<p>American and its allied forces in Iraq and Syria were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-will-attacks-on-us-military-assets-in-west-asia-turn-israel-hamas-conflict-into-regional-war-650818">targeted at least 13 times</a> with drones and rockets over the past week, said the Pentagon on Tuesday (Oct 24). This comes a day after the United States accused Iran of “actively facilitating” rocket and drone attacks on its forces in the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by NBC News, on Tuesday, said that two dozen American military personnel were wounded during these attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, armed factions close to Iran have reportedly threatened US interests over Washington’s staunch support for Israel amid its ongoing war with Hamas after the Palestinian militant group launched a surprise attack in southern Israel on October 7.</p>

<h2><strong>Over a dozen attacks against American forces&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder, referring to the international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) militant group, told journalists that between October 17 and 24, “US and coalition forces have been attacked at least 10 separate times in Iraq and three separate times in Syria”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-says-iran-actively-facilitating-attacks-on-us-military-bases-confirms-advisors-in-israel-650494">White House says Iran ‘actively facilitating’ attacks on US military bases</a></strong></p>

<p>He also went on to describe the attacks and said they were conducted with a “mix of one-way attack drones and rockets”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Pentagon spokesperson did not identify the specific organisations responsible but said that the “groups conducting these attacks are supported by the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and the Iranian regime.”</p>

<p>“What we are seeing is the prospect for more significant escalation against US forces and personnel across the region in the very near term coming from Iranian proxy forces, and ultimately from Iran,” said Ryder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday (Oct 23), Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iranian-backed militias, claimed responsibility for these attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Over 20 American personnel sustained injuries&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The US Central Command or CENTCOM told NBC News that at least 20 American personnel sustained minor injuries on October 18 during a one-way drone attack on the al-Tanf military base in southern Syria, adding that one of the drones was shot down.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-biden-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-efforts-to-prevent-conflict-from-expanding-650897">&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Biden, Saudi crown prince discuss efforts to prevent conflict from ‘expanding’</a></strong></p>

<p>The CENTCOM also said that all wounded personnel had returned to duty and there was no further damage to the military base.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NBC News was also told that on the same day, four American personnel suffered minor injuries during two separate drone attacks against American and coalition forces stationed at al-Asad base in western Iraq.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US shot down the one-way drones, the debris from which destroyed a hangar that contained small aircraft, said CENTCOM.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US has stationed some 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq to combat IS.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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American and its allied forces in Iraq and Syria were targeted at least 13 times with drones and rockets over the past week, said the Pentagon on Tuesday (Oct 24).

American and its allied forces in Iraq and Syria were targeted at least 13 times with drones and rockets over the past week, said the Pentagon on Tuesday (Oct 24). This comes a day after the United States accused Iran of “actively facilitating” rocket and drone attacks on its forces in the two countries. A report by NBC News, on Tuesday, said that two dozen American military personnel were wounded during these attacks. Meanwhile, armed factions close to Iran have reportedly threatened US interests over Washington’s staunch support for Israel amid its ongoing war with Hamas after the Palestinian militant group launched a surprise attack in southern Israel on October 7. Over a dozen attacks against American forces Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder, referring to the international coalition against the Islamic State (IS) militant group, told journalists that between October 17 and 24, “US and coalition forces have been attacked at least 10 separate times in Iraq and three separate times in Syria”. ALSO READ | White House says Iran ‘actively facilitating’ attacks on US military bases He also went on to describe the attacks and said they were conducted with a “mix of one-way attack drones and rockets”. However, the Pentagon spokesperson did not identify the specific organisations responsible but said that the “groups conducting these attacks are supported by the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and the Iranian regime.” “What we are seeing is the prospect for more significant escalation against US forces and personnel across the region in the very near term coming from Iranian proxy forces, and ultimately from Iran,” said Ryder. On Monday (Oct 23), Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iranian-backed militias, claimed responsibility for these attacks. Over 20 American personnel sustained injuries The US Central Command or CENTCOM told NBC News that at least 20 American personnel sustained minor injuries on October 18 during a one-way drone attack on the al-Tanf military base in southern Syria, adding that one of the drones was shot down. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Biden, Saudi crown prince discuss efforts to prevent conflict from ‘expanding’ The CENTCOM also said that all wounded personnel had returned to duty and there was no further damage to the military base. NBC News was also told that on the same day, four American personnel suffered minor injuries during two separate drone attacks against American and coalition forces stationed at al-Asad base in western Iraq. The US shot down the one-way drones, the debris from which destroyed a hangar that contained small aircraft, said CENTCOM. The US has stationed some 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq to combat IS. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US forces in Iraq, Syria attacked 13 times in a week, two dozen military personnel injured

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<p>The Pentagon has sent military advisers to Israel to aid in its war planning against Hamas. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Tuesday (Oct 24), the Pentagon is also speeding multiple sophisticated air defence systems to the Middle East days ahead of Israel's anticipated ground assault into the Gaza Strip. Earlier, US officials had advised their Israeli counterparts to consider a delay in any ground assault, saying it would give more time to allow the US to work with its regional partners to release more hostages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report said that one of the officers leading the Pentagon assistance is Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously helped lead special operations forces against the Islamic State and served in Fallujah, Iraq.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-live-updates-hamas-claims-to-have-released-two-hostages-650458">Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war</a></strong></p>

<p>Lt Gen Glynn will also be advising on how to mitigate civilian casualties in urban warfare, a US official told the news agency. On Monday, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Glynn and the other military officers who have been advising Israel "have experience that is appropriate to the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting.”</p>

<p>Also on Monday, US President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to update him on Washington's support for Israel and ongoing efforts at regional deterrence, including new American military deployments.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ongoing war sparks fears of new Palestinian displacement</strong></h2>

<p>The war between Israel and Hamas, which has been going on for over three weeks, has sparked fears of a new Palestinian displacement. The recent warnings by Israel to Palestinians to evacuate north of the territory ahead of the ground assault have evoked dark memories for Israel's Arab neighbours - Egypt and Jordan.</p>

<p>Speaking to the news agency AFP, Gaza-based rights group Al Mezan said, "That's how the Nakba started." The Nakba is how the Arab world refers to the exodus or forced displacement of 760,000 Palestinians in the war that led to the creation of Israel 75 years ago.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/been-through-hell-survivor-recounts-her-horrific-experience-as-hamas-captive-650680">'Been through hell': Survivor recounts her horrific experience as Hamas' captive</a></strong></p>

<p>There is a fear of history repeating itself since Israel countered Hamas' October 7 offensive.</p>

<p>One million Gazans have already been forced out of their homes, and the Palestinian health ministry said that over 5,000 people have been killed in the war-torn region.</p>

<p>The only possible way out of Gaza that is not controlled by Israel is the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. Till now, Egypt has allowed aid convoys into Gaza through Rafa. However, there have been no mass flights of refugees heading the other way.</p>

<p>Egypt fears that throwing open the gates could facilitate Israeli plans for a forced mass eviction of Palestinians, with most of them homeless, AFP reported.</p>

<p>"Most of the people would rather die in Gaza than be made a refugee again," Al Mezan told the news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The Pentagon has sent military advisers to Israel to aid in its war planning against Hamas. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Tuesday (Oct 24), the Pentagon is also speeding multiple sophisticated air defence systems to the Middle East days ahead of Israel's anticipated ground assault into the Gaza Strip.

The Pentagon has sent military advisers to Israel to aid in its war planning against Hamas. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Tuesday (Oct 24), the Pentagon is also speeding multiple sophisticated air defence systems to the Middle East days ahead of Israel's anticipated ground assault into the Gaza Strip. Earlier, US officials had advised their Israeli counterparts to consider a delay in any ground assault, saying it would give more time to allow the US to work with its regional partners to release more hostages. The report said that one of the officers leading the Pentagon assistance is Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously helped lead special operations forces against the Islamic State and served in Fallujah, Iraq. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war Lt Gen Glynn will also be advising on how to mitigate civilian casualties in urban warfare, a US official told the news agency. On Monday, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Glynn and the other military officers who have been advising Israel "have experience that is appropriate to the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting.” Also on Monday, US President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to update him on Washington's support for Israel and ongoing efforts at regional deterrence, including new American military deployments. Ongoing war sparks fears of new Palestinian displacement The war between Israel and Hamas, which has been going on for over three weeks, has sparked fears of a new Palestinian displacement. The recent warnings by Israel to Palestinians to evacuate north of the territory ahead of the ground assault have evoked dark memories for Israel's Arab neighbours - Egypt and Jordan. Speaking to the news agency AFP, Gaza-based rights group Al Mezan said, "That's how the Nakba started." The Nakba is how the Arab world refers to the exodus or forced displacement of 760,000 Palestinians in the war that led to the creation of Israel 75 years ago. Also read: 'Been through hell': Survivor recounts her horrific experience as Hamas' captive There is a fear of history repeating itself since Israel countered Hamas' October 7 offensive. One million Gazans have already been forced out of their homes, and the Palestinian health ministry said that over 5,000 people have been killed in the war-torn region. The only possible way out of Gaza that is not controlled by Israel is the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. Till now, Egypt has allowed aid convoys into Gaza through Rafa. However, there have been no mass flights of refugees heading the other way. Egypt fears that throwing open the gates could facilitate Israeli plans for a forced mass eviction of Palestinians, with most of them homeless, AFP reported. "Most of the people would rather die in Gaza than be made a refugee again," Al Mezan told the news agency. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Pentagon sends military advisers to aid Israel

China may be accelerating its efforts to develop a nuclear arsenal. This is according to a new report released by the Pentagon which says that China is doing this as part of its ongoing efforts to modernise and revamp its fighting forces.

Pentagon says, 'China expanding nuclear arsenal'; report by Pentagon examines China's nuke strategy

A US official and a congressional aide said that the Pentagon plans to send the two iron dome missile defense systems it had previously purchased from Israel back to that country to defend itself against inbound missiles.

US' assistance to Israel's military | US to send two Iron Dome Systems to Israel

The Pentagon claimed on Tuesday that over the past two years, China's military has participated in more than 180 instances of "coercive and risky operational behavior" against US assets operating lawfully in international airspace over the East and South China seas.

Pentagon: China's military involved in over 180 incidents with US

The Pentagon and the United States Intelligence Community are digging deep into the world of UFOs or as they are now officially referred to as Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenas or UAPs. With over hundreds of reported sightings and a new government review of the report states that many of these extraordinary incidents can be explained by very ordinary phenomena.

Pentagon & US intelligence report on UFOs: 291 reports between August 31, 2022 to April 30, 2023

The United States has released videos of some interceptions between American war planes with Chinese aircraft in the past two years. The Pentagon say that more than 180 intercepts have occurred between the two in international airspace which is more than the total intercepts recorded over the previous decade.

China military's 'risky' air manoeuvre | 'Coercive' Chinese behaviour against US jets | WION Pulse

<p>The United States has released videos of some of the interceptions between American warplanes with Chinese aircraft in the past two years. The Pentagon said that more than 180 intercepts have occurred, which is more than the total intercepts over the previous decade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US military officials have called this trend concerning, calling out China for its increasingly dangerous behaviour in the skies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the officials have not commented on how many of those close calls were "unsafe and unprofessional", which is a standard military term&nbsp;used when the interactions are actually dangerous.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-attacks-russian-targets-with-missile-system-covertly-given-by-the-us-648172">Ukraine attacks Russian targets with missile system secretly given by the US</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The officials say that they released the footage to call out Chinese behaviour as the US claimed that such incidents are part of a larger trend of regional intimidation by Beijing. The US claims that such interceptions could accidentally lead to conflict.</p>

<p>The photos and videos are part of an annual report by the Pentagon which will be released soon. The report will analyse Chinese military power and the security threats, especially its influence in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A US official, while speaking to the news agency Reuters, said on the condition of anonymity that such interceptions have risen by 300 when it included manoeuvres near aircraft of allies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-praises-dear-friend-xi-in-beijing-summit-invites-world-to-invest-in-northern-sea-route-648185">Putin praises 'dear friend' Xi in Beijing summit, invites world to invest in Northern Sea Route</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump appears in New York court for civil fraud trial</strong></p>

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<p>Admiral John Acquilino, head of US Indo-Pacific Command, addressed a press briefing Tuesday (Oct 17) to provide some details on the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that despite the US surging carrier strike groups and amphibious ships to support Israel, and now almost 20 months of war in Ukraine, the command has what it needs to deter China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring to ships, aircraft and military units, he said, "I haven't had one piece of equipment or force structure depart" from his command.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have been taking a number of steps to strengthen our commitment to the region, strengthen our deterrence in the region and we will continue to do that," Acquilino added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by The Associated Press, Ely Ratner, who is the assistant secretary of defence for Indo-Pacific security affairs, said: "All of these examples we've released today underscore the coercive intent of (China) by engaging in behaviours, particularly in international airspace."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The bottom line is that in many cases, this type of operational behaviour can cause active and dangerous accidents" and can lead inadvertently to conflict, Ratner added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United States has released videos of some of the interceptions between American warplanes with Chinese aircraft in the past two years. The Pentagon said that more than 180 intercepts have occurred, which is more than the total intercepts over the previous decade.

The United States has released videos of some of the interceptions between American warplanes with Chinese aircraft in the past two years. The Pentagon said that more than 180 intercepts have occurred, which is more than the total intercepts over the previous decade. The US military officials have called this trend concerning, calling out China for its increasingly dangerous behaviour in the skies. However, the officials have not commented on how many of those close calls were "unsafe and unprofessional", which is a standard military term used when the interactions are actually dangerous. Also read: Ukraine attacks Russian targets with missile system secretly given by the US The officials say that they released the footage to call out Chinese behaviour as the US claimed that such incidents are part of a larger trend of regional intimidation by Beijing. The US claims that such interceptions could accidentally lead to conflict. The photos and videos are part of an annual report by the Pentagon which will be released soon. The report will analyse Chinese military power and the security threats, especially its influence in the Indo-Pacific. A US official, while speaking to the news agency Reuters, said on the condition of anonymity that such interceptions have risen by 300 when it included manoeuvres near aircraft of allies. Also read: Putin praises 'dear friend' Xi in Beijing summit, invites world to invest in Northern Sea Route Watch: Donald Trump appears in New York court for civil fraud trial × Admiral John Acquilino, head of US Indo-Pacific Command, addressed a press briefing Tuesday (Oct 17) to provide some details on the report. He said that despite the US surging carrier strike groups and amphibious ships to support Israel, and now almost 20 months of war in Ukraine, the command has what it needs to deter China. Referring to ships, aircraft and military units, he said, "I haven't had one piece of equipment or force structure depart" from his command. "We have been taking a number of steps to strengthen our commitment to the region, strengthen our deterrence in the region and we will continue to do that," Acquilino added. As quoted by The Associated Press, Ely Ratner, who is the assistant secretary of defence for Indo-Pacific security affairs, said: "All of these examples we've released today underscore the coercive intent of (China) by engaging in behaviours, particularly in international airspace." "The bottom line is that in many cases, this type of operational behaviour can cause active and dangerous accidents" and can lead inadvertently to conflict, Ratner added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US releases footage of incidents of Chinese jets performing 'coercive and risky' manoeuvres

US F-16 warplanes on Thursday shot down a drone belonging to NATO ally Turkey that was deemed a potential threat to American forces in Syria, the Pentagon said.

Pentagon: Drone operating system near US troops

<p>Amidst escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada regarding Ottawa's accusations on Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing case, a former Pentagon official has severely criticised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for making unfounded allegations against New Delhi.</p>

<p>Reacting to Canada's accusations against India, former Pentagon official and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Michael Rubin, stated that Canada lacks sufficient evidence to support its claims.</p>

<p>He suggested that Trudeau might have made hasty allegations without substantial proof and urged him to clarify why his government was providing shelter to a "terrorist with a criminal record." Rubin went on to say that most probably Justin Trudeau won't be there for long in premiership, and the US can get rebuild its relationship with Canada after he's gone.</p>

<p>"Prime Minister Trudeau I think has made a huge mistake. He has made allegations in a manner which he hasn't been able to back. Either he was shooting from the hip and he doesn't have the evidence to support the accusations he made against the government. There is something there, in which case he needs to explain why this government was sheltering a terrorist," the former Pentagon official said.</p>

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<p>"I suspect that the United States doesn't want to be pinned in the corner to choose between two friends, but if we have to choose between two friends, increasingly we're going to choose India on this matter simply because Nijjar was a terrorist and India is too important. Our relationship is too important. Justin Trudeau probably isn't long for the Canadian premiership, and then we can get rebuild the relationship after he's gone,"&nbsp;Michael Rubin said while speaking to news agency ANI.</p>

<p>The former Pentagon official emphasised that it's unwise to sacrifice long-term relations with the world's largest democracy for short-term political gains, suggesting that Trudeau's actions were shortsighted and driven by political considerations.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the leader of the Canadian Opposition, Pierre Poilievre, expressed concerns about an increase in hate crimes against Hindus in Canada. He highlighted recent incidents of hateful comments and emphasised that every Canadian should be able to live without fear and feel welcomed in their community.</p>

<p>“We need to have the evidence that drew that allowed the prime minister to come to the conclusions he made,” he said.</p>

<p>“I would have to have more evidence to make a judgment on that. I do find it interesting that he knew about vast foreign interference by Beijing for many years, at the same time as Beijing had kept two Canadian citizens hostage. And he said nothing. And he did nothing. Just very interesting that that was the approach he took in that case,” Poilievre&nbsp;added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-indias-dossier-details-nijjars-history-of-travel-terror-and-thuggery-638830">Explained: India’s dossier details Nijjar’s history of travel, terror and thuggery</a></p>

<h2><strong>India-Canada relations strained</strong></h2>

<p>The relationship between India and Canada soured following Trudeau's statement on Monday, in which he claimed to be actively pursuing credible allegations linking Indian government agents to Nijjar's murder.</p>

<p>India, however, dismissed these accusations as baseless and driven by ulterior motives, asserting that they were an attempt to divert attention away from the issue of sheltering Khalistani terrorists and extremists in Canada.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India-Canada: Impact on students and economy</strong></p>

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<p>The explosive charges made by the Canadian Prime Minister against India ignited a bilateral dispute between the two nations, resulting in retaliatory actions such as the expulsion of diplomats. India has consistently maintained that Canada has not provided any specific information to substantiate its claims.<br />
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India&nbsp;has suspended visa services for Canadians while warning its citizens to “exercise extreme caution” when traveling to&nbsp;Canada due to “politically-condoned” hate crimes and violence.</p>

<p>India has also asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country saying&nbsp;the size of Canadian diplomatic staff in India is larger than what New Delhi has in Canada and that there should be a parity in strength and rank equivalence in the mutual presence.</p>

<p>This latest diplomatic rift between India and Canada is unfolding against a backdrop of underlying tensions stemming from the growing activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously expressed India's concerns about this matter during a bilateral meeting with Trudeau, which took place earlier this month on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Amidst escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada regarding Ottawa's accusations on Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing case, a former Pentagon official has severely criticised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for making unfounded allegations against New Delhi.

Amidst escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada regarding Ottawa's accusations on Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing case, a former Pentagon official has severely criticised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for making unfounded allegations against New Delhi. Reacting to Canada's accusations against India, former Pentagon official and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Michael Rubin, stated that Canada lacks sufficient evidence to support its claims. He suggested that Trudeau might have made hasty allegations without substantial proof and urged him to clarify why his government was providing shelter to a "terrorist with a criminal record." Rubin went on to say that most probably Justin Trudeau won't be there for long in premiership, and the US can get rebuild its relationship with Canada after he's gone. "Prime Minister Trudeau I think has made a huge mistake. He has made allegations in a manner which he hasn't been able to back. Either he was shooting from the hip and he doesn't have the evidence to support the accusations he made against the government. There is something there, in which case he needs to explain why this government was sheltering a terrorist," the former Pentagon official said. #WATCH | Washington, DC | On allegations by Canada, Michael Rubin, former Pentagon official and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute says, "... I suspect that the United States doesn't want to be pinned in the corner to choose between 2 friends, but if we have to… pic.twitter.com/tlWr6C6p7e — ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2023 × "I suspect that the United States doesn't want to be pinned in the corner to choose between two friends, but if we have to choose between two friends, increasingly we're going to choose India on this matter simply because Nijjar was a terrorist and India is too important. Our relationship is too important. Justin Trudeau probably isn't long for the Canadian premiership, and then we can get rebuild the relationship after he's gone," Michael Rubin said while speaking to news agency ANI. The former Pentagon official emphasised that it's unwise to sacrifice long-term relations with the world's largest democracy for short-term political gains, suggesting that Trudeau's actions were shortsighted and driven by political considerations. Meanwhile, the leader of the Canadian Opposition, Pierre Poilievre, expressed concerns about an increase in hate crimes against Hindus in Canada. He highlighted recent incidents of hateful comments and emphasised that every Canadian should be able to live without fear and feel welcomed in their community. “We need to have the evidence that drew that allowed the prime minister to come to the conclusions he made,” he said. “I would have to have more evidence to make a judgment on that. I do find it interesting that he knew about vast foreign interference by Beijing for many years, at the same time as Beijing had kept two Canadian citizens hostage. And he said nothing. And he did nothing. Just very interesting that that was the approach he took in that case,” Poilievre added. Also read | Explained: India’s dossier details Nijjar’s history of travel, terror and thuggery India-Canada relations strained The relationship between India and Canada soured following Trudeau's statement on Monday, in which he claimed to be actively pursuing credible allegations linking Indian government agents to Nijjar's murder. India, however, dismissed these accusations as baseless and driven by ulterior motives, asserting that they were an attempt to divert attention away from the issue of sheltering Khalistani terrorists and extremists in Canada. Also watch | India-Canada: Impact on students and economy The explosive charges made by the Canadian Prime Minister against India ignited a bilateral dispute between the two nations, resulting in retaliatory actions such as the expulsion of diplomats. India has consistently maintained that Canada has not provided any specific information to substantiate its claims. India has suspended visa services for Canadians while warning its citizens to “exercise extreme caution” when traveling to Canada due to “politically-condoned” hate crimes and violence. India has also asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country saying the size of Canadian diplomatic staff in India is larger than what New Delhi has in Canada and that there should be a parity in strength and rank equivalence in the mutual presence. This latest diplomatic rift between India and Canada is unfolding against a backdrop of underlying tensions stemming from the growing activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously expressed India's concerns about this matter during a bilateral meeting with Trudeau, which took place earlier this month on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi. (WATCH WION LIVE HERE)

‘Justin Trudeau made a huge mistake’: Ex-Pentagon official condemns Canada’s accusations against India

<p>Experts like Elon Musk and Eliezer Yudkowsky have long warned against the artificial intelligence’s (AI) threat to society, of “civilisation destruction.” When AI came, it was believed to revolutionise the technology that we know today, but the US military is using it for a rather tedious but basic purpose: understanding its whooping $816.7 billion budget.</p>

<p>US military’s policies on defence spending have been part of discussions among experts and American commoners alike, for many years. Now, the bloated annual spending of the Department of Defense (DOD) has reached a point where it can’t be managed by humans alone, but needs a more robust and efficient tech like AI to make sense of all those provisions.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/spain-minor-girls-fall-victim-to-deepfake-porn-ai-generated-nudes-shock-the-nation-638019">Spain: Minor girls fall victim to deepfake porn, AI generated nudes shock the nation</a></p>

<p>The Pentagon has created an AI program to understand DOD’s hundreds of revisions and limitations, codenamed GAMECHANGER.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For most people, policy is a tedious and [elusive] concept, making the idea of understanding and synthesizing tens of thousands of policy requirements a daunting task. But in the midst of the chaos that is the policy world, one DIA officer and a team at the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence &amp; Security saw an opportunity," a press release about GAMECHANGER from the Defense Intelligence Agency, the military’s spy wing, says.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-inflation-drops-to-67-per-cent-potentially-impacting-bank-of-englands-rate-decision-638132">UK inflation drops to 6.7 per cent, potentially impacting Bank of England's rate decision</a></p>

<h2><strong>GAMECHANGER: Pentagon’s AI program</strong></h2>

<p>GAMECHANGER is an artificial intelligence and natural language processing application created with the purpose of improving the way DoD policymakers navigate the department’s mountain of policies and requirements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The project was developed in 2018 but was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the first unclassified tool of its kind and “is rapidly setting the precedent for how the Government utilises advanced technology to process vast amounts of data”, said DIA in the press release.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-nijjar-row-india-suspends-visas-for-canadians-as-tensions-rise-between-the-two-countries-638125">As India-Canada ties sour, New Delhi suspends visa services for Canadians</a></p>

<p>The program is developed by the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, a subdivision of the US Air Force. Upon its completion, the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center transferred ownership of it to the office of the Defense Department comptroller, which handles budgetary and fiscal matters for the Pentagon.</p>

<h2><strong>How GAMECHANGER works?</strong></h2>

<p>The GAMECHANGER, like any other AI-based program, uses&nbsp;a natural processing application. Natural processing application is a broad term in computer science referring to the use of machine learning to allow computers to interpret human speech and writing.</p>

<p>GAMECHANGER specifically enables officers to understand their programs through the lens of higher guidance and helps the DOD focus on policy gaps and requirements.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Experts like Elon Musk and Eliezer Yudkowsky have long warned against the artificial intelligence’s (AI) threat to society, of “civilisation destruction.” When AI came, it was believed to revolutionise the technology that we know today, but the US military is using it for a rather tedious but basic purpose: understanding its whooping $816.

Experts like Elon Musk and Eliezer Yudkowsky have long warned against the artificial intelligence’s (AI) threat to society, of “civilisation destruction.” When AI came, it was believed to revolutionise the technology that we know today, but the US military is using it for a rather tedious but basic purpose: understanding its whooping $816.7 billion budget. US military’s policies on defence spending have been part of discussions among experts and American commoners alike, for many years. Now, the bloated annual spending of the Department of Defense (DOD) has reached a point where it can’t be managed by humans alone, but needs a more robust and efficient tech like AI to make sense of all those provisions. Also Read | Spain: Minor girls fall victim to deepfake porn, AI generated nudes shock the nation The Pentagon has created an AI program to understand DOD’s hundreds of revisions and limitations, codenamed GAMECHANGER. "For most people, policy is a tedious and [elusive] concept, making the idea of understanding and synthesizing tens of thousands of policy requirements a daunting task. But in the midst of the chaos that is the policy world, one DIA officer and a team at the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security saw an opportunity," a press release about GAMECHANGER from the Defense Intelligence Agency, the military’s spy wing, says. Also Read | UK inflation drops to 6.7 per cent, potentially impacting Bank of England's rate decision GAMECHANGER: Pentagon’s AI program GAMECHANGER is an artificial intelligence and natural language processing application created with the purpose of improving the way DoD policymakers navigate the department’s mountain of policies and requirements. The project was developed in 2018 but was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the first unclassified tool of its kind and “is rapidly setting the precedent for how the Government utilises advanced technology to process vast amounts of data”, said DIA in the press release. Also Read | As India-Canada ties sour, New Delhi suspends visa services for Canadians The program is developed by the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, a subdivision of the US Air Force. Upon its completion, the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center transferred ownership of it to the office of the Defense Department comptroller, which handles budgetary and fiscal matters for the Pentagon. How GAMECHANGER works? The GAMECHANGER, like any other AI-based program, uses a natural processing application. Natural processing application is a broad term in computer science referring to the use of machine learning to allow computers to interpret human speech and writing. GAMECHANGER specifically enables officers to understand their programs through the lens of higher guidance and helps the DOD focus on policy gaps and requirements. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pentagon developed AI programme to navigate its bloated budget and 'mountain' of policies

<p>Over two years after the haphazard pullback from Afghanistan, the Pentagon has decided to revisit the Kabul bomb blast that killed 13 Americans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Facing backlash from the GOP lawmakers and military personnel, Pentagon will interview two dozen new witnesses to the Kabul bombing but added that it does not amount to reopening the investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>General Michael E. Kurilla, overseeing the US Central Command, ordered the interviews saying&nbsp;it was “to ensure we do our due diligence" after new information came to light, according to <em>The Washington Post</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A number of service members who were severely wounded in the bombing and had to be quickly evacuated from the country represent the bulk of the individuals to be interviewed. A few others who weren't wounded but present on the site will also be interviewed, with the Central Command not ruling out the possibility of growing the scope of investigation if new threads emerge from the interviews.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fresh investigation by the authorities was partly triggered by assertions from one of the service members injured in the blast who said he was never interviewed and that he may have been able to stop the attackers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by The Post last year revealed that two US Marines had spotted a man, matching the description of the&nbsp;alleged bomber and asked for permission to strike. However, the high command did not grant them permission, saying there were too many civilians nearby.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/deserted-look-in-kabul-after-recent-bombings-near-hamid-karzai-international-airport-408937"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Deserted look in Kabul after recent bombings near Hamid Karzai International Airport</strong></a></p>

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<p>Notably, the Central Command's investigation report into the blasts, published in October 2021 stated that owing to the worsening security situation at the airport's Abbey Gate&nbsp;"the attack was not preventable at the tactical level without degrading the mission to maximize the number of evacuees".</p>

<h2><strong>Former Marine slams Biden administration&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Former Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews who made the claims,&nbsp;during a powerful and emotional testimony before Congress earlier this year, slammed the Biden administration for its apathy in dealing with the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Plain and simple, we were ignored. My body was overwhelmed from the trauma of the blast. My abdomen had been ripped open. Every inch of my exposed body took ball bearings and shrapnel," said the former US Marine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There was an inexcusable lack of accountability and negligence. I see the faces of all of those we could not save, those we left behind," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-where-did-us-go-wrong-in-fight-against-taliban-406022"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban?</strong></a></p>

<p>The bombing took place in the afternoon of August 26, 2021, as thousands of civilians, desperate to escape the clutches of the Taliban administration, lined up in masses outside the&nbsp;Hamid Karzai International Airport.</p>

<p>The US intelligence failed to anticipate the timeline of the Taliban taking over Kabul which resulted in the chaotic situation and the eventual bombing that led to the death of over 170 Afghans and 13 US servicemen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Over two years after the haphazard pullback from Afghanistan, the Pentagon has decided to revisit the Kabul bomb blast that killed 13 Americans. Facing backlash from the GOP lawmakers and military personnel, Pentagon will interview two dozen new witnesses to the Kabul bombing but added that it does not amount to reopening the investigation.

Over two years after the haphazard pullback from Afghanistan, the Pentagon has decided to revisit the Kabul bomb blast that killed 13 Americans. Facing backlash from the GOP lawmakers and military personnel, Pentagon will interview two dozen new witnesses to the Kabul bombing but added that it does not amount to reopening the investigation. General Michael E. Kurilla, overseeing the US Central Command, ordered the interviews saying it was “to ensure we do our due diligence" after new information came to light, according to The Washington Post. A number of service members who were severely wounded in the bombing and had to be quickly evacuated from the country represent the bulk of the individuals to be interviewed. A few others who weren't wounded but present on the site will also be interviewed, with the Central Command not ruling out the possibility of growing the scope of investigation if new threads emerge from the interviews. The fresh investigation by the authorities was partly triggered by assertions from one of the service members injured in the blast who said he was never interviewed and that he may have been able to stop the attackers. A report by The Post last year revealed that two US Marines had spotted a man, matching the description of the alleged bomber and asked for permission to strike. However, the high command did not grant them permission, saying there were too many civilians nearby. Watch | Deserted look in Kabul after recent bombings near Hamid Karzai International Airport × Notably, the Central Command's investigation report into the blasts, published in October 2021 stated that owing to the worsening security situation at the airport's Abbey Gate "the attack was not preventable at the tactical level without degrading the mission to maximize the number of evacuees". Former Marine slams Biden administration Former Marine Sgt. Tyler Vargas-Andrews who made the claims, during a powerful and emotional testimony before Congress earlier this year, slammed the Biden administration for its apathy in dealing with the situation. "Plain and simple, we were ignored. My body was overwhelmed from the trauma of the blast. My abdomen had been ripped open. Every inch of my exposed body took ball bearings and shrapnel," said the former US Marine. "There was an inexcusable lack of accountability and negligence. I see the faces of all of those we could not save, those we left behind," he added. Read more: Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban? The bombing took place in the afternoon of August 26, 2021, as thousands of civilians, desperate to escape the clutches of the Taliban administration, lined up in masses outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport. The US intelligence failed to anticipate the timeline of the Taliban taking over Kabul which resulted in the chaotic situation and the eventual bombing that led to the death of over 170 Afghans and 13 US servicemen. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pentagon to revisit Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 US servicemen, interview two dozen new witnesses

<p>The US&nbsp;State Department has approved the&nbsp;potential&nbsp;sale&nbsp;of an Integrated&nbsp;Air&nbsp;and&nbsp;Missile&nbsp;Defence Battle Command&nbsp;System&nbsp;to Poland&nbsp;for an estimated cost of $4 billion, the Pentagon said on Monday.</p>

<p>As it upgrades its&nbsp;air&nbsp;defences, the Pentagon said&nbsp;NATO-ally&nbsp;Poland&nbsp;had requested to buy phase two of a two-phase program for the command&nbsp;system&nbsp;enabled PATRIOT Configuration-3+ with modernised sensors&nbsp;and&nbsp;components.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;sale&nbsp;would include 93 of the&nbsp;system's engagement operation centres,&nbsp;175 fire control network relays&nbsp;and&nbsp;other related equipment, the Pentagon said.</p>

<p>European interest in US&nbsp;weaponry has increased with demand&nbsp;centered&nbsp;around such supplies as munitions,&nbsp;air&nbsp;defences, communications equipment, shoulder-fired Javelin&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;and&nbsp;drones which have proven critical to Ukraine's war efforts.</p>

<p>The principal contractor for the&nbsp;missile&nbsp;defence&nbsp;system&nbsp;will be Northrup Grumman, the Pentagon said in a statement.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The US State Department has approved the potential sale of an Integrated Air and Missile Defence Battle Command System to Poland for an estimated cost of $4 billion, the Pentagon said on Monday.

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of an Integrated Air and Missile Defence Battle Command System to Poland for an estimated cost of $4 billion, the Pentagon said on Monday. As it upgrades its air defences, the Pentagon said NATO-ally Poland had requested to buy phase two of a two-phase program for the command system enabled PATRIOT Configuration-3+ with modernised sensors and components. The sale would include 93 of the system's engagement operation centres, 175 fire control network relays and other related equipment, the Pentagon said. European interest in US weaponry has increased with demand centered around such supplies as munitions, air defences, communications equipment, shoulder-fired Javelin missiles and drones which have proven critical to Ukraine's war efforts. The principal contractor for the missile defence system will be Northrup Grumman, the Pentagon said in a statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US approves potential sale of air, missile defence system to Poland: Pentagon

In pics | From New York to Alaska: US marks 22 years since 9/11 attacks

The Pentagon has announced a new initiative to use drone technology. According to the Wall Street Journal report, the US Department of Defense is considering the development of a vast network of artificial intelligence power technology drones and autonomous systems. These will be developed within the next 2 years to counter threats from China.

US military plans to build up force of thousands of combat drones

Pentagon 'replicator' initiative: US military plans to thwart China with 1,000 war drones

<p>The Pentagon on Wednesday (September 6) announced that the United States will provide Ukraine with depleted uranium tank ammunition, as part of a $175 million aid package.<br />
<br />
In a statement, the Pentagon said that the 120mm rounds will be for the US M1 Abrams, as it referred to the tanks that Washington has provided to provide to Kyiv. The uranium's density, which is around 1.7 times that of lead, helps the ammunition punch through heavy armour.<br />
<br />
However, it is controversial to provide depleted uranium as it has generally been associated with health hazards such as birth defects and cancer in past conflicts, although the munitions have never been definitively proven to be the cause of such health issues.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-claims-russian-strike-kills-at-least-16-in-east-ukraine-market-632988">Zelensky claims Russian strike kills at least 17 in east Ukraine market</a></p>

<h2><strong>Blinken says US will 'maximise' support to Ukraine, announces&nbsp;</strong>over $1 bn of new aid&nbsp;</h2>

<p>US diplomat Antony Blinken, during his visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, said that he will "maximise" efforts for supporting Ukraine, as its nation continued its counteroffensive against Russia. He further announced over $1 billion of new assistance to Ukraine&nbsp;in a package, which he stated would help Ukraine's counteroffensive "build momentum".</p>

<p>The comments were made hours after a dozen people were killed in a market in Eastern Ukraine due to a Russian artillery strike.<br />
<br />
"President Biden asked me to come to reaffirm strongly our support, to ensure that we are maximising the efforts that we're making," Blinken said to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.<br />
<br />
"We see the important progress that's being made now in the counteroffensive and that's very, very encouraging," he added.</p>

<p>"Today, we're announcing new assistance totalling more than one billion dollars... That includes $665.5 million in new military and civilian security assistance," said Blinken, in&nbsp;a press conference with Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba.</p>

<p>Zelensky, during his meeting with Blinken, thanked the US for extending its support to the war-ravaged country, especially ahead of winter. "We're happy that we're not alone through this winter, we will do it together with our partners," he said to Blinken.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine: At least 16 killed in Russian missile attack in Eastern Ukraine's Donetsk</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>White House condemns 'brutal' attacks by Russia</strong></h2>

<p>The White House condemned the fresh strikes by Russia on Ukraine on Wednesday after 17 people lost their lives in a strike on a market.<br />
<br />
"These brutal Russian attacks underscore the importance of continuing to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their territory," said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre in a daily briefing.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Zelensky on Wednesday denounced the attack as "heinous" and repeatedly warned that Russia has been targeting civilian infrastructure.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Pentagon on Wednesday (September 6) announced that the United States will provide Ukraine with depleted uranium tank ammunition, as part of a $175 million aid package.

The Pentagon on Wednesday (September 6) announced that the United States will provide Ukraine with depleted uranium tank ammunition, as part of a $175 million aid package. In a statement, the Pentagon said that the 120mm rounds will be for the US M1 Abrams, as it referred to the tanks that Washington has provided to provide to Kyiv. The uranium's density, which is around 1.7 times that of lead, helps the ammunition punch through heavy armour. However, it is controversial to provide depleted uranium as it has generally been associated with health hazards such as birth defects and cancer in past conflicts, although the munitions have never been definitively proven to be the cause of such health issues. ALSO READ | Zelensky claims Russian strike kills at least 17 in east Ukraine market Blinken says US will 'maximise' support to Ukraine, announces over $1 bn of new aid US diplomat Antony Blinken, during his visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, said that he will "maximise" efforts for supporting Ukraine, as its nation continued its counteroffensive against Russia. He further announced over $1 billion of new assistance to Ukraine in a package, which he stated would help Ukraine's counteroffensive "build momentum". The comments were made hours after a dozen people were killed in a market in Eastern Ukraine due to a Russian artillery strike. "President Biden asked me to come to reaffirm strongly our support, to ensure that we are maximising the efforts that we're making," Blinken said to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "We see the important progress that's being made now in the counteroffensive and that's very, very encouraging," he added. "Today, we're announcing new assistance totalling more than one billion dollars... That includes $665.5 million in new military and civilian security assistance," said Blinken, in a press conference with Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba. Zelensky, during his meeting with Blinken, thanked the US for extending its support to the war-ravaged country, especially ahead of winter. "We're happy that we're not alone through this winter, we will do it together with our partners," he said to Blinken. WATCH | Ukraine: At least 16 killed in Russian missile attack in Eastern Ukraine's Donetsk White House condemns 'brutal' attacks by Russia The White House condemned the fresh strikes by Russia on Ukraine on Wednesday after 17 people lost their lives in a strike on a market. "These brutal Russian attacks underscore the importance of continuing to support the people of Ukraine as they defend their territory," said White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre in a daily briefing. Meanwhile, Zelensky on Wednesday denounced the attack as "heinous" and repeatedly warned that Russia has been targeting civilian infrastructure. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US to provide depleted uranium tank ammunition to Ukraine: Pentagon

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<p>The Pentagon said on Thursday (August 31) that it launched a website to provide declassified information on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), which the government calls unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). A <strong><a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3513171/the-department-of-defense-launches-the-all-domain-anomaly-resolution-office-web/">statement from the US Department of Defense </a></strong>(DoD) said, "This website will provide information, including photos and videos, on resolved UAP cases as they are declassified and approved for public release."</p>

<p>The statement said that the website's other content includes reporting trends and a frequently asked questions (FAQs)&nbsp;section as well as links to official reports, transcripts, press releases, and other resources that the public may find useful. The All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) would launch a secure reporting tool on the website to enable current and former American government employees, service members, or contractors with direct knowledge of government programmes or activities to contact AARO directly to make a report.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The website</strong></h2>

<p>AARO's <strong><a href="https://www.aaro.mil/">website mentions details about</a></strong> UAP reporting trends, official UAP videos, FAQs, AARO mission overview and new releases. "We look forward to using this site to regularly update the public about AARO’s work and findings, and to provide a mechanism for UAP reporting," AARO Director Dr Seab Kripland said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Kripland added that since the AARO's establishment in July last year, the office has taken important steps to improve data collection, standardise reporting requirements, and mitigate the potential threats to safety and security posed by UAPs.</p>

<h2><strong>What are UAPs?</strong></h2>

<p>The government defines UAPs as 1) airborne objects that are not immediately identifiable; 2) trans-medium objects or devices and 3) submerged objects or devices that are not immediately identifiable and that display behaviour or performance characteristics.</p>

<p>The Department of Defense considers UAPs as sources of anomalous detections in one or more domains that are not yet attributable to known actors and that demonstrate behaviours that are not readily understood by sensors or observers.</p>

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The Pentagon said on Thursday (August 31) that it launched a website to provide declassified information on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), which the government calls unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP).

The Pentagon said on Thursday (August 31) that it launched a website to provide declassified information on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), which the government calls unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). A statement from the US Department of Defense (DoD) said, "This website will provide information, including photos and videos, on resolved UAP cases as they are declassified and approved for public release." The statement said that the website's other content includes reporting trends and a frequently asked questions (FAQs) section as well as links to official reports, transcripts, press releases, and other resources that the public may find useful. The All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) would launch a secure reporting tool on the website to enable current and former American government employees, service members, or contractors with direct knowledge of government programmes or activities to contact AARO directly to make a report. The website AARO's website mentions details about UAP reporting trends, official UAP videos, FAQs, AARO mission overview and new releases. "We look forward to using this site to regularly update the public about AARO’s work and findings, and to provide a mechanism for UAP reporting," AARO Director Dr Seab Kripland said. Dr Kripland added that since the AARO's establishment in July last year, the office has taken important steps to improve data collection, standardise reporting requirements, and mitigate the potential threats to safety and security posed by UAPs. What are UAPs? The government defines UAPs as 1) airborne objects that are not immediately identifiable; 2) trans-medium objects or devices and 3) submerged objects or devices that are not immediately identifiable and that display behaviour or performance characteristics. The Department of Defense considers UAPs as sources of anomalous detections in one or more domains that are not yet attributable to known actors and that demonstrate behaviours that are not readily understood by sensors or observers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Pentagon's new website aims to answer all your queries about UFOs

<p>The Pentagon on Thursday (August 24) said that Ukrainian F-16 pilots will start receiving training next month in the United States so that they are capable of using the advanced aircraft against Russian forces.<br />
<br />
These sophisticated fighter jets have long been sought by Ukraine to improvise their fighting techniques against the Russian invasion, and the nation is now deeply involved in a fitful counter-offensive that is aimed at retaking land held by Russian forces.<br />
<br />
The training provided by the US will involve "several" pilots and "dozens" of personnel for maintaining the aircraft, stated Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder.<br />
<br />
"These pilots will be conducting English language training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas in September prior to attending F-16 flying training in Arizona" the following month, he stated.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-was-us-unsure-about-giving-f-16-fighter-jets-to-ukraine-627580">Explained | Why was US unsure about giving F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Biden, Zelensky discuss training programme</strong></h2>

<p>He added that the Arizona training will be held at Morris Air National Guard Base. The White House stated that United States President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky talked about the training programme on Thursday.<br />
<br />
"President Biden reiterated the US commitment to support Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression for as long as it takes, and to hold Russia accountable for its actions," read a White House statement.<br />
<br />
The US programme will be expanding plans that their European allies have already announced for training Ukrainian personnel to fly the US-made F-16.<br />
<br />
Last week, Denmark and the Netherlands were informed by the United States that they could transfer their F-16s to Ukraine when the pilots of the country have been trained to use them.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine to get F-16 fighter jets from Netherlands, Denmark; US approves transfer</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Norway joins the list of countries giving F-16s to Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Norway on Thursday said that it will also give F-16s to Ukraine as the news agency NTB reported that they would make a donation of between five and 10 planes.<br />
<br />
Ryder stated that training is likely to last from five to eight months which will vary depending on the skills that the pilots already have.<br />
<br />
Language training at the start was crucial, "given the complexities and the specialised English that are required to fly these aircraft," he stated.<br />
<br />
Ryder further said that the United States has been moving forward with its own training programme in recognition that&nbsp;Denmark and the Netherlands cannot handle all the pilot preparation that is needed by Ukraine.<br />
<br />
"We know that as the Danes and the Dutch prepare to train those pilots, that at a certain point in the future, capacity will be reached," he stated.</p>

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The Pentagon on Thursday (August 24) said that Ukrainian F-16 pilots will start receiving training next month in the United States so that they are capable of using the advanced aircraft against Russian forces.

The Pentagon on Thursday (August 24) said that Ukrainian F-16 pilots will start receiving training next month in the United States so that they are capable of using the advanced aircraft against Russian forces. These sophisticated fighter jets have long been sought by Ukraine to improvise their fighting techniques against the Russian invasion, and the nation is now deeply involved in a fitful counter-offensive that is aimed at retaking land held by Russian forces. The training provided by the US will involve "several" pilots and "dozens" of personnel for maintaining the aircraft, stated Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder. "These pilots will be conducting English language training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas in September prior to attending F-16 flying training in Arizona" the following month, he stated. ALSO READ | Explained | Why was US unsure about giving F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine? Biden, Zelensky discuss training programme He added that the Arizona training will be held at Morris Air National Guard Base. The White House stated that United States President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky talked about the training programme on Thursday. "President Biden reiterated the US commitment to support Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression for as long as it takes, and to hold Russia accountable for its actions," read a White House statement. The US programme will be expanding plans that their European allies have already announced for training Ukrainian personnel to fly the US-made F-16. Last week, Denmark and the Netherlands were informed by the United States that they could transfer their F-16s to Ukraine when the pilots of the country have been trained to use them. WATCH | Ukraine to get F-16 fighter jets from Netherlands, Denmark; US approves transfer Norway joins the list of countries giving F-16s to Ukraine Norway on Thursday said that it will also give F-16s to Ukraine as the news agency NTB reported that they would make a donation of between five and 10 planes. Ryder stated that training is likely to last from five to eight months which will vary depending on the skills that the pilots already have. Language training at the start was crucial, "given the complexities and the specialised English that are required to fly these aircraft," he stated. Ryder further said that the United States has been moving forward with its own training programme in recognition that Denmark and the Netherlands cannot handle all the pilot preparation that is needed by Ukraine. "We know that as the Danes and the Dutch prepare to train those pilots, that at a certain point in the future, capacity will be reached," he stated. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine's F-16 pilots to start training in US in September: Pentagon

US' Top Military positions are empty after a Republican Senator went against the Pentagon's reproductive health policies. What are the health policies?

Gravitas: Republican senator stalls promotion of over 300 top military officials

For the first time in the history of the Defense Department, three services are operating without a confirmed senior military commander in place as another US military service leader handed over command without a Senate-approved successor in place. The continuous struggle between the Pentagon and pro-abortion groups is turning into a full-fledged defense catastrophe for the United States.

US: Pentagon's efforts to aid abortion in focus

<p>Australia could be a testing ground for US hypersonic and other long-range precision weapons under the AUKUS pact, a top Pentagon official told AFP on Wednesday.</p>

<p>US Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth said Australia's contribution to the three-way AUKUS agreement, which includes Britain, "doesn't always have to be dollars".</p>

<p>The pact was signed in late 2021 and is seen as a way of countering China's growing clout in the Asia-Pacific region.</p>

<p>Work under AUKUS has so far focused on supplying Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, a fleet capable of travelling stealthily over vast distances and striking foes at long range.</p>

<p>But the pact is increasingly focused on developing advanced capabilities such as long-range precision firing, artificial intelligence and hypersonic weapons.</p>

<p>Wormuth said Australia could be a proving ground for these weapons.</p>

<p>"One thing Australia has in spades is long distances and relatively unpopulated land," she told AFP in a telephone interview from Washington.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-nine-dead-two-missing-after-holiday-lodging-fire-623863">France: At least nine dead in fire at holiday home for disabled people</a></p>

<p>"A challenge for us in the United States when it comes to hypersonics or even some of our things like the precision strike missile -- which is not a hypersonic weapon but has very long ranges in some of its increments -- for us to find open spaces in the United States where we can actually test these weapons, it's a challenge."</p>

<p>"Australia obviously has a tremendous amount of territory where that testing is a little bit more doable -- so I think that's a unique thing, as an example, that the Australians bring to the table."</p>

<p>China has denounced the AUKUS pact as undermining peace in the region -- a charge that Washington, Canberra and London reject.</p>

<p>But critics have also asked whether it is truly cooperative, or whether the United States, because of its size and overwhelming military power, will dominate.</p>

<p>Wormuth said she expected the two smaller partners to pitch in and "have skin in this game -- and they do".</p>

<p>"The sense I got certainly from talking to senior Australian officials is they're not doing this to make us happy, they're not doing this just for fun," said the Pentagon official, who visited Australia last week for the Talisman Sabre multinational military exercise.</p>

<p>"They're doing this because they see it as in their own national interest in terms of being able to meet the different challenges that they see in the theatre."</p>

<h2><strong>'Prohibitively expensive'</strong></h2>

<p>Facing Russia's war in Europe, threats from North Korea and a more bellicose China, the United States has sought to bolster its defence alliances and put more advanced capabilities into the hands of allies like Australia, Ukraine and Taiwan.</p>

<p>For much of the Cold War, it was Washington's policy to be able to fight two major wars at once.</p>

<p>Wormuth admitted that today, budget constraints, US public opinion and the relative strength of Russia and China make such a doctrine impossible.</p>

<p>"I think there is a recognition that when you look at the size of our military, when you look at the size of the defence budget that the American taxpayer is willing to pay for, we... don't plan to fight more than one major war at a time," she said.</p>

<p>Instead, the United States hopes its alliance and nuclear arsenal will "discourage opportunistic aggression".</p>

<p>"Given the sophistication of the Russian military and the Chinese military today, to try to size our military to hypothetically handle two wars at a time would be prohibitively expensive".</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Australia could be a testing ground for US hypersonic and other long-range precision weapons under the AUKUS pact, a top Pentagon official told AFP on Wednesday.

Australia could be a testing ground for US hypersonic and other long-range precision weapons under the AUKUS pact, a top Pentagon official told AFP on Wednesday. US Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth said Australia's contribution to the three-way AUKUS agreement, which includes Britain, "doesn't always have to be dollars". The pact was signed in late 2021 and is seen as a way of countering China's growing clout in the Asia-Pacific region. Work under AUKUS has so far focused on supplying Australia with nuclear-powered submarines, a fleet capable of travelling stealthily over vast distances and striking foes at long range. But the pact is increasingly focused on developing advanced capabilities such as long-range precision firing, artificial intelligence and hypersonic weapons. Wormuth said Australia could be a proving ground for these weapons. "One thing Australia has in spades is long distances and relatively unpopulated land," she told AFP in a telephone interview from Washington. Also read: France: At least nine dead in fire at holiday home for disabled people "A challenge for us in the United States when it comes to hypersonics or even some of our things like the precision strike missile -- which is not a hypersonic weapon but has very long ranges in some of its increments -- for us to find open spaces in the United States where we can actually test these weapons, it's a challenge." "Australia obviously has a tremendous amount of territory where that testing is a little bit more doable -- so I think that's a unique thing, as an example, that the Australians bring to the table." China has denounced the AUKUS pact as undermining peace in the region -- a charge that Washington, Canberra and London reject. But critics have also asked whether it is truly cooperative, or whether the United States, because of its size and overwhelming military power, will dominate. Wormuth said she expected the two smaller partners to pitch in and "have skin in this game -- and they do". "The sense I got certainly from talking to senior Australian officials is they're not doing this to make us happy, they're not doing this just for fun," said the Pentagon official, who visited Australia last week for the Talisman Sabre multinational military exercise. "They're doing this because they see it as in their own national interest in terms of being able to meet the different challenges that they see in the theatre." 'Prohibitively expensive' Facing Russia's war in Europe, threats from North Korea and a more bellicose China, the United States has sought to bolster its defence alliances and put more advanced capabilities into the hands of allies like Australia, Ukraine and Taiwan. For much of the Cold War, it was Washington's policy to be able to fight two major wars at once. Wormuth admitted that today, budget constraints, US public opinion and the relative strength of Russia and China make such a doctrine impossible. "I think there is a recognition that when you look at the size of our military, when you look at the size of the defence budget that the American taxpayer is willing to pay for, we... don't plan to fight more than one major war at a time," she said. Instead, the United States hopes its alliance and nuclear arsenal will "discourage opportunistic aggression". "Given the sophistication of the Russian military and the Chinese military today, to try to size our military to hypothetically handle two wars at a time would be prohibitively expensive". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pentagon eyes missile testing role for Australia

The US Army’s chief of staff stepped down on Friday to leave a second military branch without a confirmed leader as a single senator is holding up the approval of Pentagon nominations because of a row over abortion access for troops.

US Army chief of staff steps down as abortion row holds up Pentagon appointments

<p>The communications systems of 17 Air Force facilities faced a “critical compromise” after government radio technology worth $90,000 was stolen by a Tennessee-based engineer, as per a search warrant.<br />
<br />
The breach may have also impacted the communications of the FBI, as per the warrant which was accessed by Forbes. A contractor, who used to work with the Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, Tenn, tipped off the government after which the home of the engineer was recently raided.<br />
<br />
The 48-year-old engineer, who has not been charged with any crime by the police as of now, was not identified by Forbes. The engineer allegedly had “unauthorised administrator access” to radio communications technology that was being used by the Air Education and Training Command (ATEC), and this was “affecting 17 Department of Defence installations,” as per the report published in Forbes on Saturday (July 29).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-building-takes-crown-as-worlds-largest-office-surpassing-the-pentagon-in-us-617221">Indian building takes crown as world's largest office, surpassing US Pentagon</a></p>

<p>The potential compromise of technology used by the AETC, which is among the nine “major commands,” is defined by the Pentagon as “interrelated and complementary” which gives support to Air Force headquarters. This came just three months after another breach of security in the Pentagon was reported.</p>

<p>The sensitive information, related to the Russia-Ukraine war, was allegedly leaked by Air National Guard employee Jack Teixeira on the social platform Discord. For months, Teixeira pleaded not guilty.</p>

<h2><strong>Air Force engineer’s home raided&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>When the raid was carried out at&nbsp;the Air Force engineer’s home, an open computer screen was found by the authorities which showed that the suspect was running radio programming software “which contained the entire Arnold Air Force Base communications system,” reported Forbes.<br />
<br />
Authorities further stated that they discovered evidence of the engineer having access to FBI and Tennessee state agencies, however, they did not speak about what kind of information may have been compromised.<br />
<br />
The media report further stated that, as per the warrant, a document which detailed the forensics on technologies seized from the home of the engineer revealed that he was in possession of a USB which contained “administrative passwords and electronic system keys” for the AETC radio network.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Indian building overtakes US Pentagon as the World's largest office building</strong></p>

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<p>Other items which were seized were flash drives that contained “local law enforcement radio programming files” and “Motorola radio programming files” which had a warning banner indicating they were government property.<br />
<br />
Installer files, which the authorities recovered in the search, opened with a “CONFIDENTIAL RESTRICTED” pop-up, as per Forbes.<br />
<br />
The warrant also stated how the investigators were informed by the witnesses and co-workers that the engineer allegedly “sold radios and radio equipment, worked odd hours, was arrogant, frequently lied, displayed inappropriate workplace behaviour and sexual harassment, had financial problems, and possessed [Arnold air force base land mobile radio] equipment”.&nbsp;</p>

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The communications systems of 17 Air Force facilities faced a “critical compromise” after government radio technology worth $90,000 was stolen by a Tennessee-based engineer, as per a search warrant.

The communications systems of 17 Air Force facilities faced a “critical compromise” after government radio technology worth $90,000 was stolen by a Tennessee-based engineer, as per a search warrant. The breach may have also impacted the communications of the FBI, as per the warrant which was accessed by Forbes. A contractor, who used to work with the Arnold Air Force Base in Tullahoma, Tenn, tipped off the government after which the home of the engineer was recently raided. The 48-year-old engineer, who has not been charged with any crime by the police as of now, was not identified by Forbes. The engineer allegedly had “unauthorised administrator access” to radio communications technology that was being used by the Air Education and Training Command (ATEC), and this was “affecting 17 Department of Defence installations,” as per the report published in Forbes on Saturday (July 29). ALSO READ | Indian building takes crown as world's largest office, surpassing US Pentagon The potential compromise of technology used by the AETC, which is among the nine “major commands,” is defined by the Pentagon as “interrelated and complementary” which gives support to Air Force headquarters. This came just three months after another breach of security in the Pentagon was reported. The sensitive information, related to the Russia-Ukraine war, was allegedly leaked by Air National Guard employee Jack Teixeira on the social platform Discord. For months, Teixeira pleaded not guilty. Air Force engineer’s home raided When the raid was carried out at the Air Force engineer’s home, an open computer screen was found by the authorities which showed that the suspect was running radio programming software “which contained the entire Arnold Air Force Base communications system,” reported Forbes. Authorities further stated that they discovered evidence of the engineer having access to FBI and Tennessee state agencies, however, they did not speak about what kind of information may have been compromised. The media report further stated that, as per the warrant, a document which detailed the forensics on technologies seized from the home of the engineer revealed that he was in possession of a USB which contained “administrative passwords and electronic system keys” for the AETC radio network. WATCH | Indian building overtakes US Pentagon as the World's largest office building Other items which were seized were flash drives that contained “local law enforcement radio programming files” and “Motorola radio programming files” which had a warning banner indicating they were government property. Installer files, which the authorities recovered in the search, opened with a “CONFIDENTIAL RESTRICTED” pop-up, as per Forbes. The warrant also stated how the investigators were informed by the witnesses and co-workers that the engineer allegedly “sold radios and radio equipment, worked odd hours, was arrogant, frequently lied, displayed inappropriate workplace behaviour and sexual harassment, had financial problems, and possessed [Arnold air force base land mobile radio] equipment”. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pentagon investigates ‘critical compromise’ of Air Force, FBI communications

The US Pentagon is investigating a critical compromise of communications across 17 US Air Force facilities.

US: Engineer obtains radio keys to air education and training command

<p>During a remarkable congressional hearing, former American intelligence official David Grusch revealed that the US government conducted a "multi-decade" programme aimed at collecting and reverse-engineering crashed unidentified flying objects (UFOs).</p>

<p>Grusch, who was in charge of investigating unexplained anomalous phenomena within a US Department of Defence agency until 2023, spoke before the House oversight committee in Washington, shedding light on the issue of alien life and technology, as&nbsp;reported by the Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This hearing, prompted by Grusch's previous claims, attracted global interest and ignited discussions about the possibility of a government cover-up regarding UFOs.</p>

<h2><strong>Grusch's allegations and whistleblower complaint</strong></h2>

<p>Under oath, Grusch disclosed that he had been informed of a long-standing UAP crash retrieval and reverse-engineering programme during his official duties, from which he was denied access.</p>

<p>His whistleblower complaint in 2022 stemmed from his inability to access secret government UFO programmes while being responsible for investigating military and defence agencies' knowledge of aliens and alien craft.</p>

<p>As a result of his claims, Grusch faced severe retaliation that negatively impacted both his professional and personal life.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-bidens-son-hunter-does-not-plead-guilty-as-deal-with-justice-dept-falls-apart-619710">Joe Biden’s son Hunter pleads not guilty in tax case, as deal with justice dept falls through</a></p>

<h2><strong>Claims of harm and concealment</strong></h2>

<p>Grusch confirmed under questioning that he had knowledge of individuals who had been harmed or injured in the government's efforts to conceal UFO-related information.</p>

<p>Furthermore, he admitted to fearing for his life due to his involvement in the matter. The congressional hearing prompted speculations that the US government might be withholding evidence of alien life and advanced technology, with mixed responses from the public, including scepticism.</p>

<h2><strong>Government's lack of cooperation</strong></h2>

<p>Co-leading the UFO investigation, Republican Congressman Tim Burchett accused government agencies of lacking cooperation with the oversight committee's investigation. The difficulty in obtaining information and testimony from relevant parties led to frustrations and claims of being stonewalled by federal officials.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UAPs are 'in our airspace': Witnesses testify at UFO Congressional hearing in US</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Recovery of alien beings and UFOs</strong></h2>

<p>Grusch asserted that the US government possessed crashed extraterrestrial vehicles and even recovered alien beings. When asked if there were bodies of pilots piloting these craft, he confirmed the existence of "biologics" that were non-human, based on information from individuals with direct knowledge of the programme. While some details were withheld during the hearing, Grusch had previously claimed the government possessed large alien craft, with varying descriptions in media interviews.</p>

<h2><strong>Congressional response and Pentagon denial</strong></h2>

<p>Congressman Burchett found Grusch's claims about the recovery of non-human bodies credible, expressing his belief in the existence of alien craft even before the investigation.</p>

<p>However, the Pentagon denied Grusch's accusations of a cover-up, stating that investigators had not found verifiable evidence supporting the existence of programmes related to extraterrestrial materials.</p>

<h2><strong>Witness testimonies</strong></h2>

<p>The hearing also featured testimonies from other witnesses, such as David Fravor, a former navy commander who recalled seeing a strange object in the sky during a training mission in 2004, and Ryan Graves, a retired navy pilot, who claimed to have encountered unidentified aerial phenomena off the Atlantic coast frequently.</p>

<p>Graves founded a UAP non-profit, "Americans for Safe Aerospace," to voice the concerns of numerous commercial aircrews and military veterans with similar encounters.</p>

<p>Despite the excitement and media speculation surrounding the hearing, some individuals cautioned against reading too much into the claims. Sceptics highlighted that accusations of a government cover-up regarding UFOs have surfaced numerous times in the past without substantial evidence emerging.</p>

<p>The government's ability to keep other significant secrets secret was questioned, leading some to doubt the validity of the long-term concealment of UFO-related information.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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During a remarkable congressional hearing, former American intelligence official David Grusch revealed that the US government conducted a "multi-decade" programme aimed at collecting and reverse-engineering crashed unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

During a remarkable congressional hearing, former American intelligence official David Grusch revealed that the US government conducted a "multi-decade" programme aimed at collecting and reverse-engineering crashed unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Grusch, who was in charge of investigating unexplained anomalous phenomena within a US Department of Defence agency until 2023, spoke before the House oversight committee in Washington, shedding light on the issue of alien life and technology, as reported by the Guardian. This hearing, prompted by Grusch's previous claims, attracted global interest and ignited discussions about the possibility of a government cover-up regarding UFOs. Grusch's allegations and whistleblower complaint Under oath, Grusch disclosed that he had been informed of a long-standing UAP crash retrieval and reverse-engineering programme during his official duties, from which he was denied access. His whistleblower complaint in 2022 stemmed from his inability to access secret government UFO programmes while being responsible for investigating military and defence agencies' knowledge of aliens and alien craft. As a result of his claims, Grusch faced severe retaliation that negatively impacted both his professional and personal life. Also read | Joe Biden’s son Hunter pleads not guilty in tax case, as deal with justice dept falls through Claims of harm and concealment Grusch confirmed under questioning that he had knowledge of individuals who had been harmed or injured in the government's efforts to conceal UFO-related information. Furthermore, he admitted to fearing for his life due to his involvement in the matter. The congressional hearing prompted speculations that the US government might be withholding evidence of alien life and advanced technology, with mixed responses from the public, including scepticism. Government's lack of cooperation Co-leading the UFO investigation, Republican Congressman Tim Burchett accused government agencies of lacking cooperation with the oversight committee's investigation. The difficulty in obtaining information and testimony from relevant parties led to frustrations and claims of being stonewalled by federal officials. Also watch | UAPs are 'in our airspace': Witnesses testify at UFO Congressional hearing in US Recovery of alien beings and UFOs Grusch asserted that the US government possessed crashed extraterrestrial vehicles and even recovered alien beings. When asked if there were bodies of pilots piloting these craft, he confirmed the existence of "biologics" that were non-human, based on information from individuals with direct knowledge of the programme. While some details were withheld during the hearing, Grusch had previously claimed the government possessed large alien craft, with varying descriptions in media interviews. Congressional response and Pentagon denial Congressman Burchett found Grusch's claims about the recovery of non-human bodies credible, expressing his belief in the existence of alien craft even before the investigation. However, the Pentagon denied Grusch's accusations of a cover-up, stating that investigators had not found verifiable evidence supporting the existence of programmes related to extraterrestrial materials. Witness testimonies The hearing also featured testimonies from other witnesses, such as David Fravor, a former navy commander who recalled seeing a strange object in the sky during a training mission in 2004, and Ryan Graves, a retired navy pilot, who claimed to have encountered unidentified aerial phenomena off the Atlantic coast frequently. Graves founded a UAP non-profit, "Americans for Safe Aerospace," to voice the concerns of numerous commercial aircrews and military veterans with similar encounters. Despite the excitement and media speculation surrounding the hearing, some individuals cautioned against reading too much into the claims. Sceptics highlighted that accusations of a government cover-up regarding UFOs have surfaced numerous times in the past without substantial evidence emerging. The government's ability to keep other significant secrets secret was questioned, leading some to doubt the validity of the long-term concealment of UFO-related information. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US govt is in possession of UFOs and non-human bodies, ex-intelligence official tells Congress

<p>Some of the weapons supplied by the United States and its allies to Ukraine were stolen by criminals, purported volunteer fighters and arms traffickers, a report from the US defence department's inspector general published by CNN has revealed.</p>

<p>The weapons&nbsp;were originally meant to aid Ukraine's war-effort against Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report, titled, 'DoD's Accountability of Equipment Provided to Ukraine',&nbsp;further claims that the stolen weaponry and equipment were later recovered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report claims that between February to September 2022, Washington faced challenges in tracking and monitoring all the US equipment sent to Ukraine. The Arms Export Control Act in the United States requires Washington to track its defence supplies to the countries.</p>

<p>The US defence department's inability to visit the areas where the equipment was being used or stored significantly hindered their ability to monitor the situation effectively, the report argued. The US resumed on-site inspections of weapons given to Ukraine with tracking systems.</p>

<h2><strong>US supply of weapons to Ukraine: What Washington deems as potential risk?</strong></h2>

<p>The report acknowledged that sending weapons to aid Ukraine's war-effort entails the risk of potential&nbsp;diversion, especially if territory changes hands during the course of war.</p>

<p>The Republican Party has criticised the Biden administration for the purported&nbsp;lack of accountability about the billions of dollars of aid provided to Ukraine.</p>

<h2><b>Russia-Ukraine war: When US weapons were stolen</b></h2>

<p>The report revealed instances when&nbsp;organisations deemed terrorist organisations by Russia and arms traffickers successfully stole weapons and equipment provided by the US and its allies.</p>

<p>For example, an organised crime group reportedly overseen by an unnamed Russian official used forged documents to steal weapons and ammunition. Similarly, Ukrainian criminals posed as aid workers to steal bulletproof vests.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Report: Kyiv can't account for 'hundreds of millions' in weapons | Russia-Ukraine War</strong></p>

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<p>The report only revealed the instances in which the Ukraine's intelligence services purportedly&nbsp;intervened and disrupted the arms stealing plots.</p>

<p>Overall, while larger items like missiles and helicopters were easier to track through intelligence mechanisms, smaller items, such as night-vision devices, posed more significant monitoring challenges.</p>

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Some of the weapons supplied by the United States and its allies to Ukraine were stolen by criminals, purported volunteer fighters and arms traffickers, a report from the US defence department's inspector general published by CNN has revealed.

Some of the weapons supplied by the United States and its allies to Ukraine were stolen by criminals, purported volunteer fighters and arms traffickers, a report from the US defence department's inspector general published by CNN has revealed. The weapons were originally meant to aid Ukraine's war-effort against Russia. The report, titled, 'DoD's Accountability of Equipment Provided to Ukraine', further claims that the stolen weaponry and equipment were later recovered. The report claims that between February to September 2022, Washington faced challenges in tracking and monitoring all the US equipment sent to Ukraine. The Arms Export Control Act in the United States requires Washington to track its defence supplies to the countries. The US defence department's inability to visit the areas where the equipment was being used or stored significantly hindered their ability to monitor the situation effectively, the report argued. The US resumed on-site inspections of weapons given to Ukraine with tracking systems. US supply of weapons to Ukraine: What Washington deems as potential risk? The report acknowledged that sending weapons to aid Ukraine's war-effort entails the risk of potential diversion, especially if territory changes hands during the course of war. The Republican Party has criticised the Biden administration for the purported lack of accountability about the billions of dollars of aid provided to Ukraine. Russia-Ukraine war: When US weapons were stolen The report revealed instances when organisations deemed terrorist organisations by Russia and arms traffickers successfully stole weapons and equipment provided by the US and its allies. For example, an organised crime group reportedly overseen by an unnamed Russian official used forged documents to steal weapons and ammunition. Similarly, Ukrainian criminals posed as aid workers to steal bulletproof vests. Also watch | Report: Kyiv can't account for 'hundreds of millions' in weapons | Russia-Ukraine War × The report only revealed the instances in which the Ukraine's intelligence services purportedly intervened and disrupted the arms stealing plots. Overall, while larger items like missiles and helicopters were easier to track through intelligence mechanisms, smaller items, such as night-vision devices, posed more significant monitoring challenges. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

How weapons sent by West got stolen in Ukraine, Pentagon report reveals

The Pentagon's inspector general has revealed that some of the Western-supplied weapons and equipment supplied to Ukrainian forces ended up in the hands of arms traffickers, criminals, and volunteer fighters.

Western-supplied weapons stolen in Ukraine: Pentagon report

<p>The Surat Diamond Bourse in the Indian state of Gujarat, has claimed the title of the world's largest office building, surpassing the Pentagon, according to a CNN report.</p>

<p>Situated in Surat, known as the gem capital of the world and a major hub for diamond cutting, this newly constructed building will serve as a comprehensive centre&nbsp;for diamond professionals.</p>

<h2><strong>A hub for diamond trade</strong></h2>

<p>Spread across 35 acres of land, the Surat Diamond Bourse is a 15-storey complex consisting of nine interconnected rectangular structures.</p>

<p>Designed by the Indian architecture firm Morphogenesis, the building offers over 7.1 million square feet of floor space, accommodating more than 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers, and traders. It aims to be a "one-stop destination" for the diamond industry.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-and-scorpene-submarine-deals-didnt-figure-in-indo-french-joint-statement-heres-why-617080">Rafale and Scorpene submarine deals didn’t figure in Indo-French joint statement. Here’s why</a></p>

<h2><strong>Inauguration and significance</strong></h2>

<p>The official inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse is scheduled for November this year, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the ceremony.</p>

<p>The construction of the building spanned four years, and its completion marks a significant milestone for the diamond industry, bringing a major trading hub to Surat and reducing the need for professionals to travel to Mumbai.</p>

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<h2><strong>Designed for efficiency and demand</strong></h2>

<p>The Surat Diamond Bourse was designed to meet the growing demand within the diamond industry. The architectural layout, featuring interconnected structures with a central spine, provides an optimal trading environment. All the office spaces within the building were already purchased by diamond companies before construction commenced, reflecting the high demand and market anticipation.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India has expressed intentions of buying marine jets, says France</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Promoting convenience and economic growth</strong></h2>

<p>The establishment of the Surat Diamond Bourse is a not-for-profit initiative promoted by SDB Diamond Bourse, with the aim of developing and promoting the diamond trade in Surat, Gujarat.</p>

<p>The project is expected to save thousands of diamond professionals from the daily commute to Mumbai, enhancing convenience and potentially boosting the economic growth of the region.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The Surat Diamond Bourse in the Indian state of Gujarat, has claimed the title of the world's largest office building, surpassing the Pentagon, according to a CNN report.

The Surat Diamond Bourse in the Indian state of Gujarat, has claimed the title of the world's largest office building, surpassing the Pentagon, according to a CNN report. Situated in Surat, known as the gem capital of the world and a major hub for diamond cutting, this newly constructed building will serve as a comprehensive centre for diamond professionals. A hub for diamond trade Spread across 35 acres of land, the Surat Diamond Bourse is a 15-storey complex consisting of nine interconnected rectangular structures. Designed by the Indian architecture firm Morphogenesis, the building offers over 7.1 million square feet of floor space, accommodating more than 65,000 diamond professionals, including cutters, polishers, and traders. It aims to be a "one-stop destination" for the diamond industry. Also read | Rafale and Scorpene submarine deals didn’t figure in Indo-French joint statement. Here’s why Inauguration and significance The official inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse is scheduled for November this year, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the ceremony. The construction of the building spanned four years, and its completion marks a significant milestone for the diamond industry, bringing a major trading hub to Surat and reducing the need for professionals to travel to Mumbai. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Surat Diamond Bourse (@surat_diamond_bourse) × Designed for efficiency and demand The Surat Diamond Bourse was designed to meet the growing demand within the diamond industry. The architectural layout, featuring interconnected structures with a central spine, provides an optimal trading environment. All the office spaces within the building were already purchased by diamond companies before construction commenced, reflecting the high demand and market anticipation. Also watch | India has expressed intentions of buying marine jets, says France Promoting convenience and economic growth The establishment of the Surat Diamond Bourse is a not-for-profit initiative promoted by SDB Diamond Bourse, with the aim of developing and promoting the diamond trade in Surat, Gujarat. The project is expected to save thousands of diamond professionals from the daily commute to Mumbai, enhancing convenience and potentially boosting the economic growth of the region. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian building takes crown as world's largest office, surpassing US Pentagon

The Pentagon was the world's largest office building for 80 years. But that title has now been taken by a building in Gujarat's Surat. Surat Diamond Bourse, a diamond trade centre now became the world's largest office building.

Indian building overtakes US Pentagon as the World's largest office building

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<p>In what comes as another embarrassing moment for the Pentagon and the US government, millions of military emails were directed to the West African nation of Mali, over the course of a decade, despite multiple warnings - exposing highly sensitive information to a Russian ally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The error happened due to a small confusion arising due to domain naming and the culprit is a missing letter, 'I'. Instead of typing ".MIL", the suffix to all military email addresses, the officers typed ".ML" which is the country identifier for Mali. The mistake was overlooked and resulted in a steady flow of sensitive emails being sent to ".ML" domain inboxes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to various media reports, the messages shared range from tax returns to medical reports to diplomatic documents to official travel arrangements for top officers to highly sensitive passwords.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>No attention was paid to warnings&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Experts said even if the data was unclassified, the sustained access meant that intelligence could be generated by joining the dots.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What's more concerning in the entire fiasco is that the US government received multiple warnings for the breach and yet did nothing to sort the issue.</p>

<p>The first instance of such a data leak was reported almost a decade ago by Johannes Zuurbier, a Dutch internet entrepreneur who had the contract to manage Mali’s country domain, the Financial Times (FT) newspaper reported.</p>

<p>The risk of data landing in the wrong hands was exacerbated when Zuubier’s contract expired and the domain reverted to the Malian government</p>

<p>The Amsterdam-based entrepreneur approached US officials repeatedly, including through a defence attaché in Mali, a senior adviser to the US national cyber security service, and even White House officials.</p>

<p>“This risk is real and could be exploited by adversaries of the US," he wrote in a letter to the US government officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since January this year, Zuurbier claims to have collected close to 117,000 misdirected messages that were sent to the wrong domain, by the time his contract expired.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One email that was misdirected to Mali this year included the travel plans for General James McConville, the chief of staff of the US Army, and his delegation for a then-forthcoming visit to Indonesia in May.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/leaked-pentagon-documents-provide-snapshot-of-us-intelligence-officials-watching-china-582213" target="_blank"><strong>Watch | Leaked Pentagon documents provide snapshot of US intelligence officials watching China</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pentagon releases statement</strong></h2>

<p>After the controversy snowballed, the Department of Defence released a statement saying it was looking into the matter.</p>

<p>“The Department of Defence is aware of this issue and takes all unauthorised disclosures of controlled national security information or controlled unclassified information seriously,” the Pentagon said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lt. Commander Tim Gorman, a spokesman for the Pentagon added that mails sent directly from the .mil domain to Malian addresses “are blocked before they leave the .mil domain and the sender is notified that they must validate the email addresses of the intended recipients”.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-us-military-information-sent-to-russian-ally-mali-for-years-due-to-typo-report-616709" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Thousands of US military emails mistakenly sent to Russian ally Mali due to ‘typo’</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Previous instances of Pentagon suffering info leak</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, this is not the first instance when the Pentagon has been caught in stormy waters for the leak of sensitive documents. Earlier this year, a 21-year-old Massachusetts Air National Guardsman named Jack Teixeira was caught after the largest classified intelligence leaks in US history.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Teixeira allegedly leaked the sensitive documents in a chatroom for gamers, Thug Shaker Central, on Discord, an instant messaging platform, primarily used by the gaming community. According to reports, Teixeira leaked highly sensitive information, including details about troop movement in Russia’s war with Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Teixeira said in the chat group that he was able to access the documents because he worked on a “military base". The accused was referring to the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base where he was assigned the task to manage and troubleshoot computers and communications systems for the Air Force.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jack-teixeira-the-young-charismatic-air-national-guardsman-suspected-of-leaking-secret-us-documents-582242" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Who is Jack Teixeira, the 'young, charismatic' Air National guardsman arrested in US documents leak case?</strong></a></p>

<p>Incidentally, Teixeira had been leaking the classified documents for several months but it was only earlier this year that the US authorities became aware of such a breach. After US media carried the reports, a manhunt was launched to nab the mole.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mailbox leak after misconfiguration</strong></h2>

<p>Similarly, in February, reports claimed that for full two weeks, an exposed server belonging to the defence department spilt internal military emails to the open internet before being fixed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The said server was hosted by tech giant Microsft on&nbsp;Azure government cloud for Department of Defence customers. These servers are physically separated from the commercial customers and as such can&nbsp;be used to&nbsp;share sensitive but unclassified government data.</p>

<p>The exposed&nbsp;mailbox server carried three terabytes of internal military emails, belonging to the US Special Operations Command, or USSOCOM, the US military unit tasked with conducting special military operations. Investigations found that a misconfiguration had left the server without any password, allowing anyone with internet access to peer through the sensitive mailbox data, just by knowing the IP address.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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In what comes as another embarrassing moment for the Pentagon and the US government, millions of military emails were directed to the West African nation of Mali, over the course of a decade, despite multiple warnings - exposing highly sensitive information to a Russian ally.

In what comes as another embarrassing moment for the Pentagon and the US government, millions of military emails were directed to the West African nation of Mali, over the course of a decade, despite multiple warnings - exposing highly sensitive information to a Russian ally. The error happened due to a small confusion arising due to domain naming and the culprit is a missing letter, 'I'. Instead of typing ".MIL", the suffix to all military email addresses, the officers typed ".ML" which is the country identifier for Mali. The mistake was overlooked and resulted in a steady flow of sensitive emails being sent to ".ML" domain inboxes. According to various media reports, the messages shared range from tax returns to medical reports to diplomatic documents to official travel arrangements for top officers to highly sensitive passwords. No attention was paid to warnings Experts said even if the data was unclassified, the sustained access meant that intelligence could be generated by joining the dots. What's more concerning in the entire fiasco is that the US government received multiple warnings for the breach and yet did nothing to sort the issue. The first instance of such a data leak was reported almost a decade ago by Johannes Zuurbier, a Dutch internet entrepreneur who had the contract to manage Mali’s country domain, the Financial Times (FT) newspaper reported. The risk of data landing in the wrong hands was exacerbated when Zuubier’s contract expired and the domain reverted to the Malian government The Amsterdam-based entrepreneur approached US officials repeatedly, including through a defence attaché in Mali, a senior adviser to the US national cyber security service, and even White House officials. “This risk is real and could be exploited by adversaries of the US," he wrote in a letter to the US government officials. Since January this year, Zuurbier claims to have collected close to 117,000 misdirected messages that were sent to the wrong domain, by the time his contract expired. One email that was misdirected to Mali this year included the travel plans for General James McConville, the chief of staff of the US Army, and his delegation for a then-forthcoming visit to Indonesia in May. Watch | Leaked Pentagon documents provide snapshot of US intelligence officials watching China × Pentagon releases statement After the controversy snowballed, the Department of Defence released a statement saying it was looking into the matter. “The Department of Defence is aware of this issue and takes all unauthorised disclosures of controlled national security information or controlled unclassified information seriously,” the Pentagon said. Lt. Commander Tim Gorman, a spokesman for the Pentagon added that mails sent directly from the .mil domain to Malian addresses “are blocked before they leave the .mil domain and the sender is notified that they must validate the email addresses of the intended recipients”. Also read | Thousands of US military emails mistakenly sent to Russian ally Mali due to ‘typo’ Previous instances of Pentagon suffering info leak Notably, this is not the first instance when the Pentagon has been caught in stormy waters for the leak of sensitive documents. Earlier this year, a 21-year-old Massachusetts Air National Guardsman named Jack Teixeira was caught after the largest classified intelligence leaks in US history. Teixeira allegedly leaked the sensitive documents in a chatroom for gamers, Thug Shaker Central, on Discord, an instant messaging platform, primarily used by the gaming community. According to reports, Teixeira leaked highly sensitive information, including details about troop movement in Russia’s war with Ukraine. Teixeira said in the chat group that he was able to access the documents because he worked on a “military base". The accused was referring to the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base where he was assigned the task to manage and troubleshoot computers and communications systems for the Air Force. Also read | Who is Jack Teixeira, the 'young, charismatic' Air National guardsman arrested in US documents leak case? Incidentally, Teixeira had been leaking the classified documents for several months but it was only earlier this year that the US authorities became aware of such a breach. After US media carried the reports, a manhunt was launched to nab the mole. Mailbox leak after misconfiguration Similarly, in February, reports claimed that for full two weeks, an exposed server belonging to the defence department spilt internal military emails to the open internet before being fixed. The said server was hosted by tech giant Microsft on Azure government cloud for Department of Defence customers. These servers are physically separated from the commercial customers and as such can be used to share sensitive but unclassified government data. The exposed mailbox server carried three terabytes of internal military emails, belonging to the US Special Operations Command, or USSOCOM, the US military unit tasked with conducting special military operations. Investigations found that a misconfiguration had left the server without any password, allowing anyone with internet access to peer through the sensitive mailbox data, just by knowing the IP address. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: The funny yet shocking story of leaked Pentagon mails to Mali

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