Suspected ethnic Rakhine rebels disguised as a sports team stormed a bus in rural Myanmar and took 31 hostages -- mostly off-duty firefighters and construction workers -- authorities said Sunday.

The state-backed Global New Light of Myanmar said the bus -- travelling to the Rakhine state capital of Sittwe -- was flagged down by a man dressed in civilian attire before 18 rebels in sportswear emerged from the forest and ordered the passengers off at gunpoint.

"We are still following them," Colonel Win Zaw Oo told AFP, adding the insurgents may have mistaken the firemen for members of the armed forces.

The Arakan Army, which is fighting for more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Myanmar's army has deployed thousands of troops to the state to try to crush the rebels.

Rights groups say Myanmar's military has abducted civilians and tortured detainees, but the army points to targeted shootings, roadside bombings and kidnapping by insurgents.&nbsp;

Rakhine state was also the site of a deadly crackdown that in August 2017 drove some 740,000 minority Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh.

A UN fact-finding mission warned in a report published last month that some 600,000 Rohingya remaining in Myanmar still face a "serious risk of genocide".

The area on the Bay of Bengal is highly militarised and difficult for independent media and rights monitors to access.

Suspected ethnic Rakhine rebels disguised as a sports team stormed a bus in rural Myanmar and took 31 hostages -- mostly off-duty firefighters and construction workers -- authorities said Sunday.

Suspected ethnic Rakhine rebels disguised as a sports team stormed a bus in rural Myanmar and took 31 hostages -- mostly off-duty firefighters and construction workers -- authorities said Sunday. The state-backed Global New Light of Myanmar said the bus -- travelling to the Rakhine state capital of Sittwe -- was flagged down by a man dressed in civilian attire before 18 rebels in sportswear emerged from the forest and ordered the passengers off at gunpoint. "We are still following them," Colonel Win Zaw Oo told AFP, adding the insurgents may have mistaken the firemen for members of the armed forces. The Arakan Army, which is fighting for more autonomy for ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, could not immediately be reached for comment. Myanmar's army has deployed thousands of troops to the state to try to crush the rebels. Rights groups say Myanmar's military has abducted civilians and tortured detainees, but the army points to targeted shootings, roadside bombings and kidnapping by insurgents. Rakhine state was also the site of a deadly crackdown that in August 2017 drove some 740,000 minority Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh. A UN fact-finding mission warned in a report published last month that some 600,000 Rohingya remaining in Myanmar still face a "serious risk of genocide". The area on the Bay of Bengal is highly militarised and difficult for independent media and rights monitors to access.

Suspected Rakhine rebels take 31 hostages after storming bus in Myanmar

China Celebrates Its National Day With A Massive Military Parade.

Gravitas: China Showcases Military Might In The 70th National Day Celebrations

Boeing&nbsp;Co engineers working on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/aviation-watchdog-may-ask-boeing-to-set-up-737-max-simulators-in-india-250645">737&nbsp;MAX</a>&nbsp;passenger plane's flight-control system&nbsp;omitted&nbsp;safeguards&nbsp;included in an earlier version of the system&nbsp;used&nbsp;on a&nbsp;military&nbsp;tanker&nbsp;jet, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The engineers who created the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) flight-control system more than a decade ago for the&nbsp;military&nbsp;refuelling plane designed the system to rely on inputs from multiple sensors and with limited power to move aircraft's nose, the Journal said.

The newspaper cited one person familiar with the design saying this approach was taken in order to guard against the system acting erroneously or causing a pilot to lose control.

In contrast, the version of MCAS on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/phased-ungrounding-of-boeing-737-max-possible-ceo-muilenburg-249083">737&nbsp;MAX</a>&nbsp;passenger plane relied on input from just one of two sensors which measure the angle at which the plane's nose is flying, the newspaper said.

Boeing's expected software fix for its&nbsp;737&nbsp;MAX&nbsp;planes will make its MCAS more like the one&nbsp;used&nbsp;on the tanker&nbsp;jet, the Journal said.

Boeing&nbsp;did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment outside regular business hours.

Boeing&nbsp;has previously said that erroneous sensor data fed to the MCAS system was a common link in a chain of events leading to the fatal crashes of a Lion Air&nbsp;737&nbsp;MAX&nbsp;airliner in Indonesia on October 2018 and an Ethiopian Airlines&nbsp;737&nbsp;MAX&nbsp;in March 2019 which killed all 346 people aboard the two aircraft.

Boeing Co engineers working on the 737 MAX passenger plane's flight-control system omitted safeguards included in an earlier version of the system used on a military tanker jet, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Boeing Co engineers working on the 737 MAX passenger plane's flight-control system omitted safeguards included in an earlier version of the system used on a military tanker jet, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter. The engineers who created the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) flight-control system more than a decade ago for the military refuelling plane designed the system to rely on inputs from multiple sensors and with limited power to move aircraft's nose, the Journal said. The newspaper cited one person familiar with the design saying this approach was taken in order to guard against the system acting erroneously or causing a pilot to lose control. In contrast, the version of MCAS on the 737 MAX passenger plane relied on input from just one of two sensors which measure the angle at which the plane's nose is flying, the newspaper said. Boeing's expected software fix for its 737 MAX planes will make its MCAS more like the one used on the tanker jet, the Journal said. Boeing did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment outside regular business hours. Boeing has previously said that erroneous sensor data fed to the MCAS system was a common link in a chain of events leading to the fatal crashes of a Lion Air 737 MAX airliner in Indonesia on October 2018 and an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX in March 2019 which killed all 346 people aboard the two aircraft.

Boeing omitted safeguards on 737 MAX that were used on military jet: WSJ

Troops of India and Thailand participated in the annual joint military exercise MAITREE on Friday.

The Indian Army and the Royal Thailand Army troops participated in the field exercise of joint planning, helicopter insertion, and joint counter-terrorism operations.

The duration of this exercise is forty-eight hours.

The India Army and Royal Thailand Army Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-2019 commenced at Umroi in Meghalaya on September 16.

The annual bilateral joint exercise started off at the Joint Training Node (JTN) in Umroi. The exercise aims at the training of troops in Counter-Terrorism Operation in both jungle terrain and urban scenario. 
&nbsp;

Troops of India and Thailand participated in the annual joint military exercise MAITREE on Friday. The Indian Army and the Royal Thailand Army troops participated in the field exercise of joint planning, helicopter insertion, and joint counter-terrorism operations.

Troops of India and Thailand participated in the annual joint military exercise MAITREE on Friday. The Indian Army and the Royal Thailand Army troops participated in the field exercise of joint planning, helicopter insertion, and joint counter-terrorism operations. The duration of this exercise is forty-eight hours. The India Army and Royal Thailand Army Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-2019 commenced at Umroi in Meghalaya on September 16. The annual bilateral joint exercise started off at the Joint Training Node (JTN) in Umroi. The exercise aims at the training of troops in Counter-Terrorism Operation in both jungle terrain and urban scenario.

Meghalaya: Troops from India, Thailand participate in annual joint military exercise 'MAITREE'

The United States Navy destroyer USS Ramage docked briefly in Lebanon, the US embassy in Beirut said on Sunday, amid heightened regional tensions.

The Arleigh-Burke-class vessel, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, stopped Saturday for a "one-day goodwill visit on the sidelines of its participation in ongoing efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and free-flow commerce in the eastern Mediterranean", a statement from the US embassy said.

US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard and Vice Admiral James Malloy hosted "an on-board reception for US and Lebanese officials", it added.

During the reception, the vice admiral and ambassador underscored "the ongoing commitment of the United States to be a strong and enduring partner for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), with the goals of enhancing military-to-military cooperation and promoting security and stability in the region", according to the statement.

"This remarkable US ship, docked in this remarkable Lebanese city speaks volumes about the partnership between the US and Lebanese militaries," Richard said.

The US is currently engaged in a stand-off with Iran and its Lebanese ally, the Shiite movement Hezbollah, which has been slapped with US sanctions and classified as a "terrorist" organisation by Washington.

Hezbollah is a key player in Lebanese politics, represented both in parliament and the cabinet.

The movement is militarily involved in the war in neighbouring Syria, has sent fighters to the aid of the Iran-allied regime.

In July, the US imposed sanctions on three senior Hezbollah officials in Lebanon, including two lawmakers, in the first such move against members of parliament.

At the end of August, powerful US financial sanctions were imposed on the Jammal Trust Bank in Lebanon, which was accused of acting as a key financial institution for Hezbollah, an arch-foe of US ally Israel.

The ship's docking comes as tensions spike between Hezbollah and Israel, including an exchange of cross-border fire on September 1.

The United States Navy destroyer USS Ramage docked briefly in Lebanon, the US embassy in Beirut said on Sunday, amid heightened regional tensions. The Arleigh-Burke-class vessel, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, stopped Saturday for a "one-day goodwill visit on the sidelines of its participation in ongoing efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and free-flow commerce in the eastern Mediterranean", a statement from the US embassy said.

The United States Navy destroyer USS Ramage docked briefly in Lebanon, the US embassy in Beirut said on Sunday, amid heightened regional tensions. The Arleigh-Burke-class vessel, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, stopped Saturday for a "one-day goodwill visit on the sidelines of its participation in ongoing efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and free-flow commerce in the eastern Mediterranean", a statement from the US embassy said. US Ambassador to Lebanon Elizabeth Richard and Vice Admiral James Malloy hosted "an on-board reception for US and Lebanese officials", it added. During the reception, the vice admiral and ambassador underscored "the ongoing commitment of the United States to be a strong and enduring partner for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), with the goals of enhancing military-to-military cooperation and promoting security and stability in the region", according to the statement. "This remarkable US ship, docked in this remarkable Lebanese city speaks volumes about the partnership between the US and Lebanese militaries," Richard said. The US is currently engaged in a stand-off with Iran and its Lebanese ally, the Shiite movement Hezbollah, which has been slapped with US sanctions and classified as a "terrorist" organisation by Washington. Hezbollah is a key player in Lebanese politics, represented both in parliament and the cabinet. The movement is militarily involved in the war in neighbouring Syria, has sent fighters to the aid of the Iran-allied regime. In July, the US imposed sanctions on three senior Hezbollah officials in Lebanon, including two lawmakers, in the first such move against members of parliament. At the end of August, powerful US financial sanctions were imposed on the Jammal Trust Bank in Lebanon, which was accused of acting as a key financial institution for Hezbollah, an arch-foe of US ally Israel. The ship's docking comes as tensions spike between Hezbollah and Israel, including an exchange of cross-border fire on September 1.

US warship docks in Lebanon amid regional tensions

A small but growing number of veterans around the country are turning to beekeeping as a potential treatment for mental health conditions such as anxiety and PTSD.

Military veterans turn to beekeeping for relief

A joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas, between India and the US has commenced at Joint Base Lewis McChord near Washington DC.

Yudh Abhyas 2019, which started on Thursday, will continue till September 18.

"The exercise is one of the biggest joint military exercise and defence corporation endeavours between India and the USA," an Army spokesperson said.

This is the 15th edition of `Yudh Abhyas`, which is hosted alternately between the two countries.The 14th edition of the exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2018, was hosted by India in Uttarakhand.&nbsp;

A joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas, between India and the US has commenced at Joint Base Lewis McChord near Washington DC. Yudh Abhyas 2019, which started on Thursday, will continue till September 18.

A joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas, between India and the US has commenced at Joint Base Lewis McChord near Washington DC. Yudh Abhyas 2019, which started on Thursday, will continue till September 18. "The exercise is one of the biggest joint military exercise and defence corporation endeavours between India and the USA," an Army spokesperson said. This is the 15th edition of `Yudh Abhyas`, which is hosted alternately between the two countries.The 14th edition of the exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2018, was hosted by India in Uttarakhand.

Yudh Abhyas 2019: India-USA begin joint military exercise

How China, Pak arms deal is changing military dynamics in South Asia

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-open-to-g7-aid-if-macron-withdraws-insults-246047">Brazil President Bolsonaro open to G7 aid if Macron 'withdraws insults'</a>

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Tuesday he was open to discussing&nbsp;G7 aid for fighting fires&nbsp;in the Amazon if his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron "withdraws insults" made against him, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-increases-military-activity-along-loc-deploys-medium-range-artillery-246007">Pakistan increases military activity along LoC; deploys medium range artillery</a>

Days after India removed special status for Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K), Pakistan after restoring to diplomatic means which failed, is trying to create tensions at the Line of Control(LoC).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-g7-for-carping-remarks-on-hong-kongs-internal-affairs-246022">China slams G7's 'carping remarks' on Hong Kong's internal affairs</a>

China on Tuesday slammed G7's statement on Hong Kong and said that it's&nbsp;purely internal affairs&nbsp;of China which can well handle it and the members of Group of Seven should not put their nose in with ulterior motives, reported news agency Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-trump-policies-deepen-farmers-pain-democrats-see-an-opening-in-rural-america-246005">As Trump policies deepen farmers' pain, Democrats see an opening in rural America</a>

Seizing on mounting Farm Belt frustration with&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump's economic agenda, Democratic rivals are stepping up their push to take back part of&nbsp;rural&nbsp;America, whose overwhelming support for&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;helped propel his upset 2016 election victory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-accuses-pakistan-of-military-violations-seeks-action-from-united-nations-246034">Kabul accuses Pakistan of military violations; seeks action from United Nations</a>

Seeking an action from the UN against Pakistan,&nbsp;Kabul said that the violations from Pakistan continued in the form of shelling and airspace despite several appeals.

Brazil President Bolsonaro open to G7 aid if Macron 'withdraws insults' Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Tuesday he was open to discussing G7 aid for fighting fires in the Amazon if his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron "withdraws insults" made against him, news agency AFP reported.

Brazil President Bolsonaro open to G7 aid if Macron 'withdraws insults' Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Tuesday he was open to discussing G7 aid for fighting fires in the Amazon if his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron "withdraws insults" made against him, news agency AFP reported. Pakistan increases military activity along LoC; deploys medium range artillery Days after India removed special status for Jammu and Kashmir(J&K), Pakistan after restoring to diplomatic means which failed, is trying to create tensions at the Line of Control(LoC). China slams G7's 'carping remarks' on Hong Kong's internal affairs China on Tuesday slammed G7's statement on Hong Kong and said that it's purely internal affairs of China which can well handle it and the members of Group of Seven should not put their nose in with ulterior motives, reported news agency Reuters. As Trump policies deepen farmers' pain, Democrats see an opening in rural America Seizing on mounting Farm Belt frustration with President Donald Trump's economic agenda, Democratic rivals are stepping up their push to take back part of rural America, whose overwhelming support for Trump helped propel his upset 2016 election victory. Kabul accuses Pakistan of military violations; seeks action from United Nations Seeking an action from the UN against Pakistan, Kabul said that the violations from Pakistan continued in the form of shelling and airspace despite several appeals.

News brief: Big stories of the day

&nbsp;

&nbsp;A Spanish military jet crashed into the sea off the southeastern coast of Spain early on Monday (August 26), killing the pilot, the air force said.

The C-101 jet, used for training, came down near La Manga, Murcia just after 0730 GMT, an air force spokesman said.

He said the cause of the crash, the second air disaster in as many days in Spain, was not yet known. The pilot, who was alone in the cockpit, was a flying instructor.

Three beaches in the area were closed to sunbathers after wreckage from the crash hit the sand, local authorities said.

On Sunday, seven people were killed in a collision between a helicopter and a light plane on the island of Mallorca.

&nbsp;

A Spanish military jet crashed into the sea off the southeastern coast of Spain early on Monday (August 26), killing the pilot, the air force said. The C-101 jet, used for training, came down near La Manga, Murcia just after 0730 GMT, an air force spokesman said.

A Spanish military jet crashed into the sea off the southeastern coast of Spain early on Monday (August 26), killing the pilot, the air force said. The C-101 jet, used for training, came down near La Manga, Murcia just after 0730 GMT, an air force spokesman said. He said the cause of the crash, the second air disaster in as many days in Spain, was not yet known. The pilot, who was alone in the cockpit, was a flying instructor. Three beaches in the area were closed to sunbathers after wreckage from the crash hit the sand, local authorities said. On Sunday, seven people were killed in a collision between a helicopter and a light plane on the island of Mallorca.

Spanish military jet crashes into sea

Three Israelis were injured by a bomb in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-troops-at-gaza-border-ministry-243777">a Palestinian attack</a> near a settlement in the occupied West Bank on Friday, the Israeli military said.

A military spokesman said an Israeli man and his two children were "seriously injured" by an improvised explosive device (IED) while visiting a spring near the settlement of Dolev, northwest of the Palestinian city of Ramallah.

One of those wounded was treated at the scene and the other two were evacuated to hospital by an Israeli military helicopter, the spokesman said.

The military said it was being treated as a terrorist attack.

Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service said it was treating three people in "serious condition", including a 46-year-old man, a 21-year-old man, and an 18-year-old woman.

The hilly central region of the West Bank around Dolev is studded with olive groves and orchards and is popular with hikers.

The area saw clashes last year between Palestinians and Israelis over settlement expansions, as Palestinian villagers complained that settlers were trying to take over land, including water sources.

On Friday morning the Israeli military quickly cordoned off the area around Ein Bobin spring near the Palestinian village of Deir Ibzi', while soldiers blocked roads and searched the area.

The natural water source was named Danny Spring by Israelis after an Israeli student, Danny Gonen, was killed there in 2015.

That attack was claimed by a group claiming to be affiliated with the Islamist group Hamas.

Three Israelis were injured by a bomb in a Palestinian attack near a settlement in the occupied West Bank on Friday, the Israeli military said. A military spokesman said an Israeli man and his two children were "seriously injured" by an improvised explosive device (IED) while visiting a spring near the settlement of Dolev, northwest of the Palestinian city of Ramallah.

Three Israelis were injured by a bomb in a Palestinian attack near a settlement in the occupied West Bank on Friday, the Israeli military said. A military spokesman said an Israeli man and his two children were "seriously injured" by an improvised explosive device (IED) while visiting a spring near the settlement of Dolev, northwest of the Palestinian city of Ramallah. One of those wounded was treated at the scene and the other two were evacuated to hospital by an Israeli military helicopter, the spokesman said. The military said it was being treated as a terrorist attack. Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service said it was treating three people in "serious condition", including a 46-year-old man, a 21-year-old man, and an 18-year-old woman. The hilly central region of the West Bank around Dolev is studded with olive groves and orchards and is popular with hikers. The area saw clashes last year between Palestinians and Israelis over settlement expansions, as Palestinian villagers complained that settlers were trying to take over land, including water sources. On Friday morning the Israeli military quickly cordoned off the area around Ein Bobin spring near the Palestinian village of Deir Ibzi', while soldiers blocked roads and searched the area. The natural water source was named Danny Spring by Israelis after an Israeli student, Danny Gonen, was killed there in 2015. That attack was claimed by a group claiming to be affiliated with the Islamist group Hamas.

Three Israelis injured by a bomb in an attack near settlement: Military

A volunteer ambulance driver was killed in Myanmar's remote northeast as clashes between the army and ethnic insurgents escalated over the weekend, state media reported Sunday.

The area near the Chinese border has been riven by armed conflict for decades, but a fresh round of violence was sparked this week when a coalition of armed groups launched joint attacks against a military academy and police outposts, killing at least 15.

The army claims the attacks were retaliation for massive drug seizures in July, but insurgents say they were responding to military offensives.

An ambulance from a local philanthropy group working around the town of Lashio came under assault by an insurgent sniper and artillery fire on Saturday, the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar reported.

The attack killed 58-year-old driver Tun Myint, his wife Tin Tin Aye told AFP.

"The car was hit when they were trying to turn back from the mission because of intense fighting," she said.

The video circulating online that could not be independently verified showed an overturned ambulance on the side of a road and workers frantically transferring a limp body to another vehicle.

The Taaung National Liberation Army, one of the members of the Northern Alliance coalition of insurgent groups, said it was unclear who was responsible for the attack.

"As the fighting was intensifying, it is hard to say who to blame," the TNLA's Mai Aik Kyaw told AFP.

Myanmar security forces clearing mines near a bridge also found a weapons cache with dozens of explosive devices, detonators and grenades, according to state media.

The US Embassy in Yangon has issued a travel warning for areas near the recent fighting and on Friday urged "restraint" from all sides in the conflict.&nbsp;

The area around Lashio is crisscrossed by a patchwork of ethnic rebel groups fighting the military for more autonomy and control over land and resources.&nbsp;

It is also home to what experts believe to be the world's largest methamphetamine-producing region, fuelling a complex web of conflict. &nbsp;

Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi pledged to secure&nbsp;a peace agreement with insurgent groups when she took office in 2016, but no major progress has been made.

A volunteer ambulance driver was killed in Myanmar's remote northeast as clashes between the army and ethnic insurgents escalated over the weekend, state media reported Sunday.

A volunteer ambulance driver was killed in Myanmar's remote northeast as clashes between the army and ethnic insurgents escalated over the weekend, state media reported Sunday. The area near the Chinese border has been riven by armed conflict for decades, but a fresh round of violence was sparked this week when a coalition of armed groups launched joint attacks against a military academy and police outposts, killing at least 15. The army claims the attacks were retaliation for massive drug seizures in July, but insurgents say they were responding to military offensives. An ambulance from a local philanthropy group working around the town of Lashio came under assault by an insurgent sniper and artillery fire on Saturday, the state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar reported. The attack killed 58-year-old driver Tun Myint, his wife Tin Tin Aye told AFP. "The car was hit when they were trying to turn back from the mission because of intense fighting," she said. The video circulating online that could not be independently verified showed an overturned ambulance on the side of a road and workers frantically transferring a limp body to another vehicle. The Taaung National Liberation Army, one of the members of the Northern Alliance coalition of insurgent groups, said it was unclear who was responsible for the attack. "As the fighting was intensifying, it is hard to say who to blame," the TNLA's Mai Aik Kyaw told AFP. Myanmar security forces clearing mines near a bridge also found a weapons cache with dozens of explosive devices, detonators and grenades, according to state media. The US Embassy in Yangon has issued a travel warning for areas near the recent fighting and on Friday urged "restraint" from all sides in the conflict. The area around Lashio is crisscrossed by a patchwork of ethnic rebel groups fighting the military for more autonomy and control over land and resources. It is also home to what experts believe to be the world's largest methamphetamine-producing region, fuelling a complex web of conflict. Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi pledged to secure a peace agreement with insurgent groups when she took office in 2016, but no major progress has been made.

Ambulance driver killed in Myanmar as army battles rebels

In a landmark move, Sudan's main opposition coalition and the ruling military council have formally signed a final power-sharing deal here on Saturday.

The agreement, which will pave the way for a transition to a civilian-led government, came after a long period of protest and negotiations following the overthrow of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ousted-sudan-president-omar-al-bashir-to-be-sent-for-trial-soon-prosecutor-says-227709">longtime leader President Omar al-Bashir</a> in the wake of mass protests.

The power-sharing deal creates a joint military and civilian sovereign council to rule for a little over three years until elections can be held.

Under the agreement, a military leader would head the 11-member council for the first 21 months, followed by a civilian leader for the next 18.

It would also establish a cabinet appointed by the activists and a legislative body.

The deal was signed by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, deputy chief of the Transitional Military Council (TMC), and Ahmed al-Rabie, who represented the Alliance for Freedom and Change umbrella group.

The signing ceremony was attended by heads of states, prime ministers and dignitaries from several countries, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir.

The deal has revived hopes for a peaceful transition of power in Sudan, which has been rocked by violent protests in April which saw the ouster of-Bashir.

Mass protests, first against the al-Bashir regime, and now the TMC have been ongoing in Sudan.

The TMC was formed after the military overthrew al-Bashir on April 11 in a coup.

Protesters have been demanding the military council to transfer power to a civilian-led government.&nbsp;

The United States has welcomed the power-sharing deal, following months of ongoing protests in the African nation.

"The United States congratulates the people of Sudan on the August 17 signing of the Constitutional Declaration and political agreement between the Forces for Freedom and Change and the Transitional Military Council. We are encouraged by this first step in the establishment of a civilian-led transitional government," Morgan Ortagus, the state department`s spokeswoman said.

In a landmark move, Sudan's main opposition coalition and the ruling military council have formally signed a final power-sharing deal here on Saturday. The agreement, which will pave the way for a transition to a civilian-led government, came after a long period of protest and negotiations following the overthrow of longtime leader President Omar al-Bashir in the wake of mass protests.

In a landmark move, Sudan's main opposition coalition and the ruling military council have formally signed a final power-sharing deal here on Saturday. The agreement, which will pave the way for a transition to a civilian-led government, came after a long period of protest and negotiations following the overthrow of longtime leader President Omar al-Bashir in the wake of mass protests. The power-sharing deal creates a joint military and civilian sovereign council to rule for a little over three years until elections can be held. Under the agreement, a military leader would head the 11-member council for the first 21 months, followed by a civilian leader for the next 18. It would also establish a cabinet appointed by the activists and a legislative body. The deal was signed by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, deputy chief of the Transitional Military Council (TMC), and Ahmed al-Rabie, who represented the Alliance for Freedom and Change umbrella group. The signing ceremony was attended by heads of states, prime ministers and dignitaries from several countries, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir. The deal has revived hopes for a peaceful transition of power in Sudan, which has been rocked by violent protests in April which saw the ouster of-Bashir. Mass protests, first against the al-Bashir regime, and now the TMC have been ongoing in Sudan. The TMC was formed after the military overthrew al-Bashir on April 11 in a coup. Protesters have been demanding the military council to transfer power to a civilian-led government. The United States has welcomed the power-sharing deal, following months of ongoing protests in the African nation. "The United States congratulates the people of Sudan on the August 17 signing of the Constitutional Declaration and political agreement between the Forces for Freedom and Change and the Transitional Military Council. We are encouraged by this first step in the establishment of a civilian-led transitional government," Morgan Ortagus, the state department`s spokeswoman said.

Sudan leaders sign power-sharing deal with military 

In this segment of WION, know about the latest report released by Global Firepower.

India vs Pak: No match in military might

The Syrian army said on Monday it was resuming military operations in a Russian-led campaign in northwest Syria that has uprooted tens of thousands and killed hundreds, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-moves-to-oversee-all-online-content-raises-concerns-over-censorship-240008">blaming Turkey for</a> not abiding by its commitments under a truce deal.

Syrian state media said on Thursday the ceasefire would depend on militants complying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-air-strikes-in-northwest-syria-after-ceasefire-declared-observatory-240282">with a Russian-Turkish deal</a> last year aimed at creating an Idlib buffer zone.

'The agreement to a truce was conditional. This did not happen.. We resume our military operations against terrorist organisations,' said the army statement.&nbsp;

Since Damascus declared a ceasefire on Thursday night, its warplanes have not mounted air strikes, though the combatants are still shelling each other.

Damascus accuses Turkey and the rebels it supports of failing to comply with the terms of the de-escalation agreement which requires heavy weapons and jihadist insurgents to be withdrawn from a buffer zone.

Under its deals with Moscow, Ankara has forces stationed on the ground in the Idlib region at a dozen military positions.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry declined immediate comment.

The region - including Idlib province and parts of nearby Hama - was part of the last major stronghold of armed opposition to President Bashar al-Assad, who has vowed to reclaim all of Syria.

Rebel factions, which had agreed to the latest ceasefire to give civilians a reprieve from the heavy bombing while reserving the right to respond to attacks, said the Syrian army had violated the ceasefire by maintaining its shelling of populated areas.

A week-long aerial attack on cities in Hama and southern Idlib province before the ceasefire led to the most civilian casualties since Russian jets joined the Syrian army on April 26 in the offensive to recapture the enclave.

The Russian-led campaign has been costly to Moscow and its Syrian ally.

They appear to have failed to secure any significant territorial gains despite weeks of relentless bombing and have suffered heavy human losses, according to Western military experts.

Rebels said they were prepared to continue another round of fierce fighting after the Syrian army`s unilateral announcement to end the ceasefire.

"Today (Syrian President) Assad's gangs announced they were resuming the battles and we tell them we are ready and our will to fight is there and God willing we will inflict heavy casualties,' Captain Naji Mustafa, spokesman for the Turkey-backed National Liberation Front (NLF) coalition of mainstream rebels group, told Reuters.

Rebels say Moscow has deployed special troops to make a military breakthrough with no success in one of the biggest campaigns waged by Moscow in Syria since its direct intervention in September 2015.&nbsp;

For three months, an army offensive backed by Russia has killed at least 400 civilians in northwest Syria and uprooted more than 440,000 people, the United Nations says.

Residents and rescuers say the three-month-old campaign has left dozens of villages and towns in ruins.

Russia and its Syrian army ally deny their jets indiscriminately hit civilian areas with cluster munitions and incendiary weapons, which residents in opposition areas say are meant to paralyse everyday life.

 
&nbsp;

The Syrian army said on Monday it was resuming military operations in a Russian-led campaign in northwest Syria that has uprooted tens of thousands and killed hundreds, blaming Turkey for not abiding by its commitments under a truce deal.

The Syrian army said on Monday it was resuming military operations in a Russian-led campaign in northwest Syria that has uprooted tens of thousands and killed hundreds, blaming Turkey for not abiding by its commitments under a truce deal. Syrian state media said on Thursday the ceasefire would depend on militants complying with a Russian-Turkish deal last year aimed at creating an Idlib buffer zone. 'The agreement to a truce was conditional. This did not happen.. We resume our military operations against terrorist organisations,' said the army statement. Since Damascus declared a ceasefire on Thursday night, its warplanes have not mounted air strikes, though the combatants are still shelling each other. Damascus accuses Turkey and the rebels it supports of failing to comply with the terms of the de-escalation agreement which requires heavy weapons and jihadist insurgents to be withdrawn from a buffer zone. Under its deals with Moscow, Ankara has forces stationed on the ground in the Idlib region at a dozen military positions. The Turkish Foreign Ministry declined immediate comment. The region - including Idlib province and parts of nearby Hama - was part of the last major stronghold of armed opposition to President Bashar al-Assad, who has vowed to reclaim all of Syria. Rebel factions, which had agreed to the latest ceasefire to give civilians a reprieve from the heavy bombing while reserving the right to respond to attacks, said the Syrian army had violated the ceasefire by maintaining its shelling of populated areas. A week-long aerial attack on cities in Hama and southern Idlib province before the ceasefire led to the most civilian casualties since Russian jets joined the Syrian army on April 26 in the offensive to recapture the enclave. The Russian-led campaign has been costly to Moscow and its Syrian ally. They appear to have failed to secure any significant territorial gains despite weeks of relentless bombing and have suffered heavy human losses, according to Western military experts. Rebels said they were prepared to continue another round of fierce fighting after the Syrian army`s unilateral announcement to end the ceasefire. "Today (Syrian President) Assad's gangs announced they were resuming the battles and we tell them we are ready and our will to fight is there and God willing we will inflict heavy casualties,' Captain Naji Mustafa, spokesman for the Turkey-backed National Liberation Front (NLF) coalition of mainstream rebels group, told Reuters. Rebels say Moscow has deployed special troops to make a military breakthrough with no success in one of the biggest campaigns waged by Moscow in Syria since its direct intervention in September 2015. For three months, an army offensive backed by Russia has killed at least 400 civilians in northwest Syria and uprooted more than 440,000 people, the United Nations says. Residents and rescuers say the three-month-old campaign has left dozens of villages and towns in ruins. Russia and its Syrian army ally deny their jets indiscriminately hit civilian areas with cluster munitions and incendiary weapons, which residents in opposition areas say are meant to paralyse everyday life.

Syrian army resumes military operations against rebels in northwest Syria

Sudan's military council spokesman said on Friday that nine soldiers from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the country's most powerful paramilitary group, have been dismissed and detained in connection with the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-school-children-shot-dead-at-sudan-protest-opposition-campaigners-239439"> killing of protestors</a> this week.

Lieutenant General Shams El-Din Kabbashi added that the governor of North Kordofan state and its security council would also be held accountable for the killing of six people, including four schoolchildren, in the state capital El-Obeid on Monday.

Formerly known as the Janjaweed, the RSF fighters armed with assault rifles, machine guns mounted on trucks and rocket-propelled grenades are widely feared. They were hardened by the war in Darfur against rebels who rose up against the government.

Opposition groups have accused the RSF, led by the deputy head of Sudan's Transitional Military Council, of killing scores of protesters demanding a return to civilian rule since President Omar al-Bashir was ousted in April.

The RSF's commander, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, has previously denied these claims and blamed "infiltrators" instead.

The main opposition coalition, the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), welcomed the action against the RSF members, saying it would prevent further violence.

Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese took to the streets on Thursday in response to the killings in El-Obeid, and opposition medics said four more protesters were killed and many injured by gunfire in Omdurman. Kabbashi said authorities were pursuing those suspected of involvement in the deaths in Omdurman.

His remarks came at a press conference after a night of negotiations with opposition groups over a constitutional declaration, a document that would pave the way for a transitional government.

The two sides had signed a political deal in July setting a three-year transition period and a joint sovereign council. Talks over the constitutional declaration were called into question by the violence this week before being reconvened.

"The agreement is really now just around the corner," Satea al-Hajj of the FFC said on Thursday as talks got underway.

African Union mediator for Sudan Mohamed Hassan Lebatt told the Friday news conference that talks were set to continue in the evening.

Sudan's military council spokesman said on Friday that nine soldiers from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the country's most powerful paramilitary group, have been dismissed and detained in connection with the killing of protestors this week.

Sudan's military council spokesman said on Friday that nine soldiers from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the country's most powerful paramilitary group, have been dismissed and detained in connection with the killing of protestors this week. Lieutenant General Shams El-Din Kabbashi added that the governor of North Kordofan state and its security council would also be held accountable for the killing of six people, including four schoolchildren, in the state capital El-Obeid on Monday. Formerly known as the Janjaweed, the RSF fighters armed with assault rifles, machine guns mounted on trucks and rocket-propelled grenades are widely feared. They were hardened by the war in Darfur against rebels who rose up against the government. Opposition groups have accused the RSF, led by the deputy head of Sudan's Transitional Military Council, of killing scores of protesters demanding a return to civilian rule since President Omar al-Bashir was ousted in April. The RSF's commander, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, has previously denied these claims and blamed "infiltrators" instead. The main opposition coalition, the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC), welcomed the action against the RSF members, saying it would prevent further violence. Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese took to the streets on Thursday in response to the killings in El-Obeid, and opposition medics said four more protesters were killed and many injured by gunfire in Omdurman. Kabbashi said authorities were pursuing those suspected of involvement in the deaths in Omdurman. His remarks came at a press conference after a night of negotiations with opposition groups over a constitutional declaration, a document that would pave the way for a transitional government. The two sides had signed a political deal in July setting a three-year transition period and a joint sovereign council. Talks over the constitutional declaration were called into question by the violence this week before being reconvened. "The agreement is really now just around the corner," Satea al-Hajj of the FFC said on Thursday as talks got underway. African Union mediator for Sudan Mohamed Hassan Lebatt told the Friday news conference that talks were set to continue in the evening.

Sudan detains nine soldiers after protesters killed

India has strongly taken up the issue of US military sale to Pakistan and expresses grave concern over the issue with the US side assuring that it doesn't mean a freeze on US military assistance to Pakistan has been removed.&nbsp;

Ministry of external affair spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We've taken up the matter with US ambassador here in Delhi as well as the govt of US in Washington through our ambassador. We have expressed grave concern over the US military assistance to Pakistan."

Adding, "What we have been told by the US Side is that the proposed sale doesn't indicate any change in the US policy of maintaining a freeze in military assistance to Pakistan."

US State Department last week approved a $125 million support for Pakistan's F-16 Program.

The US defence Security cooperation agency said the $125 million support will not "alter the basic military balance in the region."

Remember, F16s were used by the Pakistani forces on February 27 when they launched an attack on Indian military installations in response to Indian counter-terror strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan. The use of F16s on February 27 was raised by the Indian side with the US subsequently.

In 2016, India summoned US envoy over the Obama Administration's decision to notify the sale of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan. The MEA back then said, "We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism. The record of the last many years in this regard speaks for itself."

India has strongly taken up the issue of US military sale to Pakistan and expresses grave concern over the issue with the US side assuring that it doesn't mean a freeze on US military assistance to Pakistan has been removed.

India has strongly taken up the issue of US military sale to Pakistan and expresses grave concern over the issue with the US side assuring that it doesn't mean a freeze on US military assistance to Pakistan has been removed. Ministry of external affair spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We've taken up the matter with US ambassador here in Delhi as well as the govt of US in Washington through our ambassador. We have expressed grave concern over the US military assistance to Pakistan." Adding, "What we have been told by the US Side is that the proposed sale doesn't indicate any change in the US policy of maintaining a freeze in military assistance to Pakistan." US State Department last week approved a $125 million support for Pakistan's F-16 Program. The US defence Security cooperation agency said the $125 million support will not "alter the basic military balance in the region." Remember, F16s were used by the Pakistani forces on February 27 when they launched an attack on Indian military installations in response to Indian counter-terror strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan. The use of F16s on February 27 was raised by the Indian side with the US subsequently. In 2016, India summoned US envoy over the Obama Administration's decision to notify the sale of F-16 aircraft to Pakistan. The MEA back then said, "We disagree with their rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism. The record of the last many years in this regard speaks for itself."

US military assistance to Pakistan: India conveys 'grave concern' to Washington

Indian cricket star Mahendra Singh Dhoni starts patrol duties in Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday to discharge his responsibilities as an honorary colonel in the army, the military said.

Dhoni is sitting out India's tour of the West Indies that begins this week and there has been speculation he might retire after struggling in this month's World Cup that saw India knocked out in the semi-finals.

The wicketkeeper-batsman who enjoys cult status in the Indian cricket arena&nbsp;is part of the territorial Army.

He will do a 15-day stint with the Victor Force engaged in counter-insurgency operations against terrorist in Kashmir.

"He will be taking on the duties of patrolling, guard and post duty and would be staying with troops," the army said in a statement, adding that its headquarters had approved a schedule which incorporated Dhoni's requests.

Dhoni has<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-to-train-with-paramilitary-regiment-army-chief-general-bipin-rawat-approves-request-237513"> trained as a paratrooper and jumped from aircraft</a>, an army official said, adding, "This stint in Kashmir is part of his training."

Making use of sports figures such as Dhoni, whose brand value is worth millions of dollars, helps the security forces raise their profile, particularly among young people who are their key pool of recruits.

More recently, he has played a role beyond hitting sixes and getting out batsmen though his glovework behind the stumps.

In March, at Dhoni's behest, Indian cricketers wore army camouflage-style caps during a match to show solidarity with paramilitary police killed in a terrorist attack in Kashmir by a Pakistan-based terrorist group.

During India’s opening match with South Africa at the World Cup, Dhoni stirred controversy with gloves that sported the territorial Army's dagger insignia.

The International Cricket Council asked for the removal of the insignia, setting off a furore in the country.

Dhoni, who turned 38 this month, captained the side to the World Twenty20 title in 2007 and their second 50-over World Cup title in 2011 at home. Widely considered the best 'finisher' in contemporary cricket, he is a veteran of 350 one-dayers.

Indian cricket star Mahendra Singh Dhoni starts patrol duties in Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday to discharge his responsibilities as an honorary colonel in the army, the military said.

Indian cricket star Mahendra Singh Dhoni starts patrol duties in Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday to discharge his responsibilities as an honorary colonel in the army, the military said. Dhoni is sitting out India's tour of the West Indies that begins this week and there has been speculation he might retire after struggling in this month's World Cup that saw India knocked out in the semi-finals. The wicketkeeper-batsman who enjoys cult status in the Indian cricket arena is part of the territorial Army. He will do a 15-day stint with the Victor Force engaged in counter-insurgency operations against terrorist in Kashmir. "He will be taking on the duties of patrolling, guard and post duty and would be staying with troops," the army said in a statement, adding that its headquarters had approved a schedule which incorporated Dhoni's requests. Dhoni has trained as a paratrooper and jumped from aircraft, an army official said, adding, "This stint in Kashmir is part of his training." Making use of sports figures such as Dhoni, whose brand value is worth millions of dollars, helps the security forces raise their profile, particularly among young people who are their key pool of recruits. More recently, he has played a role beyond hitting sixes and getting out batsmen though his glovework behind the stumps. In March, at Dhoni's behest, Indian cricketers wore army camouflage-style caps during a match to show solidarity with paramilitary police killed in a terrorist attack in Kashmir by a Pakistan-based terrorist group. During India’s opening match with South Africa at the World Cup, Dhoni stirred controversy with gloves that sported the territorial Army's dagger insignia. The International Cricket Council asked for the removal of the insignia, setting off a furore in the country. Dhoni, who turned 38 this month, captained the side to the World Twenty20 title in 2007 and their second 50-over World Cup title in 2011 at home. Widely considered the best 'finisher' in contemporary cricket, he is a veteran of 350 one-dayers.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni to pull guard duty in Kashmir as honorary colonel

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-sudans-economic-crisis-had-a-role-in-protests-that-toppled-al-bashir-216685">Sudan</a>'s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-paramilitaries-torture-civilian-to-death-doctors-236523">military</a> said on Wednesday that it has thwarted a coup attempt and arrested an unspecified number of senior officers in connection with the plot, state news agency SUNA said.

Watch: Sudan protesters take over square where Bashir held rallies

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The military "revealed a coup attempt involving General Hashim Abdel Mottalib Ahmed, head of the joint chiefs of staff, and a number of high-ranking officers from the armed forces and the National Intelligence and Security Service, along with leaders of the Islamic Movement and the National Congress Party", SUNA said.

"They have been detained and investigations with them are going on so that they can be tried."

"The failed coup attempt's goal was to abort the people's glorious revolution and to return the former National Congress regime to power, and to disrupt the path before the expected political solution that aims to establish a civilian state," SUNA cited the military as saying.

The attempted putsch happened as the military council and an alliance of protest and opposition groups work to finalise a power-sharing deal for a three-year transition towards elections, a process that has repeatedly stalled.

Sudan's military said on Wednesday that it has thwarted a coup attempt and arrested an unspecified number of senior officers in connection with the plot, state news agency SUNA said.

Sudan's military said on Wednesday that it has thwarted a coup attempt and arrested an unspecified number of senior officers in connection with the plot, state news agency SUNA said. Watch: Sudan protesters take over square where Bashir held rallies × The military "revealed a coup attempt involving General Hashim Abdel Mottalib Ahmed, head of the joint chiefs of staff, and a number of high-ranking officers from the armed forces and the National Intelligence and Security Service, along with leaders of the Islamic Movement and the National Congress Party", SUNA said. "They have been detained and investigations with them are going on so that they can be tried." "The failed coup attempt's goal was to abort the people's glorious revolution and to return the former National Congress regime to power, and to disrupt the path before the expected political solution that aims to establish a civilian state," SUNA cited the military as saying. The attempted putsch happened as the military council and an alliance of protest and opposition groups work to finalise a power-sharing deal for a three-year transition towards elections, a process that has repeatedly stalled.

Stopped coup attempt, arrested senior officers: Sudan military

South African soldiers deployed to gang-ridden Cape Town suburbs on Thursday (July 18) in a bid to help quell escalating gang violence that has killed hundreds since January and which officials have likened to a "war zone," a Reuters cameraman and community activists said.

South African soldiers deployed in Cape Town to help fight gangs

India`s response after the 2016 <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/both-saarc-and-bimstec-important-for-regional-cooperation-maithripala-sirisena-223271&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj8osXVxbHjAhUC63MBHSpnC8oQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw07jwnP_ttfVCFUwjJxVVGO">Uri terror attack</a> and the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-over-5000-candidates-register-for-army-recruitment-drive-in-baramulla-234637&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi6qu_mxbHjAhVGfSsKHfl8DNQQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2CTXq3rKc7zO8o46v2N5YN">Balakot Air strike</a> have demonstrated the country`s political and military will to respond to terror, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said here on Saturday.

Speaking at an event to mark the completion of 20 years of the Kargil war, he said, "We are working in a coordinated manner for a cogent and synchronized national response against sub-conventional and asymmetric threats by any adversary.&nbsp;

Surgical strikes post-Uri and Balakot have amply demonstrated our political and military resolve against terror.&nbsp;

Any act of terror will not go unpunished," he said speaking at an event to mark the completion of 20 years of the Kargil war.

Rawat also accused Pakistan of "resorting to misadventure" repeatedly and using proxies and terrorism and asserted that India will hit back with a "very punitive response" to every such attempt."

Historically burdened by its own inadequacies, internal security and governance issues, Pakistan army time and again resorts to misadventure, either through flawed proxy wars and state-sponsored terror or intrusions in our country," he said.

"Indian armed forces stand resolute and ready to defend our territorial integrity.&nbsp;

Let there be no doubt that any misadventure will be repelled with a very punitive response," he added.

Talking about the changing nature of wars, the Army chief said that non-state actors have gained prominence in some countries.&nbsp;

"The rise of non-state actors and readiness to use terror and other irregular methods of fighting has become the new norms," he said.

He also underlined the threat posed by who he called "ideological driven radicalized proxies", Rawat emphasized on the need to "reorient and optimize capacities to effectively counter both military and non-military facets of asymmetric and unconventional wars emerging from within and outside the country."

"Ideological driven radicalized proxies having footprints across nations are likely to enhance the operating space," he said.

He informed the gathering that India has been remembering the fallen soldiers in the Kargil war from July 5 to July 27.

India`s response after the 2016 Uri terror attack and the Balakot Air strike have demonstrated the country`s political and military will to respond to terror, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said here on Saturday.

India`s response after the 2016 Uri terror attack and the Balakot Air strike have demonstrated the country`s political and military will to respond to terror, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said here on Saturday. Speaking at an event to mark the completion of 20 years of the Kargil war, he said, "We are working in a coordinated manner for a cogent and synchronized national response against sub-conventional and asymmetric threats by any adversary. Surgical strikes post-Uri and Balakot have amply demonstrated our political and military resolve against terror. Any act of terror will not go unpunished," he said speaking at an event to mark the completion of 20 years of the Kargil war. Rawat also accused Pakistan of "resorting to misadventure" repeatedly and using proxies and terrorism and asserted that India will hit back with a "very punitive response" to every such attempt." Historically burdened by its own inadequacies, internal security and governance issues, Pakistan army time and again resorts to misadventure, either through flawed proxy wars and state-sponsored terror or intrusions in our country," he said. "Indian armed forces stand resolute and ready to defend our territorial integrity. Let there be no doubt that any misadventure will be repelled with a very punitive response," he added. Talking about the changing nature of wars, the Army chief said that non-state actors have gained prominence in some countries. "The rise of non-state actors and readiness to use terror and other irregular methods of fighting has become the new norms," he said. He also underlined the threat posed by who he called "ideological driven radicalized proxies", Rawat emphasized on the need to "reorient and optimize capacities to effectively counter both military and non-military facets of asymmetric and unconventional wars emerging from within and outside the country." "Ideological driven radicalized proxies having footprints across nations are likely to enhance the operating space," he said. He informed the gathering that India has been remembering the fallen soldiers in the Kargil war from July 5 to July 27.

India's response post-Uri and Balakot demonstrates political and military will: Army chief

The Indian Air Force flexed its military muscles on Wednesday (July 10) as it participated in the Indo-French air exercise, 'Garuda' at Mont-de-Marsan air base.

India displays military might at Indo-French air exercise

After months of political uncertainty, Sudan has taken its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-welcomes-sudan-power-sharing-deal-as-important-step-forward-233635">first step towards a democratic transition</a>, but getting the ruling generals to deliver on a power-sharing accord with protesters remains a challenge.

"The only path forward is a negotiated deal between the two sides," said Alan Boswell, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group think tank.

Sudan's ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-military-council-opposition-reach-power-sharing-agreement-233296">military council and protest leaders reached the tentative deal</a> in the early hours of Friday, agreeing to form a joint civilian-military governing body.

That body is to oversee the formation of a transitional civilian administration that will govern for three years -- the main demand of demonstrators.

The two agreed the ruling body would have a rotating presidency, a breakthrough following months of political impasse after the army in April ousted longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir on the back of a popular uprising.

Tensions climaxed on June 3 when armed men in military fatigues stormed a longstanding protest camp in Khartoum, shooting and beating crowds of demonstrators in a pre-dawn raid.

Dozens were killed, triggering international outrage, although the generals insisted they did not order the violent dispersal of protesters.

The power-sharing deal comes after intense mediation by Ethiopia and African Union diplomats.

"Any agreement is a positive step. The challenge will be actually getting the military council to do as it promised," Boswell told AFP.

On Saturday, the head of that council General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed to "implement" the deal and to work "in close cooperation" with the protest leaders.

The governing body will have a total of six civilians and five military representatives. The six civilians will include five from the umbrella protest movement, the Alliance for Freedom and Change.

A general will head the ruling body during the first 21 months of the transition, followed by a civilian for the remaining 18 months, according to the framework agreement.

'Giant red flag '

Against the backdrop of the June 3 raid, experts doubt whether the military will keep its part of the deal.

"The key question is whether the military or the security sector more widely will cooperate fully with civilian members of the board or is cooperation mere window dressing," said Andreas Krieg, assistant professor at King's College London.

"It is the security sector's intent to accept civilian control that will determine whether Sudan can move to a fully civilian rule in the future."

Bashir, who came to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989, ruled Sudan with an iron fist thanks to the security apparatus, especially the feared National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) -- accused by rights groups of trampling human rights and freedoms.

Experts say the power-sharing accord is far from a long-term solution to the country's overall political crisis.

One potential dispute is over the eventual formation of a transitional parliament.

Friday's agreement postponed the creation of a 300-seat transitional legislature -- 67 per cent of which would be lawmakers from the protest movement -- that had already been agreed in previous talks.

"Failing to agree yet on the legislative body is a giant red flag. This risks becoming the new impasse," said Boswell.

"Even in a best case scenario, Sudan will be navigating a very challenging transition for years to come."

'Huge responsibility'

Boswell said the protest movement "will almost certainly need to continue mobilising its street power to pressure the military council to uphold its commitments".

Prominent protest leader Babikir Faisal said that while the deal may not be a cure-all, an agreement with the generals was needed.

"Given the overall tension, agreeing on a sovereign council and a government is a step forward," he told AFP.

"The other choice would have been to take the path of confrontation."

The protest alliance says it is now in charge of appointing the new prime minister and a transitional government of technocrats.

Faisal said the first priority of the new administration will be to offer a "relief programme" aimed at tackling Sudan's economic crisis.

"The economic situation is very difficult," he said.

"This is one of the major challenges. This revolution was also triggered by the crisis of bread."

Protests first broke out after the government tripled the price of bread, but they swiftly escalated into nationwide rallies against Bashir's rule, culminating in his ouster on April 11.&nbsp;

And while addressing economic concerns will be key, it will be just one of many challenges facing the protest leaders in their new role, said Khalid Tijani, editor of Sudan's economic weekly Elaf.

"The government will be formed by the alliance, which means revolutionaries," Tijani said.

"They have taken on a huge burden of responsibility, because any failure will be blamed on them ultimately."

After months of political uncertainty, Sudan has taken its first step towards a democratic transition, but getting the ruling generals to deliver on a power-sharing accord with protesters remains a challenge.

After months of political uncertainty, Sudan has taken its first step towards a democratic transition, but getting the ruling generals to deliver on a power-sharing accord with protesters remains a challenge. "The only path forward is a negotiated deal between the two sides," said Alan Boswell, senior analyst at the International Crisis Group think tank. Sudan's ruling military council and protest leaders reached the tentative deal in the early hours of Friday, agreeing to form a joint civilian-military governing body. That body is to oversee the formation of a transitional civilian administration that will govern for three years -- the main demand of demonstrators. The two agreed the ruling body would have a rotating presidency, a breakthrough following months of political impasse after the army in April ousted longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir on the back of a popular uprising. Tensions climaxed on June 3 when armed men in military fatigues stormed a longstanding protest camp in Khartoum, shooting and beating crowds of demonstrators in a pre-dawn raid. Dozens were killed, triggering international outrage, although the generals insisted they did not order the violent dispersal of protesters. The power-sharing deal comes after intense mediation by Ethiopia and African Union diplomats. "Any agreement is a positive step. The challenge will be actually getting the military council to do as it promised," Boswell told AFP. On Saturday, the head of that council General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan vowed to "implement" the deal and to work "in close cooperation" with the protest leaders. The governing body will have a total of six civilians and five military representatives. The six civilians will include five from the umbrella protest movement, the Alliance for Freedom and Change. A general will head the ruling body during the first 21 months of the transition, followed by a civilian for the remaining 18 months, according to the framework agreement. 'Giant red flag ' Against the backdrop of the June 3 raid, experts doubt whether the military will keep its part of the deal. "The key question is whether the military or the security sector more widely will cooperate fully with civilian members of the board or is cooperation mere window dressing," said Andreas Krieg, assistant professor at King's College London. "It is the security sector's intent to accept civilian control that will determine whether Sudan can move to a fully civilian rule in the future." Bashir, who came to power in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989, ruled Sudan with an iron fist thanks to the security apparatus, especially the feared National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) -- accused by rights groups of trampling human rights and freedoms. Experts say the power-sharing accord is far from a long-term solution to the country's overall political crisis. One potential dispute is over the eventual formation of a transitional parliament. Friday's agreement postponed the creation of a 300-seat transitional legislature -- 67 per cent of which would be lawmakers from the protest movement -- that had already been agreed in previous talks. "Failing to agree yet on the legislative body is a giant red flag. This risks becoming the new impasse," said Boswell. "Even in a best case scenario, Sudan will be navigating a very challenging transition for years to come." 'Huge responsibility' Boswell said the protest movement "will almost certainly need to continue mobilising its street power to pressure the military council to uphold its commitments". Prominent protest leader Babikir Faisal said that while the deal may not be a cure-all, an agreement with the generals was needed. "Given the overall tension, agreeing on a sovereign council and a government is a step forward," he told AFP. "The other choice would have been to take the path of confrontation." The protest alliance says it is now in charge of appointing the new prime minister and a transitional government of technocrats. Faisal said the first priority of the new administration will be to offer a "relief programme" aimed at tackling Sudan's economic crisis. "The economic situation is very difficult," he said. "This is one of the major challenges. This revolution was also triggered by the crisis of bread." Protests first broke out after the government tripled the price of bread, but they swiftly escalated into nationwide rallies against Bashir's rule, culminating in his ouster on April 11. And while addressing economic concerns will be key, it will be just one of many challenges facing the protest leaders in their new role, said Khalid Tijani, editor of Sudan's economic weekly Elaf. "The government will be formed by the alliance, which means revolutionaries," Tijani said. "They have taken on a huge burden of responsibility, because any failure will be blamed on them ultimately."

Sudan deal first step to transition but challenges lie ahead

Sudan's ruling military council and a coalition of opposition and protest groups reached an agreement to share power during a transition period leading to elections, setting off street celebrations by thousands of people.

Sudan military council, opposition reach power-sharing agreement

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday hit out at the Opposition parties for calling him a `selected` prime minister, asserting that those who were "themselves manufactured" during military rule are now using the term to criticise him."Those talking about [me being] `selected` were themselves manufactured in the nursery of military dictatorship," he was quoted by The Dawn as saying while addressing the National Assembly.

Blaming the previous governments for the economic turmoil in the country, Khan said that money laundering is one of the reasons for the devaluation of Pakistani rupee.

"The Opposition is misleading public on the devaluation of the rupee. Shehbaz Sharif delivered a charged address in which he blamed us for the rupee devaluation and economic situation. He did not say why we are here? This government had the largest fiscal deficit. Imports were high, exports very low," he was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.&nbsp;

"One of the main reasons is money laundering. The ruling elite siphoned off dollars from Pakistan. When rulers do that, then no one can be stopped. We have found out that there are US $10 billion of Pakistanis abroad," the cricketer-turned-politician said.

On June 23, Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Qasim Suri had issued a ruling, banning lawmakers from referring to the Leader of the House as `selected` since it would amount to insulting the House.

The order came after Energy Minister Ayub Khan had raised objections that Khan being referred as `selected` was a violation of House rules.

Khan asserted that when his government took office, all public institutions were facing record losses.

Lashing out at the Opposition, Khan said that people who were making speeches were facing allegations of money laundering. He alleged that the Public Accounts Committee was being chaired by a person accused of graft.

"This (Shehbaz Sharif) Opposition leader`s family was responsible for this mess. How can they accuse us? In western democracies, the parliament protects public interest. Here, people who faced massive corruption charges are lecturing us in the Parliament," he said.

"We have tainted the sanctity of our Parliament through such actions. This Parliament passed a law allowing a convicted person to head a political party," Khan said while referring to Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday hit out at the Opposition parties for calling him a `selected` prime minister, asserting that those who were "themselves manufactured" during military rule are now using the term to criticise him.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday hit out at the Opposition parties for calling him a `selected` prime minister, asserting that those who were "themselves manufactured" during military rule are now using the term to criticise him."Those talking about [me being] `selected` were themselves manufactured in the nursery of military dictatorship," he was quoted by The Dawn as saying while addressing the National Assembly. Blaming the previous governments for the economic turmoil in the country, Khan said that money laundering is one of the reasons for the devaluation of Pakistani rupee. "The Opposition is misleading public on the devaluation of the rupee. Shehbaz Sharif delivered a charged address in which he blamed us for the rupee devaluation and economic situation. He did not say why we are here? This government had the largest fiscal deficit. Imports were high, exports very low," he was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. "One of the main reasons is money laundering. The ruling elite siphoned off dollars from Pakistan. When rulers do that, then no one can be stopped. We have found out that there are US $10 billion of Pakistanis abroad," the cricketer-turned-politician said. On June 23, Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Qasim Suri had issued a ruling, banning lawmakers from referring to the Leader of the House as `selected` since it would amount to insulting the House. The order came after Energy Minister Ayub Khan had raised objections that Khan being referred as `selected` was a violation of House rules. Khan asserted that when his government took office, all public institutions were facing record losses. Lashing out at the Opposition, Khan said that people who were making speeches were facing allegations of money laundering. He alleged that the Public Accounts Committee was being chaired by a person accused of graft. "This (Shehbaz Sharif) Opposition leader`s family was responsible for this mess. How can they accuse us? In western democracies, the parliament protects public interest. Here, people who faced massive corruption charges are lecturing us in the Parliament," he said. "We have tainted the sanctity of our Parliament through such actions. This Parliament passed a law allowing a convicted person to head a political party," Khan said while referring to Shehbaz Sharif.

Those manufactured in the nursery of military dictatorship calling me 'selected': Imran Khan

The United Arab Emirates, a key member of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, is scaling back its military presence there as worsening US-Iran tensions threaten security closer to home, four western diplomatic sources said.

The UAE has pulled some troops from the southern port of Aden and Yemen`s western coast, two of the diplomats said, areas where the Gulf state has built up and armed local forces who are leading the battle against the Iran-aligned Houthi group along the Red Sea coast.

Three of the diplomats said Abu Dhabi preferred to have its forces and equipment on hand should tension between the United States and Iran escalate further after attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf and Tehran`s downing of a US unmanned drone.

"It is true that there have been some troop movements ... but it is not a redeployment from Yemen," a senior Emirati official told Reuters, adding that the UAE remains fully committed to the military coalition and "will not leave a vacuum" in Yemen.

The official would not provide details on the movements, the numbers involved or specify whether it was happening inside or outside Yemen, where the alliance intervened in 2015 to try to restore the government ousted from power by the Houthis.

It is not clear how many Emirati forces are in Yemen. One Western diplomat said the UAE withdrew "a lot" of forces from the Arabian Peninsula nation over the last three weeks.

Asked whether tensions with Iran were behind the move, the Emirati official said the decision was more related to a holding ceasefire in Yemen`s main port city of Hodeidah, now held by the Houthis, under a UN-led peace pact reached last December.

"This is a natural progression," the official said, reiterating the UAE`s support for UN efforts to implement the deal in Hodeidah, a lifeline for millions of Yemenis, to pave the way for talks to end the war.

The United Arab Emirates, a key member of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, is scaling back its military presence there as worsening US-Iran tensions threaten security closer to home, four western diplomatic sources said.

The United Arab Emirates, a key member of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, is scaling back its military presence there as worsening US-Iran tensions threaten security closer to home, four western diplomatic sources said. The UAE has pulled some troops from the southern port of Aden and Yemen`s western coast, two of the diplomats said, areas where the Gulf state has built up and armed local forces who are leading the battle against the Iran-aligned Houthi group along the Red Sea coast. Three of the diplomats said Abu Dhabi preferred to have its forces and equipment on hand should tension between the United States and Iran escalate further after attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf and Tehran`s downing of a US unmanned drone. "It is true that there have been some troop movements ... but it is not a redeployment from Yemen," a senior Emirati official told Reuters, adding that the UAE remains fully committed to the military coalition and "will not leave a vacuum" in Yemen. The official would not provide details on the movements, the numbers involved or specify whether it was happening inside or outside Yemen, where the alliance intervened in 2015 to try to restore the government ousted from power by the Houthis. It is not clear how many Emirati forces are in Yemen. One Western diplomat said the UAE withdrew "a lot" of forces from the Arabian Peninsula nation over the last three weeks. Asked whether tensions with Iran were behind the move, the Emirati official said the decision was more related to a holding ceasefire in Yemen`s main port city of Hodeidah, now held by the Houthis, under a UN-led peace pact reached last December. "This is a natural progression," the official said, reiterating the UAE`s support for UN efforts to implement the deal in Hodeidah, a lifeline for millions of Yemenis, to pave the way for talks to end the war.

UAE scales down military presence in Yemen as Gulf tensions flare

The US special envoy for Iran on Sunday urged "all nations to use their diplomatic effort to urge <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-war-would-spread-across-gulf-threaten-us-troops-229757">Iran</a> to de-escalate and meet diplomacy with diplomacy" amid soaring tensions in the Gulf.

"We are not interested in... military conflict against Iran, we have enhanced our forces' postures in the region for purely defensive purposes," Brian Hook told journalists in Kuwait City.

In mid-June, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-is-ready-to-go-dont-mistake-our-discretion-for-weakness-us-national-security-advisor-john-bolton-tells-iran-229716">United States</a> said it would deploy 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East, after a series of tanker attacks in the Gulf it has blamed on Iran despite Tehran's denials of involvement.

The US moves came as Iran set a 10-day countdown for world powers to fulfil their commitments under a nuclear deal abandoned by Washington, saying it would otherwise surpass the uranium stockpile limit mandated by the accord.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-lawmakers-chant-death-to-america-as-us-called-terrorist-229678">Iran lawmakers chant 'Death to America' as US called 'terrorist'</a>

Hook said his talks in Kuwait focused "how to de-escalate tensions that in the region have been driven by Iran and we discussed how we can deepen our cooperation especially around the area of maritime security".

Watch: Trump announces 'major' sanctions amid tensions on Iran

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"The Iranian regime is a threat to freedom of navigation and all nations of the world share an interest in the free flow of commerce and there is much work to be done together," he said.

"We need Iran to behave more like a normal nation and less like a revolutionary cause. And if we can imagine a peaceful Iran, then we can imagine the peaceful Middle East," he added.

On Friday in Saudi Arabia, the US envoy said Iran has no right to respond to diplomacy "with military force", a day after Tehran shot down a US reconnaissance drone over the Strait of Hormuz — a strategic waterway for the world's oil transits.

The US special envoy for Iran on Sunday urged "all nations to use their diplomatic effort to urge Iran to de-escalate and meet diplomacy with diplomacy" amid soaring tensions in the Gulf.

The US special envoy for Iran on Sunday urged "all nations to use their diplomatic effort to urge Iran to de-escalate and meet diplomacy with diplomacy" amid soaring tensions in the Gulf. "We are not interested in... military conflict against Iran, we have enhanced our forces' postures in the region for purely defensive purposes," Brian Hook told journalists in Kuwait City. In mid-June, the United States said it would deploy 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East, after a series of tanker attacks in the Gulf it has blamed on Iran despite Tehran's denials of involvement. The US moves came as Iran set a 10-day countdown for world powers to fulfil their commitments under a nuclear deal abandoned by Washington, saying it would otherwise surpass the uranium stockpile limit mandated by the accord. Also read: Iran lawmakers chant 'Death to America' as US called 'terrorist' Hook said his talks in Kuwait focused "how to de-escalate tensions that in the region have been driven by Iran and we discussed how we can deepen our cooperation especially around the area of maritime security". Watch: Trump announces 'major' sanctions amid tensions on Iran "The Iranian regime is a threat to freedom of navigation and all nations of the world share an interest in the free flow of commerce and there is much work to be done together," he said. "We need Iran to behave more like a normal nation and less like a revolutionary cause. And if we can imagine a peaceful Iran, then we can imagine the peaceful Middle East," he added. On Friday in Saudi Arabia, the US envoy said Iran has no right to respond to diplomacy "with military force", a day after Tehran shot down a US reconnaissance drone over the Strait of Hormuz — a strategic waterway for the world's oil transits.

US envoy calls on international community to ‘urge Iran to de-escalate’

Sudan's military rulers said on Thursday they had thwarted several coup attempts and that some officers had been arrested over the deadly dispersal of protesters at a sit-in in Khartoum earlier this month.

Two different groups of people suspected of involvement in the attempted coups had been arrested, the Transitional Military Council`s spokesman said. One group consisted of five individuals while the other had more than 12 members, he said.

The council itself took power in a coup on April 11 when&nbsp;military officials ousted and detained former President Omar al-Bashir after months of protests against his 30-year autocratic rule.&nbsp;

An area outside the defence ministry in Khartoum became the focal point of fresh protests as demonstrators demanded that the military hand over power to civilians.

Stalled talks between the council and an alliance of opposition groups over who should control a transition towards elections then collapsed after security forces crushed the protest sit-in on June 3.

Opposition-linked medics have said 118 people were killed in the crackdown while the military council has put the toll at 61.

The council said Thursday that some officers had been arrested in connection with the crackdown. It did not elaborate, but the results of an investigation into the matter would be announced on Saturday, said Shams El Din Kabbashi, the council spokesman.&nbsp;

Earlier, Tibor Nagy, the US assistant secretary of state for Africa, met with the head of the council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in Khartoum. Veteran diplomat Donald Booth, who was appointed US&nbsp;envoy to Sudan on Wednesday, was also present.

"Amb Booth and I pressed TMC Chairman Gen Burhan to take steps to allow successful talks to resume: Stop attacks on civilians; Withdraw military from Khartoum; Allow for an independent investigation of the horrible June 3 attack on the peaceful sit-in and other recent violence; And stop repression of free speech and the internet," Nagy said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Speaking at a press conference, council spokesman Kabbashi said the United States had given it several pieces of advice.

"But they are not orders," he said, while also rejecting the idea of an international investigation.

"We do not accept it because we are a sovereign state and we have our judicial apparatus."

Human rights groups have criticised an ongoing internet shutdown in Sudan. In an apparent response to the criticism, Kabbashi said social media posed a threat to the country. "We do not allow that at the moment," he said.&nbsp;

After meeting Nagy on Wednesday, the main opposition alliance said it would only participate in indirect talks and it would impose other conditions.

The bloodshed in Sudan has prompted concern from world powers including the United States, which sanctioned Sudan under Bashir over its alleged support for militant groups and the civil war in Darfur.&nbsp;

Trade sanctions were lifted in 2017 but Sudan is still on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, which prevents it from accessing badly needed funding from international lenders. Washington has previously said it will not take Sudan off the list while the military remains in power.&nbsp;

Stability in the nation of 40 million is crucial for a volatile region struggling with conflict and insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya. 
The military council has been bolstered by support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which between them have offered $3 billion in aid.

Last week, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Khartoum to mediate between the military council and the opposition. Kabbashi said Abiy had proposed that negotiations between the two parties move to Addis Ababa, but the council rejected the proposal.&nbsp;

Sudan`s state prosecutor`s office said early on Thursday that Bashir had been charged with corruption after the completion of an investigation. The charges were related to laws on "suspected illicit wealth and emergency orders," the office said, without giving more details.

Bashir had already been charged in May with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters. Prosecutors had also ordered his interrogation on suspicion of money laundering and financing terrorism.

It has not been possible to get a comment from Bashir since his removal.

Sudan's military rulers said on Thursday they had thwarted several coup attempts and that some officers had been arrested over the deadly dispersal of protesters at a sit-in in Khartoum earlier this month.

Sudan's military rulers said on Thursday they had thwarted several coup attempts and that some officers had been arrested over the deadly dispersal of protesters at a sit-in in Khartoum earlier this month. Two different groups of people suspected of involvement in the attempted coups had been arrested, the Transitional Military Council`s spokesman said. One group consisted of five individuals while the other had more than 12 members, he said. The council itself took power in a coup on April 11 when military officials ousted and detained former President Omar al-Bashir after months of protests against his 30-year autocratic rule. An area outside the defence ministry in Khartoum became the focal point of fresh protests as demonstrators demanded that the military hand over power to civilians. Stalled talks between the council and an alliance of opposition groups over who should control a transition towards elections then collapsed after security forces crushed the protest sit-in on June 3. Opposition-linked medics have said 118 people were killed in the crackdown while the military council has put the toll at 61. The council said Thursday that some officers had been arrested in connection with the crackdown. It did not elaborate, but the results of an investigation into the matter would be announced on Saturday, said Shams El Din Kabbashi, the council spokesman. Earlier, Tibor Nagy, the US assistant secretary of state for Africa, met with the head of the council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in Khartoum. Veteran diplomat Donald Booth, who was appointed US envoy to Sudan on Wednesday, was also present. "Amb Booth and I pressed TMC Chairman Gen Burhan to take steps to allow successful talks to resume: Stop attacks on civilians; Withdraw military from Khartoum; Allow for an independent investigation of the horrible June 3 attack on the peaceful sit-in and other recent violence; And stop repression of free speech and the internet," Nagy said on Twitter. Speaking at a press conference, council spokesman Kabbashi said the United States had given it several pieces of advice. "But they are not orders," he said, while also rejecting the idea of an international investigation. "We do not accept it because we are a sovereign state and we have our judicial apparatus." Human rights groups have criticised an ongoing internet shutdown in Sudan. In an apparent response to the criticism, Kabbashi said social media posed a threat to the country. "We do not allow that at the moment," he said. After meeting Nagy on Wednesday, the main opposition alliance said it would only participate in indirect talks and it would impose other conditions. The bloodshed in Sudan has prompted concern from world powers including the United States, which sanctioned Sudan under Bashir over its alleged support for militant groups and the civil war in Darfur. Trade sanctions were lifted in 2017 but Sudan is still on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, which prevents it from accessing badly needed funding from international lenders. Washington has previously said it will not take Sudan off the list while the military remains in power. Stability in the nation of 40 million is crucial for a volatile region struggling with conflict and insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya. The military council has been bolstered by support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which between them have offered $3 billion in aid. Last week, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Khartoum to mediate between the military council and the opposition. Kabbashi said Abiy had proposed that negotiations between the two parties move to Addis Ababa, but the council rejected the proposal. Sudan`s state prosecutor`s office said early on Thursday that Bashir had been charged with corruption after the completion of an investigation. The charges were related to laws on "suspected illicit wealth and emergency orders," the office said, without giving more details. Bashir had already been charged in May with incitement and involvement in the killing of protesters. Prosecutors had also ordered his interrogation on suspicion of money laundering and financing terrorism. It has not been possible to get a comment from Bashir since his removal.

Sudan's military rulers say several coup attempts thwarted

Sudan`s military and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-opposition-says-to-nominate-members-for-transitional-council-226186">opposition groups</a> have agreed to resume talks on the formation of a transitional council, an Ethiopian envoy said on Tuesday, as an opposition alliance said it was suspending its campaign of civil disobedience and strikes.

Sudan`s Transitional Military Council also agreed to release political prisoners as a confidence-building measure, special envoy Mahmoud Dirir told reporters in Khartoum.

The steps appeared to show a softening of positions after talks between the two sides collapsed following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shops-open-buses-run-on-day-2-of-sudan-civil-campaign-225981">violent dispersal of a protest sit-in</a> on June 3.

The crackdown, in which dozens of people were killed, dealt a big setback to hopes of a transition towards democratic elections following the overthrow of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir in April.

The Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces (DFCF) alliance on Sunday began an open-ended strike that brought much activity in Khartoum to a standstill.

The alliance said in a statement it would suspend the strike from Wednesday until further notice, though it encouraged people to remain mobilised for possible further action.

Watch: Deadly Violence in Sudan

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Opposition leader Khaled Omar struck a cautious note, saying in comments to Al Hadath TV that the suspension of the campaign was "not tied to any specific political developments".

Yasir Arman, one of three officials from the southern SPLM-N rebel movement who were detained and then deported to South Sudan after the breakdown of talks, said the military council did not want to cede power.

"My experience in Khartoum is that the military council wanted to divide the oppositions, to have a deal with them that will keep them in power," Arman told Reuters in Juba a day after saying he had been tied up and flown out of Khartoum on a military helicopter.

In a statement on Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council called on all parties "to continue working together towards a consensual solution to the current crisis."

Meditation mission

After the military ousted and arrested Bashir on April 11, following months of protests, talks became deadlocked over who would control a sovereign council that would oversee a three-year transition towards elections.&nbsp;

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed flew to Sudan to mediate when the talks broke down last week.&nbsp;

Opposition sources said Abiy had proposed a 15-member transitional council comprising eight civilians and seven military officers with a rotating presidency.

A leader of the DFCF opposition alliance said on Monday night that the group had decided to name eight members to the council and nominate Abdullah Hamdouk, a former executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, as prime minister.

The bloodshed in Sudan has prompted concern from world powers including the United States, which announced on Monday it was sending its senior diplomat for Africa to Khartoum this week to push for a resumption of talks.

The African Union has suspended Sudan`s membership.

Stability in the nation of 40 million is crucial for a volatile region struggling with conflict and insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya.

The military council has been bolstered by support from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The UAE`s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday his country was in contact with both sides and was seeking "a smooth organised political transition".&nbsp;

Darfur

The recent crackdown led to at least 118 deaths since June 3, according to a group of doctors linked to the opposition. The government has confirmed 61 deaths.

The crackdown began with a raid on a protest sit-in outside Khartoum`s Defence Ministry on June 3 which witnesses said was led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).&nbsp;

The RSF, which is led by the council`s deputy head, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, grew out of Arab militias that fought in the western region of Darfur during a civil war that began in 2003.

Rights group Amnesty International on Tuesday accused the RSF and allied militia of being responsible for the destruction of dozens of villages, unlawful killings and sexual abuse in Darfur over the past year.&nbsp;

Amnesty said tens of thousands of civilians in Darfur`s Jebel Marra would become more vulnerable if the U.N. Security Council and the AU were to vote on June 27 to close their joint peacekeeping mission there, UNAMID.&nbsp;

An RSF spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment.

According to the United Nations, the military council demanded UNAMID hand over its premises to the RSF as part of the mission`s planned withdrawal in 2020.

Sudan`s military and opposition groups have agreed to resume talks on the formation of a transitional council, an Ethiopian envoy said on Tuesday, as an opposition alliance said it was suspending its campaign of civil disobedience and strikes.

Sudan`s military and opposition groups have agreed to resume talks on the formation of a transitional council, an Ethiopian envoy said on Tuesday, as an opposition alliance said it was suspending its campaign of civil disobedience and strikes. Sudan`s Transitional Military Council also agreed to release political prisoners as a confidence-building measure, special envoy Mahmoud Dirir told reporters in Khartoum. The steps appeared to show a softening of positions after talks between the two sides collapsed following the violent dispersal of a protest sit-in on June 3. The crackdown, in which dozens of people were killed, dealt a big setback to hopes of a transition towards democratic elections following the overthrow of veteran leader Omar al-Bashir in April. The Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces (DFCF) alliance on Sunday began an open-ended strike that brought much activity in Khartoum to a standstill. The alliance said in a statement it would suspend the strike from Wednesday until further notice, though it encouraged people to remain mobilised for possible further action. Watch: Deadly Violence in Sudan × Opposition leader Khaled Omar struck a cautious note, saying in comments to Al Hadath TV that the suspension of the campaign was "not tied to any specific political developments". Yasir Arman, one of three officials from the southern SPLM-N rebel movement who were detained and then deported to South Sudan after the breakdown of talks, said the military council did not want to cede power. "My experience in Khartoum is that the military council wanted to divide the oppositions, to have a deal with them that will keep them in power," Arman told Reuters in Juba a day after saying he had been tied up and flown out of Khartoum on a military helicopter. In a statement on Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council called on all parties "to continue working together towards a consensual solution to the current crisis." Meditation mission After the military ousted and arrested Bashir on April 11, following months of protests, talks became deadlocked over who would control a sovereign council that would oversee a three-year transition towards elections. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed flew to Sudan to mediate when the talks broke down last week. Opposition sources said Abiy had proposed a 15-member transitional council comprising eight civilians and seven military officers with a rotating presidency. A leader of the DFCF opposition alliance said on Monday night that the group had decided to name eight members to the council and nominate Abdullah Hamdouk, a former executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, as prime minister. The bloodshed in Sudan has prompted concern from world powers including the United States, which announced on Monday it was sending its senior diplomat for Africa to Khartoum this week to push for a resumption of talks. The African Union has suspended Sudan`s membership. Stability in the nation of 40 million is crucial for a volatile region struggling with conflict and insurgencies from the Horn of Africa to Egypt and Libya. The military council has been bolstered by support from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The UAE`s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday his country was in contact with both sides and was seeking "a smooth organised political transition". Darfur The recent crackdown led to at least 118 deaths since June 3, according to a group of doctors linked to the opposition. The government has confirmed 61 deaths. The crackdown began with a raid on a protest sit-in outside Khartoum`s Defence Ministry on June 3 which witnesses said was led by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF, which is led by the council`s deputy head, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, grew out of Arab militias that fought in the western region of Darfur during a civil war that began in 2003. Rights group Amnesty International on Tuesday accused the RSF and allied militia of being responsible for the destruction of dozens of villages, unlawful killings and sexual abuse in Darfur over the past year. Amnesty said tens of thousands of civilians in Darfur`s Jebel Marra would become more vulnerable if the U.N. Security Council and the AU were to vote on June 27 to close their joint peacekeeping mission there, UNAMID. An RSF spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment. According to the United Nations, the military council demanded UNAMID hand over its premises to the RSF as part of the mission`s planned withdrawal in 2020.

Envoy says Sudan talks to resume as strike suspended

At least 13 protesters were shot dead and several were wounded on Monday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-2-killed-as-sudan-military-attempts-to-break-up-sit-in-outside-khartoum-army-hq-223791">Sudan’s ruling military tried to break up a sit-in protest</a> outside army headquarters in Khartoum, a doctors’ committee close to demonstrators said.

It said the death toll "from the massacre today has risen to nine martyrs, with four new martyrs," since its last statement, the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said on its Facebook page.

However, military rulers have denied the report.

"We did not disperse the sit-in by force," said Shamseddine Kabbashi, spokesman for the ruling military council.

"The tents are there, and the youth are moving freely," Kabbashi told local media.

There were multiple reports of the military using force to disperse the sit-in in front of army headquarters, where protesters have been camped out for weeks.

Rallies against the authoritarian rule of Omar al-Bashir led to his ouster in April, but demonstrators have remained to call on the generals to cede power to a transitional authority.

Demonstrators had closed off Street 60, one of the main streets in the capital with stone barricades and burning tree trunks and tires, an AFP journalist said.

(With inputs from AFP)

At least 13 protesters were shot dead and several were wounded on Monday as Sudan’s ruling military tried to break up a sit-in protest outside army headquarters in Khartoum, a doctors’ committee close to demonstrators said.

At least 13 protesters were shot dead and several were wounded on Monday as Sudan’s ruling military tried to break up a sit-in protest outside army headquarters in Khartoum, a doctors’ committee close to demonstrators said. It said the death toll "from the massacre today has risen to nine martyrs, with four new martyrs," since its last statement, the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said on its Facebook page. However, military rulers have denied the report. "We did not disperse the sit-in by force," said Shamseddine Kabbashi, spokesman for the ruling military council. "The tents are there, and the youth are moving freely," Kabbashi told local media. There were multiple reports of the military using force to disperse the sit-in in front of army headquarters, where protesters have been camped out for weeks. Rallies against the authoritarian rule of Omar al-Bashir led to his ouster in April, but demonstrators have remained to call on the generals to cede power to a transitional authority. Demonstrators had closed off Street 60, one of the main streets in the capital with stone barricades and burning tree trunks and tires, an AFP journalist said. (With inputs from AFP)

At least 13 killed as Sudan's ruling military tries to disperse sit-in: Report

The United States will respond with military force if its interests are attacked by Iran, the US Iran envoy said on Thursday as Arab leaders gathered in Saudi Arabia to discuss what they see as the threat from Tehran amid rising tensions.&nbsp;

But US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said US actions taken so far in the Gulf region, which include repositioning military assets, have had the "desired deterrent effect on the (Iranian) regime`s risk calculations".

The US military has sent forces, including an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers, to the Middle East in a move that US officials said was made to counter "clear indications" of threats from Iran to American forces in the region.&nbsp;

Hook was speaking to reporters by phone ahead of emergency summits of Arab leaders in the Saudi city of Mecca due on Thursday to discuss drone strikes on oil installations in Saudi Arabia and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the UAE coast earlier this month.&nbsp;

Tehran has denied involvement in either attack.

The US is pursuing what it calls a "maximum pressure campaign" of sanctions against Iran to reduce its revenue streams from oil and other economic activities, in an attempt to curb what it sees as Tehran`s disruptive policies in the region.

Responding to a question about China and India importing Iranian oil and whether it was possible for them to keep importing small amounts, Hook said there would be no more exceptions granted to sanctions against Iran oil imports.&nbsp;

"There will be no more oil waivers granted," he said, adding that any oil imported by any country beyond waiver limits that ran from November last year to May, would be subject to sanctions.

The United States will respond with military force if its interests are attacked by Iran, the US Iran envoy said on Thursday as Arab leaders gathered in Saudi Arabia to discuss what they see as the threat from Tehran amid rising tensions.

The United States will respond with military force if its interests are attacked by Iran, the US Iran envoy said on Thursday as Arab leaders gathered in Saudi Arabia to discuss what they see as the threat from Tehran amid rising tensions. But US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said US actions taken so far in the Gulf region, which include repositioning military assets, have had the "desired deterrent effect on the (Iranian) regime`s risk calculations". The US military has sent forces, including an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers, to the Middle East in a move that US officials said was made to counter "clear indications" of threats from Iran to American forces in the region. Hook was speaking to reporters by phone ahead of emergency summits of Arab leaders in the Saudi city of Mecca due on Thursday to discuss drone strikes on oil installations in Saudi Arabia and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi oil tankers, off the UAE coast earlier this month. Tehran has denied involvement in either attack. The US is pursuing what it calls a "maximum pressure campaign" of sanctions against Iran to reduce its revenue streams from oil and other economic activities, in an attempt to curb what it sees as Tehran`s disruptive policies in the region. Responding to a question about China and India importing Iranian oil and whether it was possible for them to keep importing small amounts, Hook said there would be no more exceptions granted to sanctions against Iran oil imports. "There will be no more oil waivers granted," he said, adding that any oil imported by any country beyond waiver limits that ran from November last year to May, would be subject to sanctions.

US will respond with military force if Iran attacks its interests: US Iran envoy

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