Military officers in Mali detained the president, prime minister and defence minister of the interim government deepening political chaos in the country just nine months after a military coup overthrew its previous leader.

Mali: Military detain president, prime minister and defence minister

Gone are the days when battles dragged on for years. Now battles are instant. It's all about striking swiftly and stealthily. And to do this, you need instant decision making and state-of-the-art weaponry.

How does the chain of command work in India? Is there scope for improvement? And what about our weapons? Can they keep up with the rest of the world?

India's defence is split into three services: the Air Force, the Navy and the Army. They have their own headquarters, bases and leadership. It's been this way for decades.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-plan-for-joint-commands-386620">Watch |</a>

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But this system has drawbacks. There is a lot of duplication of work and unnecessary bureaucracy.

For example, Indian airspace is defended by all three services. They are tracking threats on separate frequencies with their own radars.

But every army headquarters is located next to an airbase. So two agencies are doing the same work sitting right next to each other. Talk about the wastage of resources and manpower.

If Army, during a combing operation, wants some air support, the in-charge calls up the Air Force.

The Air Force will then churn this request through its ranks. The problem here is clear. The person in charge of the operation does not have complete control over the assets.

This was the story every time India went to war. The Air Force had its own plan. And the Army was doing its own thing.

But modern war machines cannot function like this. And India is realising it. The defence establishment is moving towards what is called "theaterisation". This is how the US and China organise their forces.

In India, there's a talk of five commands - the northern command to deal with China, the western command on the Pakistan side,&nbsp;&nbsp;peninsula command in southern India, a&nbsp;maritime command to patrol the seas and an air defence command to protect the airspace.

So how is this different from the current set-up? The commands are unified establishments. This means the army the navy and the air force will function together under one command. No more shuttling between agencies for orders. All three services will answer to a single commander. In military circles they call this jointness and integration.

India cannot underestimate the&nbsp;mindset problem. The three services are used to autonomy. Both the air force and navy fear the army will dominate joint commands. This could lead to a turf war, a territorial battle for assets, funds and for influence.

The other big challenge is logistics. If you appoint a commander what happens to the chiefs of staff? Do the soldiers still report to them? Or will commanders take over operational control?

Same is the thing with assets. The air force only has 31 squadrons. Can they spread their assets wide enough to support every command? These are some of the big challenges to joint theatres.

The US has a tried and tested system.

But India cannot copy it. India's tri-service chief has ruled this out. Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat says India will develop its own system of joint theatres.

The military is tight-lipped about the plans. But reports say they should be operational by next year. Hopefully, this will solve the bottlenecks in decision making.

An army is only as good as the weapons it has. This is where India has struggled in the past with outdated weapons aircraft and ships. The only way to overhaul this is through defence spending. Now on paper, India is the third largest spender in the world behind the US and China.

A break-up of India's defence budget shows that&nbsp;50 per cent of the funds go to salaries and pensions. So at the start of every month, half the money is already gone. Where does that leave India's modernisation plans? These are figures from this year's budget. The total allocation was 4.78 trillion rupees.

After pensions, salaries and other expenses, 1.35 trillion rupees were left. Just 28 per cent of the total budget.

For a country with two belligerent neighbours, this is simply inadequate.

What are India's options?

One is to keep expanding the defence bill. But as this pandemic has shown, India needs to put more money in public health and infrastructure. So a big defence bill could be highly unpopular.

What about reforming pensions? Maybe extend the retirement age of officers? Every time someone suggests this, there is backlash from veterans. And the situation isn't getting any better. We need active deployments in the east and west. Which means more soldiers more salaries and more pensions. Where will the money come from?

A viable option is to trim the loose ends. Streamline acquisitions, cut down on duplication of work.

Right now, every service has its own wishlist. There is no synergy between them on acquisitions. The goal is to get them all together so that India's defence establishment has one wishlist not three.

All of this is easier said than done. The bureaucrats are sure to oppose a unified command. They hate being sidelined. Also, we need to be ready for squabbles between generals, admirals and air marshals.

But these worries shouldn't concern India much because unification of command is like a rebirth for the military. Every big power has gone through it and and they are better off with the new system.

Gone are the days when battles dragged on for years. Now battles are instant. It's all about striking swiftly and stealthily. And to do this, you need instant decision making and state-of-the-art weaponry.

Gone are the days when battles dragged on for years. Now battles are instant. It's all about striking swiftly and stealthily. And to do this, you need instant decision making and state-of-the-art weaponry. How does the chain of command work in India? Is there scope for improvement? And what about our weapons? Can they keep up with the rest of the world? India's defence is split into three services: the Air Force, the Navy and the Army. They have their own headquarters, bases and leadership. It's been this way for decades. Watch | But this system has drawbacks. There is a lot of duplication of work and unnecessary bureaucracy. For example, Indian airspace is defended by all three services. They are tracking threats on separate frequencies with their own radars. But every army headquarters is located next to an airbase. So two agencies are doing the same work sitting right next to each other. Talk about the wastage of resources and manpower. If Army, during a combing operation, wants some air support, the in-charge calls up the Air Force. The Air Force will then churn this request through its ranks. The problem here is clear. The person in charge of the operation does not have complete control over the assets. This was the story every time India went to war. The Air Force had its own plan. And the Army was doing its own thing. But modern war machines cannot function like this. And India is realising it. The defence establishment is moving towards what is called "theaterisation". This is how the US and China organise their forces. In India, there's a talk of five commands - the northern command to deal with China, the western command on the Pakistan side, peninsula command in southern India, a maritime command to patrol the seas and an air defence command to protect the airspace. So how is this different from the current set-up? The commands are unified establishments. This means the army the navy and the air force will function together under one command. No more shuttling between agencies for orders. All three services will answer to a single commander. In military circles they call this jointness and integration. India cannot underestimate the mindset problem. The three services are used to autonomy. Both the air force and navy fear the army will dominate joint commands. This could lead to a turf war, a territorial battle for assets, funds and for influence. The other big challenge is logistics. If you appoint a commander what happens to the chiefs of staff? Do the soldiers still report to them? Or will commanders take over operational control? Same is the thing with assets. The air force only has 31 squadrons. Can they spread their assets wide enough to support every command? These are some of the big challenges to joint theatres. The US has a tried and tested system. But India cannot copy it. India's tri-service chief has ruled this out. Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat says India will develop its own system of joint theatres. The military is tight-lipped about the plans. But reports say they should be operational by next year. Hopefully, this will solve the bottlenecks in decision making. An army is only as good as the weapons it has. This is where India has struggled in the past with outdated weapons aircraft and ships. The only way to overhaul this is through defence spending. Now on paper, India is the third largest spender in the world behind the US and China. A break-up of India's defence budget shows that 50 per cent of the funds go to salaries and pensions. So at the start of every month, half the money is already gone. Where does that leave India's modernisation plans? These are figures from this year's budget. The total allocation was 4.78 trillion rupees. After pensions, salaries and other expenses, 1.35 trillion rupees were left. Just 28 per cent of the total budget. For a country with two belligerent neighbours, this is simply inadequate. What are India's options? One is to keep expanding the defence bill. But as this pandemic has shown, India needs to put more money in public health and infrastructure. So a big defence bill could be highly unpopular. What about reforming pensions? Maybe extend the retirement age of officers? Every time someone suggests this, there is backlash from veterans. And the situation isn't getting any better. We need active deployments in the east and west. Which means more soldiers more salaries and more pensions. Where will the money come from? A viable option is to trim the loose ends. Streamline acquisitions, cut down on duplication of work. Right now, every service has its own wishlist. There is no synergy between them on acquisitions. The goal is to get them all together so that India's defence establishment has one wishlist not three. All of this is easier said than done. The bureaucrats are sure to oppose a unified command. They hate being sidelined. Also, we need to be ready for squabbles between generals, admirals and air marshals. But these worries shouldn't concern India much because unification of command is like a rebirth for the military. Every big power has gone through it and and they are better off with the new system.

India's defence forces aim at 'theaterisation' of command

Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City and the group's top leader made his first public appearance on Saturday, in a defiant show of strength after the militants' 11-day war with Israel.&nbsp;

Saturday marked the first full day of a cease-fire, and Egyptian mediators held talks to firm up the truce, which ended the fourth Israel-Hamas war in just over a decade.&nbsp;

In the fighting, Israel unleashed hundreds of airstrikes against militant targets in Gaza, while Hamas and other militants fired more than 4,000 rockets toward Israel. More than 250 people were killed, the vast majority of them Palestinians.&nbsp;

In Gaza City, residents began assessing damage.&nbsp;

One of Gaza City's busiest commercial areas, Omar al-Mukhtar Street, was covered in debris, smashed cars and twisted metal after a 13-floor building in its center was flattened in an Israeli airstrike. Merchandise was covered in soot and strewn inside smashed stores and on the pavement. Municipal workers swept broken glass and twisted metal from streets and sidewalks.&nbsp;

"We really didn't expect this amount of damage," said Ashour Subeih, who sells baby clothes. "We thought the strike was a bit further from us. But as you can see not an area of the shop is intact.? Having been in business for one year, Subeih estimated his losses were double what he has made so far.&nbsp;

Drone video and photos showed some city blocks reduced to rubble, in between homes and businesses left standing.&nbsp;

Both Israel and Hamas have claimed victory.&nbsp;

On Saturday, hundreds of Hamas fighters wearing military camouflage paraded past the mourning tent for Bassem Issa, a senior commander killed in the fighting. The top Hamas leader in Gaza, Yehiyeh Sinwar, paid his respects in his first public appearance since the war began.&nbsp;

Israel bombed the house of Sinwar, along with that of other senior Hamas figures, as part of its attack on what it said was the group's military infrastructure. Israel's defence minister, Benny Gantz, has said Israel delivered a punishing blow to Hamas, and that top Hamas figures remained targets.&nbsp;

Still, there was a widespread expectation that the cease-fire would stick for now, even if another round of fighting at some point seems inevitable. Underlying issues remain unresolved, including an Israeli-Egyptian border blockade, now in its 14th year, that is choking Gaza's more than 2 million residents and a refusal by the Islamic militant Hamas to disarm.&nbsp;

The fighting began on May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets towards Jerusalem. The barrage came after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.&nbsp;

The war has further sidelined Hamas' main political rival, the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, which oversees autonomous enclaves in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas' popularity seemed to be growing as it positioned itself as a defender of Palestinian claims to Jerusalem.&nbsp;

On Friday, hours after the cease-fire took effect, thousands of Palestinians in the Al-Aqsa compound chanted against Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his self-rule government. “Dogs of the Palestinian Authority, out, out," they shouted, and "The people want the president to leave.”&nbsp;

It was an unprecedented display of anger against Abbas. The conflict also brought to the surface deep frustration among Palestinians, whether in the occupied West Bank, Gaza or within Israel, over the status quo, with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process all but abandoned for years.&nbsp;

Despite his weakened status, Abbas will be the point of contact for any renewed US Diplomacy, since Israel and the West, including the United States, consider Hamas a terrorist organisation.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is to meet with Abbas and Israeli leaders when he visits in the coming week. Abbas is expected to raise demands that any Gaza reconstruction plans go through the Palestinian Authority to avoid strengthening Hamas.&nbsp;

Abbas met on Saturday with Egyptian mediators, discussing the rebuilding of Gaza and internal Palestinian relations, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.&nbsp;

An Egyptian diplomat said that two teams of mediators were in Israel and the Palestinian territories to continue talks on firming up a cease-fire deal and securing long-term calm.&nbsp;

The diplomat said discussions include implementing agreed-on measures in Gaza and Jerusalem, including ways to prevent practices that led to the latest fighting. He did not elaborate. He was apparently referring to violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the planned eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in east Jerusalem.&nbsp;

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss behind-the-scenes deliberations.&nbsp;

Separately, a 130-truck convoy with humanitarian aid and medical supplies reached the Gaza border from Egypt on Saturday, according to a senior Egyptian official at the border crossing. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.&nbsp;

Across Gaza, an assessment of the damage to the territory's already decrepit infrastructure began.&nbsp;

The ministry of public works and housing said that 769 housing and commercial units were rendered uninhabitable, at least 1,042 units in 258 buildings were destroyed and just over 14,500 units suffered minor damage.&nbsp;

The United Nations said about 800,000 people in Gaza do not have regular access to clean piped water, as nearly 50% of the water network was damaged in the fighting.&nbsp;

Israel has said it was targeting Hamas' military infrastructure, including a vast tunnel system running under roads and homes, as well as command centers, rocket launchers and the homes of commanders. The Israeli military has said it was trying to minimize harm to civilians and accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields.&nbsp;

The Gaza Health Ministry says at least 248 Palestinians were killed, including 66 children and 39 women, with 1,910 people wounded. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians. Twelve people were killed in Israel, all but one of them civilians, including a 5-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl.&nbsp;

Israel has accused Hamas and the smaller militant group of Islamic Jihad of hiding the actual number of fighters killed in the war. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Friday that more than 200 militants were killed, including 25 senior commanders.&nbsp;

Islamic Jihad on Saturday gave a first account of deaths within its ranks, saying that 19 of its commanders and fighters were killed, including the head of the rocket unit in northern Gaza. &nbsp;

Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City and the group's top leader made his first public appearance on Saturday, in a defiant show of strength after the militants' 11-day war with Israel.

Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City and the group's top leader made his first public appearance on Saturday, in a defiant show of strength after the militants' 11-day war with Israel. Saturday marked the first full day of a cease-fire, and Egyptian mediators held talks to firm up the truce, which ended the fourth Israel-Hamas war in just over a decade. In the fighting, Israel unleashed hundreds of airstrikes against militant targets in Gaza, while Hamas and other militants fired more than 4,000 rockets toward Israel. More than 250 people were killed, the vast majority of them Palestinians. In Gaza City, residents began assessing damage. One of Gaza City's busiest commercial areas, Omar al-Mukhtar Street, was covered in debris, smashed cars and twisted metal after a 13-floor building in its center was flattened in an Israeli airstrike. Merchandise was covered in soot and strewn inside smashed stores and on the pavement. Municipal workers swept broken glass and twisted metal from streets and sidewalks. "We really didn't expect this amount of damage," said Ashour Subeih, who sells baby clothes. "We thought the strike was a bit further from us. But as you can see not an area of the shop is intact.? Having been in business for one year, Subeih estimated his losses were double what he has made so far. Drone video and photos showed some city blocks reduced to rubble, in between homes and businesses left standing. Both Israel and Hamas have claimed victory. On Saturday, hundreds of Hamas fighters wearing military camouflage paraded past the mourning tent for Bassem Issa, a senior commander killed in the fighting. The top Hamas leader in Gaza, Yehiyeh Sinwar, paid his respects in his first public appearance since the war began. Israel bombed the house of Sinwar, along with that of other senior Hamas figures, as part of its attack on what it said was the group's military infrastructure. Israel's defence minister, Benny Gantz, has said Israel delivered a punishing blow to Hamas, and that top Hamas figures remained targets. Still, there was a widespread expectation that the cease-fire would stick for now, even if another round of fighting at some point seems inevitable. Underlying issues remain unresolved, including an Israeli-Egyptian border blockade, now in its 14th year, that is choking Gaza's more than 2 million residents and a refusal by the Islamic militant Hamas to disarm. The fighting began on May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets towards Jerusalem. The barrage came after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions. The war has further sidelined Hamas' main political rival, the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, which oversees autonomous enclaves in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas' popularity seemed to be growing as it positioned itself as a defender of Palestinian claims to Jerusalem. On Friday, hours after the cease-fire took effect, thousands of Palestinians in the Al-Aqsa compound chanted against Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his self-rule government. “Dogs of the Palestinian Authority, out, out," they shouted, and "The people want the president to leave.” It was an unprecedented display of anger against Abbas. The conflict also brought to the surface deep frustration among Palestinians, whether in the occupied West Bank, Gaza or within Israel, over the status quo, with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process all but abandoned for years. Despite his weakened status, Abbas will be the point of contact for any renewed US Diplomacy, since Israel and the West, including the United States, consider Hamas a terrorist organisation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is to meet with Abbas and Israeli leaders when he visits in the coming week. Abbas is expected to raise demands that any Gaza reconstruction plans go through the Palestinian Authority to avoid strengthening Hamas. Abbas met on Saturday with Egyptian mediators, discussing the rebuilding of Gaza and internal Palestinian relations, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa. An Egyptian diplomat said that two teams of mediators were in Israel and the Palestinian territories to continue talks on firming up a cease-fire deal and securing long-term calm. The diplomat said discussions include implementing agreed-on measures in Gaza and Jerusalem, including ways to prevent practices that led to the latest fighting. He did not elaborate. He was apparently referring to violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the planned eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in east Jerusalem. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss behind-the-scenes deliberations. Separately, a 130-truck convoy with humanitarian aid and medical supplies reached the Gaza border from Egypt on Saturday, according to a senior Egyptian official at the border crossing. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. Across Gaza, an assessment of the damage to the territory's already decrepit infrastructure began. The ministry of public works and housing said that 769 housing and commercial units were rendered uninhabitable, at least 1,042 units in 258 buildings were destroyed and just over 14,500 units suffered minor damage. The United Nations said about 800,000 people in Gaza do not have regular access to clean piped water, as nearly 50% of the water network was damaged in the fighting. Israel has said it was targeting Hamas' military infrastructure, including a vast tunnel system running under roads and homes, as well as command centers, rocket launchers and the homes of commanders. The Israeli military has said it was trying to minimize harm to civilians and accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. The Gaza Health Ministry says at least 248 Palestinians were killed, including 66 children and 39 women, with 1,910 people wounded. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians. Twelve people were killed in Israel, all but one of them civilians, including a 5-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl. Israel has accused Hamas and the smaller militant group of Islamic Jihad of hiding the actual number of fighters killed in the war. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Friday that more than 200 militants were killed, including 25 senior commanders. Islamic Jihad on Saturday gave a first account of deaths within its ranks, saying that 19 of its commanders and fighters were killed, including the head of the rocket unit in northern Gaza.

Hamas defiant with military parade, appearance of top leader 

A US Coast Guard ship fired about 30 warning shots after 13 vessels from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) came close to it and other American Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Pentagon said on Monday.&nbsp;

This is the second time within the last month that US military vessels have had to fire warning shots because of what they said was unsafe behaviour by Iranian vessels in the region, after a relative lull in such interactions over the past year. &nbsp;

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the warning shots were fired after the Iranian fast boats came as close as 150 yards (450 feet) of six US military vessels, including the USS Monterey, that were escorting the guided-missile submarine Georgia. &nbsp;

The US Coast Guard cutter Maui fired the warning shots from a .50-caliber machine gun before the Iranian vessels left, Kirby said. &nbsp;

"It's significant... and they were acting very aggressively," he said, adding that the number of Iranian vessels was more than in the recent past. &nbsp;

In April, a US military ship fired warning shots after three vessels from IRGCN came close to it and another American patrol boat in the Gulf.&nbsp;

The latest incident comes as world powers and Iran seek to speed up efforts to bring Washington and Tehran back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear accord.&nbsp;

US officials returned to Vienna last week for a fourth round of indirect talks with Iran on how to resume compliance with the deal, which former US President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018, prompting Iran to begin violating its terms about a year later.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A US Coast Guard ship fired about 30 warning shots after 13 vessels from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) came close to it and other American Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Pentagon said on Monday.

A US Coast Guard ship fired about 30 warning shots after 13 vessels from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) came close to it and other American Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Pentagon said on Monday. This is the second time within the last month that US military vessels have had to fire warning shots because of what they said was unsafe behaviour by Iranian vessels in the region, after a relative lull in such interactions over the past year. Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the warning shots were fired after the Iranian fast boats came as close as 150 yards (450 feet) of six US military vessels, including the USS Monterey, that were escorting the guided-missile submarine Georgia. The US Coast Guard cutter Maui fired the warning shots from a .50-caliber machine gun before the Iranian vessels left, Kirby said. "It's significant... and they were acting very aggressively," he said, adding that the number of Iranian vessels was more than in the recent past. In April, a US military ship fired warning shots after three vessels from IRGCN came close to it and another American patrol boat in the Gulf. The latest incident comes as world powers and Iran seek to speed up efforts to bring Washington and Tehran back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear accord. US officials returned to Vienna last week for a fourth round of indirect talks with Iran on how to resume compliance with the deal, which former US President Donald Trump abandoned in 2018, prompting Iran to begin violating its terms about a year later. (With inputs from agencies)

US military ship fires 30 warning shots after encounter with Iranian vessels 

A string of military figures on the list of Iranian presidential hopefuls is stirring unease over a possible militarisation of the Islamic republic's politics.&nbsp;

Registration for the June 18 poll runs from Tuesday to Saturday, after which names will be handed to the conservative-dominated Guardian Council for vetting.&nbsp;

State news agency IRNA has pointed to "the longest-ever list (of potential candidates) in a presidential election with a military background".&nbsp;

The participation of candidates with a military background 'is not new', said Ahmad Zeidabadi, an independent journalist in Tehran.&nbsp;

However, none of them were serving members of military forces during their candidacy, said Habib Torkashvand, a journalist with the Fars news agency, which is close to Iran's ultra-conservatives.&nbsp;

This time around, hopefuls include Saeed Mohammad, an adviser to Guards commander Major General Hossein Salami, and former oil minister Admiral Rostam Ghasemi, an economic affairs aide to the head of the Guards' elite Al-Quds force.&nbsp;

Two members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps -- parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and his predecessor Ali Larijani -- have both run for president in the past.&nbsp;

So has Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary general of the Supreme National Security Council.&nbsp;

The three have been touted as possible candidates for this year's race too, although they have yet to declare their intentions.&nbsp;

The field also includes Ezzatollah Zarghami, a former Guards member, and General Hossein Dehqan, who was defence minister in outgoing President Hassan Rouhani's first government.&nbsp;

Moderate daily Jomhouri-e Eslami has warned the election of a 'military figure to head the government' could have 'negative consequences' for the country.&nbsp;

And Ali Motahari, a former lawmaker from the reformist camp, who has announced he plans to run, has said the long struggles to end military rule in Turkey and Pakistan should serve as a warning.&nbsp;

But General Dehqan has rejected any suggestion that "military figures would bring in martial law or restrict freedoms".&nbsp;

"In Iran, there's no chance of militarisation of the state," said Dehqan, currently an adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A string of military figures on the list of Iranian presidential hopefuls is stirring unease over a possible militarisation of the Islamic republic's politics. Registration for the June 18 poll runs from Tuesday to Saturday, after which names will be handed to the conservative-dominated Guardian Council for vetting.

A string of military figures on the list of Iranian presidential hopefuls is stirring unease over a possible militarisation of the Islamic republic's politics. Registration for the June 18 poll runs from Tuesday to Saturday, after which names will be handed to the conservative-dominated Guardian Council for vetting. State news agency IRNA has pointed to "the longest-ever list (of potential candidates) in a presidential election with a military background". The participation of candidates with a military background 'is not new', said Ahmad Zeidabadi, an independent journalist in Tehran. However, none of them were serving members of military forces during their candidacy, said Habib Torkashvand, a journalist with the Fars news agency, which is close to Iran's ultra-conservatives. This time around, hopefuls include Saeed Mohammad, an adviser to Guards commander Major General Hossein Salami, and former oil minister Admiral Rostam Ghasemi, an economic affairs aide to the head of the Guards' elite Al-Quds force. Two members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps -- parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and his predecessor Ali Larijani -- have both run for president in the past. So has Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary general of the Supreme National Security Council. The three have been touted as possible candidates for this year's race too, although they have yet to declare their intentions. The field also includes Ezzatollah Zarghami, a former Guards member, and General Hossein Dehqan, who was defence minister in outgoing President Hassan Rouhani's first government. Moderate daily Jomhouri-e Eslami has warned the election of a 'military figure to head the government' could have 'negative consequences' for the country. And Ali Motahari, a former lawmaker from the reformist camp, who has announced he plans to run, has said the long struggles to end military rule in Turkey and Pakistan should serve as a warning. But General Dehqan has rejected any suggestion that "military figures would bring in martial law or restrict freedoms". "In Iran, there's no chance of militarisation of the state," said Dehqan, currently an adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (With inputs from agencies)

List of military candidates stirs unease over Iran vote 

Myanmar's military government completes 100 days after coup

Since Myanmar's military ordered telecoms operators to shut their networks in an effort to end protests against its February coup, Telenor's business there has been in limbo.

As one of the few Western companies to bet on the South East Asian country after it emerged from military dictatorship a decade ago, the return to army rule led to a $783 million write-off this week for Norway's Telenor.

The Norwegian state-controlled firm, one of the biggest foreign investors in Myanmar, must now decide whether to ride out the turmoil or withdraw from a market that last year contributed 7 per cent of its earnings.

"We are facing many dilemmas," Telenor Chief Executive Sigve Brekke told Reuters this week, highlighting the stark problems facing international firms under increased scrutiny over their exposure in Myanmar, where hundreds have been killed in protests against the Feb. 1 coup.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/millions-face-hunger-as-myanmar-crisis-worsens-says-united-nations-379184">Millions face hunger as Myanmar crisis worsens, says United Nations</a>

While Telenor plans to stay, for now, the future is uncertain, Brekke said in a video interview.

Although Telenor had won praise for supporting what at the time was a fledgeling democracy, activist groups have long voiced concerns about business ties to the military, which have intensified since the army retook control of the country.

Chris Sidoti, a United Nations expert on Myanmar, said Telenor should avoid payments such as taxes or licence fees that could fund the military directly or indirectly, and that if it cannot be independently determined that Telenor is "doing more good than harm" in Myanmar, then it should withdraw.

However, Espen Barth Eide, who was Norway's foreign minister at the time Telenor gained a licence in Myanmar in 2013, told Reuters that Telenor should stay and use its position as a well-established foreign firm to be a vocal critic of the military.

A spokeswoman for Norway's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, which represents the Norwegian government as a shareholder, said on Thursday that "under the current circumstances Telenor faces several dilemmas in Myanmar".

"From a corporate governance perspective the investment in Myanmar is a responsibility of the company's Board and Management. Within this framework the Ministry as a shareholder keep a good dialogue with Telenor regarding the situation," the spokeswoman added in an emailed response to Reuters.

The Myanmar junta, which has said it seized power because its repeated complaints of fraud in last year's election were ignored by the election commission, has blamed protesters and the former ruling party for instigating violence.

And it said on March 23 that it had no plans to lift network restrictions. It has not commented on the curbs since and did not answer Reuters calls on Thursday.

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New market

Telenor is no stranger to operating under military rule in both&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;and Thailand, where it challenged the Thai junta over what it said was an order to block social media access.

At around the same time, Telenor was signing up its first customers in Myanmar.

Its then-CEO, Jon Fredrik Baksaas, told Reuters that Telenor had thought "a lot" about the risk that Myanmar's experiment with democracy might not last.

"But we argued at that time that, when we get in a western company that delivers telecommunication in a country, we stand also with some responsibility, and a bit of a guarantee that things are done correctly," Baksaas said.

Its position had support internationally at the time after Barack Obama became the first US&nbsp;President to visit Myanmar in 2012, the year after a military junta was officially dissolved and a quasi-civilian government installed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-may-target-free-speech-in-effort-to-stifle-protests-363394">Myanmar may target free speech in effort to stifle protests</a>

For its part, the Norwegian government, which owns a majority of Telenor, had long supported democracy in Myanmar, hosting radio and TV stations reporting on it under military rule.

And in 1991, the Norwegian Nobel Committee gave the Nobel Peace Prize to Aung San Suu Kyi, who spent 15 years under house arrest in Myanmar before leading a civilian government which retained power in last year's election.

Suu Kyi was detained after the coup and charged with offences that her lawyers say are trumped up.

While Norway was supportive of Telenor's Myanmar venture, the government also warned of the risks, Barth Eide, Norway's foreign minister at the time, said.

"We told them that it's a complicated country which had a harsh military dictatorship. Telenor was very much aware of it ... It's not like they were novices," he added.

Telenor was one of two foreign operators granted licences in 2013, alongside Qatar's Ooredoo. The other operators in Myanmar are state-backed MPT and Mytel, which is part-owned by a military-linked company.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-protesters-march-three-months-after-coup-un-warns-of-standstill-381881">Myanmar protesters march three months after coup; UN warns of 'standstill'</a>

About 95 per cent&nbsp;of Telenor's 187 million customers worldwide are in Asia and it has around 18 million customers in Myanmar, serving a third of its 54 million population.

'No direct links'

For Telenor, doing business in Myanmar had its challenges, including trying to avoid commercial ties to the military.

Former CEO Baksaas said for the first couple of weeks after it began operations in Myanmar, staff had to sit on the office floor because Telenor refused to pay bribes to customs officials for furniture which it had imported.

He also said they had to navigate corruption risks when acquiring land to build mobile towers.

Then there was dealing with the military, whose economic interests range from land to firms involved in mining and banking. The military has faced allegations of human rights abuses including persecuting minorities and violently suppressing protests going back decades. It has repeatedly denied such allegations.

Activist group Justice for Myanmar said in a 2020 report that Telenor had shown "an alarming failure" in its human rights due diligence over a deal struck in 2015 to build mobile towers that involved a military contractor.

Another report by the United Nations in 2019 said Telenor was renting offices in a building built on military-owned land.

The report said firms in Myanmar should end all ties with the military due to human rights abuses.

A Telenor spokesperson said in an email on April 9 responding to Reuters questions that it had addressed the matter of the 2015 deal, without elaborating, and that its choice of office was "the only viable option" given factors like safety.

"Telenor Myanmar has been focused on having minimal exposure to the military and have no direct links to military-controlled entities," the spokesperson said.

Since the coup, Telenor has cut ties with three suppliers after finding links to the military, the spokesperson added.

Balancing act

On the day of the coup, the military ordered Telenor and other operators to shut down networks. Telenor criticised the move but complied. Services were allowed to resume but there have been intermittent requests to close since, and the mobile internet has been shut since March 15.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/internet-access-restored-as-myanmar-coup-protests-grow-361966">Internet access restored as Myanmar coup protests grow</a>

Ooredoo has also said it "regretfully complied" with directives to restrict mobile and wireless broadband in Myanmar, which hit its first quarter earnings. It declined further comment on the outlook for its Myanmar business.

Like other operators, Telenor paid license fees to the now military-controlled government in March, which critics argue may help it finance repression of public protest.

Telenor said in the emailed response to Reuters that it made the payment "under strong protest against recent developments".

One of its major shareholders, Norway's KLP, said it had been in a dialogue with Telenor after the coup to ensure it was identifying the human rights risks.

"It is a challenging situation because Telenor cannot choose what it can and can't do. They get their directives from the authorities," said Kiran Aziz, senior analyst for responsible investments at KLP. "It is difficult to assess how positive Telenor's contribution can be in this context."

Weighing up human rights is just one of the dilemmas Telenor now faces, said CEO Brekke, alongside safely serving its customers and maintaining network access for them.

"We work on that balance every single day," he said.

And although that balance, for now, is tilted to Telenor staying in the country, it is not a given.

"We make a difference like we have done since we arrived. But with the situation being this unpredictable, it is impossible in many ways to speculate about the future and how this will develop," Brekke added.

Since Myanmar's military ordered telecoms operators to shut their networks in an effort to end protests against its February coup, Telenor's business there has been in limbo.

Since Myanmar's military ordered telecoms operators to shut their networks in an effort to end protests against its February coup, Telenor's business there has been in limbo. As one of the few Western companies to bet on the South East Asian country after it emerged from military dictatorship a decade ago, the return to army rule led to a $783 million write-off this week for Norway's Telenor. The Norwegian state-controlled firm, one of the biggest foreign investors in Myanmar, must now decide whether to ride out the turmoil or withdraw from a market that last year contributed 7 per cent of its earnings. "We are facing many dilemmas," Telenor Chief Executive Sigve Brekke told Reuters this week, highlighting the stark problems facing international firms under increased scrutiny over their exposure in Myanmar, where hundreds have been killed in protests against the Feb. 1 coup. Also read | Millions face hunger as Myanmar crisis worsens, says United Nations While Telenor plans to stay, for now, the future is uncertain, Brekke said in a video interview. Although Telenor had won praise for supporting what at the time was a fledgeling democracy, activist groups have long voiced concerns about business ties to the military, which have intensified since the army retook control of the country. Chris Sidoti, a United Nations expert on Myanmar, said Telenor should avoid payments such as taxes or licence fees that could fund the military directly or indirectly, and that if it cannot be independently determined that Telenor is "doing more good than harm" in Myanmar, then it should withdraw. However, Espen Barth Eide, who was Norway's foreign minister at the time Telenor gained a licence in Myanmar in 2013, told Reuters that Telenor should stay and use its position as a well-established foreign firm to be a vocal critic of the military. A spokeswoman for Norway's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, which represents the Norwegian government as a shareholder, said on Thursday that "under the current circumstances Telenor faces several dilemmas in Myanmar". "From a corporate governance perspective the investment in Myanmar is a responsibility of the company's Board and Management. Within this framework the Ministry as a shareholder keep a good dialogue with Telenor regarding the situation," the spokeswoman added in an emailed response to Reuters. The Myanmar junta, which has said it seized power because its repeated complaints of fraud in last year's election were ignored by the election commission, has blamed protesters and the former ruling party for instigating violence. And it said on March 23 that it had no plans to lift network restrictions. It has not commented on the curbs since and did not answer Reuters calls on Thursday. New market Telenor is no stranger to operating under military rule in both Pakistan and Thailand, where it challenged the Thai junta over what it said was an order to block social media access. At around the same time, Telenor was signing up its first customers in Myanmar. Its then-CEO, Jon Fredrik Baksaas, told Reuters that Telenor had thought "a lot" about the risk that Myanmar's experiment with democracy might not last. "But we argued at that time that, when we get in a western company that delivers telecommunication in a country, we stand also with some responsibility, and a bit of a guarantee that things are done correctly," Baksaas said. Its position had support internationally at the time after Barack Obama became the first US President to visit Myanmar in 2012, the year after a military junta was officially dissolved and a quasi-civilian government installed. Also read | Myanmar may target free speech in effort to stifle protests For its part, the Norwegian government, which owns a majority of Telenor, had long supported democracy in Myanmar, hosting radio and TV stations reporting on it under military rule. And in 1991, the Norwegian Nobel Committee gave the Nobel Peace Prize to Aung San Suu Kyi, who spent 15 years under house arrest in Myanmar before leading a civilian government which retained power in last year's election. Suu Kyi was detained after the coup and charged with offences that her lawyers say are trumped up. While Norway was supportive of Telenor's Myanmar venture, the government also warned of the risks, Barth Eide, Norway's foreign minister at the time, said. "We told them that it's a complicated country which had a harsh military dictatorship. Telenor was very much aware of it ... It's not like they were novices," he added. Telenor was one of two foreign operators granted licences in 2013, alongside Qatar's Ooredoo. The other operators in Myanmar are state-backed MPT and Mytel, which is part-owned by a military-linked company. Also read | Myanmar protesters march three months after coup; UN warns of 'standstill' About 95 per cent of Telenor's 187 million customers worldwide are in Asia and it has around 18 million customers in Myanmar, serving a third of its 54 million population. 'No direct links' For Telenor, doing business in Myanmar had its challenges, including trying to avoid commercial ties to the military. Former CEO Baksaas said for the first couple of weeks after it began operations in Myanmar, staff had to sit on the office floor because Telenor refused to pay bribes to customs officials for furniture which it had imported. He also said they had to navigate corruption risks when acquiring land to build mobile towers. Then there was dealing with the military, whose economic interests range from land to firms involved in mining and banking. The military has faced allegations of human rights abuses including persecuting minorities and violently suppressing protests going back decades. It has repeatedly denied such allegations. Activist group Justice for Myanmar said in a 2020 report that Telenor had shown "an alarming failure" in its human rights due diligence over a deal struck in 2015 to build mobile towers that involved a military contractor. Another report by the United Nations in 2019 said Telenor was renting offices in a building built on military-owned land. The report said firms in Myanmar should end all ties with the military due to human rights abuses. A Telenor spokesperson said in an email on April 9 responding to Reuters questions that it had addressed the matter of the 2015 deal, without elaborating, and that its choice of office was "the only viable option" given factors like safety. "Telenor Myanmar has been focused on having minimal exposure to the military and have no direct links to military-controlled entities," the spokesperson said. Since the coup, Telenor has cut ties with three suppliers after finding links to the military, the spokesperson added. Balancing act On the day of the coup, the military ordered Telenor and other operators to shut down networks. Telenor criticised the move but complied. Services were allowed to resume but there have been intermittent requests to close since, and the mobile internet has been shut since March 15. Also read | Internet access restored as Myanmar coup protests grow Ooredoo has also said it "regretfully complied" with directives to restrict mobile and wireless broadband in Myanmar, which hit its first quarter earnings. It declined further comment on the outlook for its Myanmar business. Like other operators, Telenor paid license fees to the now military-controlled government in March, which critics argue may help it finance repression of public protest. Telenor said in the emailed response to Reuters that it made the payment "under strong protest against recent developments". One of its major shareholders, Norway's KLP, said it had been in a dialogue with Telenor after the coup to ensure it was identifying the human rights risks. "It is a challenging situation because Telenor cannot choose what it can and can't do. They get their directives from the authorities," said Kiran Aziz, senior analyst for responsible investments at KLP. "It is difficult to assess how positive Telenor's contribution can be in this context." Weighing up human rights is just one of the dilemmas Telenor now faces, said CEO Brekke, alongside safely serving its customers and maintaining network access for them. "We work on that balance every single day," he said. And although that balance, for now, is tilted to Telenor staying in the country, it is not a given. "We make a difference like we have done since we arrived. But with the situation being this unpredictable, it is impossible in many ways to speculate about the future and how this will develop," Brekke added.

Military coup puts Telenor's future in Myanmar on the line

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council&nbsp;called Friday for an immediate end to violence in&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;as stated in an&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;plan, giving unanimous approval to a statement watered down to satisfy China and Russia.

The&nbsp;plan, which also&nbsp;calls&nbsp;for the naming of an envoy from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to address the crisis triggered by the February 1 military coup, should be applied "without delay," the&nbsp;council&nbsp;statement says.

It was approved after a closed-door meeting of the&nbsp;council&nbsp;and forced Western countries to make concessions to China,&nbsp;Myanmar's main backer,&nbsp;and Russia to win passage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-protesters-march-three-months-after-coup-un-warns-of-standstill-381881">Myanmar protesters march three months after coup; UN warns of 'standstill'</a>

At their request, the&nbsp;council&nbsp;eliminated clauses that said it "once again strongly condemned violence against peaceful protestors" and "reiterated their call on the military to exercise utmost restraint."

A diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity explained the changes saying "what we must avoid is losing&nbsp;council&nbsp;unity to the point of making it irrelevant."

Since the coup in&nbsp;Myanmar, the&nbsp;council&nbsp;has approved four statements on the crisis including this latest one of Friday. All of them were toned down under pressure from China.

Friday's session was convened by Vietnam to present the conclusions of a recent&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;summit in Indonesia.&nbsp;

The statement that was ultimately passed&nbsp;calls&nbsp;for the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Special Envoy to&nbsp;Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, who is currently touring the region, to be able to visit&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;"as soon as possible."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/half-of-myanmars-population-could-face-poverty-due-to-pandemic-coup-un-381661">Half of Myanmar's population could face poverty due to pandemic, coup: UN</a>

Schraner Burgener gave a report on her long meeting with&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing, held on the sidelines of the&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;meeting last weekend.

Diplomats said the envoy, who is currently based in Bangkok, once again had her request for a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;denied. &nbsp;

During the meeting, Brunei, which currently holds the presidency of&nbsp;ASEAN, floated the idea of a joint visit to&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;by the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;envoy and her future&nbsp;ASEAN&nbsp;counterpart.

"We estimate around 20,000 internal displacements and almost 10,000 fleeing to neighboring countries since February. The regional implications require urgent action," Schraner Burgener told the&nbsp;council, according to the text of her speech, which was seen by AFP.

"The common aspiration for democracy has united the people of&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;across religious, ethnic and communal divides like never before. Such strong unity has created unexpected difficulties for the military in consolidating power and stabilizing the coup," she added.&nbsp;

Nearly 760 civilians have been killed by police and soldiers in the past three months, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).&nbsp;

The junta puts the death toll at 258 dead by April 15, calling the demonstrators "rioters" who engaged in "acts of terrorism".

The UN Security Council called Friday for an immediate end to violence in Myanmar as stated in an ASEAN plan, giving unanimous approval to a statement watered down to satisfy China and Russia.

The UN Security Council called Friday for an immediate end to violence in Myanmar as stated in an ASEAN plan, giving unanimous approval to a statement watered down to satisfy China and Russia. The plan, which also calls for the naming of an envoy from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to address the crisis triggered by the February 1 military coup, should be applied "without delay," the council statement says. It was approved after a closed-door meeting of the council and forced Western countries to make concessions to China, Myanmar's main backer, and Russia to win passage. Also read | Myanmar protesters march three months after coup; UN warns of 'standstill' At their request, the council eliminated clauses that said it "once again strongly condemned violence against peaceful protestors" and "reiterated their call on the military to exercise utmost restraint." A diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity explained the changes saying "what we must avoid is losing council unity to the point of making it irrelevant." Since the coup in Myanmar, the council has approved four statements on the crisis including this latest one of Friday. All of them were toned down under pressure from China. Friday's session was convened by Vietnam to present the conclusions of a recent ASEAN summit in Indonesia. The statement that was ultimately passed calls for the UN Special Envoy to Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, who is currently touring the region, to be able to visit Myanmar "as soon as possible." Also read | Half of Myanmar's population could face poverty due to pandemic, coup: UN Schraner Burgener gave a report on her long meeting with Myanmar junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting last weekend. Diplomats said the envoy, who is currently based in Bangkok, once again had her request for a visit to Myanmar denied. During the meeting, Brunei, which currently holds the presidency of ASEAN, floated the idea of a joint visit to Myanmar by the UN envoy and her future ASEAN counterpart. "We estimate around 20,000 internal displacements and almost 10,000 fleeing to neighboring countries since February. The regional implications require urgent action," Schraner Burgener told the council, according to the text of her speech, which was seen by AFP. "The common aspiration for democracy has united the people of Myanmar across religious, ethnic and communal divides like never before. Such strong unity has created unexpected difficulties for the military in consolidating power and stabilizing the coup," she added. Nearly 760 civilians have been killed by police and soldiers in the past three months, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). The junta puts the death toll at 258 dead by April 15, calling the demonstrators "rioters" who engaged in "acts of terrorism".

UN Security Council calls for ASEAN Myanmar plan to be enacted

Military&nbsp;expenditure worldwide rose to nearly $2 trillion in 2020, defying the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, researchers said on Monday.

Global&nbsp;military&nbsp;spending increased by 2.6 per cent to $1,981 billion (about 1,650 bn euros) in 2020, when global GDP shrank 4.4 per cent, according to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Diego Lopes da Silva, one of report's authors, said&nbsp;the development was unexpected.

"Because of the pandemic, one would think&nbsp;military&nbsp;spending would decrease," he said. "But it's possible to conclude with some certainty that Covid-19 did not have a significant impact on global&nbsp;military&nbsp;spending, in 2020 at least."

He cautioned however that due to the nature of&nbsp;military&nbsp;spending, it could take time for countries "to adapt to the shock".

The fact that&nbsp;military&nbsp;spending continued to increase in a year with an economic downturn meant the "military&nbsp;burden", or the share of&nbsp;military&nbsp;spending out of total GDP, had increased as well.

The overall share rose from 2.2 per cent to 2.4 per cent, the largest year-on-year increase since the financial crisis of 2009.

As a result, more NATO members hit the Alliance's guideline target of spending at least two percent of GDP on their&nbsp;military, with 12 countries doing so in 2020 compared to nine in 2019.

There were however indications the pandemic had affected some countries.

Nations such as Chile and South Korea openly decided to reappropriate&nbsp;military&nbsp;funds in response to the pandemic.

"Other countries, such as Brazil and Russia, did not explicitly say this was reallocated because of the pandemic, but they have spent considerably less than their original budget for 2020," Lopes da Silva said.

Another response, as in Hungary for example, was to increase&nbsp;military&nbsp;spending "as part of a stimulus package in response to the pandemic".

Lopes da Silva noted many countries responded to the 2008-2009 economic crisis by adopting austerity measures, but "this time around it might not be the case".

The&nbsp;world's two biggest spenders by far were the US and China, with Washington accounting for 39 percent of overall expenditure and Beijing for 13 per cent.

China's&nbsp;military&nbsp;spending has risen in tandem with its growing economy and has seen an increase for 26 consecutive years, reaching an estimated $252 bn in 2020.

The US also increased its spending for the third year in a row in 2020, after seven years of reductions.

"This reflects growing concerns over perceived threats from strategic competitors such as China and Russia, as well as the Trump administration's drive to bolster what it saw as a depleted US&nbsp;military," Alexandra Marksteiner, another author of the report, said in a statement.

Lopes da Silva however noted that the new "Biden administration has not given any indications that it will reduce&nbsp;military&nbsp;spending."

(With inputs from agencies)

Military expenditure worldwide rose to nearly $2 trillion in 2020, defying the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, researchers said on Monday. Global military spending increased by 2.

Military expenditure worldwide rose to nearly $2 trillion in 2020, defying the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, researchers said on Monday. Global military spending increased by 2.6 per cent to $1,981 billion (about 1,650 bn euros) in 2020, when global GDP shrank 4.4 per cent, according to a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Diego Lopes da Silva, one of report's authors, said the development was unexpected. "Because of the pandemic, one would think military spending would decrease," he said. "But it's possible to conclude with some certainty that Covid-19 did not have a significant impact on global military spending, in 2020 at least." He cautioned however that due to the nature of military spending, it could take time for countries "to adapt to the shock". The fact that military spending continued to increase in a year with an economic downturn meant the "military burden", or the share of military spending out of total GDP, had increased as well. The overall share rose from 2.2 per cent to 2.4 per cent, the largest year-on-year increase since the financial crisis of 2009. As a result, more NATO members hit the Alliance's guideline target of spending at least two percent of GDP on their military, with 12 countries doing so in 2020 compared to nine in 2019. There were however indications the pandemic had affected some countries. Nations such as Chile and South Korea openly decided to reappropriate military funds in response to the pandemic. "Other countries, such as Brazil and Russia, did not explicitly say this was reallocated because of the pandemic, but they have spent considerably less than their original budget for 2020," Lopes da Silva said. Another response, as in Hungary for example, was to increase military spending "as part of a stimulus package in response to the pandemic". Lopes da Silva noted many countries responded to the 2008-2009 economic crisis by adopting austerity measures, but "this time around it might not be the case". The world's two biggest spenders by far were the US and China, with Washington accounting for 39 percent of overall expenditure and Beijing for 13 per cent. China's military spending has risen in tandem with its growing economy and has seen an increase for 26 consecutive years, reaching an estimated $252 bn in 2020. The US also increased its spending for the third year in a row in 2020, after seven years of reductions. "This reflects growing concerns over perceived threats from strategic competitors such as China and Russia, as well as the Trump administration's drive to bolster what it saw as a depleted US military," Alexandra Marksteiner, another author of the report, said in a statement. Lopes da Silva however noted that the new "Biden administration has not given any indications that it will reduce military spending." (With inputs from agencies)

Global military spending went up to nearly $2 trillion in 2020 despite pandemic

The Turkish army on Saturday launched a new ground and air offensive against outlawed Kurdish militants' bases in northern Iraq, officials and local media reported.

Turkish media said commando forces landed in the Metina region from helicopters while warplanes dropped bombs on Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) targets.

"Heroic commandos of the heroic Turkish Armed Forces are in northern Iraq," the defence ministry said in a tweet without specifying how many soldiers were involved.

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saudi-arabia-and-iran-held-talks-aimed-at-easing-tensions-378719/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Turkish television showed images of paratroopers jumping from helicopters and camouflaged soldiers firing guns.

The PKK, listed as a terror group by Turkey and much of the international community, has for decades used Iraq's northern mountains as a springboard for its decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state.&nbsp;

The Turkish army regularly conducts cross-border operations and air raids against PKK bases in northern Iraq.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dubbed this one "Operation Claw-Lightning".

Speaking to the operation's command centre by video link, Erdogan said the offensive's objective was "to completely end the presence of the terror threat ... along our southern borders".

"There's no room for the separatist terror group in the future of Turkey, Iraq or Syria," he said in reference to the Kurdish militants.

"We will keep on fighting until we eradicate these gangs of murderers, who cause nothing but tears and destruction."

In February, Turkey launched an operation dubbed "Claw-Eagle 2" against PKK rebels holed up in the northern Iraqi region of Dohuk.

That raid created controversy because it was designed in part to rescue 12 Turkish soldiers and an Iraqi held captive by the PKK in a cave.

Turkey accused the PKK of executing the 13 men before they could be freed, and Erdogan came under attack for poorly planning the offensive from opposition parties in parliament.

The February raid also created problems in Turkey's relations with Iran, which now has a strong political and military presence in Iraq, and which treats Erdogan's regional campaigns with suspicion.

Iran's ambassador warned in February that Turkish forces should not pose a threat or violate Iraqi soil, prompting Ankara and Tehran to each summon the other's ambassador.&nbsp;

The Kurdish insurgency against the Turkish state is believed to have killed tens of thousands of people since being launched in 1984.

The Turkish army on Saturday launched a new ground and air offensive against outlawed Kurdish militants' bases in northern Iraq, officials and local media reported.

The Turkish army on Saturday launched a new ground and air offensive against outlawed Kurdish militants' bases in northern Iraq, officials and local media reported. Turkish media said commando forces landed in the Metina region from helicopters while warplanes dropped bombs on Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) targets. "Heroic commandos of the heroic Turkish Armed Forces are in northern Iraq," the defence ministry said in a tweet without specifying how many soldiers were involved. Watch | Turkish television showed images of paratroopers jumping from helicopters and camouflaged soldiers firing guns. The PKK, listed as a terror group by Turkey and much of the international community, has for decades used Iraq's northern mountains as a springboard for its decades-long insurgency against the Turkish state. The Turkish army regularly conducts cross-border operations and air raids against PKK bases in northern Iraq. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dubbed this one "Operation Claw-Lightning". Speaking to the operation's command centre by video link, Erdogan said the offensive's objective was "to completely end the presence of the terror threat ... along our southern borders". "There's no room for the separatist terror group in the future of Turkey, Iraq or Syria," he said in reference to the Kurdish militants. "We will keep on fighting until we eradicate these gangs of murderers, who cause nothing but tears and destruction." In February, Turkey launched an operation dubbed "Claw-Eagle 2" against PKK rebels holed up in the northern Iraqi region of Dohuk. That raid created controversy because it was designed in part to rescue 12 Turkish soldiers and an Iraqi held captive by the PKK in a cave. Turkey accused the PKK of executing the 13 men before they could be freed, and Erdogan came under attack for poorly planning the offensive from opposition parties in parliament. The February raid also created problems in Turkey's relations with Iran, which now has a strong political and military presence in Iraq, and which treats Erdogan's regional campaigns with suspicion. Iran's ambassador warned in February that Turkish forces should not pose a threat or violate Iraqi soil, prompting Ankara and Tehran to each summon the other's ambassador. The Kurdish insurgency against the Turkish state is believed to have killed tens of thousands of people since being launched in 1984.

Turkey launches new raid in northern Iraq

Russia has concentrated more than 150,000 troops on Ukraine's border and in annexed Crimea, the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday after EU foreign ministers were briefed by Ukraine's foreign minister.&nbsp;

"It is more than 150,000 Russian troops massing on the Ukrainian borders and in Crimea. The risk of further escalation is evident," Borrell said, declining to give a source for the figure.&nbsp;

He said no new economic sanctions or expulsions of Russian diplomats were planned for the time being, despite saying that the military build-up on Ukraine's borders was the largest ever.&nbsp;

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, after addressing EU foreign ministers, called on the EU to impose new sanctions on Russia.&nbsp;

Tensions between Moscow and Kyiv have been rising amid the military build-up and clashes in eastern Ukraine between the army and pro-Russian separatists.&nbsp;

Earlier, Russia reinforced its naval presence in the Black Sea and sent two warships. These warships transited the Bosphorus on Saturday along with 15 smaller vessels. These monoeuvres have come at a time when Russia-Ukraine relations are strained over Russian military presence on its border with the country.&nbsp;

Moscow calls the huge troop buildup a temporary defensive exercise.&nbsp;

The Russian warships that transited the Bosphorus are Ropucha-class landing ships from Russia's Northern fleet. The ships are capable of carrying tanks and troops for the coastal assault.&nbsp;

More Russian naval reinforcements in the form of two more landing ships, this time from Russia's Baltic Fleet, are expected to imminently transit the Bosphorus.&nbsp;

The RIA news agency on Saturday also reported that 15 smaller vessels from Russia's Caspian Flotilla have completed their transfer to the Black Sea as part of an exercise.&nbsp;

In a further sign of heightened tensions in the region, a ship carrying logistics trucks and equipment for NATO forces in Romania transited the Bosphorus on Friday evening. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Russia has concentrated more than 150,000 troops on Ukraine's border and in annexed Crimea, the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday after EU foreign ministers were briefed by Ukraine's foreign minister.

Russia has concentrated more than 150,000 troops on Ukraine's border and in annexed Crimea, the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said on Monday after EU foreign ministers were briefed by Ukraine's foreign minister. "It is more than 150,000 Russian troops massing on the Ukrainian borders and in Crimea. The risk of further escalation is evident," Borrell said, declining to give a source for the figure. He said no new economic sanctions or expulsions of Russian diplomats were planned for the time being, despite saying that the military build-up on Ukraine's borders was the largest ever. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, after addressing EU foreign ministers, called on the EU to impose new sanctions on Russia. Tensions between Moscow and Kyiv have been rising amid the military build-up and clashes in eastern Ukraine between the army and pro-Russian separatists. Earlier, Russia reinforced its naval presence in the Black Sea and sent two warships. These warships transited the Bosphorus on Saturday along with 15 smaller vessels. These monoeuvres have come at a time when Russia-Ukraine relations are strained over Russian military presence on its border with the country. Moscow calls the huge troop buildup a temporary defensive exercise. The Russian warships that transited the Bosphorus are Ropucha-class landing ships from Russia's Northern fleet. The ships are capable of carrying tanks and troops for the coastal assault. More Russian naval reinforcements in the form of two more landing ships, this time from Russia's Baltic Fleet, are expected to imminently transit the Bosphorus. The RIA news agency on Saturday also reported that 15 smaller vessels from Russia's Caspian Flotilla have completed their transfer to the Black Sea as part of an exercise. In a further sign of heightened tensions in the region, a ship carrying logistics trucks and equipment for NATO forces in Romania transited the Bosphorus on Friday evening. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia amassed over 150,000 troops along Ukraine border, says top EU diplomat Borrell  

In France, soldiers at a military school conducted drills with robots. WION's Palki Sharma shows you what future wars could look like.

Gravitas: In France, Soldiers conduct drills with robots!

NATO and the West must act quickly to prevent an escalation of violence between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Tuesday, saying further sanctions against Moscow and more military help to Kyiv could help. &nbsp;

"At the operational level, we need measures which will deter Russia and which will contain its aggressive intentions. This could be ... a new round of sanctions which would raise the price of Russian aggression," Kuleba told a news conference at NATO alongside NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.&nbsp;

"This could be direct support aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities. Because we do know that Russia spares no effort to prevent third countries from cooperating with Ukraine in the defence sector. Russia is working hard to undermine our defence capabilities."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday that the Western alliance, and not Moscow, would decide whether Ukraine joins in the future.&nbsp;

"It is for the 30 NATO allies to decide when Ukraine is ready for membership. No one else has any right to try to meddle or to interfere in that process," Stoltenberg told a news conference alongside Kyiv's top diplomat.&nbsp;

"Russia is now trying to reestablish some kind of sphere of influence where they try to decide what neighbours can do," Stoltenberg said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

NATO and the West must act quickly to prevent an escalation of violence between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Tuesday, saying further sanctions against Moscow and more military help to Kyiv could help.

NATO and the West must act quickly to prevent an escalation of violence between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Tuesday, saying further sanctions against Moscow and more military help to Kyiv could help. "At the operational level, we need measures which will deter Russia and which will contain its aggressive intentions. This could be ... a new round of sanctions which would raise the price of Russian aggression," Kuleba told a news conference at NATO alongside NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. "This could be direct support aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities. Because we do know that Russia spares no effort to prevent third countries from cooperating with Ukraine in the defence sector. Russia is working hard to undermine our defence capabilities." Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday that the Western alliance, and not Moscow, would decide whether Ukraine joins in the future. "It is for the 30 NATO allies to decide when Ukraine is ready for membership. No one else has any right to try to meddle or to interfere in that process," Stoltenberg told a news conference alongside Kyiv's top diplomat. "Russia is now trying to reestablish some kind of sphere of influence where they try to decide what neighbours can do," Stoltenberg said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine minister calls for military help, more sanctions on Russia 

Russia on Tuesday accused the United States and other NATO countries of turning Ukraine into a “powder keg” after military buildup in the region.

"The United States and other NATO countries are deliberately turning Ukraine into a powder keg," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was cited as saying by local media

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Russia recently stationed soldiers along the Ukraine border and also accused Western countries of supplying arms to Ukraine.

A Ukrainian&nbsp;soldier was killed on Sunday and another seriously wounded in artillery fire from Russia-backed separatist rebels, as hostilities rise sharply in the country’s east. As of Monday, Ukraine claimed 27 soldiers had been killed in the east this year, more than half the number who died in all of 2020. Attacks have intensified in recent weeks and Russia has built up troops along the Ukraine border.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/whats-happening-between-russia-and-ukraine-heres-a-cheat-sheet-377164" hreflang="en">What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet</a>

The troops' buildup has raised sharp concerns in the West. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned in an interview Sunday of "consequences" if&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;acts "aggressively" towards Ukraine, amid rising alarm over a Russian troop build-up on the border of the former Soviet republic.

"President Biden's been very clear about this. If&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;acts recklessly, or aggressively, there will be costs, there will be consequences," Blinken said.

In recent weeks fighting has intensified between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists in the country's east, with signs of a Russian troop build-up in the region raising concerns of major escalation in the long-running conflict.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russian-military-spotted-near-ukraine-border-after-us-warning-376922" hreflang="en">Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning</a>

Ukraine has accused&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;of amassing thousands of military personnel on its northern and eastern borders as well as on the annexed Crimean peninsula.

The Kremlin, which has not denied the troop movements, said Sunday it was not moving towards war with Ukraine - but also that it "will not remain indifferent" to the fate of Russian speakers in the conflict-torn region.

The White House this week said the number of Russian troops at the border with Ukraine was now greater than at any time since 2014, when the conflict erupted after&nbsp;Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Tuesday accused the United States and other NATO countries of turning Ukraine into a “powder keg” after military buildup in the region. "The United States and other NATO countries are deliberately turning Ukraine into a powder keg," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was cited as saying by local media Russia recently stationed soldiers along the Ukraine border and also accused Western countries of supplying arms to Ukraine.

Russia on Tuesday accused the United States and other NATO countries of turning Ukraine into a “powder keg” after military buildup in the region. "The United States and other NATO countries are deliberately turning Ukraine into a powder keg," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was cited as saying by local media Russia recently stationed soldiers along the Ukraine border and also accused Western countries of supplying arms to Ukraine. A Ukrainian soldier was killed on Sunday and another seriously wounded in artillery fire from Russia-backed separatist rebels, as hostilities rise sharply in the country’s east. As of Monday, Ukraine claimed 27 soldiers had been killed in the east this year, more than half the number who died in all of 2020. Attacks have intensified in recent weeks and Russia has built up troops along the Ukraine border. Also read: What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet The troops' buildup has raised sharp concerns in the West. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned in an interview Sunday of "consequences" if Russia acts "aggressively" towards Ukraine, amid rising alarm over a Russian troop build-up on the border of the former Soviet republic. "President Biden's been very clear about this. If Russia acts recklessly, or aggressively, there will be costs, there will be consequences," Blinken said. In recent weeks fighting has intensified between Ukraine's army and pro-Russian separatists in the country's east, with signs of a Russian troop build-up in the region raising concerns of major escalation in the long-running conflict. Also read: Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning Ukraine has accused Russia of amassing thousands of military personnel on its northern and eastern borders as well as on the annexed Crimean peninsula. The Kremlin, which has not denied the troop movements, said Sunday it was not moving towards war with Ukraine - but also that it "will not remain indifferent" to the fate of Russian speakers in the conflict-torn region. The White House this week said the number of Russian troops at the border with Ukraine was now greater than at any time since 2014, when the conflict erupted after Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia accuses US, other NATO countries of turning Ukraine into 'powder keg'

Philippine and US soldiers will conduct a two-week joint military exercise from Monday, resuming the annual training event after last year's cancellation due to the pandemic, the Philippine military chief said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The announcement came after the two countries' defence secretaries held a phone call to discuss the drills, the situation in the South China Sea, and recent regional security developments.&nbsp;

Unlike previous exercises, however, this year's 'Balikatan' (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) drills to test the readiness of their militaries to respond to threats such natural disasters and militant extremist attacks, will be scaled down.&nbsp;

Only 1,700 troops, 700 from the United States and 1,000 from the Philippines, will participate, unlike previous exercises, which involved as many as 7,600 soldiers, said Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana.&nbsp;

"There will be physical contact but it is minimal," he said.&nbsp;

The Philippines has protested against the presence of the Chinese boats inside its 200-mile exclusive economic zone at Whitsun Reef in the strategic waterway, repeatedly asking China to move the vessels away. &nbsp;

Chinese diplomats, however, have said the fishing boats were just sheltering from rough seas and no militia were aboard.&nbsp;

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, China and Vietnam have competing territorial claims in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

In the phone call on Sunday between Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Austin also reiterated the importance of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the two countries, according to a statement issued by Lorenzana's department.&nbsp;

Lorenzana committed to discussing the matter with President Rodrigo Duterte.&nbsp;

Duterte last year unilaterally cancelled the two-decade-old VFA in an angry response after an ally was denied a US visa. The agreement provides the legal framework under which US troops can operate on a rotational basis in the Philippines.&nbsp;

The VFA withdrawal period, however, has been twice extended, creating what Philippine officials say is a window for better terms to be agreed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Philippine and US soldiers will conduct a two-week joint military exercise from Monday, resuming the annual training event after last year's cancellation due to the pandemic, the Philippine military chief said on Sunday.

Philippine and US soldiers will conduct a two-week joint military exercise from Monday, resuming the annual training event after last year's cancellation due to the pandemic, the Philippine military chief said on Sunday. The announcement came after the two countries' defence secretaries held a phone call to discuss the drills, the situation in the South China Sea, and recent regional security developments. Unlike previous exercises, however, this year's 'Balikatan' (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) drills to test the readiness of their militaries to respond to threats such natural disasters and militant extremist attacks, will be scaled down. Only 1,700 troops, 700 from the United States and 1,000 from the Philippines, will participate, unlike previous exercises, which involved as many as 7,600 soldiers, said Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana. "There will be physical contact but it is minimal," he said. The Philippines has protested against the presence of the Chinese boats inside its 200-mile exclusive economic zone at Whitsun Reef in the strategic waterway, repeatedly asking China to move the vessels away. Chinese diplomats, however, have said the fishing boats were just sheltering from rough seas and no militia were aboard. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, China and Vietnam have competing territorial claims in the South China Sea. In the phone call on Sunday between Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Austin also reiterated the importance of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the two countries, according to a statement issued by Lorenzana's department. Lorenzana committed to discussing the matter with President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte last year unilaterally cancelled the two-decade-old VFA in an angry response after an ally was denied a US visa. The agreement provides the legal framework under which US troops can operate on a rotational basis in the Philippines. The VFA withdrawal period, however, has been twice extended, creating what Philippine officials say is a window for better terms to be agreed. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines, US to begin two-week joint military drill from Monday 

India and Russia are discussing the possibility of ‘additional’ production of Russian military equipment in India, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a news conference on Tuesday while on a visit to New Delhi.

Lavrov and India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar&nbsp;assessed ‘positively’ the economic cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow and noted new opportunities in the Russian far east during the discussion.&nbsp;

In a joint appearance with Lavrov, Jaishankar said they both talked about connectivity, including the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.

Earlier in the day, Lavrov, who is on a two-day visit, held delegation-level talks with Jaishankar. Much of the discussion between the two ministers covered the preparations for President Vladimir Putin’s visit for the annual summit to be held in India later this year.&nbsp;

"Our bilateral cooperation remains energetic and forward-looking. We talked about the longstanding partnership in the nuclear space and defence sectors. We assess positively our economic cooperation noting new opportunities in the Russian far east. We spoke of connectivity including the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor," Jaishankar said.

"We also found an appetite for greater investment in each other by both the countries. Russian support for our Gaganyaan programme has progressed for which deeply appreciate. Our defence requirement in the past year was expeditiously addressed," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

India and Russia are discussing the possibility of ‘additional’ production of Russian military equipment in India, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a news conference on Tuesday while on a visit to New Delhi.

India and Russia are discussing the possibility of ‘additional’ production of Russian military equipment in India, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a news conference on Tuesday while on a visit to New Delhi. Lavrov and India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assessed ‘positively’ the economic cooperation between New Delhi and Moscow and noted new opportunities in the Russian far east during the discussion. In a joint appearance with Lavrov, Jaishankar said they both talked about connectivity, including the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor. Earlier in the day, Lavrov, who is on a two-day visit, held delegation-level talks with Jaishankar. Much of the discussion between the two ministers covered the preparations for President Vladimir Putin’s visit for the annual summit to be held in India later this year. "Our bilateral cooperation remains energetic and forward-looking. We talked about the longstanding partnership in the nuclear space and defence sectors. We assess positively our economic cooperation noting new opportunities in the Russian far east. We spoke of connectivity including the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor," Jaishankar said. "We also found an appetite for greater investment in each other by both the countries. Russian support for our Gaganyaan programme has progressed for which deeply appreciate. Our defence requirement in the past year was expeditiously addressed," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

India, Russia discussing Moscow’s military manufacturing in India: Lavrov

Protests erupted in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday as thousands of people demanded government probe into deaths of four youngsters who they alleged were tortured and killed by security forces. The protesters tried to march on the city of Bannu and broke through police blockade.

Police fired tear gas to prevent protesters from entering Bannu.

The protesters were carrying the bodies of the four young men, aged between 15 and 20, found in a shallow grave on March 21 in the town of Jani Khel, outside Bannu.

"The government didn’t pay any attention to us and left us alone to mourn the slain boys," Haji Mohammad Wali, one of the protesters, told Reuters by phone.

Relatives of the dead, alleging they died during interrogation by security forces, held a sit-in in Jani Khel for nearly a week, refusing to bury the bodies until an investigation was opened against an army officer they said was responsible.

A Pakistani military spokesman declined to comment about the incident on Sunday, and the military has not commented publicly on the case.

The central government has not commented on the case.

(With Reuters inputs)

Protests erupted in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday as thousands of people demanded government probe into deaths of four youngsters who they alleged were tortured and killed by security forces.

Protests erupted in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday as thousands of people demanded government probe into deaths of four youngsters who they alleged were tortured and killed by security forces. The protesters tried to march on the city of Bannu and broke through police blockade. Police fired tear gas to prevent protesters from entering Bannu. The protesters were carrying the bodies of the four young men, aged between 15 and 20, found in a shallow grave on March 21 in the town of Jani Khel, outside Bannu. "The government didn’t pay any attention to us and left us alone to mourn the slain boys," Haji Mohammad Wali, one of the protesters, told Reuters by phone. Relatives of the dead, alleging they died during interrogation by security forces, held a sit-in in Jani Khel for nearly a week, refusing to bury the bodies until an investigation was opened against an army officer they said was responsible. A Pakistani military spokesman declined to comment about the incident on Sunday, and the military has not commented publicly on the case. The central government has not commented on the case. (With Reuters inputs)

Pakistan: Thousands protest alleged killing of youngsters by military

For 60 years, Myanmar has been ruled by the military. Six decades marked by crackdowns and suppression of dissent, the military has been responsible for Myanmar's woes in the past.&nbsp;

Take the Rohingya crisis, for instance, the United Nations has described them as the world's most persecuted minority. More Than 740,000 Rohingya have fled the country since 2017. Their persecutors were the military, the same military that has now grabbed power in Myanmar.&nbsp;

The allegations against them are serious. The Myanmar military burned down villages, massacred thousands and raped hundreds of Rohingya women.&nbsp;

All of this has been recorded in testimonies by survivors. They describe the soldiers as ruthless plunderers. It is easy to blame the foot soldiers for these crimes but it was the senior commanders, who gave the orders. Brigadiers and generals have wanted villages burnt and mass graves dug. The army has sanctioned a genocide. This is the power of the Myanmar army that even the civilian government backed them. Remember, Aung Saan Su Kyi's defence at the international court.&nbsp;

It was her effort to defend the military to earn their goodwill but the army seems unwilling to reciprocate. They have ousted Suu Kyi and charged her with multiple crimes. It is a lesson for leaders around the world, military regimes have their own interests and public interest rarely features in it.&nbsp;

The military transferred power to civilians in 2011 but they never actually gave up their powers. The Myanmar military is the second largest standing army in the region after Vietnam. The constitution grants them seats in the parliament and a quarter of the budget is dedicated to their expenses. &nbsp;

Politically and economically, they're a force to reckon with and we're seeing evidence of it right now. Massive protests and anti-coup demonstrations but the military is unmoved. The protests continue and so does the crackdown. The military's brutal clamp down has triggered another exodus. This time, across the border to India. Protesters are fleeing the ruthless security forces.&nbsp;

They are escaping illegal detention. This includes cops, who are unwilling to carry out the junta's orders. They say, they were asked to beat, arrest and torture the anti-coup protesters. This has put neighbouring countries including India in a spot. They are being forced to welcome refugees in the middle of a pandemic. The world response has been limited to statements and sanctions. Both of which have proven ineffective so far.&nbsp;

The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions. They are targeting the junta leader and his family but sanctions aren't new for Myanmar's military. Most of their leaders were sanctioned during the Rohingya crackdown. This may have nudged them towards partial reforms but they continued to hold an iron grip over the country. &nbsp;

So, what are the army's motives? Why do they continue to sabotage civilian governments? Here's the first thing you need to know about Myanmar's military. They have strong views on religion, politics and economy.&nbsp;

The army is dominated by Burmese speaking Buddhists. They advocate majoritarian nationalism. This explains the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims and senior officers double up as businessmen.&nbsp;

They own stakes in lucrative ventures and have used their political power to fill their pockets. A civilian government could possibly investigate these discrepancies. So, the army never let go of control. There's a reason most countries opt for division of powers. There's a reason, they keep armies under civilian control. At the end of the day, it's about culture. &nbsp;

Once the army gets a taste of political and economic power, they refuse to let go. We've seen this in Pakistan over the years, Myanmar is no different. As they say, a thinking soldier is an asset and a plotting soldier is a threat.&nbsp;

For 60 years, Myanmar has been ruled by the military. Six decades marked by crackdowns and suppression of dissent, the military has been responsible for Myanmar's woes in the past.

For 60 years, Myanmar has been ruled by the military. Six decades marked by crackdowns and suppression of dissent, the military has been responsible for Myanmar's woes in the past. Take the Rohingya crisis, for instance, the United Nations has described them as the world's most persecuted minority. More Than 740,000 Rohingya have fled the country since 2017. Their persecutors were the military, the same military that has now grabbed power in Myanmar. The allegations against them are serious. The Myanmar military burned down villages, massacred thousands and raped hundreds of Rohingya women. All of this has been recorded in testimonies by survivors. They describe the soldiers as ruthless plunderers. It is easy to blame the foot soldiers for these crimes but it was the senior commanders, who gave the orders. Brigadiers and generals have wanted villages burnt and mass graves dug. The army has sanctioned a genocide. This is the power of the Myanmar army that even the civilian government backed them. Remember, Aung Saan Su Kyi's defence at the international court. It was her effort to defend the military to earn their goodwill but the army seems unwilling to reciprocate. They have ousted Suu Kyi and charged her with multiple crimes. It is a lesson for leaders around the world, military regimes have their own interests and public interest rarely features in it. The military transferred power to civilians in 2011 but they never actually gave up their powers. The Myanmar military is the second largest standing army in the region after Vietnam. The constitution grants them seats in the parliament and a quarter of the budget is dedicated to their expenses. Politically and economically, they're a force to reckon with and we're seeing evidence of it right now. Massive protests and anti-coup demonstrations but the military is unmoved. The protests continue and so does the crackdown. The military's brutal clamp down has triggered another exodus. This time, across the border to India. Protesters are fleeing the ruthless security forces. They are escaping illegal detention. This includes cops, who are unwilling to carry out the junta's orders. They say, they were asked to beat, arrest and torture the anti-coup protesters. This has put neighbouring countries including India in a spot. They are being forced to welcome refugees in the middle of a pandemic. The world response has been limited to statements and sanctions. Both of which have proven ineffective so far. The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions. They are targeting the junta leader and his family but sanctions aren't new for Myanmar's military. Most of their leaders were sanctioned during the Rohingya crackdown. This may have nudged them towards partial reforms but they continued to hold an iron grip over the country. So, what are the army's motives? Why do they continue to sabotage civilian governments? Here's the first thing you need to know about Myanmar's military. They have strong views on religion, politics and economy. The army is dominated by Burmese speaking Buddhists. They advocate majoritarian nationalism. This explains the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims and senior officers double up as businessmen. They own stakes in lucrative ventures and have used their political power to fill their pockets. A civilian government could possibly investigate these discrepancies. So, the army never let go of control. There's a reason most countries opt for division of powers. There's a reason, they keep armies under civilian control. At the end of the day, it's about culture. Once the army gets a taste of political and economic power, they refuse to let go. We've seen this in Pakistan over the years, Myanmar is no different. As they say, a thinking soldier is an asset and a plotting soldier is a threat.

Myanmar military and its love for power 

The United Kingdom government is all set to unveil much-anticipated military modernisation plans, which will overhaul the shape and size of the country's armed forces in the future.

WION Dispatch: UK to unveil global focus in military modernisation plan

The death toll from a series of explosions at a military barracks in Equatorial Guinea rose by dozens to at least 98 killed after more bodies were recovered, the government said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The blasts on Sunday in the Mondong Nkuantoma neighbourhood of the coastal city of Bata also wounded at least 615 people, authorities said. The government said that 316 of the injured have been discharged and 299 remain in care in various hospitals in the city.&nbsp;

More than 60 people were also rescued from under the rubble by the civil protection corps and fire service, the government said.&nbsp;

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema said the government will hold an emergency meeting to look into how victims can quickly receive aid from Equatorial Guinea before international aid arrives.&nbsp;

Investigations into the blast have begun, he said in a Tuesday statement.&nbsp;

The president initially said the explosion was due to the negligent handling of dynamite in the military barracks and the impact damaged almost all the homes and buildings in Bata.&nbsp;

The vice president, who is also charged with defence and security, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, said on Tuesday that investigations so far showed the fire may have begun when a farmer set fire to his plot to prepare it for food production and a breeze spread the flames to the nearby barracks where the high-caliber ammunition was stored.&nbsp;

Images shown on state TV showed plumes of smoke rising above the explosion site as crowds fled. Roofs of houses were ripped off.&nbsp;

Equatorial Guinea, an oil-rich West African country of 1.3 million people located south of Cameroon, was a colony of Spain until it gained its independence in 1968. Bata has roughly 175,000 inhabitants. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The death toll from a series of explosions at a military barracks in Equatorial Guinea rose by dozens to at least 98 killed after more bodies were recovered, the government said on Tuesday.

The death toll from a series of explosions at a military barracks in Equatorial Guinea rose by dozens to at least 98 killed after more bodies were recovered, the government said on Tuesday. The blasts on Sunday in the Mondong Nkuantoma neighbourhood of the coastal city of Bata also wounded at least 615 people, authorities said. The government said that 316 of the injured have been discharged and 299 remain in care in various hospitals in the city. More than 60 people were also rescued from under the rubble by the civil protection corps and fire service, the government said. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema said the government will hold an emergency meeting to look into how victims can quickly receive aid from Equatorial Guinea before international aid arrives. Investigations into the blast have begun, he said in a Tuesday statement. The president initially said the explosion was due to the negligent handling of dynamite in the military barracks and the impact damaged almost all the homes and buildings in Bata. The vice president, who is also charged with defence and security, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, said on Tuesday that investigations so far showed the fire may have begun when a farmer set fire to his plot to prepare it for food production and a breeze spread the flames to the nearby barracks where the high-caliber ammunition was stored. Images shown on state TV showed plumes of smoke rising above the explosion site as crowds fled. Roofs of houses were ripped off. Equatorial Guinea, an oil-rich West African country of 1.3 million people located south of Cameroon, was a colony of Spain until it gained its independence in 1968. Bata has roughly 175,000 inhabitants. (With inputs from agencies)

Death toll rises to 98 in Equatorial Guinea explosions 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged Myanmar's military, which seized power three weeks ago, to halt repression and release hundreds detained since the coup.&nbsp;

Guterres, speaking to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, said, "We see the undermining of democracy, the use of brutal force, arbitrary arrests, repression in all its manifestations. Restrictions of civic space. Attacks on civil society. Serious violations against minorities with no accountability, including what has rightly been called ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya population. The list goes on."&nbsp;

"Today, I call on the Myanmar military to stop the repression immediately. Release the prisoners. End the violence. Respect human rights, and the will of the people expressed in recent elections."&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, Myanmar police began to disperse pro-democracy protesters on Monday as businesses around the country shut in a general strike called to oppose the military coup despite a threat from authorities that confrontation could cost lives.&nbsp;

Three weeks after seizing power, the junta has failed to stop daily protests and a civil disobedience movement calling for the reversal of the February 1 coup and release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-protesters-defy-militarys-lethal-warning-to-take-to-streets-again-365417">Myanmar: Protesters defy military's lethal warning to take to streets again</a>

There were protests in cities and towns across the country on Monday, from the northern hills on the border with China to the central plains, the Irrawaddy river delta and the southern tip of the panhandle, images on social media showed.&nbsp;

In the capital, Naypyitaw, where the military is headquartered, a police water cannon truck and numerous other vehicles closed in to break up a procession of chanting protesters who scattered when police on foot chased them, wrestling several to the ground.&nbsp;

"They're chasing and arresting us. We’re just protesting peacefully," one woman said in video clip posted on Facebook.&nbsp;

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged Myanmar's military, which seized power three weeks ago, to halt repression and release hundreds detained since the coup.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged Myanmar's military, which seized power three weeks ago, to halt repression and release hundreds detained since the coup. Guterres, speaking to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, said, "We see the undermining of democracy, the use of brutal force, arbitrary arrests, repression in all its manifestations. Restrictions of civic space. Attacks on civil society. Serious violations against minorities with no accountability, including what has rightly been called ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya population. The list goes on." "Today, I call on the Myanmar military to stop the repression immediately. Release the prisoners. End the violence. Respect human rights, and the will of the people expressed in recent elections." × Meanwhile, Myanmar police began to disperse pro-democracy protesters on Monday as businesses around the country shut in a general strike called to oppose the military coup despite a threat from authorities that confrontation could cost lives. Three weeks after seizing power, the junta has failed to stop daily protests and a civil disobedience movement calling for the reversal of the February 1 coup and release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Also Read | Myanmar: Protesters defy military's lethal warning to take to streets again There were protests in cities and towns across the country on Monday, from the northern hills on the border with China to the central plains, the Irrawaddy river delta and the southern tip of the panhandle, images on social media showed. In the capital, Naypyitaw, where the military is headquartered, a police water cannon truck and numerous other vehicles closed in to break up a procession of chanting protesters who scattered when police on foot chased them, wrestling several to the ground. "They're chasing and arresting us. We’re just protesting peacefully," one woman said in video clip posted on Facebook.

UN chief Antonio Guterres tells Myanmar military to stop the repression

Anti-coup protesters on Monday defied military junta's warning to take to streets. Businesses around the country observed a general strike. There were protests in cities and towns across the country on Monday, from the northern hills on the border with China to the central plains, the Irrawaddy river delta and the southern panhandle.

Images posted on social media showed a police water cannon truck and numerous other vehicles closing in to break up a procession of chanting people in Naypyitaw, where the military is headquartered. As the protesters scattered, police on foot chased them, wrestling several to the ground.

"They're chasing and arresting us. We're just protesting peacefully," one woman said in video clip posted on Facebook.

The protests have been going on daily ever since the military toppled Aung San Suu Kyi's government on February 1. The military has been unable to stop the protests.

Three people have lost lives so far. Two were shot dead in Mandalay on Saturday. Funeral of the third protester, a young woman, was carried out on Sunday. It drew hundreds of people.

"Everyone is joining this," said San San Maw, 46, at the Hledan junction in the main city of Yangon, which has become a rallying point for the protests. "We need to come out."

In a country where dates are seen as auspicious, protesters noted the significance of the date 22.2.2021, comparing it with demonstrations on Aug. 8, 1988 when a previous generation staged anti-military protests which were bloodily suppressed.

Military's response so far has been less deadly. The army also said one policeman died of injuries in the protest.

"Stop the repression"

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on Myanmar military to stop the "repression" immediately.

"Today, I call on the Myanmar military to stop the repression immediately. Release the prisoners. End the violence. Respect human rights, and the will of the people expressed in recent elections," Guterres told the UN Human Rights Council in a pre-recorded video message.

Guterres has been increasingly vocal about situation in Myanmar.

'RESTRAINT'

As well as local stores, international chains announced closures on Monday, including Yum Brands Inc.'s KFC and delivery service Food Panda, owned by Delivery Hero. Southeast Asian company Grab stopped delivery services too but left its taxis running.

Authorities were "exercising utmost restraint", the foreign ministry said in a statement. It rebuked some countries for remarks it described as flagrant interference in Myanmar's internal affairs.

Several Western countries have condemned the coup and decried the violence against protesters.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Twitter the United States would continue to "take firm action" against authorities violently cracking down on opponents of the coup in the Southeast Asian country that is also known as Burma.

"We stand with the people of Burma," he said.

Britain, Germany, Japan and Singapore have also condemned the violence and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said lethal force was unacceptable.

(With Reuters inputs)

Anti-coup protesters on Monday defied military junta's warning to take to streets. Businesses around the country observed a general strike. There were protests in cities and towns across the country on Monday, from the northern hills on the border with China to the central plains, the Irrawaddy river delta and the southern panhandle.

Anti-coup protesters on Monday defied military junta's warning to take to streets. Businesses around the country observed a general strike. There were protests in cities and towns across the country on Monday, from the northern hills on the border with China to the central plains, the Irrawaddy river delta and the southern panhandle. Images posted on social media showed a police water cannon truck and numerous other vehicles closing in to break up a procession of chanting people in Naypyitaw, where the military is headquartered. As the protesters scattered, police on foot chased them, wrestling several to the ground. "They're chasing and arresting us. We're just protesting peacefully," one woman said in video clip posted on Facebook. The protests have been going on daily ever since the military toppled Aung San Suu Kyi's government on February 1. The military has been unable to stop the protests. Three people have lost lives so far. Two were shot dead in Mandalay on Saturday. Funeral of the third protester, a young woman, was carried out on Sunday. It drew hundreds of people. "Everyone is joining this," said San San Maw, 46, at the Hledan junction in the main city of Yangon, which has become a rallying point for the protests. "We need to come out." In a country where dates are seen as auspicious, protesters noted the significance of the date 22.2.2021, comparing it with demonstrations on Aug. 8, 1988 when a previous generation staged anti-military protests which were bloodily suppressed. Military's response so far has been less deadly. The army also said one policeman died of injuries in the protest. "Stop the repression" UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on Myanmar military to stop the "repression" immediately. "Today, I call on the Myanmar military to stop the repression immediately. Release the prisoners. End the violence. Respect human rights, and the will of the people expressed in recent elections," Guterres told the UN Human Rights Council in a pre-recorded video message. Guterres has been increasingly vocal about situation in Myanmar. 'RESTRAINT' As well as local stores, international chains announced closures on Monday, including Yum Brands Inc.'s KFC and delivery service Food Panda, owned by Delivery Hero. Southeast Asian company Grab stopped delivery services too but left its taxis running. Authorities were "exercising utmost restraint", the foreign ministry said in a statement. It rebuked some countries for remarks it described as flagrant interference in Myanmar's internal affairs. Several Western countries have condemned the coup and decried the violence against protesters. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Twitter the United States would continue to "take firm action" against authorities violently cracking down on opponents of the coup in the Southeast Asian country that is also known as Burma. "We stand with the people of Burma," he said. Britain, Germany, Japan and Singapore have also condemned the violence and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said lethal force was unacceptable. (With Reuters inputs)

Myanmar: Protesters defy military's lethal warning to take to streets again

The United States is building a new weapon of mass destruction -- one that was sanctioned during the Obama era.

The weapon had found support during Trump's presidency, and is likely to continue under the Joe Biden administration.

The weapon is worth $100 billion. Here's a report on how much money that is -- and the weapon it will buy.

US President Joe Biden once said, "America is back. America is back."

This was Biden's declaration in his first diplomatic address.

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&nbsp;

This simply means the second biggest nuclear power in the world was back at building a weapon of mass destruction.

The story begins on September 8, 2020. The US air force gave defence manufacturer North-Rop Grumman a $13.3 billion initial contract -- to begin engineering this missile.

This is just a fraction of the total bill -- which will reach $100 billion dollars by 2029.

It's called GBSD -- a ground based strategic deterrant. It will be able to travel 6,000 miles, carry a warhead 20 times more powerful -- than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

The weapons programme was sanctioned during the Obama era -- it was supported by Donald Trump, and is likely to continue under the Joe Biden administration.

The US air force is already planning to order 600 missiles.

When Biden won the election in November, there were reports that the programme could freeze once he takes the oath.

But close to a month has passed, and there has been no word on its cancellation. For all his promises of halting an arms race, Joe Biden doesn't seem to be walking the talk.

America's deep dive into nuclear militarism continues, regardless of which party is in power.

The United States is building a new weapon of mass destruction -- one that was sanctioned during the Obama era. The weapon had found support during Trump's presidency, and is likely to continue under the Joe Biden administration.

The United States is building a new weapon of mass destruction -- one that was sanctioned during the Obama era. The weapon had found support during Trump's presidency, and is likely to continue under the Joe Biden administration. The weapon is worth $100 billion. Here's a report on how much money that is -- and the weapon it will buy. US President Joe Biden once said, "America is back. America is back." This was Biden's declaration in his first diplomatic address. × This simply means the second biggest nuclear power in the world was back at building a weapon of mass destruction. The story begins on September 8, 2020. The US air force gave defence manufacturer North-Rop Grumman a $13.3 billion initial contract -- to begin engineering this missile. This is just a fraction of the total bill -- which will reach $100 billion dollars by 2029. It's called GBSD -- a ground based strategic deterrant. It will be able to travel 6,000 miles, carry a warhead 20 times more powerful -- than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The weapons programme was sanctioned during the Obama era -- it was supported by Donald Trump, and is likely to continue under the Joe Biden administration. The US air force is already planning to order 600 missiles. When Biden won the election in November, there were reports that the programme could freeze once he takes the oath. But close to a month has passed, and there has been no word on its cancellation. For all his promises of halting an arms race, Joe Biden doesn't seem to be walking the talk. America's deep dive into nuclear militarism continues, regardless of which party is in power.

America's deep dive into nuclear militarism continues

Former British military members who were dismissed from service because of their sexuality are now able to reclaim the medals they were stripped of.

The British Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday that those who were wrongly sacked - prior to a change in policy in 2000 that allowed previously-banned gay people to serve - will now be able to reclaim medals that were confiscated from them.

Under the scheme, affected former personnel can apply to have their case reviewed by the defence council, with successful applicants receiving a new medal from the MoD’s Medal Office. Relatives of affected ex-military members who have since died are also able to apply for a review. Today, Boris Johnson tweeted to show his support for the scheme, saying: ‘Those who serve in our Armed Forces deserve every recognition for their service.&nbsp;

‘It was a very great injustice that this was denied to some members simply because of their sexuality. ‘I hugely welcome the fact we can now address this historic wrong.’

<img alt="Boris Johnson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e43fc862-1321-4ea8-a85b-e7f4299be314" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/boris.JPG" /> 
 
A statement on the UK government website says: "Prior to 2000, a number of armed forces personnel were discharged from service on the basis of their sexuality.

"Some received convictions under specified legislation for homosexual behaviour that has now been de-criminalised, while others were discharged solely on the basis of their sexuality, without any conviction.

"In the course of their discharge, some personnel either forfeited medals directly or were prevented from continuing to serve and thus denied the ability to regain medals that might previously have been forfeited for unrelated reasons.

"The MoD is committed to addressing this historical wrong and is introducing a policy which enables individuals to apply to have their medals restored."

Former British military members who were dismissed from service because of their sexuality are now able to reclaim the medals they were stripped of. The British Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday that those who were wrongly sacked - prior to a change in policy in 2000 that allowed previously-banned gay people to serve - will now be able to reclaim medals that were confiscated from them.

Former British military members who were dismissed from service because of their sexuality are now able to reclaim the medals they were stripped of. The British Ministry of Defence announced on Tuesday that those who were wrongly sacked - prior to a change in policy in 2000 that allowed previously-banned gay people to serve - will now be able to reclaim medals that were confiscated from them. Under the scheme, affected former personnel can apply to have their case reviewed by the defence council, with successful applicants receiving a new medal from the MoD’s Medal Office. Relatives of affected ex-military members who have since died are also able to apply for a review. Today, Boris Johnson tweeted to show his support for the scheme, saying: ‘Those who serve in our Armed Forces deserve every recognition for their service. ‘It was a very great injustice that this was denied to some members simply because of their sexuality. ‘I hugely welcome the fact we can now address this historic wrong.’ A statement on the UK government website says: "Prior to 2000, a number of armed forces personnel were discharged from service on the basis of their sexuality. "Some received convictions under specified legislation for homosexual behaviour that has now been de-criminalised, while others were discharged solely on the basis of their sexuality, without any conviction. "In the course of their discharge, some personnel either forfeited medals directly or were prevented from continuing to serve and thus denied the ability to regain medals that might previously have been forfeited for unrelated reasons. "The MoD is committed to addressing this historical wrong and is introducing a policy which enables individuals to apply to have their medals restored."

Sacked for being gay, British soldiers can get their medals back

Appearing to reject an offer by Turkey to avoid sanctions, the United States renewed its call on Ankara to get rid of an advanced Russian air defense system on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar in an interview this week proposed a compromise in which the NATO ally does not fully deploy the S-400s, which Russia originally built to target Western jets. &nbsp;

"Our policy vis-a-vis the S-400s has not changed," State Department spokesman Ned Price said, when asked about the Turkish proposal. &nbsp;

"Russian S-400s are incompatible with NATO equipment, they threaten the security of NATO technology and they are inconsistent with Turkey's commitments as a NATO ally," he told reporters. &nbsp;

“We have and continue to urge Turkey not to retain this system." &nbsp;

Akar drew a parallel to historic rival Greece, which bought Russia's older S-300 system after Turkish threats to attack Cyprus but did not make them fully operational. &nbsp;

US officials downplayed the parallel, saying the S-400 was a more advanced system. &nbsp;

Turkey went ahead with the purchase despite warnings from the United States, which under former president Donald Trump booted Ankara from the F-35 fighter jet programme and imposed sanctions on Turkey's military procurement agency. &nbsp;

President Joe Biden before the election vowed to toughen the US stance on Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom he has described as an autocrat. &nbsp;

The Biden administration has already spoken out on its concerns over detentions and homophobic comments as Turkish authorities crack down on student demonstrators. &nbsp;

Appearing to reject an offer by Turkey to avoid sanctions, the United States renewed its call on Ankara to get rid of an advanced Russian air defense system on Wednesday.

Appearing to reject an offer by Turkey to avoid sanctions, the United States renewed its call on Ankara to get rid of an advanced Russian air defense system on Wednesday. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar in an interview this week proposed a compromise in which the NATO ally does not fully deploy the S-400s, which Russia originally built to target Western jets. "Our policy vis-a-vis the S-400s has not changed," State Department spokesman Ned Price said, when asked about the Turkish proposal. "Russian S-400s are incompatible with NATO equipment, they threaten the security of NATO technology and they are inconsistent with Turkey's commitments as a NATO ally," he told reporters. “We have and continue to urge Turkey not to retain this system." Akar drew a parallel to historic rival Greece, which bought Russia's older S-300 system after Turkish threats to attack Cyprus but did not make them fully operational. US officials downplayed the parallel, saying the S-400 was a more advanced system. Turkey went ahead with the purchase despite warnings from the United States, which under former president Donald Trump booted Ankara from the F-35 fighter jet programme and imposed sanctions on Turkey's military procurement agency. President Joe Biden before the election vowed to toughen the US stance on Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom he has described as an autocrat. The Biden administration has already spoken out on its concerns over detentions and homophobic comments as Turkish authorities crack down on student demonstrators.

Dump Russian missile system, US tells Turkey again

The military in Myanmar is getting public resistance against the coup. The biggest dissent so far, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Myanmar's biggest city Yangon. hundreds and thousands of demonstrators march through near Yangon university, they hold three-finger salute which symbolizes resistance to the army take over.

The military in Myanmar is getting public dissent against the coup

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will on Thursday unveil what is being billed as Britain's biggest programme of investment in the armed forces since the end of the Cold War.

In a speech to lawmakers in parliament, Johnson will announce an extra £16.5 billion ($22 billion, 18.5 billion euros) in funding over the next four years.

It follows the ruling Conservatives' commitment in their election manifesto last year to increase defence spending by 0.5 per cent above inflation until 2025.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-to-ban-petrol-and-diesel-cars-from-2030-343799">UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ban petrol and diesel cars from 2030</a>

Johnson's Downing Street office said the cash boost would "cement the UK's position as the largest defence spender in Europe and the second largest in NATO".

It comes despite Britain's economy suffering a historic downturn this year due to the coronavirus crisis, which has seen the government spend unprecedented sums to support people and businesses.

"I have taken this decision in the teeth of the pandemic because the defence of the realm must come first," Johnson said in remarks released ahead of his speech.

"The international situation is more perilous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-devolving-powers-to-scotland-was-a-disaster-faces-criticism-343737">Boris Johnson says devolving powers to Scotland was 'a disaster'; faces criticism</a>

He added the new funding was "our chance to end the era of retreat" and that it would be used to "upgrade our capabilities across the board".

'Threats'

Britain's increase in military spending, which will total £24.1 billion ($31.8 billion, 26.9 billion euros) over four years, comes at a pivotal moment for the country.

After formally leaving the European Union in January, it will end the 11-month Brexit transition period at the end of the year and begin a new era in international trade and relations.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-tells-ministers-that-brexit-deal-with-eu-remains-uncertain-343769">UK PM Boris Johnson tells ministers that Brexit deal with EU remains uncertain</a>

Meanwhile US President-elect Joe Biden will take power in late January, with trans-Atlantic allies hoping that marks a more stable period for NATO after the tumult of the Trump years.

Newly appointed United States acting defense secretary Christopher Miller hailed the move Wednesday evening.

"The UK is our most stalwart and capable ally, and this increase in spending is indicative of their commitment to NATO and our shared security," he said in a statement. "With this increase, the UK military will continue to be one of the finest fighting forces in the world."

Increased UK military investments will target "cutting-edge technology", including cyber and space capabilities, while also addressing "weaknesses in our defence arsenal", Downing Street said.

Johnson will announce a new agency dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, the creation of a National Cyber Force and a new "Space Command", capable of launching its first rocket by 2022, it added.

Meanwhile, after a boost of £1.5 billion ($1.9 billion, 1.6 billion euros), nearly £6 billion ($7.9 billion, 6.7 billion euros) will be spent on military research and development, including on upgrading aerial warfare systems.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the settlement provided the "financial certainty we need to modernise, plan for the future and adapt to the threats we face".

"Defence will be at the forefront of creating the jobs and business opportunities that will help us build back from the pandemic," he added.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will on Thursday unveil what is being billed as Britain's biggest programme of investment in the armed forces since the end of the Cold War.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will on Thursday unveil what is being billed as Britain's biggest programme of investment in the armed forces since the end of the Cold War. In a speech to lawmakers in parliament, Johnson will announce an extra £16.5 billion ($22 billion, 18.5 billion euros) in funding over the next four years. It follows the ruling Conservatives' commitment in their election manifesto last year to increase defence spending by 0.5 per cent above inflation until 2025. Also read| UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ban petrol and diesel cars from 2030 Johnson's Downing Street office said the cash boost would "cement the UK's position as the largest defence spender in Europe and the second largest in NATO". It comes despite Britain's economy suffering a historic downturn this year due to the coronavirus crisis, which has seen the government spend unprecedented sums to support people and businesses. "I have taken this decision in the teeth of the pandemic because the defence of the realm must come first," Johnson said in remarks released ahead of his speech. "The international situation is more perilous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War and Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies." Also read| Boris Johnson says devolving powers to Scotland was 'a disaster'; faces criticism He added the new funding was "our chance to end the era of retreat" and that it would be used to "upgrade our capabilities across the board". 'Threats' Britain's increase in military spending, which will total £24.1 billion ($31.8 billion, 26.9 billion euros) over four years, comes at a pivotal moment for the country. After formally leaving the European Union in January, it will end the 11-month Brexit transition period at the end of the year and begin a new era in international trade and relations. Also read| UK PM Boris Johnson tells ministers that Brexit deal with EU remains uncertain Meanwhile US President-elect Joe Biden will take power in late January, with trans-Atlantic allies hoping that marks a more stable period for NATO after the tumult of the Trump years. Newly appointed United States acting defense secretary Christopher Miller hailed the move Wednesday evening. "The UK is our most stalwart and capable ally, and this increase in spending is indicative of their commitment to NATO and our shared security," he said in a statement. "With this increase, the UK military will continue to be one of the finest fighting forces in the world." Increased UK military investments will target "cutting-edge technology", including cyber and space capabilities, while also addressing "weaknesses in our defence arsenal", Downing Street said. Johnson will announce a new agency dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, the creation of a National Cyber Force and a new "Space Command", capable of launching its first rocket by 2022, it added. Meanwhile, after a boost of £1.5 billion ($1.9 billion, 1.6 billion euros), nearly £6 billion ($7.9 billion, 6.7 billion euros) will be spent on military research and development, including on upgrading aerial warfare systems. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the settlement provided the "financial certainty we need to modernise, plan for the future and adapt to the threats we face". "Defence will be at the forefront of creating the jobs and business opportunities that will help us build back from the pandemic," he added.

UK to unveil 'largest military investment' in three decades

South Korea's youth have two options: Join the army, or go to prison. It is among the handful of countries that has a policy of forced military service. But recently, the laws have been relaxed.

People who refuse to serve now have the option of public service. But there's a catch. They are being deployed in prisons for this work. In South Korea, the choice was always clear: Serve in the military or be branded a criminal. South Korea has a policy of compulsory military service; failing to serve means going to prison.

20,000 people have been imprisoned over this rule, and some of them have been subjected to brutal treatment.

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But not anymore

South Korea has announced a major change to its military draft policy with an alternative service that can be performed instead of military duty. People who refuse to serve will still be in prison but as workers, not inmates. They will cook for the prisoners, clean the prison walls, and serve as assistants to the prison doctor. But - they will remain free men, with no criminal records.

Right now, prison work is the only option but gradually more forms of public service are expected to be added like working in nursing homes or as firefighters. Military service is sacred in South Korea, and all able-bodied men are required to serve for at least 21 months. It is considered the best way to counter its rival, North Korea. But since 1949, at least 400,000 people have refused to serve.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/in-south-korea-draft-resisters-still-go-to-prison-but-now-its-a-job-337889" hreflang="en">In South Korea, draft resisters still go to prison. But now it’s a job.</a>

A majority of them are Jehovah'sWwitnesses - A Christian group that does not believe in war and violence. While this is a historic moment in South Korea, the battle is only half-won. Three years of prison service in a country that prides itself as a liberal democracy is a lot.

But South Korean politicians say if the alternative is too easy, the youth will evade the draft in large numbers.

The fact is South Korea does need a large standing army, with the ever-present threat from North Korea.

Pyongyang claims to have more than a million soldiers in its ranks, and South Korea is struggling to keep up, especially with birth rates plummeting in the last few decades.

Draft dodgers in South Korea often become easy targets - like pop star Yoo Seung-Jun, who was accused of dodging military service in 2002 by becoming a US citizen.

South Korea is not alone in mandatory military service

&nbsp;In Israel - men must serve at least 3 years in the army, and women - two years. In Syria, military service is a must for all men and government workers who evade it end up losing their job, with reports of rigorous jail terms.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/lee-kun-hee-who-made-south-koreas-samsung-a-global-powerhouse-dies-at-78-337830" hreflang="en">Lee Kun-hee, who made South Korea's Samsung a global powerhouse, dies at 78</a>

Even Switzerland has similar rules: The Swiss endorsed compulsory military service thrice in three separate referendums. But people do have the option of civilian service.

South Korea's youth have two options: Join the army, or go to prison. It is among the handful of countries that has a policy of forced military service. But recently, the laws have been relaxed.

South Korea's youth have two options: Join the army, or go to prison. It is among the handful of countries that has a policy of forced military service. But recently, the laws have been relaxed. People who refuse to serve now have the option of public service. But there's a catch. They are being deployed in prisons for this work. In South Korea, the choice was always clear: Serve in the military or be branded a criminal. South Korea has a policy of compulsory military service; failing to serve means going to prison. 20,000 people have been imprisoned over this rule, and some of them have been subjected to brutal treatment. But not anymore South Korea has announced a major change to its military draft policy with an alternative service that can be performed instead of military duty. People who refuse to serve will still be in prison but as workers, not inmates. They will cook for the prisoners, clean the prison walls, and serve as assistants to the prison doctor. But - they will remain free men, with no criminal records. Right now, prison work is the only option but gradually more forms of public service are expected to be added like working in nursing homes or as firefighters. Military service is sacred in South Korea, and all able-bodied men are required to serve for at least 21 months. It is considered the best way to counter its rival, North Korea. But since 1949, at least 400,000 people have refused to serve. Also read: In South Korea, draft resisters still go to prison. But now it’s a job. A majority of them are Jehovah'sWwitnesses - A Christian group that does not believe in war and violence. While this is a historic moment in South Korea, the battle is only half-won. Three years of prison service in a country that prides itself as a liberal democracy is a lot. But South Korean politicians say if the alternative is too easy, the youth will evade the draft in large numbers. The fact is South Korea does need a large standing army, with the ever-present threat from North Korea. Pyongyang claims to have more than a million soldiers in its ranks, and South Korea is struggling to keep up, especially with birth rates plummeting in the last few decades. Draft dodgers in South Korea often become easy targets - like pop star Yoo Seung-Jun, who was accused of dodging military service in 2002 by becoming a US citizen. South Korea is not alone in mandatory military service In Israel - men must serve at least 3 years in the army, and women - two years. In Syria, military service is a must for all men and government workers who evade it end up losing their job, with reports of rigorous jail terms. Also read: Lee Kun-hee, who made South Korea's Samsung a global powerhouse, dies at 78 Even Switzerland has similar rules: The Swiss endorsed compulsory military service thrice in three separate referendums. But people do have the option of civilian service.

South Korea changed its military draft policy. Here's what it entails

A Pakistani journalist who has been a vocal critic of the military, government, and religious extremist groups, has been arrested on charges of defaming the country`s powerful army and spreading religious hatred, police said on Friday.

"Through his (social media) posts, Bilal Farooqi defamed the Pakistan Army and anti-state elements used these posts for their vested interests," said a police report seen by Reuters, which added that his online activity also spread religious hatred and incited mutiny against the military.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/culture-of-violence-in-pakistan-india-at-un-326744">Also read|&nbsp;‘Culture of violence’ in Pakistan: India at UN</a>

Farooqi's arrest is the latest in a spate of such moves against journalists who have been critical of the government and comes days after Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that Pakistan has a free media.

Farooqi has now been released by the Pakistani government after huge&nbsp;criticism.

In July, another journalist, Matiullah Jan, also a critic of Pakistan`s military and government, was freed hours after being abducted after his disappearance sparked outcry amongst journalists and rights activists.

No explanation was given for Jan's abduction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/paks-watershed-moment-two-horrific-rapes-and-social-media-outrage-326949">Also read|&nbsp;Pak's watershed moment: Two horrific rapes and social media outrage</a>

In the case of Farooqi, police cited the country`s cyber crime law, which critics say contains vague language that can be used to criminalise basic online activities with fines and long-term imprisonment.

Online criticism of religion, the country, its courts and armed forces are among subjects attracting prosecution.

Earlier this week, a former journalist returned home days after disappearing from Islamabad. He has given no details about what happened to him.

Farooqi had written a tweet about the man`s "enforced disappearance," saying: "The powerful are above the law in this country."

Last year, journalist Shahzeb Jilani was charged under laws relating to cyber terrorism, hate speech, electronic fraud, incitement, and defamation, but the case was thrown out of court due to lack of evidence.

At least four journalists and bloggers have been killed in connection with their reporting in the last year in Pakistan.

Earlier this week, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed increasing concern at instances of incitement to violence against journalists and human rights defenders.

"We have raised our concerns directly with the government and we have urged immediate, concrete steps to ensure the protection of journalists and human rights defenders who have been subjected to threats," UNHCR said in a statement.

A Pakistani journalist who has been a vocal critic of the military, government, and religious extremist groups, has been arrested on charges of defaming the country`s powerful army and spreading religious hatred, police said on Friday.

A Pakistani journalist who has been a vocal critic of the military, government, and religious extremist groups, has been arrested on charges of defaming the country`s powerful army and spreading religious hatred, police said on Friday. "Through his (social media) posts, Bilal Farooqi defamed the Pakistan Army and anti-state elements used these posts for their vested interests," said a police report seen by Reuters, which added that his online activity also spread religious hatred and incited mutiny against the military. Also read| ‘Culture of violence’ in Pakistan: India at UN Farooqi's arrest is the latest in a spate of such moves against journalists who have been critical of the government and comes days after Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that Pakistan has a free media. Farooqi has now been released by the Pakistani government after huge criticism. In July, another journalist, Matiullah Jan, also a critic of Pakistan`s military and government, was freed hours after being abducted after his disappearance sparked outcry amongst journalists and rights activists. No explanation was given for Jan's abduction. Also read| Pak's watershed moment: Two horrific rapes and social media outrage In the case of Farooqi, police cited the country`s cyber crime law, which critics say contains vague language that can be used to criminalise basic online activities with fines and long-term imprisonment. Online criticism of religion, the country, its courts and armed forces are among subjects attracting prosecution. Earlier this week, a former journalist returned home days after disappearing from Islamabad. He has given no details about what happened to him. Farooqi had written a tweet about the man`s "enforced disappearance," saying: "The powerful are above the law in this country." Last year, journalist Shahzeb Jilani was charged under laws relating to cyber terrorism, hate speech, electronic fraud, incitement, and defamation, but the case was thrown out of court due to lack of evidence. At least four journalists and bloggers have been killed in connection with their reporting in the last year in Pakistan. Earlier this week, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed increasing concern at instances of incitement to violence against journalists and human rights defenders. "We have raised our concerns directly with the government and we have urged immediate, concrete steps to ensure the protection of journalists and human rights defenders who have been subjected to threats," UNHCR said in a statement.

Pakistani journalist,arrested for defaming military, released

A huge explosion rocked a Jordanian military munitions depot early Friday sparking a large fire, but the army said there were no casualties at the base located in an uninhabited area.

The military said the blast was accidental and likely caused by a chemical reaction inside a shell amid a blistering heatwave in the desert country.

"An explosion occurred in the early hours of Friday ... in a warehouse containing unusable mortar bombs belonging to the armed forces," government spokesman Amjad al-Adaileh said in a statement.

The blast happened in the city of Zarqa, 25 kilometres (15 miles) east of the capital Amman, where several Jordanian bases and depots are located.

Images which swiftly spread on social media showed a huge ball of flames rising into the night sky, followed by several more explosions.

The army, which closed off the area, acknowledged that there had been an explosion "in one of the ammunition depots which is being dismantled near the city of Zarqa".

Preliminary findings indicated that "the explosion was due to high temperatures provoking a chemical reaction in a shell", the military said in a statement.

Jordan has over the past week seen temperatures soar above 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) in some regions.

The area around the explosion has been "completely combed to ensure that there is no further danger, and the situation is under control," General Imad al-Khamaysseh told state television.

Zarqa governorate, which has a population of about 1.5 million, has witnessed several explosions in past years, mainly caused by old munitions and fires in warehouses. It is also home to many factories and a free trade zone.

The explosion came only days after the Hashemite kingdom announced it was reinstating military service for unemployed men between the ages of 25 and 29.

Jordan abolished compulsory military service in 1991, three years before signing a peace accord with neighbouring Israel.

The country and its 10 million people, ruled by King Abdullah II, have been hit hard by restrictions imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Unemployment rose to 23 percent in the first quarter of 2020, according to official figures, up from 19 percent for the same period last year.

A huge explosion rocked a Jordanian military munitions depot early Friday sparking a large fire, but the army said there were no casualties at the base located in an uninhabited area.

A huge explosion rocked a Jordanian military munitions depot early Friday sparking a large fire, but the army said there were no casualties at the base located in an uninhabited area. The military said the blast was accidental and likely caused by a chemical reaction inside a shell amid a blistering heatwave in the desert country. "An explosion occurred in the early hours of Friday ... in a warehouse containing unusable mortar bombs belonging to the armed forces," government spokesman Amjad al-Adaileh said in a statement. The blast happened in the city of Zarqa, 25 kilometres (15 miles) east of the capital Amman, where several Jordanian bases and depots are located. Images which swiftly spread on social media showed a huge ball of flames rising into the night sky, followed by several more explosions. The army, which closed off the area, acknowledged that there had been an explosion "in one of the ammunition depots which is being dismantled near the city of Zarqa". Preliminary findings indicated that "the explosion was due to high temperatures provoking a chemical reaction in a shell", the military said in a statement. Jordan has over the past week seen temperatures soar above 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) in some regions. The area around the explosion has been "completely combed to ensure that there is no further danger, and the situation is under control," General Imad al-Khamaysseh told state television. Zarqa governorate, which has a population of about 1.5 million, has witnessed several explosions in past years, mainly caused by old munitions and fires in warehouses. It is also home to many factories and a free trade zone. The explosion came only days after the Hashemite kingdom announced it was reinstating military service for unemployed men between the ages of 25 and 29. Jordan abolished compulsory military service in 1991, three years before signing a peace accord with neighbouring Israel. The country and its 10 million people, ruled by King Abdullah II, have been hit hard by restrictions imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Unemployment rose to 23 percent in the first quarter of 2020, according to official figures, up from 19 percent for the same period last year.

Huge blast rocks Jordan military arms depot

The China-Pakistan defence partnership has everything covered. This partnership covers weapons, training, and intelligence sharing.

The United States had cut off military funding to Pakistan but, China has now swooped in with weapons and tactics.

An attempt to make sure that Pakistan remains a security challenge for India. Pakistan surviving on loans from its allies, former allies and the IMF.

Pakistan is also military with a country, where decisions are taken from Rawalpindi and not Islamabad.

So, while Imran Khan has made tall claims on austerity, Pakistan's military hasn’t seen any major cuts to its budget. In fact, in 2019, they bought arms in large quantities from China.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-is-selling-pakistan-its-most-advanced-warships-322854/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In July, China agreed to supply four attack drones to Pakistan. In December 2019, they struck a deal to supply 236 Howitzer guns. &nbsp;They signed a contract worth $512 million.

Another agreement was signed to overhaul Pakistan's main battle tank. Reports say Pakistan may also get the Chinese JH-7 jets to boost air power.

By a large margin, China is now the chief supplier of weapons to Pakistan. From 2015 to 2019, 73 per cent of Pakistan's arms came from China.

All other suppliers --- have a single-digit share and Chinese military support is not just limited to arms. &nbsp;The P.L.A. Is also training with Pakistan's soldiers.

In January, the navies of China and Pakistan conducted a nine-day mega naval exercise. It was called “sea guardians 2020”. The drills were carried out in the northern Arabian sea.

A month before that, the warrior seven joint military drills was held in Pakistan. In August 2019, the air forces conducted the Shaheen eight military exercise.

It happened in the Chinese city of Holton, which is close to the Indian border near Ladakh.

Last year, both sides decided to take their relationship to the next level. Pakistan’s Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Beijing.

He met with Xu Qiliang, the vice-chairman of the central military commission, which is China’s top military body.

China and Pakistan are now sharing military intelligence too. Recently, a Pakistani general was invited to attend a highly restricted meeting of the central military commission. This was an effort to enhance cooperation on Afghanistan.

China’s military support to Pakistan is expanding in all directions. &nbsp;From selling firepower to sharing intelligence, the dragon is building another defence force on India's western border.

As Pakistan turns into a colony for China, the country's army is being readied as a surrogate fighting force for Beijing.

The China-Pakistan defence partnership has everything covered. This partnership covers weapons, training, and intelligence sharing. The United States had cut off military funding to Pakistan but, China has now swooped in with weapons and tactics.

The China-Pakistan defence partnership has everything covered. This partnership covers weapons, training, and intelligence sharing. The United States had cut off military funding to Pakistan but, China has now swooped in with weapons and tactics. An attempt to make sure that Pakistan remains a security challenge for India. Pakistan surviving on loans from its allies, former allies and the IMF. Pakistan is also military with a country, where decisions are taken from Rawalpindi and not Islamabad. So, while Imran Khan has made tall claims on austerity, Pakistan's military hasn’t seen any major cuts to its budget. In fact, in 2019, they bought arms in large quantities from China. In July, China agreed to supply four attack drones to Pakistan. In December 2019, they struck a deal to supply 236 Howitzer guns. They signed a contract worth $512 million. Another agreement was signed to overhaul Pakistan's main battle tank. Reports say Pakistan may also get the Chinese JH-7 jets to boost air power. By a large margin, China is now the chief supplier of weapons to Pakistan. From 2015 to 2019, 73 per cent of Pakistan's arms came from China. All other suppliers --- have a single-digit share and Chinese military support is not just limited to arms. The P.L.A. Is also training with Pakistan's soldiers. In January, the navies of China and Pakistan conducted a nine-day mega naval exercise. It was called “sea guardians 2020”. The drills were carried out in the northern Arabian sea. A month before that, the warrior seven joint military drills was held in Pakistan. In August 2019, the air forces conducted the Shaheen eight military exercise. It happened in the Chinese city of Holton, which is close to the Indian border near Ladakh. Last year, both sides decided to take their relationship to the next level. Pakistan’s Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Beijing. He met with Xu Qiliang, the vice-chairman of the central military commission, which is China’s top military body. China and Pakistan are now sharing military intelligence too. Recently, a Pakistani general was invited to attend a highly restricted meeting of the central military commission. This was an effort to enhance cooperation on Afghanistan. China’s military support to Pakistan is expanding in all directions. From selling firepower to sharing intelligence, the dragon is building another defence force on India's western border. As Pakistan turns into a colony for China, the country's army is being readied as a surrogate fighting force for Beijing.

Military partnership with China takes toll on Pakistan's debt-ridden budget

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