone on Friday.

However, regular "deconfliction" contacts were made with the Russian military once the operation had been kicked off to make sure that they would not be accidentally hit, the source said.

Defence Minister Florence Parly said this meant Russia had been "warned beforehand" to avoid any confrontation or escalation.

The French presidency issued a video on Twitter showing what it said were war planes taking off as part of the intervention.

Macron said in a written statement that the attack had been limited to Syria's chemical weapons facilities and said the facts and the responsibility of the Syrian regime were beyond doubt.

Backing up its reasons for the air strikes, the foreign ministry released an intelligence report based largely on open sources which concluded that there was no other plausible explanation than a chemical attacked coordinated by the Syrian military.

The report said that for now France did not have chemical samples from the attack site analysed by its own laboratories yet.

Macron, who tweeted a picture of himself in a meeting room with military and diplomatic advisers, has not made any address to the nation. He is due to be interviewed by three French media on Sunday night.

The French air force has been active in Syria since 2015 to fight Islamic State, but had not targeted government targets until now.

The British say

Britain had no alternative but to take military action to degrade Syria's chemical weapons capability, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Saturday after ordering <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-and-france-hit-syria-with-airstrikes-target-military-chemical-weapons-sites-130352">air-launched cruise missile strikes</a> along with the United States and France.

Four Royal Air Force Tornado jets from the Akrotiri base in Cyprus fired Storm Shadow missiles at a military facility near Homs where it was assessed that Syria had stockpiled chemicals, Britain's Ministry of Defence said.

May cast the strike as "limited and targeted" and came after intelligence indicated Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government was responsible for an attack using chemical weapons in the Damascus suburb of Douma a week ago.&nbsp;

May said the missile strike, designed to minimise civilian casualties, was aimed at deterring further use of chemical weapons and was not an attempt to topple the Syrian government.

"This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change," May said in statement made from her country residence at Chequers just minutes after US President Donald Trump announced the strikes from the White House.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the mission had been highly successful and implied that no further action was imminent.

"We don't expect that we'll be a position where we're having to make further strikes," he told LBC radio. "We believe that the strikes we have taken last night had a significant impact in terms of what the Syrian regime can do in the future."

By launching strikes without prior approval from parliament, May dispensed with a non-binding constitutional convention dating back to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. She said speed was essential and that military action was in the national interest.

May, whose government is propped up by a small Northern Irish party, said Britain and the West had an obligation to deter both Assad and others from using chemical weapons after the poison gas attack in Douma near Damascus killed up to 75 people, including children, last Saturday.

However, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, a fervent anti-war campaigner, called the strikes "legally questionable" and said May should have recalled parliament from a holiday and "not trailed after Donald Trump".

"Bombs won’t save lives or bring about peace," he said in a statement. "Britain should be playing a leadership role to bring about a ceasefire in the conflict, not taking instructions from Washington and putting British military personnel in harm's way."

Britain has accused Russia of being behind last month's nerve agent attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, southern England - a charge Moscow has denied.

"While this action is specifically about deterring the Syrian regime, it will also send a clear signal to anyone else who believes they can use chemical weapons with impunity," May said.

"We cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised – within Syria, on the streets of the UK, or anywhere else in our world."

May said Britain and its allies had sought to use every diplomatic means to stop the use of chemical weapons, but had been repeatedly thwarted, citing a Russian veto of an independent investigation into the Douma attack at the U.N. Security Council this week.

"So there is no practicable alternative to the use of force to degrade and deter the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime," she said.

The Western missile strikes demonstrate the volatile nature of the Syrian civil war, which started in March 2011 as an anti-Assad uprising but is now a proxy conflict involving a number of world and regional powers and a myriad of insurgent groups.

Trump said he was prepared to sustain the response until the Assad government stopped its use of chemical weapons.

Russia, which intervened in the war in 2015 to back Assad, has denied there was a chemical attack and has accused Britain of helping to stage the Douma incident to stoke anti-Russian hysteria.

'Targeted strikes'

Britain's defence ministry said "very careful scientific analysis" had been applied to maximise the destruction of stockpiled chemicals while minimising any risk of contamination to surrounding areas.

Many politicians in Britain, including some in May's own Conservative Party, had called for parliament to be recalled to give authority to any military strike.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron lost a parliamentary vote on air strikes against Assad's forces in 2013 when 30 Conservative lawmakers voted against action, with many Britons wary of entering another conflict after intervention in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya failed to bring stability to the region.

A YouGov poll for The Times newspaper this week indicated that only a fifth of voters believed that Britain should launch attacks on Syrian military targets and more than two-fifths opposed action.

Williamson said Britain had had to act swiftly and added May would update parliament when lawmakers returned on Monday.

Prime Minister Theresa May said Britain had no alternative but to take military action to degrade Syria's chemical weapons capability

France said on Saturday that it would not hesitate to strike Syrian government targets again if the chemical red line was crossed, but that no new strikes were planned at this stage, adding that it would renew a push for peace through dialogue with Russia. President Emmanuel Macron ordered the military intervention in Syria alongside the United States and Britain in response to a poison gas attack that killed dozens of people last week. "Our objectives were met," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told BFM TV. If the red line banning the use of chemical weapons was crossed again, there would be another intervention, he said, while adding: "I think the lesson will have been learnt." The French strikes, involving 12 cruise missiles, fighter jets and warships, were Macron's first major military decision since taking office a year ago and was all but inevitable after the young president repeatedly said France would strike if a fatal chemical attack took place in Syria. "This action was proportionate and targeted, it was not aimed at (Syrian President Bashar al) Assad's allies nor at the civilian population," Le Drian said in a televised statement. Le Drian said France, which has backed opponents of Assad throughout the civil war, would swiftly take new political initiatives to find a solution to the crisis. He added that Paris would work with all countries and that there were no changes to Macron's planned trip to Russia next month. While there had been general public warnings broadcast by U.S. President Donald Trump, Macron himself and other Western leaders, a French presidency source said Macron did not tell Russian President Vladimir Putin the allies would strike overnight when they talked over the phone on Friday. However, regular "deconfliction" contacts were made with the Russian military once the operation had been kicked off to make sure that they would not be accidentally hit, the source said. Defence Minister Florence Parly said this meant Russia had been "warned beforehand" to avoid any confrontation or escalation. The French presidency issued a video on Twitter showing what it said were war planes taking off as part of the intervention. Macron said in a written statement that the attack had been limited to Syria's chemical weapons facilities and said the facts and the responsibility of the Syrian regime were beyond doubt. Backing up its reasons for the air strikes, the foreign ministry released an intelligence report based largely on open sources which concluded that there was no other plausible explanation than a chemical attacked coordinated by the Syrian military. The report said that for now France did not have chemical samples from the attack site analysed by its own laboratories yet. Macron, who tweeted a picture of himself in a meeting room with military and diplomatic advisers, has not made any address to the nation. He is due to be interviewed by three French media on Sunday night. The French air force has been active in Syria since 2015 to fight Islamic State, but had not targeted government targets until now. The British say Britain had no alternative but to take military action to degrade Syria's chemical weapons capability, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Saturday after ordering air-launched cruise missile strikes along with the United States and France. Four Royal Air Force Tornado jets from the Akrotiri base in Cyprus fired Storm Shadow missiles at a military facility near Homs where it was assessed that Syria had stockpiled chemicals, Britain's Ministry of Defence said. May cast the strike as "limited and targeted" and came after intelligence indicated Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government was responsible for an attack using chemical weapons in the Damascus suburb of Douma a week ago. May said the missile strike, designed to minimise civilian casualties, was aimed at deterring further use of chemical weapons and was not an attempt to topple the Syrian government. "This is not about intervening in a civil war. It is not about regime change," May said in statement made from her country residence at Chequers just minutes after US President Donald Trump announced the strikes from the White House. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the mission had been highly successful and implied that no further action was imminent. "We don't expect that we'll be a position where we're having to make further strikes," he told LBC radio. "We believe that the strikes we have taken last night had a significant impact in terms of what the Syrian regime can do in the future." By launching strikes without prior approval from parliament, May dispensed with a non-binding constitutional convention dating back to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. She said speed was essential and that military action was in the national interest. May, whose government is propped up by a small Northern Irish party, said Britain and the West had an obligation to deter both Assad and others from using chemical weapons after the poison gas attack in Douma near Damascus killed up to 75 people, including children, last Saturday. However, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, a fervent anti-war campaigner, called the strikes "legally questionable" and said May should have recalled parliament from a holiday and "not trailed after Donald Trump". "Bombs won’t save lives or bring about peace," he said in a statement. "Britain should be playing a leadership role to bring about a ceasefire in the conflict, not taking instructions from Washington and putting British military personnel in harm's way." Britain has accused Russia of being behind last month's nerve agent attack on former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, southern England - a charge Moscow has denied. "While this action is specifically about deterring the Syrian regime, it will also send a clear signal to anyone else who believes they can use chemical weapons with impunity," May said. "We cannot allow the use of chemical weapons to become normalised – within Syria, on the streets of the UK, or anywhere else in our world." May said Britain and its allies had sought to use every diplomatic means to stop the use of chemical weapons, but had been repeatedly thwarted, citing a Russian veto of an independent investigation into the Douma attack at the U.N. Security Council this week. "So there is no practicable alternative to the use of force to degrade and deter the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime," she said. The Western missile strikes demonstrate the volatile nature of the Syrian civil war, which started in March 2011 as an anti-Assad uprising but is now a proxy conflict involving a number of world and regional powers and a myriad of insurgent groups. Trump said he was prepared to sustain the response until the Assad government stopped its use of chemical weapons. Russia, which intervened in the war in 2015 to back Assad, has denied there was a chemical attack and has accused Britain of helping to stage the Douma incident to stoke anti-Russian hysteria. 'Targeted strikes' Britain's defence ministry said "very careful scientific analysis" had been applied to maximise the destruction of stockpiled chemicals while minimising any risk of contamination to surrounding areas. Many politicians in Britain, including some in May's own Conservative Party, had called for parliament to be recalled to give authority to any military strike. Former Prime Minister David Cameron lost a parliamentary vote on air strikes against Assad's forces in 2013 when 30 Conservative lawmakers voted against action, with many Britons wary of entering another conflict after intervention in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya failed to bring stability to the region. A YouGov poll for The Times newspaper this week indicated that only a fifth of voters believed that Britain should launch attacks on Syrian military targets and more than two-fifths opposed action. Williamson said Britain had had to act swiftly and added May would update parliament when lawmakers returned on Monday.

Strikes on Syria 'highly successful', says Britain; France says more possible if red line crossed

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