Autonomous drones could be used to improve safety in Queensland's underground coal mines. The technology is being trialled in a simulated mine in the north-east of the state, in the town of Mackay.

Autonomous drones to improve safety in coal mines

The central government on Wednesday approved a ₹26,058 crore scheme to encourage the production of automobiles, auto parts, and drones.

World Business Watch | India: Incentives for auto, Drone production

Israel’s defence minister Benny Gantz on Sunday alleged that Iran’s Kashan Airbase is being used to train “terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon” to operate Iranian-made drones to carry out regional attacks.

“One of the most significant tools that Iran has developed is its unmanned aerial vehicle system—an accurate, deadly system that can cross thousands of kilometres. The Iranians produce and export them to their proxies,” local media quoted Gantz who was speaking at Reichman University in Herzliya.

“Terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon are receiving training on how to operate Iran-made drones in the Kashan Base north of Isfahan. Kashan is leading Iran’s export of aerial terrorism in the region,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorist-vs-terrorist-al-qaeda-leader-zawahiri-claims-credit-for-911-islamic-state-asks-if-he-is-still-alive-412505">Terrorist vs terrorist: Al Qaeda leader Zawahiri claims credit for 9/11, Islamic State asks if he is still alive</a>

The minister called on the signatories of the Iran nuclear deal to enact sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

His comments a month after Tehran came under global scrutiny over a suspected drone attack on an Israeli-managed tanker off Oman.

A July 29 blast aboard the Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned petroleum product tanker managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime, near the mouth of the Gulf, a key oil shipping route, killed two crew —a Briton and a Romanian.

The U.S. military said explosives experts from the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier —which deployed to assist the Mercer Street—concluded the explosion was from a drone produced in Iran, which was accused by other world powers in the attack.

Iran has denied involvement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel’s defence minister Benny Gantz on Sunday alleged that Iran’s Kashan Airbase is being used to train “terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon” to operate Iranian-made drones to carry out regional attacks.

Israel’s defence minister Benny Gantz on Sunday alleged that Iran’s Kashan Airbase is being used to train “terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon” to operate Iranian-made drones to carry out regional attacks. “One of the most significant tools that Iran has developed is its unmanned aerial vehicle system—an accurate, deadly system that can cross thousands of kilometres. The Iranians produce and export them to their proxies,” local media quoted Gantz who was speaking at Reichman University in Herzliya. “Terrorists from Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon are receiving training on how to operate Iran-made drones in the Kashan Base north of Isfahan. Kashan is leading Iran’s export of aerial terrorism in the region,” he added. Also read | Terrorist vs terrorist: Al Qaeda leader Zawahiri claims credit for 9/11, Islamic State asks if he is still alive The minister called on the signatories of the Iran nuclear deal to enact sanctions against the Islamic Republic. His comments a month after Tehran came under global scrutiny over a suspected drone attack on an Israeli-managed tanker off Oman. A July 29 blast aboard the Mercer Street, a Liberian-flagged, Japanese-owned petroleum product tanker managed by Israeli-owned Zodiac Maritime, near the mouth of the Gulf, a key oil shipping route, killed two crew —a Briton and a Romanian. The U.S. military said explosives experts from the Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier —which deployed to assist the Mercer Street—concluded the explosion was from a drone produced in Iran, which was accused by other world powers in the attack. Iran has denied involvement. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran training terrorists to carry out attacks: Israel defence minister

Saudi&nbsp;authorities said Saturday they intercepted three ballistic missiles fired from neighbouring Yemen that had targeted civilians in the Eastern Province as well as the southern cities of Najran and Jazan.

Debris from the interception scattered across the eastern city Dammam, injuring two children and damaging 14 homes, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense.

The severity of the injuries was unclear.&nbsp;

"Saudi&nbsp;Air Defense has intercepted and destroyed (3) ballistic missiles and (3) bomb-laden drones launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militia," spokesperson Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki said in a statement, calling it "brutal, irresponsible behavior" by the Huthi rebels in Yemen.

The&nbsp;Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels told state-run television it would take "strict measures" to protect civilians.

While there was no immediate comment from the Huthis, the Iran-allied insurgents have repeatedly targeted the kingdom in cross-border attacks.

In August, the rebels escalated operations using unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles, and Saturday's interception comes four days after a drone hit Abha International Airport in the south, wounding eight people and damaging a civilian plane.

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It also comes a few hours before Hans Grundberg, the UN's new envoy for Yemen, officially assumes his duties Sunday.

In Dammam, Twitter users reported hearing a loud explosion.

Eastern&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;is home to major oil infrastructure. A previous attack in September 2019 temporarily halted half of the kingdom's oil production.

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia&nbsp;intervened in the Yemen war on behalf of the internationally recognised government in 2015, shortly after the Huthis seized the capital of Sanaa.

Yemen's grinding conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, resulting in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

While the UN is pushing for an end to the war, the Huthis have demanded the reopening of Sanaa airport, closed under a&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;blockade since 2016, before any ceasefire or negotiations.

Saudi authorities said Saturday they intercepted three ballistic missiles fired from neighbouring Yemen that had targeted civilians in the Eastern Province as well as the southern cities of Najran and Jazan.

Saudi authorities said Saturday they intercepted three ballistic missiles fired from neighbouring Yemen that had targeted civilians in the Eastern Province as well as the southern cities of Najran and Jazan. Debris from the interception scattered across the eastern city Dammam, injuring two children and damaging 14 homes, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense. The severity of the injuries was unclear. "Saudi Air Defense has intercepted and destroyed (3) ballistic missiles and (3) bomb-laden drones launched by the Iran-backed Houthi militia," spokesperson Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki said in a statement, calling it "brutal, irresponsible behavior" by the Huthi rebels in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels told state-run television it would take "strict measures" to protect civilians. While there was no immediate comment from the Huthis, the Iran-allied insurgents have repeatedly targeted the kingdom in cross-border attacks. In August, the rebels escalated operations using unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles, and Saturday's interception comes four days after a drone hit Abha International Airport in the south, wounding eight people and damaging a civilian plane. Also read | Bangladesh MP proposes ban on marriages for working couples It also comes a few hours before Hans Grundberg, the UN's new envoy for Yemen, officially assumes his duties Sunday. In Dammam, Twitter users reported hearing a loud explosion. Eastern Saudi Arabia is home to major oil infrastructure. A previous attack in September 2019 temporarily halted half of the kingdom's oil production. Saudi Arabia intervened in the Yemen war on behalf of the internationally recognised government in 2015, shortly after the Huthis seized the capital of Sanaa. Yemen's grinding conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, resulting in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. While the UN is pushing for an end to the war, the Huthis have demanded the reopening of Sanaa airport, closed under a Saudi blockade since 2016, before any ceasefire or negotiations.

Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles, drones fired from Yemen

After completing the US troops pullout from Afghanistan, the Pentagon said on Tuesday that it will continue to conduct drone strikes against the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) and other terrorist groups operating in the country.

The US military had earlier carried out drone strikes against an ISIS-K planner after the group claimed responsibility of the recent deadly Kabul Airport suicide bombing, which killed at least 169 Afghans and 13 US service members.&nbsp;

Watch | Biden: Afghanistan cost the US $300 million a day for two decades

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Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told Fox News, “We have the capability from an over the horizon perspective of ensuring our national security interests are protected and defended.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

"And what I would tell you, without getting into hypotheticals or speculating about future operations, we're going to continue to maintain those capabilities and use them if and when we need to," the official added. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Al Qaeda, the terror group at the heart of the 20-year US war in Afghanistan, "congratulated" the Taliban for "defeating the Americans". It was the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001 orchestrated by Osama bin Laden that led to the invasion of Afghanistan by the US, and the killing of the al Qaeda chief in 2011 in Pakistan. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/we-expect-us-to-reopen-embassy-in-kabul-have-trade-relations-taliban-409822" hreflang="en">We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations: Taliban</a>

Even as Taliban promises to be different this time, there are signs of terrorist organisations aligning themselves with the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan, with al Qaeda setting its sights on India's Kashmir in a 'congratulatory letter'. &nbsp;

In a letter made available on social media, the group said it is the "third time that the Afghan nation within a span of less than two centuries has successfully expelled an invading force." &nbsp;

Significantly, it also mentioned Kashmir. &nbsp;

"Liberate the Levant, Somalia, Yemen, Kashmir and the rest of the Islamic lands" from the "clutches of the enemy", it exhorted the Taliban. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After completing the US troops pullout from Afghanistan, the Pentagon said on Tuesday that it will continue to conduct drone strikes against the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) and other terrorist groups operating in the country.

After completing the US troops pullout from Afghanistan, the Pentagon said on Tuesday that it will continue to conduct drone strikes against the Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K) and other terrorist groups operating in the country. The US military had earlier carried out drone strikes against an ISIS-K planner after the group claimed responsibility of the recent deadly Kabul Airport suicide bombing, which killed at least 169 Afghans and 13 US service members. Watch | Biden: Afghanistan cost the US $300 million a day for two decades × Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told Fox News, “We have the capability from an over the horizon perspective of ensuring our national security interests are protected and defended.” "And what I would tell you, without getting into hypotheticals or speculating about future operations, we're going to continue to maintain those capabilities and use them if and when we need to," the official added. Meanwhile, Al Qaeda, the terror group at the heart of the 20-year US war in Afghanistan, "congratulated" the Taliban for "defeating the Americans". It was the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001 orchestrated by Osama bin Laden that led to the invasion of Afghanistan by the US, and the killing of the al Qaeda chief in 2011 in Pakistan. Also Read | We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations: Taliban Even as Taliban promises to be different this time, there are signs of terrorist organisations aligning themselves with the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan, with al Qaeda setting its sights on India's Kashmir in a 'congratulatory letter'. In a letter made available on social media, the group said it is the "third time that the Afghan nation within a span of less than two centuries has successfully expelled an invading force." Significantly, it also mentioned Kashmir. "Liberate the Levant, Somalia, Yemen, Kashmir and the rest of the Islamic lands" from the "clutches of the enemy", it exhorted the Taliban. (With inputs from agencies)

Drone strikes to continue in Afghanistan when needed, says Pentagon

Following the deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, the United States military has carried out a drone strike against an alleged ISIS-K "planner". In the attack, Pentagon claims to have killed the target, say media reports. &nbsp;

On Friday, a US official as per media reports seems to have claimed that US military forces conducted an over-the-horizon counterterrorism operation against an ISIS-K planner. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;United States announces that it carried out a drone strike in eastern Afghanistan

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The unmanned airstrike was carried out in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. According to the initial indications, the target was killed, claim reports, citing the US official. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The official also said to have claimed that he doesn’t know of any civilian casualties.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/british-ex-marine-survived-kabul-attack-with-200-animals-408968" hreflang="en">British ex-marine survived Kabul attack with 200 animals</a>&nbsp;

The drone may have hit a vehicle carrying an ISIS-K leader, who is believed to be "carrying out future attacks." The ISIS-K planner was also traveling with an "associate." &nbsp;

It is yet not clear that the planner was involved in the suicide attack at the Kabul airport or not.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-warns-against-is-as-afghanistan-overshadows-iraq-summit-408982" hreflang="en">Macron warns against IS as Afghanistan overshadows Iraq summit</a>

The devastating suicide bombing, which was claimed by the group, killed as many as 169 Afghans and 13 American service members at the Kabul airport. &nbsp;

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden said the perpetrators cannot hide, and he vowed to strike back at the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate. "We will hunt you down and make you pay," Biden said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, the United States military has carried out a drone strike against an alleged ISIS-K "planner". In the attack, Pentagon claims to have killed the target, say media reports.

Following the deadly suicide bombing in Kabul, the United States military has carried out a drone strike against an alleged ISIS-K "planner". In the attack, Pentagon claims to have killed the target, say media reports. On Friday, a US official as per media reports seems to have claimed that US military forces conducted an over-the-horizon counterterrorism operation against an ISIS-K planner. Watch: United States announces that it carried out a drone strike in eastern Afghanistan × The unmanned airstrike was carried out in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. According to the initial indications, the target was killed, claim reports, citing the US official. The official also said to have claimed that he doesn’t know of any civilian casualties. Also Read: British ex-marine survived Kabul attack with 200 animals The drone may have hit a vehicle carrying an ISIS-K leader, who is believed to be "carrying out future attacks." The ISIS-K planner was also traveling with an "associate." It is yet not clear that the planner was involved in the suicide attack at the Kabul airport or not. Also Read: Macron warns against IS as Afghanistan overshadows Iraq summit The devastating suicide bombing, which was claimed by the group, killed as many as 169 Afghans and 13 American service members at the Kabul airport. On Thursday, US President Joe Biden said the perpetrators cannot hide, and he vowed to strike back at the Islamic State group's Afghanistan affiliate. "We will hunt you down and make you pay," Biden said. (With inputs from agencies)

After suicide attack, US drone strike kills 'ISIS-K planner' in Afghanistan: Report   

US-led coalition in Iraq said on Saturday that a drone attack was carried out on military base hosting US troops. The base is located in Iraqi Kurdistan. There were no casualties.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi is expected to meet US President Joe Biden in Washington on Monday. They may discuss a possible full US troop pullout.

"An unmanned aerial system impacted a coalition base in Kurdistan" in the early hours of Friday, coalition spokesman US Colonel Wayne Marotto said in a statement.

"There were no casualties and no damage as a result of the attack," he said, adding "the United States and coalition forces will stay vigilant and maintain the inherent right to self-defence."

Iraqi Kurdish media outlets said the attack targeted a base at Al-Harir, 70 kilometres (45 miles) northeast of Arbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region.

The attack has been blamed on pro-Iranian armed groups. The attack is latest in a spate of attacks on US military and diplomatic facilities in Iraq.

(With inputs from agencies)

US-led coalition in Iraq said on Saturday that a drone attack was carried out on military base hosting US troops. The base is located in Iraqi Kurdistan. There were no casualties.

US-led coalition in Iraq said on Saturday that a drone attack was carried out on military base hosting US troops. The base is located in Iraqi Kurdistan. There were no casualties. Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi is expected to meet US President Joe Biden in Washington on Monday. They may discuss a possible full US troop pullout. "An unmanned aerial system impacted a coalition base in Kurdistan" in the early hours of Friday, coalition spokesman US Colonel Wayne Marotto said in a statement. "There were no casualties and no damage as a result of the attack," he said, adding "the United States and coalition forces will stay vigilant and maintain the inherent right to self-defence." Iraqi Kurdish media outlets said the attack targeted a base at Al-Harir, 70 kilometres (45 miles) northeast of Arbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region. The attack has been blamed on pro-Iranian armed groups. The attack is latest in a spate of attacks on US military and diplomatic facilities in Iraq. (With inputs from agencies)

Drone attack on Iraqi base hosting US troops

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have shot down a drone in the Akhnoor area. Police have also recovered 5 kg of an improvised explosive device (IED) which was to be assembled and to be used by terrorists.

News Alert: Drone shot down by Jammu Police in Akhnoor, 5 kg IED recovered

Thousands of flamingoes were found dead in drone footage captured above the dry bed of Turkey's Lake Tuz. This has alarmed environmentalists and has prompted authorities to investigate the cause.

The drone footage from the area was captured on Wednesday (July 14). The footage shows hundreds of flaminglets partly buried in dried parts of Lake Tuz. Lake Tuz is in Turkey's Konya province.

Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli told reporters that initial analysis showed the Flamingoes were not poisoned.

Environmentalists say that agricultural irrigation practices in the region along with Climate Change and drought caused the deaths.

As per a report published by Turkish environmental foundation TEMA in 2020, the annual water reserve in central province of Konya's close basin was 4.5 billion cubic metres, while the consumption reached 6.5 billion cubic metres. Environmentalist and wildlife photographer Fahri Tunc said the canal that was built to deliver water to Lake Tuz is redirected for agricultural irrigation.

"This is the irrigation canal that comes from Konya. It needs to deliver water to Lake Tuz. As you can see, the water is not coming through. It stopped," Tunc said.

Statistics show that 5000-10,000 flaminglets are born in Lake Tuz every year.

Tunc said, this year, only 5,000 eggs have hatched and most of the birds died while seeking water on the surface of partially dried lake.

President of Doga (Nature) Association, Dicle Tuba Kilic said the only way to prevent mass flamingo deaths is to change the agricultural irrigation methods in region.

Pakdemirli said the deaths are not related to the irrigation practices in the region.

"I want to stress that there is no direct or indirect connection between this incident and the wells in the area or the agricultural irrigation," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of flamingoes were found dead in drone footage captured above the dry bed of Turkey's Lake Tuz. This has alarmed environmentalists and has prompted authorities to investigate the cause.

Thousands of flamingoes were found dead in drone footage captured above the dry bed of Turkey's Lake Tuz. This has alarmed environmentalists and has prompted authorities to investigate the cause. The drone footage from the area was captured on Wednesday (July 14). The footage shows hundreds of flaminglets partly buried in dried parts of Lake Tuz. Lake Tuz is in Turkey's Konya province. Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli told reporters that initial analysis showed the Flamingoes were not poisoned. Environmentalists say that agricultural irrigation practices in the region along with Climate Change and drought caused the deaths. As per a report published by Turkish environmental foundation TEMA in 2020, the annual water reserve in central province of Konya's close basin was 4.5 billion cubic metres, while the consumption reached 6.5 billion cubic metres. Environmentalist and wildlife photographer Fahri Tunc said the canal that was built to deliver water to Lake Tuz is redirected for agricultural irrigation. "This is the irrigation canal that comes from Konya. It needs to deliver water to Lake Tuz. As you can see, the water is not coming through. It stopped," Tunc said. Statistics show that 5000-10,000 flaminglets are born in Lake Tuz every year. Tunc said, this year, only 5,000 eggs have hatched and most of the birds died while seeking water on the surface of partially dried lake. President of Doga (Nature) Association, Dicle Tuba Kilic said the only way to prevent mass flamingo deaths is to change the agricultural irrigation methods in region. Pakdemirli said the deaths are not related to the irrigation practices in the region. "I want to stress that there is no direct or indirect connection between this incident and the wells in the area or the agricultural irrigation," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey: Drone footage shows thousands of dead flamingoes, investigation on

A drone attacked Erbil airport in northern Iraq with explosives on Tuesday, aimed at the US&nbsp;base on the airport grounds, Kurdish security sources told Reuters. 
 
Sirens were blaring from the US&nbsp;consulate in the city, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, the sources said. 
 
Flights were suspended following the attacks, they said. 
 
In a statement, the Pentagon said it was aware of reports about a drone attack, but initial information did not indicate structural damage, or injuries or casualties. 
 
The attack comes one day after rockets and a drone targeted Ain al-Asad air base, which houses US&nbsp;troops and the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad, on Monday. 
 
In April, a drone dropped explosives near the US&nbsp;forces stationed at Erbil airport. It was then the first known attack carried out by an unmanned aerial drone against US&nbsp;forces in Erbil, amid a steady stream of rocket attacks on bases hosting US&nbsp;forces and the embassy in Baghdad that Washington blames on Iran-backed militias. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A drone attacked Erbil airport in northern Iraq with explosives on Tuesday, aimed at the US base on the airport grounds, Kurdish security sources told Reuters. Sirens were blaring from the US consulate in the city, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, the sources said.

A drone attacked Erbil airport in northern Iraq with explosives on Tuesday, aimed at the US base on the airport grounds, Kurdish security sources told Reuters. Sirens were blaring from the US consulate in the city, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, the sources said. Flights were suspended following the attacks, they said. In a statement, the Pentagon said it was aware of reports about a drone attack, but initial information did not indicate structural damage, or injuries or casualties. The attack comes one day after rockets and a drone targeted Ain al-Asad air base, which houses US troops and the US embassy in Baghdad, on Monday. In April, a drone dropped explosives near the US forces stationed at Erbil airport. It was then the first known attack carried out by an unmanned aerial drone against US forces in Erbil, amid a steady stream of rocket attacks on bases hosting US forces and the embassy in Baghdad that Washington blames on Iran-backed militias. (With inputs from agencies)

Explosive-laden drone hit Erbil airport in Iraq, aimed at US base: Report

A drone was intercepted and shot down near the US&nbsp;embassy in Baghdad on Monday, without causing casualties, two Iraqi security sources told Reuters. 
 
The sources said the drone failed to reach the embassy compound. 
 
Earlier,&nbsp;a volley of rockets targeted the high-security zone in the Iraqi capital that is home to the US embassy, the military and security sources said.

The attack was&nbsp;the third in a week to target Western diplomatic, military or commercial installations across Iraq after months of relative calm.

At least two rockets hit within the perimeter of the Green Zone, where the American and other foreign embassies are based, according to a statement by Iraq's security services.

A security source told AFP at least one rocket hit the headquarters of Iraq's National Security Service near the US diplomatic mission.

Others crashed into nearby residential districts, including a multi-storey parking complex in the neighbourhood of Harithiya, a witness said.&nbsp;

The attack comes one week after more than a dozen rockets targeted a military complex at the Arbil airport in northern Iraq, which hosts foreign troops from a US-led coalition helping Iraq fight jihadists since 2014.

Two people were killed, including one foreign contractor based at the airport, who died immediately, and a civilian, who died of his wounds later.

On Saturday, another wave of rockets hit the Al-Balad airbase north of Baghdad, where Iraq keeps most of the F-16s it has purchased from the US in recent years.

Security sources said at least one local contractor for Sallyport, the US company that maintains the planes, was wounded.

(With inputs from agencies)

A drone was intercepted and shot down near the US embassy in Baghdad on Monday, without causing casualties, two Iraqi security sources told Reuters. The sources said the drone failed to reach the embassy compound.

A drone was intercepted and shot down near the US embassy in Baghdad on Monday, without causing casualties, two Iraqi security sources told Reuters. The sources said the drone failed to reach the embassy compound. Earlier, a volley of rockets targeted the high-security zone in the Iraqi capital that is home to the US embassy, the military and security sources said. The attack was the third in a week to target Western diplomatic, military or commercial installations across Iraq after months of relative calm. At least two rockets hit within the perimeter of the Green Zone, where the American and other foreign embassies are based, according to a statement by Iraq's security services. A security source told AFP at least one rocket hit the headquarters of Iraq's National Security Service near the US diplomatic mission. Others crashed into nearby residential districts, including a multi-storey parking complex in the neighbourhood of Harithiya, a witness said. The attack comes one week after more than a dozen rockets targeted a military complex at the Arbil airport in northern Iraq, which hosts foreign troops from a US-led coalition helping Iraq fight jihadists since 2014. Two people were killed, including one foreign contractor based at the airport, who died immediately, and a civilian, who died of his wounds later. On Saturday, another wave of rockets hit the Al-Balad airbase north of Baghdad, where Iraq keeps most of the F-16s it has purchased from the US in recent years. Security sources said at least one local contractor for Sallyport, the US company that maintains the planes, was wounded. (With inputs from agencies)

Drone shot down near US embassy in Baghdad, no casualties: Security sources

The Indian mission is located within the fortified diplomatic enclave in Islamabad, across a key road that runs in front of Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

India asks Pakistan to investigate drone presence in Indian mission

Drone spotted over Indian mission in Islamabad, New Delhi lodges formal protest

Expressing concern over the use of drones to target the Jammu Air Force Station, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday urged the research community in the country to develop "much more intelligent methods" to combat such issues. 
 
He also asked the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to focus on the areas of "eliminating terrorism." 
 
Such low-flying drones could not be detected by the militay radars and therefore there was a need for new methods, he said in his address after visiting the site of the first 3D Printed House in India at IIT Madras here.

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Two drones had dropped explosive material on the IAF station located at Jammu airport on Sunday injuring two personnel. A cocktail of explosive material, including RDX, is believed to have been used. 
 
The case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday. 
 
Terrorism was the enemy of mankind, the entire humanity and terrorists "are making us restive and they are affecting the growth of the country," Naidu said. 
 
"The armed forces, of course, they have wide area of air defence systems with advanced radars and missiles to detect and thwart aerial intrusions by large drones, UAVS (unmanned aerial vehicles), aircrafts and helicopters." 
 
"But the small drones flying at low heights, with low radar cross-section cannot be detected by such military radars. This is what happened now in (Jammu and) Kashmir. So we have to focus on that," he said. 
 
The enemy wants to "cripple our nation, subvert our system." 
 
"So the research community must come forward and we must really come out with much more intelligent methods to combat these enemy's efforts," Naidu said. 
 
Naidu commended the efforts of the team behind the project of the country's first 3D Printed House- a joint collaboration of IIT Madras and Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions, a startup. 
 
Observing that cutting edge technologies provide a glimpse into the future, the V-P stressed the importance of scaling them up so that they are accessible to the common man. 
 
"Technologies should not be limited to being only proof of concept. It can greatly alleviate human suffering and make a common man's life comfortable. That is the ultimate purpose of any research", he added.

Expressing concern over the use of drones to target the Jammu Air Force Station, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday urged the research community in the country to develop "much more intelligent methods" to combat such issues.

Expressing concern over the use of drones to target the Jammu Air Force Station, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday urged the research community in the country to develop "much more intelligent methods" to combat such issues. He also asked the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to focus on the areas of "eliminating terrorism." Such low-flying drones could not be detected by the militay radars and therefore there was a need for new methods, he said in his address after visiting the site of the first 3D Printed House in India at IIT Madras here. Also Read | New Delhi reaches out to EU member countries for exemption on India-made vaccines Two drones had dropped explosive material on the IAF station located at Jammu airport on Sunday injuring two personnel. A cocktail of explosive material, including RDX, is believed to have been used. The case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday. Terrorism was the enemy of mankind, the entire humanity and terrorists "are making us restive and they are affecting the growth of the country," Naidu said. "The armed forces, of course, they have wide area of air defence systems with advanced radars and missiles to detect and thwart aerial intrusions by large drones, UAVS (unmanned aerial vehicles), aircrafts and helicopters." "But the small drones flying at low heights, with low radar cross-section cannot be detected by such military radars. This is what happened now in (Jammu and) Kashmir. So we have to focus on that," he said. The enemy wants to "cripple our nation, subvert our system." "So the research community must come forward and we must really come out with much more intelligent methods to combat these enemy's efforts," Naidu said. Naidu commended the efforts of the team behind the project of the country's first 3D Printed House- a joint collaboration of IIT Madras and Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions, a startup. Observing that cutting edge technologies provide a glimpse into the future, the V-P stressed the importance of scaling them up so that they are accessible to the common man. "Technologies should not be limited to being only proof of concept. It can greatly alleviate human suffering and make a common man's life comfortable. That is the ultimate purpose of any research", he added.

Indian Vice President Venkaiah Naidu calls for 'intelligent' methods to counter drone attacks

The attack on an Indian airbase in Jammu marks the beginning of a new security threat for India. At the UN today, India shared how terrorists are using weaponised drones for their activities. How prepared are we to tackle this threat? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Are terrorists targeting India with flying bombs?

Drones are rapidly growing in popularity. They have got the imagination one an on. From communication to navigation, to hunting and killing, drones have become defining feature of modern warfare.

Drones | Killers Robots In The Air: What Are They?

The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen destroyed a drone launched by Iran-aligned Houthi movement towards the southern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait, Saudi state TV reported. 
 
On Saturday, Saudi air defences had intercepted 17 armed drones the coalition said were launched by Houthis towards the kingdom. 
 
Earlier, Saudi Arabian state media said that the kingdom's air defences destroyed 10 drones launched by Houthi rebels. The media reports quoted Saudi Arabia-led military coalition.

The official Saudi Press Agency reported that seven of the drones targetted regions in southern Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Three targeted the Khamis Mushait region, also in the south and home to military installations, it said.

"The interception operations were successful," the coalition said in a statement, adding that the drones were packed with explosives and seven were knocked out in Yemeni air space.

Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels tweeted that one drone was launched towards King Khaled air base in Khamis Mushait.

These developments come as diplomatic push by the United Nations, the US to secure Yemen ceasefire have failed.

The outgoing UN envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths on Tuesday told the Security Council his own efforts over the past three years to end the war have been 'in vain'.

"It is with deep regret that I report today that the parties have not overcome their differences," said Griffiths.

Yemen has been devastated by a civil war between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-backed Houthis since 2014, and millions of civilians are on the brink of famine, according to the UN.

The Saudi-led coalition has controlled Yemen's airspace since it launched a military campaign in 2015 to prop up the country's internationally recognised government.

The Houthis have repeatedly demanded the re-opening of Sanaa airport before any ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen destroyed a drone launched by Iran-aligned Houthi movement towards the southern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait, Saudi state TV reported.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen destroyed a drone launched by Iran-aligned Houthi movement towards the southern Saudi city of Khamis Mushait, Saudi state TV reported. On Saturday, Saudi air defences had intercepted 17 armed drones the coalition said were launched by Houthis towards the kingdom. Earlier, Saudi Arabian state media said that the kingdom's air defences destroyed 10 drones launched by Houthi rebels. The media reports quoted Saudi Arabia-led military coalition. The official Saudi Press Agency reported that seven of the drones targetted regions in southern Saudi Arabia. Three targeted the Khamis Mushait region, also in the south and home to military installations, it said. "The interception operations were successful," the coalition said in a statement, adding that the drones were packed with explosives and seven were knocked out in Yemeni air space. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels tweeted that one drone was launched towards King Khaled air base in Khamis Mushait. These developments come as diplomatic push by the United Nations, the US to secure Yemen ceasefire have failed. The outgoing UN envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths on Tuesday told the Security Council his own efforts over the past three years to end the war have been 'in vain'. "It is with deep regret that I report today that the parties have not overcome their differences," said Griffiths. Yemen has been devastated by a civil war between the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-backed Houthis since 2014, and millions of civilians are on the brink of famine, according to the UN. The Saudi-led coalition has controlled Yemen's airspace since it launched a military campaign in 2015 to prop up the country's internationally recognised government. The Houthis have repeatedly demanded the re-opening of Sanaa airport before any ceasefire. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi-led coalition destroys drone fired by Yemen's Houthis: State TV

A rocket attack on Wednesday evening targeting Baghdad airport, where US soldiers are posted, was carried out with a "booby-trapped drone", a security official told AFP -- a technique increasingly used by pro-Iran groups.

A rocket attack on Wednesday evening targeting Baghdad airport, where US soldiers are posted, was carried out with a "booby-trapped drone", a security official told AFP -- a technique increasingly used by pro-Iran groups. Also Read | Two drones intercepted, shot down over Iraqi air base: Military An hour earlier five rockets had targeted an airbase to the north where US sub-contractors operate, another security source said.

Baghdad airport attack carried out with 'booby-trapped drone'

The Malaysian police have come up with a technologically advanced idea to make sure the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> does not spread in the country. Police officers are using drones to identify people with high body temperatures in public areas.

To test body temperatures, the police department is using drones which can check temperature from a safe distance. These drones can detect high temperatures as high as 20 metres above ground.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/too-soon-to-say-if-lockdown-in-england-will-end-as-planned-says-health-minister-hancock-389772">Too soon to say if lockdown in England will end as planned, says Health Minister Hancock</a>

Once the drone lays its glare on an individual with high temperature, it emits a red light to alert the authorities and the police officers to take necessary steps.

This method has been adopted after the country's health director-general warned that most&nbsp;of the new infections were a result of unknown contacts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hiv-woman-had-covid-19-for-over-6-months-which-mutated-30-times-study-389719" hreflang="en">HIV+ woman had COVID-19 for over 6 months which mutated 30 times: Study</a>

"One of the reasons is the emergence of new variants in the community which have higher infectivity and mortality rates," Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a statement.

The drones have been put to&nbsp;make sure most&nbsp;of the ground area can be covered in surveillance. "Although we have 157 monitoring teams, they move from one location to another. They are unable to monitor every location at once, including detecting symptomatic individuals in public places," Rohaimi Md Isa, police chief of Terengganu state told local media.

This has also come at a time when the country has entered a strict lockdown, during which only two people from a house can step outdoors to buy essentials, consult medical help or engage in a non-contact sport. Schools and shopping malls continue to stay closed while manufacturing units have been allowed to operate.

The Malaysian police have come up with a technologically advanced idea to make sure the coronavirus does not spread in the country. Police officers are using drones to identify people with high body temperatures in public areas.

The Malaysian police have come up with a technologically advanced idea to make sure the coronavirus does not spread in the country. Police officers are using drones to identify people with high body temperatures in public areas. To test body temperatures, the police department is using drones which can check temperature from a safe distance. These drones can detect high temperatures as high as 20 metres above ground. Also read | Too soon to say if lockdown in England will end as planned, says Health Minister Hancock Once the drone lays its glare on an individual with high temperature, it emits a red light to alert the authorities and the police officers to take necessary steps. This method has been adopted after the country's health director-general warned that most of the new infections were a result of unknown contacts. Also read | HIV+ woman had COVID-19 for over 6 months which mutated 30 times: Study "One of the reasons is the emergence of new variants in the community which have higher infectivity and mortality rates," Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a statement. The drones have been put to make sure most of the ground area can be covered in surveillance. "Although we have 157 monitoring teams, they move from one location to another. They are unable to monitor every location at once, including detecting symptomatic individuals in public places," Rohaimi Md Isa, police chief of Terengganu state told local media. This has also come at a time when the country has entered a strict lockdown, during which only two people from a house can step outdoors to buy essentials, consult medical help or engage in a non-contact sport. Schools and shopping malls continue to stay closed while manufacturing units have been allowed to operate.

Malaysia: Police using drones to check body temperature in public places

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said early on Sunday, it destroyed an explosives-laden drone headed towards Khamis Mushait launched by Houthi militia in Yemen, Saudi state TV al-Ekhbariya reported.&nbsp;

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said in a tweet early on Sunday that an operation targeted Saudi Arabia's King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait with explosives-laden drones, and the hit was accurate.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Saudi-led coalition engaged in Yemen dismissed as 'fabricated' video footage issued by the Houthi movement on Saturday purportedly showing an incursion by its fighters into a Saudi Arabian border area on the frontlines.&nbsp;

Houthi-run Al Masirah television cited a military source as saying more than 80 Saudi soldiers and Sudanese 'mercenaries' were killed or injured, while tens were captured in the operation near Al Khoubah in the southern Saudi region of Jazan.&nbsp;

"Claims by the Houthi militia about executing a military operation on the Jazan border are media fabrications," Saudi state television cited coalition spokesman Brigadier General Turki al-Malki as saying.&nbsp;

Malki said the Houthis' 'imaginary victories' aimed to cover up big military losses suffered by the group in Yemen's Marib and al-Jawf regions.&nbsp;

The war, which in March entered its seventh year, has been in a military stalemate for years with the Iran-aligned Houthis holding most of northern Yemen.&nbsp;

The United Nations and the United States are pressing for a ceasefire needed to end the conflict, widely seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.&nbsp;

Some of the video footage on Al Masirah's Telegram account, the authenticity of which could not be independently verified, showed men in military uniform coming under fire as they fled down a rocky mountain slope.&nbsp;

Sudanese troops have been deployed as part of the Saudi-led military alliance that intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from the capital Sanaa. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said early on Sunday, it destroyed an explosives-laden drone headed towards Khamis Mushait launched by Houthi militia in Yemen, Saudi state TV al-Ekhbariya reported.

The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said early on Sunday, it destroyed an explosives-laden drone headed towards Khamis Mushait launched by Houthi militia in Yemen, Saudi state TV al-Ekhbariya reported. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said in a tweet early on Sunday that an operation targeted Saudi Arabia's King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait with explosives-laden drones, and the hit was accurate. Earlier, the Saudi-led coalition engaged in Yemen dismissed as 'fabricated' video footage issued by the Houthi movement on Saturday purportedly showing an incursion by its fighters into a Saudi Arabian border area on the frontlines. Houthi-run Al Masirah television cited a military source as saying more than 80 Saudi soldiers and Sudanese 'mercenaries' were killed or injured, while tens were captured in the operation near Al Khoubah in the southern Saudi region of Jazan. "Claims by the Houthi militia about executing a military operation on the Jazan border are media fabrications," Saudi state television cited coalition spokesman Brigadier General Turki al-Malki as saying. Malki said the Houthis' 'imaginary victories' aimed to cover up big military losses suffered by the group in Yemen's Marib and al-Jawf regions. The war, which in March entered its seventh year, has been in a military stalemate for years with the Iran-aligned Houthis holding most of northern Yemen. The United Nations and the United States are pressing for a ceasefire needed to end the conflict, widely seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Some of the video footage on Al Masirah's Telegram account, the authenticity of which could not be independently verified, showed men in military uniform coming under fire as they fled down a rocky mountain slope. Sudanese troops have been deployed as part of the Saudi-led military alliance that intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from the capital Sanaa. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi-led coalition destroys explosives-laden drone headed for Khamis Mushait: State TV 

The Biden administration has disclosed a set of rules secretly issued by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> in 2017 for counterterrorism "direct action" operations — like drone strikes and commando raids outside conventional war zones — which the White House has suspended as it weighs whether and how to tighten the guidelines.

While the Biden administration censored some passages, the visible portions show that in the Trump era, commanders in the field were given latitude to make decisions about attacks so long as they fit within broad sets of "operating principles," including that there should be "near certainty"&nbsp;that civilians "will not be injured or killed in the course of operations."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/father-of-vaccine-immigration-and-2024-presidential-run-donald-trump-attacks-biden-381492" hreflang="en">'Father of vaccine', immigration and 2024 presidential run: Donald Trump attacks Biden</a>

At the same time, however, the Trump-era rules were flexible about permitting exceptions to that and other standards, saying that "variations"&nbsp;could be made "where necessary" so long as certain bureaucratic procedures were followed in approving them.

In October, Judge Edgardo Ramos of the Southern District of New York had ordered the government turn over the 11-page document in response to Freedom of Information Act lawsuits filed by The New York Times and by the American Civil Liberties Union. The Biden administration inherited that case and sought a delay but has now complied, providing a copy to both plaintiffs late Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oversight-board-delays-decision-on-donald-trumps-facebook-ban-378147" hreflang="en">Oversight Board delays decision on Donald Trump's Facebook ban</a>

The Biden administration suspended the Trump-era rules on its first day in office and imposed an interim policy of requiring White House approval for proposed strikes outside of the war zones of Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. At the same time, the Biden team began a review of how both Obama- and Trump-era policies had worked — both on paper and in practice — with an eye toward developing its own policy.

The review, officials said, discovered that Trump-era principles to govern strikes in certain countries often made an exception to the requirement of "near certainty" that there would be no civilian casualties. While it kept that rule for women and children, it permitted a lower standard of merely "reasonable certainty"&nbsp;when it came to civilian adult men.

Thomas P. Bossert, who helped oversee interagency development of the Trump-era rules in 2017 when he was a top counterterrorism adviser to Trump, said he was proud of them and argued that the policy "should not be dismissed or replaced without careful consideration and an examination of the results it produced."

The Biden administration has disclosed a set of rules secretly issued by President Donald Trump in 2017 for counterterrorism "direct action" operations — like drone strikes and commando raids outside conventional war zones — which the White House has suspended as it weighs whether and how to tighten the guidelines.

The Biden administration has disclosed a set of rules secretly issued by President Donald Trump in 2017 for counterterrorism "direct action" operations — like drone strikes and commando raids outside conventional war zones — which the White House has suspended as it weighs whether and how to tighten the guidelines. While the Biden administration censored some passages, the visible portions show that in the Trump era, commanders in the field were given latitude to make decisions about attacks so long as they fit within broad sets of "operating principles," including that there should be "near certainty" that civilians "will not be injured or killed in the course of operations." Also read | 'Father of vaccine', immigration and 2024 presidential run: Donald Trump attacks Biden At the same time, however, the Trump-era rules were flexible about permitting exceptions to that and other standards, saying that "variations" could be made "where necessary" so long as certain bureaucratic procedures were followed in approving them. In October, Judge Edgardo Ramos of the Southern District of New York had ordered the government turn over the 11-page document in response to Freedom of Information Act lawsuits filed by The New York Times and by the American Civil Liberties Union. The Biden administration inherited that case and sought a delay but has now complied, providing a copy to both plaintiffs late Friday. Also read | Oversight Board delays decision on Donald Trump's Facebook ban The Biden administration suspended the Trump-era rules on its first day in office and imposed an interim policy of requiring White House approval for proposed strikes outside of the war zones of Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. At the same time, the Biden team began a review of how both Obama- and Trump-era policies had worked — both on paper and in practice — with an eye toward developing its own policy. The review, officials said, discovered that Trump-era principles to govern strikes in certain countries often made an exception to the requirement of "near certainty" that there would be no civilian casualties. While it kept that rule for women and children, it permitted a lower standard of merely "reasonable certainty" when it came to civilian adult men. Thomas P. Bossert, who helped oversee interagency development of the Trump-era rules in 2017 when he was a top counterterrorism adviser to Trump, said he was proud of them and argued that the policy "should not be dismissed or replaced without careful consideration and an examination of the results it produced."

Trump’s secret rules for drone strikes outside war zones are disclosed

An air attack on an oil refinery in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Friday caused a fire that was brought under control, the energy ministry said, after Yemen's Houthi group said it targeted the site with six drones.

Drone strike on Riyadh oil refinery claimed by Houthis causes fire

German start-up Wingcopter has joined the race to offer COVID-19 vaccine distribution by air, pointing to its experience in remote areas like the South Pacific Ocean nation of Vanuatu. Wingcopter says its drones set a world record with a maximum speed of 240 km/h (149 MPH) and that one battery charge lasts for "more than 100 km," or 62 miles while carrying a weight of up to 6 kg (13.2 pounds).

Now drone will distribute COVID-19 vaccine by air in remote areas

Hezbollah said on Monday that it downed an Israeli drone after it flew over UN-demarcated Blu Line border. Israel has also acknowledged that an unmanned aircraft has crashed. Hezbollah said that it has downed the drone in southern Lebanon. It said that it "downed a drone belonging to the Israeli enemy that had entered Lebanese airspace outside Blida"

Israel Defence Forces said that &nbsp;"during IDF operational activity along the Blue Line, an IDF drone fell in Lebanese territory".

"There is no risk of breach of information," it said.

The development has taken place just 10 days after Israel shot down unmanned aircraft which it said had entered its airspace from Lebanon. Israel&nbsp;and Hezbollah are technically still at war. A UN force, UNIFIL, patrols the border between the two.

In August 2020, Hezbollah also said it downed and seized an Israeli drone that flew into Lebanese airspace. Israel at the time also said the drone had "fallen".

Hezbollah had in September 2019 vowed to down Israeli drones overflying Lebanon following an incident a month earlier when two drones packed with explosives targeted Hezbollah's stronghold in south Beirut.

The group is the only side not to have disarmed following Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, and it is also a powerful player in Lebanese politics with seats in parliament.

(With AFP inputs)

Hezbollah said on Monday that it downed an Israeli drone after it flew over UN-demarcated Blu Line border. Israel has also acknowledged that an unmanned aircraft has crashed.

Hezbollah said on Monday that it downed an Israeli drone after it flew over UN-demarcated Blu Line border. Israel has also acknowledged that an unmanned aircraft has crashed. Hezbollah said that it has downed the drone in southern Lebanon. It said that it "downed a drone belonging to the Israeli enemy that had entered Lebanese airspace outside Blida" Israel Defence Forces said that "during IDF operational activity along the Blue Line, an IDF drone fell in Lebanese territory". "There is no risk of breach of information," it said. The development has taken place just 10 days after Israel shot down unmanned aircraft which it said had entered its airspace from Lebanon. Israel and Hezbollah are technically still at war. A UN force, UNIFIL, patrols the border between the two. In August 2020, Hezbollah also said it downed and seized an Israeli drone that flew into Lebanese airspace. Israel at the time also said the drone had "fallen". Hezbollah had in September 2019 vowed to down Israeli drones overflying Lebanon following an incident a month earlier when two drones packed with explosives targeted Hezbollah's stronghold in south Beirut. The group is the only side not to have disarmed following Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, and it is also a powerful player in Lebanese politics with seats in parliament. (With AFP inputs)

Hezbollah says it downed an Israeli drone

A South Korean tank was seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian forces say the ship held because it was polluting the Persian gulf with chemicals but only the naive would believe that justification. Iran was flexing its dominance in the area and in doing so, sending a clear signal to both South Korea and more importantly the US.

This development comes amid rising tension between Iran and the outgoing Trump administration.

On Monday, Iran resumed enriching uranium once again. This a significant breach of the 2015 nuclear accord and was done to retaliate against Washington. The US had withdrawn from the agreement in 2019 and reimposed sanctions against Tehran.

In another showcase of its military might, today Iran began a massive military drone exercise.&nbsp;This is the first large-scale drone-only drill that Iran is known to have conducted.

Have a look|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/year-after-soleimani-killing-iran-unleashes-kamikaze-drones-amid-tensions-with-us-354630">Year after Soleimani killing, Iran unleashes 'kamikaze' drones amid tensions with US</a>

Iran is also angry about the killing of its top nuclear scientist&nbsp;which Tehran blames on Israel, an ally of the US.

So how did South Korea, a small country in Asia get caught up in the middle of Iran-US tensions?

On Monday, a South Korean oil tanker was travelling from Saudi Arabia to the UAE when it was flanked by Iran's revolutionary guards.&nbsp;It was escorted by Iranian forces to the port city of Bandar abbas.

All this occurred in a narrow stretch of sea called the Strait of Hormuz. Just around 21 miles wide, this strip of sea between Oman and Iran is the most sensitive choke point for all global oil supply. All tankers carrying crude oil from ports on the Persian Gulf must pass through this strait.

In 2018, the daily oil flow in this area averaged 21 million barrels per day. This is the equivalent of about 21 per cent of global petroleum consumption.

This is not the first time that Iran has seized ships of other countries. It has a history of seizing ships, especially if they belong to countries which have disputes with Tehran, and South Korea is currently not in Iran's good books.

South Korea is withholding billions of dollars of Iranian oil export revenue. Seoul is following US sanctions against Iran. South Korea demanded the immediate release of its vessel and dispatched its own forces to the area.

This comes just days ahead of a planned visit by South Korea's deputy foreign minister to Tehran.

Analysts say seizing the oil tanker was Iran's bid to force South Korea to come to the table and discuss repatriation of the Iranian money. So far Iran remains defiant.

A government&nbsp;spokesperson today said it's the Korean government holding Iranian money hostage.&nbsp;"If there is any hostage-taking, it is Korea's government that is holding more than $7 billion, which belongs to us, hostage on baseless grounds," said&nbsp;Iranian government spokesman.

However, Iran's move might have backfired as a South Korean foreign official has said that the deputy foreign minister's visit was now up in the air and the country's focus was now to free the 20 crew members of the ship.

A South Korean tank was seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian forces say the ship held because it was polluting the Persian gulf with chemicals but only the naive would believe that justification.

A South Korean tank was seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian forces say the ship held because it was polluting the Persian gulf with chemicals but only the naive would believe that justification. Iran was flexing its dominance in the area and in doing so, sending a clear signal to both South Korea and more importantly the US. This development comes amid rising tension between Iran and the outgoing Trump administration. On Monday, Iran resumed enriching uranium once again. This a significant breach of the 2015 nuclear accord and was done to retaliate against Washington. The US had withdrawn from the agreement in 2019 and reimposed sanctions against Tehran. In another showcase of its military might, today Iran began a massive military drone exercise. This is the first large-scale drone-only drill that Iran is known to have conducted. Have a look| Year after Soleimani killing, Iran unleashes 'kamikaze' drones amid tensions with US Iran is also angry about the killing of its top nuclear scientist which Tehran blames on Israel, an ally of the US. So how did South Korea, a small country in Asia get caught up in the middle of Iran-US tensions? On Monday, a South Korean oil tanker was travelling from Saudi Arabia to the UAE when it was flanked by Iran's revolutionary guards. It was escorted by Iranian forces to the port city of Bandar abbas. All this occurred in a narrow stretch of sea called the Strait of Hormuz. Just around 21 miles wide, this strip of sea between Oman and Iran is the most sensitive choke point for all global oil supply. All tankers carrying crude oil from ports on the Persian Gulf must pass through this strait. In 2018, the daily oil flow in this area averaged 21 million barrels per day. This is the equivalent of about 21 per cent of global petroleum consumption. This is not the first time that Iran has seized ships of other countries. It has a history of seizing ships, especially if they belong to countries which have disputes with Tehran, and South Korea is currently not in Iran's good books. South Korea is withholding billions of dollars of Iranian oil export revenue. Seoul is following US sanctions against Iran. South Korea demanded the immediate release of its vessel and dispatched its own forces to the area. This comes just days ahead of a planned visit by South Korea's deputy foreign minister to Tehran. Analysts say seizing the oil tanker was Iran's bid to force South Korea to come to the table and discuss repatriation of the Iranian money. So far Iran remains defiant. A government spokesperson today said it's the Korean government holding Iranian money hostage. "If there is any hostage-taking, it is Korea's government that is holding more than $7 billion, which belongs to us, hostage on baseless grounds," said Iranian government spokesman. However, Iran's move might have backfired as a South Korean foreign official has said that the deputy foreign minister's visit was now up in the air and the country's focus was now to free the 20 crew members of the ship.

Enriching uranium, showcase of drones and seizing South Korean tank: Iran shows its military might

An Indonesian fisherman has caught what is apparently a 'Chinese' submarine drone.

News reports citing Indonesian news outlet Detik News have said that the object the fisherman identified as Saeruddin bears striking resemblance to submarine drones developed by Chinese Academy of Sciences, a state-run organisation in China.

The fisherman caught the drone on December 20 near Selayar Islands that are part of Indonesia's South Sulawesi province. He then handed the drone to police who, in turn, gave it to the Indonesian military.
<img alt="Indonesia Chinese drone" data-caption="Image tweeted by Twitter handle @Jatosint" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f7fc08e2-2f98-4f50-a7be-42388c90814f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Indonesia%20drone.png" />
As per reports, the torpedo-shaped drone is 7.4 feet long. There is sensor equipment at the front while antenna-like structure protrudes from the rear end.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A fisherman in Selayar Island, South Sulawesi, has found a UUV: 
 
Length: 225 cm 
Tail: 18 cm 
Wingspan: 50 cm 
Trailing antenna: 93 cm 
 
Very similar to China's 'Sea Wing' UUV, which, if it's true, raised many questions especially how it managed to be found deep inside our territory <a href="https://t.co/RAiX8Xw2BK">pic.twitter.com/RAiX8Xw2BK</a>
— JATOSINT (@Jatosint) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jatosint/status/1343749243798896640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is not the first time these drones have been found in Indonesian waters. Such drones were reportedly found near Masalembu Islands and Riau Islands of Indonesia. These islands, along with Selayar Islands are situation near sea-routes that connect South China Sea and Indian Ocean.

China has long been working to increase its presence in the Indian Ocean where the Indian Navy is dominant. Whether these drones are being used to chart undersea routes for Chinese submarines is not yet clear.

An Indonesian fisherman has caught what is apparently a 'Chinese' submarine drone. News reports citing Indonesian news outlet Detik News have said that the object the fisherman identified as Saeruddin bears striking resemblance to submarine drones developed by Chinese Academy of Sciences, a state-run organisation in China.

An Indonesian fisherman has caught what is apparently a 'Chinese' submarine drone. News reports citing Indonesian news outlet Detik News have said that the object the fisherman identified as Saeruddin bears striking resemblance to submarine drones developed by Chinese Academy of Sciences, a state-run organisation in China. The fisherman caught the drone on December 20 near Selayar Islands that are part of Indonesia's South Sulawesi province. He then handed the drone to police who, in turn, gave it to the Indonesian military. As per reports, the torpedo-shaped drone is 7.4 feet long. There is sensor equipment at the front while antenna-like structure protrudes from the rear end. A fisherman in Selayar Island, South Sulawesi, has found a UUV: Length: 225 cm Tail: 18 cm Wingspan: 50 cm Trailing antenna: 93 cm Very similar to China's 'Sea Wing' UUV, which, if it's true, raised many questions especially how it managed to be found deep inside our territory pic.twitter.com/RAiX8Xw2BK — JATOSINT (@Jatosint) December 29, 2020 × This is not the first time these drones have been found in Indonesian waters. Such drones were reportedly found near Masalembu Islands and Riau Islands of Indonesia. These islands, along with Selayar Islands are situation near sea-routes that connect South China Sea and Indian Ocean. China has long been working to increase its presence in the Indian Ocean where the Indian Navy is dominant. Whether these drones are being used to chart undersea routes for Chinese submarines is not yet clear.

Indonesian fisherman catches 'Chinese' submarine drone

Beijing has not only become a major defence spender but increasingly stats say China is also turning into a top arms seller.

New research suggests China is now the world’s second-largest arms producer – after the United States and ahead of Russia – and it is becoming less dependent on foreign weapons and military technology. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-steps-up-arms-sale-to-taiwan-amid-row-with-china-328225">Also read: US steps up arms sale to Taiwan amid row with China</a> 
 
According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the US and China carried the weight of the global arms market in 2019, while the Middle East made its debut among the "top 25" weapons manufacturers.

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US-based arms companies took the top five spots in 2019, with Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and General Dynamics recording a total of $166 billion (€137 billion) in annual arms sales, the data released by the Sweden-based think tank on Monday showed.

Overall, 12 US firms featured among the sector's 25 biggest manufacturers, constituting 61% of the combined weapons sales of the top 25.&nbsp;

China came second, accounting for 16% of arms sales last year. Four Chinese arms-producing companies appeared in the top 25 rankings, with three in the top 10.&nbsp;

The arms sales by the country's four biggest companies soared by 4.8% in 2019 as against $56.7 billion in 2018. 
 
The list included: Aviation Industry Corporation of China (6th); China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (8th); China North Industries Group Corporation (9th); and China South Industries Group Corporation (24th).

"Chinese arms companies are benefiting from military modernization programs for the People's Liberation Army," Nan Tian, a senior researcher at SIPRI, said in a statement.

The think tank added that there could be several other Chinese companies big enough to rank on its top 25 list but it was not possible to include them due to lack of "comparable and sufficiently accurate data."

The Middle East enters the club

In a first, a Middle Eastern weapons manufacturer found itself in the top 25 rankings.&nbsp;

EDGE, a firm from the United Arab Emirates, was on the 22nd spot, accounting for 1.3% of the total arms sales of the 25 giants.&nbsp;

According to Pieter Wezeman, a senior researcher with SIPRI's &nbsp;Arms and Military Expenditure Program, the firm's ranking reflected how high national demand for military products and the aspiration to become less dependent on foreign providers was "driving the growth of arms companies in the Middle East."

Rafale deliveries boost Dassault's ranking&nbsp;

It was also the first time that France’s Dassault Aviation Group featured among the top 25 arms companies.&nbsp;

The firm also accounted for the largest percentage increase in yearly arms sales at 105%.&nbsp;

SIPRI attributed the push in Dassault's ranking to a spike in the export of its Rafale fighter aircraft.

The combined sales of arms and military services by the 25 companies grossed $361 billion in 2019, an 8.5% increase from 2018.

(With inputs from agencies)

Beijing has not only become a major defence spender but increasingly stats say China is also turning into a top arms seller. New research suggests China is now the world’s second-largest arms producer – after the United States and ahead of Russia – and it is becoming less dependent on foreign weapons and military technology.

Beijing has not only become a major defence spender but increasingly stats say China is also turning into a top arms seller. New research suggests China is now the world’s second-largest arms producer – after the United States and ahead of Russia – and it is becoming less dependent on foreign weapons and military technology. Also read: US steps up arms sale to Taiwan amid row with China According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the US and China carried the weight of the global arms market in 2019, while the Middle East made its debut among the "top 25" weapons manufacturers. US-based arms companies took the top five spots in 2019, with Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and General Dynamics recording a total of $166 billion (€137 billion) in annual arms sales, the data released by the Sweden-based think tank on Monday showed. Overall, 12 US firms featured among the sector's 25 biggest manufacturers, constituting 61% of the combined weapons sales of the top 25. China came second, accounting for 16% of arms sales last year. Four Chinese arms-producing companies appeared in the top 25 rankings, with three in the top 10. The arms sales by the country's four biggest companies soared by 4.8% in 2019 as against $56.7 billion in 2018. The list included: Aviation Industry Corporation of China (6th); China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (8th); China North Industries Group Corporation (9th); and China South Industries Group Corporation (24th). "Chinese arms companies are benefiting from military modernization programs for the People's Liberation Army," Nan Tian, a senior researcher at SIPRI, said in a statement. The think tank added that there could be several other Chinese companies big enough to rank on its top 25 list but it was not possible to include them due to lack of "comparable and sufficiently accurate data." The Middle East enters the club In a first, a Middle Eastern weapons manufacturer found itself in the top 25 rankings. EDGE, a firm from the United Arab Emirates, was on the 22nd spot, accounting for 1.3% of the total arms sales of the 25 giants. According to Pieter Wezeman, a senior researcher with SIPRI's Arms and Military Expenditure Program, the firm's ranking reflected how high national demand for military products and the aspiration to become less dependent on foreign providers was "driving the growth of arms companies in the Middle East." Rafale deliveries boost Dassault's ranking It was also the first time that France’s Dassault Aviation Group featured among the top 25 arms companies. The firm also accounted for the largest percentage increase in yearly arms sales at 105%. SIPRI attributed the push in Dassault's ranking to a spike in the export of its Rafale fighter aircraft. The combined sales of arms and military services by the 25 companies grossed $361 billion in 2019, an 8.5% increase from 2018. (With inputs from agencies)

United States and China ruled the global arms market in 2019: Report

The U.S. State Department gave Congress notification it plans to sell 18 sophisticated armed MQ-9B aerial drones to the United Arab Emirates in a deal worth as much as $2.9 billion, people briefed on the notification said.

The move comes on the heels of last week`s notification of a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to the middle-eastern country.

This would mark the first armed drone export since the Trump administration reinterpreted a Cold War-era arms agreement between 34 nations to allow U.S. defense contractors to sell more drones to allies.

Reuters has reported that UAE has long shown interest in purchasing drones from the United States and would be among the first customers in line after U.S. export policy changed this summer. A $600 million deal to sell four unarmed but weapons-ready MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones to Taiwan was the first to be formally notified to Congress on Tuesday.

This informal notification for the Reaper-style drones is the precursor to the State Department`s formal and public notification.

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and House of Representatives Foreign Affairs committees - whose members have criticized UAE`s role in civilian deaths in Yemen`s civil war - have the ability to review and block weapons sales under an informal review process before the State Department sends its formal notification to the legislative branch.

The U.S. State Department may wait to formally notify Congress of the sale once staff and members are briefed on the potential sale, one of the people said. The formal notification gives Congress 30 days to object to any sales.

A U.S. State Department spokesman told Reuters, "As a matter of policy, the United States does not confirm or comment on proposed defense sales or transfers until they are formally notified to Congress."

The armed MQ-9B drones will also be equipped with maritime radar and could be delivered in 2024. The package notified to Congress is for 15 with an option for three additional drones, one of the people said.

The UAE is also seeking a package of Boeing Co&nbsp;EA-18G Growlers, an electronic warfare version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, that are capable of jamming radar and other advanced capabilities. Growlers are operated buy the U.S. and Australia.

The United Arab Emirates, one of Washington`s closest Middle East allies, has long expressed interest in acquiring the stealthy F-35 jets and was promised a chance to buy them in a side deal made when they agreed to normalize relations with Israel. The informal notification for 50 Lockheed Martin Co&nbsp;F-35 jets was made on Oct. 29.

But any deal the U.S. makes to sell weapons in the region must satisfy decades of agreement with Israel where the U.S.-made weapon must not impair Israel`s "qualitative military edge," guaranteeing U.S. weapons furnished to Israel are "superior in capability" to those sold to its neighbors.

The U.S. State Department gave Congress notification it plans to sell 18 sophisticated armed MQ-9B aerial drones to the United Arab Emirates in a deal worth as much as $2.

The U.S. State Department gave Congress notification it plans to sell 18 sophisticated armed MQ-9B aerial drones to the United Arab Emirates in a deal worth as much as $2.9 billion, people briefed on the notification said. The move comes on the heels of last week`s notification of a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to the middle-eastern country. This would mark the first armed drone export since the Trump administration reinterpreted a Cold War-era arms agreement between 34 nations to allow U.S. defense contractors to sell more drones to allies. Reuters has reported that UAE has long shown interest in purchasing drones from the United States and would be among the first customers in line after U.S. export policy changed this summer. A $600 million deal to sell four unarmed but weapons-ready MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones to Taiwan was the first to be formally notified to Congress on Tuesday. This informal notification for the Reaper-style drones is the precursor to the State Department`s formal and public notification. The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and House of Representatives Foreign Affairs committees - whose members have criticized UAE`s role in civilian deaths in Yemen`s civil war - have the ability to review and block weapons sales under an informal review process before the State Department sends its formal notification to the legislative branch. The U.S. State Department may wait to formally notify Congress of the sale once staff and members are briefed on the potential sale, one of the people said. The formal notification gives Congress 30 days to object to any sales. A U.S. State Department spokesman told Reuters, "As a matter of policy, the United States does not confirm or comment on proposed defense sales or transfers until they are formally notified to Congress." The armed MQ-9B drones will also be equipped with maritime radar and could be delivered in 2024. The package notified to Congress is for 15 with an option for three additional drones, one of the people said. The UAE is also seeking a package of Boeing Co EA-18G Growlers, an electronic warfare version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, that are capable of jamming radar and other advanced capabilities. Growlers are operated buy the U.S. and Australia. The United Arab Emirates, one of Washington`s closest Middle East allies, has long expressed interest in acquiring the stealthy F-35 jets and was promised a chance to buy them in a side deal made when they agreed to normalize relations with Israel. The informal notification for 50 Lockheed Martin Co F-35 jets was made on Oct. 29. But any deal the U.S. makes to sell weapons in the region must satisfy decades of agreement with Israel where the U.S.-made weapon must not impair Israel`s "qualitative military edge," guaranteeing U.S. weapons furnished to Israel are "superior in capability" to those sold to its neighbors.

Trump administration advances $2.9 billion drone sale to UAE

A world championship surfer had a close encounter with a shark on Wednesday (October 7) in New South Wales, Australia. The close call was captured by a patrol drone belonging to lifeguards at Sharpes Beach, about 736 km (457 miles) away from Sydney. In the footage, former pro surfer Matt Wilkinson is seen paddling on his surf board when a shark briefly surfaces behind him, then swims away.

Drone footage shows world championship surfer’s close encounter with shark

Budget airline SpiceJet Ltd said on Friday it received permission to conduct drone trials that will allow it to deliver medical supplies and e-commerce products as a months-long lockdown has thrown supply chains in the country into disarray.

Earlier this month, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted&nbsp;exemptions to 13 groups to operate drones on an experimental basis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-urges-government-to-reduce-flights-from-5-states-with-high-covid-19-cases-301740">Also read:&nbsp;Karnataka urges government to reduce flights from 5 states with high COVID-19 cases</a>

After trials, SpiceXpress, the airline's cargo arm, will focus on delivering medical emergency parcels and essential supplies including perishables, SpiceJet said.

"Testing of drone technology for last mile connectivity and cost-effective cargo deliveries are a big leap in the air transportation of essential and non-essential supplies in India," SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh said in a statement.

A SpiceXpress-led consortium, which includes drone maker Throttle Aerospace, was granted permission to operate drones beyond the visual sight of the operator on a trial basis, the airlines operator said in an email. 
It did not specify when it will begin the trials.

India's lockdown, the world's biggest and strictest when it began, triggered a surge in demand for home delivery of household goods, food and medicines as the coronavirus crisis deepened. The government has since eased some of the restrictions, including passenger flights.

Earlier this month, Amazon.com Inc's India unit said it would hire 50,000 temporary workers to meet a surge in online shopping in the country.

SpiceJet said its drones would help deliver essential supplies to the remotest corners of the country.

Budget airline SpiceJet Ltd said on Friday it received permission to conduct drone trials that will allow it to deliver medical supplies and e-commerce products as a months-long lockdown has thrown supply chains in the country into disarray.

Budget airline SpiceJet Ltd said on Friday it received permission to conduct drone trials that will allow it to deliver medical supplies and e-commerce products as a months-long lockdown has thrown supply chains in the country into disarray. Earlier this month, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted exemptions to 13 groups to operate drones on an experimental basis. Also read: Karnataka urges government to reduce flights from 5 states with high COVID-19 cases After trials, SpiceXpress, the airline's cargo arm, will focus on delivering medical emergency parcels and essential supplies including perishables, SpiceJet said. "Testing of drone technology for last mile connectivity and cost-effective cargo deliveries are a big leap in the air transportation of essential and non-essential supplies in India," SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh said in a statement. A SpiceXpress-led consortium, which includes drone maker Throttle Aerospace, was granted permission to operate drones beyond the visual sight of the operator on a trial basis, the airlines operator said in an email. It did not specify when it will begin the trials. India's lockdown, the world's biggest and strictest when it began, triggered a surge in demand for home delivery of household goods, food and medicines as the coronavirus crisis deepened. The government has since eased some of the restrictions, including passenger flights. Earlier this month, Amazon.com Inc's India unit said it would hire 50,000 temporary workers to meet a surge in online shopping in the country. SpiceJet said its drones would help deliver essential supplies to the remotest corners of the country.

SpiceJet to start drone trials for medicine deliveries

It is not a bird, a plane or Superman: the aircraft humming in the skies above Colombia's capital Bogota are instead police drones that are meant to detect people with high temperatures or those violating the country's coronavirus quarantine.

Colombian police use drones to detect high body temperatures

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