US military warned on Thursday that US warships will be "more assertive" against international law violations particularly by China. China has long taken expansionist actions in South China Sea. In a document, the Pentagon said that several countries, notably Russia and China "are contesting the balance of power in key regions and seeking to undermine the existing world order."

"Our globally deployed naval forces interact with Chinese and Russian warships and aircraft daily," the document said, noting their "growing aggressiveness" and calling China "the most pressing, long-term strategic threat."

The latest incident between the US and China naval forces took place in late August, when Beijing said it had driven an American warship from the disputed Paracel archipelago.&nbsp;

China claims almost all of the islands of South China Sea. This is disputed by other countries in the region like Vietnam, Malaysia, Philppines and Brunei.

To counter China, the US has been sending ships to the region more frequently to carry out what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations.

To maintain strategic advantage over the Chinese Navy whose "battle force has more than tripled in size in only two decades," the US Navy plans to modernize with smaller, more agile and even remotely piloted ships.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-us-withdraws-aid-chinese-mission-to-push-sri-lanka-further-into-debt-succeeds-350555">As US withdraws aid, Chinese mission to push Sri Lanka further into debt succeeds</a>

Penatagon's dpcument said that US ships will also "accept calculated tactical risks and adopt a more assertive posture in our day-to-day operations"&nbsp;

For Navy Rear Admiral Jay Bynum that means being "more responsive, more assertive."

"In the past, our behavior was de-escalation. We would turn away and would minimize risk in those individual contacts," he said, noting that the Navy "might be ceding ground" with the approach.

(With AFP inputs)

US military warned on Thursday that US warships will be "more assertive" against international law violations particularly by China. China has long taken expansionist actions in South China Sea.

US military warned on Thursday that US warships will be "more assertive" against international law violations particularly by China. China has long taken expansionist actions in South China Sea. In a document, the Pentagon said that several countries, notably Russia and China "are contesting the balance of power in key regions and seeking to undermine the existing world order." "Our globally deployed naval forces interact with Chinese and Russian warships and aircraft daily," the document said, noting their "growing aggressiveness" and calling China "the most pressing, long-term strategic threat." The latest incident between the US and China naval forces took place in late August, when Beijing said it had driven an American warship from the disputed Paracel archipelago. China claims almost all of the islands of South China Sea. This is disputed by other countries in the region like Vietnam, Malaysia, Philppines and Brunei. To counter China, the US has been sending ships to the region more frequently to carry out what it calls "freedom of navigation" operations. To maintain strategic advantage over the Chinese Navy whose "battle force has more than tripled in size in only two decades," the US Navy plans to modernize with smaller, more agile and even remotely piloted ships. Also Read | As US withdraws aid, Chinese mission to push Sri Lanka further into debt succeeds Penatagon's dpcument said that US ships will also "accept calculated tactical risks and adopt a more assertive posture in our day-to-day operations" For Navy Rear Admiral Jay Bynum that means being "more responsive, more assertive." "In the past, our behavior was de-escalation. We would turn away and would minimize risk in those individual contacts," he said, noting that the Navy "might be ceding ground" with the approach. (With AFP inputs)

To counter China, US Navy to be 'more assertive'

Pentagon on Sunday said that officials of its intelligence agencies will begin meeting members of US President-elect Joe Biden's transition team. Pentagon denied allegations that it was deliberately delaying commencement of the meetings. Washington Post has published a report on December 4 saying that Trump administration did not allow Biden's team to meet intelligence officials and US Defence Department "rejected" or "did not approve" requests for the meeting.

Pentagon released a statement and denied the allegations and said that it was fully cooperating with the President-elect's team.

“The accusation by anonymous sources that DoD has not been fulfilling its commitment to professionally assist any of the Agency Review Teams is demonstrably false and patently insulting,” said the statement.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-winning-this-election-trump-at-first-post-poll-rally-347807">'We're winning this election': Trump at first post-poll rally</a>

Donald Trump is yet to concede defeat in US Presidential Election 2020. He has continued levelling baseless charges of election fraud without presenting any evidence. In spite of suffering legal setbacks in number of courts in the US, Trump has chosen to repeat his allegations.

Even at his first post-poll rally in Georgia on Sunday (Indian Time) Trump said that he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-winning-this-election-trump-at-first-post-poll-rally-347807">going to win the presidential election</a>.

"We're winning this election," Trump said.

"It's rigged. It's a fixed deal," he said of President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

In the immediate aftermath of the election results when it was amply clear that Biden had won, there was reluctance from Trump administration to co-operate in the transition process. It is a norm for the ourgoing administration to co-operate with the President-elect and his team so that power transfer takes place smoothly. 
&nbsp;

Pentagon on Sunday said that officials of its intelligence agencies will begin meeting members of US President-elect Joe Biden's transition team. Pentagon denied allegations that it was deliberately delaying commencement of the meetings.

Pentagon on Sunday said that officials of its intelligence agencies will begin meeting members of US President-elect Joe Biden's transition team. Pentagon denied allegations that it was deliberately delaying commencement of the meetings. Washington Post has published a report on December 4 saying that Trump administration did not allow Biden's team to meet intelligence officials and US Defence Department "rejected" or "did not approve" requests for the meeting. Pentagon released a statement and denied the allegations and said that it was fully cooperating with the President-elect's team. “The accusation by anonymous sources that DoD has not been fulfilling its commitment to professionally assist any of the Agency Review Teams is demonstrably false and patently insulting,” said the statement. Also Read | 'We're winning this election': Trump at first post-poll rally Donald Trump is yet to concede defeat in US Presidential Election 2020. He has continued levelling baseless charges of election fraud without presenting any evidence. In spite of suffering legal setbacks in number of courts in the US, Trump has chosen to repeat his allegations. Even at his first post-poll rally in Georgia on Sunday (Indian Time) Trump said that he was going to win the presidential election. "We're winning this election," Trump said. "It's rigged. It's a fixed deal," he said of President-elect Joe Biden's victory. In the immediate aftermath of the election results when it was amply clear that Biden had won, there was reluctance from Trump administration to co-operate in the transition process. It is a norm for the ourgoing administration to co-operate with the President-elect and his team so that power transfer takes place smoothly.

Pentagon spy agencies to meet Biden team after facing accusations of non-cooperation

The Pentagon announced early Saturday that it sent the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier back into the Mideast.

Iran's revolutionary guard vows revenge over slain military scientist

The Pentagon failed its comprehensive audit in fiscal 2020, the third year it has failed since the first audit was conducted in 2018, reflecting system and accounting problems across its vast bureaucracy that could persist until 2027, the department's comptroller said on Monday.

"The process of getting to a clean opinion for federal agencies, it can take a long time," said Thomas Harker, who is also undersecretary of defence and chief financial officer, told reporters in releasing the results on Monday.

After the first audit of the Pentagon's nearly $3 trillion worth of assets in fiscal 2018, then-Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said&nbsp;the department received an opinion of "disclaimer," a term used by auditors for findings that do not meet accounting standards.

Harker said the Department of Homeland Security took a decade to pass a comprehensive audit, and the Pentagon could take just as long, making the possible date for its first clean audit somewhere around 2027.

Coronavirus-related travel restrictions hampered the auditing process this year as auditors had to resort to video feeds or photographs to execute due diligence, Harker said.

Around 1,400 auditors tested the systems and record-keeping processes on weapons systems, military personnel and property around the world in 100 site visits, 530 virtual visits and samples. The process resulted in 24 standalone audits, comprising the overall audit.

Seven of the units were expected to receive clean opinions from the auditors, Harker said. The Pentagon said it was "hopeful" the Defense Information Systems Agency's working capital fund would receive a passing grade for the first time when its audit was completed in December.

Fees for the audit were $203 million this year.

The Pentagon failed its comprehensive audit in fiscal 2020, the third year it has failed since the first audit was conducted in 2018, reflecting system and accounting problems across its vast bureaucracy that could persist until 2027, the department's comptroller said on Monday.

The Pentagon failed its comprehensive audit in fiscal 2020, the third year it has failed since the first audit was conducted in 2018, reflecting system and accounting problems across its vast bureaucracy that could persist until 2027, the department's comptroller said on Monday. "The process of getting to a clean opinion for federal agencies, it can take a long time," said Thomas Harker, who is also undersecretary of defence and chief financial officer, told reporters in releasing the results on Monday. After the first audit of the Pentagon's nearly $3 trillion worth of assets in fiscal 2018, then-Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said the department received an opinion of "disclaimer," a term used by auditors for findings that do not meet accounting standards. Harker said the Department of Homeland Security took a decade to pass a comprehensive audit, and the Pentagon could take just as long, making the possible date for its first clean audit somewhere around 2027. Coronavirus-related travel restrictions hampered the auditing process this year as auditors had to resort to video feeds or photographs to execute due diligence, Harker said. Around 1,400 auditors tested the systems and record-keeping processes on weapons systems, military personnel and property around the world in 100 site visits, 530 virtual visits and samples. The process resulted in 24 standalone audits, comprising the overall audit. Seven of the units were expected to receive clean opinions from the auditors, Harker said. The Pentagon said it was "hopeful" the Defense Information Systems Agency's working capital fund would receive a passing grade for the first time when its audit was completed in December. Fees for the audit were $203 million this year.

Pentagon fails audit yet again, could pass around 2027, comptroller says

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday said North Korea's nuclear and missile programs pose a global threat, after Pyongyang's unveiling of previously unseen intercontinental ballistic missiles at a predawn military parade.

The appearance of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a weekend parade in North Korea captivated many Western analysts. But officials in South Korea were far more concerned by the display of new multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and fast, maneuverable short-range missiles that would be ideal for striking targets in the South.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-unveils-giant-icbm-during-pre-dawn-military-parade-334347">North Korea unveils giant ICBM during pre-dawn military parade</a>

Speaking before the start of a meeting with his South Korean counterpart at the Pentagon, Esper said; "We agree that North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs remain a serious threat to the security and stability of the region and the world."

"The United States remains committed to the security of the Republic of Korea," Esper said.

He added, however, that South Korea and the United States must find a more equitable way of sharing defense costs so it "doesn't fall unequally on the American taxpayers."

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, who has touted his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has repeatedly said Seoul should pay for a larger share of the cost of US&nbsp;military forces deployed in the South.

Some 28,500 American troops are deployed in South Korea, in what is seen as a deterrent to Pyongyang that also sends a message to China about US&nbsp;influence and capability in Asia.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday said North Korea's nuclear and missile programs pose a global threat, after Pyongyang's unveiling of previously unseen intercontinental ballistic missiles at a predawn military parade.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday said North Korea's nuclear and missile programs pose a global threat, after Pyongyang's unveiling of previously unseen intercontinental ballistic missiles at a predawn military parade. The appearance of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a weekend parade in North Korea captivated many Western analysts. But officials in South Korea were far more concerned by the display of new multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) and fast, maneuverable short-range missiles that would be ideal for striking targets in the South. Also read: North Korea unveils giant ICBM during pre-dawn military parade Speaking before the start of a meeting with his South Korean counterpart at the Pentagon, Esper said; "We agree that North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs remain a serious threat to the security and stability of the region and the world." "The United States remains committed to the security of the Republic of Korea," Esper said. He added, however, that South Korea and the United States must find a more equitable way of sharing defense costs so it "doesn't fall unequally on the American taxpayers." US President Donald Trump, who has touted his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has repeatedly said Seoul should pay for a larger share of the cost of US military forces deployed in the South. Some 28,500 American troops are deployed in South Korea, in what is seen as a deterrent to Pyongyang that also sends a message to China about US influence and capability in Asia.

North Korea's nuclear, missile programs 'serious threat' to security: Pentagon chief

The&nbsp;Pentagon has&nbsp;awarded&nbsp;a $149 million (£114.8 million) contract to build missile-tracking satellites to Elon Musk's SpaceX.

This is the&nbsp;first government contract to build satellites for SpaceX which is&nbsp;an&nbsp;American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-to-destroy-rocket-in-mock-failure-before-manned-missions-with-nasa-275010">SpaceX to destroy rocket in 'mock-failure' before manned missions with NASA</a>

SpaceX is known for its reusable rockets and astronaut capsules, is ramping up satellite production for Starlink, a growing constellation of hundreds of internet-beaming satellites that chief executive Elon Musk hopes will generate enough revenue to help fund SpaceX’s interplanetary goals.

Under the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Space Development Agency (SDA)&nbsp;contract, SpaceX will use its Starlink assembly plant in Redmond, Washington, to build four satellites fitted with a wide-angle infrared missile-tracking sensor supplied by a subcontractor, an SDA official said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-nasa-astronauts-on-spacexs-crew-dragon-will-vote-from-space-331336">NASA astronauts on SpaceX's Crew Dragon will vote from space</a>

Technology company L3 Harris Technologies Inc., formerly Harris Corporation, received $193 million to build another four satellites. Both companies are expected to deliver the satellites for launch by fall 2022.&nbsp;

The awards are part of the SDA’s first phase to procure satellites to detect and track missiles like intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which can travel long distances and are challenging to track and intercept.&nbsp;

SpaceX in 2019 received $28 million from the Air Force to use the fledgling Starlink satellite network to test encrypted internet services with a number of military planes, though the Air Force has not ordered any Starlink satellites of its own.

The Pentagon has awarded a $149 million (£114.8 million) contract to build missile-tracking satellites to Elon Musk's SpaceX. This is the first government contract to build satellites for SpaceX which is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services.

The Pentagon has awarded a $149 million (£114.8 million) contract to build missile-tracking satellites to Elon Musk's SpaceX. This is the first government contract to build satellites for SpaceX which is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services. Also read: SpaceX to destroy rocket in 'mock-failure' before manned missions with NASA SpaceX is known for its reusable rockets and astronaut capsules, is ramping up satellite production for Starlink, a growing constellation of hundreds of internet-beaming satellites that chief executive Elon Musk hopes will generate enough revenue to help fund SpaceX’s interplanetary goals. Under the US Space Development Agency (SDA) contract, SpaceX will use its Starlink assembly plant in Redmond, Washington, to build four satellites fitted with a wide-angle infrared missile-tracking sensor supplied by a subcontractor, an SDA official said. Also read: NASA astronauts on SpaceX's Crew Dragon will vote from space Technology company L3 Harris Technologies Inc., formerly Harris Corporation, received $193 million to build another four satellites. Both companies are expected to deliver the satellites for launch by fall 2022. The awards are part of the SDA’s first phase to procure satellites to detect and track missiles like intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which can travel long distances and are challenging to track and intercept. SpaceX in 2019 received $28 million from the Air Force to use the fledgling Starlink satellite network to test encrypted internet services with a number of military planes, though the Air Force has not ordered any Starlink satellites of its own.

Pentagon awards $149 million contract to Elon Musk's SpaceX for missile tracking satellites

The Pentagon’s research and development arm is investigating whether the very equipment meant to save military pilots' lives on the battlefield is causing them to become disoriented and crash.

According to a report published in the Forbes magazine, the problem could be making pilots so disoriented that they crash their planes, fears DARPA, the Pentagon’s pet research agency.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/military-will-not-play-any-role-in-us-elections-us-army-general-mark-milley-323938">Military will not play any role in US elections: US Army General Mark Milley</a>

''Current cockpits are flooded with Radio Frequency (RF) noise from on-board emissions, communication links, and navigation electronics, including strong electromagnetic (em) fields from audio headsets and helmet tracking technologies,” warns a new DARPA research project.

“Pilots often report minor cognitive performance challenges during flight, and from 1993 to 2013, spatial disorientation in us air force pilots accounted for 72 class a mishaps, 101 deaths, and 65 aircraft lost.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-targets-convoy-carrying-us-military-equipment-near-iraq-kuwait-crossing-319587">Explosion targets convoy carrying US military equipment near Iraq-Kuwait crossing</a>

The US&nbsp;military fears that some of these crashes may have been caused by electromagnetic fields. But currently, there is no way to be sure.

“It has been hypothesised that the cockpit radio frequency and electromagnetic fields may influence cognitive performance including task saturation, misprioritisation, complacency and spatial disorientation,” DARPA notes.

“However, electromagnetic fields and radio waves in cockpits are not currently monitored, little effort has been made to shield pilots from these fields, and the potential impacts of these fields on cognition have not been assessed.”

DARPA’s impact of cockpit electro-magnetics on aircrew neurology (iceman) is a two-year project that aims to determine whether radio waves and magnetic fields are harming pilots.

Previous DARPA research has found that “human brains sense magnetic fields, like those used by animals for navigation, and that this process is ‘jammed’ (disrupted) by radio waves (rf), impacting brainwaves and behavior.

Furthermore, recent findings were the first to show that even weak radio frequency fields and ‘earth strength’ magnetic fields have measurable, reproducible effects on human brainwaves and unconscious behavior in a controlled environment.”

To give an idea of just powerful cockpit electronics have become, DARPA notes that “current tactical audio headsets project magnetic fields up to 10 times earth strength.”

Phase I&nbsp;of iceman will determine how much radio frequency and electromagnetic field noise are present in cockpits. Phase II&nbsp;will examine the effects of radio frequency and electromagnetic noise on the human body. Researchers will be asked to design sensors to measure these effects, and to find ways to mitigate them.

The Pentagon’s research and development arm is investigating whether the very equipment meant to save military pilots' lives on the battlefield is causing them to become disoriented and crash.

The Pentagon’s research and development arm is investigating whether the very equipment meant to save military pilots' lives on the battlefield is causing them to become disoriented and crash. According to a report published in the Forbes magazine, the problem could be making pilots so disoriented that they crash their planes, fears DARPA, the Pentagon’s pet research agency. Also read: Military will not play any role in US elections: US Army General Mark Milley ''Current cockpits are flooded with Radio Frequency (RF) noise from on-board emissions, communication links, and navigation electronics, including strong electromagnetic (em) fields from audio headsets and helmet tracking technologies,” warns a new DARPA research project. “Pilots often report minor cognitive performance challenges during flight, and from 1993 to 2013, spatial disorientation in us air force pilots accounted for 72 class a mishaps, 101 deaths, and 65 aircraft lost.” Also read: Explosion targets convoy carrying US military equipment near Iraq-Kuwait crossing The US military fears that some of these crashes may have been caused by electromagnetic fields. But currently, there is no way to be sure. “It has been hypothesised that the cockpit radio frequency and electromagnetic fields may influence cognitive performance including task saturation, misprioritisation, complacency and spatial disorientation,” DARPA notes. “However, electromagnetic fields and radio waves in cockpits are not currently monitored, little effort has been made to shield pilots from these fields, and the potential impacts of these fields on cognition have not been assessed.” DARPA’s impact of cockpit electro-magnetics on aircrew neurology (iceman) is a two-year project that aims to determine whether radio waves and magnetic fields are harming pilots. Previous DARPA research has found that “human brains sense magnetic fields, like those used by animals for navigation, and that this process is ‘jammed’ (disrupted) by radio waves (rf), impacting brainwaves and behavior. Furthermore, recent findings were the first to show that even weak radio frequency fields and ‘earth strength’ magnetic fields have measurable, reproducible effects on human brainwaves and unconscious behavior in a controlled environment.” To give an idea of just powerful cockpit electronics have become, DARPA notes that “current tactical audio headsets project magnetic fields up to 10 times earth strength.” Phase I of iceman will determine how much radio frequency and electromagnetic field noise are present in cockpits. Phase II will examine the effects of radio frequency and electromagnetic noise on the human body. Researchers will be asked to design sensors to measure these effects, and to find ways to mitigate them.

Equipment meant to save pilots leading to disorientation, crashes: Report

The man who leaked the "Pentagon Papers" about the Vietnam War defended Julian Assange at his London extradition hearing on Wednesday, saying WikiLeaks had acted in the public interest and warning Assange would not get a fair trial in the United States.

Australian-born Assange, 49, is fighting to stop being sent to the United States, where he is charged with conspiring to hack government computers and violating an espionage law over the release of confidential cables by WikiLeaks in 2010-2011.

Daniel Ellsberg, who in 1971 leaked documents known as the Pentagon Papers to the New York Times and other papers, told the court that WikiLeaks' disclosures had shown Americans how they had been misled about USaction in Iraq and Afghanistan just as his leaks, which also revealed previously secret information, did about the Vietnam War.

Ellsberg cited a US military video, which WikiLeaks published in 2010 under the title "Collateral Murder", showing a 2007 attack by Apache helicopters in Baghdad that killed a dozen people, including two Reuters news staff.

"I was acutely aware that what was depicted in that video deserved the term murder, a war crime," he told London's Old Bailey court via videolink. "I was very glad that the American public was confronted with this reality of our war."

James Lewis, the lawyer representing the US authorities, said Assange was not wanted for publishing the 2007 video but for disclosing a small number of documents with the unredacted names of sources or informants.

Lewis said many of these had suffered harm or threats because they had been named. He said some had disappeared, although he conceded that there was no evidence this was directly linked to the WikiLeaks' publication.

"How can you possibly say ... that there is no evidence that Mr Assange's publication of WikiLeaks put anyone in danger. That's just pure nonsense," Lewis said.

Ellsberg, who was himself charged with breaking the espionage law in a case that was later dismissed, said there was no evidence of physical harm or deaths because of the leaks. The exchange with Lewis led to an outburst from Assange in the courtroom, with the judge warning him to remain silent.

Redactions

Earlier, John Goetz, an investigative reporter who worked for Germany's Der Spiegel magazine on the first publication of the documents in 2010, said Assange was careful to ensure that the names of informants in hundreds of thousands of leaked secret US government documents were never published.

He said the US State Department had been involved in a conference call suggesting redactions, and WikiLeaks had agreed to hold back about 15,000 documents for publication.

"There was sensitivity and it was one of the things that was talked about all the time," Goetz told the court. Assange was concerned that the media should take measures "so no one would be harmed", he said.

The State Department did not immediately respond when asked to comment on Goetz's testimony.

Goetz said WikiLeaks was frustrated when a password that allowed access to the full, unredacted material was published in a book by Guardian reporters in February 2011.

Assange's lawyers argue that he would not receive a fair trial in the United States and that the charges are politically motivated. They have also said he would be a suicide risk if sent to the United States, where they say he could be sentenced to 175 years in prison.

In 2012, Assange took refuge in Ecuador's London embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden where he was accused of sex crimes, which he denied and which were later dropped. After seven years, he was dragged from the embassy by British police in 2019 and then jailed for skipping bail related to the Swedish case.

He has remained in prison ever since, after the United States made its extradition request.

The man who leaked the "Pentagon Papers" about the Vietnam War defended Julian Assange at his London extradition hearing on Wednesday, saying WikiLeaks had acted in the public interest and warning Assange would not get a fair trial in the United States.

The man who leaked the "Pentagon Papers" about the Vietnam War defended Julian Assange at his London extradition hearing on Wednesday, saying WikiLeaks had acted in the public interest and warning Assange would not get a fair trial in the United States. Australian-born Assange, 49, is fighting to stop being sent to the United States, where he is charged with conspiring to hack government computers and violating an espionage law over the release of confidential cables by WikiLeaks in 2010-2011. Daniel Ellsberg, who in 1971 leaked documents known as the Pentagon Papers to the New York Times and other papers, told the court that WikiLeaks' disclosures had shown Americans how they had been misled about USaction in Iraq and Afghanistan just as his leaks, which also revealed previously secret information, did about the Vietnam War. Ellsberg cited a US military video, which WikiLeaks published in 2010 under the title "Collateral Murder", showing a 2007 attack by Apache helicopters in Baghdad that killed a dozen people, including two Reuters news staff. "I was acutely aware that what was depicted in that video deserved the term murder, a war crime," he told London's Old Bailey court via videolink. "I was very glad that the American public was confronted with this reality of our war." James Lewis, the lawyer representing the US authorities, said Assange was not wanted for publishing the 2007 video but for disclosing a small number of documents with the unredacted names of sources or informants. Lewis said many of these had suffered harm or threats because they had been named. He said some had disappeared, although he conceded that there was no evidence this was directly linked to the WikiLeaks' publication. "How can you possibly say ... that there is no evidence that Mr Assange's publication of WikiLeaks put anyone in danger. That's just pure nonsense," Lewis said. Ellsberg, who was himself charged with breaking the espionage law in a case that was later dismissed, said there was no evidence of physical harm or deaths because of the leaks. The exchange with Lewis led to an outburst from Assange in the courtroom, with the judge warning him to remain silent. Redactions Earlier, John Goetz, an investigative reporter who worked for Germany's Der Spiegel magazine on the first publication of the documents in 2010, said Assange was careful to ensure that the names of informants in hundreds of thousands of leaked secret US government documents were never published. He said the US State Department had been involved in a conference call suggesting redactions, and WikiLeaks had agreed to hold back about 15,000 documents for publication. "There was sensitivity and it was one of the things that was talked about all the time," Goetz told the court. Assange was concerned that the media should take measures "so no one would be harmed", he said. The State Department did not immediately respond when asked to comment on Goetz's testimony. Goetz said WikiLeaks was frustrated when a password that allowed access to the full, unredacted material was published in a book by Guardian reporters in February 2011. Assange's lawyers argue that he would not receive a fair trial in the United States and that the charges are politically motivated. They have also said he would be a suicide risk if sent to the United States, where they say he could be sentenced to 175 years in prison. In 2012, Assange took refuge in Ecuador's London embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden where he was accused of sex crimes, which he denied and which were later dropped. After seven years, he was dragged from the embassy by British police in 2019 and then jailed for skipping bail related to the Swedish case. He has remained in prison ever since, after the United States made its extradition request.

WikiLeaks acted in public interest, ‘pentagon papers’ leaker tells Julian Assange hearing 

The US Department of Defence says that China is expected to at least double its nuclear warheads over the next 10 years.

Gravitas: Pentagon: China wants to double its nuclear warheads

Pentagon on Tuesday said that the Chinese military is pushing to double its 200-plus nuclear warheads within a decade with the ability to launch them aboard ballistic missiles by land, sea and air.

Pentagon on Tuesday said that the Chinese military is pushing to double its 200-plus nuclear warheads within a decade with the ability to launch them aboard ballistic missiles by land, sea and air. Also read: Joe Biden reportedly raised $300 million in August, highest ever for a US presidential candidate According to the report, the People's Liberation Army is also focused on conducting joint operations, to be able to deter or defeat any US effort to intervene on Taiwan's behalf. It also said that the Chinese Army has matched or surpassed the US Military in many areas like shipbuilding, land-based ballistic and cruise missiles, and air defense systems. Also read: 'I am Taiwanese': Czech speaker channels Kennedy in Taiwan speech The annual report, in its first public estimate of China's nuclear capacity, said that the country had nuclear warheads numbering "in the low 200s". These numbers are likely to be doubled within 10 years. The country under Xi's regime has ballistic missiles that can be launched from land and sea and now are developing the capacity to do develop an air-launched ballistic missile as well, the report said. "It is likely that Beijing will seek to develop a military by mid-century that is equal to -- or in some cases superior to -- the US military, or that of any other great power that the PRC views as a threat," the report said. If China achieves that goal and the United States fails to address it, the report said, it "will have serious implications for US national interests and the security of the international rules-based order." (Inputs from AFP)

China pressing to double its nuclear warheads within a decade: Pentagon report

US President Donald Trump has rejected Pentagon's proposal to cut military healthcare by $2.2 billion on Monday. According to Politico's report, authorities in Pentagon who were working on Defense Secretary Mark Esper's cost-cutting review of the US Defense Department had proposed slashing military healthcare by $2.

US President Donald Trump has rejected Pentagon's proposal to cut military healthcare by $2.2 billion on Monday. According to Politico's report, authorities in Pentagon who were working on Defense Secretary Mark Esper's cost-cutting review of the US Defense Department had proposed slashing military healthcare by $2.2 billion. "A proposal by Pentagon officials to slash Military Healthcare by $2.2 billion dollars has been firmly and totally rejected by me. We will do nothing to hurt our great Military professionals & heroes as long as I am your President," Trump said in a tweet. A proposal by Pentagon officials to slash Military Healthcare by $2.2 billion dollars has been firmly and totally rejected by me. We will do nothing to hurt our great Military professionals & heroes as long as I am your President. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 18, 2020 × As per Politico's report, the cut in military healthcare for over the next five years came as part of an effort by Esper that started last year intending to eliminate inefficiencies within the Pentagon's coffers. However, the senior defence officials said that such cuts would have hurt the healthcare of millions of military personnel and their families amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Around 9.5 million active-duty personnel, military retirees and their families depend on the military health system. The military's government-run healthcare network operates hundreds of facilities around the world. Last week, Reuters reported that Trump had privately discussed with advisers the possibility of replacing Esper after the November election following a growing number of differences between them. (Inputs from Reuters)

Trump rejects Pentagon's proposal to cut military healthcare by $2.2 billion

The Pentagon is planning to form a new task force to investigate UFOs that have been observed by US military aircraft.

The task force is expected to be officially unveiled in the next few days, according to the officials.

Officials have long expressed concerns about the appearance of the unidentified aircraft that have flown over US military bases, posing a risk to military jets. Some believe they may be drones potentially operated by earthly adversaries seeking to gather intelligence rather than extraterrestrials.

Pentagon has even released three short videos showing US aircraft encountering these phenomena.

President Donald Trump in April called the footage "a hell of a video" and told Reuters he wonders "if it's real."

In May CNN obtained "hazard reports" detailing encounters between US Navy aircraft and "unidentified aerial phenomena" from the Navy Safety Center.

The reports describe the observed phenomena as "Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)" -- the Pentagon's official terminology for drone aircraft.

The Pentagon is planning to form a new task force to investigate UFOs that have been observed by US military aircraft. The task force is expected to be officially unveiled in the next few days, according to the officials.

The Pentagon is planning to form a new task force to investigate UFOs that have been observed by US military aircraft. The task force is expected to be officially unveiled in the next few days, according to the officials. Officials have long expressed concerns about the appearance of the unidentified aircraft that have flown over US military bases, posing a risk to military jets. Some believe they may be drones potentially operated by earthly adversaries seeking to gather intelligence rather than extraterrestrials. Pentagon has even released three short videos showing US aircraft encountering these phenomena. President Donald Trump in April called the footage "a hell of a video" and told Reuters he wonders "if it's real." In May CNN obtained "hazard reports" detailing encounters between US Navy aircraft and "unidentified aerial phenomena" from the Navy Safety Center. The reports describe the observed phenomena as "Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)" -- the Pentagon's official terminology for drone aircraft.

Pentagon to launch task force to investigate UFO sightings

The US Air Force said on Friday it awarded United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Elon Musk`s SpaceX $653 million in combined military launch contracts under the Pentagon's next-generation, multibillion-dollar launch capability program.

The contracts are for launch service orders beginning in 2022 and allocate $337 million to ULA, a joint venture between Boeing Co and Lockheed Martin Corp, and $316 million to SpaceX for the first missions of roughly 34 total that the two rocket firms will support through 2027.

ULA will receive a contract for approximately 60 per cent of those launch service orders using its next-generation Vulcan rocket while Musk's SpaceX, using its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, will receive approximately 40 per cent, the Air Force`s acquisition chief Will Roper told reporters on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacex-starship-prototype-takes-first-big-step-towards-mars-completes-test-flight-318273">Also read:&nbsp;SpaceX Starship prototype takes first big step towards Mars; completes test flight</a>

The awards are part of the Pentagon's 2014 mandate from Congress to curb its dependency on rockets using Russia’s RD-180 engine and transition to US-made rockets for launching Washington's most sensitive national security payloads to space.

The program, called National Security Space Launch Phase 2, is aimed at "building a competitive industry base that we hope doesn't just help military and national security missions, but that helps our nation continue to compete and dominate in space," Roper added.

"Today’s awards mark a new epoch of space launch that will finally transition the Department off Russian RD-180 engines," Roper said in a statement.

The two companies lay claim to billions of dollars in lucrative military contracts for a span of five years that competitors Blue Origin, the space company of Amazon.com Inc owner Jeff Bezos, and Northrop Grumman also competed for.

Blue Origin Chief Executive Bob Smith said in a statement he was "disappointed" in the Pentagon's decision, adding that the company will continue to develop its heavy-lift New Glenn rocket "to fulfill our current commercial contracts, pursue a large and growing commercial market, and enter into new civil space launch contracts."

The US Air Force said on Friday it awarded United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Elon Musk`s SpaceX $653 million in combined military launch contracts under the Pentagon's next-generation, multibillion-dollar launch capability program.

The US Air Force said on Friday it awarded United Launch Alliance (ULA) and Elon Musk`s SpaceX $653 million in combined military launch contracts under the Pentagon's next-generation, multibillion-dollar launch capability program. The contracts are for launch service orders beginning in 2022 and allocate $337 million to ULA, a joint venture between Boeing Co and Lockheed Martin Corp, and $316 million to SpaceX for the first missions of roughly 34 total that the two rocket firms will support through 2027. ULA will receive a contract for approximately 60 per cent of those launch service orders using its next-generation Vulcan rocket while Musk's SpaceX, using its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, will receive approximately 40 per cent, the Air Force`s acquisition chief Will Roper told reporters on Friday. Also read: SpaceX Starship prototype takes first big step towards Mars; completes test flight The awards are part of the Pentagon's 2014 mandate from Congress to curb its dependency on rockets using Russia’s RD-180 engine and transition to US-made rockets for launching Washington's most sensitive national security payloads to space. The program, called National Security Space Launch Phase 2, is aimed at "building a competitive industry base that we hope doesn't just help military and national security missions, but that helps our nation continue to compete and dominate in space," Roper added. "Today’s awards mark a new epoch of space launch that will finally transition the Department off Russian RD-180 engines," Roper said in a statement. The two companies lay claim to billions of dollars in lucrative military contracts for a span of five years that competitors Blue Origin, the space company of Amazon.com Inc owner Jeff Bezos, and Northrop Grumman also competed for. Blue Origin Chief Executive Bob Smith said in a statement he was "disappointed" in the Pentagon's decision, adding that the company will continue to develop its heavy-lift New Glenn rocket "to fulfill our current commercial contracts, pursue a large and growing commercial market, and enter into new civil space launch contracts."

Pentagon awards United Launch Alliance, SpaceX launch contracts

After failing to secure a Senate confirmation hearing, US President Donald Trump's most divisive nominee for a Pentagon position so far has taken a different, less-senior policy role at the Defense Department, a spokeswoman said on Sunday.

Anthony Tata, a retired Army brigadier general who has called former President Barack Obama a "terrorist leader," will officially perform the duties of the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, the Pentagon spokeswoman said.

In theory, the position would still offer Tata some degree of influence on hot-button Pentagon policy matters, potentially including Iran.

In addition to falsely calling Obama a Muslim and a terrorist, Tata has also called Congresswoman Maxine Waters, an African American, a "race-baiting racist," according to now-deleted Twitter posts seen by Reuters.

Democratic Congressman Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, blasted the move to give Tata a senior job just days after the Republican-led Senate abruptly canceled Tata's confirmation hearing. 
"If an appointee cannot gain the support of the Senate, as is clearly the case with Tata, then the President should not put that person into an identical temporary role," Smith said in a statement.

"This evasion of scrutiny makes our government less accountable and prioritises loyalty over competence."

Tata's new job is more junior than the one Trump initially nominated him for - undersecretary of defense for policy. But the White House made clear on Friday that Trump still supported him, even after the Senate declined to take up his nomination.

Tata had to overcome two bureaucratic hurdles to secure his new role. First, he withdrew himself from consideration by the Senate for the undersecretary position. He then accepted the more provisional status of simply "performing the duties of" the deputy, as opposed to having the position outright.

Smith said the Defense Department was struggling under a record number of vacancies, with top positions filled in provisional capacities, like Tata's deputy role.

"If confirmations cannot be completed, the president must find new, qualified people who can win the support of the Senate," Smith said.

The Pentagon had said Tata previously served as a senior adviser in Defense Secretary Mark Esper's office, although his exact responsibilities were unclear.

After failing to secure a Senate confirmation hearing, US President Donald Trump's most divisive nominee for a Pentagon position so far has taken a different, less-senior policy role at the Defense Department, a spokeswoman said on Sunday.

After failing to secure a Senate confirmation hearing, US President Donald Trump's most divisive nominee for a Pentagon position so far has taken a different, less-senior policy role at the Defense Department, a spokeswoman said on Sunday. Anthony Tata, a retired Army brigadier general who has called former President Barack Obama a "terrorist leader," will officially perform the duties of the deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, the Pentagon spokeswoman said. In theory, the position would still offer Tata some degree of influence on hot-button Pentagon policy matters, potentially including Iran. In addition to falsely calling Obama a Muslim and a terrorist, Tata has also called Congresswoman Maxine Waters, an African American, a "race-baiting racist," according to now-deleted Twitter posts seen by Reuters. Democratic Congressman Adam Smith, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, blasted the move to give Tata a senior job just days after the Republican-led Senate abruptly canceled Tata's confirmation hearing. "If an appointee cannot gain the support of the Senate, as is clearly the case with Tata, then the President should not put that person into an identical temporary role," Smith said in a statement. "This evasion of scrutiny makes our government less accountable and prioritises loyalty over competence." Tata's new job is more junior than the one Trump initially nominated him for - undersecretary of defense for policy. But the White House made clear on Friday that Trump still supported him, even after the Senate declined to take up his nomination. Tata had to overcome two bureaucratic hurdles to secure his new role. First, he withdrew himself from consideration by the Senate for the undersecretary position. He then accepted the more provisional status of simply "performing the duties of" the deputy, as opposed to having the position outright. Smith said the Defense Department was struggling under a record number of vacancies, with top positions filled in provisional capacities, like Tata's deputy role. "If confirmations cannot be completed, the president must find new, qualified people who can win the support of the Senate," Smith said. The Pentagon had said Tata previously served as a senior adviser in Defense Secretary Mark Esper's office, although his exact responsibilities were unclear.

Divisive Trump nominee gets new Pentagon post, despite snub by Congress

The United States will slash its military presence in Germany by 11,900 troops, relocating some to Italy and Belgium in a major shift of Washington's NATO assets, Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced Wednesday.

Of the 34,500 US military personnel in Germany, some 6,400 will be sent home while nearly 5,600 others will be moved to other NATO countries. The&nbsp;key aim of the rotation is to reinforce NATO's southeastern flank near the Black Sea, Esper said.

According to Esper some troops could also go to Poland and the Baltic states if Warsaw follows through on an agreement already sketched out by the two sides.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-orders-9500-us-troops-to-depart-from-germany-303873">Donald Trump orders 9,500 US troops to depart from Germany</a>

Earlier, US President Donald Trump had&nbsp;ordered the US military to remove nearly 9,500 troops from Germany which raised concerns in Europe about the US commitment to the region.

The move is the latest twist in relations between Berlin and Washington, which have often been strained during Trump’s presidency. Trump has pressed Germany to raise defence spending and accused Berlin of being a captive of Russia due to its energy reliance.

In May, the then US ambassador to Germany,&nbsp;Richard Grenell, accused Berlin of undermining Nato’s nuclear deterrent, taking aim at Merkel’s junior coalition partners after some of their leaders called for nuclear disarmament.

The United States will slash its military presence in Germany by 11,900 troops, relocating some to Italy and Belgium in a major shift of Washington's NATO assets, Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced Wednesday.

The United States will slash its military presence in Germany by 11,900 troops, relocating some to Italy and Belgium in a major shift of Washington's NATO assets, Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced Wednesday. Of the 34,500 US military personnel in Germany, some 6,400 will be sent home while nearly 5,600 others will be moved to other NATO countries. The key aim of the rotation is to reinforce NATO's southeastern flank near the Black Sea, Esper said. According to Esper some troops could also go to Poland and the Baltic states if Warsaw follows through on an agreement already sketched out by the two sides. Also read: Donald Trump orders 9,500 US troops to depart from Germany Earlier, US President Donald Trump had ordered the US military to remove nearly 9,500 troops from Germany which raised concerns in Europe about the US commitment to the region. The move is the latest twist in relations between Berlin and Washington, which have often been strained during Trump’s presidency. Trump has pressed Germany to raise defence spending and accused Berlin of being a captive of Russia due to its energy reliance. In May, the then US ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, accused Berlin of undermining Nato’s nuclear deterrent, taking aim at Merkel’s junior coalition partners after some of their leaders called for nuclear disarmament.

US to move 11,900 troops out from Germany says Pentagon

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has issued a de facto ban on displaying the Confederate flag at military installations around the world by authorising only certain flags that promote unity.

Republican President Donald Trump had, however, earlier cited free speech rights in his defense of Americans who fly the Confederate flag.

"The flags we fly must accord with the military imperatives of good order and discipline, treating all our people with dignity and respect, and rejecting divisive symbols," Esper said in the memo.

The Confederate flag was flown by breakaway Southern states that advocated for the continuation of slavery and lost the 1861-65 US Civil War. Flying the flag can be offensive to many Americans, who see it as a reminder of the enslavement of Black Americans and as a symbol of white supremacy.

Supporters say the flag represents the South's heritage and culture and, along with US military bases named after Confederate generals and statues honoring them, serve as memorials to Confederate casualties in the Civil War.

Trump has criticised the desecration and removal of statues of Confederate and other former US leaders to energise his political base.

Trump has also publically opposed renaming US military bases named after Confederate generals, such as Fort Hood in Texas and Fort Bragg in North Carolina, putting him at odds with his military, whose top general has said the matter should be re-examined.

Esper also clashed with Trump last month by opposing the deployment of active-duty troops to address civil unrest across the country following the May 25 killing of George Floyd, an African American, by a white police officer in Minneapolis.

Beyond the American flag, Esper's memorandum cites a series of flags that can be flown on military installations, including state flags and ones to honour prisoners of war and service members who went missing in action.

Most US military services, including the Marine Corps, have already banned the display of Confederate flags, but Esper's memorandum is department-wide and will affect military installations around the world.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has issued a de facto ban on displaying the Confederate flag at military installations around the world by authorising only certain flags that promote unity.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper has issued a de facto ban on displaying the Confederate flag at military installations around the world by authorising only certain flags that promote unity. Republican President Donald Trump had, however, earlier cited free speech rights in his defense of Americans who fly the Confederate flag. "The flags we fly must accord with the military imperatives of good order and discipline, treating all our people with dignity and respect, and rejecting divisive symbols," Esper said in the memo. The Confederate flag was flown by breakaway Southern states that advocated for the continuation of slavery and lost the 1861-65 US Civil War. Flying the flag can be offensive to many Americans, who see it as a reminder of the enslavement of Black Americans and as a symbol of white supremacy. Supporters say the flag represents the South's heritage and culture and, along with US military bases named after Confederate generals and statues honoring them, serve as memorials to Confederate casualties in the Civil War. Trump has criticised the desecration and removal of statues of Confederate and other former US leaders to energise his political base. Trump has also publically opposed renaming US military bases named after Confederate generals, such as Fort Hood in Texas and Fort Bragg in North Carolina, putting him at odds with his military, whose top general has said the matter should be re-examined. Esper also clashed with Trump last month by opposing the deployment of active-duty troops to address civil unrest across the country following the May 25 killing of George Floyd, an African American, by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Beyond the American flag, Esper's memorandum cites a series of flags that can be flown on military installations, including state flags and ones to honour prisoners of war and service members who went missing in action. Most US military services, including the Marine Corps, have already banned the display of Confederate flags, but Esper's memorandum is department-wide and will affect military installations around the world.

Pentagon issues ban on Confederate flag at military bases

Top leaders of the Pentagon briefed the United States of America and the US Congress on the recent reports of Russia offering bounty's to take out US troops in Afghanistan. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Bounty reports unconfirmed | Pentagon | World News

Top United States General Mark Milley&nbsp;pledged Thursday to "take action" if the US military could corroborate intelligence suggesting Moscow paid militants linked to the Taliban to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan.

General&nbsp;Mark&nbsp;Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary&nbsp;Mark&nbsp;Esper spoke before a congressional committee as the Trump administration comes under pressure to explain media reports claiming the president was briefed on the intelligence but did nothing in response.

Also read|&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-briefed-because-russia-bounty-reports-uncorroborated-white-house-309949">Trump not briefed because Russia bounty reports uncorroborated: White House</a>

Milley&nbsp;said the information was "not corroborated." "We'll get to the bottom of it. We are going to find out if, in fact, it's true. And if it is true, we will take action," he continued, without specifying what kind of action might be taken.&nbsp;

Washington has known for years that Russia has been supporting the Afghan insurgents, including through arms shipments,&nbsp;Milley&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

But, in the case of the Russians, "we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence to show directing. That's a big difference," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baseless-russia-denies-accusation-of-giving-bounties-to-taliban-to-attack-us-forces-308996">'Baseless': Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces</a>

''All the defense intelligence agencies have been unable to corroborate that report," Esper agreed.

Even so, he added: "The commanders take all reports seriously, regardless of the degree of credibility or confidence."

The New York Times, followed by other US media, first reported on the intelligence last month.&nbsp;

The White House has said President Donald Trump was not briefed on the intelligence because it was unverified.

But the Times, citing multiple officials, reported the intelligence was included in the written presidential daily brief back in February.

The newspaper reported that US intelligence officers and special forces in Afghanistan began raising the alarm as early as January, and that the National Security Council held an interagency meeting in late March to discuss possible responses&nbsp;but the White House did not authorize any action.&nbsp;Russia and the Taliban have denied the claims.

The scandal comes with Trump trying to withdraw troops from conflict-torn Afghanistan, one of the Taliban's key demands and end America's longest war.

Top United States General Mark Milley pledged Thursday to "take action" if the US military could corroborate intelligence suggesting Moscow paid militants linked to the Taliban to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan.

Top United States General Mark Milley pledged Thursday to "take action" if the US military could corroborate intelligence suggesting Moscow paid militants linked to the Taliban to kill US soldiers in Afghanistan. General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper spoke before a congressional committee as the Trump administration comes under pressure to explain media reports claiming the president was briefed on the intelligence but did nothing in response. Also read| Trump not briefed because Russia bounty reports uncorroborated: White House Milley said the information was "not corroborated." "We'll get to the bottom of it. We are going to find out if, in fact, it's true. And if it is true, we will take action," he continued, without specifying what kind of action might be taken. Washington has known for years that Russia has been supporting the Afghan insurgents, including through arms shipments, Milley said. But, in the case of the Russians, "we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence to show directing. That's a big difference," he said. Also read| 'Baseless': Russia denies accusation of giving bounties to Taliban to attack US forces ''All the defense intelligence agencies have been unable to corroborate that report," Esper agreed. Even so, he added: "The commanders take all reports seriously, regardless of the degree of credibility or confidence." The New York Times, followed by other US media, first reported on the intelligence last month. The White House has said President Donald Trump was not briefed on the intelligence because it was unverified. But the Times, citing multiple officials, reported the intelligence was included in the written presidential daily brief back in February. The newspaper reported that US intelligence officers and special forces in Afghanistan began raising the alarm as early as January, and that the National Security Council held an interagency meeting in late March to discuss possible responses but the White House did not authorize any action. Russia and the Taliban have denied the claims. The scandal comes with Trump trying to withdraw troops from conflict-torn Afghanistan, one of the Taliban's key demands and end America's longest war.

Russian bounties: Top US general vows 'response' if intel confirmed

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday.

The remarks by Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were under oath to Congress after lawmakers emerged from a separate classified briefing about US intelligence that Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill American troops.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-to-release-prisoners-from-taliban-list-in-push-for-talks-311920">Also read:&nbsp;Afghanistan to release prisoners from Taliban list in push for talks</a>

Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US military, which counts intelligence agencies including the National Security Agency (NSA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), could not corroborate the intelligence, which sources say was collected by the CIA.

Milley did not dispute that Russia, like other countries, had long been involved in Afghanistan.

"But there`s a big distinction between arming and directing (military activity). We know about arms. We know about weapons. We know about support, things like that," Milley told the House Armed Services Committee, sitting alongside Esper at a hearing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-violence-pose-serious-challenges-to-afghan-peace-process-ghani-311350">Also read:&nbsp;Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani</a>

"We don`t have -- in the case of the Russians -- we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence, to show `directing.` That`s a big difference."

He added that the United States was still looking into the matter and, if it were confirmed the Russians were paying the Taliban bounties, it would be a "big deal."

President Donald Trump, a Republican who has worked to cultivate warmer relations with Moscow, has downplayed the significance of the intelligence and denied being briefed on the matter before it was reported by news outlets last month.

A Republican lawmaker, Lee Zeldin, who is a strong defender of Trump, said at a separate hearing at the House Foreign Relations Committee that the intelligence was in a written February presidential brief prepared for Trump but was not orally briefed to him.

Retired US Army general John Nicholson, a former US commander in Afghanistan, said the Russians had previously been arming, equipping and even giving money to the Taliban in modest amounts.

But he said Moscow had in years past carefully calibrated its support to avoid becoming a "game-changer" on the battlefield. Nicholson cited one telling example, saying the Taliban wanted surface-to-air missiles but the Russians "didn`t give them."

He said Russian bounties, if they did occur, "would mark a departure from this previously calibrated approach."

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday.

The United States believes Russia has given support to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan in the past but does not have intelligence to confirm it directed attacks against Americans or to corroborate that it paid bounties to kill American troops, the top US general said on Thursday. The remarks by Army General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were under oath to Congress after lawmakers emerged from a separate classified briefing about US intelligence that Russia may have paid the Taliban to kill American troops. Also read: Afghanistan to release prisoners from Taliban list in push for talks Milley and Defense Secretary Mark Esper said the US military, which counts intelligence agencies including the National Security Agency (NSA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), could not corroborate the intelligence, which sources say was collected by the CIA. Milley did not dispute that Russia, like other countries, had long been involved in Afghanistan. "But there`s a big distinction between arming and directing (military activity). We know about arms. We know about weapons. We know about support, things like that," Milley told the House Armed Services Committee, sitting alongside Esper at a hearing. Also read: Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani "We don`t have -- in the case of the Russians -- we do not have concrete corroborating evidence, intelligence, to show `directing.` That`s a big difference." He added that the United States was still looking into the matter and, if it were confirmed the Russians were paying the Taliban bounties, it would be a "big deal." President Donald Trump, a Republican who has worked to cultivate warmer relations with Moscow, has downplayed the significance of the intelligence and denied being briefed on the matter before it was reported by news outlets last month. A Republican lawmaker, Lee Zeldin, who is a strong defender of Trump, said at a separate hearing at the House Foreign Relations Committee that the intelligence was in a written February presidential brief prepared for Trump but was not orally briefed to him. Retired US Army general John Nicholson, a former US commander in Afghanistan, said the Russians had previously been arming, equipping and even giving money to the Taliban in modest amounts. But he said Moscow had in years past carefully calibrated its support to avoid becoming a "game-changer" on the battlefield. Nicholson cited one telling example, saying the Taliban wanted surface-to-air missiles but the Russians "didn`t give them." He said Russian bounties, if they did occur, "would mark a departure from this previously calibrated approach."

US doesn't know if Russia directed Taliban attacks in Afghanistan: Pentagon

The Pentagon on Thursday expressed its concern about China's decision to conduct military exercises&nbsp;in a disputed island in the South China Sea, noting the act will "further destabilise" the situation.&nbsp;

"The Department of Defense is concerned about the People's Republic of China (PRC) decision to conduct military exercises around the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea on July 1-5," the Pentagon, in a statement, said, reported AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-hong-kong-security-law-a-threat-to-the-whole-world-310306">China's Hong Kong security law: a threat to the whole world</a>

It further said that carrying the military exercises will further "further destabilise the situation" in the disputed area claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam, and China.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-is-losing-the-trade-war-heres-how-310302">China is losing the trade war. Here's how</a>

The Pentagon also reminded Beijing of its "commitments under the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea", which called for avoiding "activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability."

It also said that the activities are a part of a long list of Chinese acts "to assert unlawful maritime claims and disadvantage its Southeast Asian neighbours in the South China Sea."

Urging all the parties to refrain from military activities, the Pentagon said it will continue monitoring Chinese military activity.&nbsp;

China considers a major part of the South China Sea, including the Paracels as its own territory, claims that the US rejects.&nbsp;

Washington and Beijing's relations hit a new low following the outbreak of coronavirus, where the Trump administration blamed China for hiding information about the deadly virus.&nbsp;

The US has also cut its ties with the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing the health agency of shielding China.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Pentagon on Thursday expressed its concern about China's decision to conduct military exercises in a disputed island in the South China Sea, noting the act will "further destabilise" the situation.

The Pentagon on Thursday expressed its concern about China's decision to conduct military exercises in a disputed island in the South China Sea, noting the act will "further destabilise" the situation. "The Department of Defense is concerned about the People's Republic of China (PRC) decision to conduct military exercises around the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea on July 1-5," the Pentagon, in a statement, said, reported AFP. Also read | China's Hong Kong security law: a threat to the whole world It further said that carrying the military exercises will further "further destabilise the situation" in the disputed area claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam, and China. Also read | China is losing the trade war. Here's how The Pentagon also reminded Beijing of its "commitments under the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea", which called for avoiding "activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability." It also said that the activities are a part of a long list of Chinese acts "to assert unlawful maritime claims and disadvantage its Southeast Asian neighbours in the South China Sea." Urging all the parties to refrain from military activities, the Pentagon said it will continue monitoring Chinese military activity. China considers a major part of the South China Sea, including the Paracels as its own territory, claims that the US rejects. Washington and Beijing's relations hit a new low following the outbreak of coronavirus, where the Trump administration blamed China for hiding information about the deadly virus. The US has also cut its ties with the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing the health agency of shielding China.

China military exercises in South China Sea will 'further destabilise' the situation: Pentagon

The Pentagon expressed its concern about China's decision to conduct military exercises in a disputed island in the South China Sea, noting the act will "further destabilise" the situation.

Pentagon: China military exercises in South China Sea will 'further destabilise' the situation

US Department of Defence or the Pentagon sees and appreciates&nbsp;India's role as positive in Afghanistan --&nbsp;as the "largest donor" to the country.

Highlighting the "traditionally" strong ties India has with Afghanistan, Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "The Indian government does not support the Taliban politically and continues to support the Afghan government" and "India has reiterated its support for an Afghan-led, &nbsp;Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled peace process."

On the issue of counter-terror, the report said, "India works with regional state actors, the Afghan Government&nbsp;and Afghan power brokers to prevent transnational terrorist safe havens, and maintain access to Afghanistan as a gateway to Central Asian markets."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/want-peaceful-democratic-afghanistan-with-rights-for-women-minorities-khalid-noor-310052">Also read| Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor</a>

At $3 billion, India is the largest regional donor to Afghanistan since 2001. Indian aid to Afghanistan focuses primarily on four main categories-- humanitarian assistance, &nbsp;major infrastructure projects, small and community-based projects and education and capacity development.&nbsp;

But the report warned, "A significant deterioration of security conditions in Afghanistan, however, may adversely affect the ability of India to provide aid."

India has built the Afghan parliament, the India Afghan friendship dam in Herat province and provided scholarship to Afghan students. To increase connectivity, India has started the India-Afghanistan air corridor and via Chabahar provided connectivity via Iran. India also committed to taking up 116 High Impact Community Development Projects in 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

These important investments will be in the areas of education, health, agriculture, irrigation, drinking water, renewable energy, flood control, micro-hydro power, sports and administrative infrastructure.

US Department of Defence or the Pentagon sees and appreciates India's role as positive in Afghanistan -- as the "largest donor" to the country. Highlighting the "traditionally" strong ties India has with Afghanistan, Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "The Indian government does not support the Taliban politically and continues to support the Afghan government" and "India has reiterated its support for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled peace process.

US Department of Defence or the Pentagon sees and appreciates India's role as positive in Afghanistan -- as the "largest donor" to the country. Highlighting the "traditionally" strong ties India has with Afghanistan, Pentagon in its report on Afghanistan said, "The Indian government does not support the Taliban politically and continues to support the Afghan government" and "India has reiterated its support for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled peace process." On the issue of counter-terror, the report said, "India works with regional state actors, the Afghan Government and Afghan power brokers to prevent transnational terrorist safe havens, and maintain access to Afghanistan as a gateway to Central Asian markets." Also read| Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor At $3 billion, India is the largest regional donor to Afghanistan since 2001. Indian aid to Afghanistan focuses primarily on four main categories-- humanitarian assistance, major infrastructure projects, small and community-based projects and education and capacity development. But the report warned, "A significant deterioration of security conditions in Afghanistan, however, may adversely affect the ability of India to provide aid." India has built the Afghan parliament, the India Afghan friendship dam in Herat province and provided scholarship to Afghan students. To increase connectivity, India has started the India-Afghanistan air corridor and via Chabahar provided connectivity via Iran. India also committed to taking up 116 High Impact Community Development Projects in 34 provinces of Afghanistan. These important investments will be in the areas of education, health, agriculture, irrigation, drinking water, renewable energy, flood control, micro-hydro power, sports and administrative infrastructure.

Pentagon sees India's role as positive in Afghanistan

The Pentagon or the US department of defence, in its report on Afghanistan, has said Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various terror groups.

These groups include al-Qa’ida Core (AQ), al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K).&nbsp;

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The report said, "Terrorist sanctuaries on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border present security challenges for both countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan), pose a threat to regional security and stability, and threaten U.S. national security interests."

Highlighting US interest in Afghanistan, the report said, Washington wants to "ensure the country is never again used as a safe haven from which terrorists can attack the United States, or our Allies or interests abroad" and "accordingly, the primary U.S. Government objective in Afghanistan is to support the Afghan government's effort to obtain a durable political settlement that ends the war and mitigates terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan."

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The report also highlighted the "close ties" al-Qa’ida's regional affiliate—al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) has maintained with Taliban.&nbsp;

Last month a United Nations report said that about 6,500 Pakistanis as foreign terrorist fighters are present in Afghanistan including 1,000 belonging to Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Most of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters are co-located with Taliban fighters and are hand in glove with them, the report said.

The UN monitoring team in its annual technical update to United Nations Security Council said, "The number of foreign terrorist fighters in search of a purpose and livelihood in Afghanistan, including up to 6,500 Pakistanis, will render this a complex challenge, which will require careful monitoring.

The Pentagon or the US department of defence, in its report on Afghanistan, has said Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various terror groups.

The Pentagon or the US department of defence, in its report on Afghanistan, has said Afghanistan-Pakistan border region remains a sanctuary for various terror groups. These groups include al-Qa’ida Core (AQ), al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K). Also read| UN concerned Afghan violence aimed at derailing peace talks The report said, "Terrorist sanctuaries on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border present security challenges for both countries (Afghanistan and Pakistan), pose a threat to regional security and stability, and threaten U.S. national security interests." Highlighting US interest in Afghanistan, the report said, Washington wants to "ensure the country is never again used as a safe haven from which terrorists can attack the United States, or our Allies or interests abroad" and "accordingly, the primary U.S. Government objective in Afghanistan is to support the Afghan government's effort to obtain a durable political settlement that ends the war and mitigates terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan." Also read| Want peaceful, democratic Afghanistan with rights for women, minorities: Khalid Noor The report also highlighted the "close ties" al-Qa’ida's regional affiliate—al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) has maintained with Taliban. Last month a United Nations report said that about 6,500 Pakistanis as foreign terrorist fighters are present in Afghanistan including 1,000 belonging to Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Most of the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba fighters are co-located with Taliban fighters and are hand in glove with them, the report said. The UN monitoring team in its annual technical update to United Nations Security Council said, "The number of foreign terrorist fighters in search of a purpose and livelihood in Afghanistan, including up to 6,500 Pakistanis, will render this a complex challenge, which will require careful monitoring.

Afghan-Pak border sanctuary for terror groups: Pentagon

Al-Qaeda's regional affiliate in Afghanistan maintains close ties to the Taliban and has an "enduring interest" in attacking US and foreign troops, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

Under a deal the Taliban signed with the United States in February, the insurgents agreed to stop Al-Qaeda from using Afghanistan as a safe haven to plot attacks.&nbsp;

But in the months since, the Taliban have continued to work with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), the US Defense Department said in a report.

"AQIS routinely supports and works with low-level Taliban members in its efforts to undermine the Afghan government, and maintains an enduring interest in attacking US forces and Western targets in the region," the Pentagon said in a security assessment compiled for the US Congress.

"Despite recent progress in the peace process, AQIS maintains close ties to the Taliban in Afghanistan, likely for protection and training."

The Pentagon report comes on the heels of a UN analysis released last month that found Al-Qaeda and the Taliban "remain close" and were in regular consultations over negotiations with America.

Afghan watchers have long questioned whether Washington is being naive in thinking the Taliban would honor a pledge to restrict Al-Qaeda, the jihadist group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks that led to America's invasion of Afghanistan.

The report added that any "core" Al-Qaeda members still in Afghanistan are focused mainly on survival, and have delegated regional leadership to AQIS.

"AQIS's interest in attacking US forces and other Western targets in Afghanistan and the region persists, but continuing coalition (counterterrorism) pressure has reduced AQIS's ability to conduct operations in Afghanistan without the support of the Taliban," the Pentagon said.&nbsp;

The UN report highlighted the connections between Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, who sheltered former leader Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan ahead of 9/11.

The two groups "remain close, based on friendship, a history of shared struggle, ideological sympathy and intermarriage," the UN report stated.

The US-Taliban deal signed February 29 was supposed to lead to peace talks starting by March 10 between the insurgents and the Kabul government.&nbsp;

But negotiations have proved elusive amid a contentious prisoner swap and rising violence.

Under the US-Taliban deal, foreign forces are supposed to quit Afghanistan next year.

But General Kenneth McKenzie, who heads US Central Command, said last month that "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan" before the US would pull out.&nbsp;

Al-Qaeda's regional affiliate in Afghanistan maintains close ties to the Taliban and has an "enduring interest" in attacking US and foreign troops, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

Al-Qaeda's regional affiliate in Afghanistan maintains close ties to the Taliban and has an "enduring interest" in attacking US and foreign troops, the Pentagon said Wednesday. Under a deal the Taliban signed with the United States in February, the insurgents agreed to stop Al-Qaeda from using Afghanistan as a safe haven to plot attacks. But in the months since, the Taliban have continued to work with Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), the US Defense Department said in a report. "AQIS routinely supports and works with low-level Taliban members in its efforts to undermine the Afghan government, and maintains an enduring interest in attacking US forces and Western targets in the region," the Pentagon said in a security assessment compiled for the US Congress. "Despite recent progress in the peace process, AQIS maintains close ties to the Taliban in Afghanistan, likely for protection and training." The Pentagon report comes on the heels of a UN analysis released last month that found Al-Qaeda and the Taliban "remain close" and were in regular consultations over negotiations with America. Afghan watchers have long questioned whether Washington is being naive in thinking the Taliban would honor a pledge to restrict Al-Qaeda, the jihadist group behind the September 11, 2001 attacks that led to America's invasion of Afghanistan. The report added that any "core" Al-Qaeda members still in Afghanistan are focused mainly on survival, and have delegated regional leadership to AQIS. "AQIS's interest in attacking US forces and other Western targets in Afghanistan and the region persists, but continuing coalition (counterterrorism) pressure has reduced AQIS's ability to conduct operations in Afghanistan without the support of the Taliban," the Pentagon said. The UN report highlighted the connections between Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, who sheltered former leader Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan ahead of 9/11. The two groups "remain close, based on friendship, a history of shared struggle, ideological sympathy and intermarriage," the UN report stated. The US-Taliban deal signed February 29 was supposed to lead to peace talks starting by March 10 between the insurgents and the Kabul government. But negotiations have proved elusive amid a contentious prisoner swap and rising violence. Under the US-Taliban deal, foreign forces are supposed to quit Afghanistan next year. But General Kenneth McKenzie, who heads US Central Command, said last month that "conditions would have to be met that satisfy us -- that attacks against our homeland are not going to be generated from Afghanistan" before the US would pull out.

Taliban maintain ties to Al-Qaeda affiliate: Pentagon

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