South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises on Tuesday following a coronavirus delay, with the drills likely to infuriate the North which has long considered them rehearsals for invasion.

The drills come as tensions remain high between Seoul and Pyongyang after the North blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border in June and threatened military measures.

The nuclear-armed North — which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War — has regularly been angered by military exercises between the US and the South.

The Combined Command Post Training will run until August 28 and "focus on the maintenance of the combined defence posture" between the two countries, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-increase-in-military-spending-320201">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan announces increase in military spending</a>

The decision to proceed was made "after taking into consideration related circumstances, such as the COVID-19 situation, comprehensively," it added.

Seoul and Washington had initially planned to start the exercises Sunday but pushed back the date due to the coronavirus pandemic, as a burst of new cases in the South sparks fears of a major second wave.

The South reported 246 new infections on Tuesday, taking its total to 15,761, the fifth consecutive day of triple-digit increases after several weeks with numbers generally in the 30s and 40s.

Relations between the two Koreas have been at a standstill since the collapse of a summit last year between the North and the United States in Hanoi over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.

South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises on Tuesday following a coronavirus delay, with the drills likely to infuriate the North which has long considered them rehearsals for invasion.

South Korea and the United States began annual military exercises on Tuesday following a coronavirus delay, with the drills likely to infuriate the North which has long considered them rehearsals for invasion. The drills come as tensions remain high between Seoul and Pyongyang after the North blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border in June and threatened military measures. The nuclear-armed North — which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War — has regularly been angered by military exercises between the US and the South. The Combined Command Post Training will run until August 28 and "focus on the maintenance of the combined defence posture" between the two countries, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. Also read: Taiwan announces increase in military spending The decision to proceed was made "after taking into consideration related circumstances, such as the COVID-19 situation, comprehensively," it added. Seoul and Washington had initially planned to start the exercises Sunday but pushed back the date due to the coronavirus pandemic, as a burst of new cases in the South sparks fears of a major second wave. The South reported 246 new infections on Tuesday, taking its total to 15,761, the fifth consecutive day of triple-digit increases after several weeks with numbers generally in the 30s and 40s. Relations between the two Koreas have been at a standstill since the collapse of a summit last year between the North and the United States in Hanoi over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.

US, South Korea begin joint military drills after virus delay

30 countries have backed the plan to fully ban autonomous weapons, or as they’re more commonly called - “killer robots”, a report by Human Rights Watch has revealed.

The weapons in question will be capable of inflicting mass casualties without human intervention.

97 countries have acknowledged such weapons

The report was released by the watch group on Monday, and was based on a review of policies from 97 countries that have publicly acknowledged such weapons. This issue was first taken up at the Human Rights Council in 2013.

According to the report titled "Stopping Killer Robots: Country Positions on Banning Fully Autonomous Weapons and Retaining Human Control”, more and more countries are acknowledging the need to stop “killer robots”, formally categorised as lethal autonomous weapon system.

A coalition of 161 non-governmental organisations including the HRW has been pleading for a complete ban on such weapons since 2013.

Weapons&nbsp;systems that select and engage targets without meaningful human control are unacceptable and need to be prevented," HRW said.

<h6><img alt="People look a mock &quot;killer robot&quot; in central London on April 23, 2013 during the launching of the Campaign to Stop &quot;Killer Robots,&quot; which calls for the ban of lethal robot weapons that would be able to select and attack targets without any human intervention. The Campaign to Stop Killer Robots calls for a pre-emptive and comprehensive ban on the development, production, and use of fully autonomous weapons." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c30a8ece-f70b-40f5-92f4-368e07dc7559" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-8_6.jpg" /> 
People look a mock "killer robot" in central London on April 23, 2013 during the launching of the Campaign to Stop "Killer Robots," which calls for the ban of lethal robot weapons that would be able to select and attack targets without any human intervention. The Campaign to Stop Killer Robots calls for a pre-emptive and comprehensive ban on the development, production, and use of fully autonomous weapons. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

"Grave threat to humanity"

"Removing human control from the use of force is now widely regarded as a grave threat to humanity that, like climate change, deserves urgent multilateral action," said Mary Wareham, the coordinator of the “Campaign to Stop Killer Robots”.

"An international ban treaty is the only effective way to deal with the serious challenges raised by fully autonomous weapons," Wareham added.

"All countries have a duty to protect humanity from this dangerous development by banning fully&nbsp;autonomous&nbsp;weapons. Retaining meaningful human control over the use of force is an ethical imperative, a legal necessity, and a moral obligation", the organisation added.

Many countries are calling for a ban on such weapons. These are: Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China (only on using them), Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Ecuador, El Salvador, Egypt, Ghana, Guatemala, the Holy See, Iraq, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, the State of Palestine, Uganda, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

Major military hubs like Russia and the United States have halted the progress towards banning such weapons. At the same time, both the countries have upped investment in artificial intelligence for military purposes besides developing autonomous weapons systems for land, water, and air.

Warhem shed light on the “existential threats to humanity”, including “killer robots”.

30 countries have backed the plan to fully ban autonomous weapons, or as they’re more commonly called - “killer robots”, a report by Human Rights Watch has revealed.

30 countries have backed the plan to fully ban autonomous weapons, or as they’re more commonly called - “killer robots”, a report by Human Rights Watch has revealed. The weapons in question will be capable of inflicting mass casualties without human intervention. 97 countries have acknowledged such weapons The report was released by the watch group on Monday, and was based on a review of policies from 97 countries that have publicly acknowledged such weapons. This issue was first taken up at the Human Rights Council in 2013. According to the report titled "Stopping Killer Robots: Country Positions on Banning Fully Autonomous Weapons and Retaining Human Control”, more and more countries are acknowledging the need to stop “killer robots”, formally categorised as lethal autonomous weapon system. A coalition of 161 non-governmental organisations including the HRW has been pleading for a complete ban on such weapons since 2013. Weapons systems that select and engage targets without meaningful human control are unacceptable and need to be prevented," HRW said. People look a mock "killer robot" in central London on April 23, 2013 during the launching of the Campaign to Stop "Killer Robots," which calls for the ban of lethal robot weapons that would be able to select and attack targets without any human intervention. The Campaign to Stop Killer Robots calls for a pre-emptive and comprehensive ban on the development, production, and use of fully autonomous weapons. | AFP "Grave threat to humanity" "Removing human control from the use of force is now widely regarded as a grave threat to humanity that, like climate change, deserves urgent multilateral action," said Mary Wareham, the coordinator of the “Campaign to Stop Killer Robots”. "An international ban treaty is the only effective way to deal with the serious challenges raised by fully autonomous weapons," Wareham added. "All countries have a duty to protect humanity from this dangerous development by banning fully autonomous weapons. Retaining meaningful human control over the use of force is an ethical imperative, a legal necessity, and a moral obligation", the organisation added. Many countries are calling for a ban on such weapons. These are: Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China (only on using them), Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Ecuador, El Salvador, Egypt, Ghana, Guatemala, the Holy See, Iraq, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, the State of Palestine, Uganda, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. Major military hubs like Russia and the United States have halted the progress towards banning such weapons. At the same time, both the countries have upped investment in artificial intelligence for military purposes besides developing autonomous weapons systems for land, water, and air. Warhem shed light on the “existential threats to humanity”, including “killer robots”.

30 countries support explicit ban on 'killer robots': Report

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his&nbsp;Azerbaijan counterpart&nbsp;Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises.

The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts. While Shoigu described this as a reoutine check of the military's preparedness, the timing of these military exercises has fallen amid the rising tension and clashes between its ally Azerbaijan and Armenian forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-us-and-canada-accuse-russia-of-vaccine-research-hacking-314318">Also read:&nbsp;UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking</a>

In the past few days, more than a dozen Armenian and Azeri soldiers have been killed due to the increased&nbsp;clashes between the two former Soviet republics which have long been at odds over Azerbaijan`s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Russia, which has a military base in Armenia, has urged both countries to cease fire and has offered to be a mediator and peace maker between the two nations.

Armenia has accused&nbsp;Azerbaijan of being a possible threat to national and global security after Azerbaijan&nbsp;warned Armenia it could strike the Metzamor nuclear power station if its Mingechavir reservoir or other strategic outlets were hit. Armenia claims that the threat counts as "a threat to commit terrorism".

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his Azerbaijan counterpart Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises. The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his Azerbaijan counterpart Sakir Hasanov on Saturday that Russia is carrying out military exercises. The drill includes nearly 150,000 troops and 400 aircrafts. While Shoigu described this as a reoutine check of the military's preparedness, the timing of these military exercises has fallen amid the rising tension and clashes between its ally Azerbaijan and Armenian forces. Also read: UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking In the past few days, more than a dozen Armenian and Azeri soldiers have been killed due to the increased clashes between the two former Soviet republics which have long been at odds over Azerbaijan`s breakaway, mainly ethnic Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia, which has a military base in Armenia, has urged both countries to cease fire and has offered to be a mediator and peace maker between the two nations. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of being a possible threat to national and global security after Azerbaijan warned Armenia it could strike the Metzamor nuclear power station if its Mingechavir reservoir or other strategic outlets were hit. Armenia claims that the threat counts as "a threat to commit terrorism".

Russia conducts 'routine' military exercise amid rising tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday said that the country was reviewing the deployment of its forces across the world so that it was prepared to counter the threat posed by China to countries like India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

You could disagree with Donald Trump on many things but, there is one thing that the US President doesn’t lie about and that is the American military. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;According to Donald Trump "The United States has the best military by far, anywhere in the world.”

The American military remains the strongest fighting force in the world and&nbsp;this is not about weapons. The presence of the US Defence forces extends beyond the borders of America.

Nearly two lakh personnel are on active duty outside the United States. They are stationed in more than 170 countries. The US Military is on every continent of the planet. They are backed up by a global network of military installations. The United States remains the largest operator of military bases abroad.

In 2015, a report claimed that the United States maintains nearly 800 military bases in more than 70 countries. In comparison — countries like Britain, France and Russia have around 30 bases combined.

But — what’s of interest to India, is the US Indo-pacific command. Earlier, this was known as the pacific command. But, the Trump administration renamed it two years ago.

Declaring its greater emphasis on South Asia especially, towards India. The indo-pacific command — is a combined armed force unit of the United States.

It’s one of the oldest and largest combatant commands. That specifically deals with the indo-pacific.

The Indo-pacific command has been busy. With China stepping up its military activities — America too stepped up its patrolling in the region. This month, three American warships patrolled in the waters close to China.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), with its strike group, was seen in the Philippine Sea near Guam.

The USS Nimitz - strike groups — was in the Pacific waters, off the US West coast and — the USS Ronald Regan was deployed from Japan to the Philippine Sea but on the southern side.

This happened for the first time in nearly three years. A report described the American buildup as an unusual sight. Three warships — accompanied by the American navy cruisers, destroyers, fighter jets and other aircraft. If the United States wants to escalate the pressure on China. The Indo-Pacific is where the action will be.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday said that the country was reviewing the deployment of its forces across the world so that it was prepared to counter the threat posed by China to countries like India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday said that the country was reviewing the deployment of its forces across the world so that it was prepared to counter the threat posed by China to countries like India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. You could disagree with Donald Trump on many things but, there is one thing that the US President doesn’t lie about and that is the American military. According to Donald Trump "The United States has the best military by far, anywhere in the world.” The American military remains the strongest fighting force in the world and this is not about weapons. The presence of the US Defence forces extends beyond the borders of America. Nearly two lakh personnel are on active duty outside the United States. They are stationed in more than 170 countries. The US Military is on every continent of the planet. They are backed up by a global network of military installations. The United States remains the largest operator of military bases abroad. In 2015, a report claimed that the United States maintains nearly 800 military bases in more than 70 countries. In comparison — countries like Britain, France and Russia have around 30 bases combined. But — what’s of interest to India, is the US Indo-pacific command. Earlier, this was known as the pacific command. But, the Trump administration renamed it two years ago. Declaring its greater emphasis on South Asia especially, towards India. The indo-pacific command — is a combined armed force unit of the United States. It’s one of the oldest and largest combatant commands. That specifically deals with the indo-pacific. The Indo-pacific command has been busy. With China stepping up its military activities — America too stepped up its patrolling in the region. This month, three American warships patrolled in the waters close to China. The USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), with its strike group, was seen in the Philippine Sea near Guam. The USS Nimitz - strike groups — was in the Pacific waters, off the US West coast and — the USS Ronald Regan was deployed from Japan to the Philippine Sea but on the southern side. This happened for the first time in nearly three years. A report described the American buildup as an unusual sight. Three warships — accompanied by the American navy cruisers, destroyers, fighter jets and other aircraft. If the United States wants to escalate the pressure on China. The Indo-Pacific is where the action will be.

Breaking down global presence of the US Defence forces

Israel's defence exports amounted to $7.2 billion in 2019, slightly down from $7.5 billion the previous year, the government said Monday. 
 
As in 2018, the bulk went to Asia and the Pacific region, according to a defence ministry statement. 
 
The head of Israel's International Defence Cooperation Directorate, Yair Kulas, said the novel coronavirus pandemic was likely to impact this year's sales.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/israels-miracle-mask-sonovia-expects-99-coronavirus-success-after-lab-test-307664" hreflang="en">Israel's miracle mask: Sonovia expects 99% coronavirus success after lab test</a> 
 
"We were expecting to see a trend of growth in G2G (government-to-government) agreements throughout the year 2020, but the corona(virus) pandemic has devastated the global economy and the defence sector," Kulas said in the statement. 
 
The Israeli government does not comment on individual arms contracts, but Monday's statement said radar and early warning systems accounted for 17 percent of sales, with missiles, rockets and air defence systems bringing in 15 percent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/palestinians-fear-israeli-annexation-could-further-limit-dead-sea-access-307514" hreflang="en">Palestinians fear Israeli annexation could further limit Dead Sea access</a> 
 
It said that piloted aircraft and avionics contributed to 13 percent of 2019 sales, with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drone systems amounting to eight percent. &nbsp; 
 
Other areas included cyber and intelligence systems, ammunition and armament and naval systems. 
 
Sales to Asia and the Pacific region accounted for 41 percent of the total, according to the statement, with 26 percent going to Europe, 25 percent to North America and four percent each to Latin America and Africa.

Israel's defence exports amounted to $7.2 billion in 2019, slightly down from $7.5 billion the previous year, the government said Monday. As in 2018, the bulk went to Asia and the Pacific region, according to a defence ministry statement.

Israel's defence exports amounted to $7.2 billion in 2019, slightly down from $7.5 billion the previous year, the government said Monday. As in 2018, the bulk went to Asia and the Pacific region, according to a defence ministry statement. The head of Israel's International Defence Cooperation Directorate, Yair Kulas, said the novel coronavirus pandemic was likely to impact this year's sales. Also read: Israel's miracle mask: Sonovia expects 99% coronavirus success after lab test "We were expecting to see a trend of growth in G2G (government-to-government) agreements throughout the year 2020, but the corona(virus) pandemic has devastated the global economy and the defence sector," Kulas said in the statement. The Israeli government does not comment on individual arms contracts, but Monday's statement said radar and early warning systems accounted for 17 percent of sales, with missiles, rockets and air defence systems bringing in 15 percent. Also read: Palestinians fear Israeli annexation could further limit Dead Sea access It said that piloted aircraft and avionics contributed to 13 percent of 2019 sales, with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drone systems amounting to eight percent. Other areas included cyber and intelligence systems, ammunition and armament and naval systems. Sales to Asia and the Pacific region accounted for 41 percent of the total, according to the statement, with 26 percent going to Europe, 25 percent to North America and four percent each to Latin America and Africa.

Israeli defence sales $7.2 billion in 2019: Ministry

From the isolation, Tejerina and his wife, Geraldine, were inspired to find a way to help essential workers. They began cooking and delivering meals for police, doctors and nurses. Ever the marketer, Tejerina dubbed his project, "Taking Care of Those Who Care For Us."

Bolivian couple springs into action to feed coronavirus frontliners during lockdown

Countries that are now pumping more money into their militaries than ever before!

Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer was lit up in green on Wednesday (April 15), to honour military personnel on the frontlines in the fight against coronavirus.

Rio's Christ the Redeemer lit up in green in tribute to military at coronavirus frontlines

Drill, weapons training and exhaustive physical exercises. This is the life for 100 young girls who are undergoing training to become India’s First Women Military Police Soldiers.

Training of first batch of 100 women for induction into military police begins

The U.S. Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Forces held a training exercise called 'Nautical Defender' on Wednesday (February 26) at the King Abdulaziz Naval base. The military exercise is designed to build combined war fighting capabilities.

Joint military exercises between Saudi and US Marines

'The Beast' set to ride Indian roadways upon Trump's visit

Australian military assisted fire emergency and rescue personnel on Thursday (January 2) in Australia's south-east state of Victoria, where 50 fires are currently burning.

Australian military brings aid to fire-stricken communities in Victoria state

Venezuela has arrested eleven&nbsp;people in connection with a weekend raid of a remote military outpost in southern Bolivar state, but some suspects have fled across the border to Brazil with stolen weapons, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday.

Authorities have accused Brazil, Colombia and Peru - all adversaries of socialist Maduro who recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the rightful president - of complicity with the attack, in which one Venezuelan soldier was killed. All three countries' governments have denied involvement.

In an evening address on state television, Maduro called on Brazilian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-believe-god-is-brazilian-made-me-president-jair-bolsonaro-268197">Jair Bolsonaro</a> to cooperate.

"Capture the assailants in Brazilian territory and return the weapons to the Venezuelan armed forces," Maduro said.

He said the eleven&nbsp;detainees included both military and civilian suspects, without providing details.

Authorities have blamed "extreme sectors of the opposition" for the raid. Venezuela, whose economy has collapsed under Maduro, has been locked in a deep political crisis since Guaido, the head of the opposition-held National Assembly, assumed a rival presidency in January.

Maduro dismisses <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-has-abandoned-the-negotiation-talks-venezuelas-juan-guaido-250055">Juan&nbsp;Guaido</a> as a US&nbsp;puppet seeking to oust him in a coup.

Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in an earlier address on Monday that Darwin Balaguera, a former National Guard member who deserted in February and fled to Colombia, was detained over the raid. The channel broadcast video of Balaguera answering authorities' questions in custody.

Balaguera was among hundreds of Venezuelan soldiers who defected to Colombia during a Guaido-led attempt to bring humanitarian aid into the country through Colombia and Brazil in February. Some have said they are prepared to take up arms to remove Maduro.

Olnar Ortiz, an attorney with nonprofit rights group Penal Forum, said at least seven members of the Pemon <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indigenous-people-are-forgotten-victims-of-the-ongoing-crisis-in-venezuela-215018">indigenous group</a> were arrested in connection with the incident. Ortiz said four other Pemon individuals were missing.

Ortiz said authorities raided homes in the Pemon village of Kumarakapay near Venezuela's border with Brazil on Sunday evening, searching for suspected participants in the raid.

"They are criminalizing everyone without concrete evidence, without respect for due process," Ortiz said.

There were deadly confrontations between indigenous Pemon and authorities during the February aid effort. Troops loyal to Maduro blocked the aid from entering.

Venezuela has arrested eleven people in connection with a weekend raid of a remote military outpost in southern Bolivar state, but some suspects have fled across the border to Brazil with stolen weapons, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday.

Venezuela has arrested eleven people in connection with a weekend raid of a remote military outpost in southern Bolivar state, but some suspects have fled across the border to Brazil with stolen weapons, President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday. Authorities have accused Brazil, Colombia and Peru - all adversaries of socialist Maduro who recognize opposition leader Juan Guaido as the rightful president - of complicity with the attack, in which one Venezuelan soldier was killed. All three countries' governments have denied involvement. In an evening address on state television, Maduro called on Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to cooperate. "Capture the assailants in Brazilian territory and return the weapons to the Venezuelan armed forces," Maduro said. He said the eleven detainees included both military and civilian suspects, without providing details. Authorities have blamed "extreme sectors of the opposition" for the raid. Venezuela, whose economy has collapsed under Maduro, has been locked in a deep political crisis since Guaido, the head of the opposition-held National Assembly, assumed a rival presidency in January. Maduro dismisses Juan Guaido as a US puppet seeking to oust him in a coup. Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in an earlier address on Monday that Darwin Balaguera, a former National Guard member who deserted in February and fled to Colombia, was detained over the raid. The channel broadcast video of Balaguera answering authorities' questions in custody. Balaguera was among hundreds of Venezuelan soldiers who defected to Colombia during a Guaido-led attempt to bring humanitarian aid into the country through Colombia and Brazil in February. Some have said they are prepared to take up arms to remove Maduro. Olnar Ortiz, an attorney with nonprofit rights group Penal Forum, said at least seven members of the Pemon indigenous group were arrested in connection with the incident. Ortiz said four other Pemon individuals were missing. Ortiz said authorities raided homes in the Pemon village of Kumarakapay near Venezuela's border with Brazil on Sunday evening, searching for suspected participants in the raid. "They are criminalizing everyone without concrete evidence, without respect for due process," Ortiz said. There were deadly confrontations between indigenous Pemon and authorities during the February aid effort. Troops loyal to Maduro blocked the aid from entering.

Eleven arrested after weekend raid on military outpost: Maduro

1. A new department called&nbsp;the ''Department of Military Affairs'' (DMA) would be created as an imprint of the&nbsp;Ministry of Defence. The work pertaining exclusively to the military matters will fall within the ambit of this department, with the parent Department of Defence dealing&nbsp;with larger defence-related issues.

2. Armed forces would fall within lines of the Department of Military Affairs, with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-announce-indias-first-chief-of-defence-staff-today-269990">Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)</a> at the helm. This department would&nbsp;have a mix of defence and civilian officers. CDS would&nbsp;be responsible for restructuring the military command and to promote jointness in procurement, training, and staffing for the services. The CDS would also be responsible for joint theatre command and&nbsp;for bringing jointness in operations.

3. The CDS would&nbsp;be a four-star general and shall not be eligible to hold any government office after demitting the office of CDS. He would also not be part of any private employment without prior approval for a period of five years after demitting the office of CDS.

4. The CDS would&nbsp;also be the permanent Chief of Staff and would be supported by the integrated defence staff. He would also act as the permanent advisor to the Raksha Mantri. The CDS&nbsp;will, however, not exercise any military command, including over the three service chiefs. He will also have to&nbsp;administer tri-service organisations. Additionally, the command&nbsp;related to cyber and space will be under the office of CDS.

5. CDS will provide integrated inputs of the services to relevant authorities and will also be a member of the Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Committee. He will bring jointness in operations, logistics, transport training and support services, communications, repair and maintenance within three years of first CDS assuming office.

6. CDS&nbsp;will also enhance the usage of indigenous equipment and evaluate plans for out of area contingencies including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.&nbsp; He will also implement a five-year Defence Capital Acquisition Plan and Annual Acquisition Plans.

7. The CDS would also be responsible for bringing reform in the functioning of three services aimed at augmenting combat capabilities of the armed forces. CDS will also prepare an annual report for RM on the annual achievements in jointness during the year. He will also integrate and rationalise international cooperation plans.

1. A new department called the ''Department of Military Affairs'' (DMA) would be created as an imprint of the Ministry of Defence. The work pertaining exclusively to the military matters will fall within the ambit of this department, with the parent Department of Defence dealing with larger defence-related issues.

1. A new department called the ''Department of Military Affairs'' (DMA) would be created as an imprint of the Ministry of Defence. The work pertaining exclusively to the military matters will fall within the ambit of this department, with the parent Department of Defence dealing with larger defence-related issues. 2. Armed forces would fall within lines of the Department of Military Affairs, with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) at the helm. This department would have a mix of defence and civilian officers. CDS would be responsible for restructuring the military command and to promote jointness in procurement, training, and staffing for the services. The CDS would also be responsible for joint theatre command and for bringing jointness in operations. 3. The CDS would be a four-star general and shall not be eligible to hold any government office after demitting the office of CDS. He would also not be part of any private employment without prior approval for a period of five years after demitting the office of CDS. 4. The CDS would also be the permanent Chief of Staff and would be supported by the integrated defence staff. He would also act as the permanent advisor to the Raksha Mantri. The CDS will, however, not exercise any military command, including over the three service chiefs. He will also have to administer tri-service organisations. Additionally, the command related to cyber and space will be under the office of CDS. 5. CDS will provide integrated inputs of the services to relevant authorities and will also be a member of the Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Committee. He will bring jointness in operations, logistics, transport training and support services, communications, repair and maintenance within three years of first CDS assuming office. 6. CDS will also enhance the usage of indigenous equipment and evaluate plans for out of area contingencies including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. He will also implement a five-year Defence Capital Acquisition Plan and Annual Acquisition Plans. 7. The CDS would also be responsible for bringing reform in the functioning of three services aimed at augmenting combat capabilities of the armed forces. CDS will also prepare an annual report for RM on the annual achievements in jointness during the year. He will also integrate and rationalise international cooperation plans.

7 things one needs to know about Chief of Defence Staff and his functions

Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesman Ahmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tripoli-residents-denounce-trumps-call-to-libyan-commander-haftar-211945">Mismari</a> warned other carriers against transporting weapons using civilian planes, adding that "the army will down and strike any plane" that carries weapons.

"The civilian status of aircraft is revoked as soon as they are used for military purposes," Mismari told Reuters.

Mismari also said, in a video released on Sunday, that the LNA was extending an ultimatum it had given fighters in Misrata aligned with the internationally recognised Government of National Accord based in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-raids-in-libyan-capital-tripoli-kill-five-wound-ten-sources-265847">Tripoli</a>. They would now have until Wednesday at midnight to withdraw from the city instead of midnight on Sunday.

Withdrawing forces would not be targeted, he said.

The LNA, led by commander Khalifa Haftar, has been trying since April to take Tripoli from the GNA, which was set up in 2016 following a U.N.-brokered deal.

Eastern Libyan forces seized a Grenada-flagged ship with a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-turkey-will-increase-military-support-to-libya-if-necessary-269588">Turkish</a> crew on Saturday off the Libyan coast, a spokesman said, amid rising tensions with Turkey, which supports the rival GNA in Tripoli.

Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesman Ahmed Mismari warned other carriers against transporting weapons using civilian planes, adding that "the army will down and strike any plane" that carries weapons.

Libyan National Army (LNA) spokesman Ahmed Mismari warned other carriers against transporting weapons using civilian planes, adding that "the army will down and strike any plane" that carries weapons. "The civilian status of aircraft is revoked as soon as they are used for military purposes," Mismari told Reuters. Mismari also said, in a video released on Sunday, that the LNA was extending an ultimatum it had given fighters in Misrata aligned with the internationally recognised Government of National Accord based in Tripoli. They would now have until Wednesday at midnight to withdraw from the city instead of midnight on Sunday. Withdrawing forces would not be targeted, he said. The LNA, led by commander Khalifa Haftar, has been trying since April to take Tripoli from the GNA, which was set up in 2016 following a U.N.-brokered deal. Eastern Libyan forces seized a Grenada-flagged ship with a Turkish crew on Saturday off the Libyan coast, a spokesman said, amid rising tensions with Turkey, which supports the rival GNA in Tripoli.

Libyan force warns against transporting military equipment in civilian planes

North Korean leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-has-everything-to-lose-donald-trump-after-north-koreas-significant-test-267034">Kim&nbsp;Jong Un</a> discussed strengthening his country's&nbsp;military&nbsp;capability with top&nbsp;military&nbsp;officials, state media reported Sunday, with Pyongyang's end-of-year&nbsp;deadline&nbsp;for the US to offer concessions approaching.

The North promised an ominous "Christmas gift" earlier this month if Washington does not give ground by the end of December. The denuclearisation process has been largely deadlocked since the collapse of a summit in Hanoi at the start of the year.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Kim Jong Un personally inspects test of a new weapon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-personally-inspects-test-of-a-new-weapon-242259/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pyongyang has carried out a series of static tests at its Sohae rocket facility this month, after a number of weapons launches in recent weeks,&nbsp;some of them described as ballistic missiles by Japan and others. North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;is banned from carrying out such tests under UN sanctions.

Kim&nbsp;held an enlarged meeting of the ruling Workers' Party's Central&nbsp;Military&nbsp;Commission, for which he serves as chairman.

There, he "gave analysis and briefing on the complicated internal and external situation... to bolster up the overall&nbsp;armed forces&nbsp;of the country," the North's official KCNA news agency reported.&nbsp;

"Referring to merits and demerits in the recent work of the People's Army and matters to be rapidly overcome", KCNA said, "the Supreme Leader indicated in detail the direction and ways to be maintained" to boost the&nbsp;armed forces.&nbsp;

"Important issues for decisive improvement of the overall national defence and core matters for the sustained and accelerated development of&nbsp;military&nbsp;capability for self-defence," were also discussed, it added.&nbsp;

The report came a day after the nuclear-armed state warned Washington it would "pay dearly" over criticism of its human rights record by a US state department official.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-opens-a-flagship-construction-project-close-to-mount-paektu-265839">A North Korean foreign ministry </a>spokesperson said the comments were akin to "pouring oil over burning fire" amid heightened tensions in a statement carried by KCNA. &nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un discussed strengthening his country's military capability with top military officials, state media reported Sunday, with Pyongyang's end-of-year deadline for the US to offer concessions approaching.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un discussed strengthening his country's military capability with top military officials, state media reported Sunday, with Pyongyang's end-of-year deadline for the US to offer concessions approaching. The North promised an ominous "Christmas gift" earlier this month if Washington does not give ground by the end of December. The denuclearisation process has been largely deadlocked since the collapse of a summit in Hanoi at the start of the year. Watch: Kim Jong Un personally inspects test of a new weapon Pyongyang has carried out a series of static tests at its Sohae rocket facility this month, after a number of weapons launches in recent weeks, some of them described as ballistic missiles by Japan and others. North Korea is banned from carrying out such tests under UN sanctions. Kim held an enlarged meeting of the ruling Workers' Party's Central Military Commission, for which he serves as chairman. There, he "gave analysis and briefing on the complicated internal and external situation... to bolster up the overall armed forces of the country," the North's official KCNA news agency reported. "Referring to merits and demerits in the recent work of the People's Army and matters to be rapidly overcome", KCNA said, "the Supreme Leader indicated in detail the direction and ways to be maintained" to boost the armed forces. "Important issues for decisive improvement of the overall national defence and core matters for the sustained and accelerated development of military capability for self-defence," were also discussed, it added. The report came a day after the nuclear-armed state warned Washington it would "pay dearly" over criticism of its human rights record by a US state department official. A North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson said the comments were akin to "pouring oil over burning fire" amid heightened tensions in a statement carried by KCNA.

North Korea's Kim discusses strengthening military as deadline for potential US concessions approaches

The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. Indra 2019 will culminate on 19 December with an Integrated Fire Power demonstration and the Closing Ceremony.

The India-Russia ten-day long joint exercise "Indra 2019" culminated is currently wrapping up at three locations in India. The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise.

The massive wargames which had kicked-off on December 10th, as Russian naval vessels docked at Mormugao in Goa. The opening ceremony was held at the naval station in Goa to welcome the 700 Russian troops who participated in the military drills and exercises along with the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.

The grand scale of the exercise symbolises the continued goodwill and continuance of warm relations between the two old friends. Alignment of interest in a global world order has helped maintain all-round good ties between India and Russia.

Army - land warfare

The Indian Army is believed to have utilised offensive equipment in the land-based exercises which took place in Babina, Uttar Pradesh (near Jhansi). Some of the heavy equipment included the infantry combat vehicle - BMP-1, as well, as the main battle tank T-90M Bhisma, both of Russian origin.&nbsp;

Company-sized mechanized infantry contingents and the Ghatak platoon of the Indian Army participated alongside their Russian counterparts in Babina, Uttar Pradesh.

The exercise was largely aimed at countering terrorism under the UN mandate. Tactical operations and drills such as cordon house intervention and handling and neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) also took place.

<div class="ui-state-default">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Exercise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDRA</a> 2019<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Synergy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Synergy</a> 
 
Tri services contingents of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russian</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> Armed Forces will rehearse <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Counter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Counter</a> Terrorism drills in ten day Exercise. Aim of exercise is to hone the skills of troops in conduct of counter terrorism operations under the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedNations?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedNations</a> mandate. <a href="https://t.co/aQ76H2CKtC">pic.twitter.com/aQ76H2CKtC</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1205091543549403136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Naval warfare

"The Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) Ships Yaroslav Mudry, Viktor Konetsky and Elyna arrived in Goa on December 10 to participate in INDRA 2019, the second edition of the tri-services exercise between the Indian and the Russian armed forces," the defence ministry had said in a statement.

INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry cast-off from Mormugao harbour on December 16, 2019, to commence the sea phase of the joint tri-service exercise.&nbsp;

INS Tarkash, INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry participated in an encounter exercise and cross-deck flying on the same day. Sea riders were also exchanged between the Indian and Russian ships which was followed by air defence exercise involving four MiG29K aircraft.

On Dec 17, a combined boarding team of Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy personnel conducted boarding exercise to train for anti-piracy operations on a hijacked merchant vessel. Other exercises included firing practice, aviation operations and other manoeuvres like maintaining station and replenishment at sea.

 
Aerial warfare

Aerial operations were conducted in the outskirts of Pune, Maharashtra. According to the ministry of defence, the Indian Air Force employed the Su-30MKI multi-role aircraft, Jaguar attack aircraft, MI-17 multi-purpose helicopters and AWACS aircraft. The IAF currently employs its DRDO-made Airborne Warning &amp; Control System(AWCS) on the Brazillian-made Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. The Air Force Garud commandoes also participated in the exercise as part of counter-terrorism wargames.

Pilots of the Russian Federation Air Force also joined their Indian counterparts to pilot the newly inducted and indigenously built HAL Tejas multirole light aircraft.

The broad theme for the exercise was to organise a Joint Task Force for undertaking planning and execution of air operations for eliminating terrorists at the request of the third country under UN mandate. However, combined missions between IAF and RFAF were also undertaken for enrichening experience and maximising training value in terms of interoperability. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default">
<div class="twitter-block">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Training together to achieve <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Synergy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Synergy</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Interoperability?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Interoperability</a> 
 
Exercise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDRA</a> commences with Joint Opening Ceremony at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Babina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Babina</a>.Tri-Services contingents of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russian</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> Armed Forces will rehearse &amp; share best practices in their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CounterTerrorism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CounterTerrorism</a> drills in ten days Exercise. <a href="https://t.co/WX27bQ586f">pic.twitter.com/WX27bQ586f</a>
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1205009773885841408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"As part of validation exercise held on 19 December 2019, troops of both the countries carried out specialised joint counter-terrorist operations which was witnessed by dignitaries of services of both countries," the defence ministry said. 
&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeaPhase?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeaPhase</a> of Indo-Russian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Triservice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Triservice</a> exercise <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDRA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDRA</a> 2019 off Goa. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INSTarkash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INSTarkash</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INSAditya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INSAditya</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuFN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuFN</a> ship Yaroslav Mudry in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Encounter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Encounter</a> Exercise &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CrossDeck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CrossDeck</a> flying. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeaRiders?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeaRiders</a> exchanged between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RuFN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RuFN</a> ships followed by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirDefence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirDefence</a> exercise involving MiG29K aircraft. <a href="https://t.co/o7icW9ZBp1">pic.twitter.com/o7icW9ZBp1</a>
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/1207330046400065536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The exercise concluded on 19 December 2019 with a ceremonial closing ceremony by both the contingents," the defence ministry added.

The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. Indra 2019 will culminate on 19 December with an Integrated Fire Power demonstration and the Closing Ceremony.

The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. Indra 2019 will culminate on 19 December with an Integrated Fire Power demonstration and the Closing Ceremony. The India-Russia ten-day long joint exercise "Indra 2019" culminated is currently wrapping up at three locations in India. The exercise will conclude with a 72-hour validation exercise. The massive wargames which had kicked-off on December 10th, as Russian naval vessels docked at Mormugao in Goa. The opening ceremony was held at the naval station in Goa to welcome the 700 Russian troops who participated in the military drills and exercises along with the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The grand scale of the exercise symbolises the continued goodwill and continuance of warm relations between the two old friends. Alignment of interest in a global world order has helped maintain all-round good ties between India and Russia. Army - land warfare The Indian Army is believed to have utilised offensive equipment in the land-based exercises which took place in Babina, Uttar Pradesh (near Jhansi). Some of the heavy equipment included the infantry combat vehicle - BMP-1, as well, as the main battle tank T-90M Bhisma, both of Russian origin. Company-sized mechanized infantry contingents and the Ghatak platoon of the Indian Army participated alongside their Russian counterparts in Babina, Uttar Pradesh. The exercise was largely aimed at countering terrorism under the UN mandate. Tactical operations and drills such as cordon house intervention and handling and neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) also took place. Exercise #INDRA 2019#Synergy Tri services contingents of #Russian and #Indian Armed Forces will rehearse #Counter Terrorism drills in ten day Exercise. Aim of exercise is to hone the skills of troops in conduct of counter terrorism operations under the #UnitedNations mandate. pic.twitter.com/aQ76H2CKtC — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 12, 2019 × Naval warfare "The Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) Ships Yaroslav Mudry, Viktor Konetsky and Elyna arrived in Goa on December 10 to participate in INDRA 2019, the second edition of the tri-services exercise between the Indian and the Russian armed forces," the defence ministry had said in a statement. INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry cast-off from Mormugao harbour on December 16, 2019, to commence the sea phase of the joint tri-service exercise. INS Tarkash, INS Aditya and RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry participated in an encounter exercise and cross-deck flying on the same day. Sea riders were also exchanged between the Indian and Russian ships which was followed by air defence exercise involving four MiG29K aircraft. On Dec 17, a combined boarding team of Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy personnel conducted boarding exercise to train for anti-piracy operations on a hijacked merchant vessel. Other exercises included firing practice, aviation operations and other manoeuvres like maintaining station and replenishment at sea. Aerial warfare Aerial operations were conducted in the outskirts of Pune, Maharashtra. According to the ministry of defence, the Indian Air Force employed the Su-30MKI multi-role aircraft, Jaguar attack aircraft, MI-17 multi-purpose helicopters and AWACS aircraft. The IAF currently employs its DRDO-made Airborne Warning & Control System(AWCS) on the Brazillian-made Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft. The Air Force Garud commandoes also participated in the exercise as part of counter-terrorism wargames. Pilots of the Russian Federation Air Force also joined their Indian counterparts to pilot the newly inducted and indigenously built HAL Tejas multirole light aircraft. The broad theme for the exercise was to organise a Joint Task Force for undertaking planning and execution of air operations for eliminating terrorists at the request of the third country under UN mandate. However, combined missions between IAF and RFAF were also undertaken for enrichening experience and maximising training value in terms of interoperability. Training together to achieve #Synergy & #Interoperability Exercise #INDRA commences with Joint Opening Ceremony at #Babina.Tri-Services contingents of #Russian & #Indian Armed Forces will rehearse & share best practices in their #CounterTerrorism drills in ten days Exercise. pic.twitter.com/WX27bQ586f — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 12, 2019 × "As part of validation exercise held on 19 December 2019, troops of both the countries carried out specialised joint counter-terrorist operations which was witnessed by dignitaries of services of both countries," the defence ministry said. #SeaPhase of Indo-Russian #Triservice exercise #INDRA 2019 off Goa. #INSTarkash, #INSAditya & #RuFN ship Yaroslav Mudry in #Encounter Exercise & #CrossDeck flying. #SeaRiders exchanged between #IndianNavy & #RuFN ships followed by #AirDefence exercise involving MiG29K aircraft. pic.twitter.com/o7icW9ZBp1 — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 18, 2019 × "The exercise concluded on 19 December 2019 with a ceremonial closing ceremony by both the contingents," the defence ministry added.

India-Russia joint tri-service excercise 'Indra 2019' concludes

The Pentagon announced on Tuesday it was halting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-base-shooting-probe-trump-saudi-crown-prince-vow-to-cooperate-267259">operational training of all Saudi Arabian military</a> personnel in the United States until further notice after a Saudi Air Force lieutenant shot and killed three people last week at a base in Florida.

The decision will have far-reaching impacts on visiting Saudi personnel, including grounding more than 300 Saudi Arabian military aviation students as part of a "safety stand-down," first reported by Reuters earlier on Tuesday.

The Pentagon later confirmed the Reuters report about aviation students and added the move would also affect infantry personnel and all other Saudi training, other than classroom training. Such coursework, which includes English-language classes, will continue.

A senior US&nbsp;defence official, briefing Pentagon reporters on the decision, said the move was intended to allow for a broader review of security procedures that would eventually apply to all of some 5,000 international military students in the United States.

Still, the safety standdown only applied to the some 850 visiting students from Saudi Arabia. The defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the shooting "suggested that there could be a particular improvement with that (nation's) population."

"I don't have any evidence to suggest that there is a larger ring or larger conspiracy," the official said, when asked what was driving the safety-standdown.

The FBI has said US&nbsp;investigators believe Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, 21, acted alone when he attacked a US&nbsp;Navy base in Pensacola, Florida, on Friday, before he was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff.

The shootings have again raised questions about the US&nbsp;military relationship with Saudi Arabia, which has come under heightened scrutiny in Congress over the war in Yemen and Saudi Arabia's killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi last year.

Still, US&nbsp;military leaders have sought to portray this as a localised issue which would not affect the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-military-training-in-us-under-scrutiny-after-base-attack-267060">overall US-Saudi relationship</a>.

Navy spokeswoman Lieutenant Andriana Genualdi said the safety standdown and operational pause began on Monday for Saudi Arabian aviation students.

She said the grounding included three different military facilities: Naval Air Station Pensacola, Naval Air Station Whiting Field and Naval Air Station Mayport, all in Florida.

The Air Force said its groundings of Saudi aviation students also applied to additional US&nbsp;bases.

"Given the traumatic events, we feel it is best to keep the Royal Saudi Air Force students off the flying schedule for a short time," the Air Force spokeswoman said.

Alshamrani was on the base as part of a US&nbsp;Navy training program designed to foster links with foreign allies. He had started training in the United States in 2017 and had been in the Pensacola area for the past 18 months, authorities said.

A group that tracks online extremism has said Alshamrani appeared to have posted criticism of US&nbsp;wars in predominantly Muslim countries and quoted slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on Twitter hours before the shooting spree.

Watch: Saudi King reaches out to Donald Trump

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/florida-naval-base-shooting-saudi-king-reaches-out-to-donald-trump-266874/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

US-Saudi relations

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-thinks-saudi-shooter-acted-alone-florida-governor-decries-deep-seated-hatred-267095">The attack</a> comes as President Donald Trump's administration has maintained warm ties with Riyadh amid high tensions with Middle East rival Iran.

US&nbsp;Defence Secretary Mark Esper has dismissed suggestions that the shootings might make him more reluctant about new US&nbsp;deployments to Saudi Arabia, which were announced in October and first reported by Reuters.

"Saudi Arabia is a longstanding partner of ours in the region. We share mutual security interests," Esper said over the weekend.

Esper said he had instructed the armed forces to review both security at military bases and screening for foreign soldiers who come to the United States for training after the shooting.

In the wake of the shootings, the US&nbsp;Northern Command immediately ordered all military installations to review force protection measures and to increase "random security measures."

A Northern Command spokesman said local commanders in the United States also had the authority to "add further countermeasures as needed," without elaborating as to which, if any, bases did so.

The Pentagon announced on Tuesday it was halting operational training of all Saudi Arabian military personnel in the United States until further notice after a Saudi Air Force lieutenant shot and killed three people last week at a base in Florida.

The Pentagon announced on Tuesday it was halting operational training of all Saudi Arabian military personnel in the United States until further notice after a Saudi Air Force lieutenant shot and killed three people last week at a base in Florida. The decision will have far-reaching impacts on visiting Saudi personnel, including grounding more than 300 Saudi Arabian military aviation students as part of a "safety stand-down," first reported by Reuters earlier on Tuesday. The Pentagon later confirmed the Reuters report about aviation students and added the move would also affect infantry personnel and all other Saudi training, other than classroom training. Such coursework, which includes English-language classes, will continue. A senior US defence official, briefing Pentagon reporters on the decision, said the move was intended to allow for a broader review of security procedures that would eventually apply to all of some 5,000 international military students in the United States. Still, the safety standdown only applied to the some 850 visiting students from Saudi Arabia. The defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the shooting "suggested that there could be a particular improvement with that (nation's) population." "I don't have any evidence to suggest that there is a larger ring or larger conspiracy," the official said, when asked what was driving the safety-standdown. The FBI has said US investigators believe Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, 21, acted alone when he attacked a US Navy base in Pensacola, Florida, on Friday, before he was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff. The shootings have again raised questions about the US military relationship with Saudi Arabia, which has come under heightened scrutiny in Congress over the war in Yemen and Saudi Arabia's killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi last year. Still, US military leaders have sought to portray this as a localised issue which would not affect the overall US-Saudi relationship. Navy spokeswoman Lieutenant Andriana Genualdi said the safety standdown and operational pause began on Monday for Saudi Arabian aviation students. She said the grounding included three different military facilities: Naval Air Station Pensacola, Naval Air Station Whiting Field and Naval Air Station Mayport, all in Florida. The Air Force said its groundings of Saudi aviation students also applied to additional US bases. "Given the traumatic events, we feel it is best to keep the Royal Saudi Air Force students off the flying schedule for a short time," the Air Force spokeswoman said. Alshamrani was on the base as part of a US Navy training program designed to foster links with foreign allies. He had started training in the United States in 2017 and had been in the Pensacola area for the past 18 months, authorities said. A group that tracks online extremism has said Alshamrani appeared to have posted criticism of US wars in predominantly Muslim countries and quoted slain al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on Twitter hours before the shooting spree. Watch: Saudi King reaches out to Donald Trump US-Saudi relations The attack comes as President Donald Trump's administration has maintained warm ties with Riyadh amid high tensions with Middle East rival Iran. US Defence Secretary Mark Esper has dismissed suggestions that the shootings might make him more reluctant about new US deployments to Saudi Arabia, which were announced in October and first reported by Reuters. "Saudi Arabia is a longstanding partner of ours in the region. We share mutual security interests," Esper said over the weekend. Esper said he had instructed the armed forces to review both security at military bases and screening for foreign soldiers who come to the United States for training after the shooting. In the wake of the shootings, the US Northern Command immediately ordered all military installations to review force protection measures and to increase "random security measures." A Northern Command spokesman said local commanders in the United States also had the authority to "add further countermeasures as needed," without elaborating as to which, if any, bases did so.

US grounds Saudi pilots, suspends military training after shooting at base

The Pentagon on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-planning-to-send-14000-troops-to-middle-east-report-266277">denied a report</a> that the United States was weighing sending up to 14,000 more troops to the Middle East in the face of a perceived threat from Iran.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the possible deployment would include "dozens" more ships and double the number of troops added to the US force in the region since the beginning of this year, citing unnamed US officials.

The paper said President Donald Trump could make a decision on the troop boost as early as this month.

But the Pentagon disputed the accuracy of the report.

"To be clear, the reporting is wrong. The US&nbsp;is not considering sending 14,000 additional troops to the Middle East," spokeswoman Alyssa Farah tweeted.

The region has seen a series of attacks on shipping vessels and a drone and missile attack on Saudi oil installations in September blamed on Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-envoy-to-rejoin-doha-talks-with-taliban-after-kabul-visit-state-department-266270">Washington</a> has already ratcheted up its military presence in the Gulf and expanded economic sanctions on Tehran, elevating tensions across the region.&nbsp;

In mid-November, the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln sailed through the Strait of Hormuz in a show of force aimed at reassuring allies worried about the Iran threat.

In October Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced that two fighter squadrons and additional missile defence batteries were being sent to Saudi Arabia, for a total of about 3,000 new troops.

Earlier Wednesday Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the country was willing to return to the negotiating table over its nuclear program if the United States first drops sanctions, which have hampered the country's economy and may have contributed to recent domestic turmoil sparked by fuel price hikes.

Speaking at a defence conference in Manama, Bahrain on November 23, General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of US Central Command, said the US does not have all the resources it needs to cover the Middle East region.

"There is a lot of water to cover. Simply put, we don't have sufficient resources to be where we want to be in the right numbers all the time," he told the annual Manama Dialogue on regional security.

But McKenzie rebuffed criticism that Washington has been disengaging from the region.

"We have a carrier in the theatre, we've reinforced Saudi Arabia," he said.

"So I'm not sure I would agree with the narrative of abandonment or a narrative of walking away."

"Clearly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-willing-to-compromise-us-security-impeachment-hearing-chair-266274">the United States</a> has different global priorities and this is probably not the highest global priority, but I think it remains a very important thing for the United States," he added.

The Pentagon on Wednesday denied a report that the United States was weighing sending up to 14,000 more troops to the Middle East in the face of a perceived threat from Iran.

The Pentagon on Wednesday denied a report that the United States was weighing sending up to 14,000 more troops to the Middle East in the face of a perceived threat from Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported that the possible deployment would include "dozens" more ships and double the number of troops added to the US force in the region since the beginning of this year, citing unnamed US officials. The paper said President Donald Trump could make a decision on the troop boost as early as this month. But the Pentagon disputed the accuracy of the report. "To be clear, the reporting is wrong. The US is not considering sending 14,000 additional troops to the Middle East," spokeswoman Alyssa Farah tweeted. The region has seen a series of attacks on shipping vessels and a drone and missile attack on Saudi oil installations in September blamed on Iran. Washington has already ratcheted up its military presence in the Gulf and expanded economic sanctions on Tehran, elevating tensions across the region. In mid-November, the US aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln sailed through the Strait of Hormuz in a show of force aimed at reassuring allies worried about the Iran threat. In October Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced that two fighter squadrons and additional missile defence batteries were being sent to Saudi Arabia, for a total of about 3,000 new troops. Earlier Wednesday Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the country was willing to return to the negotiating table over its nuclear program if the United States first drops sanctions, which have hampered the country's economy and may have contributed to recent domestic turmoil sparked by fuel price hikes. Speaking at a defence conference in Manama, Bahrain on November 23, General Kenneth McKenzie, commander of US Central Command, said the US does not have all the resources it needs to cover the Middle East region. "There is a lot of water to cover. Simply put, we don't have sufficient resources to be where we want to be in the right numbers all the time," he told the annual Manama Dialogue on regional security. But McKenzie rebuffed criticism that Washington has been disengaging from the region. "We have a carrier in the theatre, we've reinforced Saudi Arabia," he said. "So I'm not sure I would agree with the narrative of abandonment or a narrative of walking away." "Clearly the United States has different global priorities and this is probably not the highest global priority, but I think it remains a very important thing for the United States," he added.

United States not mulling 14,000 more troops for Middle East: Pentagon

A joint military exercise between Indian and Nepali Army commenced at the Nepal Army Battle School (NABS) in country's Rupendehi district on Tuesday with an aim to enhance interoperability at the military level in jungle warfare, anti-terrorism combat as well as disaster response activities, the Defence Ministry said. 
 
This is the 14th edition of the joint military exercise 'Surya Kiran' which is conducted alternatively in India and Nepal. 
 
The aim of this exercise is to conduct a Battalion level combined training between the Indian and Nepalese Army with a scope to enhance interoperability at a military level in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, medical and environmental conservation including aviation aspects. 
 
As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations, and drills related to counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Jungle/ Mountainous terrain will be conducted. 
 
Both the Armies will also share their valuable experiences in countering such situations and also refine drills and procedures for joint operations wherever the need arises.

A joint military exercise between Indian and Nepali Army commenced at the Nepal Army Battle School (NABS) in country's Rupendehi district on Tuesday with an aim to enhance interoperability at the military level in jungle warfare, anti-terrorism combat as well as disaster response activities, the Defence Ministry said.

A joint military exercise between Indian and Nepali Army commenced at the Nepal Army Battle School (NABS) in country's Rupendehi district on Tuesday with an aim to enhance interoperability at the military level in jungle warfare, anti-terrorism combat as well as disaster response activities, the Defence Ministry said. This is the 14th edition of the joint military exercise 'Surya Kiran' which is conducted alternatively in India and Nepal. The aim of this exercise is to conduct a Battalion level combined training between the Indian and Nepalese Army with a scope to enhance interoperability at a military level in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, medical and environmental conservation including aviation aspects. As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations, and drills related to counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Jungle/ Mountainous terrain will be conducted. Both the Armies will also share their valuable experiences in countering such situations and also refine drills and procedures for joint operations wherever the need arises.

India, Nepal joint military exercise begins in Rupandehi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../canadas-use-of-huawei-5g-would-hamper-its- access-to-us-intelligence-us-official-264310">Canada</a> must pay almost a billion dollars in settlements to hundreds of military victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault and gender-based discrimination, a federal court ruled Monday.

The victims, some of whom still work in the Canadian armed forces or the defence ministry, filed class action lawsuits in 2016 and 2017 after an independent investigation found "an underlying sexualized culture" in Canada's armed forces "that is hostile to women and LGTBQ members, and conducive to more serious incidents of sexual harassment and assault."

A settlement was reached in July and endorsed by the vast majority of some 700 victims. The settlement was formally confirmed on Monday.

Each victim will receive between Can$5,000 ($3,760) and Can$50,000 depending on the gravity of the case.&nbsp;

Some plaintiffs "who experienced exceptional harm such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be eligible for up to an additional $100,000," the court ruled.

The settlement "contemplates numerous systemic changes and programs," including "a restorative engagement program and other measures to rebuild the relationship between class members and the military, and promote culture change."

The armed forces must also undergo an external five-year review that will measure the institution's progress in addressing sexual misconduct in order to make recommendations to senior military officials.

The top leadership of Canada's military has redoubled their efforts in recent years to eradicate cases of sexual assault and harassment in its ranks by providing better support to victims and punishing perpetrators more severely.

A November 2016 official probe found that at least three cases of sexual aggression took place every day in the Canadian armed forces, usually committed by a superior against a victim of lesser rank.

Canada must pay almost a billion dollars in settlements to hundreds of military victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault and gender-based discrimination, a federal court ruled Monday.

Canada must pay almost a billion dollars in settlements to hundreds of military victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault and gender-based discrimination, a federal court ruled Monday. The victims, some of whom still work in the Canadian armed forces or the defence ministry, filed class action lawsuits in 2016 and 2017 after an independent investigation found "an underlying sexualized culture" in Canada's armed forces "that is hostile to women and LGTBQ members, and conducive to more serious incidents of sexual harassment and assault." A settlement was reached in July and endorsed by the vast majority of some 700 victims. The settlement was formally confirmed on Monday. Each victim will receive between Can$5,000 ($3,760) and Can$50,000 depending on the gravity of the case. Some plaintiffs "who experienced exceptional harm such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be eligible for up to an additional $100,000," the court ruled. The settlement "contemplates numerous systemic changes and programs," including "a restorative engagement program and other measures to rebuild the relationship between class members and the military, and promote culture change." The armed forces must also undergo an external five-year review that will measure the institution's progress in addressing sexual misconduct in order to make recommendations to senior military officials. The top leadership of Canada's military has redoubled their efforts in recent years to eradicate cases of sexual assault and harassment in its ranks by providing better support to victims and punishing perpetrators more severely. A November 2016 official probe found that at least three cases of sexual aggression took place every day in the Canadian armed forces, usually committed by a superior against a victim of lesser rank.

Canada must pay up for military sexual assault victims: Federal court

The Strike Corps of the Indian Army began exercise 'Sindhu Sudarshan' in Barmer on Saturday. 
 
As many as 40,000 jawans are taking part in the exercise. 
 
A statement from the Indian Army said, "The Strike Corps of Southern Army is conducting exercise 'Sindhu Sudarshan' in the open deserts of Rajasthan to hone their combat skills for executing a swift, intense and deep strike in deserts and semi-developed terrain." 
 
"Approximately 40,000 troops, 700 'A' Vehicles and 300 Guns of Sudarshan Chakra Corps of Southern Command are undertaking a massive exercise in the deserts of Rajasthan showcasing their ability to undertake large scale offensive manoeuvres as part of an integrated air-land battle. 
 
The synergy of information and technology to attain battlefield transparency and situational awareness along with numerous other force multipliers are being exploited during the exercise," the statement said. 
 
It further said, "In this exercise, the newly inducted armed helicopter Rudra, equipped with electro-optical pods, helmet-mounted sights and night vision goggles is being integrated with the manoeuvres of the mechanised formations. The recently inducted 155 mm K9Vajra endowed with rapid mobility, quick deployment and high rates of accurate fire is also being op validated by integrating it with the operational manoeuvres of other mechanized elements." 
 
The various battle groups participating in the ongoing exercise have undergone extensive training for the past two months to validate their operational plans. 
 
"The operational readiness showcased by the mechanised battle groups of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps in a network-enabled environment using multiple, state of the art force multipliers, has reaffirmed the tremendous asymmetry enjoyed by the Indian Army in Southern theatre over its adversary," the statement added.

The Strike Corps of the Indian Army began exercise 'Sindhu Sudarshan' in Barmer on Saturday. As many as 40,000 jawans are taking part in the exercise. A statement from the Indian Army said, "The Strike Corps of Southern Army is conducting exercise 'Sindhu Sudarshan' in the open deserts of Rajasthan to hone their combat skills for executing a swift, intense and deep strike in deserts and semi-developed terrain.

The Strike Corps of the Indian Army began exercise 'Sindhu Sudarshan' in Barmer on Saturday. As many as 40,000 jawans are taking part in the exercise. A statement from the Indian Army said, "The Strike Corps of Southern Army is conducting exercise 'Sindhu Sudarshan' in the open deserts of Rajasthan to hone their combat skills for executing a swift, intense and deep strike in deserts and semi-developed terrain." "Approximately 40,000 troops, 700 'A' Vehicles and 300 Guns of Sudarshan Chakra Corps of Southern Command are undertaking a massive exercise in the deserts of Rajasthan showcasing their ability to undertake large scale offensive manoeuvres as part of an integrated air-land battle. The synergy of information and technology to attain battlefield transparency and situational awareness along with numerous other force multipliers are being exploited during the exercise," the statement said. It further said, "In this exercise, the newly inducted armed helicopter Rudra, equipped with electro-optical pods, helmet-mounted sights and night vision goggles is being integrated with the manoeuvres of the mechanised formations. The recently inducted 155 mm K9Vajra endowed with rapid mobility, quick deployment and high rates of accurate fire is also being op validated by integrating it with the operational manoeuvres of other mechanized elements." The various battle groups participating in the ongoing exercise have undergone extensive training for the past two months to validate their operational plans. "The operational readiness showcased by the mechanised battle groups of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps in a network-enabled environment using multiple, state of the art force multipliers, has reaffirmed the tremendous asymmetry enjoyed by the Indian Army in Southern theatre over its adversary," the statement added.

Indian Army showcases its striking capabilities with wargame 'Sindhu Sudarshan'

US troop levels in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-killed-in-bombing-in-turkish-controlled-northeast-syria-261218">northern Syria</a> will probably stabilize around 500, a top American military leader said Sunday, weeks after President Donald Trump had announced a complete withdrawal.

"There will be less than 1,000, for sure," General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on ABC's "This Week." "Probably in the 500ish frame, maybe six."

Trump's abrupt announcement last month that he had ordered a full troop withdrawal drew angry rebukes at home and abroad, with critics saying it could allow a resurgence of the Islamic State group while leaving US-allied <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everyone-deserves-second-chance-us-born-islamic-state-bride-appeals-again-to-come-home-from-syria-261101">Kurdish fighters in Syria</a> vulnerable to a Turkish invasion.

The US president later relented in part, saying he would leave some troops in the region to protect valuable oil fields.

Milley, who has commanded troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, told ABC that it was important for US troops to remain in Syria so long as IS has a presence there.

"There are still ISIS fighters in the region," he said, using an alternate term for IS. "Unless pressure is maintained unless attention is maintained on that group, there's a very real possibility there could be a re-emergence of ISIS."&nbsp;

Asked about the killing October&nbsp;26 of IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi by a US special forces unit, Milley said it would have a "significant disruptive effect on the organization." He said the US had "a considerable amount of information on his successor," Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi.

"Where opportunities arise," Milley said, "we'll go after him."

Trump has said he wants to wind down US military entanglements abroad where possible, but Milley predicted that American troops, already in Afghanistan for 18 years, would remain there "for several more years."

He was also asked whether he knew Alexander Vindman, the army lieutenant colonel and White House Ukraine expert who has testified about his concerns over a controversial phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Milley declined to comment "on a witness to an active investigation", the House of Representatives' impeachment enquiry into Trump.

US troop levels in northern Syria will probably stabilize around 500, a top American military leader said Sunday, weeks after President Donald Trump had announced a complete withdrawal.

US troop levels in northern Syria will probably stabilize around 500, a top American military leader said Sunday, weeks after President Donald Trump had announced a complete withdrawal. "There will be less than 1,000, for sure," General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on ABC's "This Week." "Probably in the 500ish frame, maybe six." Trump's abrupt announcement last month that he had ordered a full troop withdrawal drew angry rebukes at home and abroad, with critics saying it could allow a resurgence of the Islamic State group while leaving US-allied Kurdish fighters in Syria vulnerable to a Turkish invasion. The US president later relented in part, saying he would leave some troops in the region to protect valuable oil fields. Milley, who has commanded troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, told ABC that it was important for US troops to remain in Syria so long as IS has a presence there. "There are still ISIS fighters in the region," he said, using an alternate term for IS. "Unless pressure is maintained unless attention is maintained on that group, there's a very real possibility there could be a re-emergence of ISIS." Asked about the killing October 26 of IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi by a US special forces unit, Milley said it would have a "significant disruptive effect on the organization." He said the US had "a considerable amount of information on his successor," Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi. "Where opportunities arise," Milley said, "we'll go after him." Trump has said he wants to wind down US military entanglements abroad where possible, but Milley predicted that American troops, already in Afghanistan for 18 years, would remain there "for several more years." He was also asked whether he knew Alexander Vindman, the army lieutenant colonel and White House Ukraine expert who has testified about his concerns over a controversial phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Milley declined to comment "on a witness to an active investigation", the House of Representatives' impeachment enquiry into Trump.

'500 troops to remain in Syria,' says United States military official

Britain's top military adviser accused Russia on Sunday of "reckless" behaviour that violated international norms and risked sparking a war.

Chief of Defence Staff General Nick Carter said Moscow was operating in a "grey zone" that weaponised information and used unattributable proxies in conflicts.

He pointed to covert operations by the Wagner Group,&nbsp;a private army the Kremlin denies funding,&nbsp;in Syria and Africa as well as disinformation campaigns as two types of new threats

"Russia is much more assertive than it was 10 years ago. It's got some self-confidence now as it reasserts itself as a global power," Carter told BBC television.

"Cyber is part of that, what happens in space is part of that, disinformation, subversion, manipulation, assassinations, and of course the use of mercenaries, which are very easily undeclared and non-attributable," he said.

"Reckless behaviour and the lack of respect for international law relating to these new types of 'weapons' risks escalation that could easily lead to inadvertent miscalculation," Carter separately wrote in The Sunday Telegraph.

Russian President Vladimir Putin flatly denies the Kremlin's involvement in cyber and ground operations that Western intelligence agencies and analysts pin on Moscow.

But Carter said this "deniability" is a tactic now being perfected by Britain's main foes.

His media appearances are timed to remind Britons of the challenges they still face on Remembrance Sunday,&nbsp;the day the country honours those who fought and died in World War I and subsequent conflicts.

It also comes with US President Donald Trump wavering on Washington's commitment to the NATO military alliance and French President Emmanuel Macron promoting the idea of a European army.

Britain wants to preserve NATO as it prepares to leave the European Union after nearly 50 years.

"I have seen absolutely no evidence of any military planning to suggest that we are going to have a European army, and no declaration to that end has been made," Carter told the BBC.

Britain's top military adviser accused Russia on Sunday of "reckless" behaviour that violated international norms and risked sparking a war. Chief of Defence Staff General Nick Carter said Moscow was operating in a "grey zone" that weaponised information and used unattributable proxies in conflicts.

Britain's top military adviser accused Russia on Sunday of "reckless" behaviour that violated international norms and risked sparking a war. Chief of Defence Staff General Nick Carter said Moscow was operating in a "grey zone" that weaponised information and used unattributable proxies in conflicts. He pointed to covert operations by the Wagner Group, a private army the Kremlin denies funding, in Syria and Africa as well as disinformation campaigns as two types of new threats "Russia is much more assertive than it was 10 years ago. It's got some self-confidence now as it reasserts itself as a global power," Carter told BBC television. "Cyber is part of that, what happens in space is part of that, disinformation, subversion, manipulation, assassinations, and of course the use of mercenaries, which are very easily undeclared and non-attributable," he said. "Reckless behaviour and the lack of respect for international law relating to these new types of 'weapons' risks escalation that could easily lead to inadvertent miscalculation," Carter separately wrote in The Sunday Telegraph. Russian President Vladimir Putin flatly denies the Kremlin's involvement in cyber and ground operations that Western intelligence agencies and analysts pin on Moscow. But Carter said this "deniability" is a tactic now being perfected by Britain's main foes. His media appearances are timed to remind Britons of the challenges they still face on Remembrance Sunday, the day the country honours those who fought and died in World War I and subsequent conflicts. It also comes with US President Donald Trump wavering on Washington's commitment to the NATO military alliance and French President Emmanuel Macron promoting the idea of a European army. Britain wants to preserve NATO as it prepares to leave the European Union after nearly 50 years. "I have seen absolutely no evidence of any military planning to suggest that we are going to have a European army, and no declaration to that end has been made," Carter told the BBC.

Britain's top general warns calls Russian behaviour 'reckless', violation of international norms

Military build-up on icy Norway-Russia border stirs uneasiness

North Korean state news agency KCNA said on Friday another test of super-large multiple <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-projectiles-souths-military-259136">rocket launchers</a> a day earlier had been a success, but the test drew protests from neighbouring Japan and South Korea.

KCNA said the latest test of the "super-large multiple rocket launchers", following two tests of the same weapon in August and September overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, indicated the progress of Pyongyang's weapons development while talks with the United States remain in limbo.

The success of the tests was reported immediately and Kim expressed satisfaction and congratulated the scientists who had developed the weapon, KCNA said, suggesting that Kim was not at the site for Thursday afternoon's test.

North Korea's state newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, showed a photo of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-unidentified-projectiles-souths-military-259004">multiple rocket launcher</a> surrounded by yellow flames and smoke.

Thursday's test verified that the "continuous fire system" of the multiple rocket launchers was able to "totally destroy" a group target of the enemy by a surprise strike, KCNA said.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said North Korea's latest test, which he described as a missile launch, was against United Nations resolutions and was "extremely regrettable". Suga said Japan had protested to North Korea over the missile launch.

Republican US&nbsp;Senator Cory Gardner, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, said North Korea was "engaged in increasingly escalatory behaviour".

"This launch and continued North Korean aggression underscore the need for the Trump Administration to re-commit to the maximum pressure policy" and for Congress to impose additional sanctions against Kim's government, Gardner said in a statement.

However, South Korea's national security adviser Chung Eui-Yong said the North's missile launches do not pose "very grave threats".

"We're also test-firing missiles, no less than North Korea does," he told a parliamentary session. "Our missile defence and intercept capabilities are absolutely superior to theirs."

The weapons test was the first since one day of talks between the United States and North Korea in Sweden ended without an agreement on Oct. 5. It came as North Korea repeatedly emphasises an end-of-the-year deadline that Kim set for denuclearisation talks with Washington.

The situation on the Korean Peninsula is at a critical stage, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters at a daily news briefing on Friday. All sides should work towards a peaceful resolution of the issue, he said.

KCNA said last month that while Kim and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump have a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-and-trump-have-special-relationship-state-media-257802">"special" relationship</a>, policymakers in Washington were "hostile to the DPRK for no reason". North Korea's official name is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

North Korean state news agency KCNA said on Friday another test of super-large multiple rocket launchers a day earlier had been a success, but the test drew protests from neighbouring Japan and South Korea.

North Korean state news agency KCNA said on Friday another test of super-large multiple rocket launchers a day earlier had been a success, but the test drew protests from neighbouring Japan and South Korea. KCNA said the latest test of the "super-large multiple rocket launchers", following two tests of the same weapon in August and September overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, indicated the progress of Pyongyang's weapons development while talks with the United States remain in limbo. The success of the tests was reported immediately and Kim expressed satisfaction and congratulated the scientists who had developed the weapon, KCNA said, suggesting that Kim was not at the site for Thursday afternoon's test. North Korea's state newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, showed a photo of the multiple rocket launcher surrounded by yellow flames and smoke. Thursday's test verified that the "continuous fire system" of the multiple rocket launchers was able to "totally destroy" a group target of the enemy by a surprise strike, KCNA said. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said North Korea's latest test, which he described as a missile launch, was against United Nations resolutions and was "extremely regrettable". Suga said Japan had protested to North Korea over the missile launch. Republican US Senator Cory Gardner, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, said North Korea was "engaged in increasingly escalatory behaviour". "This launch and continued North Korean aggression underscore the need for the Trump Administration to re-commit to the maximum pressure policy" and for Congress to impose additional sanctions against Kim's government, Gardner said in a statement. However, South Korea's national security adviser Chung Eui-Yong said the North's missile launches do not pose "very grave threats". "We're also test-firing missiles, no less than North Korea does," he told a parliamentary session. "Our missile defence and intercept capabilities are absolutely superior to theirs." The weapons test was the first since one day of talks between the United States and North Korea in Sweden ended without an agreement on Oct. 5. It came as North Korea repeatedly emphasises an end-of-the-year deadline that Kim set for denuclearisation talks with Washington. The situation on the Korean Peninsula is at a critical stage, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters at a daily news briefing on Friday. All sides should work towards a peaceful resolution of the issue, he said. KCNA said last month that while Kim and US President Donald Trump have a "special" relationship, policymakers in Washington were "hostile to the DPRK for no reason". North Korea's official name is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

North Korea says it conducted successful test of multiple rocket launchers

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-assad-says-he-does-not-want-turkey-as-an-enemy-259172">Turkish</a> and Russian troops began conducting their first joint ground patrols in northeast Syria on Friday, a Turkish military source told Reuters.

Ankara and Moscow had agreed to conduct joint patrols in the region under a deal struck by President Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Erdogan said on Wednesday the patrols would be at a depth of 7 km in Syrian territory.

In September, the leaders of Turkey, Russia and Iran meeting in Ankara&nbsp;agreed to try to ease tensions in northwest Syria's Idlib region, but disagreements between the countries appeared to linger, especially over the threat from Islamic State.

The summit of the three countries,&nbsp;all of whom have allies fighting in Syria's ruinous eight-year-old war,&nbsp;aimed to find a lasting truce in Syria.&nbsp;

Recent attacks by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-releases-18-syrian-troops-after-talks-with-russia-259170">Syrian government</a> forces risk deepening regional turmoil and pushing a new wave of migrants towards Turkey.

"We are in a period when we need to take more responsibility for peace in Syria, when we (three countries) need to carry more weight," Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan said, adding that all three leaders were in agreement that a political solution was necessary to end the crisis in Syria.

Turkish and Russian troops began conducting their first joint ground patrols in northeast Syria on Friday, a Turkish military source told Reuters. Ankara and Moscow had agreed to conduct joint patrols in the region under a deal struck by President Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Turkish and Russian troops began conducting their first joint ground patrols in northeast Syria on Friday, a Turkish military source told Reuters. Ankara and Moscow had agreed to conduct joint patrols in the region under a deal struck by President Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Erdogan said on Wednesday the patrols would be at a depth of 7 km in Syrian territory. In September, the leaders of Turkey, Russia and Iran meeting in Ankara agreed to try to ease tensions in northwest Syria's Idlib region, but disagreements between the countries appeared to linger, especially over the threat from Islamic State. The summit of the three countries, all of whom have allies fighting in Syria's ruinous eight-year-old war, aimed to find a lasting truce in Syria. Recent attacks by Syrian government forces risk deepening regional turmoil and pushing a new wave of migrants towards Turkey. "We are in a period when we need to take more responsibility for peace in Syria, when we (three countries) need to carry more weight," Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan said, adding that all three leaders were in agreement that a political solution was necessary to end the crisis in Syria.

Turkey, Russia begin joint patrols in northern Syria: Report

China's orienteering team has been disqualified from this year's&nbsp;Military&nbsp;World&nbsp;Games&nbsp;hosted by the mainland following accusations of cheating at an event, according to a statement by the sport's international association.

The International Orienteering Federation (IOF) said in a statement that the middle distance orienteering competition at the&nbsp;games&nbsp;on Sunday had been "overshadowed by extensive cheating by the Chinese team".

Competitors in orienteering, a cross-country race, are tested on their ability to complete a course using only a map and a compass. But the IOF said the Chinese team had been helped by local spectators and had also made use of illegal course markings and small paths only they were aware of.

"The jury decided to disqualify all competitors in the Chinese team," IOF said, adding the Chinese appealed the decision but were unsuccessful.

Chinese runners initially came in first, second and fourth place among the women and second among the men. The best finishing time is now held by Matthias Kyburz of Switzerland, but no medals have yet been awarded, the IOF said.

Reuters was not immediately able to reach the organisers of the&nbsp;games, the International&nbsp;Military&nbsp;Sports Council (CISM). The General Administration of Sport of China did not respond to a faxed request for comment.

Domestic media have not yet reported the incident. A preview of the orienteering events was published in the local Yangtze Daily newspaper, saying the Chinese team was expected to be successful due to strong "group collaboration".

The official website of the Wuhan&nbsp;military&nbsp;games&nbsp;did not refer directly to the disqualifications, though the names of the Chinese competitors have been removed from the final standings.

China's Weibo microblogging service only had two posts referring to the incident and both citing foreign media.

CISM said in a statement that "rumors" of misconduct "cannot in any way taint the image of the&nbsp;games", though it is unclear when the statement was posted.

The&nbsp;military&nbsp;games, held every year, kicked off in the Chinese city of Wuhan on Oct. 19 after an opening ceremony attended by President Xi Jinping.

Held under the banner of "Military&nbsp;Glory, World Peace", the&nbsp;games&nbsp;have featured over 9,300&nbsp;military&nbsp;personnel from 109 nations, its official website said.

China's orienteering team has been disqualified from this year's Military World Games hosted by the mainland following accusations of cheating at an event, according to a statement by the sport's international association.

China's orienteering team has been disqualified from this year's Military World Games hosted by the mainland following accusations of cheating at an event, according to a statement by the sport's international association. The International Orienteering Federation (IOF) said in a statement that the middle distance orienteering competition at the games on Sunday had been "overshadowed by extensive cheating by the Chinese team". Competitors in orienteering, a cross-country race, are tested on their ability to complete a course using only a map and a compass. But the IOF said the Chinese team had been helped by local spectators and had also made use of illegal course markings and small paths only they were aware of. "The jury decided to disqualify all competitors in the Chinese team," IOF said, adding the Chinese appealed the decision but were unsuccessful. Chinese runners initially came in first, second and fourth place among the women and second among the men. The best finishing time is now held by Matthias Kyburz of Switzerland, but no medals have yet been awarded, the IOF said. Reuters was not immediately able to reach the organisers of the games, the International Military Sports Council (CISM). The General Administration of Sport of China did not respond to a faxed request for comment. Domestic media have not yet reported the incident. A preview of the orienteering events was published in the local Yangtze Daily newspaper, saying the Chinese team was expected to be successful due to strong "group collaboration". The official website of the Wuhan military games did not refer directly to the disqualifications, though the names of the Chinese competitors have been removed from the final standings. China's Weibo microblogging service only had two posts referring to the incident and both citing foreign media. CISM said in a statement that "rumors" of misconduct "cannot in any way taint the image of the games", though it is unclear when the statement was posted. The military games, held every year, kicked off in the Chinese city of Wuhan on Oct. 19 after an opening ceremony attended by President Xi Jinping. Held under the banner of "Military Glory, World Peace", the games have featured over 9,300 military personnel from 109 nations, its official website said.

China orienteering team disqualified from world military games

China on Sunday said it aims to become a "great power" in the online world and took a swipe at Washington on trade, kicking off its annual conference promoting the Communist Party's controlled and censored version of the internet.

US-China rivalry is increasingly playing out in the digital sphere, as Beijing pursues dominance in next-generation technology while Washington takes measures to cripple Chinese tech firms like Huawei.

China heavily monitors and censors its internet, with US titans Facebook, Twitter and Google all hidden behind a so-called "Great Firewall" that also blocks politically sensitive content.

At the yearly World Internet Conference, held in the picturesque ancient canal town of Wuzhen since 2014, Chinese officials talked up the country's tech prowess.

"We have become a cyberspace power of 800 million netizens," the head of the Communist Party's propaganda department, Huang Kunming, said in a keynote address.

Huang added that in the future, China "will unceasingly expand the fruits of internet development and forge ahead from a cyberspace 'big power' to a cyberspace 'great power'".

The propaganda chief also denounced "cyber-hegemony and bullying" by other countries, using language typically reserved for the United States, which he said were behind confrontation in the high-tech world.

'Internet sovereignty'

The US is threatening crippling sanctions on Huawei, which is expected to be a leading player in the advent of ultra-fast 5G communications that will make many new technologies possible.

"Some countries have placed restrictions on and suppressed other countries and companies, escalating uncertainty and even antagonism in cyberspace," Huang said, without naming the United States directly.

The US commerce department also earlier this month said it will blacklist 28 Chinese entities it says are implicated in rights violations and abuses in China's Xinjiang region, where an estimated one million mostly Muslim minorities are held in internment camps.

President Xi Jinping has previously sketched out plans for China to gain dominance,&nbsp; with heavy assistance from the government,&nbsp;in key future technologies by 2025, a strategy that has caused US alarm.

The conference has faced foreign criticism as an attempt to whitewash the Communist Party's cyberspace controls in the name of "internet sovereignty" rather than viewing the web as an open global resource.

In the past, the event has drawn leading US tech CEOs such as Apple's Tim Cook and Google's Sundar Pichai.

But with the US-China tensions simmering, this year's conference lacks any high-profile US figures.

Silicon Valley has also been embroiled in recent efforts by Beijing to step up pressure on foreign companies deemed to be in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement.

Earlier this month Apple removed an app criticised by mainland China for allowing Hong Kong protesters to track police, a move which sparked fierce criticism and accusations of bowing to China.

China on Sunday said it aims to become a "great power" in the online world and took a swipe at Washington on trade, kicking off its annual conference promoting the Communist Party's controlled and censored version of the internet.

China on Sunday said it aims to become a "great power" in the online world and took a swipe at Washington on trade, kicking off its annual conference promoting the Communist Party's controlled and censored version of the internet. US-China rivalry is increasingly playing out in the digital sphere, as Beijing pursues dominance in next-generation technology while Washington takes measures to cripple Chinese tech firms like Huawei. China heavily monitors and censors its internet, with US titans Facebook, Twitter and Google all hidden behind a so-called "Great Firewall" that also blocks politically sensitive content. At the yearly World Internet Conference, held in the picturesque ancient canal town of Wuzhen since 2014, Chinese officials talked up the country's tech prowess. "We have become a cyberspace power of 800 million netizens," the head of the Communist Party's propaganda department, Huang Kunming, said in a keynote address. Huang added that in the future, China "will unceasingly expand the fruits of internet development and forge ahead from a cyberspace 'big power' to a cyberspace 'great power'". The propaganda chief also denounced "cyber-hegemony and bullying" by other countries, using language typically reserved for the United States, which he said were behind confrontation in the high-tech world. 'Internet sovereignty' The US is threatening crippling sanctions on Huawei, which is expected to be a leading player in the advent of ultra-fast 5G communications that will make many new technologies possible. "Some countries have placed restrictions on and suppressed other countries and companies, escalating uncertainty and even antagonism in cyberspace," Huang said, without naming the United States directly. The US commerce department also earlier this month said it will blacklist 28 Chinese entities it says are implicated in rights violations and abuses in China's Xinjiang region, where an estimated one million mostly Muslim minorities are held in internment camps. President Xi Jinping has previously sketched out plans for China to gain dominance, with heavy assistance from the government, in key future technologies by 2025, a strategy that has caused US alarm. The conference has faced foreign criticism as an attempt to whitewash the Communist Party's cyberspace controls in the name of "internet sovereignty" rather than viewing the web as an open global resource. In the past, the event has drawn leading US tech CEOs such as Apple's Tim Cook and Google's Sundar Pichai. But with the US-China tensions simmering, this year's conference lacks any high-profile US figures. Silicon Valley has also been embroiled in recent efforts by Beijing to step up pressure on foreign companies deemed to be in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement. Earlier this month Apple removed an app criticised by mainland China for allowing Hong Kong protesters to track police, a move which sparked fierce criticism and accusations of bowing to China.

China talks up technology prowess in face of United States rivalry

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An Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday. 
 
Indian Army is retaliating effectively. Further details in this regard are awaited. 
 
Earlier on Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-hiranagar-sector-targets-civilian-areas-255571">Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Hiranagar</a> sector that continued till 5:30 am today. 
 
The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year compared to 2018. 
 
"2317 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2019 till October 10 while 147 terrorists have been killed in different operations by the security forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland," Indian Army sources had said. 
 
In 2018, the total number of ceasefire violations was 1629.

An Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday. Indian Army is retaliating effectively.

An Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday. Indian Army is retaliating effectively. Further details in this regard are awaited. Earlier on Saturday, Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Hiranagar sector that continued till 5:30 am today. The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year compared to 2018. "2317 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2019 till October 10 while 147 terrorists have been killed in different operations by the security forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland," Indian Army sources had said. In 2018, the total number of ceasefire violations was 1629.

Army jawan killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in J&K's Uri

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