China on Monday called on the US military to stop flexing its muscles in the South China Sea and to avoid adding "new uncertainties" over Taiwan, during high-level talks that underscored tension between the world's two largest economies.

The remarks by Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe to US Defense Secretary Mark Esper, recounted by a Chinese spokesman, came just two weeks after a top White House official denounced Chinese "intimidation" in the busy waterway.

It also came a day after Esper publicly accused Beijing of "increasingly resorting to coercion and intimidation to advance its strategic objectives" in the region.

During closed-door talks on the sidelines of a gathering of defence ministers in Bangkok, Wei urged Esper to "stop flexing muscles in the South China Sea and to not provoke and escalate tensions in the South China Sea", the spokesman, Wu Qian, said.

China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, where it has established military outposts on artificial islands. However, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea.

The United States accuses China of militarising the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves.

The US Navy regularly vexes China by conducting what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations by ships close to some of the islands China occupies, asserting freedom of access to international waterways.

Asked specifically what Wei sought for the United States to do differently, and whether that included halting such freedom of navigation operations, Wu said: "We (call on) the US side to stop intervening in the South China Sea and stop military provocation in the South China Sea."

In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said Esper, in his meeting with Wei, noted China's "perpetual reluctance" to adhere to international norms.

"Secretary Esper pointedly reiterated that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows - and we will encourage and protect the rights of other sovereign nations to do the same," Hoffman said.

Chinese carrier transit

Despite warm words exchanged in front of reporters, Wei and Esper also discussed thorny issues, including Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, which has seen months of anti-government protests.

They also talked about democratic Taiwan, which is claimed by China as a wayward province and is the Communist Party's most sensitive and important territorial issue.

Fenghe underscored to Esper China's position that it would "not tolerate any Taiwan independence incident", Wu said, adding that it opposed any official or military contact with Taiwan.

China has in the past threatened to attack if Taiwan, set to hold a presidential election next year, moves towards independence.

"The Chinese side also requires the US side to carefully handle the Taiwan related-issue and to not add new uncertainties to the Strait," Wu said.

The exchange came a day after news that China sailed a carrier group into the sensitive Taiwan Strait, led by its first domestically built aircraft carrier.

China on Monday called on the US military to stop flexing its muscles in the South China Sea and to avoid adding "new uncertainties" over Taiwan, during high-level talks that underscored tension between the world's two largest economies.

China on Monday called on the US military to stop flexing its muscles in the South China Sea and to avoid adding "new uncertainties" over Taiwan, during high-level talks that underscored tension between the world's two largest economies. The remarks by Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe to US Defense Secretary Mark Esper, recounted by a Chinese spokesman, came just two weeks after a top White House official denounced Chinese "intimidation" in the busy waterway. It also came a day after Esper publicly accused Beijing of "increasingly resorting to coercion and intimidation to advance its strategic objectives" in the region. During closed-door talks on the sidelines of a gathering of defence ministers in Bangkok, Wei urged Esper to "stop flexing muscles in the South China Sea and to not provoke and escalate tensions in the South China Sea", the spokesman, Wu Qian, said. China claims almost all the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, where it has established military outposts on artificial islands. However, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the sea. The United States accuses China of militarising the South China Sea and trying to intimidate Asian neighbours who might want to exploit its extensive oil and gas reserves. The US Navy regularly vexes China by conducting what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations by ships close to some of the islands China occupies, asserting freedom of access to international waterways. Asked specifically what Wei sought for the United States to do differently, and whether that included halting such freedom of navigation operations, Wu said: "We (call on) the US side to stop intervening in the South China Sea and stop military provocation in the South China Sea." In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said Esper, in his meeting with Wei, noted China's "perpetual reluctance" to adhere to international norms. "Secretary Esper pointedly reiterated that the United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows - and we will encourage and protect the rights of other sovereign nations to do the same," Hoffman said. Chinese carrier transit Despite warm words exchanged in front of reporters, Wei and Esper also discussed thorny issues, including Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, which has seen months of anti-government protests. They also talked about democratic Taiwan, which is claimed by China as a wayward province and is the Communist Party's most sensitive and important territorial issue. Fenghe underscored to Esper China's position that it would "not tolerate any Taiwan independence incident", Wu said, adding that it opposed any official or military contact with Taiwan. China has in the past threatened to attack if Taiwan, set to hold a presidential election next year, moves towards independence. "The Chinese side also requires the US side to carefully handle the Taiwan related-issue and to not add new uncertainties to the Strait," Wu said. The exchange came a day after news that China sailed a carrier group into the sensitive Taiwan Strait, led by its first domestically built aircraft carrier.

China calls on US to 'stop flexing muscles' in South China Sea

The US and South Korea will postpone joint air drills in an "act of goodwill" towards the nuclear-armed North, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday, after months of deadlocked diplomacy with Pyongyang.

North Korea has long protested joint military drills, which it condemns as preparations for invasion, and has set Washington an end-of-year deadline to come up with a new offer in deadlocked negotiations on its weapons programmes.

The US and South Korea last year cancelled several joint drills in the wake of the Singapore summit between President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong Un, but were due to carry out a combined air exercise later this month.

The joint air drills will now be postponed, Esper said, days after hinting that the option was on the table.

"We have made this decision as an act of goodwill to contribute to an environment conducive to diplomacy and the advancement of peace," he told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of defence ministers in Thailand's capital.

He urged Pyongyang to return to negotiations and "demonstrate the same goodwill as it considers decisions on conducting training, exercises and testing".

Esper said the decision to delay the drills was not a concession but an effort to create "some more space" for diplomats to strike an agreement.

His South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeong-doo said there was no timetable for resuming the exercises.

"It will be a part of our ongoing consultation and we will decide through that close coordination between the two sides," Jeong said.

Pyongyang has carried out a series of missile tests in recent months, including one launched at sea which it said was fired from a submarine -- a potential strategic game-changer.

It has repeatedly demanded that the combined exercise is scrapped, and recently said holding the drills would be an "undisguised breach" of the Singapore summit declaration.

Negotiations have stalled since the follow-up Hanoi summit between Kim and Trump broke up in February, with disagreement over sanctions relief and what the North would be willing to give up in return.

Working-level talks restarted in Sweden in October only to break down quickly, with the North blaming the US for not giving up its "old attitude".

Pyongyang welcomed reports that the joint drills would be postponed in a Sunday statement by an unnamed foreign ministry spokesman, published in state media outlet KCNA.

But the spokesman also lashed the US for its "hostile policy" towards North Korea and blamed Washington for a recent UN meeting that criticised human rights violations under the isolated regime.&nbsp;

"The US has no intention to sincerely work with us towards the settlement of issues. Therefore, we have no willingness to meet," the official said, according to the KCNA report.

'Work together'

Esper was in Bangkok after meeting with South Korean officials during a two-day trip to Seoul.&nbsp;

There he urged the South to drop its plan to end a military intelligence-sharing agreement with Japan, which Washington considers vital to security co-operation in the face of the North and ultimately China.

In the latest manifestation of the neighbours' dispute over wartime history, Seoul announced in August it would terminate the pact, saying it did not serve national interests. The agreement expires at midnight on November 22.

On Sunday Esper called for both countries to "work together" to overcome their differences.

"The only people that benefit from friction between Seoul and Tokyo are Pyongyang and Beijing," he said.

Seoul and Tokyo are both major US allies, democracies and market economies faced with an overbearing China and the wayward North.

But their relationship continues to be heavily affected by Japan's colonial rule of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945.

The US and South Korea will postpone joint air drills in an "act of goodwill" towards the nuclear-armed North, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday, after months of deadlocked diplomacy with Pyongyang.

The US and South Korea will postpone joint air drills in an "act of goodwill" towards the nuclear-armed North, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday, after months of deadlocked diplomacy with Pyongyang. North Korea has long protested joint military drills, which it condemns as preparations for invasion, and has set Washington an end-of-year deadline to come up with a new offer in deadlocked negotiations on its weapons programmes. The US and South Korea last year cancelled several joint drills in the wake of the Singapore summit between President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong Un, but were due to carry out a combined air exercise later this month. The joint air drills will now be postponed, Esper said, days after hinting that the option was on the table. "We have made this decision as an act of goodwill to contribute to an environment conducive to diplomacy and the advancement of peace," he told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of defence ministers in Thailand's capital. He urged Pyongyang to return to negotiations and "demonstrate the same goodwill as it considers decisions on conducting training, exercises and testing". Esper said the decision to delay the drills was not a concession but an effort to create "some more space" for diplomats to strike an agreement. His South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeong-doo said there was no timetable for resuming the exercises. "It will be a part of our ongoing consultation and we will decide through that close coordination between the two sides," Jeong said. Pyongyang has carried out a series of missile tests in recent months, including one launched at sea which it said was fired from a submarine -- a potential strategic game-changer. It has repeatedly demanded that the combined exercise is scrapped, and recently said holding the drills would be an "undisguised breach" of the Singapore summit declaration. Negotiations have stalled since the follow-up Hanoi summit between Kim and Trump broke up in February, with disagreement over sanctions relief and what the North would be willing to give up in return. Working-level talks restarted in Sweden in October only to break down quickly, with the North blaming the US for not giving up its "old attitude". Pyongyang welcomed reports that the joint drills would be postponed in a Sunday statement by an unnamed foreign ministry spokesman, published in state media outlet KCNA. But the spokesman also lashed the US for its "hostile policy" towards North Korea and blamed Washington for a recent UN meeting that criticised human rights violations under the isolated regime. "The US has no intention to sincerely work with us towards the settlement of issues. Therefore, we have no willingness to meet," the official said, according to the KCNA report. 'Work together' Esper was in Bangkok after meeting with South Korean officials during a two-day trip to Seoul. There he urged the South to drop its plan to end a military intelligence-sharing agreement with Japan, which Washington considers vital to security co-operation in the face of the North and ultimately China. In the latest manifestation of the neighbours' dispute over wartime history, Seoul announced in August it would terminate the pact, saying it did not serve national interests. The agreement expires at midnight on November 22. On Sunday Esper called for both countries to "work together" to overcome their differences. "The only people that benefit from friction between Seoul and Tokyo are Pyongyang and Beijing," he said. Seoul and Tokyo are both major US allies, democracies and market economies faced with an overbearing China and the wayward North. But their relationship continues to be heavily affected by Japan's colonial rule of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945.

US, South Korea postpone joint drills in 'act of goodwill'

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper pressed South Korea on Friday to pay more for the cost of stationing US troops in the country and to maintain an intelligence-sharing pact with its other Asian ally, Japan, that Seoul is about to let lapse.

Speaking after a high-level defence policy meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Jeong Kyeong-doo, Esper also said the two countries must be flexible with their joint military drills to back diplomatic efforts to end North Korea's nuclear programme.

But he stopped short of announcing any new reduction in military exercises that North Korea has sharply condemned.

North Korea said on Thursday it had turned down a US offer for new talks ahead of a year-end deadline Pyongyang has set for Washington to show more flexibility in negotiations.

As uncertainty hangs over the troubled peace push, the United States and South Korea are simultaneously scrambling to clinch an agreement in the coming weeks to cover next year's costs of maintaining a 28,500-strong US military presence aimed at deterring North Korea.

South Korea, Esper said, "is a wealthy country and could and should pay more" for the U.S. military deployment.

"It is crucial that we conclude the (defence pact) ... with increased burden-sharing by the Republic of Korea before the end of the year," Esper told a news conference.

Jeong said he and Esper shared the view that the cost-sharing pact being negotiated should be fair and mutually agreeable, but it was unclear if they shared any sense of what a fair amount might be.

A South Korean lawmaker said last week that US officials had demanded up to $5 billion a year, more than five times what Seoul agreed to pay this year under a one-year deal.

North Korea: US seeking to 'exploit' others

US President Donald Trump has rattled South Korea with his insistence it take on a greater contribution for the deterrence against North Korea.

A survey by the government-affiliated Korea Institute for National Unification released last week showed 96% of South Koreans opposed paying more for the U.S. military presence.

North Korea said in a commentary from state media KCNA on Friday that the US demand for a greater South Korean contribution to defence costs was an attempt to "exploit" and tighten its control over South Korea.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry announced another round of defence cost talks would be held on Nov. 18-19 in Seoul.

After his talks with Jeong, Esper warned that South Korea's decision to end an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan, called GSOMIA, would impact military readiness - presumably by slowing the ability of the US allies to directly share information about North Korean military activity.

"The only ones who benefit from expiration of GSOMIA and continued friction between Seoul and Tokyo are Pyongyang and Beijing," Esper said.

General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), hosted a video teleconference from Seoul on Friday with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, during which South Korea's Park Han-ki stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation, its JCS said.

Jeong said both South Korea and Japan would make efforts to narrow differences before the pact expires on November 23. But there was no sign of an imminent breakthrough.

Relations between the neighbours plunged after South Korea's top court last year ordered Japanese firms to compensate some wartime forced labourers. Japan imposed export controls on South Korea, citing unspecified security reasons.

During a meeting with Esper and Milley later on Friday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said it was difficult to share intelligence with Japan which raised security concerns in restricting exports, though he acknowledged the need for three-way cooperation, Moon's spokeswoman told a briefing.

Esper said he would also ask Japan to make efforts for an amicable resolution of the issue.

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper pressed South Korea on Friday to pay more for the cost of stationing US troops in the country and to maintain an intelligence-sharing pact with its other Asian ally, Japan, that Seoul is about to let lapse.

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper pressed South Korea on Friday to pay more for the cost of stationing US troops in the country and to maintain an intelligence-sharing pact with its other Asian ally, Japan, that Seoul is about to let lapse. Speaking after a high-level defence policy meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Jeong Kyeong-doo, Esper also said the two countries must be flexible with their joint military drills to back diplomatic efforts to end North Korea's nuclear programme. But he stopped short of announcing any new reduction in military exercises that North Korea has sharply condemned. North Korea said on Thursday it had turned down a US offer for new talks ahead of a year-end deadline Pyongyang has set for Washington to show more flexibility in negotiations. As uncertainty hangs over the troubled peace push, the United States and South Korea are simultaneously scrambling to clinch an agreement in the coming weeks to cover next year's costs of maintaining a 28,500-strong US military presence aimed at deterring North Korea. South Korea, Esper said, "is a wealthy country and could and should pay more" for the U.S. military deployment. "It is crucial that we conclude the (defence pact) ... with increased burden-sharing by the Republic of Korea before the end of the year," Esper told a news conference. Jeong said he and Esper shared the view that the cost-sharing pact being negotiated should be fair and mutually agreeable, but it was unclear if they shared any sense of what a fair amount might be. A South Korean lawmaker said last week that US officials had demanded up to $5 billion a year, more than five times what Seoul agreed to pay this year under a one-year deal. North Korea: US seeking to 'exploit' others US President Donald Trump has rattled South Korea with his insistence it take on a greater contribution for the deterrence against North Korea. A survey by the government-affiliated Korea Institute for National Unification released last week showed 96% of South Koreans opposed paying more for the U.S. military presence. North Korea said in a commentary from state media KCNA on Friday that the US demand for a greater South Korean contribution to defence costs was an attempt to "exploit" and tighten its control over South Korea. The South Korean Foreign Ministry announced another round of defence cost talks would be held on Nov. 18-19 in Seoul. After his talks with Jeong, Esper warned that South Korea's decision to end an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan, called GSOMIA, would impact military readiness - presumably by slowing the ability of the US allies to directly share information about North Korean military activity. "The only ones who benefit from expiration of GSOMIA and continued friction between Seoul and Tokyo are Pyongyang and Beijing," Esper said. General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), hosted a video teleconference from Seoul on Friday with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, during which South Korea's Park Han-ki stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation, its JCS said. Jeong said both South Korea and Japan would make efforts to narrow differences before the pact expires on November 23. But there was no sign of an imminent breakthrough. Relations between the neighbours plunged after South Korea's top court last year ordered Japanese firms to compensate some wartime forced labourers. Japan imposed export controls on South Korea, citing unspecified security reasons. During a meeting with Esper and Milley later on Friday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said it was difficult to share intelligence with Japan which raised security concerns in restricting exports, though he acknowledged the need for three-way cooperation, Moon's spokeswoman told a briefing. Esper said he would also ask Japan to make efforts for an amicable resolution of the issue.

Pentagon's Esper says it is crucial South Korea pays more for US troops

The United States will maintain around <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-syria-operation-reveals-cracks-among-erdogans-political-foes-261786">600 troops in Syria</a>, Pentagon chief Mark Esper said on Wednesday, despite Donald Trump's desire to end US involvement in what the president calls "endless wars".

"We're still moving troops out of northeastern Syria," the US defence secretary said onboard a plane as he travelled to Seoul, where he begins a tour of Asia on Thursday.&nbsp;

"We're going to have about 500 to 600-ish troops there, at the end of the day," he said.

Asked if that figure included the approximately<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-killed-in-bombing-in-turkish-controlled-northeast-syria-261218"> 200 troops deployed to the Al-Tanf base</a> near the southeastern borders with Jordan and Iraq, Esper said that he was referring to northeastern Syria, where Trump has instructed the Pentagon to secure oil fields.

There would be "600-ish" troops across the country, he then reiterated.

Esper said that the numbers could fluctuate, particularly if European allies strengthen their presence in the country.

"Things change. Events on the ground change. We could have, for example, partners and allies from Europe joining us," he said. "If they join us on the ground it may allow us the ability to redeploy further US forces out there."

Trump's abrupt announcement last month that he had ordered a full troop withdrawal drew angry rebukes at home and abroad.&nbsp;

Critics said it could allow a resurgence of the Islamic State group while leaving US-allied Kurdish fighters in Syria vulnerable to a Turkish invasion.

The US president later relented in part, saying he would leave some troops in the region to protect valuable oil fields.

The United States will maintain around 600 troops in Syria, Pentagon chief Mark Esper said on Wednesday, despite Donald Trump's desire to end US involvement in what the president calls "endless wars".

The United States will maintain around 600 troops in Syria, Pentagon chief Mark Esper said on Wednesday, despite Donald Trump's desire to end US involvement in what the president calls "endless wars". "We're still moving troops out of northeastern Syria," the US defence secretary said onboard a plane as he travelled to Seoul, where he begins a tour of Asia on Thursday. "We're going to have about 500 to 600-ish troops there, at the end of the day," he said. Asked if that figure included the approximately 200 troops deployed to the Al-Tanf base near the southeastern borders with Jordan and Iraq, Esper said that he was referring to northeastern Syria, where Trump has instructed the Pentagon to secure oil fields. There would be "600-ish" troops across the country, he then reiterated. Esper said that the numbers could fluctuate, particularly if European allies strengthen their presence in the country. "Things change. Events on the ground change. We could have, for example, partners and allies from Europe joining us," he said. "If they join us on the ground it may allow us the ability to redeploy further US forces out there." Trump's abrupt announcement last month that he had ordered a full troop withdrawal drew angry rebukes at home and abroad. Critics said it could allow a resurgence of the Islamic State group while leaving US-allied Kurdish fighters in Syria vulnerable to a Turkish invasion. The US president later relented in part, saying he would leave some troops in the region to protect valuable oil fields.

US to maintain around 600 troops in Syria: US defence secretary Mark Esper

US officials said on Monday that the body of Islamic State group chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-guarded-over-baghdadi-killing-world-leaders-say-fight-goes-on-258549">Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a> was buried at sea as fresh details surfaced about the US special forces operation that led to his death over the weekend.

Syrian Kurds claimed to be a key source of the intelligence that led Americans to Baghdadi after years of tracking the brutal jihadist leader behind a five-year reign of terror across much of Iraq and Syria.

And an unnamed US military dog became a unlikely hero of the raid, incurring injuries as it <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-says-baghdadi-distorted-image-of-islam-praises-killing-258533">chased Baghdadi </a>down a dead-end tunnel underneath his northwestern Syria hideout before he blew himself and three children up with a suicide vest.

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The US military basked in success on Monday after the eliminating the founder and spiritual guide of the Islamic State (IS) group, capping a years-long campaign to crush the Sunni Muslim extremist organization that had at one point created a "caliphate" straddling the Euphrates River that rivaled the size of England.

"His death marks a devastating blow to the remnants of (IS)," said Defense Secretary Mark Esper.

He praised the nearly hundred-strong force that helicoptered to the rural compound in the Idlib region of Syria in a complex mission that required coordination with Russians, Kurds, Turks and President Bashar al-Assad regime to prevent US aircraft from being fired upon.

"They executed the raid in all of its facets brilliantly," Esper said.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley said no one was injured in the operation, despite the US team taking fire when they arrived.&nbsp;

They took two men prisoner, and Baghdadi's remains were removed after he killed himself.&nbsp;

"Baghdadi's remains were then transported to a secure facility to confirm his identity with forensic DNA testing," Milley said.

"The disposal of his remains has been done, is complete and was handled appropriately," he added, saying it was handled "in accordance with the law of armed conflict."

Another Pentagon official confirmed that Baghdadi's body was dumped into the sea at an unnamed location, similar to the 2011 sea burial of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden after he was killed in a US special forces raid in Pakistan.

A Kurdish official said an inside source they oversaw was responsible for leading US forces to Baghdadi's hideout, helping to map out the interior of the compound, its staffing, as well as making it possible for them to identify Baghdadi.

"Since 15 May, we have been working together with the CIA to track al-Baghdadi and monitor him closely," said Polat Can, a senior adviser to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.

The group had an informant who was able to infiltrate Baghdadi's house.

"Al-Baghdadi changed his places of residence very often," he said on Twitter.&nbsp;

"Our intelligence source was involved in sending coordinates, directing the airdrop, participating in and making the operation a success until the last minute," Polat Can said.

The source also "brought al-Baghdadi's underwear to conduct a DNA test and make sure (100%) that the person in question was al-Baghdadi himself," he said.

Attention focused as well on the unnamed dog - likely a Belgian Malinois, a breed favored by the military, which chased Baghdadi into a tunnel under the complex and cornered him before he detonated his suicide vest.

President Donald Trump praised the dog on Sunday as "beautiful," but military officials said any information about it, including its name, was secret.&nbsp;

"It's classified, we're protecting the dog's identity," said Milley.

The dog had been "slightly wounded and is fully recovering," he said.

"The dog is still in theater, returned to duty, with its handler."

US officials said Baghdadi's death would not end the conflict in the Syria, but warned Washington could not be relied on to bring peace to the region.

"Baghdadi's death will not rid the world of terrorism or end the ongoing conflict in Syria," said Esper.

"The security situation in Syria remains complex," he said, adding: "Acting as a police force out to solve every dispute is not our mission."

But he said the death of Baghdadi "will certainly send a message to those who would question America's resolve and provide a warning to terrorists who think they can hide."

US officials said on Monday that the body of Islamic State group chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was buried at sea as fresh details surfaced about the US special forces operation that led to his death over the weekend.

US officials said on Monday that the body of Islamic State group chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was buried at sea as fresh details surfaced about the US special forces operation that led to his death over the weekend. Syrian Kurds claimed to be a key source of the intelligence that led Americans to Baghdadi after years of tracking the brutal jihadist leader behind a five-year reign of terror across much of Iraq and Syria. And an unnamed US military dog became a unlikely hero of the raid, incurring injuries as it chased Baghdadi down a dead-end tunnel underneath his northwestern Syria hideout before he blew himself and three children up with a suicide vest. Watch Video: The US military basked in success on Monday after the eliminating the founder and spiritual guide of the Islamic State (IS) group, capping a years-long campaign to crush the Sunni Muslim extremist organization that had at one point created a "caliphate" straddling the Euphrates River that rivaled the size of England. "His death marks a devastating blow to the remnants of (IS)," said Defense Secretary Mark Esper. He praised the nearly hundred-strong force that helicoptered to the rural compound in the Idlib region of Syria in a complex mission that required coordination with Russians, Kurds, Turks and President Bashar al-Assad regime to prevent US aircraft from being fired upon. "They executed the raid in all of its facets brilliantly," Esper said. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley said no one was injured in the operation, despite the US team taking fire when they arrived. They took two men prisoner, and Baghdadi's remains were removed after he killed himself. "Baghdadi's remains were then transported to a secure facility to confirm his identity with forensic DNA testing," Milley said. "The disposal of his remains has been done, is complete and was handled appropriately," he added, saying it was handled "in accordance with the law of armed conflict." Another Pentagon official confirmed that Baghdadi's body was dumped into the sea at an unnamed location, similar to the 2011 sea burial of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden after he was killed in a US special forces raid in Pakistan. A Kurdish official said an inside source they oversaw was responsible for leading US forces to Baghdadi's hideout, helping to map out the interior of the compound, its staffing, as well as making it possible for them to identify Baghdadi. "Since 15 May, we have been working together with the CIA to track al-Baghdadi and monitor him closely," said Polat Can, a senior adviser to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. The group had an informant who was able to infiltrate Baghdadi's house. "Al-Baghdadi changed his places of residence very often," he said on Twitter. "Our intelligence source was involved in sending coordinates, directing the airdrop, participating in and making the operation a success until the last minute," Polat Can said. The source also "brought al-Baghdadi's underwear to conduct a DNA test and make sure (100%) that the person in question was al-Baghdadi himself," he said. Attention focused as well on the unnamed dog - likely a Belgian Malinois, a breed favored by the military, which chased Baghdadi into a tunnel under the complex and cornered him before he detonated his suicide vest. President Donald Trump praised the dog on Sunday as "beautiful," but military officials said any information about it, including its name, was secret. "It's classified, we're protecting the dog's identity," said Milley. The dog had been "slightly wounded and is fully recovering," he said. "The dog is still in theater, returned to duty, with its handler." US officials said Baghdadi's death would not end the conflict in the Syria, but warned Washington could not be relied on to bring peace to the region. "Baghdadi's death will not rid the world of terrorism or end the ongoing conflict in Syria," said Esper. "The security situation in Syria remains complex," he said, adding: "Acting as a police force out to solve every dispute is not our mission." But he said the death of Baghdadi "will certainly send a message to those who would question America's resolve and provide a warning to terrorists who think they can hide."

Remains of Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi buried at sea: US official

US&nbsp;forces that crossed into Iraq as part of a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hope-to-find-answers-to-all-complicated-questions-putin-after-meeting-erdogan-in-sochi-257563"> pullout from Syria </a>do not have permission to stay and can only be there in transit, the Iraqi military said on Tuesday.

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said, however, that Washington aimed eventually to bring the troops withdrawing from Syria back to the United States.

The Iraqi military statement contradicted the Pentagon's announcement that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq".

"All US&nbsp;forces that withdrew from Syria received approval to enter the Kurdistan Region so that they may be transported outside Iraq. There is no permission granted for these forces to stay inside Iraq," the Iraqi military said.

Esper said Washington's objective was for the troops not to remain in Iraq.

"The aim isn't to stay in Iraq interminably, the aim is to pull our soldiers out and eventually get them back home," Esper said at the Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Esper said the details had not yet been worked out on how long the US&nbsp;troops would stay in Iraq and he would be having discussions with his Iraqi counterpart on Wednesday.

It is unclear whether the US troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out air strikes against Islamic State militants.

The additional US&nbsp;troops would add to the more than 5,000 American troops already based in the country, training Iraqi forces and helping to ensure that Islamic State militants do not make a comeback.

"Not&nbsp;a mercenary&nbsp;force"

Esper, speaking in front of a Patriot missile battery where he was meeting US&nbsp;troops, said Saudi Arabia had agreed to help underwrite the deployment to the kingdom. He did not provide details on what specifically Saudi Arabia had agreed to pay for.

The United States has deployed thousands of additional military forces in recent months to bolster Saudi defences, including an air expeditionary wing and air defence personnel.

That includes radar systems, Patriot missiles and support personnel to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom’s oil facilities on Sept. 14.

Some experts have criticized President Donald Trump's administration for saying that Saudi Arabia will pay for the deployment of US&nbsp;troops to the Kingdom, suggesting it makes the US&nbsp;military a mercenary force.

Trump has repeatedly said that Saudi Arabia would pay for the recent US&nbsp;deployments.

"We are not a mercenary force," Esper said.

"Mercenary forces do things for the pay, we are doing this (to).. help defend our allies, second to deter Iran so we don't have increasingly bad behavior, and third defend the international rules-based order," he added.

US forces that crossed into Iraq as part of a pullout from Syria do not have permission to stay and can only be there in transit, the Iraqi military said on Tuesday.

US forces that crossed into Iraq as part of a pullout from Syria do not have permission to stay and can only be there in transit, the Iraqi military said on Tuesday. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said, however, that Washington aimed eventually to bring the troops withdrawing from Syria back to the United States. The Iraqi military statement contradicted the Pentagon's announcement that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq". "All US forces that withdrew from Syria received approval to enter the Kurdistan Region so that they may be transported outside Iraq. There is no permission granted for these forces to stay inside Iraq," the Iraqi military said. Esper said Washington's objective was for the troops not to remain in Iraq. "The aim isn't to stay in Iraq interminably, the aim is to pull our soldiers out and eventually get them back home," Esper said at the Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Esper said the details had not yet been worked out on how long the US troops would stay in Iraq and he would be having discussions with his Iraqi counterpart on Wednesday. It is unclear whether the US troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out air strikes against Islamic State militants. The additional US troops would add to the more than 5,000 American troops already based in the country, training Iraqi forces and helping to ensure that Islamic State militants do not make a comeback. "Not a mercenary force" Esper, speaking in front of a Patriot missile battery where he was meeting US troops, said Saudi Arabia had agreed to help underwrite the deployment to the kingdom. He did not provide details on what specifically Saudi Arabia had agreed to pay for. The United States has deployed thousands of additional military forces in recent months to bolster Saudi defences, including an air expeditionary wing and air defence personnel. That includes radar systems, Patriot missiles and support personnel to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defenses after the largest-ever attack on the kingdom’s oil facilities on Sept. 14. Some experts have criticized President Donald Trump's administration for saying that Saudi Arabia will pay for the deployment of US troops to the Kingdom, suggesting it makes the US military a mercenary force. Trump has repeatedly said that Saudi Arabia would pay for the recent US deployments. "We are not a mercenary force," Esper said. "Mercenary forces do things for the pay, we are doing this (to).. help defend our allies, second to deter Iran so we don't have increasingly bad behavior, and third defend the international rules-based order," he added.

US forces withdrawing from Syria have no approval to stay: Iraq

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper made a surprise visit to Afghanistan yesterday in a bid to revive talks with the Taliban after President Donald Trump broke off negotiations last month which was aimed at ending America's longest war.

Mark Esper made a surprise visit to Afghanistan

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday (October 19) that all of the nearly 1,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-troops-in-northern-syria-ordered-to-leave-country-us-official-255927">troops withdrawing from northern Syria</a> are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq."

"Certainly (to) be discussed at a military level is what does the next phase of the counter ISIS campaign look like," Esper told reporters en route to the Middle East.

It is unclear whether the US&nbsp;troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out airstrikes against Islamic State militants.

The Pentagon has begun removing all its troops in northern Syria, a US official said Monday, after President Donald Trump ordered them to leave in the face of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/turkey-threatens-to-crush-kurds-in-case-they-fail-to-withdraw-before-tuesday-257002">Turkey's attacks on Kurds in the area</a>.

Nearly 1,000 troops will vacate the country, leaving behind only a small contingent of 150 in the southern Syria base at Al Tanf, the official said.

"We are executing the order," the official told AFP.

Last Sunday Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Trump had ordered the withdrawal of the remaining troops deployed in northern Syria, with the US seeking to avoid getting caught between two allies.

But Esper did not make clear whether the troops would simply pull back to a position further south or quit the country completely.

Trump's critics accuse him of abandoning the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who Ankara says support Kurdish rebels inside Turkey.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday (October 19) that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday (October 19) that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq." "Certainly (to) be discussed at a military level is what does the next phase of the counter ISIS campaign look like," Esper told reporters en route to the Middle East. It is unclear whether the US troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out airstrikes against Islamic State militants. The Pentagon has begun removing all its troops in northern Syria, a US official said Monday, after President Donald Trump ordered them to leave in the face of Turkey's attacks on Kurds in the area. Nearly 1,000 troops will vacate the country, leaving behind only a small contingent of 150 in the southern Syria base at Al Tanf, the official said. "We are executing the order," the official told AFP. Last Sunday Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Trump had ordered the withdrawal of the remaining troops deployed in northern Syria, with the US seeking to avoid getting caught between two allies. But Esper did not make clear whether the troops would simply pull back to a position further south or quit the country completely. Trump's critics accuse him of abandoning the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who Ankara says support Kurdish rebels inside Turkey.

All United States troops withdrawing from Syria expected to go to Iraq: Pentagon chief

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday the Pentagon would cooperate with the congressional impeachment enquiry -- in an apparent break with President Donald Trump's policy to thwart the probe.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday the Pentagon would cooperate with the congressional impeachment enquiry -- in an apparent break with President Donald Trump's policy to thwart the probe. Esper said his department would try to comply with a subpoena from House Democrats seeking records relating to the withholding of US military aid to Ukraine. "We will do everything we can to cooperate with the Congress," Esper said on CBS's Face The Nation. Esper's reassurance came days after the White House announced it would not cooperate with the Democratic-led House of Representatives, calling its impeachment push illegitimate and unconstitutional. Trump himself has been using Twitter to bombard the public with conspiracy theories about a secret "deep state" trying to remove him from power. Democrats slapped subpoenas Monday on the Pentagon and White House budget office, demanding documents tied to Trump's withholding of military aid to Ukraine. The chairmen of three House panels leading the investigation are seeking information related to Trump pressing his Ukrainian counterpart to uncover dirt on 2020 US presidential contender Joe Biden -- and the alleged conditioning of aid on that favour. The materials are "necessary for the committees to examine... the reasons behind the White House's decision to withhold critical military assistance to Ukraine that was appropriated by Congress to counter Russian aggression," they said. Esper told Fox News Sunday that administration officials and Trump himself may place restrictions on the release of documents demanded by the subpoena. "I don't know the status of what that document preparation is. I don't know what restrictions they will have internally," Esper said. "The White House has a say on the release of documents as well. There are a number of things that play into this."

Pentagon chief vows to cooperate with congressional impeachment probe

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday that President Donald Trump had ordered the withdrawal of up to 1,000 troops from northern Syria, as the number of people fleeing a Turkish assault soared to 130,000.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Sunday that President Donald Trump had ordered the withdrawal of up to 1,000 troops from northern Syria, as the number of people fleeing a Turkish assault soared to 130,000. "I spoke with the president last night after discussions with the rest of the national security team and he directed that we begin a deliberate withdrawal of forces from northern Syria," Esper told CBS's Face the Nation. Esper told Fox News that the number of troops being pulled back totalled "less than a thousand." "I can't give a timeline because it changes hourly. We want to make sure that we do so in a very safe, deliberate manner, that we deconflict things as we go with those folks on the ground and immediate area." Fighting has engulfed the area since Wednesday when Ankara launched a long-threatened offensive against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), who it considers "terrorists" linked to insurgents inside Turkey. Trump has been accused of abandoning a loyal ally in the fight against IS after ordering American special forces to pull back from the border. The UN humanitarian agency OCHA said an exodus sparked by the fighting had grown to 130,000 people and it was preparing for that figure to more than triple. US troops near the northern border came under artillery fire from Turkish positions on Friday, the Pentagon said, warning that the US was prepared to meet aggression with "immediate defensive action." The US military confirmed an explosion within a few hundred meters of its post near the town of Kobani, in an area "known by the Turks to have US forces present." "We find ourselves as we have American forces likely caught between two opposing advancing armies and it's a very untenable situation," Esper told CBS. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced Friday that Trump had authorized -- but not yet activated -- new sanctions to dissuade Turkey from further offensive military action. "We can shut down all US dollar transactions with the entire government of Turkey," Mnuchin told ABC on Sunday. "It's something we may do. There's full authority and something at a moment's notice the president can tell me to do."

Pentagon says up to 1,000 US troops to withdraw from northern Syria

Congressional Democrats slapped subpoenas Monday on the Pentagon and White House budget office as part of their advancing impeachment probe, demanding documents tied to President Donald Trump's withholding of military aid to Ukraine.

The chairmen of three House panels leading the impeachment investigation are seeking information related to Trump pressing his Ukrainian counterpart to uncover dirt on 2020 US presidential contender Joe Biden -- and the alleged conditioning of aid on that favour.

The chairmen ordered Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Office of Management and Budget acting director, Russell Vought, to hand over the documents by October 15.

The materials are "necessary for the committees to examine... the reasons behind the White House's decision to withhold critical military assistance to Ukraine that was appropriated by Congress to counter Russian aggression," they said.

Failure to comply "shall constitute evidence of obstruction of the House's impeachment inquiry," wrote House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, foreign affairs panel head Eliot Engel and oversight committee head Elijah Cummings.

Pentagon officials last week "proactively" issued an internal directive to retain documents potentially related to the investigation, Defense Department spokeswoman Jessica Maxwell said.

"As we've stated previously, we are prepared to work with Congress and other relevant parties on questions related to the issue of Ukrainian aid as appropriate," she told AFP.

Democrats have heaped pressure on the Trump administration since launching the impeachment investigation, including last week when subpoenas were delivered to the White House and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Democrats also obtained a string of text messages between US diplomats that showed the Trump administration's effort to pressure Ukraine into investigating Biden and his son Hunter, and that some diplomats in the text chain expressed concern that such actions were inappropriate.

One of the diplomats, US envoy to the European Union Gordon Sondland, a major donor to Trump's 2016 campaign, heads to Capitol Hill Tuesday for a deposition before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Former US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch testifies before the panel Friday.

Yovanovitch was removed earlier this year for resisting White House pressure to get Kiev to investigate Biden, according to US media reports.

Trump withheld nearly $400 million in military aid for months but it was eventually released to Ukraine.

The subpoena for documents, and the congressional appearances focus in part on Trump's July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;

A released memorandum of the call shows the two leaders discussed Zelensky's desire to receive the military aid, followed by Trump asking for a "favour" and then bringing up Biden.

Details of the call emerged last month in an explosive whistleblower complaint by an unidentified intelligence official.&nbsp;

The complaint alleged that he or she learned about details of the call from other personnel and that White House officials aware of the gravity of what had transpired on the call moved to "lockdown" all records of it.

Meanwhile, a second whistleblower has come forward, one with first-hand information of the events that triggered the impeachment investigation, the informant's lawyer said Sunday.

Congressional Democrats slapped subpoenas Monday on the Pentagon and White House budget office as part of their advancing impeachment probe, demanding documents tied to President Donald Trump's withholding of military aid to Ukraine.

Congressional Democrats slapped subpoenas Monday on the Pentagon and White House budget office as part of their advancing impeachment probe, demanding documents tied to President Donald Trump's withholding of military aid to Ukraine. The chairmen of three House panels leading the impeachment investigation are seeking information related to Trump pressing his Ukrainian counterpart to uncover dirt on 2020 US presidential contender Joe Biden -- and the alleged conditioning of aid on that favour. The chairmen ordered Defence Secretary Mark Esper and Office of Management and Budget acting director, Russell Vought, to hand over the documents by October 15. The materials are "necessary for the committees to examine... the reasons behind the White House's decision to withhold critical military assistance to Ukraine that was appropriated by Congress to counter Russian aggression," they said. Failure to comply "shall constitute evidence of obstruction of the House's impeachment inquiry," wrote House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, foreign affairs panel head Eliot Engel and oversight committee head Elijah Cummings. Pentagon officials last week "proactively" issued an internal directive to retain documents potentially related to the investigation, Defense Department spokeswoman Jessica Maxwell said. "As we've stated previously, we are prepared to work with Congress and other relevant parties on questions related to the issue of Ukrainian aid as appropriate," she told AFP. Democrats have heaped pressure on the Trump administration since launching the impeachment investigation, including last week when subpoenas were delivered to the White House and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Democrats also obtained a string of text messages between US diplomats that showed the Trump administration's effort to pressure Ukraine into investigating Biden and his son Hunter, and that some diplomats in the text chain expressed concern that such actions were inappropriate. One of the diplomats, US envoy to the European Union Gordon Sondland, a major donor to Trump's 2016 campaign, heads to Capitol Hill Tuesday for a deposition before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Former US ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch testifies before the panel Friday. Yovanovitch was removed earlier this year for resisting White House pressure to get Kiev to investigate Biden, according to US media reports. Trump withheld nearly $400 million in military aid for months but it was eventually released to Ukraine. The subpoena for documents, and the congressional appearances focus in part on Trump's July 25 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A released memorandum of the call shows the two leaders discussed Zelensky's desire to receive the military aid, followed by Trump asking for a "favour" and then bringing up Biden. Details of the call emerged last month in an explosive whistleblower complaint by an unidentified intelligence official. The complaint alleged that he or she learned about details of the call from other personnel and that White House officials aware of the gravity of what had transpired on the call moved to "lockdown" all records of it. Meanwhile, a second whistleblower has come forward, one with first-hand information of the events that triggered the impeachment investigation, the informant's lawyer said Sunday.

US Democrats subpoena Pentagon docs in impeachment inquiry

Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday&nbsp;that the attack on its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-aramco-pursues-ipo-planning-despite-attack-damage-doubts-250228">oil facilities </a>was carried out with Iranian weapons, according to a preliminary investigation, but stopped short of directly blaming regional foe Iran.

A foreign ministry statement said Riyadh would invite international experts, including from the United Nations, to participate in investigating Saturday's assault, which cut almost half of Saudi Arabia's oil production.

The United States, which has blamed Iran for the strikes, is studying all available options in addressing the assault, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a phone call on Monday, Saudi state media said.

"Initial investigations show that Iranian weapons were used in the attacks and work is going on to determine the source of those attacks," the foreign ministry statement said.

"The kingdom is capable of defending its land and people and responding forcefully to those attacks," it added.

Watch: Yemen's Houthis say Saudi Aramco's oil processing plants still a target

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Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for the strikes, but the spokesman for the Saudi-led military coalition battling the group said preliminary findings indicated the attack was not launched from Yemen.

Tehran has dismissed the US accusations as "unacceptable" and said it was ready for a "full-fledged war."

Riyadh called on the world to condemn those behind the attack on the world's top oil exporter, a key regional US ally which has supported US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign on Shi'ite Muslim Iran.

Prince Mohammed, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, told Esper that Iranian threats "are not only directed to the kingdom but affect the Middle East and the world," news agency SPA said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who also called the crown prince on Monday, offered his country's "full support and capabilities" to the Gulf Arab state, it added.

The Wall Street Journal reported that US officials had said intelligence indicated Iran was the "staging ground" for the attack and had shared the information with Riyadh. It quoted people familiar with the discussions.

Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki told reporters in Riyadh earlier on Monday that authorities were still determining the launch location.

"The terrorist attack did not originate from Yemen as the Houthi militia claimed," he said, adding that authorities would reveal the location from where drones were launched at a future news conference.

The Saudi-led coalition of Sunni Muslim countries intervened in Yemen in March 2015 against the Houthis, who ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital Sanaa, to prevent Iran from gaining influence through the group.

The movement, which denies being a puppet of Tehran and says it is fighting a corrupt system, recently stepped up drone and missile attacks on Saudi cities. The conflict is largely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday that the attack on its oil facilities was carried out with Iranian weapons, according to a preliminary investigation, but stopped short of directly blaming regional foe Iran.

Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday that the attack on its oil facilities was carried out with Iranian weapons, according to a preliminary investigation, but stopped short of directly blaming regional foe Iran. A foreign ministry statement said Riyadh would invite international experts, including from the United Nations, to participate in investigating Saturday's assault, which cut almost half of Saudi Arabia's oil production. The United States, which has blamed Iran for the strikes, is studying all available options in addressing the assault, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a phone call on Monday, Saudi state media said. "Initial investigations show that Iranian weapons were used in the attacks and work is going on to determine the source of those attacks," the foreign ministry statement said. "The kingdom is capable of defending its land and people and responding forcefully to those attacks," it added. Watch: Yemen's Houthis say Saudi Aramco's oil processing plants still a target × Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for the strikes, but the spokesman for the Saudi-led military coalition battling the group said preliminary findings indicated the attack was not launched from Yemen. Tehran has dismissed the US accusations as "unacceptable" and said it was ready for a "full-fledged war." Riyadh called on the world to condemn those behind the attack on the world's top oil exporter, a key regional US ally which has supported US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign on Shi'ite Muslim Iran. Prince Mohammed, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, told Esper that Iranian threats "are not only directed to the kingdom but affect the Middle East and the world," news agency SPA said. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who also called the crown prince on Monday, offered his country's "full support and capabilities" to the Gulf Arab state, it added. The Wall Street Journal reported that US officials had said intelligence indicated Iran was the "staging ground" for the attack and had shared the information with Riyadh. It quoted people familiar with the discussions. Coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki told reporters in Riyadh earlier on Monday that authorities were still determining the launch location. "The terrorist attack did not originate from Yemen as the Houthi militia claimed," he said, adding that authorities would reveal the location from where drones were launched at a future news conference. The Saudi-led coalition of Sunni Muslim countries intervened in Yemen in March 2015 against the Houthis, who ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital Sanaa, to prevent Iran from gaining influence through the group. The movement, which denies being a puppet of Tehran and says it is fighting a corrupt system, recently stepped up drone and missile attacks on Saudi cities. The conflict is largely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Initial investigations show Iranian weapons used in Aramco attacks: Saudi foreign ministry

Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters gathered downtown for a march to the US Consulate on Sunday, calling on President Donald Trump to liberate the Chinese-ruled city, the latest in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/riot-police-deployed-as-hong-kong-protesters-target-airport-248205">series of demonstrations</a> that have gripped the city for months.

Police stood by as protesters waved the Stars and Stripes and placards appealing for US help, calling for democracy after another night of violence in the 14th week of unrest.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Saturday urged the Chinese government to exercise restraint in Hong Kong.

Esper made his call in Paris as police in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-in-beijing-says-hong-kong-freedoms-must-be-guaranteed-248048">Hong Kong</a> prevented protesters from blocking access to the airport but fired tear gas for a second night running in the densely populated district of Mong Kok.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced concessions this week aimed at ending the protests, including formally scrapping a hugely unpopular extradition bill, which ignited the unrest in June. Many protesters said the concessions were too little, too late.

The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. Many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is eroding that autonomy.

China denies the accusation of meddling and says Hong Kong is an internal affair. It has denounced the protests, accusing the United States and Britain of fomenting unrest, and warned of the damage to the economy.

 
&nbsp;

Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters gathered downtown for a march to the US Consulate on Sunday, calling on President Donald Trump to liberate the Chinese-ruled city, the latest in a series of demonstrations that have gripped the city for months.

Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters gathered downtown for a march to the US Consulate on Sunday, calling on President Donald Trump to liberate the Chinese-ruled city, the latest in a series of demonstrations that have gripped the city for months. Police stood by as protesters waved the Stars and Stripes and placards appealing for US help, calling for democracy after another night of violence in the 14th week of unrest. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Saturday urged the Chinese government to exercise restraint in Hong Kong. Esper made his call in Paris as police in Hong Kong prevented protesters from blocking access to the airport but fired tear gas for a second night running in the densely populated district of Mong Kok. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced concessions this week aimed at ending the protests, including formally scrapping a hugely unpopular extradition bill, which ignited the unrest in June. Many protesters said the concessions were too little, too late. The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland. Many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is eroding that autonomy. China denies the accusation of meddling and says Hong Kong is an internal affair. It has denounced the protests, accusing the United States and Britain of fomenting unrest, and warned of the damage to the economy.

Hong Kong protesters call on Donald Trump to 'liberate' the city

US defense secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday he was "not surprised" Iran had turned on advanced centrifuges to increase uranium stockpiles, a further breach of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-has-capacity-to-raise-uranium-enrichment-beyond-20-iranian-nuclear-agency-spokesperson-248247">2015 nuclear deal </a>which Washington pulled out of last year.

"I'm not surprised that Iran has announced that it's going to violate the JCPOA," Esper said in Paris, using the official name of the accord signed in Vienna four years ago.

"They had been violating it, they had violated the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-up-advanced-centrifuges-in-latest-nuclear-step-248221">nuclear non-proliferation</a> treaty for many years, so it's no surprise that the Iranians are going to pursue what the Iranians have always intended to pursue," he added, following talks with his French counterpart Florence Parly.

Esper was in France after visits to London and Stuttgart, Germany, to meet with NATO allies since taking up his post in July.

Watch Video:

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Parly reiterated France's calls for Tehran to "respect the Vienna accord", adding, "we will continue with all our diplomatic efforts in this direction. We have to continue."

France and other EU nations have been trying to ease tensions in the Gulf region since President Donald Trump abandoned the nuclear deal and re-imposed sanctions that have hit the Iranian economy hard.

President Emmanuel Macron has overseen recent talks between French and Iranian officials, and even secured a potential opening with Trump at last month's G7 summit, when he said he would be willing to meet with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani.

Esper said he had "productive discussions" with Parly, though neither indicated any progress had been made on de-escalating the conflict.

They also agreed to disagree on the US's new "maritime security mission" in the Gulf, aimed at ensuring open passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after a series of incidents, including ship seizures by Iranian forces.

France has declined to join the US initiative and instead sought out like-minded partners for its own surveillance of the strategic waterway.

"The goal is to rally as many partners and means of surveillance as possible to improve security in the Gulf, and there's absolutely no competition between these initiatives," Parly said.

Esper said the US effort "is about deterring bad behaviour."

"Obviously our preference is that all countries join underneath this broader umbrella," he said.

"But the key thing is that we all work together to defend those common values, those common rights, that we have set up in the wake of World War-II and defend those around the world, whether it's from Iran trying to violate them, or it's China in the South China Sea." 
&nbsp;

US defense secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday he was "not surprised" Iran had turned on advanced centrifuges to increase uranium stockpiles, a further breach of the 2015 nuclear deal which Washington pulled out of last year.

US defense secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday he was "not surprised" Iran had turned on advanced centrifuges to increase uranium stockpiles, a further breach of the 2015 nuclear deal which Washington pulled out of last year. "I'm not surprised that Iran has announced that it's going to violate the JCPOA," Esper said in Paris, using the official name of the accord signed in Vienna four years ago. "They had been violating it, they had violated the nuclear non-proliferation treaty for many years, so it's no surprise that the Iranians are going to pursue what the Iranians have always intended to pursue," he added, following talks with his French counterpart Florence Parly. Esper was in France after visits to London and Stuttgart, Germany, to meet with NATO allies since taking up his post in July. Watch Video: Parly reiterated France's calls for Tehran to "respect the Vienna accord", adding, "we will continue with all our diplomatic efforts in this direction. We have to continue." France and other EU nations have been trying to ease tensions in the Gulf region since President Donald Trump abandoned the nuclear deal and re-imposed sanctions that have hit the Iranian economy hard. President Emmanuel Macron has overseen recent talks between French and Iranian officials, and even secured a potential opening with Trump at last month's G7 summit, when he said he would be willing to meet with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani. Esper said he had "productive discussions" with Parly, though neither indicated any progress had been made on de-escalating the conflict. They also agreed to disagree on the US's new "maritime security mission" in the Gulf, aimed at ensuring open passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after a series of incidents, including ship seizures by Iranian forces. France has declined to join the US initiative and instead sought out like-minded partners for its own surveillance of the strategic waterway. "The goal is to rally as many partners and means of surveillance as possible to improve security in the Gulf, and there's absolutely no competition between these initiatives," Parly said. Esper said the US effort "is about deterring bad behaviour." "Obviously our preference is that all countries join underneath this broader umbrella," he said. "But the key thing is that we all work together to defend those common values, those common rights, that we have set up in the wake of World War-II and defend those around the world, whether it's from Iran trying to violate them, or it's China in the South China Sea."

Not surprised Iran going to violate nuclear deal: US defence secretary Mark Esper

US Defence Secretary<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-blacklists-iranian-oil-tanker-adrian-darya-sanctions-captain-246781"> Mark Esper</a> said on Thursday he currently had no plan on his desk to seize the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya 1, which is at the centre of a dispute between Tehran and Western powers.

The tanker, which is loaded with Iranian crude oil, appears to have turned off its transponder in the Mediterranean west of Syria.

The vessel, formerly named Grace 1, was detained by British Royal Marine commandos off Gibraltar on July 4 as it was suspected to be en route to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions.

Gibraltar released the Iranian vessel on Aug. 15 after receiving formal written assurances from Tehran that the ship would not discharge its 2.1 million barrels of oil in Syria.

"We do not talk about plans, but currently I have no plan right now sitting on my desk to do such a thing," Esper told reporters in London when asked if there was any plan to seize the ship.

Washington has warned any state against assisting the ship, saying it would consider that support for a terrorist organisation, namely, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

US officials have told Reuters that taking any military action like boarding the vessel was not being seriously considered by the United States as it would likely lead to an escalation that would increase tensions.

Esper said he was in favour of efforts by France and other countries to get Iran to hold talks.

"My personal view, but I'm not the lead for this, it's the State Department, is if the French and others can get the Iranians to come to the table to talk, that would be a good thing," he said.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday left the door open to a possible meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.

The United States has been pressing Iran with sanctions since last year, when Washington abandoned the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, often referred to as the Iran nuclear deal.

While European countries, including France, have been trying to push Iran to remain in compliance with the deal, offering proposals such as a $15 billion credit line for Iran to do so, Trump administration officials said on Wednesday they were sceptical of such manoeuvres.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday he currently had no plan on his desk to seize the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya 1, which is at the centre of a dispute between Tehran and Western powers.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday he currently had no plan on his desk to seize the Iranian oil tanker Adrian Darya 1, which is at the centre of a dispute between Tehran and Western powers. The tanker, which is loaded with Iranian crude oil, appears to have turned off its transponder in the Mediterranean west of Syria. The vessel, formerly named Grace 1, was detained by British Royal Marine commandos off Gibraltar on July 4 as it was suspected to be en route to Syria in violation of European Union sanctions. Gibraltar released the Iranian vessel on Aug. 15 after receiving formal written assurances from Tehran that the ship would not discharge its 2.1 million barrels of oil in Syria. "We do not talk about plans, but currently I have no plan right now sitting on my desk to do such a thing," Esper told reporters in London when asked if there was any plan to seize the ship. Washington has warned any state against assisting the ship, saying it would consider that support for a terrorist organisation, namely, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. US officials have told Reuters that taking any military action like boarding the vessel was not being seriously considered by the United States as it would likely lead to an escalation that would increase tensions. Esper said he was in favour of efforts by France and other countries to get Iran to hold talks. "My personal view, but I'm not the lead for this, it's the State Department, is if the French and others can get the Iranians to come to the table to talk, that would be a good thing," he said. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday left the door open to a possible meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. The United States has been pressing Iran with sanctions since last year, when Washington abandoned the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, often referred to as the Iran nuclear deal. While European countries, including France, have been trying to push Iran to remain in compliance with the deal, offering proposals such as a $15 billion credit line for Iran to do so, Trump administration officials said on Wednesday they were sceptical of such manoeuvres.

Pentagon chief says he currently has no plan to seize Iranian tanker Adrian Darya 1

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-chief-says-he-currently-has-no-plan-to-seize-iranian-tanker-adrian-darya-1-247889">US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper</a> said on Friday that it appeared <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-retaliation-to-us-sanctions-iran-vouches-to-take-further-step-to-scale-back-nuclear-commitments-247947">Iran</a> was inching toward a place where talks could be held, days after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump left the door open to a possible meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the upcoming UN&nbsp;General Assembly in New York.

"It seems in some ways that Iran is inching toward that place where we could have talks and hopefully it'll play out that way," Esper said at the Royal United Services Institute think-tank in London.

Friction between the two countries has grown Trump last year withdrew from a 2015 international accord under which Iran had agreed to rein in its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-hassan-rouhani-orders-lifting-of-all-nuclear-research-and-development-limits-247658">atomic program</a> in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.

Washington has since renewed and intensified its sanctions, slashing Iran's crude oil sales by more than 80%

Rouhani on Wednesday said Iran would take another step away from the 2015 deal by starting to develop centrifuges to speed up its uranium enrichment, but he also gave European powers two more months to try to save the multilateral pact.

Separately, the United States refused to ease its economic sanctions on Iran, imposed fresh ones designed to choke off the smuggling of Iranian oil and rebuffed, but did not rule out, a French plan to give Tehran a $15 billion credit line.

The moves suggested Iran, the United States and the major European powers may be leaving the door open for diplomacy to try resolve a dispute over Iran's nuclear program even as they largely stuck to entrenched positions.

Trump on Wednesday left open the possibility of a meeting with Rouhani at the upcoming UN&nbsp;General Assembly in New York.

Asked about the possibility of such a meeting, Trump told White House reporters anything was possible. "Sure, anything's possible. They would like to be able to solve their problem," he said, referring to inflation in Iran. "We could solve it in 24 hours."

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Friday that it appeared Iran was inching toward a place where talks could be held, days after US President Donald Trump left the door open to a possible meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Friday that it appeared Iran was inching toward a place where talks could be held, days after US President Donald Trump left the door open to a possible meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. "It seems in some ways that Iran is inching toward that place where we could have talks and hopefully it'll play out that way," Esper said at the Royal United Services Institute think-tank in London. Friction between the two countries has grown Trump last year withdrew from a 2015 international accord under which Iran had agreed to rein in its atomic program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. Washington has since renewed and intensified its sanctions, slashing Iran's crude oil sales by more than 80% Rouhani on Wednesday said Iran would take another step away from the 2015 deal by starting to develop centrifuges to speed up its uranium enrichment, but he also gave European powers two more months to try to save the multilateral pact. Separately, the United States refused to ease its economic sanctions on Iran, imposed fresh ones designed to choke off the smuggling of Iranian oil and rebuffed, but did not rule out, a French plan to give Tehran a $15 billion credit line. The moves suggested Iran, the United States and the major European powers may be leaving the door open for diplomacy to try resolve a dispute over Iran's nuclear program even as they largely stuck to entrenched positions. Trump on Wednesday left open the possibility of a meeting with Rouhani at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. Asked about the possibility of such a meeting, Trump told White House reporters anything was possible. "Sure, anything's possible. They would like to be able to solve their problem," he said, referring to inflation in Iran. "We could solve it in 24 hours."

Iran 'inching' toward place where talks could be held: US Defense Secretary Mark Esper

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has confirmed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-believes-osama-bin-ladens-son-hamza-is-dead-official-239806">death of Hamza Bin Laden</a>, the son and designated heir of Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden.

"That's my understanding," Esper said in an interview late Wednesday with Fox News, when asked if Hamza bin Laden was dead.

"I don't have the details on that. And if I did I'm not sure how much I could share with you," he added.

US media reported at the beginning of August that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hamza-bin-ladens-death-no-big-blow-to-al-qaeda-report-240318">Hamza bin Laden</a> was killed during the last two years in an operation that involved the United States, citing US intelligence officials.

But President Donald Trump and other senior officials have refused to confirm or deny it publicly.

"I don't want to comment on it," Trump told reporters when asked.

The 15th of Osama bin Laden's twenty&nbsp;children and a son of his third wife, Hamza, thought to be about 30 years old, was "emerging as a leader in the Al-Qaeda franchise," the State Department had said in announcing the reward.

Sometimes dubbed the "crown prince of jihad," he had put out audio and video messages calling for attacks on the United States and other countries, especially to avenge his father's killing by US forces in Pakistan in May 2011, the department said.

That work made him important in attracting a new generation of followers to the extremist group which carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US which left nearly 3,000 dead.

His father's death in 2011 and the rise of the more virulent Islamic State group saw Al-Qaeda lose currency with younger jihadists, but the group appears to have been plotting a stealthy comeback under leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has confirmed the death of Hamza Bin Laden, the son and designated heir of Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. "That's my understanding," Esper said in an interview late Wednesday with Fox News, when asked if Hamza bin Laden was dead.

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has confirmed the death of Hamza Bin Laden, the son and designated heir of Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. "That's my understanding," Esper said in an interview late Wednesday with Fox News, when asked if Hamza bin Laden was dead. "I don't have the details on that. And if I did I'm not sure how much I could share with you," he added. US media reported at the beginning of August that Hamza bin Laden was killed during the last two years in an operation that involved the United States, citing US intelligence officials. But President Donald Trump and other senior officials have refused to confirm or deny it publicly. "I don't want to comment on it," Trump told reporters when asked. The 15th of Osama bin Laden's twenty children and a son of his third wife, Hamza, thought to be about 30 years old, was "emerging as a leader in the Al-Qaeda franchise," the State Department had said in announcing the reward. Sometimes dubbed the "crown prince of jihad," he had put out audio and video messages calling for attacks on the United States and other countries, especially to avenge his father's killing by US forces in Pakistan in May 2011, the department said. That work made him important in attracting a new generation of followers to the extremist group which carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US which left nearly 3,000 dead. His father's death in 2011 and the rise of the more virulent Islamic State group saw Al-Qaeda lose currency with younger jihadists, but the group appears to have been plotting a stealthy comeback under leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

US secretary of defence Mark Esper confirms death of Al-Qaeda's Hamza bin Laden

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/moderate-rhetoric-with-india-donald-trump-tells-imran-khan-after-phone-call-with-pm-narendra-modi-244280">spoke to US secretary</a> of defence&nbsp;Mark Esper today as the two ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen and deepen the relations further.

During the phone call, Rajnath Singh invited US companies to invest in India's defence manufacturing sector under the "Make in India" programme.

Rajnath Singh raised the issue of cross-border terrorism affecting India and appreciated US support for India’s effort to maintain peace and stability in the region, the Ministry of Defence said.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rajnath-singh-speaks-to-us-secretary-of-defence-244473/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Rajnath Singh said that issues relating to Article 370 are an internal matter of India which is&nbsp;aimed at improving growth and economic development, democracy and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Esper while speaking to Rajnath appreciated India’s position that the recent developments in Jammu &amp; Kashmir were an internal matter of India and hoped that any issue between India and Pakistan would be resolved bilaterally, the ministry of defence said in a statement.

Both the ministers exchanged views on a range of issues relating&nbsp;to military-to-military cooperation, defence policy, R&amp;D cooperation, defence trade, technology and industrial cooperation.&nbsp;

Esper and Rajnath Singh expressed satisfaction on the first tri-service joint exercise planned for later this year and steps taken to operationalise agreements like LEMOA and COMCASA. 
&nbsp; 
On Monday, PM Modi had called<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committed-towards-regional-peace-pm-modi-to-president-trump-244225"> President Trump </a>to speak on similar lines with the Indian prime minister informing the US president that "certain nations" were spreading anti-India propaganda.&nbsp;

After the phone call with Modi, Trump called PM Imran Khan and discussed the need to reduce tensions and "moderate rhetoric with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir."

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to US secretary of defence Mark Esper today as the two ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen and deepen the relations further.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to US secretary of defence Mark Esper today as the two ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen and deepen the relations further. During the phone call, Rajnath Singh invited US companies to invest in India's defence manufacturing sector under the "Make in India" programme. Rajnath Singh raised the issue of cross-border terrorism affecting India and appreciated US support for India’s effort to maintain peace and stability in the region, the Ministry of Defence said. Watch Video: Rajnath Singh said that issues relating to Article 370 are an internal matter of India which is aimed at improving growth and economic development, democracy and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Esper while speaking to Rajnath appreciated India’s position that the recent developments in Jammu & Kashmir were an internal matter of India and hoped that any issue between India and Pakistan would be resolved bilaterally, the ministry of defence said in a statement. Both the ministers exchanged views on a range of issues relating to military-to-military cooperation, defence policy, R&D cooperation, defence trade, technology and industrial cooperation. Esper and Rajnath Singh expressed satisfaction on the first tri-service joint exercise planned for later this year and steps taken to operationalise agreements like LEMOA and COMCASA. On Monday, PM Modi had called President Trump to speak on similar lines with the Indian prime minister informing the US president that "certain nations" were spreading anti-India propaganda. After the phone call with Modi, Trump called PM Imran Khan and discussed the need to reduce tensions and "moderate rhetoric with India over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir."

Issues relating to Article 370 internal matter of India: Rajnath Singh to US secretary of defence Esper

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke to US secretary of defence Mark Esper today as the two ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen and deepen the relations further. Watch this video to know more.

Rajnath Singh speaks to US Secretary of Defence

Any move by the United States to place&nbsp;new&nbsp;ground-launched, intermediate-range&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;in South Korea could spark a "new&nbsp;Cold War" and an escalating arms race in the region,&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;state&nbsp;media&nbsp;said on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-wants-to-quickly-deploy-new-missiles-in-asia-us-secretary-of-defense-240407">US Defence Secretary Mark Esper</a> this month said he was in favour of placing ground-launched, intermediate-range&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;in Asia, a day after the United States withdrew from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia.

"The&nbsp;US pointed out that it is now examining a plan for&nbsp;deploying&nbsp;ground-to-ground medium-range&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-visits-south-korea-as-the-region-faces-myriad-challenges-241741"> Asian region and South Korea </a>has been singled out as a place for the deployment,"&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's state&nbsp;news agency KCNA said.

"It is a reckless act of escalating regional tension, an act that may spark off a&nbsp;new&nbsp;Cold War and arms race in the Far Eastern region to deploy a&nbsp;new&nbsp;offensive weapon in South Korea," it said in a commentary.

Other senior&nbsp;US officials have said any deployment of such weaponry&nbsp;would&nbsp;be years away.

South Korea's defence ministry has said there had been no discussion of placing American intermediate-range&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;in the country, and there were no plans to consider the idea.

The KCNA statement also criticised recent moves to improve military sites in South that host&nbsp;US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems, which are designed to intercept ballistic&nbsp;missiles.

"It is a hard fact that the deployment of THAAD is under the&nbsp;US strategy to contain great powers and hold supremacy in&nbsp;Northeast Asia, not the one for 'shielding' South Korea from someone's 'threat'," KCNA said.

North&nbsp;Korea's military has launched a series of&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;in recent weeks to protest what it sees as a military build-up in South Korea, as well as joint military exercises by South&nbsp;Korean and American troops stationed on the peninsula.

The launches have complicated attempts to restart talks between&nbsp;US and&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;negotiators over the future of the country's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, which prompted sanctions by the United Nations Security Council.

Any move by the United States to place new ground-launched, intermediate-range missiles in South Korea could spark a "new Cold War" and an escalating arms race in the region, North Korean state media said on Wednesday.

Any move by the United States to place new ground-launched, intermediate-range missiles in South Korea could spark a "new Cold War" and an escalating arms race in the region, North Korean state media said on Wednesday. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper this month said he was in favour of placing ground-launched, intermediate-range missiles in Asia, a day after the United States withdrew from the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia. "The US pointed out that it is now examining a plan for deploying ground-to-ground medium-range missiles in the Asian region and South Korea has been singled out as a place for the deployment," North Korea's state news agency KCNA said. "It is a reckless act of escalating regional tension, an act that may spark off a new Cold War and arms race in the Far Eastern region to deploy a new offensive weapon in South Korea," it said in a commentary. Other senior US officials have said any deployment of such weaponry would be years away. South Korea's defence ministry has said there had been no discussion of placing American intermediate-range missiles in the country, and there were no plans to consider the idea. The KCNA statement also criticised recent moves to improve military sites in South that host US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems, which are designed to intercept ballistic missiles. "It is a hard fact that the deployment of THAAD is under the US strategy to contain great powers and hold supremacy in Northeast Asia, not the one for 'shielding' South Korea from someone's 'threat'," KCNA said. North Korea's military has launched a series of missiles in recent weeks to protest what it sees as a military build-up in South Korea, as well as joint military exercises by South Korean and American troops stationed on the peninsula. The launches have complicated attempts to restart talks between US and North Korean negotiators over the future of the country's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, which prompted sanctions by the United Nations Security Council.

Deploying new US missiles would be 'reckless act': North Korean state media

China on Tuesday warned it would take countermeasures if the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-withdraws-from-inf-missile-treaty-clears-way-for-new-arms-race-with-russia-240039">US goes ahead with plans </a>to deploy ground-based missiles in the Asia-Pacific region.

"China will not stand idly by and will be forced to take countermeasures should the US deploy intermediate-range ground-based missiles in this part of the world," said Fu Cong, the director of arms control at the Chinese foreign ministry.

"And we also call on our neighbours, our neighbouring countries, to exercise prudence and not to allow a US deployment of its intermediate-range missiles on (their) territory," he added, naming Australia, Japan and South Korea.&nbsp;

On Saturday, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper had said Washington wants to quickly deploy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suggested-us-nato-to-consider-announcing-moratorium-on-deployment-of-missiles-russia-240155">new intermediate-range missiles </a>in Asia.

The new Pentagon chief had said that the US was now free to deploy the weapons following its withdrawal Friday from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia.

"Yes I would like to," Esper said when asked if the US was considering deploying new medium-range conventional weapons in Asia.

Esper, however, did not specify where the US intended to deploy the weapons.

"We would like to deploy a capability sooner rather than later," Esper told reporters on a plane to Sydney at the start of a week-long tour of Asia.

"I would prefer months... But these things tend to take longer than you expect."

The INF treaty was considered a cornerstone of the global arms control architecture but the United States said the bilateral pact had given other countries -- namely China -- free rein to develop their own long-range missiles.

Under the pact signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Washington and Moscow agreed to limit the use of conventional and nuclear medium-range missiles (with a range of 500-5,000 kilometres, 300-3,000 miles).

But its unravelling had been on the cards for months amid worsening ties between Russia and the US.

The rise of a militarily more assertive China in the region has worried traditional US allies such as Australia and New Zealand, and Beijing's actions in the South China Sea have alarmed neighbours with competing territorial claims to the strategic waterway.

China on Tuesday warned it would take countermeasures if the US goes ahead with plans to deploy ground-based missiles in the Asia-Pacific region. "China will not stand idly by and will be forced to take countermeasures should the US deploy intermediate-range ground-based missiles in this part of the world," said Fu Cong, the director of arms control at the Chinese foreign ministry.

China on Tuesday warned it would take countermeasures if the US goes ahead with plans to deploy ground-based missiles in the Asia-Pacific region. "China will not stand idly by and will be forced to take countermeasures should the US deploy intermediate-range ground-based missiles in this part of the world," said Fu Cong, the director of arms control at the Chinese foreign ministry. "And we also call on our neighbours, our neighbouring countries, to exercise prudence and not to allow a US deployment of its intermediate-range missiles on (their) territory," he added, naming Australia, Japan and South Korea. On Saturday, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper had said Washington wants to quickly deploy new intermediate-range missiles in Asia. The new Pentagon chief had said that the US was now free to deploy the weapons following its withdrawal Friday from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty with Russia. "Yes I would like to," Esper said when asked if the US was considering deploying new medium-range conventional weapons in Asia. Esper, however, did not specify where the US intended to deploy the weapons. "We would like to deploy a capability sooner rather than later," Esper told reporters on a plane to Sydney at the start of a week-long tour of Asia. "I would prefer months... But these things tend to take longer than you expect." The INF treaty was considered a cornerstone of the global arms control architecture but the United States said the bilateral pact had given other countries -- namely China -- free rein to develop their own long-range missiles. Under the pact signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Washington and Moscow agreed to limit the use of conventional and nuclear medium-range missiles (with a range of 500-5,000 kilometres, 300-3,000 miles). But its unravelling had been on the cards for months amid worsening ties between Russia and the US. The rise of a militarily more assertive China in the region has worried traditional US allies such as Australia and New Zealand, and Beijing's actions in the South China Sea have alarmed neighbours with competing territorial claims to the strategic waterway.

Will not stand idly if US deploys missiles in Asia, warns China

US intermediate range missiles will not be deployed in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, after the United States revealed ambitions to site missiles in the Asia Pacific region.

US intermediate range missiles will not be deployed in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, after the United States revealed ambitions to site missiles in the Asia Pacific region. Officials from both governments held talks in Sydney over the weekend that ended with a joint statement in which the two allies pledged to strengthen opposition to Chinese activities in Asia-Pacific, as both sides have become increasingly concerned about China's spreading influence. During the talks, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper spoke of hopes to deploy missiles in the Asia Pacific region in the coming months following Washington's withdrawal from a landmark arms control treaty last week. Esper's comments prompted speculation that Australia had been asked to host the missiles, but Morrison denied that any request had been made and said Australia would decline if it was asked in the future. "It's not been asked to us, not being considered, not been put to us. I think I the rule a line under that," Morrison told reporters in Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland. A recent increase in tensions between Washington and Beijing, both over trade and rights of navigation in both the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, has put Australia in an awkward spot, as the United States is its biggest ally, while China is its biggest export market. Beijing last week described Australian efforts to improve the bilateral relationship as "unsatisfactory". Australia worries China is using foreign aid to secure greater influence over small Pacific countries which control vast swathes of resource rich ocean. Australia, traditionally the major power in the South Pacific, has promised up to A$3 billion ($2.03 billion) in grants and cheap loans to counter what Washington describes as China's "payday loan diplomacy".

Australia won't host US missiles, prime minister says

Amid escalating trade war between the United States and China, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Sunday warned China against destabilising behaviour in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

"We firmly believe no one nation can or should dominate the Indo-Pacific and we are working alongside our allies and partners to address the region's pressing security needs, Reuters reported Esper as saying to reporters in Sydney.

Esper's comments come even as China is increasing its assertiveness in the energy-rich South China Sea even as the US &nbsp;challenges Chinese maritime hegemony and seeking stronger ties with nations pushing back against Beijing.

"We also stand firmly against a disturbing pattern of aggressive behaviour, destabilising behaviour from China. This includes weaponising the global commons, using predatory economics and debt for sovereignty deals, and promoting state-sponsored theft of other nations' intellectual property," said Esper.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday decried "decades of bad behaviour" from China that have hampered free trade, laying out a case at a Southeast Asian forum for Washington's escalating trade war with Beijing.

Esper and Pompeo met with their Australian counterparts in Sydney on Sunday.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Amid escalating trade war between the United States and China, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Sunday warned China against destabilising behaviour in the Indo-Pacific.

Amid escalating trade war between the United States and China, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Sunday warned China against destabilising behaviour in the Indo-Pacific. "We firmly believe no one nation can or should dominate the Indo-Pacific and we are working alongside our allies and partners to address the region's pressing security needs, Reuters reported Esper as saying to reporters in Sydney. Esper's comments come even as China is increasing its assertiveness in the energy-rich South China Sea even as the US challenges Chinese maritime hegemony and seeking stronger ties with nations pushing back against Beijing. "We also stand firmly against a disturbing pattern of aggressive behaviour, destabilising behaviour from China. This includes weaponising the global commons, using predatory economics and debt for sovereignty deals, and promoting state-sponsored theft of other nations' intellectual property," said Esper. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday decried "decades of bad behaviour" from China that have hampered free trade, laying out a case at a Southeast Asian forum for Washington's escalating trade war with Beijing. Esper and Pompeo met with their Australian counterparts in Sydney on Sunday. (With inputs from Reuters)

United States decries 'destabilising' behaviour by China in Indo-Pacific: Pentagon chief

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on August 3 that he was in favour of placing ground-launched, intermediate-range missiles in Asia relatively soon, a day after the United States withdrew from a landmark arms control treaty. Watch this video to know more.

U.S. to place INF-range missiles in Asia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-wants-to-quickly-deploy-new-missiles-in-asia-us-secretary-of-defense-240407">US wants to quickly deploy new missiles in Asia: US Secretary of Defence</a>

Washington wants to quickly deploy new intermediate-range missiles in Asia, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said Saturday in a move likely to anger China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-working-for-early-release-of-18-indian-crew-of-ship-seized-by-iran-jaishankar-240462">MEA working for early release of 18 Indian crew of ship seized by Iran: Jaishankar</a>

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said the Indian government is working for the early release and repatriation of all the 18 Indian crew members on board the British-flagged tanker which has been detained by the Revolutionary Guards of Iran (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/footage-shows-bangkok-bombing-in-mall-minutes-from-asean-summit-240412">Footage shows Bangkok bombing in mall minutes from ASEAN summit</a>

Footage emerged Saturday of the moment a bomb exploded in a Bangkok mall as the city hosted a major summit, the device hidden inside a cuddly toy animal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-dead-several-injured-after-powerful-quake-rocks-indonesia-240426">Four dead, several injured after powerful quake rocks Indonesia</a>

Four people died and several were injured after a powerful undersea earthquake rocked Indonesia's heavily populated Java island, triggering a brief tsunami warning, the national disaster agency said Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-police-detain-prominent-opposition-activist-before-protest-240446">Russian police detain prominent opposition activist before protest</a>

Russian police on Saturday detained prominent opposition activist Lyubov Sobol ahead of a planned protest in Moscow to demand free elections.

&nbsp;

US wants to quickly deploy new missiles in Asia: US Secretary of Defence Washington wants to quickly deploy new intermediate-range missiles in Asia, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said Saturday in a move likely to anger China.

US wants to quickly deploy new missiles in Asia: US Secretary of Defence Washington wants to quickly deploy new intermediate-range missiles in Asia, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said Saturday in a move likely to anger China. MEA working for early release of 18 Indian crew of ship seized by Iran: Jaishankar External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said the Indian government is working for the early release and repatriation of all the 18 Indian crew members on board the British-flagged tanker which has been detained by the Revolutionary Guards of Iran (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz. Footage shows Bangkok bombing in mall minutes from ASEAN summit Footage emerged Saturday of the moment a bomb exploded in a Bangkok mall as the city hosted a major summit, the device hidden inside a cuddly toy animal. Four dead, several injured after powerful quake rocks Indonesia Four people died and several were injured after a powerful undersea earthquake rocked Indonesia's heavily populated Java island, triggering a brief tsunami warning, the national disaster agency said Saturday. Russian police detain prominent opposition activist before protest Russian police on Saturday detained prominent opposition activist Lyubov Sobol ahead of a planned protest in Moscow to demand free elections.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The United States will officially withdraw from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-breakthrough-with-russia-on-inf-treaty-dispute-natos-stoltenberg-233321">Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces</a> (INF) Treaty on Friday, clearing the way for a new arms race with Russia -&nbsp;and throwing China into the mix.

The treaty -&nbsp;concluded by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987 -- limited the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inf-treaty-with-russia-has-been-invalidated-germany-194404">Cold War powers' medium-range</a> missiles, both conventional and nuclear.

Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump's administration announced its intention to ditch the agreement, accusing Moscow of repeatedly violating its terms -&nbsp;a charge Russia denied.

"I think the INF Treaty has served us well, but it only works if both parties comply," new US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said recently.

"The United States will remain in compliance with all of our obligations until August 2nd -- and after that point in time, we will continue to pursue what is in our best interest," he told lawmakers.

Washington formally launched the procedure of leaving the treaty on February 1 -- a six-month process.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a bill suspending Moscow's participation on July 3.&nbsp;

Unless something changes in the coming days, the mutual withdrawal will spell the end of the deal, which eliminated a range of missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310-3,420 miles).&nbsp;

That paved the way for the mothballing of Russian SS-20 missiles and American Pershing missiles deployed in Europe.

Even if European nations have expressed concerns about the consequence of a new arms race, NATO endorsed the US position, saying Russia's 9M729 missile had violated the INF agreement.

Moscow insists the new projectile has a maximum range of 480 kilometers -- within INF parameters.

In the end, the death of the INF Treaty suits Washington just fine, as former defence secretary Ash Carter said in early July.

"From the military point of view, not the political point of view, it's not so bad," Carter said at a conference at the Council on Foreign Relations.

"We can make good use of what we call conventional prompt strike."

The Pentagon is thrilled that it will now be able to modernise its arsenal to counter the mounting might of China, which is looking to assert its military supremacy in Asia.

"Most of China's inventory is of intermediate range missiles and so we need to make sure we have the capability as well to respond should we -- God forbid -- get in a fight with them one day," Esper said.

The United States has pledged not to deploy new nuclear-armed missiles in Europe, but made no such promise on the deployment of conventional weapons.

Advances in technology have allowed for the development of mid-range missiles that are much more precise than those made 30 years ago, explained career diplomat William Courtney, who is now a senior fellow at the nonprofit, nonpartisan Rand Corporation.

"The technology has changed so much that is makes it militarily attractive," said Courtney, an arms control expert.

For Thomas Mahnken, a professor of strategic studies at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, the US must now deploy medium-range conventional weapons on its islands in the Pacific and other territory controlled by its allies.

Such a move would help counter China's rise, especially in the South China Sea, where the People's Liberation Army has effectively commandeered several disputed islands.

"It is time to turn the tables," Mahnken said in a commentary published on the specialist website War on the Rocks.

"Such weapons, capable of denying China the use of littoral waters, would be a powerful deterrent to Chinese aggression."

Such a move seems to have the support of the next chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley.

When asked by US senators about the imminent demise of the INF Treaty, he said he supported the deployment of conventional ground-based medium-range missiles in the Indo-Pacific region. 
&nbsp;

The United States will officially withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty on Friday, clearing the way for a new arms race with Russia - and throwing China into the mix.

The United States will officially withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty on Friday, clearing the way for a new arms race with Russia - and throwing China into the mix. The treaty - concluded by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987 -- limited the Cold War powers' medium-range missiles, both conventional and nuclear. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump's administration announced its intention to ditch the agreement, accusing Moscow of repeatedly violating its terms - a charge Russia denied. "I think the INF Treaty has served us well, but it only works if both parties comply," new US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said recently. "The United States will remain in compliance with all of our obligations until August 2nd -- and after that point in time, we will continue to pursue what is in our best interest," he told lawmakers. Washington formally launched the procedure of leaving the treaty on February 1 -- a six-month process. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law a bill suspending Moscow's participation on July 3. Unless something changes in the coming days, the mutual withdrawal will spell the end of the deal, which eliminated a range of missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers (310-3,420 miles). That paved the way for the mothballing of Russian SS-20 missiles and American Pershing missiles deployed in Europe. Even if European nations have expressed concerns about the consequence of a new arms race, NATO endorsed the US position, saying Russia's 9M729 missile had violated the INF agreement. Moscow insists the new projectile has a maximum range of 480 kilometers -- within INF parameters. In the end, the death of the INF Treaty suits Washington just fine, as former defence secretary Ash Carter said in early July. "From the military point of view, not the political point of view, it's not so bad," Carter said at a conference at the Council on Foreign Relations. "We can make good use of what we call conventional prompt strike." The Pentagon is thrilled that it will now be able to modernise its arsenal to counter the mounting might of China, which is looking to assert its military supremacy in Asia. "Most of China's inventory is of intermediate range missiles and so we need to make sure we have the capability as well to respond should we -- God forbid -- get in a fight with them one day," Esper said. The United States has pledged not to deploy new nuclear-armed missiles in Europe, but made no such promise on the deployment of conventional weapons. Advances in technology have allowed for the development of mid-range missiles that are much more precise than those made 30 years ago, explained career diplomat William Courtney, who is now a senior fellow at the nonprofit, nonpartisan Rand Corporation. "The technology has changed so much that is makes it militarily attractive," said Courtney, an arms control expert. For Thomas Mahnken, a professor of strategic studies at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, the US must now deploy medium-range conventional weapons on its islands in the Pacific and other territory controlled by its allies. Such a move would help counter China's rise, especially in the South China Sea, where the People's Liberation Army has effectively commandeered several disputed islands. "It is time to turn the tables," Mahnken said in a commentary published on the specialist website War on the Rocks. "Such weapons, capable of denying China the use of littoral waters, would be a powerful deterrent to Chinese aggression." Such a move seems to have the support of the next chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, General Mark Milley. When asked by US senators about the imminent demise of the INF Treaty, he said he supported the deployment of conventional ground-based medium-range missiles in the Indo-Pacific region.

'It only works if both parties comply': US prepares to pull out from INF treaty with Russia

The US Senate on Wednesday confirmed Kelly Craft, a Republican donor who is currently ambassador to Canada, as ambassador to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-led-forces-israel-among-states-rapped-by-un-for-killing-children-239735">United Nations</a>, despite opposition from Democrats who criticized <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-nominee-sparks-worries-of-intelligence-politicization-239554">President Donald Trump`s</a> nominee as too inexperienced for the post.

The Senate backed Craft by a vote of 56 to 34, largely along party lines, moving to end seven months without a permanent&nbsp; 
US envoy to the world body.&nbsp;

UN ambassador is one of several high-level positions in the Trump administration held for months by temporary appointees as the White House struggles to deal with a chronic, high turnover of top administration officials.

The Senate last week confirmed Army Secretary Mark Esper, a former lobbyist, as secretary of defence, ending a record seven-month period in which the Pentagon lacked a permanent top official.

This week, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats announced his resignation.

Trump nominated Craft, 57, for the UN post after a recommendation from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who represents her home state of Kentucky.

She had faced fierce opposition from some Democrats. Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, accused Craft of lacking the "seriousness and professionalism" for the post at the world body.

Craft, the wife of a billionaire coal industry executive, generated controversy shortly after assuming her post in Ottawa by telling Canadian Broadcasting she believed "both sides" of the climate change debate.

However, she acknowledged during her confirmation hearing that climate change is a global threat and pledged to recuse herself from any UN 
&nbsp;talks on the issue involving coal because of her husband`s position.

Menendez on Wednesday released a report that said Craft spent the majority of her time as ambassador to Canada outside of the country. 
Craft`s backers called her a tough negotiator on a trade deal with Canada and Mexico who had established decent working relationships with both Republicans and Democrats.

The craft will have the difficult job of defending Trump`s "America First" foreign policy and navigating his criticism of the United Nations while getting global diplomats to back US policies.

Trump`s first UN ambassador, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, announced her resignation in October and left the position at the end of last year.

The US Senate on Wednesday confirmed Kelly Craft, a Republican donor who is currently ambassador to Canada, as ambassador to the United Nations, despite opposition from Democrats who criticized President Donald Trump`s nominee as too inexperienced for the post.

The US Senate on Wednesday confirmed Kelly Craft, a Republican donor who is currently ambassador to Canada, as ambassador to the United Nations, despite opposition from Democrats who criticized President Donald Trump`s nominee as too inexperienced for the post. The Senate backed Craft by a vote of 56 to 34, largely along party lines, moving to end seven months without a permanent US envoy to the world body. UN ambassador is one of several high-level positions in the Trump administration held for months by temporary appointees as the White House struggles to deal with a chronic, high turnover of top administration officials. The Senate last week confirmed Army Secretary Mark Esper, a former lobbyist, as secretary of defence, ending a record seven-month period in which the Pentagon lacked a permanent top official. This week, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats announced his resignation. Trump nominated Craft, 57, for the UN post after a recommendation from Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who represents her home state of Kentucky. She had faced fierce opposition from some Democrats. Senator Bob Menendez, the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, accused Craft of lacking the "seriousness and professionalism" for the post at the world body. Craft, the wife of a billionaire coal industry executive, generated controversy shortly after assuming her post in Ottawa by telling Canadian Broadcasting she believed "both sides" of the climate change debate. However, she acknowledged during her confirmation hearing that climate change is a global threat and pledged to recuse herself from any UN talks on the issue involving coal because of her husband`s position. Menendez on Wednesday released a report that said Craft spent the majority of her time as ambassador to Canada outside of the country. Craft`s backers called her a tough negotiator on a trade deal with Canada and Mexico who had established decent working relationships with both Republicans and Democrats. The craft will have the difficult job of defending Trump`s "America First" foreign policy and navigating his criticism of the United Nations while getting global diplomats to back US policies. Trump`s first UN ambassador, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, announced her resignation in October and left the position at the end of last year.

US Senate confirms Kelly Craft as ambassador to United Nations

President Donald Trump celebrated his new Secretary of Defense with pomp and pagentry at the Pentagon, Thursday. The president, along with Vice President Mike Pence and Pentagon leaders participated in a full honors welcome ceremony, including a 21-gun-salute, for Mark Esper, an Army veteran and former defense industry lobbyist who was confirmed by the Senate 90-8 and sworn in on Tuesday. In remarks at the ceremony, Trump congratulated Esper and expressed confidence he is the right person for the growing challenges of the times.

Trump celebrates new Defense Secretary Mark Esper

Army Secretary Mark Esper was sworn in as US&nbsp;secretary of defence on Tuesday, hours after being confirmed by the Senate in a strong bipartisan vote that ended the longest period by far the Pentagon had been without a permanent top official.

Esper was sworn in at the White House by US&nbsp;Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in a ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump and attended by a number of Republican lawmakers. He was confirmed by the US Senate on a vote of 90-8 several hours earlier.

"That's a vote that we're not accustomed to, Mark. I have to say that, so congratulations," Trump told Esper, a former professional staff member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Governmental Affairs Committee.

Esper, 55, a former soldier and lobbyist for weapons maker Raytheon Co, received strong bipartisan support despite sharp questioning during his confirmation hearing by Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren about his ties to Raytheon and his refusal to extend an ethics commitment he signed in 2017 to avoid decisions involving the company.

Warren, a 2020 presidential hopeful, was the only member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to voice opposition to Esper's confirmation during the hearing.

Raytheon is the third-largest US defence contractor.

There has been no confirmed defence secretary since Jim Mattis resigned in December over policy differences with Trump. Many members of Congress from both parties had urged the Republican president to act urgently to fill the powerful position.

Trump's previous pick to be secretary of defence, former Boeing Co executive Patrick Shanahan, withdrew from consideration on June 18 after reports emerged of domestic violence in his family.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called on members to support Esper as he opened the Senate on Tuesday morning.

"The nominee is beyond qualified. His record of public service is beyond impressive. His commitment to serving our service members is beyond obvious. And the need for a Senate-confirmed secretary of defence is beyond urgent," McConnell said.

Four of the eight "No" votes came from senators running for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination - Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris and Amy Klobuchar.

An Army veteran, Esper served as a congressional aide and a Pentagon official under Republican President George W. Bush before working for Raytheon. He had been Army secretary since November 2017.

Army Secretary Mark Esper was sworn in as US secretary of defence on Tuesday, hours after being confirmed by the Senate in a strong bipartisan vote that ended the longest period by far the Pentagon had been without a permanent top official.

Army Secretary Mark Esper was sworn in as US secretary of defence on Tuesday, hours after being confirmed by the Senate in a strong bipartisan vote that ended the longest period by far the Pentagon had been without a permanent top official. Esper was sworn in at the White House by US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in a ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump and attended by a number of Republican lawmakers. He was confirmed by the US Senate on a vote of 90-8 several hours earlier. "That's a vote that we're not accustomed to, Mark. I have to say that, so congratulations," Trump told Esper, a former professional staff member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Governmental Affairs Committee. Esper, 55, a former soldier and lobbyist for weapons maker Raytheon Co, received strong bipartisan support despite sharp questioning during his confirmation hearing by Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren about his ties to Raytheon and his refusal to extend an ethics commitment he signed in 2017 to avoid decisions involving the company. Warren, a 2020 presidential hopeful, was the only member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to voice opposition to Esper's confirmation during the hearing. Raytheon is the third-largest US defence contractor. There has been no confirmed defence secretary since Jim Mattis resigned in December over policy differences with Trump. Many members of Congress from both parties had urged the Republican president to act urgently to fill the powerful position. Trump's previous pick to be secretary of defence, former Boeing Co executive Patrick Shanahan, withdrew from consideration on June 18 after reports emerged of domestic violence in his family. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called on members to support Esper as he opened the Senate on Tuesday morning. "The nominee is beyond qualified. His record of public service is beyond impressive. His commitment to serving our service members is beyond obvious. And the need for a Senate-confirmed secretary of defence is beyond urgent," McConnell said. Four of the eight "No" votes came from senators running for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination - Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris and Amy Klobuchar. An Army veteran, Esper served as a congressional aide and a Pentagon official under Republican President George W. Bush before working for Raytheon. He had been Army secretary since November 2017.

Former lobbyist Esper sworn in as US defence secretary, to succeed Mattis

The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed former soldier Mark Esper as secretary of defence, filling America's longest-ever Pentagon leadership vacuum as Washington faces mounting tensions with Iran and struggles to end its long war in Afghanistan.

President Donald Trump's second Defense Department chief will take over nearly seven months after the shock departure of Jim Mattis, the deeply respected career US Marine who broke with Trump over policy towards the Middle East and Afghanistan.

Two others were made acting defence secretary this year to fill the void -&nbsp;including Patrick Shanahan, who served a six-month temporary stint but resigned for family reasons in June and withdrew from consideration for the full-time top post.

Esper sailed through the confirmation process in lightning speed. He earned broad bipartisan support and was confirmed by a vote of 90 to 8.

He is expected to take his oath of office later Tuesday, according to the Pentagon.

Esper's confirmation brings ballast to a Pentagon destabilised by the leadership revolving door since late December, and as the world's primary military power is engaged in two wars - in Syria and Afghanistan - and being tested by Tehran.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in Congress, hailed Esper, who served a two-year stint as secretary of the US Army beginning in 2017, as "a thoroughly well prepared nominee" who has the respect of the national security community and can hit the ground running.

"The world is full of serious threats to America, to our allies and to our interests, not least among them obviously is Iran's insistence on continuing to ratchet up tensions in the Middle East," McConnell said in a Senate floor speech Monday.

"Having a Senate-confirmed secretary of defense, especially one of this quality, could not come a moment too soon."

Esper has significant Middle East experience. He fought in Iraq during the Gulf War in 1991, and was part of the US Army's famed 101st Airborne Division known as the "Screaming Eagles."

He is also close to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, with whom he studied at the prestigious West Point Military Academy. Both men graduated in 1986.

On the political front, he served as an advisor for several lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including Republican senator Chuck Hagel, who later became secretary of defense under Democratic president Barack Obama.

But his links with the defense industry raised eyebrows during his confirmation process.

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, a 2020 presidential candidate, highlighted Esper's potential conflicts of interest regarding his affiliation with defense contractor Raytheon, for whom he was a lobbyist when Trump tapped him for the army secretary post.

"At the age of 18, I went to West Point, and I swore an oath to defend this Constitution, and I embraced a motto called duty and honor and country," he told Warren during his confirmation hearing.

"And I've lived my life in accordance with those values ever since then," he said, adding: "I went to war for this country."

The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed former soldier Mark Esper as secretary of defence, filling America's longest-ever Pentagon leadership vacuum as Washington faces mounting tensions with Iran and struggles to end its long war in Afghanistan.

The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed former soldier Mark Esper as secretary of defence, filling America's longest-ever Pentagon leadership vacuum as Washington faces mounting tensions with Iran and struggles to end its long war in Afghanistan. President Donald Trump's second Defense Department chief will take over nearly seven months after the shock departure of Jim Mattis, the deeply respected career US Marine who broke with Trump over policy towards the Middle East and Afghanistan. Two others were made acting defence secretary this year to fill the void - including Patrick Shanahan, who served a six-month temporary stint but resigned for family reasons in June and withdrew from consideration for the full-time top post. Esper sailed through the confirmation process in lightning speed. He earned broad bipartisan support and was confirmed by a vote of 90 to 8. He is expected to take his oath of office later Tuesday, according to the Pentagon. Esper's confirmation brings ballast to a Pentagon destabilised by the leadership revolving door since late December, and as the world's primary military power is engaged in two wars - in Syria and Afghanistan - and being tested by Tehran. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in Congress, hailed Esper, who served a two-year stint as secretary of the US Army beginning in 2017, as "a thoroughly well prepared nominee" who has the respect of the national security community and can hit the ground running. "The world is full of serious threats to America, to our allies and to our interests, not least among them obviously is Iran's insistence on continuing to ratchet up tensions in the Middle East," McConnell said in a Senate floor speech Monday. "Having a Senate-confirmed secretary of defense, especially one of this quality, could not come a moment too soon." Esper has significant Middle East experience. He fought in Iraq during the Gulf War in 1991, and was part of the US Army's famed 101st Airborne Division known as the "Screaming Eagles." He is also close to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, with whom he studied at the prestigious West Point Military Academy. Both men graduated in 1986. On the political front, he served as an advisor for several lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including Republican senator Chuck Hagel, who later became secretary of defense under Democratic president Barack Obama. But his links with the defense industry raised eyebrows during his confirmation process. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, a 2020 presidential candidate, highlighted Esper's potential conflicts of interest regarding his affiliation with defense contractor Raytheon, for whom he was a lobbyist when Trump tapped him for the army secretary post. "At the age of 18, I went to West Point, and I swore an oath to defend this Constitution, and I embraced a motto called duty and honor and country," he told Warren during his confirmation hearing. "And I've lived my life in accordance with those values ever since then," he said, adding: "I went to war for this country."

US Senate confirms Mark Esper as secretary of defence

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

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