In the first case of coronavirus affecting military personnel, a soldier from Leh is reported to have been infected by the virus. He was on leave from February 25 to March 1. The soldier's father had returned from a pilgrimage in Iran.

Indian Army soldier tests positive for coronavirus

Indian soldier Chandu Chavan, who had inadvertently crossed into Pakistan after the 2016 surgical strikes, has reportedly alleged harassment by his superiors and decided to quit the Army.

Reacting promptly to his allegations, the Indian Army termed it as "indiscipline" and said the soldier is a "perpetual offender".

"He has five disciplinary proceedings that have been initiated against him for various offences. Further, a complaint from civil administration in Dhule for actively campaigning during the last general election has also been received, which was also reported in media," Indian Army sources said on Saturday night.

The sources said Chavan, who is posted as a jawan in the armoured Corps Centre in Ahmednagar, was also found intoxicated in the unit lines.

"While disciplinary proceedings were underway Sowar Chandu Chawan absconded from the unit premises and has been declared Absent Without Leave with effect from October 3, 2019," the sources said.

According to sources, counselling and efforts to rehabilitate him by the Indian Army have been futile because of his lackadaisical and complacent attitude.

Sources also made it clear that the Army will, under no circumstances, accept indiscipline of this nature and said that his unit has also not received any request for premature discharge from him.

Chavan had crossed over to Pakistan inadvertently right after the 2016 surgical strikes and was returned to India after being in Pakistani custody for four months.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian soldier Chandu Chavan, who had inadvertently crossed into Pakistan after the 2016 surgical strikes, has reportedly alleged harassment by his superiors and decided to quit the Army.

Indian soldier Chandu Chavan, who had inadvertently crossed into Pakistan after the 2016 surgical strikes, has reportedly alleged harassment by his superiors and decided to quit the Army. Reacting promptly to his allegations, the Indian Army termed it as "indiscipline" and said the soldier is a "perpetual offender". "He has five disciplinary proceedings that have been initiated against him for various offences. Further, a complaint from civil administration in Dhule for actively campaigning during the last general election has also been received, which was also reported in media," Indian Army sources said on Saturday night. The sources said Chavan, who is posted as a jawan in the armoured Corps Centre in Ahmednagar, was also found intoxicated in the unit lines. "While disciplinary proceedings were underway Sowar Chandu Chawan absconded from the unit premises and has been declared Absent Without Leave with effect from October 3, 2019," the sources said. According to sources, counselling and efforts to rehabilitate him by the Indian Army have been futile because of his lackadaisical and complacent attitude. Sources also made it clear that the Army will, under no circumstances, accept indiscipline of this nature and said that his unit has also not received any request for premature discharge from him. Chavan had crossed over to Pakistan inadvertently right after the 2016 surgical strikes and was returned to India after being in Pakistani custody for four months.

Soldier, who crossed over into Pakistan, alleges harassment; Army calls him 'perpetual offender'

One soldier was injured in an exchange of fire along the Line of Control(LoC) on Tuesday after a major infiltration bid was foiled in the Macchal sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to reports, five to six terrorists infiltrated 500 metres into Indian territory.

The development occurred even as General Officer Commanding in Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen Ranbir Singh <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-commander-ranbir-singh-reviews-operational-readiness-in-jammu-and-kashmir-241021">chaired a meeting</a> of the Core Group of Intelligence and Security agencies to review the "operational readiness in Jammu and Kashmir".

"Necessary security arrangements have been put in place for ensuring peace and security," Ranbir Singh said.

One soldier was injured in an exchange of fire along the Line of Control(LoC) on Tuesday after a major infiltration bid was foiled in the Macchal sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

One soldier was injured in an exchange of fire along the Line of Control(LoC) on Tuesday after a major infiltration bid was foiled in the Macchal sector of Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, five to six terrorists infiltrated 500 metres into Indian territory. The development occurred even as General Officer Commanding in Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen Ranbir Singh chaired a meeting of the Core Group of Intelligence and Security agencies to review the "operational readiness in Jammu and Kashmir". "Necessary security arrangements have been put in place for ensuring peace and security," Ranbir Singh said.

Army foils major infiltration bid in Jammu and Kashmir; one soldier injured

Seven people on Monday died in Sudan while troops were attempting to disperse protesters staging a sit-in in the capital Khartoum, the interior minister said.

"While the demonstrations were being dispersed seven citizens died, six of them in Khartoum state and one in central Darfur," Bushara Juma told parliament, adding that about 10,000 protesters had rallied in front of the military headquarters in the capital on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-troop-killed-in-clash-with-govt-security-during-khartoum-protests-208813">A soldier was also died allegedly</a> following a shootout with pro-government security forces, reported by news agency EFE.

More than 50,000 people participated in the demonstration, demanding that they would not leave the area until President Omar al-Bashir resigned and a transitional government was formed to "move the country onto the next stage."

Protests stirred in Sudan on December 19, 2018, and have occurred almost daily since then.

At least 50 people have been killed since the action began, the movement was met with repression by security forces.&nbsp;

More than 1,000 are thought to have been arrested, among them opposition figures and activists.

(With inputs from agencies)

Seven people on Monday died in Sudan while troops were attempting to disperse protesters staging a sit-in in the capital Khartoum, the interior minister said. "While the demonstrations were being dispersed seven citizens died, six of them in Khartoum state and one in central Darfur," Bushara Juma told parliament, adding that about 10,000 protesters had rallied in front of the military headquarters in the capital on Saturday.

Seven people on Monday died in Sudan while troops were attempting to disperse protesters staging a sit-in in the capital Khartoum, the interior minister said. "While the demonstrations were being dispersed seven citizens died, six of them in Khartoum state and one in central Darfur," Bushara Juma told parliament, adding that about 10,000 protesters had rallied in front of the military headquarters in the capital on Saturday. A soldier was also died allegedly following a shootout with pro-government security forces, reported by news agency EFE. More than 50,000 people participated in the demonstration, demanding that they would not leave the area until President Omar al-Bashir resigned and a transitional government was formed to "move the country onto the next stage." Protests stirred in Sudan on December 19, 2018, and have occurred almost daily since then. At least 50 people have been killed since the action began, the movement was met with repression by security forces. More than 1,000 are thought to have been arrested, among them opposition figures and activists. (With inputs from agencies)

Seven killed during protests in Sudan: Interior Minister

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-army-deploys-as-protesters-keep-pressure-on-bashir-208781">Sudanese soldier on Monday</a> died allegedly following a shootout with pro-government security forces, which were attempting to disperse<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-protesters-reach-army-headquarters-for-first-time-source-208358&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjVnavZycDhAhV38XMBHQI9AY8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw27osCl0wHK5CNDpZ_K_c8X"> protesters</a> staging a sit-in in the capital Khartoum.

Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, a union that has joined widespread protests calling for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-police-fire-tear-gas-at-protestors-outside-army-headquarters-source-208421">Omar al-Bashir</a>, the Sudanese president since 1989, to resign, said a soldier named Sami Sheikh al-Din died from injuries sustained when factions of the army moved in to thwart an attempt by the government-aligned security apparatus to clear tens of thousands of demonstrators from in front of the army headquarters.

A source from a military hospital in the city of Omdurman, just to the north of Khartoum, told Efe that the soldier had died from bullet wounds to the chest and head.&nbsp;

Eight other soldiers were injured, the medical source said.

Eyewitnesses outside the army barracks where the sit-in was taking place told Efe that members of the Sudanese armed forces fired into the air to force the security units to pull back from their operation.

"Military units protected those taking part in the sit-in after the security forces tried to end the protest with force," Ali Ibrahim, a member of the Sudan Professionals Association union, which is at the fore of the growing revolt against the incumbent leader, told Efe.&nbsp;

Ibrahim claimed he witnessed the incident.&nbsp;

He said more than 50,000 people were participating in the demonstration, insisting they would not leave the area until Al-Bashir resigned and a transitional government was formed to "move the country onto the next stage."&nbsp;

The SPA said on social media that "militias" had failed to remove the protesters by force thanks to the intervention by Sudanese soldiers.&nbsp;

It shared a video that apparently showed crowds of demonstrators thanking a group of soldiers in the back of a pick-up truck. At least one of the soldiers was visibly emotional.&nbsp;

The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, which falls under the umbrella of the SPA, said many people were injured when the state security forces opened fire with live rounds at the sit-in, although the exact number of wounded was not made public by the group.&nbsp;

The medical union called on doctors to go to the Royal Care hospital to help staff administer treatment to the injured protesters.&nbsp;

Protests stirred in Sudan on December 19, 2018, and have occurred almost daily since then.&nbsp;

They dipped in intensity when Al-Bashir declared a state of emergency on February 22.&nbsp;

However, campaigners returned to the streets in their largest showing on Saturday, which coincided with the anniversary of the revolution of 1985 that paved the way for a four-year period of democracy.&nbsp;

They have remained on the streets since Saturday's march.&nbsp;

At least 50 people have been killed since the action began, the movement was met with repression by security forces.&nbsp;

More than 1,000 are thought to have been arrested, among them opposition figures and activists.

A Sudanese soldier on Monday died allegedly following a shootout with pro-government security forces, which were attempting to disperse protesters staging a sit-in in the capital Khartoum.

A Sudanese soldier on Monday died allegedly following a shootout with pro-government security forces, which were attempting to disperse protesters staging a sit-in in the capital Khartoum. Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, a union that has joined widespread protests calling for Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese president since 1989, to resign, said a soldier named Sami Sheikh al-Din died from injuries sustained when factions of the army moved in to thwart an attempt by the government-aligned security apparatus to clear tens of thousands of demonstrators from in front of the army headquarters. A source from a military hospital in the city of Omdurman, just to the north of Khartoum, told Efe that the soldier had died from bullet wounds to the chest and head. Eight other soldiers were injured, the medical source said. Eyewitnesses outside the army barracks where the sit-in was taking place told Efe that members of the Sudanese armed forces fired into the air to force the security units to pull back from their operation. "Military units protected those taking part in the sit-in after the security forces tried to end the protest with force," Ali Ibrahim, a member of the Sudan Professionals Association union, which is at the fore of the growing revolt against the incumbent leader, told Efe. Ibrahim claimed he witnessed the incident. He said more than 50,000 people were participating in the demonstration, insisting they would not leave the area until Al-Bashir resigned and a transitional government was formed to "move the country onto the next stage." The SPA said on social media that "militias" had failed to remove the protesters by force thanks to the intervention by Sudanese soldiers. It shared a video that apparently showed crowds of demonstrators thanking a group of soldiers in the back of a pick-up truck. At least one of the soldiers was visibly emotional. The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, which falls under the umbrella of the SPA, said many people were injured when the state security forces opened fire with live rounds at the sit-in, although the exact number of wounded was not made public by the group. The medical union called on doctors to go to the Royal Care hospital to help staff administer treatment to the injured protesters. Protests stirred in Sudan on December 19, 2018, and have occurred almost daily since then. They dipped in intensity when Al-Bashir declared a state of emergency on February 22. However, campaigners returned to the streets in their largest showing on Saturday, which coincided with the anniversary of the revolution of 1985 that paved the way for a four-year period of democracy. They have remained on the streets since Saturday's march. At least 50 people have been killed since the action began, the movement was met with repression by security forces. More than 1,000 are thought to have been arrested, among them opposition figures and activists.

Sudanese troop killed in clash with government security during Khartoum protests

One District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawan sustained injuries on Sunday after an exchange of fire between security forces and Naxals near the jungle area of Sonpur in Chhattisgarh, police said.

Around 10 to 15 Naxals were also injured in the firing that took place early on Sunday morning.

Troops from the Special Task Force (STF) and the DRG from Basingbahar, Sonpur and Kohkametta camps proceeded to the Irpanar, Ikmetta, Irakbhatti area after being informed about the presence of 200 Naxals.

"At around 10 a.m, there was a heavy exchange of fire near Ikkametta jungles, which lies 9 km south of Sonpur camp. The encounter lasted for over an hour and unable to stand the offensive, the Maoists retreated with their injured," an official said.

One jawan, Dayaram Nuretti, sustained minor injuries and is condition is reported to be stable.&nbsp;

One District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawan sustained injuries on Sunday after an exchange of fire between security forces and Naxals near the jungle area of Sonpur in Chhattisgarh, police said.

One District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawan sustained injuries on Sunday after an exchange of fire between security forces and Naxals near the jungle area of Sonpur in Chhattisgarh, police said. Around 10 to 15 Naxals were also injured in the firing that took place early on Sunday morning. Troops from the Special Task Force (STF) and the DRG from Basingbahar, Sonpur and Kohkametta camps proceeded to the Irpanar, Ikmetta, Irakbhatti area after being informed about the presence of 200 Naxals. "At around 10 a.m, there was a heavy exchange of fire near Ikkametta jungles, which lies 9 km south of Sonpur camp. The encounter lasted for over an hour and unable to stand the offensive, the Maoists retreated with their injured," an official said. One jawan, Dayaram Nuretti, sustained minor injuries and is condition is reported to be stable.

Jawan injured in encounter with Naxals in Chhattisgarh

Detained army personnel Jitu Fauji, who is accused of killing a police inspector in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr, has said that he is not an absconder, alleging that he is being framed.&nbsp;

"I am not an absconder. I haven't done anything wrong. I am being framed," news agency ANI quoted Fauji.

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Jitu Fauji, an accused in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BulandshaharViolence?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BulandshaharViolence</a>: I am not an absconder. I haven't done anything wrong. I am being framed. <a href="https://t.co/YQMqyXpviU">pic.twitter.com/YQMqyXpviU</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1071766871777538049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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One of the key accused in the Bulandshahr cop-killing case, Fauji was detained by Uttar Pradesh police on Saturday and was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/soldier-accused-in-bulandshahr-cops-killing-sent-to-14-day-judicial-custody-182698">sent to 14-</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/soldier-accused-in-bulandshahr-cops-killing-sent-to-14-day-judicial-custody-182698">day</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/soldier-accused-in-bulandshahr-cops-killing-sent-to-14-day-judicial-custody-182698"> judicial custody</a> by a local court on Sunday.

A police team was sent to Jammu to nab the suspected armyman, Jitu Fauji, a senior officer told news agency PTI. Fauji was handed over to the police by the Rashtriya Rifles.

Two people, including an inspector, were killed in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bulandshahr-violence-up-government-transfers-asp-army-jawan-arrested-182681">clashes that broke</a> out over an alleged incident of cow slaughter in Uttar Pradesh Bulandshahr on December 3, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Detained army personnel Jitu Fauji, who is accused of killing a police inspector in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr, has said that he is not an absconder, alleging that he is being framed.

Detained army personnel Jitu Fauji, who is accused of killing a police inspector in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr, has said that he is not an absconder, alleging that he is being framed. "I am not an absconder. I haven't done anything wrong. I am being framed," news agency ANI quoted Fauji. Jitu Fauji, an accused in #BulandshaharViolence: I am not an absconder. I haven't done anything wrong. I am being framed. pic.twitter.com/YQMqyXpviU — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 9, 2018 × One of the key accused in the Bulandshahr cop-killing case, Fauji was detained by Uttar Pradesh police on Saturday and was sent to 14-day judicial custody by a local court on Sunday. A police team was sent to Jammu to nab the suspected armyman, Jitu Fauji, a senior officer told news agency PTI. Fauji was handed over to the police by the Rashtriya Rifles. Two people, including an inspector, were killed in clashes that broke out over an alleged incident of cow slaughter in Uttar Pradesh Bulandshahr on December 3, news agency PTI reported. (With inputs from PTI)

I haven't done anything, I am being framed: Soldier accused in Bulandshahr cop's killing

A US soldier based in Hawaii was sentenced on Tuesday to 25 years in prison for attempting to provide support to the Islamic State group also known as ISIS.

Ikaika Erik Kang, 35, whose sentence was part of a plea agreement, will also be under at least 20 years of supervised release after he completes his prison term.

"Kang swore to defend the United States as a member of our military, but betrayed his country by swearing allegiance to ISIS and attempting to provide it material support," John Demers, assistant attorney general for national security, said in a statement.

According to authorities, Kang, a sergeant in the US Army, became sympathetic to ISIS by at least early 2016 and regularly watched propaganda videos published online by the terror group while expressing a desire to become a member.

Prosecutors said he spoke in detail about committing specific acts of violence including launching attacks at public gatherings such as the Honolulu Christmas Parade and planning a suicide bombing at his army barracks.

In June and July of last year, he met with undercover FBI agents posing as people with connections to ISIS and provided them with sensitive material.

He also supplied the agents with a small aerial drone and military-style clothing and gear.

On another occasion, he provided two undercover FBI employees -- one pretending to be a high-ranking ISIS leader and another an ISIS fighter -- with a two-hour combat training session to hone their fighting and marksmanship skills.

Kang was arrested after he swore allegiance to ISIS during a ceremony conducted by the purported ISIS leader.

"This is the first case in the state of Hawaii where someone was convicted for providing material support to terrorism," said Sean Kaul, special agent in charge of the FBI office in Honolulu. "This should serve as reminder that even though we are 2,500 miles from the US mainland these crimes can and do happen everywhere."

According to local media, Kang grew up in an abusive household and his father suffered from mental health issues. Two former members of the US military also testified that he had mental health issues and could easily be influenced.

A US soldier based in Hawaii was sentenced on Tuesday to 25 years in prison for attempting to provide support to the Islamic State group also known as ISIS. Ikaika Erik Kang, 35, whose sentence was part of a plea agreement, will also be under at least 20 years of supervised release after he completes his prison term.

A US soldier based in Hawaii was sentenced on Tuesday to 25 years in prison for attempting to provide support to the Islamic State group also known as ISIS. Ikaika Erik Kang, 35, whose sentence was part of a plea agreement, will also be under at least 20 years of supervised release after he completes his prison term. "Kang swore to defend the United States as a member of our military, but betrayed his country by swearing allegiance to ISIS and attempting to provide it material support," John Demers, assistant attorney general for national security, said in a statement. According to authorities, Kang, a sergeant in the US Army, became sympathetic to ISIS by at least early 2016 and regularly watched propaganda videos published online by the terror group while expressing a desire to become a member. Prosecutors said he spoke in detail about committing specific acts of violence including launching attacks at public gatherings such as the Honolulu Christmas Parade and planning a suicide bombing at his army barracks. In June and July of last year, he met with undercover FBI agents posing as people with connections to ISIS and provided them with sensitive material. He also supplied the agents with a small aerial drone and military-style clothing and gear. On another occasion, he provided two undercover FBI employees -- one pretending to be a high-ranking ISIS leader and another an ISIS fighter -- with a two-hour combat training session to hone their fighting and marksmanship skills. Kang was arrested after he swore allegiance to ISIS during a ceremony conducted by the purported ISIS leader. "This is the first case in the state of Hawaii where someone was convicted for providing material support to terrorism," said Sean Kaul, special agent in charge of the FBI office in Honolulu. "This should serve as reminder that even though we are 2,500 miles from the US mainland these crimes can and do happen everywhere." According to local media, Kang grew up in an abusive household and his father suffered from mental health issues. Two former members of the US military also testified that he had mental health issues and could easily be influenced.

US soldier gets 25 years in prison for backing ISIS

India summons Pakistani official over Sunderbani killings

Terrorists have abducted an Indian Army soldier from&nbsp;Kalampora area in Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K).&nbsp;

The soldier named&nbsp;Aurangzeb belongs to&nbsp;&nbsp;4 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and was posted&nbsp;to&nbsp;44 Rashtriya Rifles.

He was abducted by terrorists from Kalampora area in Pulwama while on leave for Eid.

At about 9 am on Thursday, army men from the unit stopped a car asking the driver to drop Aurangzeb in Shopian, soon after terrorists&nbsp;stopped the vehicle as it approached Kalampora and abducted Aurangzeb.

Police have begun investigating the matter.&nbsp;The Army is also conducting an inquiry into the incident.

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J&K: Terrorists abducted an Army Jawan, Aurangzeb from Pulwama district. He is a resident of Poonch. Police begin investigation in the matter. <a href="https://t.co/h1qCCO1Vjt">pic.twitter.com/h1qCCO1Vjt</a>
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In May last year, a 22-year-old lieutenant with the Rajputana Rifles was kidnapped from Kulgam.&nbsp;

Ummer Fayaz was found the following morning shot in the head and abdomen.&nbsp;

Ummer, a Kashmiri, was home on leave at the time. He had returned home to attend a cousin's wedding when he was&nbsp;kidnapped.&nbsp;

The soldier was identified as Aurangzeb, a resident of Poonch

Terrorists have abducted an Indian Army soldier from Kalampora area in Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K). The soldier named Aurangzeb belongs to 4 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and was posted to 44 Rashtriya Rifles. He was abducted by terrorists from Kalampora area in Pulwama while on leave for Eid. At about 9 am on Thursday, army men from the unit stopped a car asking the driver to drop Aurangzeb in Shopian, soon after terrorists stopped the vehicle as it approached Kalampora and abducted Aurangzeb. Police have begun investigating the matter. The Army is also conducting an inquiry into the incident. J&K: Terrorists abducted an Army Jawan, Aurangzeb from Pulwama district. He is a resident of Poonch. Police begin investigation in the matter. pic.twitter.com/h1qCCO1Vjt — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 × In May last year, a 22-year-old lieutenant with the Rajputana Rifles was kidnapped from Kulgam. Ummer Fayaz was found the following morning shot in the head and abdomen. Ummer, a Kashmiri, was home on leave at the time. He had returned home to attend a cousin's wedding when he was kidnapped.

J&K: Terrorists abduct Indian Army soldier from Pulwama

Talk about a spectacular joyride: an American soldier commandeered an armoured personnel carrier and led police on a chase along a major highway for more than an hour.

In scenes that drew comparisons with the anarchic Grand Theft Auto video game series, the vehicle tore through streets, ignoring traffic signals -- and the screaming sirens in hot pursuit.

Cops in the eastern state of Virginia were unable to deploy the stingers that might normally be laid out across the roads to burst a stolen car's tyres.

Instead, they raced along behind the sand-coloured all-terrain vehicle, whose caterpillar tracks were carrying it at speeds of up to 40 miles (65 kilometres) per hour.

"This is INSANE!" wrote Twitter-user @ParkerSlay89, posting a video of the chase.

"Someone has hijacked a 'Tank-like' vehicle from Fort Pickett and just drove it by our apartment!"

Kayleigh, a bystander, told local TV network WWBT: "Honestly it kinda reminds me of the Grand Theft Auto games where the tanks drive just in the middle of the city, it's surreal."

The wildly successful Grand Theft Auto series is an open-world video game in which players create mayhem across an urban landscape, stealing vehicles and committing crimes.&nbsp;

Virginia State Police Sargent Keeli Hill told reporters the APC, which was not equipped with any weapons, had been boosted from a Virginia National Guard base and driven along a major road to the state capital, Richmond.

During the pursuit, officers closed exit ramps on the highway, Hill said, adding the soldier eventually stopped the vehicle and surrendered.

High-speed police chases are a regular feature of US news networks, many of which dispatch helicopters to give their audience a bird's-eye view of the action.

Virginia Police chased him for more than an hour before the soldier finally stopped an surrendered

Talk about a spectacular joyride: an American soldier commandeered an armoured personnel carrier and led police on a chase along a major highway for more than an hour. In scenes that drew comparisons with the anarchic Grand Theft Auto video game series, the vehicle tore through streets, ignoring traffic signals -- and the screaming sirens in hot pursuit. Cops in the eastern state of Virginia were unable to deploy the stingers that might normally be laid out across the roads to burst a stolen car's tyres. Instead, they raced along behind the sand-coloured all-terrain vehicle, whose caterpillar tracks were carrying it at speeds of up to 40 miles (65 kilometres) per hour. "This is INSANE!" wrote Twitter-user @ParkerSlay89, posting a video of the chase. "Someone has hijacked a 'Tank-like' vehicle from Fort Pickett and just drove it by our apartment!" Kayleigh, a bystander, told local TV network WWBT: "Honestly it kinda reminds me of the Grand Theft Auto games where the tanks drive just in the middle of the city, it's surreal." The wildly successful Grand Theft Auto series is an open-world video game in which players create mayhem across an urban landscape, stealing vehicles and committing crimes. Virginia State Police Sargent Keeli Hill told reporters the APC, which was not equipped with any weapons, had been boosted from a Virginia National Guard base and driven along a major road to the state capital, Richmond. During the pursuit, officers closed exit ramps on the highway, Hill said, adding the soldier eventually stopped the vehicle and surrendered. High-speed police chases are a regular feature of US news networks, many of which dispatch helicopters to give their audience a bird's-eye view of the action.

Grand Theft Auto: US soldier steals armoured personnel carrier

A soldier wounded by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan has received the world's first complete penis and scrotum transplant, officials at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore said on Monday.

A team of nine plastic surgeons and two urological surgeons operated on the veteran, whose nationality was not disclosed, for 14 hours on March 26, the hospital said in a statement.

The team transplanted an entire penis, a scrotum without testicles and a partial abdominal wall from a deceased donor. The wounded man, who requested anonymity, has recovered from the surgery and is expected to be discharged from the hospital this week.

“We are hopeful that this transplant will help restore near-normal urinary and sexual functions for this young man,” Dr&nbsp;WP&nbsp;Andrew Lee, the head of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said in the statement.

The soldier called his injury from an improvised explosive device "mind-boggling" and difficult to accept. Details of the incident were not released.

“When I first woke up (after surgery), I felt finally more normal ... (with) a level of confidence as well. Confidence ... like finally I’m OK,” he said in the statement.

Johns Hopkins surgeons had performed the first US&nbsp;double-arm transplant of two arms on a wounded service member in December.

A transplant in which a body part or tissue is transferred from one individual to another is called vascularized composite allotransplantation. The surgery involves transplanting skin, muscles and tendons, nerves, bone and blood vessels.

Lee said that although it is possible to reconstruct a penis using tissue from other body parts, a prosthesis implant would be necessary to achieve an erection, and that comes with a much higher rate of infection.

In addition, service personnel often do not have enough viable tissue from other parts of their bodies to use because of other injuries, he said.

A team of nine plastic surgeons and two urological surgeons operated on the soldier in the US

A soldier wounded by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan has received the world's first complete penis and scrotum transplant, officials at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore said on Monday. A team of nine plastic surgeons and two urological surgeons operated on the veteran, whose nationality was not disclosed, for 14 hours on March 26, the hospital said in a statement. The team transplanted an entire penis, a scrotum without testicles and a partial abdominal wall from a deceased donor. The wounded man, who requested anonymity, has recovered from the surgery and is expected to be discharged from the hospital this week. “We are hopeful that this transplant will help restore near-normal urinary and sexual functions for this young man,” Dr WP Andrew Lee, the head of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said in the statement. The soldier called his injury from an improvised explosive device "mind-boggling" and difficult to accept. Details of the incident were not released. “When I first woke up (after surgery), I felt finally more normal ... (with) a level of confidence as well. Confidence ... like finally I’m OK,” he said in the statement. Johns Hopkins surgeons had performed the first US double-arm transplant of two arms on a wounded service member in December. A transplant in which a body part or tissue is transferred from one individual to another is called vascularized composite allotransplantation. The surgery involves transplanting skin, muscles and tendons, nerves, bone and blood vessels. Lee said that although it is possible to reconstruct a penis using tissue from other body parts, a prosthesis implant would be necessary to achieve an erection, and that comes with a much higher rate of infection. In addition, service personnel often do not have enough viable tissue from other parts of their bodies to use because of other injuries, he said.

Soldier wounded in Afghanistan gets world's first penis transplant

Several Afghan soldiers including a policeman and a local tribesman were killed in the ongoing clashes with Pakistan's paramilitary Frontier Corps near the disputed border Durand Line on Saturday.

A regional Afghan police chief said that the clashes broke out along the Zazi Maidan border district in the southeastern province of Khost adjacent to Kurram as Pakistan initiated firing to force people outside the claimed Pakistan border, reported by Anadolu Agency.

Pakistani officials told Reuters that two Pakistani soldiers were killed.

Abdul Hanan, the acting provincial police chief in Khost said that clashes broke out in three locations along the border in the early hours of April 15 after Pakistani paramilitary troops ignored repeated warnings from locals and Afghan border police officers and crossed the border.

Though security has improved in Pakistan’s remote areas bordering Afghanistan, sectarian militant attacks, primarily targeting Shi’ite Muslims, still occur.

“Pakistani troops are exercising maximum restraint so as to avoid any Afghan civilian casualties,” the Pakistan Army’s public relations department said, adding that five soldiers were wounded in the attack.

Afghan officials said that Pakistani troops crossed on to Afghan soil, prompting a response by border forces and the local tribal force.

“Two tribesmen were killed and the exchange of fire is ongoing,” said Mohmud Zazai, a senior army commander in the area.

Pakistan has blamed Pakistani Taliban militants it says are based on Afghan soil for attacks that have taken place in the region over the past two years, urging Kabul to eradicate “sanctuaries” for militants.

Afghanistan, in turn, accuses Islamabad of sheltering the leadership of the Afghan Taliban militants who are battling the Western-backed government in Kabul.

Pakistan and Afghanistan share a nearly 2,600-kilometer largely porous border. The Pakistani military has recently started constructing a robust fence on the border in its bid to prevent illegal crossings in either direction.

A regional Afghan police chief said that the clashes broke out along the Zazi Maidan border district in the southeastern province of Khost adjacent to Kurram as Pakistan initiated firing to force people outside the claimed Pakistan border

Several Afghan soldiers including a policeman and a local tribesman were killed in the ongoing clashes with Pakistan's paramilitary Frontier Corps near the disputed border Durand Line on Saturday. A regional Afghan police chief said that the clashes broke out along the Zazi Maidan border district in the southeastern province of Khost adjacent to Kurram as Pakistan initiated firing to force people outside the claimed Pakistan border, reported by Anadolu Agency. Pakistani officials told Reuters that two Pakistani soldiers were killed. Abdul Hanan, the acting provincial police chief in Khost said that clashes broke out in three locations along the border in the early hours of April 15 after Pakistani paramilitary troops ignored repeated warnings from locals and Afghan border police officers and crossed the border. Though security has improved in Pakistan’s remote areas bordering Afghanistan, sectarian militant attacks, primarily targeting Shi’ite Muslims, still occur. “Pakistani troops are exercising maximum restraint so as to avoid any Afghan civilian casualties,” the Pakistan Army’s public relations department said, adding that five soldiers were wounded in the attack. Afghan officials said that Pakistani troops crossed on to Afghan soil, prompting a response by border forces and the local tribal force. “Two tribesmen were killed and the exchange of fire is ongoing,” said Mohmud Zazai, a senior army commander in the area. Pakistan has blamed Pakistani Taliban militants it says are based on Afghan soil for attacks that have taken place in the region over the past two years, urging Kabul to eradicate “sanctuaries” for militants. Afghanistan, in turn, accuses Islamabad of sheltering the leadership of the Afghan Taliban militants who are battling the Western-backed government in Kabul. Pakistan and Afghanistan share a nearly 2,600-kilometer largely porous border. The Pakistani military has recently started constructing a robust fence on the border in its bid to prevent illegal crossings in either direction.

Several Afghan soldiers killed in border clashes with Pakistan

The 20-year-old army jawan had told his parents that he will be coming home in two days. Tomorrow, they will receive the body of Sepoy Shubham Suryakant Mustapure at his village Konerwadi in Parbhani district of Maharashtra, for last rites.

Mustapure, who joined the Army two years ago, was killed as Pakistani troops fired mortar bombs at forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir today.

A pall of gloom has descended on the village as people await the arrival of his body, for the last rites to be performed tomorrow.

Mustapure will be cremated with military honours at 4 pm tomorrow, an official said. The soldier’s body is expected to land at Aurangabad airport at 11 am and will be taken to Konerwadi by road, he added.

“Shubham recently called his parents and informed them he will be coming home in two days. Now, his body, wrapped in tricolour, will reach here,” a relative of the soldier said.

The jawan, who was a bachelor, is survived by parents and grandparents and two younger brothers. While one brother studies in Gangakhed in Parbhani district, another studies at Ahmedpur in Latur district, the kin said.

The soldier’s father owns one and a half acres of farm and also supplements his income through tailoring.

When Shubham was recruited in the Army two years ago, after completing his 12th class, he had treated the entire village to a grand feast, the relative said.

Sepoy Shubham Suryakant Mustapure, who joined the Army two years ago, was killed as Pakistani troops fired mortar bombs at forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir today.

The 20-year-old army jawan had told his parents that he will be coming home in two days. Tomorrow, they will receive the body of Sepoy Shubham Suryakant Mustapure at his village Konerwadi in Parbhani district of Maharashtra, for last rites. Mustapure, who joined the Army two years ago, was killed as Pakistani troops fired mortar bombs at forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir today. A pall of gloom has descended on the village as people await the arrival of his body, for the last rites to be performed tomorrow. Mustapure will be cremated with military honours at 4 pm tomorrow, an official said. The soldier’s body is expected to land at Aurangabad airport at 11 am and will be taken to Konerwadi by road, he added. “Shubham recently called his parents and informed them he will be coming home in two days. Now, his body, wrapped in tricolour, will reach here,” a relative of the soldier said. The jawan, who was a bachelor, is survived by parents and grandparents and two younger brothers. While one brother studies in Gangakhed in Parbhani district, another studies at Ahmedpur in Latur district, the kin said. The soldier’s father owns one and a half acres of farm and also supplements his income through tailoring. When Shubham was recruited in the Army two years ago, after completing his 12th class, he had treated the entire village to a grand feast, the relative said.

Soldier killed in Pakistan shelling had told parents he would return

An army soldier allegedly shot himself dead in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Kupwara district on Wednesday morning.

The soldier identified as Birender Sinha, shot himself with his service rifle while he was on duty in Langate army camp in Kupwara District.

The 24-year-old, of the 30RR, killed himself at around 6:45 am today.

It was immediately not clear as to why he ended his life. Meanwhile, an investigation has been launched.

More details are awaited.

Just last week, another army soldier shot himself to death with his service rifle while on duty in Langate area of Handwara in north Kashmir&rsquo;s Kupwara district, &nbsp;police said.&nbsp;

The reason for the drastic step is still unclear.&nbsp;

The soldier identified as Birender Sinha, shot himself with his service rifle while he was on duty in Langate army camp in Kupwara District

An army soldier allegedly shot himself dead in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Wednesday morning. The soldier identified as Birender Sinha, shot himself with his service rifle while he was on duty in Langate army camp in Kupwara District. The 24-year-old, of the 30RR, killed himself at around 6:45 am today. It was immediately not clear as to why he ended his life. Meanwhile, an investigation has been launched. More details are awaited. Just last week, another army soldier shot himself to death with his service rifle while on duty in Langate area of Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, police said. The reason for the drastic step is still unclear.

J&K: Army soldier shoot self, reason unclear

Some of the films, song we still go back to till date will complete 20 years this year. 1998 saw some big blockbusters, including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Soldier. It is also the year that Bollywood got one its most popular directors Karan Johar, who made his directorial debut with an Indianised version of Archie comics and changed the way we perceive big budget cinema.

A lot has changed in the way we view cinema in the past 20 years, and the films that were loved back them may seem silly now. But more importantly, this list will make you travel back in time and make you feel a tad old.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai- 1998 saw a young 25 year old director make a film with country&rsquo;s favourite pair Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. Back then no one could have envisioned that Kuch Kuch Hota Hai&rsquo;s director Karan Johar will become a brand in himself twenty years down the line. The film also intrioduced us to the marvellous Rani Mukerji- back then simply known as Kajol&rsquo;s cousin. A typical Archie&rsquo;s Comic story, KKHH eventually became a cult film on pyaar, dosti and designer love stories. The film released on 16thOctober, 1998.

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Ghulam &ndash; Who can forget Aamir Khan trying to flirt with Rani Mukerji by crooning the catchy &lsquo;Aati Kya Khandala&rsquo; song? Or that nail biting train sequence where Aamir Khan ran towards a speeding train? Vikram Bhatt&rsquo;s film gave us Aamir in a rugged avatar- which was a first for the actor who had risen to fame mostly playing the romantic hero back then. It also gave us Rani Mukerji, who with her acting and that husky voice won hearts. The film released on 19th June, 1998.

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Dil Se- When Mani Ratnam&rsquo;s film released on 21 August, 1998, it received mixed response. A love story of an AIR journalist and ULFA terrorist, the film was perhaps ahead of its time. But 20 years down the line, it remains one of the sublime love stories of modern times. It&rsquo;s songs- composed by the amazing AR Rahman- continue to remain popular. The film also gave us two very prominent faces- Preity Zinta and Malaika ARora. Both were known faces in ad world back then but Dil Se marked their entry in Bollywood.

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Soldier- Abbas Mustan style masala thriller had Bobby Deol playing an outlaw who is pout to seek revenge for his father&rsquo;s murder. The film featured Preity Zinta as the female lead and Anu Mallik&rsquo;s music was chartbuster. The film released in theatres on 12 October, 1998.

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Hyderabad Blues- When Nagesh Kukunoor&rsquo;s made his directorial debut in 1998 with this film, it was one of a kind. Amidst films that were over the top, melodramatic and larger than life, Kukunoor&rsquo;s Hyderabad Blues was like a breath of fresh air and very real. Mad on shoe string budget, Hyderabad Blues ran nearly for six months in many theatres across Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mumbai. The film released in theatres on 17th July, 1998.

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Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai- Deepak Sareen&rsquo;s story of a man (Salman Khan), woman (Twinkle Khanna) and a child (Aditya Narayan) had similaritries with Eric Segal&rsquo;s bestseller Man, Woman and Child. But the story was a bit tweaked to suit Salman Khan&rsquo;s fan base. The film had Khan playing a playboy who comes around when he falls for Khanna&rsquo;s character. The couple&rsquo;s blissful life is disrupted when a young boy comes to claim his rightful place at Khan&rsquo;s house. The film came out in May 1998.

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Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya-1998 was the year when the three Khans literally ruled the box office. Khan and Kajol paired up for Sohail Khan&rsquo;s love story Pyaar Kiya to Darna Kya which had Arbaaz Khan playing Kajol&rsquo;s older brother. The film also gave us a shirtless Salman Khan for the first time as he danced to Oh Oh Jane Jana and showed off his perfect abs. The film came out on 27th March.

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Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha- A Hindi remake of the Hollywood film French Kiss, it had real life couple Ajay Devgn and Kajol playing lovers on screen. The couple got married an year later. A romantic comedy, the film had some memorable music by Jatin Lalit. Kajol practically had a dream year with three of her films being superhit. She even won the Best Actress award that year for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha was a July release.

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Satya- Back then, Ram Gopal Verma was credited for making hard hitting, realistic films. Written by Anurag Kashyap and Saurabh Shukla, Satya was hard hitting gangster film and depicted how actually the Mumbai underworld operated. While the titular character was played by Telugu star JD Chakravarthy, it was a certain Manoj Bajpayee who shined in his role as Bhiku Mhatre. Powerful performances by all actors made Satya a cult classic. The film released in theatres on 3 July 1998 and lauded by the critics and masses alike.

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Zakhm- Mahesh Bhatt&rsquo;s last directorial venture was a story of his own parents and how they fell in love. The film had Ajay Devgn playing Bhatt&rsquo;s character and the role fetched him the National Award for Best Actor that year. Pooja Bhatt played Ajay Devgn&rsquo;s mother in the film and Kunal Khemmu played the younger version of Devgn&rsquo;s character. The film released on 25th December.

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Bade Miyaan Chote Miyan- Govinda and Amitabh Bachchan teamed up for mad cap comedy of mistaken identities and the film was directed by David Dhawan. One of the last few films that had Big B romancing a heroine much younger to him- he completely reinvented himself a few years after this.

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&nbsp;

1998 saw some big blockbusters, including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Soldier

Some of the films, song we still go back to till date will complete 20 years this year. 1998 saw some big blockbusters, including Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Soldier. It is also the year that Bollywood got one its most popular directors Karan Johar, who made his directorial debut with an Indianised version of Archie comics and changed the way we perceive big budget cinema. A lot has changed in the way we view cinema in the past 20 years, and the films that were loved back them may seem silly now. But more importantly, this list will make you travel back in time and make you feel a tad old. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai- 1998 saw a young 25 year old director make a film with country’s favourite pair Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. Back then no one could have envisioned that Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’s director Karan Johar will become a brand in himself twenty years down the line. The film also intrioduced us to the marvellous Rani Mukerji- back then simply known as Kajol’s cousin. A typical Archie’s Comic story, KKHH eventually became a cult film on pyaar, dosti and designer love stories. The film released on 16thOctober, 1998. http:// × Ghulam – Who can forget Aamir Khan trying to flirt with Rani Mukerji by crooning the catchy ‘Aati Kya Khandala’ song? Or that nail biting train sequence where Aamir Khan ran towards a speeding train? Vikram Bhatt’s film gave us Aamir in a rugged avatar- which was a first for the actor who had risen to fame mostly playing the romantic hero back then. It also gave us Rani Mukerji, who with her acting and that husky voice won hearts. The film released on 19th June, 1998. × Dil Se- When Mani Ratnam’s film released on 21 August, 1998, it received mixed response. A love story of an AIR journalist and ULFA terrorist, the film was perhaps ahead of its time. But 20 years down the line, it remains one of the sublime love stories of modern times. It’s songs- composed by the amazing AR Rahman- continue to remain popular. The film also gave us two very prominent faces- Preity Zinta and Malaika ARora. Both were known faces in ad world back then but Dil Se marked their entry in Bollywood. × Soldier- Abbas Mustan style masala thriller had Bobby Deol playing an outlaw who is pout to seek revenge for his father’s murder. The film featured Preity Zinta as the female lead and Anu Mallik’s music was chartbuster. The film released in theatres on 12 October, 1998. × Hyderabad Blues- When Nagesh Kukunoor’s made his directorial debut in 1998 with this film, it was one of a kind. Amidst films that were over the top, melodramatic and larger than life, Kukunoor’s Hyderabad Blues was like a breath of fresh air and very real. Mad on shoe string budget, Hyderabad Blues ran nearly for six months in many theatres across Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mumbai. The film released in theatres on 17th July, 1998. × Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai- Deepak Sareen’s story of a man (Salman Khan), woman (Twinkle Khanna) and a child (Aditya Narayan) had similaritries with Eric Segal’s bestseller Man, Woman and Child. But the story was a bit tweaked to suit Salman Khan’s fan base. The film had Khan playing a playboy who comes around when he falls for Khanna’s character. The couple’s blissful life is disrupted when a young boy comes to claim his rightful place at Khan’s house. The film came out in May 1998. × Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya-1998 was the year when the three Khans literally ruled the box office. Khan and Kajol paired up for Sohail Khan’s love story Pyaar Kiya to Darna Kya which had Arbaaz Khan playing Kajol’s older brother. The film also gave us a shirtless Salman Khan for the first time as he danced to Oh Oh Jane Jana and showed off his perfect abs. The film came out on 27th March. × Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha- A Hindi remake of the Hollywood film French Kiss, it had real life couple Ajay Devgn and Kajol playing lovers on screen. The couple got married an year later. A romantic comedy, the film had some memorable music by Jatin Lalit. Kajol practically had a dream year with three of her films being superhit. She even won the Best Actress award that year for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha was a July release. × Satya- Back then, Ram Gopal Verma was credited for making hard hitting, realistic films. Written by Anurag Kashyap and Saurabh Shukla, Satya was hard hitting gangster film and depicted how actually the Mumbai underworld operated. While the titular character was played by Telugu star JD Chakravarthy, it was a certain Manoj Bajpayee who shined in his role as Bhiku Mhatre. Powerful performances by all actors made Satya a cult classic. The film released in theatres on 3 July 1998 and lauded by the critics and masses alike. × Zakhm- Mahesh Bhatt’s last directorial venture was a story of his own parents and how they fell in love. The film had Ajay Devgn playing Bhatt’s character and the role fetched him the National Award for Best Actor that year. Pooja Bhatt played Ajay Devgn’s mother in the film and Kunal Khemmu played the younger version of Devgn’s character. The film released on 25th December. × Bade Miyaan Chote Miyan- Govinda and Amitabh Bachchan teamed up for mad cap comedy of mistaken identities and the film was directed by David Dhawan. One of the last few films that had Big B romancing a heroine much younger to him- he completely reinvented himself a few years after this. ×

These 11 films will complete 20 years in 2018

A 25-year-old Indian Army soldier Chandan Kumar Rai lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Mendhar sector in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Poonch on Sunday.

The Indian Army said that they retaliated strongly and effectively after Pakistan initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of mortars, small arms and automatics.

Rai was injured during retaliation and succumbed to his injuries at the military hospital in J&amp;K.

He&nbsp;was from Uttar Pradesh&#39;s Chandauli district and is survived by his father.

Pakistan opened fire at 9:15 am&nbsp;using 120 mm mortars, 82 mm mortars, automatics and small arms.

This marks the 101st incident of ceasefire violation by Pakistan.&nbsp;

Sunday is the fourth consecutive day of shelling by the Pakistan Rangers in civilian areas and border outposts (BoPs).

The Indian Army said that they retaliated strongly and effectively after Pakistan initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of mortars, small arms and automatics

A 25-year-old Indian Army soldier Chandan Kumar Rai lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Mendhar sector in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch on Sunday. The Indian Army said that they retaliated strongly and effectively after Pakistan initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of mortars, small arms and automatics. Rai was injured during retaliation and succumbed to his injuries at the military hospital in J&K. He was from Uttar Pradesh's Chandauli district and is survived by his father. Pakistan opened fire at 9:15 am using 120 mm mortars, 82 mm mortars, automatics and small arms. This marks the 101st incident of ceasefire violation by Pakistan. Sunday is the fourth consecutive day of shelling by the Pakistan Rangers in civilian areas and border outposts (BoPs).

Soldier killed after ceasefire violation in J&K's Mendhar

At least 14 Afghan soldiers were injured in a car bombing at 505 Boost Police Zone in Lashkargah city, capital of Helmand Province on Wednesday.

The Tolo News quoted a spokesman for the provincial governor, Omar Zwak, as saying that the blast happened after a car bomb detonated while the soldiers were leaving the base to launch a military operation.

No group has claimed the responsibility for the attack so far.

Further details are awaited.

No group has claimed the responsibility for the attack so far.

At least 14 Afghan soldiers were injured in a car bombing at 505 Boost Police Zone in Lashkargah city, capital of Helmand Province on Wednesday. The Tolo News quoted a spokesman for the provincial governor, Omar Zwak, as saying that the blast happened after a car bomb detonated while the soldiers were leaving the base to launch a military operation. No group has claimed the responsibility for the attack so far. Further details are awaited.

Car bomb injures 14 Afghanistan soldiers in Helmand

A North Korean soldier who was shot by his own side and severely injured while dashing across the border into South Korea has regained consciousness, a report said Tuesday.

The defector is awake after undergoing two major operations at a hospital in Suwon just south of Seoul, according to an unidentified government official quoted by Yonhap news agency.

&quot;The soldier has regained consciousness and he requested to watch television,&quot; the official was quoted as saying, adding he was being shown South Korean movies for his &quot;psychological comfort&quot;.

The defector ran across the border at the Panmunjom truce village on November 13 as former comrades from the North opened fire on him, hitting him at least four times.

He was pulled to safety by three South Korean soldiers who crawled to reach him just south of the dividing line.

It is very rare for the North&#39;s troops to defect at Panmunjom, a major tourist attraction and the only part of the border where forces from the two sides come face-to-face.

The patient was now able to express his thoughts to medical staff, the official said.&nbsp;

To allay his fears and reassure him he was indeed in the South, medical staff apparently placed a South Korean flag in his room and were also using psychotherapy.

In addition to his gunshot injuries, the defector was found to be riddled with intestinal parasites, an apparent result of poor food hygiene in the impoverished North.

Depending on medical advice, an interrogation team is expected to question him in four or five days&#39; time, according to the official.&nbsp;

'The soldier has regained consciousness and he requested to watch television,' a government official said

A North Korean soldier who was shot by his own side and severely injured while dashing across the border into South Korea has regained consciousness, a report said Tuesday. The defector is awake after undergoing two major operations at a hospital in Suwon just south of Seoul, according to an unidentified government official quoted by Yonhap news agency. "The soldier has regained consciousness and he requested to watch television," the official was quoted as saying, adding he was being shown South Korean movies for his "psychological comfort". The defector ran across the border at the Panmunjom truce village on November 13 as former comrades from the North opened fire on him, hitting him at least four times. He was pulled to safety by three South Korean soldiers who crawled to reach him just south of the dividing line. It is very rare for the North's troops to defect at Panmunjom, a major tourist attraction and the only part of the border where forces from the two sides come face-to-face. The patient was now able to express his thoughts to medical staff, the official said. To allay his fears and reassure him he was indeed in the South, medical staff apparently placed a South Korean flag in his room and were also using psychotherapy. In addition to his gunshot injuries, the defector was found to be riddled with intestinal parasites, an apparent result of poor food hygiene in the impoverished North. Depending on medical advice, an interrogation team is expected to question him in four or five days' time, according to the official.

North Korean soldier who defected regains consciousness, asks to watch TV

Parasitic worms found in a North Korean soldier, critically injured during a desperate defection, highlight nutrition and hygiene problems that experts say have plagued the isolated country for decades.

At a briefing on Wednesday, lead surgeon Lee Cook-jong displayed photos showing dozens of flesh-coloured parasites - including one 27 cm (10.6 in) long - removed from the wounded soldier&rsquo;s digestive tract during a series of surgeries to save his life.

&ldquo;In my over 20 year-long career as a surgeon, I have only seen something like this in a textbook,&rdquo; Lee said.

The parasites, along with kernels of corn in his stomach, may confirm what many experts and previous defectors have described the food and hygiene situation for many North Koreans.

&ldquo;Although we do not have solid figures showing health conditions of North Korea, medical experts assume that parasite infection problems and serious health issues have been prevalent in the country,&rdquo; said Choi Min-Ho, a professor at Seoul National University College of Medicine who specializes in parasites.

The soldier&rsquo;s condition was &ldquo;not surprising at all considering the north&rsquo;s hygiene and parasite problems,&rdquo; he said.

The soldier was flown by helicopter to the hospital on Monday after his dramatic escape to South Korea in a hail of bullets fired by North Korean soldiers.

He is believed to be an army staff sergeant in his mid-20s who was stationed in the Joint Security Area in the United Nations truce village of Panmunjom, according to Kim Byung-kee, a lawmaker of South Korea&rsquo;s ruling party, briefed by the National Intelligence Service.

North Korea has not commented on the defection.

While the contents of the soldier&rsquo;s stomach don&rsquo;t necessarily reflect the population as a whole, his status as a soldier &ndash; with an elite assignment - would indicate he would at least be as well nourished as an average North Korean.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He was shot in his buttocks, armpit, back shoulder and knee among other wounds, according to the hospital where the soldier is being treated.

The best fertiliser

Parasitic worms were also once common in South Korea 40 to 50 years ago, Lee noted during his briefing, but have all but disappeared as economic conditions greatly improved.

Other doctors have also described removing various types of worms and parasites from North Korean defectors.

Their continued prevalence north of the heavily fortified border that divides the two Koreas could be in part tied to the use of human excrement, often called &ldquo;night soil.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Chemical fertilizer was supplied by the state until the 1970s, but from the early 1980s, production started to decrease,&rdquo; said Lee Min-bok, a North Korean agriculture expert who defected to South Korea in 1995. &ldquo;By the 1990s, the state could not supply it anymore, so farmers started to use a lot of night soil instead.&rdquo;

In 2014, supreme leader Kim Jong Un personally urged farmers to use human faeces, along with animal waste and organic compost, to fertilize their fields.

A lack of livestock, however, made it difficult to find animal waste, said Lee, the agriculture expert.

Even harder to overcome, he said, is the view of night soil as the &ldquo;best fertilizer in North Korea,&rdquo; despite the risk of worms and parasites. 
&ldquo;Vegetables grown in it are considered more delicious than others,&rdquo; Lee said.

Limited diets

The medical briefing described the wounded soldier as being 170 cm (5 feet 5 inches) and 60 kg (132 pounds) with his stomach containing corn. It&rsquo;s a staple grain that more North Koreans may be relying on in the wake of what the United Nations has called the worst drought since 2001.

Imported corn, which is less preferred but cheaper to obtain than rice, has tended to increase in years when North Koreans are more worried about their seasonal harvests.

Between January and September this year, China exported nearly 49,000 tonnes of corn to North Korea, compared to only 3,125 tonnes in all of 2016, according to data released by Beijing.

Despite the drought and international sanctions over Pyongyang&rsquo;s nuclear programme, the cost of corn and rice has remained relatively stable, according to a Reuters analysis of market data collected by the defector-run Daily NK website.

Since the 1990s, when government rations failed to prevent a famine hitting the country, North Koreans have gradually turned to markets and other private means to feed themselves.

The World Food Programme says a quarter of North Korean children 6-59 months old, who attend nurseries that the organization assists, suffer from chronic malnutrition.

On average North Koreans are less nourished than their southern neighbours. The WFP says around one in four children have grown less tall than their South Korean counterparts. A study from 2009 said pre-school children in the North were up to 13 cm (5 inches) shorter and up to 7 kg (15 pounds) lighter than those brought up in the South.

&ldquo;The main issue in DPRK is a monotonous diet &ndash; mainly rice/maize, kimchi and bean paste &ndash; lacking in essential fats and protein,&rdquo; the WFP told Reuters in a statement last month.

The worms highlight nutrition and hygiene problems that experts say have plagued the isolated country for decades

Parasitic worms found in a North Korean soldier, critically injured during a desperate defection, highlight nutrition and hygiene problems that experts say have plagued the isolated country for decades. At a briefing on Wednesday, lead surgeon Lee Cook-jong displayed photos showing dozens of flesh-coloured parasites - including one 27 cm (10.6 in) long - removed from the wounded soldier’s digestive tract during a series of surgeries to save his life. “In my over 20 year-long career as a surgeon, I have only seen something like this in a textbook,” Lee said. The parasites, along with kernels of corn in his stomach, may confirm what many experts and previous defectors have described the food and hygiene situation for many North Koreans. “Although we do not have solid figures showing health conditions of North Korea, medical experts assume that parasite infection problems and serious health issues have been prevalent in the country,” said Choi Min-Ho, a professor at Seoul National University College of Medicine who specializes in parasites. The soldier’s condition was “not surprising at all considering the north’s hygiene and parasite problems,” he said. The soldier was flown by helicopter to the hospital on Monday after his dramatic escape to South Korea in a hail of bullets fired by North Korean soldiers. He is believed to be an army staff sergeant in his mid-20s who was stationed in the Joint Security Area in the United Nations truce village of Panmunjom, according to Kim Byung-kee, a lawmaker of South Korea’s ruling party, briefed by the National Intelligence Service. North Korea has not commented on the defection. While the contents of the soldier’s stomach don’t necessarily reflect the population as a whole, his status as a soldier – with an elite assignment - would indicate he would at least be as well nourished as an average North Korean. He was shot in his buttocks, armpit, back shoulder and knee among other wounds, according to the hospital where the soldier is being treated. The best fertiliser Parasitic worms were also once common in South Korea 40 to 50 years ago, Lee noted during his briefing, but have all but disappeared as economic conditions greatly improved. Other doctors have also described removing various types of worms and parasites from North Korean defectors. Their continued prevalence north of the heavily fortified border that divides the two Koreas could be in part tied to the use of human excrement, often called “night soil.” “Chemical fertilizer was supplied by the state until the 1970s, but from the early 1980s, production started to decrease,” said Lee Min-bok, a North Korean agriculture expert who defected to South Korea in 1995. “By the 1990s, the state could not supply it anymore, so farmers started to use a lot of night soil instead.” In 2014, supreme leader Kim Jong Un personally urged farmers to use human faeces, along with animal waste and organic compost, to fertilize their fields. A lack of livestock, however, made it difficult to find animal waste, said Lee, the agriculture expert. Even harder to overcome, he said, is the view of night soil as the “best fertilizer in North Korea,” despite the risk of worms and parasites. “Vegetables grown in it are considered more delicious than others,” Lee said. Limited diets The medical briefing described the wounded soldier as being 170 cm (5 feet 5 inches) and 60 kg (132 pounds) with his stomach containing corn. It’s a staple grain that more North Koreans may be relying on in the wake of what the United Nations has called the worst drought since 2001. Imported corn, which is less preferred but cheaper to obtain than rice, has tended to increase in years when North Koreans are more worried about their seasonal harvests. Between January and September this year, China exported nearly 49,000 tonnes of corn to North Korea, compared to only 3,125 tonnes in all of 2016, according to data released by Beijing. Despite the drought and international sanctions over Pyongyang’s nuclear programme, the cost of corn and rice has remained relatively stable, according to a Reuters analysis of market data collected by the defector-run Daily NK website. Since the 1990s, when government rations failed to prevent a famine hitting the country, North Koreans have gradually turned to markets and other private means to feed themselves. The World Food Programme says a quarter of North Korean children 6-59 months old, who attend nurseries that the organization assists, suffer from chronic malnutrition. On average North Koreans are less nourished than their southern neighbours. The WFP says around one in four children have grown less tall than their South Korean counterparts. A study from 2009 said pre-school children in the North were up to 13 cm (5 inches) shorter and up to 7 kg (15 pounds) lighter than those brought up in the South. “The main issue in DPRK is a monotonous diet – mainly rice/maize, kimchi and bean paste – lacking in essential fats and protein,” the WFP told Reuters in a statement last month.

Enormous parasitic worms found in North Korean defector

A North Korean soldier shot multiple times while fleeing to the South in a rare and dramatic defection has had a second round of surgery but remains in a serious condition, his doctor said Wednesday.

The soldier suffered at least six gunshot wounds Monday as he dashed across the border at the Panmunjom truce village amid relentless firing by North Korean guards.

Lee Cook-Jong, a doctor treating the soldier, told reporters he was suffering a &quot;prolonged state of shock from heavy bleeding&quot; and although the surgery had gone well, he would likely have to undergo further operations.He is currently on life support, Lee added.&nbsp;

The soldier was found&nbsp;collapsed and bleeding in a pile of fallen leaves on the South Korean side of the border and was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment.

It is very rare for the North&#39;s troops to defect at Panmunjom, a major tourist attraction and the only part of the border where forces from the two sides come face-to-face.

Unlike the rest of the frontier, the village is not fortified with minefields and barbed wire, with the demarcation line marked only by a low concrete divider.

Dozens of North Korean soldiers have fled to the South through the DMZ over the decades since the peninsula was divided, including two soldiers who crossed the frontier in June.

More than 30,000 North Korean civilians have also fled their homeland since the two nations came into being in 1948, but it is rare for them to cross the closely guarded border.

A North Korean soldier shot multiple times while fleeing to the South in a rare and dramatic defection has had a second round of surgery but remains in a serious condition, his doctor said Wednesday

A North Korean soldier shot multiple times while fleeing to the South in a rare and dramatic defection has had a second round of surgery but remains in a serious condition, his doctor said Wednesday. The soldier suffered at least six gunshot wounds Monday as he dashed across the border at the Panmunjom truce village amid relentless firing by North Korean guards. Lee Cook-Jong, a doctor treating the soldier, told reporters he was suffering a "prolonged state of shock from heavy bleeding" and although the surgery had gone well, he would likely have to undergo further operations.He is currently on life support, Lee added. The soldier was found collapsed and bleeding in a pile of fallen leaves on the South Korean side of the border and was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment. It is very rare for the North's troops to defect at Panmunjom, a major tourist attraction and the only part of the border where forces from the two sides come face-to-face. Unlike the rest of the frontier, the village is not fortified with minefields and barbed wire, with the demarcation line marked only by a low concrete divider. Dozens of North Korean soldiers have fled to the South through the DMZ over the decades since the peninsula was divided, including two soldiers who crossed the frontier in June. More than 30,000 North Korean civilians have also fled their homeland since the two nations came into being in 1948, but it is rare for them to cross the closely guarded border.

North Korea defector in serious condition from gunshot wounds

A North Korean soldier was shot and injured by his own side Monday while defecting to South Korea at the border truce village of Panmunjom, the South&#39;s military said.

The soldier, thought to be low ranking, was shot in the shoulder and elbow and was picked up bleeding on the South side of a portion of the border known as the Joint Security Area (JSA).

It is rare for the North&#39;s troops to defect at the truce village, a major tourist attraction bisected by the borderline and the only part of the frontier where forces from the two sides come face-to-face.

&quot;Our military has taken in a North Korean soldier after he crossed from a North Korea post towards our Freedom House,&quot; Seoul&#39;s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement, referring to a building on the South side of the village.&nbsp;

A JCS official quoted by Yonhap news agency said the South&#39;s soldiers heard a gunshot and then retrieved the unarmed soldier in the mid-afternoon.

He was evacuated to a private hospital by a UN helicopter, the official added, saying the solider had regained consciousness but declining to comment on whether his injuries were life-threatening.

No personal details have been released but the soldier&#39;s uniform suggested he was low-ranking, Yonhap said.

No tourists were in the Joint Security Area at the time because tours do not run on Mondays, a spokesman for United States Forces Korea, which approves the visits, said.

There was no exchange of gunfire between the two sides, but the South&#39;s military said it has raised its level of alertness against any North Korean provocations.

Also on Monday, South Korean police arrested an American for entering a restricted zone -- in a separate border area -- with the apparent intention of crossing to the North, Yonhap reported.

The man, identified only as a 58-year-old from Louisiana, had arrived in South Korea last week and wanted to enter the North for &quot;political purposes&quot;, but was reported by a local villager, Yonhap said.&nbsp;

He is currently under questioning by the South&#39;s police, army and spy agency.

- Tense relations - 
Relations on the peninsula have been tense for months as the North has stepped up its missile tests. In September, it carried out its sixth and largest nuclear test -- of what it described as &quot;a hydrogen bomb&quot;.

Military officials from the North and South have used Panmunjom frequently in the past for talks. Unlike the rest of the frontier, Panmunjom is not fortified with minefields and barbed wire and the border is marked only by a low concrete divider.

Dozens of North Korean soldiers have fled to the South through the DMZ over the decades since the peninsula was divided, including two soldiers who crossed the frontier in June.

More than 30,000 North Korean civilians have also fled their homeland since the two nations came into being in 1948, but it is rare for civilians to cross the closely guarded border.

Most flee across the North&#39;s porous frontier with China and then move on to a third country to seek passage to South Korea.&nbsp;

The soldier, thought to be low ranking, was shot in the shoulder and elbow and was picked up bleeding on the South side of a portion of the border known as the Joint Security Area

A North Korean soldier was shot and injured by his own side Monday while defecting to South Korea at the border truce village of Panmunjom, the South's military said. The soldier, thought to be low ranking, was shot in the shoulder and elbow and was picked up bleeding on the South side of a portion of the border known as the Joint Security Area (JSA). It is rare for the North's troops to defect at the truce village, a major tourist attraction bisected by the borderline and the only part of the frontier where forces from the two sides come face-to-face. "Our military has taken in a North Korean soldier after he crossed from a North Korea post towards our Freedom House," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement, referring to a building on the South side of the village. A JCS official quoted by Yonhap news agency said the South's soldiers heard a gunshot and then retrieved the unarmed soldier in the mid-afternoon. He was evacuated to a private hospital by a UN helicopter, the official added, saying the solider had regained consciousness but declining to comment on whether his injuries were life-threatening. No personal details have been released but the soldier's uniform suggested he was low-ranking, Yonhap said. No tourists were in the Joint Security Area at the time because tours do not run on Mondays, a spokesman for United States Forces Korea, which approves the visits, said. There was no exchange of gunfire between the two sides, but the South's military said it has raised its level of alertness against any North Korean provocations. Also on Monday, South Korean police arrested an American for entering a restricted zone -- in a separate border area -- with the apparent intention of crossing to the North, Yonhap reported. The man, identified only as a 58-year-old from Louisiana, had arrived in South Korea last week and wanted to enter the North for "political purposes", but was reported by a local villager, Yonhap said. He is currently under questioning by the South's police, army and spy agency. - Tense relations - Relations on the peninsula have been tense for months as the North has stepped up its missile tests. In September, it carried out its sixth and largest nuclear test -- of what it described as "a hydrogen bomb". Military officials from the North and South have used Panmunjom frequently in the past for talks. Unlike the rest of the frontier, Panmunjom is not fortified with minefields and barbed wire and the border is marked only by a low concrete divider. Dozens of North Korean soldiers have fled to the South through the DMZ over the decades since the peninsula was divided, including two soldiers who crossed the frontier in June. More than 30,000 North Korean civilians have also fled their homeland since the two nations came into being in 1948, but it is rare for civilians to cross the closely guarded border. Most flee across the North's porous frontier with China and then move on to a third country to seek passage to South Korea.

North Korean soldier shot while defecting to South

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a pardon for a soldier convicted of manslaughter for shooting dead a wounded Palestinian attacker as he lay on the ground.

Elor Azaria, whose military trial since May has deeply divided Israel, was convicted on Wednesday, with right-wing politicians defending him despite top army brass condemning his actions.

He now faces up to 20 years in prison.

Reacting to the conviction, Netanyahu called for the 20-year-old French-Israeli sergeant to be pardoned.

&quot;This has been a hard and painful day for us all -- first and foremost for Elor and his family,&quot; Netanyahu wrote on Facebook.

&quot;I support giving a pardon to Elor Azaria.&quot;

Netanyahu made waves before the trial even began by calling Azaria&#39;s father to express his sympathy.

President Reuven Rivlin&#39;s office had earlier said any talk of a pardon was premature and that an application could only be made after the judicial process had run its course.

No date has yet been announced for sentencing, and Azaria could then appeal.

Judge Colonel Maya Heller spent more than two and a half hours reading out the court decision, criticising the arguments of Azaria&#39;s lawyers.

On behalf of the three-judge panel, Heller said there was no reason for Azaria to open fire since the Palestinian was posing no threat.

She called his testimony &quot;evolving and evasive&quot;.

&quot;His motive for shooting was that he felt the terrorist deserved to die,&quot; she said.

Azaria had entered the courtroom smiling, applauded by family and supporters.

But he looked shaken as the judge spoke, and after the verdict his mother yelled: &quot;You should be ashamed of yourselves.&quot;

Protests and scuffles

Outside Israel&#39;s military headquarters in Tel Aviv, where the court announced the verdict, dozens of Azaria supporters scuffled with police.

Shabtay Oz, a retired policeman carrying a large Israeli flag, said he never imagined himself joining a demonstration.

&quot;But when I saw a soldier in cuffs after he shot a terrorist... that was the point of no return.&quot;

Right-wing leaders have called for him to be pardoned in an extraordinary public rift between politicians and the military.

Before he became defence minister in May, Avigdor Lieberman was among Azaria&#39;s supporters.

He has since backed away from his earlier stance, saying after the verdict that while he disagreed with the decision, it must be respected.

The March 24 shooting in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron was caught on video and spread widely online.

It showed Abdul Fatah al-Sharif, 21, lying on the ground, shot along with another Palestinian after stabbing and wounding a soldier, according to the army.

Azaria then shoots him again in the head without any apparent provocation.

His lawyers argued the soldier may have thought the Palestinian was wearing explosives, but others said he had already been checked for a suicide belt and no one in the video appears to be acting cautiously.

The Palestinian&#39;s father told reporters in Hebron after the verdict that Azaria should be sentenced to life.

&quot;For me, a just verdict will be one that is similar to the verdicts our sons (in Israeli prisons) get,&quot; Yusri al-Sharif said.

Polarised public

The video was filmed by a Palestinian volunteer for Israeli rights group B&#39;Tselem.

&quot;The fact that one soldier was convicted today does not exonerate the Israeli military law enforcement system from its routine whitewashing of cases in which security forces kill or injure Palestinians with no accountability,&quot; B&#39;Tselem said after the verdict.

The case had been portrayed by some as a test of whether Israel&#39;s military could prosecute one of its own, though many Palestinians argued Azaria was only put on trial because of the video.

The military has said it began investigating before the video&#39;s release.

The last time an Israeli soldier was convicted of manslaughter was in 2005, Israeli media reported.

The shooting came against the backdrop of a wave of Palestinian knife, gun and car-ramming attacks that erupted in October 2015.

Most of the attacks were by lone-wolf assailants, many of them young people. Israel&#39;s military has said it believes a significant number of them were essentially on suicide missions.

The violence has subsided in recent months.

(AFP)

Elor Azaria was convicted for manslaughter for shooting dead a wounded Palestinian attacker as he lay on the ground

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a pardon for a soldier convicted of manslaughter for shooting dead a wounded Palestinian attacker as he lay on the ground. Elor Azaria, whose military trial since May has deeply divided Israel, was convicted on Wednesday, with right-wing politicians defending him despite top army brass condemning his actions. He now faces up to 20 years in prison. Reacting to the conviction, Netanyahu called for the 20-year-old French-Israeli sergeant to be pardoned. "This has been a hard and painful day for us all -- first and foremost for Elor and his family," Netanyahu wrote on Facebook. "I support giving a pardon to Elor Azaria." Netanyahu made waves before the trial even began by calling Azaria's father to express his sympathy. President Reuven Rivlin's office had earlier said any talk of a pardon was premature and that an application could only be made after the judicial process had run its course. No date has yet been announced for sentencing, and Azaria could then appeal. Judge Colonel Maya Heller spent more than two and a half hours reading out the court decision, criticising the arguments of Azaria's lawyers. On behalf of the three-judge panel, Heller said there was no reason for Azaria to open fire since the Palestinian was posing no threat. She called his testimony "evolving and evasive". "His motive for shooting was that he felt the terrorist deserved to die," she said. Azaria had entered the courtroom smiling, applauded by family and supporters. But he looked shaken as the judge spoke, and after the verdict his mother yelled: "You should be ashamed of yourselves." Protests and scuffles Outside Israel's military headquarters in Tel Aviv, where the court announced the verdict, dozens of Azaria supporters scuffled with police. Shabtay Oz, a retired policeman carrying a large Israeli flag, said he never imagined himself joining a demonstration. "But when I saw a soldier in cuffs after he shot a terrorist... that was the point of no return." Right-wing leaders have called for him to be pardoned in an extraordinary public rift between politicians and the military. Before he became defence minister in May, Avigdor Lieberman was among Azaria's supporters. He has since backed away from his earlier stance, saying after the verdict that while he disagreed with the decision, it must be respected. The March 24 shooting in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron was caught on video and spread widely online. It showed Abdul Fatah al-Sharif, 21, lying on the ground, shot along with another Palestinian after stabbing and wounding a soldier, according to the army. Azaria then shoots him again in the head without any apparent provocation. His lawyers argued the soldier may have thought the Palestinian was wearing explosives, but others said he had already been checked for a suicide belt and no one in the video appears to be acting cautiously. The Palestinian's father told reporters in Hebron after the verdict that Azaria should be sentenced to life. "For me, a just verdict will be one that is similar to the verdicts our sons (in Israeli prisons) get," Yusri al-Sharif said. Polarised public The video was filmed by a Palestinian volunteer for Israeli rights group B'Tselem. "The fact that one soldier was convicted today does not exonerate the Israeli military law enforcement system from its routine whitewashing of cases in which security forces kill or injure Palestinians with no accountability," B'Tselem said after the verdict. The case had been portrayed by some as a test of whether Israel's military could prosecute one of its own, though many Palestinians argued Azaria was only put on trial because of the video. The military has said it began investigating before the video's release. The last time an Israeli soldier was convicted of manslaughter was in 2005, Israeli media reported. The shooting came against the backdrop of a wave of Palestinian knife, gun and car-ramming attacks that erupted in October 2015. Most of the attacks were by lone-wolf assailants, many of them young people. Israel's military has said it believes a significant number of them were essentially on suicide missions. The violence has subsided in recent months. (AFP)

Israel: Netanyahu urges pardon for soldier who killed Palestinian

The United Nations has temporarily suspended aid deliveries in Nigeria&#39;s northeastern state of Borno, the former stronghold of jihadists Boko Haram, after a humanitarian convoy was attacked, the UN children&#39;s agency UNICEF said yesterday. 
 
UNICEF said in a statement that unknown assailants attacked the convoy yesterday as it returned to Maiduguri from delivering aid in Bama, injuring a UNICEF employee and an International Organization for Migration contractor. 
 
&quot;The United Nations has temporarily suspended humanitarian assistance missions pending review of the security situation,&quot; it said. 
 
Nigerian army spokesman Sani Usman said troops were escorting the humanitarian convoy when it was attacked by &quot;suspected remnants of Boko Haram&quot; and that two soldiers and three civilians were wounded. 
 
Nearly a quarter of a million children in Borno suffer from life-threatening malnourishment and around one in five will die if they do not receive treatment, UNICEF said earlier this month. 
 
Medecins Sans Frontieres said on Wednesday that severely malnourished children were dying in large numbers in northeast Nigeria, where food supplies are close to running out. 
 
By 2014, Boko Haram controlled territory nearly the size of Belgium in northeast Nigeria until most of it was recaptured last year by the Nigerian army and troops from neighbouring countries. 
 
More than 15,000 people have been killed and at least 2 million displaced by Boko Haram&#39;s insurgency in Nigeria. The group has carried out suicide bombings in northeast Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon, Niger and Chad. 
 
(Reuters)

Nigerian army spokesman said two soldiers and three civilians were injured in an attack by 'suspected remnants of Boko Haram'

The United Nations has temporarily suspended aid deliveries in Nigeria's northeastern state of Borno, the former stronghold of jihadists Boko Haram, after a humanitarian convoy was attacked, the UN children's agency UNICEF said yesterday. UNICEF said in a statement that unknown assailants attacked the convoy yesterday as it returned to Maiduguri from delivering aid in Bama, injuring a UNICEF employee and an International Organization for Migration contractor. "The United Nations has temporarily suspended humanitarian assistance missions pending review of the security situation," it said. Nigerian army spokesman Sani Usman said troops were escorting the humanitarian convoy when it was attacked by "suspected remnants of Boko Haram" and that two soldiers and three civilians were wounded. Nearly a quarter of a million children in Borno suffer from life-threatening malnourishment and around one in five will die if they do not receive treatment, UNICEF said earlier this month. Medecins Sans Frontieres said on Wednesday that severely malnourished children were dying in large numbers in northeast Nigeria, where food supplies are close to running out. By 2014, Boko Haram controlled territory nearly the size of Belgium in northeast Nigeria until most of it was recaptured last year by the Nigerian army and troops from neighbouring countries. More than 15,000 people have been killed and at least 2 million displaced by Boko Haram's insurgency in Nigeria. The group has carried out suicide bombings in northeast Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon, Niger and Chad. (Reuters)

UN suspends aid after convoy attack in Nigeria's Borno state

A US army soldier who participated in a scheme to buy guns and send them to a security detail for the president and vice president of Indonesia plead guilty to several charges in federal court. 
 
Audi Sumilat pleaded guilty Tuesday and will be sentenced in October, the US attorney&#39;s office in New Hampshire said yesterday. 
The 36-year-old faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. 
 
One of Sumilat&#39;s co-conspirators also has been charged and is scheduled to be tried on July 19.&nbsp;Assistant US Attorney Bill Morse said there have been cases in New Hampshire and other states involving international firearms trafficking to countries including Ghana, Canada and Mexico.&nbsp;&quot;But this is the first case that I&#39;m aware of in which the intended beneficiaries of the trafficking were representatives of a foreign government,&quot; Morse said. 
 
Authorities said Sumilat joined a conspiracy to buy guns in Texas and New Hampshire for members of the Indonesian Presidential Guard, who are tasked with providing security to the president and vice president but could not lawfully buy the weapons themselves. 
Sumilat admitted he and three guard members came up with a plan in 2014, when they were stationed together for training in Fort Benning, Georgia. 
 
Sumilat said he bought guns in Texas and shipped them to a co-conspirator in New Hampshire, who delivered them to guard members on visits to Washington DC, and to the UN General Assembly in New York. The guns were to be smuggled out of the United States. 
Sumilat pleaded guilty to making false statements in records required to be kept by federal firearms dealers for telling gun dealers the weapons were for him and for smuggling firearms from the US. 
 
To have legally exported the guns, Sumilat was required to get an exporter&#39;s license and a license covering the specific guns exported. No licenses were issued. 
 
New Hampshire US Attorney Emily Gray Rice said the consequences of international gun trafficking can be grave.&nbsp;&quot;Firearms exported overseas illegally can easily end up in the wrong hands,&quot; she said in a statement.&nbsp;&quot;International gun trafficking will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible to protect innocent individuals, both American and foreign, from the criminal use of US weapons abroad.&quot; 
 
(AP)

Sumilat pleaded guilty in federal court, and faces a sentence of five years in jail and a $250,000 fine

A US army soldier who participated in a scheme to buy guns and send them to a security detail for the president and vice president of Indonesia plead guilty to several charges in federal court. Audi Sumilat pleaded guilty Tuesday and will be sentenced in October, the US attorney's office in New Hampshire said yesterday. The 36-year-old faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. One of Sumilat's co-conspirators also has been charged and is scheduled to be tried on July 19. Assistant US Attorney Bill Morse said there have been cases in New Hampshire and other states involving international firearms trafficking to countries including Ghana, Canada and Mexico. "But this is the first case that I'm aware of in which the intended beneficiaries of the trafficking were representatives of a foreign government," Morse said. Authorities said Sumilat joined a conspiracy to buy guns in Texas and New Hampshire for members of the Indonesian Presidential Guard, who are tasked with providing security to the president and vice president but could not lawfully buy the weapons themselves. Sumilat admitted he and three guard members came up with a plan in 2014, when they were stationed together for training in Fort Benning, Georgia. Sumilat said he bought guns in Texas and shipped them to a co-conspirator in New Hampshire, who delivered them to guard members on visits to Washington DC, and to the UN General Assembly in New York. The guns were to be smuggled out of the United States. Sumilat pleaded guilty to making false statements in records required to be kept by federal firearms dealers for telling gun dealers the weapons were for him and for smuggling firearms from the US. To have legally exported the guns, Sumilat was required to get an exporter's license and a license covering the specific guns exported. No licenses were issued. New Hampshire US Attorney Emily Gray Rice said the consequences of international gun trafficking can be grave. "Firearms exported overseas illegally can easily end up in the wrong hands," she said in a statement. "International gun trafficking will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible to protect innocent individuals, both American and foreign, from the criminal use of US weapons abroad." (AP)

US soldier smuggles guns for Indonesian President's security detail

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