France said Wednesday it was pulling out of a NATO Mediterranean maritime security operation until it gets a response to its concerns over the behaviour of fellow member Turkey.

"We have decided to temporarily withdraw our assets from the operation Sea Guardian" until France's concerns are addressed, a French defence official, who asked not to be named, told reporters.&nbsp;

The decision follows an escalation in tensions with Turkey over the Libya conflict which has seen both sides exchange accusations with increasing bitterness in recent days.

Earlier this month, France denounced an "extremely aggressive" intervention by Turkish ships against a French navy vessel participating in the NATO mission in the Mediterranean, a claim Ankara dismissed as "groundless".

Ankara supports the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in the Libya conflict against rebel strongman Khalifa Haftar.

France is suspected by analysts of backing Haftar alongside Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, but insists it is neutral in the conflict.

Paris accuses Ankara of shipping arms to Libya in defiance of a UN embargo as well sending in pro-Turkey Syrian militia fighters fresh from the conflict there.

"It does not seem to us healthy to maintain our assets in an operation supposed, among its various tasks, to control an embargo alongside allies who do not respect it", said the official in apparent reference to Turkey.

Paris demands in particular "that allies solemnly reaffirm their attachment and their commitment to the respect of the embargo" on weapons to Libya.&nbsp;

France also wants a better conflict-resolution mechanism within the military alliance, the official added.

Macron said last week that he believed the naval incident between France and Turkey was worrying proof of his belief that NATO is in the throes of "brain death".

According to NATO, the Sea Guardian operation was launched in November 2016 and is aimed at "carrying out maritime security capacity building, and providing support to maritime situational awareness and to maritime counter-terrorism".

France said Wednesday it was pulling out of a NATO Mediterranean maritime security operation until it gets a response to its concerns over the behaviour of fellow member Turkey.

France said Wednesday it was pulling out of a NATO Mediterranean maritime security operation until it gets a response to its concerns over the behaviour of fellow member Turkey. "We have decided to temporarily withdraw our assets from the operation Sea Guardian" until France's concerns are addressed, a French defence official, who asked not to be named, told reporters. The decision follows an escalation in tensions with Turkey over the Libya conflict which has seen both sides exchange accusations with increasing bitterness in recent days. Earlier this month, France denounced an "extremely aggressive" intervention by Turkish ships against a French navy vessel participating in the NATO mission in the Mediterranean, a claim Ankara dismissed as "groundless". Ankara supports the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in the Libya conflict against rebel strongman Khalifa Haftar. France is suspected by analysts of backing Haftar alongside Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, but insists it is neutral in the conflict. Paris accuses Ankara of shipping arms to Libya in defiance of a UN embargo as well sending in pro-Turkey Syrian militia fighters fresh from the conflict there. "It does not seem to us healthy to maintain our assets in an operation supposed, among its various tasks, to control an embargo alongside allies who do not respect it", said the official in apparent reference to Turkey. Paris demands in particular "that allies solemnly reaffirm their attachment and their commitment to the respect of the embargo" on weapons to Libya. France also wants a better conflict-resolution mechanism within the military alliance, the official added. Macron said last week that he believed the naval incident between France and Turkey was worrying proof of his belief that NATO is in the throes of "brain death". According to NATO, the Sea Guardian operation was launched in November 2016 and is aimed at "carrying out maritime security capacity building, and providing support to maritime situational awareness and to maritime counter-terrorism".

France pulls out of NATO Med operation over Turkey tensions

Afghanistan government is refusing to release Taliban prisoners, and western powers are supporting this decision of the Afghanistan government, citing security issues.

Afghanistan government has decided to not allow the release of hundreds of Taliban prisoners, who are responsible for some of the most violent attacks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-have-met-our-part-of-commitment-with-taliban-top-us-commander-307023">Also read|&nbsp;We have met our part of commitment with Taliban: Top US commander</a>

This demand from Taliban is one of the major and last demands from Taliban in resolving the intra-Afghan peace negotiations&nbsp;in Qatar aimed at ending more than 18 years of war in a US-brokered peace process.

"The contentious part right now is the prisoners issue," a senior government source told a media house. Two European diplomats, an Asian diplomat and another Afghan official confirmed his account.

"There are some dangerous Taliban fighters named in the list, and releasing them is literally crossing a red line," said a senior European diplomat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/afghan-government-taliban-agree-to-doha-as-venue-for-first-peace-talks-306103">Also read|&nbsp;Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks</a>

"Some NATO members find it extremely uncomfortable to support the release of Taliban prisoners who were behind large-scale suicide attacks on minority groups and on expats."

The Taliban started a withdrawal&nbsp;agreement with the help of the US. However, the talks were delayed as the Taliban group asked 5,000 prisoners to be released, which the Afghanistan government denied.

Sources have revealed that even the US government raised concerns over some of the names in the list of the 5,000 prisoners to be released, as some of them are responsible for violent attacks.&nbsp;NATO and the Afghan government have objected in&nbsp;setting these prisoners free.

The sources said that if all prisoners walked free, including those accused of killing many civilians in some of Afghanistan's bloodiest attacks, it would give the impression the insurgent group had the upper hand over the government while negotiations got under way.

Taliban, however, has declined that the group has asked for release of high-profile prisoners. "There are no such people ... these are just excuses to create barriers against the peace process," said&nbsp;Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Afghanistan has released over 3,000&nbsp; prisoners already, and is ready to release all other prisoners, excusing few hundreds. Taliban, too, has released some prisoners.

Afghanistan government is refusing to release Taliban prisoners, and western powers are supporting this decision of the Afghanistan government, citing security issues.

Afghanistan government is refusing to release Taliban prisoners, and western powers are supporting this decision of the Afghanistan government, citing security issues. Afghanistan government has decided to not allow the release of hundreds of Taliban prisoners, who are responsible for some of the most violent attacks. Also read| We have met our part of commitment with Taliban: Top US commander This demand from Taliban is one of the major and last demands from Taliban in resolving the intra-Afghan peace negotiations in Qatar aimed at ending more than 18 years of war in a US-brokered peace process. "The contentious part right now is the prisoners issue," a senior government source told a media house. Two European diplomats, an Asian diplomat and another Afghan official confirmed his account. "There are some dangerous Taliban fighters named in the list, and releasing them is literally crossing a red line," said a senior European diplomat. Also read| Afghan government, Taliban agree to Doha as venue for first peace talks "Some NATO members find it extremely uncomfortable to support the release of Taliban prisoners who were behind large-scale suicide attacks on minority groups and on expats." The Taliban started a withdrawal agreement with the help of the US. However, the talks were delayed as the Taliban group asked 5,000 prisoners to be released, which the Afghanistan government denied. Sources have revealed that even the US government raised concerns over some of the names in the list of the 5,000 prisoners to be released, as some of them are responsible for violent attacks. NATO and the Afghan government have objected in setting these prisoners free. The sources said that if all prisoners walked free, including those accused of killing many civilians in some of Afghanistan's bloodiest attacks, it would give the impression the insurgent group had the upper hand over the government while negotiations got under way. Taliban, however, has declined that the group has asked for release of high-profile prisoners. "There are no such people ... these are just excuses to create barriers against the peace process," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Afghanistan has released over 3,000 prisoners already, and is ready to release all other prisoners, excusing few hundreds. Taliban, too, has released some prisoners.

Western powers support Afghanistan's decision to not release Taliban prisoners

The move would reduce US troop numbers in Germany to 25,000, compared with the 34,500 currently there, a senior US official said.

Trump orders to withdraw 9500 US troops from Germany

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) envoys are set to discuss the future of the Open Skies treaty on Friday after the United States announced it would quit the 35-nation pact.

The United States on Thursday announced its intention to withdraw from the treaty allowing unarmed surveillance flights over member countries.

The administration said Russia has repeatedly violated the pact's terms. Senior officials said the pullout will formally take place in six months, based on the treaty's withdrawal terms.

Russia, to this end, said this would affect the interests of all of its participants, who are also members of NATO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pulls-out-of-open-skies-treaty-russia-says-it-will-affect-all-members-300258">Also read |&nbsp;US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members</a>

The Open Skies treaty, proposed by US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1955, was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002. The idea is to let member nations make surveillance flights over each other's countries to build trust.

The US move deepens doubts about whether Washington will seek to extend the 2010 New START accord, which imposes the last remaining limits on U.S. and Russian deployments of strategic nuclear arms to no more than 1,550 each. It expires in February.

US allies in the NATO have pressed Washington to not leave the Open Skies pact, whose unarmed overflights are aimed at bolstering confidence and providing members forewarning of surprise military attacks.

 
&nbsp;

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) envoys are set to discuss the future of the Open Skies treaty on Friday after the United States announced it would quit the 35-nation pact.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) envoys are set to discuss the future of the Open Skies treaty on Friday after the United States announced it would quit the 35-nation pact. The United States on Thursday announced its intention to withdraw from the treaty allowing unarmed surveillance flights over member countries. The administration said Russia has repeatedly violated the pact's terms. Senior officials said the pullout will formally take place in six months, based on the treaty's withdrawal terms. Russia, to this end, said this would affect the interests of all of its participants, who are also members of NATO. Also read | US pulls out of Open Skies treaty; Russia says it will affect all members The Open Skies treaty, proposed by US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1955, was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002. The idea is to let member nations make surveillance flights over each other's countries to build trust. The US move deepens doubts about whether Washington will seek to extend the 2010 New START accord, which imposes the last remaining limits on U.S. and Russian deployments of strategic nuclear arms to no more than 1,550 each. It expires in February. US allies in the NATO have pressed Washington to not leave the Open Skies pact, whose unarmed overflights are aimed at bolstering confidence and providing members forewarning of surprise military attacks.

NATO to discuss Open Skies treaty after US announces withdrawal

Turkey said on Sunday it would deem the forces of Libyan General Khalifa Haftar "legitimate targets" if their attacks on its interests and diplomatic missions in Libya persisted.

Turkey backs Libya`s internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). It has signed a military cooperation deal with the GNA, which has been trying to fend off an offensive by Haftar`s forces.

Ankara views Haftar`s forces, which are backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia, as "putschists".

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"If our missions and our interests in Libya are targeted, we will deem Haftar`s forces legitimate targets," the foreign ministry said in a statement in which it also slammed the United Nations for not taking action over Haftar`s attacks.

"It is unacceptable for the United Nations to remain silent against this carnage any longer," it said. "Countries providing military, financial and political aid to Haftar are responsible for the suffering that the people of Libya are enduring and the chaos and instability the country is being dragged into."

It also said attacks on Tripoli`s Mitiga airport early on Saturday, part of an intensified barrage of artillery fire on the capital, were war crimes.

On Thursday, Turkey and Italy said the area around their embassies in Tripoli had been shelled.

Haftar`s Libyan National Army (LNA) has been fighting for more than a year to capture Tripoli from the GNA with frequent shelling of the capital. The United Nations said four fifths of the 130 civilian casualties recorded in the Libyan conflict in the first quarter of 2020 were caused by LNA ground fighting.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday the LNA was in a "period of regression" after NATO member Turkey threw its support behind the GNA.

"Even the efforts of countries that provide him (Haftar) with unlimited financial support and weapons will not be able to save him," Erdogan said.

Pro-GNA forces have retaken some territory from the LNA around Tripoli during an escalation of fighting in recent weeks with the help of Turkish-supplied drones.

The LNA says Turkey has established a military drone base at Mitiga, but the GNA denies this.

Turkey said on Sunday it would deem the forces of Libyan General Khalifa Haftar "legitimate targets" if their attacks on its interests and diplomatic missions in Libya persisted.

Turkey said on Sunday it would deem the forces of Libyan General Khalifa Haftar "legitimate targets" if their attacks on its interests and diplomatic missions in Libya persisted. Turkey backs Libya`s internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA). It has signed a military cooperation deal with the GNA, which has been trying to fend off an offensive by Haftar`s forces. Ankara views Haftar`s forces, which are backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia, as "putschists". Also watch: Social distancing benches become new normal in Turkey "If our missions and our interests in Libya are targeted, we will deem Haftar`s forces legitimate targets," the foreign ministry said in a statement in which it also slammed the United Nations for not taking action over Haftar`s attacks. "It is unacceptable for the United Nations to remain silent against this carnage any longer," it said. "Countries providing military, financial and political aid to Haftar are responsible for the suffering that the people of Libya are enduring and the chaos and instability the country is being dragged into." It also said attacks on Tripoli`s Mitiga airport early on Saturday, part of an intensified barrage of artillery fire on the capital, were war crimes. On Thursday, Turkey and Italy said the area around their embassies in Tripoli had been shelled. Haftar`s Libyan National Army (LNA) has been fighting for more than a year to capture Tripoli from the GNA with frequent shelling of the capital. The United Nations said four fifths of the 130 civilian casualties recorded in the Libyan conflict in the first quarter of 2020 were caused by LNA ground fighting. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday the LNA was in a "period of regression" after NATO member Turkey threw its support behind the GNA. "Even the efforts of countries that provide him (Haftar) with unlimited financial support and weapons will not be able to save him," Erdogan said. Pro-GNA forces have retaken some territory from the LNA around Tripoli during an escalation of fighting in recent weeks with the help of Turkish-supplied drones. The LNA says Turkey has established a military drone base at Mitiga, but the GNA denies this.

Turkey threatens to target Haftar's forces in Libya if attacks persist

May 9 in history: First birth control pill, Russia's biggest military parade and more

A US government watchdog said on Friday that NATO's mission in Afghanistan is withholding crucial information related to Taliban attacks.&nbsp;

The office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report, said the Resolute Support (RS) had stopped providing figures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-ghani-and-bitter-rival-abdullah-reach-tentative-agreement-296157">Afghan President Ghani and bitter rival Abdullah reach 'tentative' agreement</a>

It said that RS issued a short statement, saying the Taliban had stepped up attacks in March, after the signing of the US-Taliban deal which intended to end American troops' presence in Afghanistan and work towards establishing peace and stability in the region.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suicide-bombing-in-kabul-province-kills-three-wounds-15-295535">Suicide bombing in Kabul province kills three, wounds 15</a>

"Between March 1 and 31, the Taliban refrained from attacks against coalition forces; however they increased attacks against (Afghan forces) to levels above seasonal norms," RS said, as per the report.&nbsp;

The RS mission previously shared data on "enemy-initiated attacks", which helped in evaluating the strength of the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

RS told SIGAR that it decided to restrict information because enemy attacks were now a "critical part" of discussions "regarding ongoing political negotiations between the US and the Taliban"

However, SIGAR told Pentagon that the data might be released in the future.&nbsp;

Pentagon supported the decision to withhold data, citing ongoing talks.

"So the decision was that we're working toward a better solution and a better place for Afghanistan and that the sharing of that information would not... move the ball forward," the spokesman, Jonathan Hoffman, said.&nbsp;

"The level of violence by the Taliban is unacceptably high," he said, hinting that a diplomatic solution will possibly not end the crisis.&nbsp;

In the week ahead of February 29, when deal was signed in Doha, violence dropped in Afghanistan, however, after the signing, the Taliban immediately resumed assaults on Afghan forces.&nbsp;

During the deal negotiations, the Taliban committed to stop targetting foreign troops, but no such provision was made for Afghan forces.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

 
&nbsp;

A US government watchdog said on Friday that NATO's mission in Afghanistan is withholding crucial information related to Taliban attacks. The office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report, said the Resolute Support (RS) had stopped providing figures.

A US government watchdog said on Friday that NATO's mission in Afghanistan is withholding crucial information related to Taliban attacks. The office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its quarterly report, said the Resolute Support (RS) had stopped providing figures. Also read | Afghan President Ghani and bitter rival Abdullah reach 'tentative' agreement It said that RS issued a short statement, saying the Taliban had stepped up attacks in March, after the signing of the US-Taliban deal which intended to end American troops' presence in Afghanistan and work towards establishing peace and stability in the region. Also read | Suicide bombing in Kabul province kills three, wounds 15 "Between March 1 and 31, the Taliban refrained from attacks against coalition forces; however they increased attacks against (Afghan forces) to levels above seasonal norms," RS said, as per the report. The RS mission previously shared data on "enemy-initiated attacks", which helped in evaluating the strength of the Taliban and other insurgent groups. RS told SIGAR that it decided to restrict information because enemy attacks were now a "critical part" of discussions "regarding ongoing political negotiations between the US and the Taliban" However, SIGAR told Pentagon that the data might be released in the future. Pentagon supported the decision to withhold data, citing ongoing talks. "So the decision was that we're working toward a better solution and a better place for Afghanistan and that the sharing of that information would not... move the ball forward," the spokesman, Jonathan Hoffman, said. "The level of violence by the Taliban is unacceptably high," he said, hinting that a diplomatic solution will possibly not end the crisis. In the week ahead of February 29, when deal was signed in Doha, violence dropped in Afghanistan, however, after the signing, the Taliban immediately resumed assaults on Afghan forces. During the deal negotiations, the Taliban committed to stop targetting foreign troops, but no such provision was made for Afghan forces. (With inputs from AFP)

NATO withholds key information on Taliban attacks, says US watchdog

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its&nbsp;regional security program.

Georgia's desire&nbsp;to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia&nbsp;since 2008.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sets-a-grim-record-reports-7933-coronavirus-cases-in-a-day-296066" hreflang="en">Russia sets a grim record, reports 7,933 coronavirus cases in a day</a>

NATO promised Georgia&nbsp;&nbsp;that it would one day join the alliance.

However,&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned NATO that cultivating closer ties with Ukraine and Georgia would have unspecified consequences for the alliance.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-prime-minister-mikhail-mishustin-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-295929" hreflang="en">Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin tests positive for coronavirus</a>

As a result the Western military bloc announced on Wednesday that it will help protect the Black Sea country from Russia’s “aggressive” cyber&nbsp;and misinformation threats.

A four-step strategy has been made&nbsp;for providing Georgia ''hybrid defence'' according to James Appathurai, NATO’s special representative for the Caucasus.

''This implies protection from the methods and means that Russia uses against other countries, for example, cyberattacks or misinformation, energy blockade, covert intelligence or military activity,''&nbsp;Appathurai said.

Russia has hampered Georgia's chances of joing the NATO several times via territorial incursions.

As per NATO policy,&nbsp;countries with territorial conflicts cannot join the alliance.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its regional security program. Georgia's desire to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia since 2008.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its regional security program. Georgia's desire to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia since 2008. Also read: Russia sets a grim record, reports 7,933 coronavirus cases in a day NATO promised Georgia that it would one day join the alliance. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned NATO that cultivating closer ties with Ukraine and Georgia would have unspecified consequences for the alliance. Also read: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin tests positive for coronavirus As a result the Western military bloc announced on Wednesday that it will help protect the Black Sea country from Russia’s “aggressive” cyber and misinformation threats. A four-step strategy has been made for providing Georgia ''hybrid defence'' according to James Appathurai, NATO’s special representative for the Caucasus. ''This implies protection from the methods and means that Russia uses against other countries, for example, cyberattacks or misinformation, energy blockade, covert intelligence or military activity,'' Appathurai said. Russia has hampered Georgia's chances of joing the NATO several times via territorial incursions. As per NATO policy, countries with territorial conflicts cannot join the alliance.

NATO to provide 'hybrid defence' to Georgia against Russia

A pair of rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops, Iraq's military said Tuesday, the third attack on installations hosting foreign forces inside a week.&nbsp;

The rockets slammed into the Besmaya base south of Baghdad late Monday night, a statement by the military said, making no mention of casualties.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-33-rockets-target-us-uk-troops-in-iraq-286428">At least 33 rockets target US, UK troops in Iraq</a>

Spanish forces linked to the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, as well as NATO training forces, are present in Besmaya.&nbsp;

The last week has seen a renewed spike in rockets hitting Iraqi bases hosting foreign forces, with three coalition troops killed on March 11 in a similar attack on the Taji air base, which was hit again on March 14.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-donald-trump-after-us-carried-air-strikes-in-iraq-286169">Iran warns Donald Trump after US carried air strikes in Iraq</a>

Since late October, there have been 24 rocket attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad or bases where foreign troops are deployed, killing a total of three American military personnel, one British soldier and one Iraqi soldier.

No attacks have been claimed but Washington has blamed Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline faction in the Hashed al-Shaabi -- a military network incorporated into the Iraqi state.&nbsp;

The US has long insisted Baghdad should do more to reign in such factions and prevent them from targeting American troops and diplomats.

But Washington took a much tougher line in December after a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack, launching retaliatory airstrikes against Kataeb Hezbollah.

The faction's supporters then surrounded and briefly stormed the US embassy. Days later, Washington killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a drone strike on Baghdad.

Outraged,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;launched cruise missiles at the largest Iraqi base hosting US troops and the Iraqi parliament voted to oust all foreign forces from the country.&nbsp;

The parliamentary vote has yet to be implemented by a government.&nbsp;

A pair of rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops, Iraq's military said Tuesday, the third attack on installations hosting foreign forces inside a week.

A pair of rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting US-led coalition and NATO troops, Iraq's military said Tuesday, the third attack on installations hosting foreign forces inside a week. The rockets slammed into the Besmaya base south of Baghdad late Monday night, a statement by the military said, making no mention of casualties. Also read: At least 33 rockets target US, UK troops in Iraq Spanish forces linked to the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group, as well as NATO training forces, are present in Besmaya. The last week has seen a renewed spike in rockets hitting Iraqi bases hosting foreign forces, with three coalition troops killed on March 11 in a similar attack on the Taji air base, which was hit again on March 14. Also read: Iran warns Donald Trump after US carried air strikes in Iraq Since late October, there have been 24 rocket attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad or bases where foreign troops are deployed, killing a total of three American military personnel, one British soldier and one Iraqi soldier. No attacks have been claimed but Washington has blamed Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline faction in the Hashed al-Shaabi -- a military network incorporated into the Iraqi state. The US has long insisted Baghdad should do more to reign in such factions and prevent them from targeting American troops and diplomats. But Washington took a much tougher line in December after a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack, launching retaliatory airstrikes against Kataeb Hezbollah. The faction's supporters then surrounded and briefly stormed the US embassy. Days later, Washington killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis in a drone strike on Baghdad. Outraged, Iran launched cruise missiles at the largest Iraqi base hosting US troops and the Iraqi parliament voted to oust all foreign forces from the country. The parliamentary vote has yet to be implemented by a government.

Rockets hit Iraq base hosting US-led coalition: Military

Former NATO secretary-general Javier Solana is being treated at a Madrid hospital for coronavirus, a source close to the Spanish politician said Saturday.

"He tested positive and is evolving favourably," the source told the source, confirming a report in the conservative newspaper ABC which said he had been hospitalised for the disease in the Spanish capital on Wednesday.

In a tweet sent to a well-wisher, the former Spanish foreign minister said he was "getting better".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-health-minister-nadine-dorries-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-285519">British health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive for coronavirus</a>

Solana, 77, served as NATO secretary-general from 1995 to 1999, then as the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2009.

Spain confirmed more than 1,500 new cases of coronavirus between Friday and Saturday raising its total to 5,753 cases, the second-highest number in Europe after Italy.

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All bars and restaurants have been closed in the Madrid region, where the bulk of the cases have been recorded, in an effort to stop the spread of the disease.

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Among those who have been infected are two members of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's cabinet as well as the leader of far-right party Vox, Santiago Abascal.

Former NATO secretary-general Javier Solana is being treated at a Madrid hospital for coronavirus, a source close to the Spanish politician said Saturday. "He tested positive and is evolving favourably," the source told the source, confirming a report in the conservative newspaper ABC which said he had been hospitalised for the disease in the Spanish capital on Wednesday.

Former NATO secretary-general Javier Solana is being treated at a Madrid hospital for coronavirus, a source close to the Spanish politician said Saturday. "He tested positive and is evolving favourably," the source told the source, confirming a report in the conservative newspaper ABC which said he had been hospitalised for the disease in the Spanish capital on Wednesday. In a tweet sent to a well-wisher, the former Spanish foreign minister said he was "getting better". Also read: British health minister Nadine Dorries tests positive for coronavirus Solana, 77, served as NATO secretary-general from 1995 to 1999, then as the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs from 1999 to 2009. Spain confirmed more than 1,500 new cases of coronavirus between Friday and Saturday raising its total to 5,753 cases, the second-highest number in Europe after Italy. Also see: Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson test positive for coronavirus All bars and restaurants have been closed in the Madrid region, where the bulk of the cases have been recorded, in an effort to stop the spread of the disease. Also see: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau to be in quarantine after wife tests COVID-19 positive Among those who have been infected are two members of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's cabinet as well as the leader of far-right party Vox, Santiago Abascal.

Former NATO chief Javier Solana has coronavirus

March 12 in history: Series of bomb blasts in Mumbai, Fukushima nuclear tragedy and more!

&nbsp;The Taliban sent vehicles for fighters set to be released by the Afghan government in a prisoner swap expected to be announced on Tuesday, and were ready to honour their side of the deal by handing over 1,000 captured government troops, militant leaders said.

&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-rejects-taliban-demand-to-free-5000-prisoners-283605">Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani rejects Taliban demand to free 5,000 prisoners</a>

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will issue a decree for at least 1,000 Taliban prisoners to be released this week, Reuters reported on Monday, paving the way for opening direct talks between the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-ghani-appeals-to-taliban-to-enter-negotiations-283988">&nbsp;President Ghani appeals to Taliban to enter negotiations</a>

A senior Taliban leader in Doha, the capital of Qatar where negotiations between the militants and US&nbsp;officials have taken place, said vehicles had been sent to an area near Bagram Prison to fetch the freed fighters.

The prisoner release is part of a deal signed by the United States and the Taliban last month that allows US&nbsp;forces and NATO troops to withdraw from Afghanistan to end more than 18 years of war.

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The Taliban have demanded the release of the prisoners as a confidence-building measure.

Ghani, who was sworn in on Monday at a ceremony attended by US&nbsp;Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, had earlier rejected the Taliban demand for its fighters to be released.

"After our conversation with Zalmay Khalilzad on Monday, in which he conveyed to us the release of our 5,000 prisoners, we sent vehicles to pick them up," the senior Taliban leader said via phone from Doha.

It is unclear how many prisoners will be released immediately, but three other sources told Reuters on Monday that it could vary between 1,000 to 1,800. It was also unclear whether prisoners would be released from other prisons aside from Bagram.

The US&nbsp;Embassy declined to comment. A spokesman for NATO's mission referred questions to the Afghan government.

The Taliban leader in Doha also confirmed the group had finalised arrangements for the release of 1,000 prisoners held by them, adding that they had shifted all prisoners to safe locations in Afghanistan.

"We are planning to release the 1,000 prisoners of the Afghan government to the Red Crescent and they could then shift them to their hometowns or pay them cash for travelling home," he said.

An official Taliban spokesman said he could not comment as he had yet to be informed of the plans.

The Taliban sent vehicles for fighters set to be released by the Afghan government in a prisoner swap expected to be announced on Tuesday, and were ready to honour their side of the deal by handing over 1,000 captured government troops, militant leaders said.

The Taliban sent vehicles for fighters set to be released by the Afghan government in a prisoner swap expected to be announced on Tuesday, and were ready to honour their side of the deal by handing over 1,000 captured government troops, militant leaders said. Also read: Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani rejects Taliban demand to free 5,000 prisoners Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will issue a decree for at least 1,000 Taliban prisoners to be released this week, Reuters reported on Monday, paving the way for opening direct talks between the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents. Also read: President Ghani appeals to Taliban to enter negotiations A senior Taliban leader in Doha, the capital of Qatar where negotiations between the militants and US officials have taken place, said vehicles had been sent to an area near Bagram Prison to fetch the freed fighters. The prisoner release is part of a deal signed by the United States and the Taliban last month that allows US forces and NATO troops to withdraw from Afghanistan to end more than 18 years of war. × The Taliban have demanded the release of the prisoners as a confidence-building measure. Ghani, who was sworn in on Monday at a ceremony attended by US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, had earlier rejected the Taliban demand for its fighters to be released. "After our conversation with Zalmay Khalilzad on Monday, in which he conveyed to us the release of our 5,000 prisoners, we sent vehicles to pick them up," the senior Taliban leader said via phone from Doha. It is unclear how many prisoners will be released immediately, but three other sources told Reuters on Monday that it could vary between 1,000 to 1,800. It was also unclear whether prisoners would be released from other prisons aside from Bagram. The US Embassy declined to comment. A spokesman for NATO's mission referred questions to the Afghan government. The Taliban leader in Doha also confirmed the group had finalised arrangements for the release of 1,000 prisoners held by them, adding that they had shifted all prisoners to safe locations in Afghanistan. "We are planning to release the 1,000 prisoners of the Afghan government to the Red Crescent and they could then shift them to their hometowns or pay them cash for travelling home," he said. An official Taliban spokesman said he could not comment as he had yet to be informed of the plans.

Taliban wait for Afghan president to order release of fighters in prisoner swap

Western forces will only leave Afghanistan if the Taliban make good on their commitment to reducing bloodshed, the head of NATO warned Wednesday, as attacks surge.

The militants have ramped up violence against Afghan forces since signing a deal with Washington at the weekend, casting doubt over peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban, due to begin on March 10.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hours-after-trump-call-taliban-attacks-kill-20-in-afghanistan-officials-284194">Hours after Trump call, Taliban attacks kill 20 in Afghanistan: Officials</a>

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said&nbsp;that a "long and hard" road to peace lay ahead but warned the Taliban that if they reneged on the agreement, foreign forces would not leave.

"It is a very difficult situation and the Taliban must honour their commitment. We need to see a reduction in violence," Stoltenberg said&nbsp;in an interview in Zagreb, where he attended a meeting of EU defence ministers.

"We can only deliver our side of the deal if the Taliban deliver their side of the deal."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/first-time-in-11-days-of-truce-us-hits-taliban-with-air-strike-military-spokesperson-284201">First time in 11 days of truce, US hits Taliban with air strike: Military spokesperson</a>

US President Donald Trump has touted the deal, signed in Doha, as a way to end the bloody 18-year US military presence in Afghanistan.

But overnight, Taliban militants killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of attacks in the latest breach of the partial truce.

Under the terms of the deal, the US and other foreign forces will quit Afghanistan within 14 months, subject to Taliban security guarantees and a pledge by the insurgents to hold talks with the government of President Ashraf Ghani.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/you-are-tough-people-i-understand-you-are-fighting-for-your-homeland-trump-to-taliban-284181">You are tough people;&nbsp;I understand you are fighting for your homeland: Trump to Taliban</a>

NATO, which has a 16,000-strong training and support mission in Afghanistan, has long insisted it would only leave when conditions were right -- in particular that terrorists could not use the country as a springboard for attacks abroad.

"The agreement that was signed on Saturday was an important first step, but it's only a first step," said Stoltenberg, who as prime minister of Norway sent troops to Afghanistan following the US-led invasion that overthrew the Taliban in 2001.

"The road towards peace will be long and hard and we have to be prepared for disappointments."

"At the same time, there is no alternative. The only way to have a peaceful solution is a negotiated agreement and to talk to the Taliban."

With an election coming up in November, Trump is keen to make good on a pledge to end America's longest war, but observers say it appears the Taliban have yet to be convinced to come to the negotiating table with Kabul.

Barely three days after signing the partial truce deal, the Taliban announced they were resuming their offensive against Afghan government forces.

In a sign of their intent, the militants have mounted 30 attacks in 15 of the country's 34 provinces in the space of 24 hours, according to the Afghan interior ministry.

Western forces will only leave Afghanistan if the Taliban make good on their commitment to reducing bloodshed, the head of NATO warned Wednesday, as attacks surge.

Western forces will only leave Afghanistan if the Taliban make good on their commitment to reducing bloodshed, the head of NATO warned Wednesday, as attacks surge. The militants have ramped up violence against Afghan forces since signing a deal with Washington at the weekend, casting doubt over peace talks between Kabul and the Taliban, due to begin on March 10. Also read: Hours after Trump call, Taliban attacks kill 20 in Afghanistan: Officials NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that a "long and hard" road to peace lay ahead but warned the Taliban that if they reneged on the agreement, foreign forces would not leave. "It is a very difficult situation and the Taliban must honour their commitment. We need to see a reduction in violence," Stoltenberg said in an interview in Zagreb, where he attended a meeting of EU defence ministers. "We can only deliver our side of the deal if the Taliban deliver their side of the deal." Also read: First time in 11 days of truce, US hits Taliban with air strike: Military spokesperson US President Donald Trump has touted the deal, signed in Doha, as a way to end the bloody 18-year US military presence in Afghanistan. But overnight, Taliban militants killed at least 20 Afghan soldiers and policemen in a string of attacks in the latest breach of the partial truce. Under the terms of the deal, the US and other foreign forces will quit Afghanistan within 14 months, subject to Taliban security guarantees and a pledge by the insurgents to hold talks with the government of President Ashraf Ghani. Also read: You are tough people; I understand you are fighting for your homeland: Trump to Taliban NATO, which has a 16,000-strong training and support mission in Afghanistan, has long insisted it would only leave when conditions were right -- in particular that terrorists could not use the country as a springboard for attacks abroad. "The agreement that was signed on Saturday was an important first step, but it's only a first step," said Stoltenberg, who as prime minister of Norway sent troops to Afghanistan following the US-led invasion that overthrew the Taliban in 2001. "The road towards peace will be long and hard and we have to be prepared for disappointments." "At the same time, there is no alternative. The only way to have a peaceful solution is a negotiated agreement and to talk to the Taliban." With an election coming up in November, Trump is keen to make good on a pledge to end America's longest war, but observers say it appears the Taliban have yet to be convinced to come to the negotiating table with Kabul. Barely three days after signing the partial truce deal, the Taliban announced they were resuming their offensive against Afghan government forces. In a sign of their intent, the militants have mounted 30 attacks in 15 of the country's 34 provinces in the space of 24 hours, according to the Afghan interior ministry.

NATO chief warns of hard road to Afghan peace as violence soars

Turkey and Russia are discussing possible joint patrols as one way to reach a deal to halt fighting and stem an exodus of civilians in Syria's Idlib region, a Turkish official said on Thursday, a day after Ankara threatened military action to push back Syrian government forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-forces-consolidate-control-of-aleppo-air-strikes-under-way-281363">Also read: Syrian forces consolidate control of Aleppo, air strikes under way</a>

Turkey and Russia, which back opposing sides in the nine-year-old conflict, have failed to reach an agreement after two rounds of talks in the last two weeks.

A Syrian government offensive to eradicate the last rebel strongholds in northwest Syria has led to some of the most serious confrontations yet between NATO member Ankara and Damascus, and prompted Turkey to send thousands of troops and convoys of heavy weapons to the border area.

Turkey has taken in about 3.7 million Syrian refugees since the war started and says it cannot handle any more over its border, whch is now closed. The United Nations says <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/900000-people-displaced-by-fighting-in-northwest-syria-since-december-un-281225">more than 900,000 people, mostly women and children, have fled their homes in Idlib</a> since early December.

The Turkish official said the talks with Russia had not been "completely without a result". The discussions had moved forward but reached no final decision, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"Russia has maintained its position that Turkey withdraws from Idlib and evacuates its observation posts since the beginning. Withdrawing from Idlib or evacuating the observation posts is not on the agenda."

"Various exercises are being discussed. For example, ensuring security through Turkish and Russian security officials and holding joint patrols could be possible," the official said, adding that both Ankara and Moscow expected their presidents to "end the issue".

Turkey, which backs rebels trying to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has threatened to use military power to drive back Syrian forces advancing in Idlib unless they withdraw by the end of the month. On Wednesday, President Tayyip Erdogan said a Turkish offensive into Idlib was a "matter of time".

Ankara and Moscow have accused each other of flouting a 2018 de-escalation agreement that allowed Turkey and Russia to set up military observation posts in Idlib.

Turkey has said some of its posts in Idlib were surrounded by Syrian government forces, but that it would not evacuate the positions or move them. On Tuesday, presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Turkey had rejected alternative maps offered by Russia during talks.

Earlier on Thursday, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said there had been some rapprochement with Russia in their talks on Idlib but that they were still not at the desired levels.

"There is no such thing as the Russians imposing a map on us, we exchanged documents presenting our respective positions," Cavusoglu told state broadcaster TRT Haber.

Russia, which backs Assad, has said a Turkish offensive into Idlib would be the "worst-case scenario" and that Russia would work to prevent the situation there from worsening. Iran, which also backs Assad, has said it was ready to mediate between Syria and Turkey if necessary.

The official said Turkey, Russia and Iran planned to meet in Tehran early next month to further discuss Syria, including the developments in Idlib. A Russian delegation may come to Ankara before that to evaluate progress made on Idlib, the person said.

Turkey and Russia are discussing possible joint patrols as one way to reach a deal to halt fighting and stem an exodus of civilians in Syria's Idlib region, a Turkish official said on Thursday, a day after Ankara threatened military action to push back Syrian government forces.

Turkey and Russia are discussing possible joint patrols as one way to reach a deal to halt fighting and stem an exodus of civilians in Syria's Idlib region, a Turkish official said on Thursday, a day after Ankara threatened military action to push back Syrian government forces. Also read: Syrian forces consolidate control of Aleppo, air strikes under way Turkey and Russia, which back opposing sides in the nine-year-old conflict, have failed to reach an agreement after two rounds of talks in the last two weeks. A Syrian government offensive to eradicate the last rebel strongholds in northwest Syria has led to some of the most serious confrontations yet between NATO member Ankara and Damascus, and prompted Turkey to send thousands of troops and convoys of heavy weapons to the border area. Turkey has taken in about 3.7 million Syrian refugees since the war started and says it cannot handle any more over its border, whch is now closed. The United Nations says more than 900,000 people, mostly women and children, have fled their homes in Idlib since early December. The Turkish official said the talks with Russia had not been "completely without a result". The discussions had moved forward but reached no final decision, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Russia has maintained its position that Turkey withdraws from Idlib and evacuates its observation posts since the beginning. Withdrawing from Idlib or evacuating the observation posts is not on the agenda." "Various exercises are being discussed. For example, ensuring security through Turkish and Russian security officials and holding joint patrols could be possible," the official said, adding that both Ankara and Moscow expected their presidents to "end the issue". Turkey, which backs rebels trying to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has threatened to use military power to drive back Syrian forces advancing in Idlib unless they withdraw by the end of the month. On Wednesday, President Tayyip Erdogan said a Turkish offensive into Idlib was a "matter of time". Ankara and Moscow have accused each other of flouting a 2018 de-escalation agreement that allowed Turkey and Russia to set up military observation posts in Idlib. Turkey has said some of its posts in Idlib were surrounded by Syrian government forces, but that it would not evacuate the positions or move them. On Tuesday, presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Turkey had rejected alternative maps offered by Russia during talks. Earlier on Thursday, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said there had been some rapprochement with Russia in their talks on Idlib but that they were still not at the desired levels. "There is no such thing as the Russians imposing a map on us, we exchanged documents presenting our respective positions," Cavusoglu told state broadcaster TRT Haber. Russia, which backs Assad, has said a Turkish offensive into Idlib would be the "worst-case scenario" and that Russia would work to prevent the situation there from worsening. Iran, which also backs Assad, has said it was ready to mediate between Syria and Turkey if necessary. The official said Turkey, Russia and Iran planned to meet in Tehran early next month to further discuss Syria, including the developments in Idlib. A Russian delegation may come to Ankara before that to evaluate progress made on Idlib, the person said.

Turkey, Russia discuss joint patrols option in Syria's Idlib: Official

US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-rejects-claims-that-us-has-quit-global-role-280810">Mike Pompeo</a> defended on Saturday his nation's global role despite misgivings in Europe, vowing that Western values would prevail over Russian and Chinese desires for "empire".

Seeking to reassure Europeans troubled by US President Donald Trump's "America first" rhetoric, his ambivalence over the NATO military alliance and tariffs on European goods, Pompeo said there was no crisis in Western leadership.

"I'm happy to report that the death of the transatlantic alliance is grossly exaggerated. The West is winning, and we're winning together," he said in a speech at the Munich Security Conference, listing US steps to protect liberal democracies.

Pompeo was, in part, responding to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who on Friday accused the United States, Russia and China of making the world more dangerous.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-ukraine-receives-support-from-pompeo-in-the-middle-of-the-impeachment-of-president-donald-trump-277795">Also read: US state secretary Pompeo pledges support for Ukraine amid Trump impeachment trial</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron told the conference of international leaders, lawmakers and diplomats he was not surprised by Steinmeier's speech and had liked it.

"We cannot be the United States' junior partner," Macron said, adding that while he supported NATO, Europe needed to be able to tackle threats in its neighbourhood and at times act independently of Washington.

"I'm impatient for European solutions," Macron said.

Trump's decision to pull out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, as well as the Paris climate accord, have undermined European priorities, while moves such as recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital have weakened European diplomacy, envoys say.

Pompeo defended the US strategy, saying Europe, Japan and other American allies were united on China, Iran and Russia, despite "tactical differences."

Pompeo, however, reiterated Washington's opposition to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline under construction between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea, a project backed by the government of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Citing Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, cyber threats in Iran and economic coercion by China, Pompeo said those countries were still "desiring empires" and destabilising the rules-based international system.

'Not mad'

Macron said the West's policy of defiance towards Russia in recent years had failed and, as nobody wanted to confront Moscow directly, the only option was to have a closer dialogue to resolve differences.

"I hear the defiance of all our partners, I'm not mad, but I know that being defiant and weak ... is not a policy, it's a completely inefficient system," Macron told the Munich Security Conference, saying he saw none of his allies willing to confront Russia.

"There is a second choice, which is to be demanding and restart a strategic dialogue because today we talk less and less, conflicts multiply and we aren't able to resolve them, he added.

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, speaking immediately after Pompeo, focused his remarks solely on China, accusing Beijing of a "nefarious strategy" through telecommunications firm Huawei.

"It is essential that we as an international community wake up to the challenges presented by Chinese manipulation of the long-standing international rules-based order," Esper said.

He said it was not too late for Britain, which last month said it would allow Huawei a limited role in building its 5G networks, to take "two steps back," but added he still needed to asses London's decision.

"We could have a win-win strategy if we just abide by the international rules that have been set in place for decades ... that respect human rights, that respect sovereignty," he said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended on Saturday his nation's global role despite misgivings in Europe, vowing that Western values would prevail over Russian and Chinese desires for "empire".

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended on Saturday his nation's global role despite misgivings in Europe, vowing that Western values would prevail over Russian and Chinese desires for "empire". Seeking to reassure Europeans troubled by US President Donald Trump's "America first" rhetoric, his ambivalence over the NATO military alliance and tariffs on European goods, Pompeo said there was no crisis in Western leadership. "I'm happy to report that the death of the transatlantic alliance is grossly exaggerated. The West is winning, and we're winning together," he said in a speech at the Munich Security Conference, listing US steps to protect liberal democracies. Pompeo was, in part, responding to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who on Friday accused the United States, Russia and China of making the world more dangerous. Also read: US state secretary Pompeo pledges support for Ukraine amid Trump impeachment trial French President Emmanuel Macron told the conference of international leaders, lawmakers and diplomats he was not surprised by Steinmeier's speech and had liked it. "We cannot be the United States' junior partner," Macron said, adding that while he supported NATO, Europe needed to be able to tackle threats in its neighbourhood and at times act independently of Washington. "I'm impatient for European solutions," Macron said. Trump's decision to pull out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, as well as the Paris climate accord, have undermined European priorities, while moves such as recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital have weakened European diplomacy, envoys say. Pompeo defended the US strategy, saying Europe, Japan and other American allies were united on China, Iran and Russia, despite "tactical differences." Pompeo, however, reiterated Washington's opposition to the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline under construction between Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea, a project backed by the government of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Citing Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, cyber threats in Iran and economic coercion by China, Pompeo said those countries were still "desiring empires" and destabilising the rules-based international system. 'Not mad' Macron said the West's policy of defiance towards Russia in recent years had failed and, as nobody wanted to confront Moscow directly, the only option was to have a closer dialogue to resolve differences. "I hear the defiance of all our partners, I'm not mad, but I know that being defiant and weak ... is not a policy, it's a completely inefficient system," Macron told the Munich Security Conference, saying he saw none of his allies willing to confront Russia. "There is a second choice, which is to be demanding and restart a strategic dialogue because today we talk less and less, conflicts multiply and we aren't able to resolve them, he added. US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, speaking immediately after Pompeo, focused his remarks solely on China, accusing Beijing of a "nefarious strategy" through telecommunications firm Huawei. "It is essential that we as an international community wake up to the challenges presented by Chinese manipulation of the long-standing international rules-based order," Esper said. He said it was not too late for Britain, which last month said it would allow Huawei a limited role in building its 5G networks, to take "two steps back," but added he still needed to asses London's decision. "We could have a win-win strategy if we just abide by the international rules that have been set in place for decades ... that respect human rights, that respect sovereignty," he said.

'The West is winning,' US tells China; France wary

Top US officials fired a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-apoplectic-with-johnson-on-allowing-huawei-in-uk-report-279184">fresh broadside at Huawei</a> on Saturday, warning the Chinese tech giant posed a threat to NATO if allies allowed it to build new 5G communications networks.

Washington has been pressing European allies hard to ban Huawei, one of the world's largest tech firms, from next-generation mobile data networks, saying it is a security risk.

A day after Huawei was hit with new criminal charges in the US, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the Munich Security Conference the company was a "Trojan horse for Chinese intelligence".

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said Huawei was the "poster child" for China's "nefarious strategy" to infiltrate and dominate crucial Western infrastructure.

"If we don't understand the threat and we don't do something about it, at the end of the day it could compromise what is the most successful military alliance in history -- NATO," Esper said in Munich.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-eu-allows-huawei-5g-with-strict-guidelines-277407">Also read: After UK, EU allows Huawei 5G with strict guidelines</a>

This year's conference, an annual gathering of world leaders, diplomats and military top brass, has been dominated by anxiety about the West's diminishing influence in the face of rising China and a resurgent Russia.

Spying fears

Key US allies in Europe, notably Britain and France, have said they will not ban Huawei from building 5G networks -- that will permit near-instantaneous data transfers -- but will impose restrictions.

Publicly the US has been restrained in its response, but President Donald Trump was reportedly furious with London.

Washington has sanctions in place aimed at blocking Huawei from getting any US telecom equipment contracts and prevent the transfer of technology to the Chinese firm.

Huawei vehemently denies the US allegations and Beijing has characterised the company's treatment as "economic bullying".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-should-relook-implementation-of-huawei-in-5g-networks-urges-pompeo-277388">Also read: UK should relook implementation of Huawei in 5G networks, urges Pompeo</a>

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said countries had the right to protect their information security.

"But it is important to provide a level playing field for all companies and a fair business environment for all companies," he told the conference.

"We believe every country will make their independent and wise choice."

On the legal front, a US indictment on Friday laid more criminal charges against Huawei related to theft of intellectual property, adding to earlier allegations the company stole trade secrets from American carrier T-mobile.

While these issues anger the Trump administration, it is Huawei's potential to undermine strategic Western communications that causes the most worry.

"Reliance on Chinese 5G vendors could render our partners' critical systems vulnerable to disruption, manipulation and espionage," Esper said.

NATO warning

While NATO's traditional sphere of interest is limited to Europe and North America, in December alliance leaders agreed to launch a strategy to address the new challenges posed by China.

It is the first time the alliance has formally recognised the potential threats to security posed by Beijing and its ever-growing role on the global stage.

Seeking to preserve the unity of the 29-nation club, NATO officials have trodden a careful diplomatic path on Huawei, stressing the importance of maintaining reliable, secure communications networks without pointing the finger directly.

But Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg used an appearance at the Munich gathering to issue a warning about the threat posed by Chinese involvement in Western infrastructure.

"The rise of China presents both challenges and opportunities for us. We need a common understanding of what this means for our shared security, for freedom and democracy," he said, urging allies to invest to "maintain our technological edge".

"We should not be tempted to trade short term economic benefits for longer-term challenges to our security."

Huawei is a world leader in 5G, but Europe's Nokia and Ericsson are also significant players in the market.

Earlier this month US Attorney general Bill Barr said Washington should take controlling stakes in one or both of the companies to take on Huawei's market dominance.

Barr said there are already proposals on the table for the US "aligning" itself with either or both Sweden's Ericsson and Nokia of Finland.

Top US officials fired a fresh broadside at Huawei on Saturday, warning the Chinese tech giant posed a threat to NATO if allies allowed it to build new 5G communications networks.

Top US officials fired a fresh broadside at Huawei on Saturday, warning the Chinese tech giant posed a threat to NATO if allies allowed it to build new 5G communications networks. Washington has been pressing European allies hard to ban Huawei, one of the world's largest tech firms, from next-generation mobile data networks, saying it is a security risk. A day after Huawei was hit with new criminal charges in the US, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the Munich Security Conference the company was a "Trojan horse for Chinese intelligence". US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said Huawei was the "poster child" for China's "nefarious strategy" to infiltrate and dominate crucial Western infrastructure. "If we don't understand the threat and we don't do something about it, at the end of the day it could compromise what is the most successful military alliance in history -- NATO," Esper said in Munich. Also read: After UK, EU allows Huawei 5G with strict guidelines This year's conference, an annual gathering of world leaders, diplomats and military top brass, has been dominated by anxiety about the West's diminishing influence in the face of rising China and a resurgent Russia. Spying fears Key US allies in Europe, notably Britain and France, have said they will not ban Huawei from building 5G networks -- that will permit near-instantaneous data transfers -- but will impose restrictions. Publicly the US has been restrained in its response, but President Donald Trump was reportedly furious with London. Washington has sanctions in place aimed at blocking Huawei from getting any US telecom equipment contracts and prevent the transfer of technology to the Chinese firm. Huawei vehemently denies the US allegations and Beijing has characterised the company's treatment as "economic bullying". Also read: UK should relook implementation of Huawei in 5G networks, urges Pompeo Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said countries had the right to protect their information security. "But it is important to provide a level playing field for all companies and a fair business environment for all companies," he told the conference. "We believe every country will make their independent and wise choice." On the legal front, a US indictment on Friday laid more criminal charges against Huawei related to theft of intellectual property, adding to earlier allegations the company stole trade secrets from American carrier T-mobile. While these issues anger the Trump administration, it is Huawei's potential to undermine strategic Western communications that causes the most worry. "Reliance on Chinese 5G vendors could render our partners' critical systems vulnerable to disruption, manipulation and espionage," Esper said. NATO warning While NATO's traditional sphere of interest is limited to Europe and North America, in December alliance leaders agreed to launch a strategy to address the new challenges posed by China. It is the first time the alliance has formally recognised the potential threats to security posed by Beijing and its ever-growing role on the global stage. Seeking to preserve the unity of the 29-nation club, NATO officials have trodden a careful diplomatic path on Huawei, stressing the importance of maintaining reliable, secure communications networks without pointing the finger directly. But Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg used an appearance at the Munich gathering to issue a warning about the threat posed by Chinese involvement in Western infrastructure. "The rise of China presents both challenges and opportunities for us. We need a common understanding of what this means for our shared security, for freedom and democracy," he said, urging allies to invest to "maintain our technological edge". "We should not be tempted to trade short term economic benefits for longer-term challenges to our security." Huawei is a world leader in 5G, but Europe's Nokia and Ericsson are also significant players in the market. Earlier this month US Attorney general Bill Barr said Washington should take controlling stakes in one or both of the companies to take on Huawei's market dominance. Barr said there are already proposals on the table for the US "aligning" itself with either or both Sweden's Ericsson and Nokia of Finland.

US defence chief warns of Huawei 5G 'threat' to NATO

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">NATO&nbsp;</a>chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">Jens Stoltenberg</a> said on&nbsp;Monday that a&nbsp;massive&nbsp;transfer of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347">US </a>and allied troops to Eastern&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;as part of a military exercise was not aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">Russia</a>.

About 37,000 soldiers from 18 countries are to participate in the US-run manoeuvre dubbed Defender&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;2020.

This is "the largest&nbsp;deployment&nbsp;of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347">US </a>troops to&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;in more than 25 years," Stoltenberg said.

Also said:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-invite-nato-members-for-international-army-games-defence-minister-shoigu-276426">Russia to invite NATO members for international Army games</a>

The exercise "shows the strong <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347">US </a>commitment to&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;and to the freedom and security of&nbsp;Europe," he added.

The exercise will take place in May and June, mainly in Germany, Poland and the Baltic States.

The US will move 20,000 soldiers to&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;in the coming months.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Trump floats expanding NATO to add Middle East

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-floats-expanding-nato-to-add-middle-east-273325/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"Defender&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;is not directed against any particular country," Stoltenberg said.</div>

"This defensive exercise demonstrates the ability to rapidly move a large force from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347">United States</a> to&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;to help protect other&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;Allies if needed," he said.&nbsp;

The exercise comes amid doubts over whether the US is still prepared to defend&nbsp;Europe.&nbsp;

After his inauguration, US President Donald Trump initially described&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;as "obsolete".&nbsp;

But after Germany and the other European members pledged higher defence spending, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the alliance.&nbsp;

NATO's sense of purpose took a boost after the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in 2014, fuelling fears among eastern&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;members.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-us-soldiers-killed-in-afghanistan-bomb-attack-says-nato-mission-273657">Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan bomb attack, says NATO mission</a>

The alliance has since significantly strengthened its presence in Eastern&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;and built the capability for rapid&nbsp;deployment&nbsp;of troops in the event of conflict.&nbsp;

Stoltenberg underlined that&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;members Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia celebrated their 30th anniversary of independence this year, referring to the three Baltic states' split from the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

Portions of "Defender&nbsp;Europe" were to be held in the three countries.&nbsp;

"Russia&nbsp;has every right to feel safe within its borders, but so do our member states," said Stoltenberg.

A&nbsp;NATO&nbsp;official said there was nothing to be read into the fact that the exercise was taking place during 75th-anniversary celebrations in Moscow of&nbsp;Russia's victory over Nazi Germany on May 9th.&nbsp;

"The exercise will take place from February to June," an official said. "This is the time when many military exercises are held each year."&nbsp;

"We recognise the critical role played by the Soviet Union in the victory over Nazi Germany."&nbsp;

Stoltenberg pointed out that the US had informed&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and the other members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;(OSCE) about the exercise in accordance with the guidelines on such matters.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday that a massive transfer of US and allied troops to Eastern Europe as part of a military exercise was not aimed at Russia.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday that a massive transfer of US and allied troops to Eastern Europe as part of a military exercise was not aimed at Russia. About 37,000 soldiers from 18 countries are to participate in the US-run manoeuvre dubbed Defender Europe 2020. This is "the largest deployment of US troops to Europe in more than 25 years," Stoltenberg said. Also said: Russia to invite NATO members for international Army games The exercise "shows the strong US commitment to NATO and to the freedom and security of Europe," he added. The exercise will take place in May and June, mainly in Germany, Poland and the Baltic States. The US will move 20,000 soldiers to Europe in the coming months. Watch: Trump floats expanding NATO to add Middle East "Defender Europe is not directed against any particular country," Stoltenberg said. "This defensive exercise demonstrates the ability to rapidly move a large force from the United States to Europe to help protect other NATO Allies if needed," he said. The exercise comes amid doubts over whether the US is still prepared to defend Europe. After his inauguration, US President Donald Trump initially described NATO as "obsolete". But after Germany and the other European members pledged higher defence spending, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the alliance. NATO's sense of purpose took a boost after the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by Russia in 2014, fuelling fears among eastern NATO members. Also read: Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan bomb attack, says NATO mission The alliance has since significantly strengthened its presence in Eastern Europe and built the capability for rapid deployment of troops in the event of conflict. Stoltenberg underlined that NATO members Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia celebrated their 30th anniversary of independence this year, referring to the three Baltic states' split from the Soviet Union. Portions of "Defender Europe" were to be held in the three countries. "Russia has every right to feel safe within its borders, but so do our member states," said Stoltenberg. A NATO official said there was nothing to be read into the fact that the exercise was taking place during 75th-anniversary celebrations in Moscow of Russia's victory over Nazi Germany on May 9th. "The exercise will take place from February to June," an official said. "This is the time when many military exercises are held each year." "We recognise the critical role played by the Soviet Union in the victory over Nazi Germany." Stoltenberg pointed out that the US had informed Russia and the other members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) about the exercise in accordance with the guidelines on such matters.

Russia not target in US army's massive Europe deployment: National Atlantic Treaty Organisation

Libya's eastern strongman General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khalifa-haftars-forces-shoot-down-tripoli-government-warplane-south-of-capital-216782">Khalifa Haftar</a> has left Moscow without signing a ceasefire agreement to end nine months of fighting in the country, the Russian foreign ministry confirmed to AFP Tuesday.

Haftar on Monday evening asked for until Tuesday morning to look over the agreement already signed by the head of UN-recognised government <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-parliament-approves-libya-military-deal-269504">Fayez al-Sarraj</a>, but left the Russian capital without signing, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

The two delegations from Libya on Monday spent seven hours in an attempt to sign a deal outlining the terms of a permanent truce in Libya, following a ceasefire that took effect over the weekend.

Mediated by Russian and Turkish foreign and defense ministers, the talks did not include the warring sides meeting face to face, but Moscow said there was "progress" and that Haftar viewed the ceasefire document "positively".

Watch video:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/libya-general-haftars-forces-announces-conditional-ceasefire-273785/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Russian state media citing Libyan sources later said however that his plane departed Russia after a failure to reach a permanent agreement, leaving the fragile truce in uncertainty.

Western powers are keen to stabilise Libya home to Africa's largest proven crude reserves&nbsp;following years of turbulence since a 2011 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-macrons-criticism-of-nato-very-very-nasty-before-summit-266035">NATO</a>-backed uprising killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Libya's eastern strongman General Khalifa Haftar has left Moscow without signing a ceasefire agreement to end nine months of fighting in the country, the Russian foreign ministry confirmed to AFP Tuesday.

Libya's eastern strongman General Khalifa Haftar has left Moscow without signing a ceasefire agreement to end nine months of fighting in the country, the Russian foreign ministry confirmed to AFP Tuesday. Haftar on Monday evening asked for until Tuesday morning to look over the agreement already signed by the head of UN-recognised government Fayez al-Sarraj, but left the Russian capital without signing, Russia's foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. The two delegations from Libya on Monday spent seven hours in an attempt to sign a deal outlining the terms of a permanent truce in Libya, following a ceasefire that took effect over the weekend. Mediated by Russian and Turkish foreign and defense ministers, the talks did not include the warring sides meeting face to face, but Moscow said there was "progress" and that Haftar viewed the ceasefire document "positively". Watch video: Russian state media citing Libyan sources later said however that his plane departed Russia after a failure to reach a permanent agreement, leaving the fragile truce in uncertainty. Western powers are keen to stabilise Libya home to Africa's largest proven crude reserves following years of turbulence since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Russia: Libya's Haftar left Moscow without signing ceasefire deal

Two American soldiers were killed and two others injured in a roadside bomb attack on a US Army vehicle in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, the NATO mission there said.

Two American soldiers were killed and two others injured in a roadside bomb attack on a US Army vehicle in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, the NATO mission there said. "In accordance with US Department of Defense policy, the names of the service members killed in action will be withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete," the NATO Resolute Support mission said in a statement. The incident took place in Dand district of southern Kandahar province, where a bomb hit a US armoured vehicle, provincial police spokesman Jamal Nasir Barkzai told reporters. "Foreign forces were patrolling near the Kandahar airport when they were hit by a blast," officials said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid saying on Twitter that the blast destroyed the vehicle, killing all on board. Violence in Afghanistan usually recedes as the cold winter sets in but this year the Taliban have pushed forward with their operations despite heavy snowfall in the mountains and despite their negotiations with the US for a deal that would see American troops leave the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan bomb attack, says NATO mission

A Taliban roadside bomb ripped through a US army vehicle in southern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-15-dead-in-pakistan-mosque-suicide-bombing-273482">Afghanistan</a> on Saturday, officials said, with no immediate details of casualties.

The incident took place in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/roadside-mine-blast-in-northern-afghanistan-kills-eight-259889">Dand</a> district of southern Kandahar province, where a bomb hit a US armoured vehicle, provincial police spokesman Jamal Nasir Barkzai told reporters.

"Foreign forces were patrolling near the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/ic-814-bees-saal-baad-hijack-vs-hijacked-270028">Kandahar airport</a> when they were hit by a blast. We don't have the details of the casualties because they have cordoned off the area," he said.

A NATO Resolute Support spokesman in southern Afghanistan confirmed the incident and said the situation was being assessed.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlFath?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlFath</a> 
Powerful IED shred American APC to pieces in Kro Shela area close to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kandahar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kandahar</a> airbase this morning resulting in all invaders aboard killed - Ahmadi
— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zabehulah_M33/status/1215936721646424069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with spokesman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/10-afghan-soldiers-killed-in-taliban-attack-270736">Zabihullah Mujahid</a> saying on Twitter that the blast destroyed the vehicle, killing all on board.

Violence in Afghanistan usually recedes as the cold winter sets in but this year the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-8-policemen-killed-in-taliban-attack-271470">Taliban</a> have pushed forward with their operations despite heavy snowfall in the mountains and despite their negotiations with the US for a deal that would see American troops leave the country.

According to parts of the deal made public so far, the Pentagon would pull about 5,000 of its 13,000 or so troops from five bases across Afghanistan, provided the Taliban sticks to its security pledges.

The insurgents have said they will renounce <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-releases-spying-convict-as-part-of-prisoners-swap-deal-with-syria-273434">Al-Qaeda</a>, fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven.

Last year was the deadliest for US forces in Afghanistan since combat operations officially finished at the end of 2014, highlighting the challenging security situation that persists.

More than 2,400 US troops have been killed in combat in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion in October 2001.

A Taliban roadside bomb ripped through a US army vehicle in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, officials said, with no immediate details of casualties. The incident took place in Dand district of southern Kandahar province, where a bomb hit a US armoured vehicle, provincial police spokesman Jamal Nasir Barkzai told reporters.

A Taliban roadside bomb ripped through a US army vehicle in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, officials said, with no immediate details of casualties. The incident took place in Dand district of southern Kandahar province, where a bomb hit a US armoured vehicle, provincial police spokesman Jamal Nasir Barkzai told reporters. "Foreign forces were patrolling near the Kandahar airport when they were hit by a blast. We don't have the details of the casualties because they have cordoned off the area," he said. A NATO Resolute Support spokesman in southern Afghanistan confirmed the incident and said the situation was being assessed. #AlFath Powerful IED shred American APC to pieces in Kro Shela area close to #Kandahar airbase this morning resulting in all invaders aboard killed - Ahmadi — Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) January 11, 2020 × The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid saying on Twitter that the blast destroyed the vehicle, killing all on board. Violence in Afghanistan usually recedes as the cold winter sets in but this year the Taliban have pushed forward with their operations despite heavy snowfall in the mountains and despite their negotiations with the US for a deal that would see American troops leave the country. According to parts of the deal made public so far, the Pentagon would pull about 5,000 of its 13,000 or so troops from five bases across Afghanistan, provided the Taliban sticks to its security pledges. The insurgents have said they will renounce Al-Qaeda, fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven. Last year was the deadliest for US forces in Afghanistan since combat operations officially finished at the end of 2014, highlighting the challenging security situation that persists. More than 2,400 US troops have been killed in combat in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion in October 2001.

Afghanistan: Blast hits US army vehicle in Dand, Taliban claims responsibility

U.S. President Donald Trump said he supported expanding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to include Middle Eastern nations, as the United States seeks to limit its troop footprint globally.

Trump floats expanding NATO to add Middle East

NATO will receive its second US-made Global Hawk drone on Thursday and aims to have all five unmanned aircraft of its $1.5 billion surveillance system operational in 2022, alliance officials said on Tuesday.

After years of delays, the drone system, which NATO says will be the world's most advanced, will give the alliance 24-hour, near-real-time surveillance of land and sea beyond its borders and provide greater visibility than satellites.

"It's been a very, very long road," said Brigadier General Volker Samanns, a senior manager at the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) drone system, which was first discussed three decades ago and was scheduled to operate from 2017.

Having resolved contractual disputes over cost with manufacturer Northrup Grumman, the first drone was delivered last month to the Sigonella airbase in Italy.

Following Thursday's delivery of a second drone, three more will come by next summer, Samanns said.

"We are basically creating a small air force," he told reporters at the airbase in Sicily, where NATO showed off the drone, which can fly for up to 30 hours at high altitude in all weather, seeing through clouds and storms to produce detailed maps, photos and data for commanders.

Fifteen NATO allies have funded the acquisition of the aircraft, including Germany, Poland, the United States and Italy, as well as ground stations built by Airbus.

All 29 allies will have access to the intelligence they generate, which could include missile sites in Russia, militant activity in the Middle East or pirates off the coast of Africa.

The drones will be piloted remotely from Sigonella and will fly within NATO airspace, but could be flown more widely in a conflict. Drones are increasingly a feature in modern warfare because of their long flying times and intelligence-gathering.

The delivery of the NATO drones marks a breakthrough for European allies after Germany cancelled plans to buy its own Global Hawks due to cost and certification issues, while a Franco-German project for a Eurodrone has been delayed.

They also help underpin Western efforts to remain more technologically advanced than Russia and China, officials said.

Brigadier General Phillip Stewart, a former Global Hawk commander in the United States, said he did not believe Moscow and Beijing had the sophistication of the NATO system.

"This is a quantum leap forward," Stewart told reporters.

The delivery comes as NATO is spending $1 billion to modernise its 14 AWACS reconnaissance planes, which along with the drones, are the few military assets owned by NATO.

NATO will receive its second US-made Global Hawk drone on Thursday and aims to have all five unmanned aircraft of its $1.5 billion surveillance system operational in 2022, alliance officials said on Tuesday.

NATO will receive its second US-made Global Hawk drone on Thursday and aims to have all five unmanned aircraft of its $1.5 billion surveillance system operational in 2022, alliance officials said on Tuesday. After years of delays, the drone system, which NATO says will be the world's most advanced, will give the alliance 24-hour, near-real-time surveillance of land and sea beyond its borders and provide greater visibility than satellites. "It's been a very, very long road," said Brigadier General Volker Samanns, a senior manager at the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) drone system, which was first discussed three decades ago and was scheduled to operate from 2017. Having resolved contractual disputes over cost with manufacturer Northrup Grumman, the first drone was delivered last month to the Sigonella airbase in Italy. Following Thursday's delivery of a second drone, three more will come by next summer, Samanns said. "We are basically creating a small air force," he told reporters at the airbase in Sicily, where NATO showed off the drone, which can fly for up to 30 hours at high altitude in all weather, seeing through clouds and storms to produce detailed maps, photos and data for commanders. Fifteen NATO allies have funded the acquisition of the aircraft, including Germany, Poland, the United States and Italy, as well as ground stations built by Airbus. All 29 allies will have access to the intelligence they generate, which could include missile sites in Russia, militant activity in the Middle East or pirates off the coast of Africa. The drones will be piloted remotely from Sigonella and will fly within NATO airspace, but could be flown more widely in a conflict. Drones are increasingly a feature in modern warfare because of their long flying times and intelligence-gathering. The delivery of the NATO drones marks a breakthrough for European allies after Germany cancelled plans to buy its own Global Hawks due to cost and certification issues, while a Franco-German project for a Eurodrone has been delayed. They also help underpin Western efforts to remain more technologically advanced than Russia and China, officials said. Brigadier General Phillip Stewart, a former Global Hawk commander in the United States, said he did not believe Moscow and Beijing had the sophistication of the NATO system. "This is a quantum leap forward," Stewart told reporters. The delivery comes as NATO is spending $1 billion to modernise its 14 AWACS reconnaissance planes, which along with the drones, are the few military assets owned by NATO.

After years of delays, NATO receives US-made spy drones

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/turkey-and-china-tie-themselves-in-knots-over-syria-and-xinjiang-257735">Turkey</a>&nbsp;said on Wednesday it would&nbsp;retaliate&nbsp;against&nbsp;any&nbsp;US&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;over its purchase of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/russia-turkey-may-sign-new-contract-on-s-400-systems-in-2020-ria-264578">Russian defence systems</a>, adding that with Britain it had agreed to speed up a joint fighter jet programme to meet Turkish defence needs.

US&nbsp;lawmakers will&nbsp;vote and likely pass a defence bill later on Wednesday that calls for&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;over Ankara's decision to procure the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-part-of-russian-s-400-missile-defence-system-delivered-turkey-235249">S-400</a> defences.

Turkey&nbsp;and the United States,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/nato-meeting-solidarity-reinforced-despite-uncomfortable-time-for-alliance-to-be-in-the-spotlight-266584"> NATO</a> allies, have been at odds over the purchase.

Washington&nbsp;says&nbsp;the S-400s pose a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and cannot be integrated into NATO defences. In response, it has suspended&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-still-committed-to-purchasing-us-f-35-fighters-foreign-minister-246735">F-35</a> jet programme, where it was a manufacturer and buyer, and threatened&nbsp;sanctions.

In an interview with Turkish broadcaster A Haber, Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-threatens-new-syria-operations-directs-us-russia-to-fulfill-agreement-263046">Mevlut Cavusoglu</a> said&nbsp;any&nbsp;US&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;would harm&nbsp;US-Turkish ties and repeated a threat of retaliation.

"US&nbsp;lawmakers must understand they will get nowhere with impositions. If the United States approaches us positively, we will also react positively. But, if they take negative towards us, then we will&nbsp;retaliate&nbsp;these," Cavusoglu said.

Ties between Ankara and Washington have been strained over a host of issues&nbsp;in recent years.&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;has been engaged with the&nbsp;US&nbsp;support for the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, which Cavusoglu called the "financing of terrorism" on Wednesday.

He added that&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;was open to alternatives to buying the F-35 jets, including from Russia. He said President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-biggest-jailer-of-journalists-turkey-second-worst-report-267594">Tayyip Erdogan</a> and British Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-elections-2019-boris-johnson-going-all-out-to-impress-voters-267573"> Boris Johnson </a>had discussed speeding up work on the TF-X joint fighter jet project to meet&nbsp;Turkey's defence needs.

"We bought the S-400s because the most suitable offer for air defence systems came from Russia. Until we produce it ourselves, the alternative to the F-35 could be the Russian market, but we are open to other alternatives too," Cavusoglu said.

Turkey&nbsp;and Britain agreed a 100 million pound ($133 million) deal in 2017 to develop Turkish fighter jets, and&nbsp;Turkey's Kale Group said it was setting up a joint venture with Rolls-Royce to work on the project. In March Rolls-Royce said it had scaled back efforts to join the programme.

A Turkish source said the disagreement with Rolls-Royce stemmed from licensing issues, which are "critical and indispensable" for&nbsp;Turkey. But the source said talks had been revived and added&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;expected the project to advance after a solution was reached.

Turkey said on Wednesday it would retaliate against any US sanctions over its purchase of Russian defence systems, adding that with Britain it had agreed to speed up a joint fighter jet programme to meet Turkish defence needs.

Turkey said on Wednesday it would retaliate against any US sanctions over its purchase of Russian defence systems, adding that with Britain it had agreed to speed up a joint fighter jet programme to meet Turkish defence needs. US lawmakers will vote and likely pass a defence bill later on Wednesday that calls for sanctions against Turkey over Ankara's decision to procure the S-400 defences. Turkey and the United States, NATO allies, have been at odds over the purchase. Washington says the S-400s pose a threat to its F-35 fighter jets and cannot be integrated into NATO defences. In response, it has suspended Turkey from the F-35 jet programme, where it was a manufacturer and buyer, and threatened sanctions. In an interview with Turkish broadcaster A Haber, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said any US sanctions would harm US-Turkish ties and repeated a threat of retaliation. "US lawmakers must understand they will get nowhere with impositions. If the United States approaches us positively, we will also react positively. But, if they take negative towards us, then we will retaliate these," Cavusoglu said. Ties between Ankara and Washington have been strained over a host of issues in recent years. Turkey has been engaged with the US support for the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, which Cavusoglu called the "financing of terrorism" on Wednesday. He added that Turkey was open to alternatives to buying the F-35 jets, including from Russia. He said President Tayyip Erdogan and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had discussed speeding up work on the TF-X joint fighter jet project to meet Turkey's defence needs. "We bought the S-400s because the most suitable offer for air defence systems came from Russia. Until we produce it ourselves, the alternative to the F-35 could be the Russian market, but we are open to other alternatives too," Cavusoglu said. Turkey and Britain agreed a 100 million pound ($133 million) deal in 2017 to develop Turkish fighter jets, and Turkey's Kale Group said it was setting up a joint venture with Rolls-Royce to work on the project. In March Rolls-Royce said it had scaled back efforts to join the programme. A Turkish source said the disagreement with Rolls-Royce stemmed from licensing issues, which are "critical and indispensable" for Turkey. But the source said talks had been revived and added Turkey expected the project to advance after a solution was reached.

Turkey says will retaliate against any sanctions ahead of US vote

A bomb exploded close to the largest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-misled-americans-on-war-in-afghanistan-report-267498">US military base</a> in Afghanistan on Wednesday, injuring at least five people and damaging a hospital that was under construction near the entrance to Bagram Airfield, officials said.&nbsp;

The attack which has not yet been claimed comes as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-mislead-public-with-false-evidence-in-afghanistan-war-report-267566">Washington</a> resumed talks with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-abducts-six-tribal-elders-267504">Taliban </a>on Saturday, three months after President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fate-of-wto-top-court-threatened-with-trump-administrations-move-to-block-new-appointments-267597">Donald Trump</a> abruptly halted diplomatic efforts that could end America's longest war.

"The explosion happened in front of the gate of the Korean hospital which is almost adjacent to Bagram airfield," Parwan governor spokeswoman Wahida Shahkar said, referring to the US airbase in eastern Parwan province.

"So far five injured civilians have been transferred to the hospital."

NATO's Resolute Support mission said there were no US or coalition casualties and "Bagram remained secure throughout the attack".

"The attack was quickly contained and repelled but the future medical facility was badly damaged," it added in a statement.

Bagram district governor Abdul Shukoor Qudoosi gave a higher toll of at least 50 civilians wounded in what he said was a "powerful" suicide car bomb. He said the blast was followed by fighting with armed assailants. &nbsp;

President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Bagram, north of Kabul, on November 28 to celebrate Thanksgiving with his troops and meet with Afghan President Ashraf Ghan

A bomb exploded close to the largest US military base in Afghanistan on Wednesday, injuring at least five people and damaging a hospital that was under construction near the entrance to Bagram Airfield, officials said.

A bomb exploded close to the largest US military base in Afghanistan on Wednesday, injuring at least five people and damaging a hospital that was under construction near the entrance to Bagram Airfield, officials said. The attack which has not yet been claimed comes as Washington resumed talks with the Taliban on Saturday, three months after President Donald Trump abruptly halted diplomatic efforts that could end America's longest war. "The explosion happened in front of the gate of the Korean hospital which is almost adjacent to Bagram airfield," Parwan governor spokeswoman Wahida Shahkar said, referring to the US airbase in eastern Parwan province. "So far five injured civilians have been transferred to the hospital." NATO's Resolute Support mission said there were no US or coalition casualties and "Bagram remained secure throughout the attack". "The attack was quickly contained and repelled but the future medical facility was badly damaged," it added in a statement. Bagram district governor Abdul Shukoor Qudoosi gave a higher toll of at least 50 civilians wounded in what he said was a "powerful" suicide car bomb. He said the blast was followed by fighting with armed assailants. President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Bagram, north of Kabul, on November 28 to celebrate Thanksgiving with his troops and meet with Afghan President Ashraf Ghan

Blast damages hospital near Bagram airbase in Afghanistan

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