The number of sexual assaults in the US military increased in 2019 to 7,825 which was a three per cent increase from 2018, a report published by Pentagon said on Friday.&nbsp;

Last year as well, there was an increase of 13 per cent in the number of assaults and sexual crimes brought to the attention of military authorities.&nbsp;

The report was compiled by Department of Defense's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPR) and was published on Pentagon's site.

As per the data, the Air Force saw a nine per cent spike in cases while Navy had a rise of five per cent. A sexual assault case in Army witnessed an increase of two per cent. 
&nbsp; 
The data also showed that 73 per cent of these sexual assaults in the military were committed by a superior.&nbsp;

While the Marines have previously been called out for their especially high number of sexual assaults, this year's report shows that such cases are becoming more equal between the five branches.&nbsp;

"One of our prevention efforts over the past year focused on preparing leaders at all levels to better reach our youngest Service members who are most at risk," said SAPR director Nate Galbraith.&nbsp;

"Helping our newest enlisted leaders and supervisors create healthy unit climates will benefit our military and all those who serve," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of sexual assaults in the US military increased in 2019 to 7,825 which was a three per cent increase from 2018, a report published by Pentagon said on Friday.

The number of sexual assaults in the US military increased in 2019 to 7,825 which was a three per cent increase from 2018, a report published by Pentagon said on Friday. Last year as well, there was an increase of 13 per cent in the number of assaults and sexual crimes brought to the attention of military authorities. The report was compiled by Department of Defense's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPR) and was published on Pentagon's site. As per the data, the Air Force saw a nine per cent spike in cases while Navy had a rise of five per cent. A sexual assault case in Army witnessed an increase of two per cent. The data also showed that 73 per cent of these sexual assaults in the military were committed by a superior. While the Marines have previously been called out for their especially high number of sexual assaults, this year's report shows that such cases are becoming more equal between the five branches. "One of our prevention efforts over the past year focused on preparing leaders at all levels to better reach our youngest Service members who are most at risk," said SAPR director Nate Galbraith. "Helping our newest enlisted leaders and supervisors create healthy unit climates will benefit our military and all those who serve," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

For second consecutive year, sexual assault cases increase in US military

The Pentagon on Monday released few videos, where a US Navy pilot was seen encountering&nbsp;unknown flying objects.&nbsp;

The video showcases unidentified aerial phenomena, which some belief as unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

The video clip has been brought in the public domain by Pentagon so that people do not believe in the false concepts and the video that was being circulated, according to the Department of Defense.

After reviewing the footage, the department has made it very clear that the videos do not determine any sensitive capabilities or systems, and does not infringe on subsequent investigations of the military air space incursions by the phenomena, the Department of defence website stated.

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I’m glad the Pentagon is finally releasing this footage, but it only scratches the surface of research and materials available. The U.S. needs to take a serious, scientific look at this and any potential national security implications. The American people deserve to be informed. <a href="https://t.co/1XNduvmP0u">https://t.co/1XNduvmP0u</a>
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The video was in circulation after illegal releases in 2007 and 2017, the website quoted. The aerial phenomena in the video are not identified, the website added.

Three videos show what the U.S. Navy pilot saw in 2004 and 2015. Two of these videos were published by a media organisation in 2017. The other video was released by To the Stars Academy of Arts and Science group.

The video released by the Pentagon adds to the credibility of the videos and will increase speculation that humans have recently interacted with extra-terrestrials. The US Navy has its set of rules and regulations for reporting UFO sightings.

The former Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid, from Nevada, tweeted saying, “the video only scratches the surface of research and materials available.”

The Pentagon on Monday released few videos, where a US Navy pilot was seen encountering unknown flying objects. The video showcases unidentified aerial phenomena, which some belief as unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

The Pentagon on Monday released few videos, where a US Navy pilot was seen encountering unknown flying objects. The video showcases unidentified aerial phenomena, which some belief as unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The video clip has been brought in the public domain by Pentagon so that people do not believe in the false concepts and the video that was being circulated, according to the Department of Defense. After reviewing the footage, the department has made it very clear that the videos do not determine any sensitive capabilities or systems, and does not infringe on subsequent investigations of the military air space incursions by the phenomena, the Department of defence website stated. I’m glad the Pentagon is finally releasing this footage, but it only scratches the surface of research and materials available. The U.S. needs to take a serious, scientific look at this and any potential national security implications. The American people deserve to be informed. https://t.co/1XNduvmP0u — Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) April 27, 2020 × The video was in circulation after illegal releases in 2007 and 2017, the website quoted. The aerial phenomena in the video are not identified, the website added. Three videos show what the U.S. Navy pilot saw in 2004 and 2015. Two of these videos were published by a media organisation in 2017. The other video was released by To the Stars Academy of Arts and Science group. The video released by the Pentagon adds to the credibility of the videos and will increase speculation that humans have recently interacted with extra-terrestrials. The US Navy has its set of rules and regulations for reporting UFO sightings. The former Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid, from Nevada, tweeted saying, “the video only scratches the surface of research and materials available.”

Pentagon makes three UFO videos captured by US Navy pilot public to clear people’s misconceptions

The Pentagon said a test missile&nbsp;flew at hypersonic speeds -- more than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5 -- to a designated impact point.

The test followed the first joint US Army and Navy flight experiment in October 2017, when the prototype missile demonstrated it could glide in the direction of a target at hypersonic speed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/pentagon-looks-for-defence-to-putins-invincible-hypersonic-missiles-277593" hreflang="en">Pentagon looks for 'defence' to Putin's 'invincible' hypersonic missiles</a>

"Today we validated our design and are now ready to move to the next phase towards fielding a hypersonic strike capability," Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe said in a statement.

Hypersonic weapons can take missile warfare, and particularly nuclear warfare, to a new, and for many frightening, level: they can travel much faster than current nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, at different altitudes and with the maneuverability that makes them difficult to defeat with current missile defence systems.

In December, Russia declared it had placed into service their first Avangard hypersonic missile, making it the first country to claim an operable hypersonic weapon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/were-constructing-many-hypersonic-missiles-us-president-donald-trump-273112" hreflang="en">We're constructing many hypersonic missiles: US President Donald Trump</a>

Russian officials claimed that in tests it had reached speeds of up to Mach 27, roughly 33,000 kilometres (20,500 miles) per hour.

China is also investing significantly in their development. Last October it displayed its DF-17 hypersonic glide vehicle in its national day military parade.

The Pentagon said a test missile flew at hypersonic speeds -- more than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5 -- to a designated impact point. The test followed the first joint US Army and Navy flight experiment in October 2017, when the prototype missile demonstrated it could glide in the direction of a target at hypersonic speed.

The Pentagon said a test missile flew at hypersonic speeds -- more than five times the speed of sound, or Mach 5 -- to a designated impact point. The test followed the first joint US Army and Navy flight experiment in October 2017, when the prototype missile demonstrated it could glide in the direction of a target at hypersonic speed. Also read: Pentagon looks for 'defence' to Putin's 'invincible' hypersonic missiles "Today we validated our design and are now ready to move to the next phase towards fielding a hypersonic strike capability," Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe said in a statement. Hypersonic weapons can take missile warfare, and particularly nuclear warfare, to a new, and for many frightening, level: they can travel much faster than current nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, at different altitudes and with the maneuverability that makes them difficult to defeat with current missile defence systems. In December, Russia declared it had placed into service their first Avangard hypersonic missile, making it the first country to claim an operable hypersonic weapon. Also read: We're constructing many hypersonic missiles: US President Donald Trump Russian officials claimed that in tests it had reached speeds of up to Mach 27, roughly 33,000 kilometres (20,500 miles) per hour. China is also investing significantly in their development. Last October it displayed its DF-17 hypersonic glide vehicle in its national day military parade.

Pentagon says successfully tested hypersonic missile

The Pentagon has reported fresh cases of coronavirus as well from the US military outpost. Within the US forces, it has spread across the globe as the US forces are spread in almost every country in the world.

Fineprint: US military exposed to coronavirus, Civilians at military bases tested positive

The Pentagon has downplayed the latest Taliban attacks in Afghanistan even after the United States carried out airstrikes against the group, making it the first US attack against Taliban after Washington signed a peace deal with the group just last week.

US downplays new Taliban attack, Pentagon rejects doubts over peace deal

A key Pentagon official said on Wednesday he would leave his post at President Donald Trump's request, according to a copy of his resignation letter seen by Reuters, after a battle between government agencies over a bid to crackdown on exports to China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd.

John Rood, the undersecretary of defence for policy, will step down from the Pentagon's No. 3 job at the end of the month, the Department of Defense said separately in a statement, without offering a reason.

"Mr. President, It's my understanding...that you requested my resignation," Rood wrote in the letter, thanking Trump for the privilege of serving and listing key policy achievements, including focusing the DOD "on the growing threat from China."

The announcement comes a day after Trump pushed back against a move by some officials in key U.S. federal agencies to further limit exports to China, saying national security concerns should not be used as an excuse to stymy sales by U.S. companies abroad.

One of the measures floated involved expanding the government's ability to block exports to telecom equipment giant Huawei, which was placed on a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns.

Rood was instrumental in reversing the Pentagon's initial opposition to that measure, proposed by the Commerce Department, which would have expanded the scope of items made abroad that the U.S. could have blocked from being sold to Huawei, sources familiar with the matter said.

"I would like to thank John Rood for his service to our Country, and wish him well in his future endeavors!" Trump said in a Twitter post on Wednesday.

Rood, formerly a senior executive at defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp and a 20-year veteran of various government roles, took on his current role in January 2018.

James Anderson, the current senior official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, will take on Rood's role until a permanent replacement is found and confirmed, the DOD statement said.

A key Pentagon official said on Wednesday he would leave his post at President Donald Trump's request, according to a copy of his resignation letter seen by Reuters, after a battle between government agencies over a bid to crackdown on exports to China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd.

A key Pentagon official said on Wednesday he would leave his post at President Donald Trump's request, according to a copy of his resignation letter seen by Reuters, after a battle between government agencies over a bid to crackdown on exports to China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. John Rood, the undersecretary of defence for policy, will step down from the Pentagon's No. 3 job at the end of the month, the Department of Defense said separately in a statement, without offering a reason. "Mr. President, It's my understanding...that you requested my resignation," Rood wrote in the letter, thanking Trump for the privilege of serving and listing key policy achievements, including focusing the DOD "on the growing threat from China." The announcement comes a day after Trump pushed back against a move by some officials in key U.S. federal agencies to further limit exports to China, saying national security concerns should not be used as an excuse to stymy sales by U.S. companies abroad. One of the measures floated involved expanding the government's ability to block exports to telecom equipment giant Huawei, which was placed on a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns. Rood was instrumental in reversing the Pentagon's initial opposition to that measure, proposed by the Commerce Department, which would have expanded the scope of items made abroad that the U.S. could have blocked from being sold to Huawei, sources familiar with the matter said. "I would like to thank John Rood for his service to our Country, and wish him well in his future endeavors!" Trump said in a Twitter post on Wednesday. Rood, formerly a senior executive at defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp and a 20-year veteran of various government roles, took on his current role in January 2018. James Anderson, the current senior official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, will take on Rood's role until a permanent replacement is found and confirmed, the DOD statement said.

Key Pentagon official to resign at Trump's request amid Huawei trade spat

A group of 117 doctors penned an open letter in a medical journal called The Lancet. The group of doctors have called for an end to what has been described as the psychological torture and medical neglect with Julian Assange in prison. Assange is currently facing 18 charges in America which includes planning to hack into a computer at the Pentagon

Doctors Warning: Julian Assange can 'die' in UK jail

Amazon has managed to score&nbsp;a victory over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-curbs-trumps-ability-to-wage-war-with-iran-280607">Trump administration</a> in the on-going tussle surrounding a major defence contract.

The controversy revolves around a Pentagon cloud computing deal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-amazon-wants-trump-esper-to-testify-in-fight-for-10-billion-pentagon-contract-279956">Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract</a>

Both Amazon and Microsoft were competing for the $10 billion contract which was ultimately awarded to Microsoft, however&nbsp;in November last year, Amazon sued the Defence Department accusing it of bias.

President Trump has been publicly critical of the Amazon-owned newspaper in the Washington Post. Amazon alleged&nbsp;that Trump used his influence over the Pentagon to deny the company the mega deal.

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A federal judge has temporarily blocked Microsoft from going ahead with their work.&nbsp;The actual contents of the court decision remain sealed.

Amazon has demanded testimonies from President Trump, Defence Secretary Mark Esper and his predecessor James Mattis.

Microsoft said it was disappointed by the decision, however, it remains confident of being able to carry on with the deal.

Analysts believe the deal could be a huge driver for Microsoft's growth in 2020.

Amazon has managed to score a victory over the Trump administration in the on-going tussle surrounding a major defence contract. The controversy revolves around a Pentagon cloud computing deal.

Amazon has managed to score a victory over the Trump administration in the on-going tussle surrounding a major defence contract. The controversy revolves around a Pentagon cloud computing deal. Also read: Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract Both Amazon and Microsoft were competing for the $10 billion contract which was ultimately awarded to Microsoft, however in November last year, Amazon sued the Defence Department accusing it of bias. President Trump has been publicly critical of the Amazon-owned newspaper in the Washington Post. Amazon alleged that Trump used his influence over the Pentagon to deny the company the mega deal. × A federal judge has temporarily blocked Microsoft from going ahead with their work. The actual contents of the court decision remain sealed. Amazon has demanded testimonies from President Trump, Defence Secretary Mark Esper and his predecessor James Mattis. Microsoft said it was disappointed by the decision, however, it remains confident of being able to carry on with the deal. Analysts believe the deal could be a huge driver for Microsoft's growth in 2020.

Amazon wins as US court blocks Microsoft's Pentagon cloud contract

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday that the United States and the Taliban had negotiated a proposal for a seven-day reduction in violence.

Sources had told Reuters that a US-Taliban peace deal could be signed this month if the Taliban significantly reduces violence, which could lead to an eventual withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

"The United States and the Taliban have negotiated a proposal for a seven-day reduction in violence," Esper told reporters during a news conference in Brussels at NATO headquarters.

"I'm here today consulting with allies about this proposal, and we've had a series of productive bilateral and collective meetings about the path forward," he added.

The tentative timeline shared with Reuters by sources came a day after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said there had been a possible breakthrough in US-Taliban talks in Qatar.

The talks had been deadlocked in part over a US demand that the insurgents agree to sharply reduce violence as part of any American troop withdrawal accord.

There are about 13,000 US troops as well as thousands of other NATO personnel in Afghanistan, 18 years after a US-led coalition invaded the country following September. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States.

"It will be a continual evaluative process as we go forward - if we go forward," Esper added.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday that the United States and the Taliban had negotiated a proposal for a seven-day reduction in violence. Sources had told Reuters that a US-Taliban peace deal could be signed this month if the Taliban significantly reduces violence, which could lead to an eventual withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Thursday that the United States and the Taliban had negotiated a proposal for a seven-day reduction in violence. Sources had told Reuters that a US-Taliban peace deal could be signed this month if the Taliban significantly reduces violence, which could lead to an eventual withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. "The United States and the Taliban have negotiated a proposal for a seven-day reduction in violence," Esper told reporters during a news conference in Brussels at NATO headquarters. "I'm here today consulting with allies about this proposal, and we've had a series of productive bilateral and collective meetings about the path forward," he added. The tentative timeline shared with Reuters by sources came a day after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said there had been a possible breakthrough in US-Taliban talks in Qatar. The talks had been deadlocked in part over a US demand that the insurgents agree to sharply reduce violence as part of any American troop withdrawal accord. There are about 13,000 US troops as well as thousands of other NATO personnel in Afghanistan, 18 years after a US-led coalition invaded the country following September. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States. "It will be a continual evaluative process as we go forward - if we go forward," Esper added.

US, Taliban have negotiated proposal for 7-day reduction in violence: Pentagon chief

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazons-slow-climate-action-defying-company-policy-over-300-employees-speak-out-277288">Amazon </a>is seeking testimony from US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-prison-term-of-7-9-years-for-trumps-longtime-adviser-roger-stone-279922">Donald Trump</a> and Defense Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defense-chief-esper-denies-us-troop-pullout-from-iraq-after-leaked-letter-confusion-272596">Mark Esper</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;how the tech giant was shut out of a $10 billion US military cloud computing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-looks-for-defence-to-putins-invincible-hypersonic-missiles-277593">Pentagon </a>contract.

According to court documents made public on Monday, the company wants the Trump administration to hand over documents and emails relating to the contract.

The company is gathering evidence that its fierce rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/growth-in-cloud-computing-business-helps-lift-microsoft-corps-quarterly-revenue-2847">Microsoft </a>won the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-lawsuit-blames-trump-for-loss-of-pentagon-cloud-contract-267341">Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure Cloud</a> (JEDI) contract to upgrade the US military's computing networks lucratively.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-lawsuit-blames-trump-for-loss-of-pentagon-cloud-contract-267341">Amazon lawsuit blames Trump for loss of Pentagon cloud contract</a>

The company alleged that Trump ''exerted undue influence'' on the decision to deny it the $10 billion contract.

Along with Trump and Esper, Amazon seeks to depose former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-defence-chief-rejects-amazons-accusations-of-bias-in-cloud-contract-262268">Defense Secretary</a> James Mattis, Pentagon chief information officer Dana Deasy and four other procurement officials, court records show.

The other individuals "can testify about specific conversations he had with them," Amazon's lawyers said.

''The Department of Defense strongly opposes Amazon's effort to question some of its leaders,'' Department of Defense spokesman Lieutanant Colonel Robert Carver said.

"The request is unnecessary, burdensome and merely seeks to delay getting this important technology into the hands of our warfighters," Carver added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-defence-chief-rejects-amazons-accusations-of-bias-in-cloud-contract-262268">United States defence chief rejects Amazon's accusations of bias in cloud contract</a>

The JEDI contract is intended to give the military better access to data and technology from remote locations.

The 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure program, better known as JEDI, will ultimately see all military branches sharing information in a system boosted by artificial intelligence.&nbsp;

An earlier court filing by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-defence-chief-rejects-amazons-accusations-of-bias-in-cloud-contract-262268">Amazon </a>detailed alleged errors that ended with Microsoft being chosen over its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing division, part of the technology group led by Amazon chief Jeff Bezos.

Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with AWS dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government outfits including the CIA.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-defence-chief-rejects-amazons-accusations-of-bias-in-cloud-contract-262268">Pentagon</a>'s mistakes in the contract were "hard to understand and impossible to assess" when separated from Trump's "repeatedly expressed determination to, in the words of the president himself, 'screw Amazon,'" court documents filed by Amazon argued.

The bid protest filed in US Court of Federal Claims urges that the rival JEDI bids be re-evaluated and a new decision reached.

The lawsuit filed by Amazon will not delay implementation of the project, a senior Pentagon official said in December.&nbsp;

Amazon is seeking testimony from US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper on how the tech giant was shut out of a $10 billion US military cloud computing Pentagon contract.

Amazon is seeking testimony from US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper on how the tech giant was shut out of a $10 billion US military cloud computing Pentagon contract. According to court documents made public on Monday, the company wants the Trump administration to hand over documents and emails relating to the contract. The company is gathering evidence that its fierce rival Microsoft won the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure Cloud (JEDI) contract to upgrade the US military's computing networks lucratively. Also read: Amazon lawsuit blames Trump for loss of Pentagon cloud contract The company alleged that Trump ''exerted undue influence'' on the decision to deny it the $10 billion contract. Along with Trump and Esper, Amazon seeks to depose former Defense Secretary James Mattis, Pentagon chief information officer Dana Deasy and four other procurement officials, court records show. The other individuals "can testify about specific conversations he had with them," Amazon's lawyers said. ''The Department of Defense strongly opposes Amazon's effort to question some of its leaders,'' Department of Defense spokesman Lieutanant Colonel Robert Carver said. "The request is unnecessary, burdensome and merely seeks to delay getting this important technology into the hands of our warfighters," Carver added. Also read: United States defence chief rejects Amazon's accusations of bias in cloud contract The JEDI contract is intended to give the military better access to data and technology from remote locations. The 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure program, better known as JEDI, will ultimately see all military branches sharing information in a system boosted by artificial intelligence. An earlier court filing by Amazon detailed alleged errors that ended with Microsoft being chosen over its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing division, part of the technology group led by Amazon chief Jeff Bezos. Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with AWS dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government outfits including the CIA. The Pentagon's mistakes in the contract were "hard to understand and impossible to assess" when separated from Trump's "repeatedly expressed determination to, in the words of the president himself, 'screw Amazon,'" court documents filed by Amazon argued. The bid protest filed in US Court of Federal Claims urges that the rival JEDI bids be re-evaluated and a new decision reached. The lawsuit filed by Amazon will not delay implementation of the project, a senior Pentagon official said in December.

Amazon wants Trump, Esper to testify in fight for $10 billion Pentagon contract

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. was awarded a $13 million contract from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its "Glide Beaker" program. The contract is for the research, development, and demonstration of technology that is critical for enabling an advanced interceptor capable of engaging and manoeuvring "hypersonic" threats in the upper atmosphere.

Ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced successfully developing an 'invincible' hypersonic missile, the United States has been bolstering its investment in hypersonic weapons. But, one of the major concerns remains the protection from these "Avangard" hypersonic missiles.

President Putin earlier claimed that the "Avangard" hypersonic missiles, believed to be located in the Urals mountain range in Western Russia, can deliver warheads at 27 times the speed of sound. Russian President went on saying, "not a single country possesses hypersonic weapons, let alone continental-range hypersonic weapons," as reported by news agency AFP. &nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-constructing-many-hypersonic-missiles-us-president-donald-trump-273112">We're constructing many hypersonic missiles - US President Donald Trump</a>

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<h5>"The Avangard is invulnerable to intercept by any existing and prospective missile defence means of the potential adversary, " Putin had said.</h5>
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"The Avangard is invulnerable to intercept by any existing and prospective missile defence means of the potential adversary, " he added.

Glide Breaker should be tested in 2020 and the reason behind this is that the US is in a bit of rush. Hypersonic weapons may be able to penetrate US missile defences. Recent "drone" attacks on key Saudi oil facility Aramco on 14 September 2019, revealed the limits of US-made Patriot surface-to-air missiles. The Aramco facility under attack had a fleet of six Patriot surface-to-air missiles and associated radars. The Patriots didn’t stop the recent attack.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-first-avangard-hypersonic-missiles-enter-service-270620">Russia says first Avangard hypersonic missiles enter service</a>

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First artist’s concept for Glide Breaker, a Darpa-funded technology to defeat hypersonic weapons, revealed at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/darpa60?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#darpa60</a>. More coverage to follow in <a href="https://twitter.com/AviationWeek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AviationWeek</a>. <a href="https://t.co/Ep6HmBVHzu">pic.twitter.com/Ep6HmBVHzu</a>
— Steve Trimble (@TheDEWLine) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDEWLine/status/1037649207501488133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The race for "hypersonic weapons" is not just limited to the US and Russia. China - which is estimated to be the world's second-largest armament maker after the US according to a recent report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI ) - is also close on the heels. China recently demonstrated the DF-17 hypersonic missile. China claims that the DF-17 hypersonic missile can travel faster than five times the speed of sound and is believed to "transform" Beijing's might in advance weaponry. The DF-17 first appeared in public in Beijing during a military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China.

Whether it is Russia, China or the US, they initiated the pursuit of "hypersonic weapons" for unique strategy purposes but the recent accelerated rush reflects on their efforts to overtake their rivals in a classic race called "arms race". 
&nbsp;

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. was awarded a $13 million contract from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its "Glide Beaker" program. The contract is for the research, development, and demonstration of technology that is critical for enabling an advanced interceptor capable of engaging and manoeuvring "hypersonic" threats in the upper atmosphere.

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. was awarded a $13 million contract from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its "Glide Beaker" program. The contract is for the research, development, and demonstration of technology that is critical for enabling an advanced interceptor capable of engaging and manoeuvring "hypersonic" threats in the upper atmosphere. Ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced successfully developing an 'invincible' hypersonic missile, the United States has been bolstering its investment in hypersonic weapons. But, one of the major concerns remains the protection from these "Avangard" hypersonic missiles. President Putin earlier claimed that the "Avangard" hypersonic missiles, believed to be located in the Urals mountain range in Western Russia, can deliver warheads at 27 times the speed of sound. Russian President went on saying, "not a single country possesses hypersonic weapons, let alone continental-range hypersonic weapons," as reported by news agency AFP. Also read: We're constructing many hypersonic missiles - US President Donald Trump "The Avangard is invulnerable to intercept by any existing and prospective missile defence means of the potential adversary, " Putin had said. × "The Avangard is invulnerable to intercept by any existing and prospective missile defence means of the potential adversary, " he added. Glide Breaker should be tested in 2020 and the reason behind this is that the US is in a bit of rush. Hypersonic weapons may be able to penetrate US missile defences. Recent "drone" attacks on key Saudi oil facility Aramco on 14 September 2019, revealed the limits of US-made Patriot surface-to-air missiles. The Aramco facility under attack had a fleet of six Patriot surface-to-air missiles and associated radars. The Patriots didn’t stop the recent attack. Also read: Russia says first Avangard hypersonic missiles enter service First artist’s concept for Glide Breaker, a Darpa-funded technology to defeat hypersonic weapons, revealed at #darpa60. More coverage to follow in @AviationWeek. pic.twitter.com/Ep6HmBVHzu — Steve Trimble (@TheDEWLine) September 6, 2018 × The race for "hypersonic weapons" is not just limited to the US and Russia. China - which is estimated to be the world's second-largest armament maker after the US according to a recent report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI ) - is also close on the heels. China recently demonstrated the DF-17 hypersonic missile. China claims that the DF-17 hypersonic missile can travel faster than five times the speed of sound and is believed to "transform" Beijing's might in advance weaponry. The DF-17 first appeared in public in Beijing during a military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China. Whether it is Russia, China or the US, they initiated the pursuit of "hypersonic weapons" for unique strategy purposes but the recent accelerated rush reflects on their efforts to overtake their rivals in a classic race called "arms race".

Pentagon looks for 'defence' to Putin's 'invincible' hypersonic missiles

The Pentagon on Wednesday confirmed two bodies were recovered by the US forces after their military surveillance aircraft crashed in Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-indication-us-plane-crash-caused-by-enemy-fire-pentagon-denies-talibans-claim-277066">Also Read:&nbsp;No indication US plane crash caused by enemy fire: Pentagon</a>&nbsp;

"US forces recovered the remains of two personnel from the site," the US military said in a statement.

"The remains were found near the crash site, treated with dignity and respect by the local Afghan community, in accordance with their culture," it added.

The US military said it had recovered the flight data recorder while reiterating that the plane crash site didn't show any indication of being brought down by enemy fire, a claim made by the Taliban earlier.

Ghazni police chief Wardak added that the two bodies were airlifted by US forces from the crash site.

The US Bombardier aircraft which crashed on Monday had advanced communication capabilities which the Taliban said it had shot down, a claim repeatedly denied by the American military.

The Pentagon on Wednesday confirmed two bodies were recovered by the US forces after their military surveillance aircraft crashed in Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Monday.

The Pentagon on Wednesday confirmed two bodies were recovered by the US forces after their military surveillance aircraft crashed in Afghanistan's Ghazni province on Monday. Also Read: No indication US plane crash caused by enemy fire: Pentagon "US forces recovered the remains of two personnel from the site," the US military said in a statement. "The remains were found near the crash site, treated with dignity and respect by the local Afghan community, in accordance with their culture," it added. The US military said it had recovered the flight data recorder while reiterating that the plane crash site didn't show any indication of being brought down by enemy fire, a claim made by the Taliban earlier. Ghazni police chief Wardak added that the two bodies were airlifted by US forces from the crash site. The US Bombardier aircraft which crashed on Monday had advanced communication capabilities which the Taliban said it had shot down, a claim repeatedly denied by the American military.

US recovers two bodies from Bombardier aircraft crash site in Afghanistan

50 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-stops-weapons-delivery-to-iraq-amid-tensions-with-baghdad-reports-277061">US</a> service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after its base in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-stops-weapons-delivery-to-iraq-amid-tensions-with-baghdad-reports-277061">Iraq</a> was attacked by Iranian missiles earlier this month.

The military had previously announced on Friday that 34 US troops had suffered traumatic brain injury after the missile strike.&nbsp;

Symptoms of concussive injuries experienced by the troops include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and nausea.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-spy-plane-crash-in-afghanistan-277115">Iran media claims CIA chief behind Soleimani’s assassination killed in Afghanistan plane crash</a>

31 of the 50 were treated in Iraq and returned to duty, including 15 of those diagnosed most recently, Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Campbell said.

18 of the total have been sent to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-woman-linked-to-islamic-state-returned-to-germany-264251">Germany</a> for further evaluation and treatment, and one was sent to Kuwait and has since returned to duty, he said.

"This is a snapshot in time and numbers can change," he added.

Contrary to the initial assessment, the injuries of the service members indicate that they are more severe.

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-files-lawsuits-against-overseas-call-centers-for-making-fake-robocalls-277174">Donald Trump</a> and other top officials had initially said that no US service member had been neither been killed nor had suffered any injury in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-sounds-alarm-for-democracy-after-candidates-barred-276882">Iran</a>'s attack on January 8.

At the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50th-world-economic-forum-at-davos-key-focus-on-climate-change-economic-slowdown-sustainable-growth-275631">World Economic Forum </a>last week, Trump had said the injuries were ''not very serious''.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50th-world-economic-forum-at-davos-key-focus-on-climate-change-economic-slowdown-sustainable-growth-275631">50th World Economic Forum at Davos: Key focus on climate change, economic slowdown, sustainable growth</a>

This was&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;by&nbsp;US war veterans.

''The group expects an apology from the president to our servicemen and women for his misguided remarks," William Schmitz, national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said on Friday.

According to Pentagon data, about 408,000 service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury since 2000.

The attack had been carried out by Iran on the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq as a retaliation to the US airstrike that killed its top revolutionary guard general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-will-respond-to-soleimani-killing-any-time-in-any-manner-foreign-minister-zarif-272013">Qassem Soleimani</a> on January 3.

The missile attacks capped a spiral of violence that had started in late December, and both sides have refrained from further military escalation. 
&nbsp;

50 US service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after its base in Iraq was attacked by Iranian missiles earlier this month. The military had previously announced on Friday that 34 US troops had suffered traumatic brain injury after the missile strike.

50 US service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after its base in Iraq was attacked by Iranian missiles earlier this month. The military had previously announced on Friday that 34 US troops had suffered traumatic brain injury after the missile strike. Symptoms of concussive injuries experienced by the troops include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and nausea. Also see: Iran media claims CIA chief behind Soleimani’s assassination killed in Afghanistan plane crash 31 of the 50 were treated in Iraq and returned to duty, including 15 of those diagnosed most recently, Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Campbell said. 18 of the total have been sent to Germany for further evaluation and treatment, and one was sent to Kuwait and has since returned to duty, he said. "This is a snapshot in time and numbers can change," he added. Contrary to the initial assessment, the injuries of the service members indicate that they are more severe. US President Donald Trump and other top officials had initially said that no US service member had been neither been killed nor had suffered any injury in Iran's attack on January 8. At the World Economic Forum last week, Trump had said the injuries were ''not very serious''. Also read: 50th World Economic Forum at Davos: Key focus on climate change, economic slowdown, sustainable growth This was criticised by US war veterans. ''The group expects an apology from the president to our servicemen and women for his misguided remarks," William Schmitz, national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said on Friday. According to Pentagon data, about 408,000 service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury since 2000. The attack had been carried out by Iran on the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq as a retaliation to the US airstrike that killed its top revolutionary guard general Qassem Soleimani on January 3. The missile attacks capped a spiral of violence that had started in late December, and both sides have refrained from further military escalation.

50 US troops diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after Iran strike: Pentagon

Nearly three dozen US troops suffered traumatic brain injuries or concussion in this month's Iranian air strike on a military base in Iraq, the Pentagon said on Friday.

Nearly three dozen US troops suffered traumatic brain injuries or concussion in this month's Iranian air strike on a military base in Iraq, the Pentagon said on Friday. "Thirty-four total members have been diagnosed with concussions and TBI (traumatic brain injury)," Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman told reporters. President Donald Trump had initially said that no Americans were injured in the strike on the Ain al-Asad base in western Iraq on the night of January 7-8 although authorities later reported that 11 troops were injured. Hoffman said that 17 of the victims had been initially transferred to Germany to receive treatment, eight of whom arrived back in the US on Friday. "They will continue to receive treatment in the United States, either at Walter Reed (military hospital near Washington) or at their home bases," he told a press conference at the Pentagon. The nine other victims who were flown to Germany "are still undergoing evaluation and treatment there," he added. Seventeen other troops who were treated in the region have returned to duty in Iraq. The airbase -- one of the largest in Iraq, with 1,500 US troops making up the bulk of a coalition presence directly adjacent to thousands of Iraqi forces -- was targeted in retaliation for the US killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a January 3 drone strike in Baghdad. Democratic lawmakers seized on the announcement to accuse Trump of lying about the strike. "Though he downplays these injuries as 'headaches,' roughly half of all TBIs require surgery and can lead to lifelong disabilities," said congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida. Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, called TBI "a serious matter." "It is not a 'headache,' and it's plain wrong for President Trump to diminish their wounds. ... He owes them an apology," Reed said. At a rally in New Hampshire, Joe Biden, a frontrunner to challenge Trump in this year's election, said the president "brushed off" the troops' injuries. "I find it, quite frankly, disgusting," Biden, a former vice president, said.

34 US troops injured in recent Iranian strike: Pentagon

The Pentagon announced today that it would enforce new restrictions on international military students in terms of access to guns on United States bases.

This news came in after a Saudi officer killed three American sailors at a naval base in Florida last month. 
 
"Getting back to work does not mean getting back to business as usual. Going forward we will put several new policies and security procedures in place," Garry Reid, a senior Pentagon intelligence official, said in a statement.

<h6><img alt="naval" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dafe4ee-d01a-459e-b8be-40b7c0c721bc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_18.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;This handout photo released on December 7, 2019 by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shows FBI Evidence Response Team after a shooting incident at a naval base in Pensacola, Florida on December 6, 2019 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Besides the three sailors who were killed, eight others were injured in the attack at the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida. The gunman, Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani was later shot dead by a deputy sheriff.

In the aftermath of the attack, the US retaliated by grounding all Saudi pilots and restricting the 850 Saudi military personnel by limiting them to classroom training as part of a ''safety stand-down''. New vetting procedures may also show up.

<h6><img alt="Pensacola" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f74135e4-4463-431b-bc6b-681f78a7b572" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_35.jpg" /> 
Image:&nbsp;Traffic on and off base is restricted after a member of the Saudi Air Force visiting the United States for military training was the suspect in a shooting at Naval Air Station&nbsp;Pensacola, in&nbsp;Pensacola, Florida, US&nbsp;December 6, 2019 | Reuters 
 
Reid further added that normal functioning and training across military departments would resume soon once new procedures are put in place.&nbsp;</h6>

The US Defence Secretary Mark Esper will visit the base in Pensacola in Florida next week. Esper is expected to brief the base leadership.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Pentagon announced today that it would enforce new restrictions on international military students in terms of access to guns on United States bases. This news came in after a Saudi officer killed three American sailors at a naval base in Florida last month.

The Pentagon announced today that it would enforce new restrictions on international military students in terms of access to guns on United States bases. This news came in after a Saudi officer killed three American sailors at a naval base in Florida last month. "Getting back to work does not mean getting back to business as usual. Going forward we will put several new policies and security procedures in place," Garry Reid, a senior Pentagon intelligence official, said in a statement. Image: This handout photo released on December 7, 2019 by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shows FBI Evidence Response Team after a shooting incident at a naval base in Pensacola, Florida on December 6, 2019 | AFP Besides the three sailors who were killed, eight others were injured in the attack at the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida. The gunman, Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani was later shot dead by a deputy sheriff. In the aftermath of the attack, the US retaliated by grounding all Saudi pilots and restricting the 850 Saudi military personnel by limiting them to classroom training as part of a ''safety stand-down''. New vetting procedures may also show up. Image: Traffic on and off base is restricted after a member of the Saudi Air Force visiting the United States for military training was the suspect in a shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola, in Pensacola, Florida, US December 6, 2019 | Reuters Reid further added that normal functioning and training across military departments would resume soon once new procedures are put in place. The US Defence Secretary Mark Esper will visit the base in Pensacola in Florida next week. Esper is expected to brief the base leadership. (With inputs from Reuters)

Pentagon restricts access to guns for foreign trainees

More than a dozen&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;servicemen who are training at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">US&nbsp;military&nbsp;bases</a> will be&nbsp;expelled&nbsp;from&nbsp;the United States in the&nbsp;aftermath of a Pentagon review prompted by the deadly December&nbsp;6&nbsp;shooting&nbsp;by a&nbsp;<a>Saudi&nbsp;Air Force</a> officer at an American naval base in&nbsp;Florida,&nbsp;CNN&nbsp;reported on Saturday.

Watch:&nbsp;Florida Naval Base Shooting: 3 killed and 8 injured by Saudi Gunman

The&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;personnel being&nbsp;expelled&nbsp;are not accused of aiding the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-grounds-saudi-pilots-suspends-military-training-after-shooting-at-base-267695">Saudi&nbsp;Air Force</a> second lieutenant who killed three American sailors at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-military-training-in-us-under-scrutiny-after-base-attack-267060">Pensacola</a> installation,&nbsp;CNN&nbsp;reported, quoting unnamed sources.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">Pentagon</a> referred questions to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The FBI and the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Pentagon announced on December&nbsp;10 it was halting operational training of all&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-airman-in-us-for-training-suspected-in-deadly-shooting-at-florida-naval-base-266755">Saudi&nbsp;Arabian</a>&nbsp;military&nbsp;personnel in the United States&nbsp;after&nbsp;the incident. The Pentagon then announced on December&nbsp;19 that it found no threat in its review of about 850&nbsp;military&nbsp;students&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-thinks-saudi-shooter-acted-alone-florida-governor-decries-deep-seated-hatred-267095">Saudi&nbsp;Arabia</a> studying in the United States.

The FBI has said&nbsp;US&nbsp;investigators believe&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Air Force Second Lieutenant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-base-shooting-probe-trump-saudi-crown-prince-vow-to-cooperate-267259">Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani</a>, 21, acted alone in the incident before he was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff.

More than a dozen Saudi servicemen who are training at US military bases will be expelled from the United States in the aftermath of a Pentagon review prompted by the deadly December 6 shooting by a Saudi Air Force officer at an American naval base in Florida, CNN reported on Saturday.

More than a dozen Saudi servicemen who are training at US military bases will be expelled from the United States in the aftermath of a Pentagon review prompted by the deadly December 6 shooting by a Saudi Air Force officer at an American naval base in Florida, CNN reported on Saturday. Watch: Florida Naval Base Shooting: 3 killed and 8 injured by Saudi Gunman The Saudi personnel being expelled are not accused of aiding the Saudi Air Force second lieutenant who killed three American sailors at the Pensacola installation, CNN reported, quoting unnamed sources. The Pentagon referred questions to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The FBI and the Saudi Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon announced on December 10 it was halting operational training of all Saudi Arabian military personnel in the United States after the incident. The Pentagon then announced on December 19 that it found no threat in its review of about 850 military students from Saudi Arabia studying in the United States. The FBI has said US investigators believe Saudi Air Force Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, 21, acted alone in the incident before he was fatally shot by a deputy sheriff.

Saudi military trainees to be expelled from US after Florida shooting

A leaked draft letter from a top US general overseeing the fight against ISIS in Iraq to the Iraqi military sparked concerns that the US was preparing to withdraw troops from the country. #US #Pentagon #USleakedletter

Confusion after US military letter talks of troop withdrawal

Iran's Parliament&nbsp;on Tuesday designated all US forces as "terrorists" for killing General Solemani whose funeral service is underway currently in his hometown Kerman.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-take-part-in-soleimanis-funeral-procession-in-hometown-kerman-272630">Also Read:&nbsp;Iranians gather for Soleimani's funeral procession in hometown Kerman</a>

"Any aid to these forces, including military, intelligence, financial, technical, service or logistical, will be considered as cooperation in a terrorist act," the Parliament said.

According to the bill, Iran designated US troops and the Pentagon as "terrorists" including "affiliated organisations, agents and commanders and those who ordered the "martyrdom" of Soleimani."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/crazy-trump-dont-think-that-everything-is-over-with-my-fathers-martyrdom-zeinab-soleimani-daughter-of-qassem-soleimani-272535">In Pics: Crazy Trump, don't think that everything is over with my father's martyrdom, says Soleimani's&nbsp;daughter</a>

The US President had said on Monday that if Iran strikes, US forces will strike back "perhaps in a disproportionate manner" as tensions escalated between Iran and the US.

Watch Video:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/soleimanis-burial-procession-commences-in-kerman-272662/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Trump added that the US has spent "two trillion dollars" on military equipment and if Iran attacks an American base then "we will be sending some of that brand new beautiful equipment their way, without hesitation".

Meanwhile, Iran's head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Hossein Salami told mourners in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman that the country will take revenge "hard and definitive revenge" as thousands gathered at Soleimani funeral procession.

On Tuesday, defence secretary Mark Esper dismissed reports which indicated that US troops would be pulling out of Iraq.

In a leaked letter, bearing the name of US General William Seely, said that "CJTF-OIR will be repositioning forces over the course of the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement," adding, "We respect your sovereign decision to order our departure."

Pentagon Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley was, however, quick to add that the letter was just a "draft" which was "poorly worded". &nbsp;Milley called it an "honest mistake".

"This was a mistake," Milley said. "It shouldn't have been sent."

Iran's Parliament on Tuesday designated all US forces as "terrorists" for killing General Solemani whose funeral service is underway currently in his hometown Kerman.

Iran's Parliament on Tuesday designated all US forces as "terrorists" for killing General Solemani whose funeral service is underway currently in his hometown Kerman. Also Read: Iranians gather for Soleimani's funeral procession in hometown Kerman "Any aid to these forces, including military, intelligence, financial, technical, service or logistical, will be considered as cooperation in a terrorist act," the Parliament said. According to the bill, Iran designated US troops and the Pentagon as "terrorists" including "affiliated organisations, agents and commanders and those who ordered the "martyrdom" of Soleimani." In Pics: Crazy Trump, don't think that everything is over with my father's martyrdom, says Soleimani's daughter The US President had said on Monday that if Iran strikes, US forces will strike back "perhaps in a disproportionate manner" as tensions escalated between Iran and the US. Watch Video: Trump added that the US has spent "two trillion dollars" on military equipment and if Iran attacks an American base then "we will be sending some of that brand new beautiful equipment their way, without hesitation". Meanwhile, Iran's head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Hossein Salami told mourners in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman that the country will take revenge "hard and definitive revenge" as thousands gathered at Soleimani funeral procession. On Tuesday, defence secretary Mark Esper dismissed reports which indicated that US troops would be pulling out of Iraq. In a leaked letter, bearing the name of US General William Seely, said that "CJTF-OIR will be repositioning forces over the course of the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement," adding, "We respect your sovereign decision to order our departure." Pentagon Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley was, however, quick to add that the letter was just a "draft" which was "poorly worded". Milley called it an "honest mistake". "This was a mistake," Milley said. "It shouldn't have been sent."

Iran designates all US forces as 'terrorists' for killing general Soleimani

Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, head of the elite Quds Force, was killed early on Friday in a US air strike on his convoy at Baghdad airport.

U.S. says it kills top Iranian commander Soleimani in air strike

The Pentagon warned Thursday that the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-condemns-us-warns-iran-will-confront-threats-271466"> Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah group </a>that stormed the US embassy in Baghdad would carry out more attacks on US facilities -- and would regret it.

"The provocative behaviour has been out there for months... So do I think they may do something? Yes. And they will likely regret it," Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters.

"We are prepared to exercise self-defence, and we are prepared to deter further bad behaviour from these groups, all of which are sponsored, directed and resourced by Iran."

Esper said there were "some indications out there" that groups may be planning additional attacks, and that the US would respond accordingly.&nbsp;

"If we get word of attacks or some type of indication, we will take preemptive action as well to protect American forces, to protect American lives," he said.

The Pentagon ordered hundreds of rapid-response troops to the Gulf region Tuesday after Iraqi protesters stormed the normally highly-protected US embassy compound in Baghdad, breaching its outer wall while chanting "Death to America!"

The protestors, many from Kataeb Hezbolla, were angered by weekend air strikes by US forces that killed 25 of their supporters, said by Washington to be retaliation for rocket attacks on December 27 that killed a US civilian contractor.

Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley said Iran had been behind a "sustained campaign" to provoke the United States since at least October.

"We know that the campaign has increased in tempo and intensity," he said.

"We know that the intent of this last attack was in fact to kill American soldiers, sailors and the Marine... 31 rockets aren't designed as a warning shot. That's designed to inflict damage and kill."

Esper said the reinforcements, sent to Kuwait, would allow the Pentagon to be prepared "for any contingency."

"The game has changed and we're prepared to do what is necessary to defend our personnel, and our interests and our partners in the region," he said.

The US already has some 60,000 troops in the region, sharply up from a year ago, in response to Iran's alleged attacks on tankers in the Gulf and a drone-and-missile assault on Saudi oil installations in September, which Washington and Riyadh blamed on Tehran.

The Pentagon warned Thursday that the Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah group that stormed the US embassy in Baghdad would carry out more attacks on US facilities -- and would regret it.

The Pentagon warned Thursday that the Iran-backed Kataeb Hezbollah group that stormed the US embassy in Baghdad would carry out more attacks on US facilities -- and would regret it. "The provocative behaviour has been out there for months... So do I think they may do something? Yes. And they will likely regret it," Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters. "We are prepared to exercise self-defence, and we are prepared to deter further bad behaviour from these groups, all of which are sponsored, directed and resourced by Iran." Esper said there were "some indications out there" that groups may be planning additional attacks, and that the US would respond accordingly. "If we get word of attacks or some type of indication, we will take preemptive action as well to protect American forces, to protect American lives," he said. The Pentagon ordered hundreds of rapid-response troops to the Gulf region Tuesday after Iraqi protesters stormed the normally highly-protected US embassy compound in Baghdad, breaching its outer wall while chanting "Death to America!" The protestors, many from Kataeb Hezbolla, were angered by weekend air strikes by US forces that killed 25 of their supporters, said by Washington to be retaliation for rocket attacks on December 27 that killed a US civilian contractor. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley said Iran had been behind a "sustained campaign" to provoke the United States since at least October. "We know that the campaign has increased in tempo and intensity," he said. "We know that the intent of this last attack was in fact to kill American soldiers, sailors and the Marine... 31 rockets aren't designed as a warning shot. That's designed to inflict damage and kill." Esper said the reinforcements, sent to Kuwait, would allow the Pentagon to be prepared "for any contingency." "The game has changed and we're prepared to do what is necessary to defend our personnel, and our interests and our partners in the region," he said. The US already has some 60,000 troops in the region, sharply up from a year ago, in response to Iran's alleged attacks on tankers in the Gulf and a drone-and-missile assault on Saudi oil installations in September, which Washington and Riyadh blamed on Tehran.

US expects more attacks from Iran-backed groups: Mark Esper

Amid the deadlock between the United States and North Korea talks, Defence Secretary Mark Esper said, he is hopeful that the US can restart diplomacy process again.

Speaking a the Pentagon during a press briefing, Esper said, "I remain hopeful that we could again get the process started again and remain on the diplomatic path."

Esper also said that he must "ensure we are in a high state of readiness, prepared to fight and win, tonight if need be. And I'm confident in that."

"We are prepared for whatever," Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley said during the same briefing.

The negotiations between the US and North Korea have been at the stalemate since the collapse of Hanoi Summit between US President Donald Trump and his counterpart Kim Jong-un earlier this year.

Earlier this week the tension rose to the next level as Pyongyang conducted a series of weapons tests and waged a war of words with Trump.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng met US special envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun on Friday.

Meanwhile, Trump also said that he held discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping on North Korea.

The nuclear-armed North carried out a series of tests at its Sohae rocket facility this month after several weapons launch in recent weeks.

The North Korea leader also promised an ominous "Christmas gift" if Washington does not come up with some concessions.

To which Trump later responded that he'd be "disappointed" if North Korea had something "in the works".

"We'll see. I'd be disappointed if something would be in the works. And if it is, we'll take care of it," Trump said at the White House when asked about the situation. "We're watching it very closely."

&nbsp;

Amid the deadlock between the United States and North Korea talks, Defence Secretary Mark Esper said, he is hopeful that the US can restart diplomacy process again.

Amid the deadlock between the United States and North Korea talks, Defence Secretary Mark Esper said, he is hopeful that the US can restart diplomacy process again. Speaking a the Pentagon during a press briefing, Esper said, "I remain hopeful that we could again get the process started again and remain on the diplomatic path." Esper also said that he must "ensure we are in a high state of readiness, prepared to fight and win, tonight if need be. And I'm confident in that." "We are prepared for whatever," Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley said during the same briefing. The negotiations between the US and North Korea have been at the stalemate since the collapse of Hanoi Summit between US President Donald Trump and his counterpart Kim Jong-un earlier this year. Earlier this week the tension rose to the next level as Pyongyang conducted a series of weapons tests and waged a war of words with Trump. Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng met US special envoy for North Korea Stephen Biegun on Friday. Meanwhile, Trump also said that he held discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping on North Korea. The nuclear-armed North carried out a series of tests at its Sohae rocket facility this month after several weapons launch in recent weeks. The North Korea leader also promised an ominous "Christmas gift" if Washington does not come up with some concessions. To which Trump later responded that he'd be "disappointed" if North Korea had something "in the works". "We'll see. I'd be disappointed if something would be in the works. And if it is, we'll take care of it," Trump said at the White House when asked about the situation. "We're watching it very closely."

Hopeful for restarting diplomacy with North Korea, but stands ready: Pentagon chief Mark Esper

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

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

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

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

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States.

John Rood, the Pentagon’s No. 3 official, told reporters that the United States was concerned about potential Iranian behaviour but did not provide details about what information he was basing that concern on or any timeline.

Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers this summer, including off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure.

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States.

A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday that there were indications that Iran could potentially carry out aggressive actions in the future, amid simmering tensions between Iran and the United States. John Rood, the Pentagon’s No. 3 official, told reporters that the United States was concerned about potential Iranian behaviour but did not provide details about what information he was basing that concern on or any timeline. Tensions in the Gulf have risen since attacks on oil tankers this summer, including off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, and a major assault on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia. Washington has blamed Iran, which has denied being behind the attacks on global energy infrastructure.

Indications Iranian 'aggression' could occur: Pentagon official

Amazon.com Inc on Friday filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims contesting the Pentagon's award of an up to $10 billion cloud computing contract to Microsoft Corp.

Amazon.com Inc on Friday filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims contesting the Pentagon's award of an up to $10 billion cloud computing contract to Microsoft Corp. An Amazon spokesman said that the company filed a complaint and supplemental motion for discovery. The filing was under seal. "The Complaint and related filings contain source selection sensitive information, as well as AWS's proprietary information, trade secrets, and confidential financial information, the public release of which would cause either party severe competitive harm," Amazon said in a court document seeking a protective order. "The record in this bid protest likely will contain similarly sensitive information." Last week, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper rejected any suggestion of bias in the Pentagon's decision to award Microsoft the contract after Amazon announced plans to challenge it. Amazon was considered a favourite for the contract, part of a broader digital modernization process of the Pentagon, before Microsoft emerged as the surprise winner. The company has previously said that politics got in the way of a fair contracting process. U.S. President Donald Trump has long criticized Amazon and its founder Jeff Bezos.

Amazon files lawsuit contesting Pentagon's $10 billion cloud contract to Microsoft

Iran has largest missile force in Middle East, capable of hitting Israel, Saudi Arabia: Pentagon report

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper pressed South Korea on Friday to pay more for the cost of stationing US troops in the country and to maintain an intelligence-sharing pact with its other Asian ally, Japan, that Seoul is about to let lapse.

Speaking after a high-level defence policy meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Jeong Kyeong-doo, Esper also said the two countries must be flexible with their joint military drills to back diplomatic efforts to end North Korea's nuclear programme.

But he stopped short of announcing any new reduction in military exercises that North Korea has sharply condemned.

North Korea said on Thursday it had turned down a US offer for new talks ahead of a year-end deadline Pyongyang has set for Washington to show more flexibility in negotiations.

As uncertainty hangs over the troubled peace push, the United States and South Korea are simultaneously scrambling to clinch an agreement in the coming weeks to cover next year's costs of maintaining a 28,500-strong US military presence aimed at deterring North Korea.

South Korea, Esper said, "is a wealthy country and could and should pay more" for the U.S. military deployment.

"It is crucial that we conclude the (defence pact) ... with increased burden-sharing by the Republic of Korea before the end of the year," Esper told a news conference.

Jeong said he and Esper shared the view that the cost-sharing pact being negotiated should be fair and mutually agreeable, but it was unclear if they shared any sense of what a fair amount might be.

A South Korean lawmaker said last week that US officials had demanded up to $5 billion a year, more than five times what Seoul agreed to pay this year under a one-year deal.

North Korea: US seeking to 'exploit' others

US President Donald Trump has rattled South Korea with his insistence it take on a greater contribution for the deterrence against North Korea.

A survey by the government-affiliated Korea Institute for National Unification released last week showed 96% of South Koreans opposed paying more for the U.S. military presence.

North Korea said in a commentary from state media KCNA on Friday that the US demand for a greater South Korean contribution to defence costs was an attempt to "exploit" and tighten its control over South Korea.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry announced another round of defence cost talks would be held on Nov. 18-19 in Seoul.

After his talks with Jeong, Esper warned that South Korea's decision to end an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan, called GSOMIA, would impact military readiness - presumably by slowing the ability of the US allies to directly share information about North Korean military activity.

"The only ones who benefit from expiration of GSOMIA and continued friction between Seoul and Tokyo are Pyongyang and Beijing," Esper said.

General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), hosted a video teleconference from Seoul on Friday with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, during which South Korea's Park Han-ki stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation, its JCS said.

Jeong said both South Korea and Japan would make efforts to narrow differences before the pact expires on November 23. But there was no sign of an imminent breakthrough.

Relations between the neighbours plunged after South Korea's top court last year ordered Japanese firms to compensate some wartime forced labourers. Japan imposed export controls on South Korea, citing unspecified security reasons.

During a meeting with Esper and Milley later on Friday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said it was difficult to share intelligence with Japan which raised security concerns in restricting exports, though he acknowledged the need for three-way cooperation, Moon's spokeswoman told a briefing.

Esper said he would also ask Japan to make efforts for an amicable resolution of the issue.

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper pressed South Korea on Friday to pay more for the cost of stationing US troops in the country and to maintain an intelligence-sharing pact with its other Asian ally, Japan, that Seoul is about to let lapse.

US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper pressed South Korea on Friday to pay more for the cost of stationing US troops in the country and to maintain an intelligence-sharing pact with its other Asian ally, Japan, that Seoul is about to let lapse. Speaking after a high-level defence policy meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Jeong Kyeong-doo, Esper also said the two countries must be flexible with their joint military drills to back diplomatic efforts to end North Korea's nuclear programme. But he stopped short of announcing any new reduction in military exercises that North Korea has sharply condemned. North Korea said on Thursday it had turned down a US offer for new talks ahead of a year-end deadline Pyongyang has set for Washington to show more flexibility in negotiations. As uncertainty hangs over the troubled peace push, the United States and South Korea are simultaneously scrambling to clinch an agreement in the coming weeks to cover next year's costs of maintaining a 28,500-strong US military presence aimed at deterring North Korea. South Korea, Esper said, "is a wealthy country and could and should pay more" for the U.S. military deployment. "It is crucial that we conclude the (defence pact) ... with increased burden-sharing by the Republic of Korea before the end of the year," Esper told a news conference. Jeong said he and Esper shared the view that the cost-sharing pact being negotiated should be fair and mutually agreeable, but it was unclear if they shared any sense of what a fair amount might be. A South Korean lawmaker said last week that US officials had demanded up to $5 billion a year, more than five times what Seoul agreed to pay this year under a one-year deal. North Korea: US seeking to 'exploit' others US President Donald Trump has rattled South Korea with his insistence it take on a greater contribution for the deterrence against North Korea. A survey by the government-affiliated Korea Institute for National Unification released last week showed 96% of South Koreans opposed paying more for the U.S. military presence. North Korea said in a commentary from state media KCNA on Friday that the US demand for a greater South Korean contribution to defence costs was an attempt to "exploit" and tighten its control over South Korea. The South Korean Foreign Ministry announced another round of defence cost talks would be held on Nov. 18-19 in Seoul. After his talks with Jeong, Esper warned that South Korea's decision to end an intelligence-sharing pact with Japan, called GSOMIA, would impact military readiness - presumably by slowing the ability of the US allies to directly share information about North Korean military activity. "The only ones who benefit from expiration of GSOMIA and continued friction between Seoul and Tokyo are Pyongyang and Beijing," Esper said. General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), hosted a video teleconference from Seoul on Friday with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, during which South Korea's Park Han-ki stressed the importance of trilateral cooperation, its JCS said. Jeong said both South Korea and Japan would make efforts to narrow differences before the pact expires on November 23. But there was no sign of an imminent breakthrough. Relations between the neighbours plunged after South Korea's top court last year ordered Japanese firms to compensate some wartime forced labourers. Japan imposed export controls on South Korea, citing unspecified security reasons. During a meeting with Esper and Milley later on Friday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said it was difficult to share intelligence with Japan which raised security concerns in restricting exports, though he acknowledged the need for three-way cooperation, Moon's spokeswoman told a briefing. Esper said he would also ask Japan to make efforts for an amicable resolution of the issue.

Pentagon's Esper says it is crucial South Korea pays more for US troops

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-pumps-in-more-than-600-million-into-india-units-258756">Amazon</a> on Thursday challenged the awarding of a $10 billion Pentagon cloud computing contract to Microsoft, alleging "unmistakable bias" in the process.

The 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure program, better known as JEDI, ultimately will see all military branches sharing information in a system boosted by artificial intelligence.

"It's critical for our country that the government and its elected leaders administer procurements objectively and in a manner that is free from political influence," a spokesperson for Amazon Web Services said.

"Numerous aspects of the JEDI evaluation process contained clear deficiencies, errors, and unmistakable bias."

Amazon said it filed a notice in US court last week signalling its intent to protest the handling of the bidding process, which the DoD maintained was fair.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Amazon and company founder Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post. The newspaper is among US media outlets most critical in its coverage of Trump and his administration.

The president told reporters during a news conference in July that he had asked aides to investigate the JEDI contract, citing complaints from companies that compete with Amazon.

"I'm getting tremendous complaints about the contract with the Pentagon and with Amazon. ... They're saying it wasn't competitively bid," Trump said.

"Some of the greatest companies in the world are complaining about it, having to do with Amazon and the Department of Defense, and I will be asking them to look at it very closely to see what's going on."

From leader to loser

Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with its Amazon Web Services (AWS) dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government outfits including the CIA.

But the Pentagon delayed awarding the hefty contract, saying the process would be reviewed by newly appointed Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who was selected by Trump.

A new book on the tenure of Esper's predecessor James Mattis, written by his speechwriter Guy Snodgrass, contends that Trump told Mattis to "screw&nbsp;Amazon" out of the JEDI contract.

Microsoft was Amazon's only rival in the final bidding for the winner-take-all contract, despite employees urging it to drop out. The Pentagon announced it was awarded the contract to Microsoft in late October.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment late Thursday.

"AWS is uniquely experienced and qualified to provide the critical technology the US military needs, and remains committed to supporting the DoD's modernization efforts," the Amazon spokesperson said.

'Paradigm changer'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/microsoft-beats-amazon-for-pentagons-10-billion-cloud-computing-contract-258282">Microsoft chief Satya Nadella and Amazon's Bezos are "laser-focused"</a> on what has the potential to be a $100 billion market for government projects, according to Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives.

Amazon's protest of the JEDI procurement process is not likely to change the decision, the analyst said.

"We ultimately believe this is a paradigm changer for Microsoft who will remain the lone winner," Ives said, calling Amazon's loss a "black eye" for the company and Bezos.

Microsoft should be able to beef up its cloud services with money from the major military contract, increasing the odds of beating AWS more often in a market expected to see $1 trillion in cloud spending in the coming decade, according to the analyst.

Microsoft reported that profits rose 21 per cent in the recently ended quarter on the back of its thriving cloud computing business which has become a core focus for the US technology giant.

The tactic is a major switch from the way the Redmond-based company built its empire selling packaged software to computer users.

Amazon, one of the world's most valuable companies, has expanded from its origins in e-commerce to cloud services, streaming media, artificial intelligence and other ventures.

AWS accounted for nearly $9 billion in revenue in the recently-ended quarter, with growth in the cloud computing unit up 35 per cent from a year ago.

Amazon on Thursday challenged the awarding of a $10 billion Pentagon cloud computing contract to Microsoft, alleging "unmistakable bias" in the process. The 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure program, better known as JEDI, ultimately will see all military branches sharing information in a system boosted by artificial intelligence.

Amazon on Thursday challenged the awarding of a $10 billion Pentagon cloud computing contract to Microsoft, alleging "unmistakable bias" in the process. The 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure program, better known as JEDI, ultimately will see all military branches sharing information in a system boosted by artificial intelligence. "It's critical for our country that the government and its elected leaders administer procurements objectively and in a manner that is free from political influence," a spokesperson for Amazon Web Services said. "Numerous aspects of the JEDI evaluation process contained clear deficiencies, errors, and unmistakable bias." Amazon said it filed a notice in US court last week signalling its intent to protest the handling of the bidding process, which the DoD maintained was fair. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Amazon and company founder Jeff Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post. The newspaper is among US media outlets most critical in its coverage of Trump and his administration. The president told reporters during a news conference in July that he had asked aides to investigate the JEDI contract, citing complaints from companies that compete with Amazon. "I'm getting tremendous complaints about the contract with the Pentagon and with Amazon. ... They're saying it wasn't competitively bid," Trump said. "Some of the greatest companies in the world are complaining about it, having to do with Amazon and the Department of Defense, and I will be asking them to look at it very closely to see what's going on." From leader to loser Amazon was considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, with its Amazon Web Services (AWS) dominating the cloud computing arena and the company already providing classified servers for other government outfits including the CIA. But the Pentagon delayed awarding the hefty contract, saying the process would be reviewed by newly appointed Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who was selected by Trump. A new book on the tenure of Esper's predecessor James Mattis, written by his speechwriter Guy Snodgrass, contends that Trump told Mattis to "screw Amazon" out of the JEDI contract. Microsoft was Amazon's only rival in the final bidding for the winner-take-all contract, despite employees urging it to drop out. The Pentagon announced it was awarded the contract to Microsoft in late October. Microsoft did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment late Thursday. "AWS is uniquely experienced and qualified to provide the critical technology the US military needs, and remains committed to supporting the DoD's modernization efforts," the Amazon spokesperson said. 'Paradigm changer' Microsoft chief Satya Nadella and Amazon's Bezos are "laser-focused" on what has the potential to be a $100 billion market for government projects, according to Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives. Amazon's protest of the JEDI procurement process is not likely to change the decision, the analyst said. "We ultimately believe this is a paradigm changer for Microsoft who will remain the lone winner," Ives said, calling Amazon's loss a "black eye" for the company and Bezos. Microsoft should be able to beef up its cloud services with money from the major military contract, increasing the odds of beating AWS more often in a market expected to see $1 trillion in cloud spending in the coming decade, according to the analyst. Microsoft reported that profits rose 21 per cent in the recently ended quarter on the back of its thriving cloud computing business which has become a core focus for the US technology giant. The tactic is a major switch from the way the Redmond-based company built its empire selling packaged software to computer users. Amazon, one of the world's most valuable companies, has expanded from its origins in e-commerce to cloud services, streaming media, artificial intelligence and other ventures. AWS accounted for nearly $9 billion in revenue in the recently-ended quarter, with growth in the cloud computing unit up 35 per cent from a year ago.

Amazon says 'bias' in Pentagon awarding $10 billion contract to Microsoft

Microsoft Corp. has won the Pentagon's $10 billion cloud computing contract, the Defense Department said on Friday, beating out favourite Amazon.com Inc. Microsoft beats Amazon for Pentagon's $10 billion cloud computing contract. Watch this video to find out more in details.

Amazon beaten by Microsoft for Pentagon's $10 billion contract

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 31st, 2019

The Pentagon on Wednesday released its first images from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-baghdadis-top-replacement-also-terminated-258678"> last weekend's commando raid in Syria</a> that led to the death of Islamic State leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/al-baghdadis-death-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-leader-of-islamic-state-258617">Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a> and warned the militant group may attempt to stage a "retribution attack."

The declassified, grainy, black-and-white aerial videos from Saturday's raid showed US special operations forces closing in on the compound and US aircraft firing on militants nearby.

The most dramatic video showed a massive, black plume of smoke rising from the ground after US military bombs leveled Baghdadi's compound.

"It looks pretty much like a parking lot, with large potholes," said Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, the commander of US Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East.

McKenzie, briefing Pentagon reporters, said the idea of destroying the compound was at least in part "to ensure that it would not be a shrine or otherwise memorable in any way.

"It's just another piece of ground," he said.
<img alt=" Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi raid" data-caption="The compound of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is seen moments before an air strike." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="beb6be6a-eb5a-4827-9b29-7abece3e328c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_25.jpg" />
[The compound of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is seen moments before an air strike. (Image courtesy: Reuters)]
<img alt=" Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi raid" data-caption="A smoke cloud rises moments after an air strike." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4b5f6fba-7020-48d7-9bb2-293af4152e36" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_23.jpg" />
[US special forces move towards the compound of Baghdadi. (Image courtesy: Reuters)]
<img alt="US special forces move towards the compound." data-caption="US special forces move towards the compound." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="392bae60-93c6-4f79-919c-6dfd928a39b3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_33.jpg" />
[US special forces move towards the compound.(Image courtesy: Reuters)]

Baghdadi, an Iraqi jihadist who rose from obscurity to declare himself "caliph" of all Muslims as the leader of Islamic State, died by detonating a suicide vest as he fled into a dead-end tunnel as elite US special forces closed in.

McKenzie said he brought two young children into the tunnel with him - not three, as had been the US government estimate. Both children were believed to be under the age of 12 and both were killed, he said.

Watch: US releases Baghdadi raid video

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He portrayed Baghdadi as isolated at his Syrian compound, just four miles from the Turkish border, saying fighters from other militant groups nearby probably did not even know he was there. McKenzie suggested it was unlikely that Baghdadi used the Internet or had digital connections to the outside world.

"I think you'd find (he was using) probably a messenger system that allows you to put something on a floppy or on a bit of electronics and have someone physically move it somewhere," he said.

McKenzie said Islamic State would likely try to stage some kind of retaliatory attack.

"We suspect they will try some form of retribution attack. And we are postured and prepared for that," he said.

Whimpering and crying?

McKenzie did not back up or knock down Trump's dramatic account of Baghdadi's final moments, which the president delivered during a televised address to the nation on Sunday. Trump said Baghdadi "died a coward — crying, whimpering, screaming."

Asked about Trump's account, McKenzie said: "About Baghdadi's last moments, I can tell you this: He crawled into a hole with two small children and blew himself up as his people stayed on the ground."

"So you can deduce what kind of person he is based on that activity... I'm not able to confirm anything else about his last seconds. I just can't confirm that one way or another."

On Monday, Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also declined to confirm Trump's account, saying he presumed Trump got that information from his direct conversations with members of the elite unit that conducted the operation. Milley had not yet spoken with them, he said.

McKenzie suggested the US military had secured a large amount of intelligence about Islamic State's activities during the raid.

"While the assault force was securing the remains, they also secured whatever documentation and electronics we could find, which was substantial," McKenzie said, declining to provide further details.

McKenzie said Turkey's incursion into Syria this month, and the US pullback from the border, was not a factor in deciding the timing of the raid. Instead, McKenzie pointed to a host of other factors, including the amount of moonlight.

"We struck because the time is about right to do it then, given the totality of the intelligence and the other factors that would affect the raid force going into and coming out," McKenzie said.

The Pentagon on Wednesday released its first images from last weekend's commando raid in Syria that led to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and warned the militant group may attempt to stage a "retribution attack.

The Pentagon on Wednesday released its first images from last weekend's commando raid in Syria that led to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and warned the militant group may attempt to stage a "retribution attack." The declassified, grainy, black-and-white aerial videos from Saturday's raid showed US special operations forces closing in on the compound and US aircraft firing on militants nearby. The most dramatic video showed a massive, black plume of smoke rising from the ground after US military bombs leveled Baghdadi's compound. "It looks pretty much like a parking lot, with large potholes," said Marine General Kenneth McKenzie, the commander of US Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East. McKenzie, briefing Pentagon reporters, said the idea of destroying the compound was at least in part "to ensure that it would not be a shrine or otherwise memorable in any way. "It's just another piece of ground," he said. [The compound of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is seen moments before an air strike. (Image courtesy: Reuters)] [US special forces move towards the compound of Baghdadi. (Image courtesy: Reuters)] [US special forces move towards the compound.(Image courtesy: Reuters)] Baghdadi, an Iraqi jihadist who rose from obscurity to declare himself "caliph" of all Muslims as the leader of Islamic State, died by detonating a suicide vest as he fled into a dead-end tunnel as elite US special forces closed in. McKenzie said he brought two young children into the tunnel with him - not three, as had been the US government estimate. Both children were believed to be under the age of 12 and both were killed, he said. Watch: US releases Baghdadi raid video × He portrayed Baghdadi as isolated at his Syrian compound, just four miles from the Turkish border, saying fighters from other militant groups nearby probably did not even know he was there. McKenzie suggested it was unlikely that Baghdadi used the Internet or had digital connections to the outside world. "I think you'd find (he was using) probably a messenger system that allows you to put something on a floppy or on a bit of electronics and have someone physically move it somewhere," he said. McKenzie said Islamic State would likely try to stage some kind of retaliatory attack. "We suspect they will try some form of retribution attack. And we are postured and prepared for that," he said. Whimpering and crying? McKenzie did not back up or knock down Trump's dramatic account of Baghdadi's final moments, which the president delivered during a televised address to the nation on Sunday. Trump said Baghdadi "died a coward — crying, whimpering, screaming." Asked about Trump's account, McKenzie said: "About Baghdadi's last moments, I can tell you this: He crawled into a hole with two small children and blew himself up as his people stayed on the ground." "So you can deduce what kind of person he is based on that activity... I'm not able to confirm anything else about his last seconds. I just can't confirm that one way or another." On Monday, Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also declined to confirm Trump's account, saying he presumed Trump got that information from his direct conversations with members of the elite unit that conducted the operation. Milley had not yet spoken with them, he said. McKenzie suggested the US military had secured a large amount of intelligence about Islamic State's activities during the raid. "While the assault force was securing the remains, they also secured whatever documentation and electronics we could find, which was substantial," McKenzie said, declining to provide further details. McKenzie said Turkey's incursion into Syria this month, and the US pullback from the border, was not a factor in deciding the timing of the raid. Instead, McKenzie pointed to a host of other factors, including the amount of moonlight. "We struck because the time is about right to do it then, given the totality of the intelligence and the other factors that would affect the raid force going into and coming out," McKenzie said.

US releases Baghdadi raid video, warns of likely retribution attack

The Pentagon released details and graphic footage Wednesday of the secret raid that killed ISIS founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

U.S. releases Baghdadi raid video

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