Taiwan's foreign minister said on Wednesday (March 20) that China has built "enormous" military bases on three islands surrounding Taiwan's main holding in the South China Sea, but that Taipei is not looking to further escalate tensions in the strategic waterway.

Taiwan warns of ‘enormous’ Chinese military build-up in South China Sea

Niger’s ruling junta&nbsp;on Saturday (Mar 16) said that it has revoked its military cooperation agreement with the United States “with immediate effect”. The agreement allowed American military personnel and civilian staff on the country’s soil.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Condescending attitude’</h2>

The decision comes days after a delegation of American officials led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee visited Niger along with General Michael Langley, head of the US Africa Command.

Junta spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane speaking on television in the West African nation said that the recent visit by the US delegation did not follow diplomatic protocol as they were not informed about the composition of the team, date of their arrival, and agenda.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-walks-for-ceasefire-talks-after-hamas-steps-back-on-key-demands-700960">Gaza war: Israel walks for ceasefire talks after Hamas steps back on key demands</a>

“Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerian people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism,” said Abdramane, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

He added, “Also, the government of Niger forcefully denounces the condescending attitude accompanied by the threat of retaliation from the head of the American delegation towards the Nigerien government and people.”&nbsp;

According to the junta spokesperson, the officials discussed the current military transition in the country, military cooperation between Niger and the US, and Niger’s choice of partners in the fight against militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State.

The ruling junta in Niger seized power last year and has since kicked out the French and other European forces from the country and turned to Russia for support. The country’s neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso have taken similar steps in recent years.&nbsp;

<h2>US troops in Niger</h2>

As of 2023, there were around 1,100 American troops in Niger which operated out of two bases, including a drone base worth $100 million known as Air Base 201, built near Agadez in central Niger.&nbsp;

Since 2018, the base has been used to target Islamic State militants and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), an al Qaeda-linked group.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-us-announces-charter-flights-to-evacuate-americans-guatemala-honorary-consul-office-ransacked-701019">Haiti violence: US announces charter flight to evacuate Americans; Guatemala honorary consul office ransacked</a>

As of December, the US reportedly had some 650 personnel working in Niger, including troops stationed at the major drone base.&nbsp;

In his statement, Abdramane noted that the status and presence of American troops in Niger was illegal and violated their constitutional and democratic rules since, according to him, it was unilaterally imposed on the African nation in 2012.&nbsp;

However, he stopped short of asking the US troops to leave.&nbsp;

Niger is not aware of the number of US civilians and troops or even the amount of equipment deployed on its soil, said Abdramane, but said that the American military was under no obligation to respond to any request for help against the militants.&nbsp;

“In light of all the above, the government of Niger, revokes with immediate effect the agreement concerning the status of United States military personnel and civilian employees of the American department of defence on the territory of the Republic of Niger,” said the junta spokesperson.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Niger’s ruling junta on Saturday (Mar 16) said that it has revoked its military cooperation agreement with the United States “with immediate effect”. The agreement allowed American military personnel and civilian staff on the country’s soil.

Niger’s ruling junta on Saturday (Mar 16) said that it has revoked its military cooperation agreement with the United States “with immediate effect”. The agreement allowed American military personnel and civilian staff on the country’s soil. ‘Condescending attitude’ The decision comes days after a delegation of American officials led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee visited Niger along with General Michael Langley, head of the US Africa Command. Junta spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane speaking on television in the West African nation said that the recent visit by the US delegation did not follow diplomatic protocol as they were not informed about the composition of the team, date of their arrival, and agenda. Also Read | Gaza war: Israel walks for ceasefire talks after Hamas steps back on key demands “Niger regrets the intention of the American delegation to deny the sovereign Nigerian people the right to choose their partners and types of partnerships capable of truly helping them fight against terrorism,” said Abdramane, as quoted by Reuters. He added, “Also, the government of Niger forcefully denounces the condescending attitude accompanied by the threat of retaliation from the head of the American delegation towards the Nigerien government and people.” According to the junta spokesperson, the officials discussed the current military transition in the country, military cooperation between Niger and the US, and Niger’s choice of partners in the fight against militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. The ruling junta in Niger seized power last year and has since kicked out the French and other European forces from the country and turned to Russia for support. The country’s neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso have taken similar steps in recent years. US troops in Niger As of 2023, there were around 1,100 American troops in Niger which operated out of two bases, including a drone base worth $100 million known as Air Base 201, built near Agadez in central Niger. Since 2018, the base has been used to target Islamic State militants and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), an al Qaeda-linked group. Also Read | Haiti violence: US announces charter flight to evacuate Americans; Guatemala honorary consul office ransacked As of December, the US reportedly had some 650 personnel working in Niger, including troops stationed at the major drone base. In his statement, Abdramane noted that the status and presence of American troops in Niger was illegal and violated their constitutional and democratic rules since, according to him, it was unilaterally imposed on the African nation in 2012. However, he stopped short of asking the US troops to leave. Niger is not aware of the number of US civilians and troops or even the amount of equipment deployed on its soil, said Abdramane, but said that the American military was under no obligation to respond to any request for help against the militants. “In light of all the above, the government of Niger, revokes with immediate effect the agreement concerning the status of United States military personnel and civilian employees of the American department of defence on the territory of the Republic of Niger,” said the junta spokesperson. (With inputs from agencies)

Niger junta revokes military accord with US ‘with immediate effect’ over ‘condescending attitude’

Germany's military, the Bundeswehr, lacks personnel and equipment, despite a special modernization fund created two years ago, the parliament's commissioner for the armed forces said in a report presented on Tuesday.

Germany facing shortage of personnel, equipment says report

A new school textbook titled "The Russian Army in Defence of the Fatherland" has stirred controversy as&nbsp;western media outlets&nbsp;suggest it distorts historical facts regarding the war against Ukraine and actively promotes military service among high school students.

This textbook, crafted for the subject "Fundamentals of Security and Defence of the Motherland," is set to replace the existing "Fundamentals of Safe Living" curriculum in Russia and occupied territories in Ukraine.

Produced&nbsp;by prominent figures associated with the Russian defence ministry and Kremlin newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta, the 368-page textbook glorifies Russian military exploits from the 13th century to the present day.

The textbook lauds Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin and celebrates past victories, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014, which it terms as the "reunification of Crimea with Russia."

"When there was a coup d'état in Kyiv in 2014, the new government initiated a crackdown on everything Russian," the book read adding, "Russian books were burned, monuments were destroyed, Russian songs and the Russian language itself were banned... 'Russian blood' cocktails were served in restaurants."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-employees-at-us-wildlife-centre-wear-red-fox-masks-to-take-care-of-an-orphaned-kit-699791">Employees at US wildlife centre wear red fox masks to take care of an orphaned kit</a>

Moreover, it labels Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a "special military operation". Critics have reportedly denounced the textbook as a fabrication of misinformation and lies. The book also contains other information such as the situation in Mariupol, a city ravaged by Russian bombing.

The textbook also portrayed Russia as a protector of civilians while demonising Ukraine. As per reports, the book downplayed Russia's destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian casualties.&nbsp;

Moreover, the textbook strategically targets over-18s, urging them to enlist in the army by highlighting benefits such as free medical care, attractive salaries, and insurance.

The text also said that "Russia fights with integrity", "Ukraine frequently targets civilian infrastructure", and Mariupol was destroyed during fight with "Nazis" as well as "foreign mercenaries".

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It also stated that "it was Ukraine and Nato who planned to start the war" and "a huge number of Ukrainian troops and armoured vehicles were concentrated at the borders".

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-putin-talks-about-possible-nuclear-war-699796">Russia's Putin talks about possible nuclear war</a>

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Concerns are mounting that textbook dissemination may fuel further recruitment among youth.&nbsp;Since the onset of the war, reports suggest that there is a crackdown on free press in Russia. Dissidents, journalists, and individuals voicing opposition against Putin's regime from within the nation have been forcefully silenced.

Following the commencement of the war in 2022, a law criminalising the dissemination of "fake" information regarding the invasion was swiftly enacted. Thousands&nbsp;of individuals were also reportedly apprehended for participating in protests against the Ukraine war.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

A new school textbook titled "The Russian Army in Defence of the Fatherland" has stirred controversy as western media outlets suggest it distorts historical facts regarding the war against Ukraine and actively promotes military service among high school students.

A new school textbook titled "The Russian Army in Defence of the Fatherland" has stirred controversy as western media outlets suggest it distorts historical facts regarding the war against Ukraine and actively promotes military service among high school students. This textbook, crafted for the subject "Fundamentals of Security and Defence of the Motherland," is set to replace the existing "Fundamentals of Safe Living" curriculum in Russia and occupied territories in Ukraine. Produced by prominent figures associated with the Russian defence ministry and Kremlin newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta, the 368-page textbook glorifies Russian military exploits from the 13th century to the present day. The textbook lauds Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin and celebrates past victories, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014, which it terms as the "reunification of Crimea with Russia." "When there was a coup d'état in Kyiv in 2014, the new government initiated a crackdown on everything Russian," the book read adding, "Russian books were burned, monuments were destroyed, Russian songs and the Russian language itself were banned... 'Russian blood' cocktails were served in restaurants." Also Read | Employees at US wildlife centre wear red fox masks to take care of an orphaned kit Moreover, it labels Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a "special military operation". Critics have reportedly denounced the textbook as a fabrication of misinformation and lies. The book also contains other information such as the situation in Mariupol, a city ravaged by Russian bombing. The textbook also portrayed Russia as a protector of civilians while demonising Ukraine. As per reports, the book downplayed Russia's destruction of Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian casualties. Moreover, the textbook strategically targets over-18s, urging them to enlist in the army by highlighting benefits such as free medical care, attractive salaries, and insurance. The text also said that "Russia fights with integrity", "Ukraine frequently targets civilian infrastructure", and Mariupol was destroyed during fight with "Nazis" as well as "foreign mercenaries". Also Read | Donald Trump gets partial relief in Georgia election interference case It also stated that "it was Ukraine and Nato who planned to start the war" and "a huge number of Ukrainian troops and armoured vehicles were concentrated at the borders". Watch | Russia's Putin talks about possible nuclear war × Concerns are mounting that textbook dissemination may fuel further recruitment among youth. Since the onset of the war, reports suggest that there is a crackdown on free press in Russia. Dissidents, journalists, and individuals voicing opposition against Putin's regime from within the nation have been forcefully silenced. Following the commencement of the war in 2022, a law criminalising the dissemination of "fake" information regarding the invasion was swiftly enacted. Thousands of individuals were also reportedly apprehended for participating in protests against the Ukraine war. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

This is what new Russian school textbook says about Crimea, Mariupol, and NATO

China's President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on the armed forces to coordinate preparations for military conflicts at sea, protect the country's maritime rights and interests and the development of the maritime economy.

China's Xi Jinping urges preparation for military conflicts at sea

French Army Chief Gen Pierre Schill has termed India as a key partner, emphasising the necessity of enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. In an exclusive conversation with WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, General Schill underscored India's significance, stating, "India is one of the biggest partners in the area."

He elaborated on his discussions with Indian Army Chief Manoj Pande, highlighting the need to deepen cooperation both quantitatively and qualitatively. This includes intensifying joint exercises, exchanging staff members, and engaging in dialogues regarding military doctrine and experiences.

During his three-day visit to India, Gen Schill engaged with representatives from the defence industry and observed a Pinaka firing demonstration in Rajasthan.

Regarding the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and Chinese assertiveness, he remarked that "China is a very strong power and China has a clear agenda to use this power."

Reflecting on the situation in Ukraine, he emphasised the imperative to expedite the development of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment, stating, "We will support Ukraine because France, you know, is behind Ukraine."

Here is the full interview:

WION: How do you see army-to-army engagement between the Indian Army and the French Army?

Gen Pierre Schill: Thank you for welcoming me here. I'm very happy to be here for three days and when I met my counterpart General Manoj Pande, we had very ancient relations between our two armies, we have a very ancient relation between our two countries. You mentioned the great honour of welcoming President Macron here for the Republic Day and marching of the French unit in the opening of the parade this year, and this is a sign of those 25 years of strategic relationship between our two countries. Relation is at the strategic level, there is a way to feed this relation at the army level. So the armed forces and the relation between the two Navies or Air forces counterparts are well-known, but there is also a very important relation between our two armies.

WION:&nbsp;&nbsp;What are the key focus areas when you had a conversation with your Indian counterpart here in Delhi?

Gen Pierre Schill: The base of our discussions was about how to deepen and enhance the relation we had during the last years and for example, in 2023 we increased the relation. General Manoj Pande was in charge and I was too and we met in Paris one year ago when he came and I received him in Paris. So we decided to enhance this relationship. So we did some important common activities in 2023, including exercises. We had an Army Detachment on a French ship which came here last year and that was the time to make a very interesting exercise. So the base for our discussions was to agree that we must go on further in quantity, but also in quality, for some common exercises, some exchanges of staff members, and also some talks about doctrine or exchange of experience, Army experience.

WION:&nbsp;So you pointed out to various exercises which have been happening between the Indian side and the French side, there are upcoming exercises as well - the Shakti exercises, which will take place in the month of May, if you can elaborate what will be the focus area, the participation at the French level with the Indian side?

Gen Pierre Schill: Yes...every two years we are doing those Shakti exercises and we try to do it once in France and once in India. So in 2024, it will be an exercise in India, here. The place is at the moment still [being] discussed, but what I know is that we will have about 100 French soldiers and we will come and do common exercise with the Army but also with some participation from the Air Force. And we will do an exercise at battalion level. That means we will try to increase the level of the exercise every year. The interest here is mutual knowledge. It is also the tactical theme we will make but it is also an exchange of military knowledge of our soldiers because our two armies are active armies that are really prepared for fight. And so that's sure from my side, regarding the fact that my soldiers will be able to know and learn from soldiers here, really efficient and famous with a famous military skill of the Indian Army.

WION: We saw the French contingent at the Republic Day Parade, which was symbolic of the India-French relationship. We also saw the Indian contingent at the Bastille Day parade as well. Symbolic of the relationship. How do you see the participation of these contingents? The French contingent marched on Republic Day, which was seen across the world and tweeted by the French president as well.

Gen Pierre Schill: I was lucky to be in the Champs-Élysées on Bastille Day, when Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi came and when three Armed forces contingents, from Air Force, Navy and Army were opening the parade. It was great. When French remember Bastille Day of 2023 they have in sight the parade of the Indian detachment. I think this is very important, our relation is a strategic relation, fed by the military relation. So having some Indian units on Bastille Day and Prime Minister Modi coming and this year having our President on the Republic Day and those French units marching with the Indian Army are very symbolic and very important symbols of this relation between our two countries.

WION:&nbsp;&nbsp;Sir, your three-day visit was not just about the meeting but also about your travels. You saw the firing as well, the artillery firing in Rajasthan. What do you make out of that? Your conversation as well, your addresses as well and any specific comments on India's make in India projects.

Gen Pierre Schill: I was very impressed during the last three days by all that I've seen. I've met...the higher [officials] responsible of the Army, of course General Pande, but also the Vice Chief of Air force, Vice Chief of Navy and some units on the ground including a demonstration of shooting, long-range artillery Indian shooting.&nbsp;I was very impressed at all levels because of the professionalism of the Indian Army, the quality of their equipment and as you mentioned, make-in-India equipment with the ambition to have real strategic autonomy. And I value this a lot because this is very close to the French view of strategic autonomy, freedom of decision, support of a world in which the rules are the normal way to cope with the relations between states. And I think this is the heart and the base of our relationship and what we military, we need to keep possible for our politicians. That means supporting this view of our two countries but very, very impressive Indian Army and I will have a lot to think about coming back to France.

&nbsp;

French Army Chief Gen Pierre Schill has termed India as a key partner, emphasising the necessity of enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. In an exclusive conversation with WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, General Schill underscored India's significance, stating, "India is one of the biggest partners in the area.

French Army Chief Gen Pierre Schill has termed India as a key partner, emphasising the necessity of enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. In an exclusive conversation with WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, General Schill underscored India's significance, stating, "India is one of the biggest partners in the area." He elaborated on his discussions with Indian Army Chief Manoj Pande, highlighting the need to deepen cooperation both quantitatively and qualitatively. This includes intensifying joint exercises, exchanging staff members, and engaging in dialogues regarding military doctrine and experiences. During his three-day visit to India, Gen Schill engaged with representatives from the defence industry and observed a Pinaka firing demonstration in Rajasthan. Regarding the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and Chinese assertiveness, he remarked that "China is a very strong power and China has a clear agenda to use this power." Reflecting on the situation in Ukraine, he emphasised the imperative to expedite the development of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment, stating, "We will support Ukraine because France, you know, is behind Ukraine." Here is the full interview: WION: How do you see army-to-army engagement between the Indian Army and the French Army? Gen Pierre Schill: Thank you for welcoming me here. I'm very happy to be here for three days and when I met my counterpart General Manoj Pande, we had very ancient relations between our two armies, we have a very ancient relation between our two countries. You mentioned the great honour of welcoming President Macron here for the Republic Day and marching of the French unit in the opening of the parade this year, and this is a sign of those 25 years of strategic relationship between our two countries. Relation is at the strategic level, there is a way to feed this relation at the army level. So the armed forces and the relation between the two Navies or Air forces counterparts are well-known, but there is also a very important relation between our two armies. WION: What are the key focus areas when you had a conversation with your Indian counterpart here in Delhi? Gen Pierre Schill: The base of our discussions was about how to deepen and enhance the relation we had during the last years and for example, in 2023 we increased the relation. General Manoj Pande was in charge and I was too and we met in Paris one year ago when he came and I received him in Paris. So we decided to enhance this relationship. So we did some important common activities in 2023, including exercises. We had an Army Detachment on a French ship which came here last year and that was the time to make a very interesting exercise. So the base for our discussions was to agree that we must go on further in quantity, but also in quality, for some common exercises, some exchanges of staff members, and also some talks about doctrine or exchange of experience, Army experience. WION: So you pointed out to various exercises which have been happening between the Indian side and the French side, there are upcoming exercises as well - the Shakti exercises, which will take place in the month of May, if you can elaborate what will be the focus area, the participation at the French level with the Indian side? Gen Pierre Schill: Yes...every two years we are doing those Shakti exercises and we try to do it once in France and once in India. So in 2024, it will be an exercise in India, here. The place is at the moment still [being] discussed, but what I know is that we will have about 100 French soldiers and we will come and do common exercise with the Army but also with some participation from the Air Force. And we will do an exercise at battalion level. That means we will try to increase the level of the exercise every year. The interest here is mutual knowledge. It is also the tactical theme we will make but it is also an exchange of military knowledge of our soldiers because our two armies are active armies that are really prepared for fight. And so that's sure from my side, regarding the fact that my soldiers will be able to know and learn from soldiers here, really efficient and famous with a famous military skill of the Indian Army. WION: We saw the French contingent at the Republic Day Parade, which was symbolic of the India-French relationship. We also saw the Indian contingent at the Bastille Day parade as well. Symbolic of the relationship. How do you see the participation of these contingents? The French contingent marched on Republic Day, which was seen across the world and tweeted by the French president as well. Gen Pierre Schill: I was lucky to be in the Champs-Élysées on Bastille Day, when Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi came and when three Armed forces contingents, from Air Force, Navy and Army were opening the parade. It was great. When French remember Bastille Day of 2023 they have in sight the parade of the Indian detachment. I think this is very important, our relation is a strategic relation, fed by the military relation. So having some Indian units on Bastille Day and Prime Minister Modi coming and this year having our President on the Republic Day and those French units marching with the Indian Army are very symbolic and very important symbols of this relation between our two countries. WION: Sir, your three-day visit was not just about the meeting but also about your travels. You saw the firing as well, the artillery firing in Rajasthan. What do you make out of that? Your conversation as well, your addresses as well and any specific comments on India's make in India projects. Gen Pierre Schill: I was very impressed during the last three days by all that I've seen. I've met...the higher [officials] responsible of the Army, of course General Pande, but also the Vice Chief of Air force, Vice Chief of Navy and some units on the ground including a demonstration of shooting, long-range artillery Indian shooting. I was very impressed at all levels because of the professionalism of the Indian Army, the quality of their equipment and as you mentioned, make-in-India equipment with the ambition to have real strategic autonomy. And I value this a lot because this is very close to the French view of strategic autonomy, freedom of decision, support of a world in which the rules are the normal way to cope with the relations between states. And I think this is the heart and the base of our relationship and what we military, we need to keep possible for our politicians. That means supporting this view of our two countries but very, very impressive Indian Army and I will have a lot to think about coming back to France.

Exclusive: French army chief hails India as a key partner, calls for increased military cooperation

The Pakistan Army and the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) this week concluded a joint military training exercise in the eastern city of Multan that was aimed at enhancing their military capabilities and exchanging expertise, the Pakistani military said on Tuesday.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia conclude joint military training exercise in Multan

Myanmar's Junta has begun enforcing conscription in the country. As for the latest announcement, the military now can summon all men aged 18 to 25 and women aged between 18 to 27 for at least two years. Watch to know more!

Myanmar's Junta enforces complusory military service for 2 years | Myanmar Junta's Conscription Law

As per Japanese media reports the United States and Japan have named China as a hypothetical enemy for the first time during their joint command and control simulation exercises that began on the 1st of February. The exercise envisions an emergency in Taiwan which China claims to be a part of its territory. Watch to know more!

US, Japan game out military clash with China

In a significant step, the people's Liberation Army or PLA of China has devised strategic plans to introduce robotic agents for covert operations. Recent reports have unveiled the PLA's ambitious plot to deploy sophisticated machines in special operations overseas.

China: PLA'S strategic plan for autonomous military operations

As Israel continues its&nbsp;war against the Hamas militant group in Gaza, the US House panel&nbsp;recommended allocating $17.6 billion in new military assistance to the Jewish nation on Sunday (Feb 4).&nbsp;The billions of dollars in aid will help replenish&nbsp;Israel's missile defence systems, manufacturing artillery and other munitions, and acquiring advanced weapons systems.

Some of these funds will also be used to restock US arms provided to Israel in the wake of the deadly October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in the killings of over a thousand&nbsp;Israelis.&nbsp;

According to US House Speaker Mike Johnson, the funding bill, presented by the House Appropriations panel, is likely to undergo a vote in the full House next week. Under a 10-year plan initiated in 2016, Israel currently gets an annual $3.8 billion in US military assistance.

Last November, months after the deadly attack by Hamas on Israeli soil, the House passed a Republican plan to provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel by cutting the funds to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-carry-out-joint-air-raids-against-houthi-targets-in-yemen-hit-36-sites-686775">US, UK carry out joint air raids against Houthi targets in Yemen, hit 36 sites</a>

However, the Democratic-controlled Senate blocked the bill at the time. Now the new bill, as per Reuters, will provide aid to Israel and additional military assistance to Ukraine. Moreover, the Senate is also considering incorporating aid to Taiwan as part of its comprehensive legislation.

The upcoming Senate bill is also expected to encompass proposals to tackle the issue of US-Mexico border security, which is closely tied to immigration concerns.&nbsp;

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Notably, the US-Mexico border has long been a focal point of election discussions, with a range of issues. This also holds importance in light of the upcoming presidential elections in the United States. The debate on the comprehensive bill will commence next week, with an initial procedural vote scheduled for no later than Wednesday, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

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Speaker Mike Johnson emphasising upon&nbsp;the urgency of lending support to Israel said,&nbsp;"The need to support our closest ally and our own forces in the region has never been more pressing."

The House and Senate must pass the bill in order for US to provide aid to Israel and Ukraine. The bill will then be sent to US President Joe Biden for final approval.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

As Israel continues its war against the Hamas militant group in Gaza, the US House panel recommended allocating $17.6 billion in new military assistance to the Jewish nation on Sunday (Feb 4).

As Israel continues its war against the Hamas militant group in Gaza, the US House panel recommended allocating $17.6 billion in new military assistance to the Jewish nation on Sunday (Feb 4). The billions of dollars in aid will help replenish Israel's missile defence systems, manufacturing artillery and other munitions, and acquiring advanced weapons systems. Some of these funds will also be used to restock US arms provided to Israel in the wake of the deadly October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in the killings of over a thousand Israelis. According to US House Speaker Mike Johnson, the funding bill, presented by the House Appropriations panel, is likely to undergo a vote in the full House next week. Under a 10-year plan initiated in 2016, Israel currently gets an annual $3.8 billion in US military assistance. Last November, months after the deadly attack by Hamas on Israeli soil, the House passed a Republican plan to provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel by cutting the funds to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Also Read | US, UK carry out joint air raids against Houthi targets in Yemen, hit 36 sites However, the Democratic-controlled Senate blocked the bill at the time. Now the new bill, as per Reuters, will provide aid to Israel and additional military assistance to Ukraine. Moreover, the Senate is also considering incorporating aid to Taiwan as part of its comprehensive legislation. The upcoming Senate bill is also expected to encompass proposals to tackle the issue of US-Mexico border security, which is closely tied to immigration concerns. Also Read | Over 50 Hezbollah targets hit in Syria since Oct 7, says Israel Notably, the US-Mexico border has long been a focal point of election discussions, with a range of issues. This also holds importance in light of the upcoming presidential elections in the United States. The debate on the comprehensive bill will commence next week, with an initial procedural vote scheduled for no later than Wednesday, as per Reuters. Watch | Over 40 killed as US unleashes airstrikes on Iranian proxies in Iraq & Syria × Speaker Mike Johnson emphasising upon the urgency of lending support to Israel said, "The need to support our closest ally and our own forces in the region has never been more pressing." The House and Senate must pass the bill in order for US to provide aid to Israel and Ukraine. The bill will then be sent to US President Joe Biden for final approval. (With inputs from agencies)

US House proposes $17.6 billion in military aid to Israel amid war with Hamas

Myanmar's military junta has extended emergency rule in the country by 6 months. The announcement came on the eve of the third coup anniversary. The move came as the military junta battles to contain a bloody, pro-democracy rebellion that has severely tested its ability to govern the country.

Gravitas | Myanmar Junta extends Military rule

Myanmar's military rulers have extended the state of emergency by six more months, putting on hold hopes for the restoration of democracy in the country. Just hours before this announcement, the military government had eased election registration rules in the country.

Myanmar's junta extends emergency rule, elections delayed again

Gravitas | The U.S. continues to dominate the global arms trade. According to figures made public by the U.S. State Department, sales of American-made military equipment to foreign governments in 2023, rose 16% to a record $238 billion. This is as countries around the world replenished their stocks, to prepare for major conflicts. Watch to know more!

U.S. Arms Export Surged as Countries Replenished Their Stock in 2023

Ukraine's SBU security service said on Saturday it had uncovered a corruption scheme in the purchase of arms by the country's military totalling the equivalent of about $40 million.

Ukraine uncovers $40 million fraud in weapons procurement

India and France's defence ties are soaring. The two countries are inking new defence pacts. The move comes amid Macron's latest visit to India. What is the new Defence Space Agreement between India & France?

Will India & France launch military satellites with offensive & defensive capabilities?

A fraud has been uncovered in the procurement of weapons. The country's defence ministry confirmed that fraud worth about $40 million took place in the purchase of mortar shells which were never delivered.

Ukraine: $40 million embezzled in defence scheme | Fraud in weapons procurement

The Security Service of Ukraine, commonly known as SBU, said on Jan 27 that it uncovered a corruption scheme in the purchase of arms by the country's military to the tune of about $40 million. Ukraine says, $40 million embezzled in defence scheme. One detained, five defence officials sent to notice in the scheme. five people sent 'notice of suspicion.'

Ukraine says it uncovered corruption scheme in weapons procurement by military

The United States and Iraq expect to begin talks soon to wind down the mission of a US-led military coalition formed to fight the Islamic State group in Iraq. Watch this report for more details!

US, Iraq agree to begin talks on future of American military presence in Iraq

The US and Iraq will soon begin discussions regarding the future of American military presence in the country. The US currently has about 2,500 troops in Iraq for the Defeat ISIS mission.

US-Iraq to talk on American military presence amid calls for withdrawal

Global Firepower a website and a leading authority on military might, has released its annual ranking report of the world’s most powerful Armies. As per the report, the United States has the most powerful military globally, followed by Russia and China in second and third place, respectively. India holds the fourth position.

2024 military strength rankings out: US tops, India at fourth Place

According to reports, a group of scientists from China's top military technology research institution are developing a new defensive technology similar to an energy shield in science fiction. In other words, they're developing what is commonly known as a force field.

Chinese scientists developing energy shield

Chinese scientists working on plasma-based energy shield

Myanmar has taken fresh steps to strengthen its economy, the Asian nation has imposed a new income tax rule. Those Myanmar nationals who are working abroad are now subjected to a 2% income tax.

Myanmar: New income tax rules announced for nationals living abroad

North Korea on Sunday (Jan 7) conducted live-fire exercises on its western coast, Seoul's military released a statement saying. This was the third consecutive day of military drills conducted by Pyongyang near its disputed maritime border with the South.

North Korea conducts live-fire drills near maritime border

As the Western military aid dries up in Ukraine, Russia gears to land a knockout punch How potent is the threat posed by the Chinese navy? Will the assassination of Hamas' number 2 lead to a wider conflagration? How will Iran respond to the deadliest militant attack on its soil since 1979?

Most serious military escalation in the Korean peninsula since 2010

Is the Junta losing ground in Myanmar? Myanmar's Junta is battling unprecedented opposition alliance & struggling to recruit people amid poor equipment issues. Watch to get more insights!

Myanmar's Junta battles unprecedented opposition alliance

China's 'bamboo curtain' has turned into a cyber wall. Beijing has now banned its citizens from posting photos of military equipment. Why? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: China's bamboo curtain becomes a cyber wall

As the holiday season unfolds Santa Claus has embarked on his yearly global voyage from the enchanting North Pole spreading joy and delivering gifts to children across the world. Keeping the magic alive North American Aerospace Defense Command has its official tracker on standby ready to follow Santa's Whimsical Journey this Christmas.

US-Canada military 'track' Santa's gift giving journey across the world

Beijing stopped the talks in late 2022. US President Joe Biden & China President Xi Jinping agreed to resume talks last month. General Charles 'CQ' Brown speaks with general Liu Zhenli.

US-China hold high-level military talks after a year-long hall

General Charles "CQ" Brown, a top US military officer, had a conversation with General Liu Zhenli of China on Thursday, according to a spokesman, following a more than year-long suspension of high-level defense negotiations between the two nations. When the leaders of the two nations met last month, they decided to resume the talks after China had halted them in late 2022 over a visit to Taiwan by then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

US & China hold high-level military talks; top officials speak after year-long halt | WION

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