The U.S. could reduce troops by 8-9 thousand. To know more watch the video

WION Dispatch: U.S-Taliban talks to restart tomorrow

The United States is preparing to send additional troops to the Middle East in response to mounting concerns over Iran, which Washington blames for attacks on oil tankers last week, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

U.S. preparing to send more troops to Middle East

West African states fighting Islamist militancy in the region should not take France's military presence for granted because Paris will not be there forever, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Tuesday.

The Sahel region is suffering from a spike of violence from militant groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, highlighting the difficulty international partners face in restoring regional stability.

The northern region of Burkina Faso, bordering Mali and Niger, has been especially hard hit in recent months, while spiralling ethnic conflicts have also added to the instability.

"The authorities of the countries in the Sahel should not stay in the comfort zone of thinking Barkhane (French forces) is behind them," Le Drian told the parliamentary foreign affairs committee.

"It's a temptation, (but) progressively what needs to be said is that the security of Africans will be ensured by Africans. The aim isn't for Barkhane to stay there for an eternity."

France, the former colonial power in the region, intervened in Mali in 2013 to drive out Islamist militants who had occupied the north. It has since kept about 4,500 troops in the region as part of Barkhane counter-terrorism operations.

Led by Paris, Western powers have provided funding to a regional force made up of soldiers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania to combat jihadists.

But the so-called G5 force has been hobbled by delays in disbursing the money and poor coordination between the five countries while insecurity has escalated.

"The joint force must progressively assume its responsibilities. Barkhane can't do everything. The baton must be taken by the countries concerned. It's happening , but not fast enough," Le Drian said.

His comments were a rare criticism of the Sahel powers. It shows a growing frustration from France as the violence has taken new dimensions in recent months with repeated Islamist attacks and communal clashes especially in Mali.

The Malian authorities have also come under fire for failing to disarm militias or beat back Islamist insurgents, who have been capitalising on the ethnic violence to recruit new members and extend their reach in the Sahel.

Le Drian also said that the United Nations MINUSMA peacekeeping mission based in Mali since 2013 and which includes about 15,000 soldiers and police, would face a test next month when its mandate is due to be renewed.

The United States said in March it had failed to deliver peace and the Security Council should consider a major drawdown.

"There is pressure from US&nbsp;that wants to reduce costs on peacekeeping forces and could convince some actors (to curb the mission)," Le Drian said.

West African states fighting Islamist militancy in the region should not take France's military presence for granted because Paris will not be there forever, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Tuesday.

West African states fighting Islamist militancy in the region should not take France's military presence for granted because Paris will not be there forever, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Tuesday. The Sahel region is suffering from a spike of violence from militant groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, highlighting the difficulty international partners face in restoring regional stability. The northern region of Burkina Faso, bordering Mali and Niger, has been especially hard hit in recent months, while spiralling ethnic conflicts have also added to the instability. "The authorities of the countries in the Sahel should not stay in the comfort zone of thinking Barkhane (French forces) is behind them," Le Drian told the parliamentary foreign affairs committee. "It's a temptation, (but) progressively what needs to be said is that the security of Africans will be ensured by Africans. The aim isn't for Barkhane to stay there for an eternity." France, the former colonial power in the region, intervened in Mali in 2013 to drive out Islamist militants who had occupied the north. It has since kept about 4,500 troops in the region as part of Barkhane counter-terrorism operations. Led by Paris, Western powers have provided funding to a regional force made up of soldiers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania to combat jihadists. But the so-called G5 force has been hobbled by delays in disbursing the money and poor coordination between the five countries while insecurity has escalated. "The joint force must progressively assume its responsibilities. Barkhane can't do everything. The baton must be taken by the countries concerned. It's happening , but not fast enough," Le Drian said. His comments were a rare criticism of the Sahel powers. It shows a growing frustration from France as the violence has taken new dimensions in recent months with repeated Islamist attacks and communal clashes especially in Mali. The Malian authorities have also come under fire for failing to disarm militias or beat back Islamist insurgents, who have been capitalising on the ethnic violence to recruit new members and extend their reach in the Sahel. Le Drian also said that the United Nations MINUSMA peacekeeping mission based in Mali since 2013 and which includes about 15,000 soldiers and police, would face a test next month when its mandate is due to be renewed. The United States said in March it had failed to deliver peace and the Security Council should consider a major drawdown. "There is pressure from US that wants to reduce costs on peacekeeping forces and could convince some actors (to curb the mission)," Le Drian said.

Don't take our troops for granted, France warns West African states

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-plotting-coup-in-venezuela-205616">Russia </a>to pull its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-air-force-planes-carrying-troops-landed-in-venezuela-205499">troops from Venezuela</a> and warned that "all options" were open to make that happen.

"Russia has to get out," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, where he met with Fabiana Rosales, the wife of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-blackout-continues-maduro-govt-extends-workschool-holiday-206031">Venezuelan</a> opposition leader Juan Guaido.

Two Russian Air Force planes landed outside Caracas on Saturday carrying nearly 100 Russian troops. The US government believes the troops include special forces and cybersecurity personnel.

Asked how he would make Russian forces leave, Trump said: "We'll see. All options are open."

Trump and Vice President Mike Pence met with Rosales to express support for her husband, who invoked the constitution to assume the interim presidency in January, saying President Nicolas Maduro's re-election was not legitimate.

"The United States views Russia's arrival of military planes this weekend as an unwelcome provocation," Pence told reporters.

"We call on Russia today to cease all support of the Maduro regime and stand with Juan Guaido and stand with nations across this hemisphere and across the world until freedom is restored," Pence said. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Russia to pull its troops from Venezuela and warned that "all options" were open to make that happen. "Russia has to get out," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, where he met with Fabiana Rosales, the wife of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Russia to pull its troops from Venezuela and warned that "all options" were open to make that happen. "Russia has to get out," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, where he met with Fabiana Rosales, the wife of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido. Two Russian Air Force planes landed outside Caracas on Saturday carrying nearly 100 Russian troops. The US government believes the troops include special forces and cybersecurity personnel. Asked how he would make Russian forces leave, Trump said: "We'll see. All options are open." Trump and Vice President Mike Pence met with Rosales to express support for her husband, who invoked the constitution to assume the interim presidency in January, saying President Nicolas Maduro's re-election was not legitimate. "The United States views Russia's arrival of military planes this weekend as an unwelcome provocation," Pence told reporters. "We call on Russia today to cease all support of the Maduro regime and stand with Juan Guaido and stand with nations across this hemisphere and across the world until freedom is restored," Pence said.

Russian troops must get out of Venezuela: Trump

Russian air force planes carrying troops landed in Venezuela

The US Defense Department signed a memo on Tuesday that would enforce limitations on transgender people serving in the military, a policy that has been the subject of court challenges.

The policy will take effect on April 12 and will bar most transgender individuals from serving if they require hormone treatments or transition surgery.

The memo, signed by David Norquist, currently the No. 2 official at the Pentagon, will allow service secretaries to issue waivers on a case-by-case basis.

President Donald Trump announced in July 2017 a ban on transgender people serving in the military. He later accepted Pentagon recommendations to limit the ban to individuals with a history of gender dysphoria, defined as "those who may require substantial medical treatment," and allowing some exceptions.

A series of court challenges had put the policy on hold. But the US Supreme Court in January lifted lower-court rulings that had blocked the policy, allowing it to go into effect.

Trump`s decision to bar many transgender troops reversed a landmark 2016 policy of his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, to let transgender people for the first time serve openly in the armed forces and receive medical care to transition genders.

Trump cited military focus and medical costs for rolling back the policy.

A 2016 Pentagon-commissioned study found that any impact on cost or military readiness from having transgender troops would be marginal. It estimated there were around 2,450 transgender troops at the time.

Advocates for transgender people criticised the Trump policy. "The Trump administration is determined to bring back `don’t ask, don`t tell,` a policy that forced service members to choose between serving their country and telling the truth about who they were," Aaron Belkin, director of the Palm Center LGBT-rights think tank, said in a statement.&nbsp;

The US Defense Department signed a memo on Tuesday that would enforce limitations on transgender people serving in the military, a policy that has been the subject of court challenges.

The US Defense Department signed a memo on Tuesday that would enforce limitations on transgender people serving in the military, a policy that has been the subject of court challenges. The policy will take effect on April 12 and will bar most transgender individuals from serving if they require hormone treatments or transition surgery. The memo, signed by David Norquist, currently the No. 2 official at the Pentagon, will allow service secretaries to issue waivers on a case-by-case basis. President Donald Trump announced in July 2017 a ban on transgender people serving in the military. He later accepted Pentagon recommendations to limit the ban to individuals with a history of gender dysphoria, defined as "those who may require substantial medical treatment," and allowing some exceptions. A series of court challenges had put the policy on hold. But the US Supreme Court in January lifted lower-court rulings that had blocked the policy, allowing it to go into effect. Trump`s decision to bar many transgender troops reversed a landmark 2016 policy of his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama, to let transgender people for the first time serve openly in the armed forces and receive medical care to transition genders. Trump cited military focus and medical costs for rolling back the policy. A 2016 Pentagon-commissioned study found that any impact on cost or military readiness from having transgender troops would be marginal. It estimated there were around 2,450 transgender troops at the time. Advocates for transgender people criticised the Trump policy. "The Trump administration is determined to bring back `don’t ask, don`t tell,` a policy that forced service members to choose between serving their country and telling the truth about who they were," Aaron Belkin, director of the Palm Center LGBT-rights think tank, said in a statement.

Pentagon sets limits on transgender troops

Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, Islamabad has decided to move troops from the western border to its eastern border.

Dunya News quoted Pakistani diplomatic sources as saying, "Pakistan does not want the atmosphere of fear but the country is ready to respond with full force if India imposed war."

The development came after the Pakistan Army violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector over the weekend.

Sources said Pakistan army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling mortars and firing with small arms along the LoC Rajouri district.

However, the Indian Army retaliated strongly to the cross border firing.

On Friday, Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Jawed Bajwa had visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and instructed the troops "to be ready to face any eventuality."

Pakistan's Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor on Friday during a press conference had said, "We are not preparing to initiate anything. We have the right to respond to your preparations for war."

He had also claimed that Pakistan does not want an armed conflict but will respond with full force if attacked.

Talking about the possibility of a war between the two nations, Ghafoor said,&nbsp;"We do not wish to go to war but please be rest assured should you initiate any aggression- first you shall never be able to surprise us, let me assure you we shall surprise you...We have the ways and the means to attain what is desired. I hope you (India) get this message and don't mess with Pakistan."

India has asserted that since Jaish-e-Mohammed, which is based in Pakistan, had itself claimed responsibility for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adil-ahmad-dar-the-man-who-carried-out-the-pulwama-attack-197476">Pulwama attack</a>, there was no more evidence required.

The UN, the US, and several other major world powers have held JeM responsible for the attack

Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, Islamabad has decided to move troops from the western border to its eastern border. Dunya News quoted Pakistani diplomatic sources as saying, "Pakistan does not want the atmosphere of fear but the country is ready to respond with full force if India imposed war.

Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, Islamabad has decided to move troops from the western border to its eastern border. Dunya News quoted Pakistani diplomatic sources as saying, "Pakistan does not want the atmosphere of fear but the country is ready to respond with full force if India imposed war." The development came after the Pakistan Army violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector over the weekend. Sources said Pakistan army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling mortars and firing with small arms along the LoC Rajouri district. However, the Indian Army retaliated strongly to the cross border firing. On Friday, Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Jawed Bajwa had visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and instructed the troops "to be ready to face any eventuality." Pakistan's Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor on Friday during a press conference had said, "We are not preparing to initiate anything. We have the right to respond to your preparations for war." He had also claimed that Pakistan does not want an armed conflict but will respond with full force if attacked. Talking about the possibility of a war between the two nations, Ghafoor said, "We do not wish to go to war but please be rest assured should you initiate any aggression- first you shall never be able to surprise us, let me assure you we shall surprise you...We have the ways and the means to attain what is desired. I hope you (India) get this message and don't mess with Pakistan." India has asserted that since Jaish-e-Mohammed, which is based in Pakistan, had itself claimed responsibility for Pulwama attack, there was no more evidence required. The UN, the US, and several other major world powers have held JeM responsible for the attack

Amid growing tension with India, Pak to move troops from western to eastern border

Jammu and Kashmir Governor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/governor-of-jammu-and-kashmir-satya-pal-malik-speaks-to-sudhir-chaudhary-173379">Satya Pal Malik</a> Sunday appealed to the people to remain calm and not to believe in rumours of any extreme nature which are circulating widely in some quarters.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hurriyat-shouldnt-consider-me-an-alien-satya-pal-malik-190706">Malik said</a> the rumours are unnecessarily creating an atmosphere of fear in the minds of people, leading to stress and disruption to normal life.

"Rumours about curfews and other actions should not be believed. There is some security related action being taken by the forces, but this is purely related to the Pulwama attack which is unprecedented one," he said.

"The response of security forces is guided solely by the need to counter both the impact and any further action that may be taken by terrorist groups who are still out to disrupt our country and its democratic processes," the governor said while chairing an informal meeting of the State Administrative Council (SAC) here.

The governor convened the meeting here to review the current situation in the state, particularly in the context of the terror attack in Pulwama on February 14 and the subsequent developments, an official spokesman said.

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J&amp;K Governor Satya Pal Malik called an informal meeting of State Administrative Council to review current situation particularly in the context of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PulwamaTerrorAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PulwamaTerrorAttack</a>&amp;subsequent developments. He was informed of gradual induction of additional Central Forces for election purposes <a href="https://t.co/KEYl1K3Lnm">pic.twitter.com/KEYl1K3Lnm</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1099576585861050368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In the meeting, Malik was briefed about the current security situation in Jammu city after the lifting of the curfew a few days ago and also the restoration of normalcy in the place.

He was also informed about the situation in the Kashmir Valley and the gradual induction of additional central forces for election purposes, the spokesman said.

"Over 400 additional companies of central police forces were provided to conduct the Urban Local Body and Panchayat elections over a total of 13 phases. In the presence of these forces and as a result of their efforts, the elections were conducted peacefully, without any incident," the spokesman said.

After the Pulwama incident, the spokesman said security concerns in this regard are much higher with the possibility of terrorist organisations increasing their activities against candidates and voters on a much larger scale.

"Normally, forces are inducted a month before elections so that they settle down and familiarise with the ground situation. It is in this context that 100 companies of central forces are being inducted into the state at the moment. This is less than the actual additional forces required and more would be inducted in the coming weeks," he said.

The governor appealed to the people that the induction of forces be seen only in the context of conducting elections and should not be attributed to any other cause.

The spokesman said the SAC was also informed that the supply situation of petroleum and other products in the Kashmir Valley is critically low.

"The availability of petrol in the Kashmir Valley is adequate to meet the needs for just one day and that of diesel for four days. There is no stock of LPG in the Kashmir Valley. This is a result of the earlier blockage of the national highway for seven days and the ongoing blockage for the past four days, leading to disruption of supplies from Jammu to Srinagar," he said.

The spokesman said the government is taking measures to enhance the supplies to the Kashmir region.

However, as a precautionary measure, the Kashmir divisional commissioner has rationed petrol and diesel supply to conserve whatever is available for emergency purposes.

"Steps are being taken to increase the availability of stocks in the Kashmir Valley. People of the state should not read anything more into this but see it only as an administrative measure in a shortage situation," the spokesman said.

"On the medicine front also, the instructions to hospitals to increase the availability of medicines is also to be seen in the context of a shortage of supplies as a result of the prolonged disruption in transport," he said.

On the issue of safety and security of Kashmiris residing outside the state, the governor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday clearly denounced the attacks.

"The prime minister's statement that there is no fight against Kashmiris but that it is a fight for Kashmir is a clear signal that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not only the integral part of India but it is the responsibility of the country to take care of their safety wherever they may be," he said.

The governor thanked the excellent cooperation rendered by the administration and police of other states for taking steps and going out of the way to provide security to students who were afraid of any untoward incident.

He also complimented the work done by liaison officers in handling the worries of students round-the-clock.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Sunday appealed to the people to remain calm and not to believe in rumours of any extreme nature which are circulating widely in some quarters.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Sunday appealed to the people to remain calm and not to believe in rumours of any extreme nature which are circulating widely in some quarters. Malik said the rumours are unnecessarily creating an atmosphere of fear in the minds of people, leading to stress and disruption to normal life. "Rumours about curfews and other actions should not be believed. There is some security related action being taken by the forces, but this is purely related to the Pulwama attack which is unprecedented one," he said. "The response of security forces is guided solely by the need to counter both the impact and any further action that may be taken by terrorist groups who are still out to disrupt our country and its democratic processes," the governor said while chairing an informal meeting of the State Administrative Council (SAC) here. The governor convened the meeting here to review the current situation in the state, particularly in the context of the terror attack in Pulwama on February 14 and the subsequent developments, an official spokesman said. J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik called an informal meeting of State Administrative Council to review current situation particularly in the context of #PulwamaTerrorAttack&subsequent developments. He was informed of gradual induction of additional Central Forces for election purposes pic.twitter.com/KEYl1K3Lnm — ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2019 × In the meeting, Malik was briefed about the current security situation in Jammu city after the lifting of the curfew a few days ago and also the restoration of normalcy in the place. He was also informed about the situation in the Kashmir Valley and the gradual induction of additional central forces for election purposes, the spokesman said. "Over 400 additional companies of central police forces were provided to conduct the Urban Local Body and Panchayat elections over a total of 13 phases. In the presence of these forces and as a result of their efforts, the elections were conducted peacefully, without any incident," the spokesman said. After the Pulwama incident, the spokesman said security concerns in this regard are much higher with the possibility of terrorist organisations increasing their activities against candidates and voters on a much larger scale. "Normally, forces are inducted a month before elections so that they settle down and familiarise with the ground situation. It is in this context that 100 companies of central forces are being inducted into the state at the moment. This is less than the actual additional forces required and more would be inducted in the coming weeks," he said. The governor appealed to the people that the induction of forces be seen only in the context of conducting elections and should not be attributed to any other cause. The spokesman said the SAC was also informed that the supply situation of petroleum and other products in the Kashmir Valley is critically low. "The availability of petrol in the Kashmir Valley is adequate to meet the needs for just one day and that of diesel for four days. There is no stock of LPG in the Kashmir Valley. This is a result of the earlier blockage of the national highway for seven days and the ongoing blockage for the past four days, leading to disruption of supplies from Jammu to Srinagar," he said. The spokesman said the government is taking measures to enhance the supplies to the Kashmir region. However, as a precautionary measure, the Kashmir divisional commissioner has rationed petrol and diesel supply to conserve whatever is available for emergency purposes. "Steps are being taken to increase the availability of stocks in the Kashmir Valley. People of the state should not read anything more into this but see it only as an administrative measure in a shortage situation," the spokesman said. "On the medicine front also, the instructions to hospitals to increase the availability of medicines is also to be seen in the context of a shortage of supplies as a result of the prolonged disruption in transport," he said. On the issue of safety and security of Kashmiris residing outside the state, the governor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday clearly denounced the attacks. "The prime minister's statement that there is no fight against Kashmiris but that it is a fight for Kashmir is a clear signal that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are not only the integral part of India but it is the responsibility of the country to take care of their safety wherever they may be," he said. The governor thanked the excellent cooperation rendered by the administration and police of other states for taking steps and going out of the way to provide security to students who were afraid of any untoward incident. He also complimented the work done by liaison officers in handling the worries of students round-the-clock.

J&K governor: Additional troops coming for Panchayat elections, do not believe in rumours

Representatives from both sides in the Yemen conflict met on a ship on the Red Sea on Sunday in a UN-led push to implement a stalled troop withdrawal from Yemen's main port of Hodeidah as agreed at December peace talks, a UN official told Reuters.

The is overseeing the implementation of a ceasefire and troop withdrawal accord in Hodeidah, the main entry point for most of Yemen's imports, in the hope it will lead to a political solution to the almost four-year war.

The warring parties were meant to withdraw their forces by January 7 as part of efforts to avert a full-scale assault on Hodeidah, but have failed to do so as the Iranian-aligned Houthi group and the Saudi-backed government disagrees on who should control the city and ports.

Sunday's meeting was the third time the UN-led Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) convened since it was formed in December, bringing together the Houthis with the Saudi-backed, internationally recognised Yemeni government and UN mediators.

The parties met on a UN ship because attempts to convene the third meeting in territory held by coalition forces failed because the Houthis were unwilling to cross the frontline, sources have told Reuters. The first two meetings were held in territory under Houthi control, after which the head of the UN mission tasked with overseeing the deal, Patrick Cammaert, shuttled between the two parties.

The vessel picked up a delegation from Yemen's internationally recognised government at an offshore meeting point in the Red Sea before sailing to Hodeidah to pick up the Houthi delegation, a UN statement said on Saturday.

The spokesman for the Yemeni government's delegation to the RCC, Sadiq Dweid, told Reuters the committee had discussed Cammaert's proposals for the troop withdrawal at Sunday's meeting.

"The meetings will continue," he said.

The truce has largely held in Hodeidah, but clashes have increased in recent weeks and the UN Yemen Envoy Martin Griffiths has urged all parties to reduce tensions. Violence has continued in other parts of the country not subject to the deal.

Griffiths' office told Reuters the meeting had begun on Sunday.

The conflict, widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has been bogged down in a military stalemate for years.

A Sunni Muslim Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in Yemen in 2015 to try to restore the government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after it was ousted from power in the capital Sanaa by the Houthis in late 2014.

The Houthis, who say they are enacting a revolution against corruption, control most urban centres in the poorest Arabian Peninsula nation while Hadi's government controls the southern port of Aden and string of coastal towns.

Pope Francis said on Sunday he is following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great worry and urged all sides to respect international agreements and ensure food reaches suffering Yemenis.

Representatives from both sides in the Yemen conflict met on a ship on the Red Sea on Sunday in a UN-led push to implement a stalled troop withdrawal from Yemen's main port of Hodeidah as agreed at December peace talks, a UN official told Reuters.

Representatives from both sides in the Yemen conflict met on a ship on the Red Sea on Sunday in a UN-led push to implement a stalled troop withdrawal from Yemen's main port of Hodeidah as agreed at December peace talks, a UN official told Reuters. The is overseeing the implementation of a ceasefire and troop withdrawal accord in Hodeidah, the main entry point for most of Yemen's imports, in the hope it will lead to a political solution to the almost four-year war. The warring parties were meant to withdraw their forces by January 7 as part of efforts to avert a full-scale assault on Hodeidah, but have failed to do so as the Iranian-aligned Houthi group and the Saudi-backed government disagrees on who should control the city and ports. Sunday's meeting was the third time the UN-led Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) convened since it was formed in December, bringing together the Houthis with the Saudi-backed, internationally recognised Yemeni government and UN mediators. The parties met on a UN ship because attempts to convene the third meeting in territory held by coalition forces failed because the Houthis were unwilling to cross the frontline, sources have told Reuters. The first two meetings were held in territory under Houthi control, after which the head of the UN mission tasked with overseeing the deal, Patrick Cammaert, shuttled between the two parties. The vessel picked up a delegation from Yemen's internationally recognised government at an offshore meeting point in the Red Sea before sailing to Hodeidah to pick up the Houthi delegation, a UN statement said on Saturday. The spokesman for the Yemeni government's delegation to the RCC, Sadiq Dweid, told Reuters the committee had discussed Cammaert's proposals for the troop withdrawal at Sunday's meeting. "The meetings will continue," he said. The truce has largely held in Hodeidah, but clashes have increased in recent weeks and the UN Yemen Envoy Martin Griffiths has urged all parties to reduce tensions. Violence has continued in other parts of the country not subject to the deal. Griffiths' office told Reuters the meeting had begun on Sunday. The conflict, widely seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has been bogged down in a military stalemate for years. A Sunni Muslim Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in Yemen in 2015 to try to restore the government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after it was ousted from power in the capital Sanaa by the Houthis in late 2014. The Houthis, who say they are enacting a revolution against corruption, control most urban centres in the poorest Arabian Peninsula nation while Hadi's government controls the southern port of Aden and string of coastal towns. Pope Francis said on Sunday he is following the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with great worry and urged all sides to respect international agreements and ensure food reaches suffering Yemenis.

Yemen's warring parties meet on ship to discuss stalled troop withdrawal

NATO Secretary General, Jons Stoltenberg, has stated that alliance troops would not stay "longer than necessary" in Afghanistan.

"We will not stay longer than necessary, but we will not leave before we have a situation, which enables to leave or reduce the number of troops without jeopardizing the main goal of our presence," Sputnik quoted Stoltenberg as saying during a meeting with the US acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan on Monday."

''We strongly support those efforts…We are in close contact with the United States…Our military presence, the purpose of that is to create the conditions for the political solution, and we hope that we will be able to achieve that," the NATO chief remarked during the meeting.

He outlined that it is "too early to speculate" about the withdrawal of NATO alliance troops from Afghanistan, noting that it was imperative to reach a peaceful solution in Afghanistan.

This comes after the United States put forth that there had been significant progress during talks with the Taliban recently.

Furthermore, both the United States and Taliban agreed in principle to chalk out a framework for a deal that could eventually end the 17-year conflict in Afghanistan.

Previously, reports suggesting the exit of US troops have been dismissed by the White House, with authorities iterating that the US President, Donald Trump, had no such plans.

There are currently around 14,000 US troops and 16,000 personnel from NATO and its allies in Afghanistan.

NATO Secretary General, Jons Stoltenberg, has stated that alliance troops would not stay "longer than necessary" in Afghanistan. "We will not stay longer than necessary, but we will not leave before we have a situation, which enables to leave or reduce the number of troops without jeopardizing the main goal of our presence," Sputnik quoted Stoltenberg as saying during a meeting with the US acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan on Monday.

NATO Secretary General, Jons Stoltenberg, has stated that alliance troops would not stay "longer than necessary" in Afghanistan. "We will not stay longer than necessary, but we will not leave before we have a situation, which enables to leave or reduce the number of troops without jeopardizing the main goal of our presence," Sputnik quoted Stoltenberg as saying during a meeting with the US acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan on Monday." ''We strongly support those efforts…We are in close contact with the United States…Our military presence, the purpose of that is to create the conditions for the political solution, and we hope that we will be able to achieve that," the NATO chief remarked during the meeting. He outlined that it is "too early to speculate" about the withdrawal of NATO alliance troops from Afghanistan, noting that it was imperative to reach a peaceful solution in Afghanistan. This comes after the United States put forth that there had been significant progress during talks with the Taliban recently. Furthermore, both the United States and Taliban agreed in principle to chalk out a framework for a deal that could eventually end the 17-year conflict in Afghanistan. Previously, reports suggesting the exit of US troops have been dismissed by the White House, with authorities iterating that the US President, Donald Trump, had no such plans. There are currently around 14,000 US troops and 16,000 personnel from NATO and its allies in Afghanistan.

Will not stay longer than necessary in Afghanistan: NATO Chief

Tanks and air defence missile systems rolled through the heart of Saint Petersburg on Sunday as the city formerly known as Leningrad marked the 75th anniversary of the end of a World War II siege that claimed more than 800,000 lives.

The parade in Russia's second city was the first time war-era and modern heavy weaponry, including the famed T-34 battle tank and multiple-launch rocket systems, have trundled past the Hermitage Museum to mark the end of the siege of Leningrad, sparking controversy with some survivors criticising "militarism".

President Vladimir Putin, a native of Saint Petersburg, skipped the show of force in the snow-covered Palace Square, although his itinerary included a visit to a memorial cemetery and several other events.

More than 2,500 servicemen in modern and period uniforms including sheepskin coats and felt boots took part in the parade which also included a flyover of military aircraft.

Hundreds of spectators watched the performance in falling snow and temperatures of minus 11 degrees Celsius (12 Fahrenheit), some wrapped in blankets against the cold.

A moment of silence was observed to the ticking of a metronome used to warn residents about air-raids during the siege. Some clutched flowers and could not hold back tears.

'We have to remember'&nbsp;

"This is a celebration for the city and the country," said Ivan Kolokoltsev, a 45-year-old manager.&nbsp;

"We have to remember, we have to commemorate it so that people remember."

Natalya Gerashchenko brought her 12-year-old son to see the military display.&nbsp;

"A military parade is very beautiful," the 35-year-old said. "The lifting of the siege is very important for everyone."

Encircled by the Nazi troops for 872 days between 1941 and 1944, the city of around 3 million people went through unspeakable horrors.&nbsp;

With supplies to the city cut, bread rations plunged to 250 grams (about half a pound) for manual workers and 125 grammes for other civilians.

More than 800,000 people starved to death or died of disease and shelling. Numerous historians say the true figures are higher

Many in Saint Petersburg, including some siege survivors, have denounced the parade as misplaced sabre-rattling and militaristic propaganda.

"I am against militarism," Yakov Gilinsky, an 84-year-old siege survivor, told AFP ahead of the parade. "War is horrible."

Some said that the money spent on the parade should have been given to survivors instead.&nbsp;

"Old people would buy some medicine and new clothes and for a time forget they have to count pennies," wrote political observer Anton Orekh.&nbsp;

"Though after the siege they are not afraid of anything, of course."

Irina Sadchikova, a 47-year-old librarian, said that the authorities were often so focused on official events they forgot about siege survivors and war veterans.&nbsp;

A defence ministry official has insisted the event was not celebratory in nature, describing it as a "soldierly ritual".

'Important date for Russians'&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the day was important "for all Russians and personally for President Putin."

Clutching red roses, Putin visited the famed Piskaryovskoe cemetery where groups of Russians wished him good health.

Putin, at 66, was born after the war. But his older brother died in childhood during the devastating siege and is buried in a mass grave at Piskaryovskoe.

The Russian leader's mother nearly succumbed to hunger, while his father fought in the war and was wounded near Leningrad.

Since Friday, the city has been holding a series of commemorative events that include music concerts and film screenings.

On Sunday evening, authorities will conduct a gun salute in memory of the gunfire that marked the end of the ordeal in 1944.

The trauma from the war is deeply ingrained in the collective psyche of the city.

Some buildings still carry signs warning residents about air raids.

Russia's former imperial capital is home to some 108,000 war veterans and siege survivors.

Tanks and air defence missile systems rolled through the heart of Saint Petersburg on Sunday as the city formerly known as Leningrad marked the 75th anniversary of the end of a World War II siege that claimed more than 800,000 lives.

Tanks and air defence missile systems rolled through the heart of Saint Petersburg on Sunday as the city formerly known as Leningrad marked the 75th anniversary of the end of a World War II siege that claimed more than 800,000 lives. The parade in Russia's second city was the first time war-era and modern heavy weaponry, including the famed T-34 battle tank and multiple-launch rocket systems, have trundled past the Hermitage Museum to mark the end of the siege of Leningrad, sparking controversy with some survivors criticising "militarism". President Vladimir Putin, a native of Saint Petersburg, skipped the show of force in the snow-covered Palace Square, although his itinerary included a visit to a memorial cemetery and several other events. More than 2,500 servicemen in modern and period uniforms including sheepskin coats and felt boots took part in the parade which also included a flyover of military aircraft. Hundreds of spectators watched the performance in falling snow and temperatures of minus 11 degrees Celsius (12 Fahrenheit), some wrapped in blankets against the cold. A moment of silence was observed to the ticking of a metronome used to warn residents about air-raids during the siege. Some clutched flowers and could not hold back tears. 'We have to remember' "This is a celebration for the city and the country," said Ivan Kolokoltsev, a 45-year-old manager. "We have to remember, we have to commemorate it so that people remember." Natalya Gerashchenko brought her 12-year-old son to see the military display. "A military parade is very beautiful," the 35-year-old said. "The lifting of the siege is very important for everyone." Encircled by the Nazi troops for 872 days between 1941 and 1944, the city of around 3 million people went through unspeakable horrors. With supplies to the city cut, bread rations plunged to 250 grams (about half a pound) for manual workers and 125 grammes for other civilians. More than 800,000 people starved to death or died of disease and shelling. Numerous historians say the true figures are higher Many in Saint Petersburg, including some siege survivors, have denounced the parade as misplaced sabre-rattling and militaristic propaganda. "I am against militarism," Yakov Gilinsky, an 84-year-old siege survivor, told AFP ahead of the parade. "War is horrible." Some said that the money spent on the parade should have been given to survivors instead. "Old people would buy some medicine and new clothes and for a time forget they have to count pennies," wrote political observer Anton Orekh. "Though after the siege they are not afraid of anything, of course." Irina Sadchikova, a 47-year-old librarian, said that the authorities were often so focused on official events they forgot about siege survivors and war veterans. A defence ministry official has insisted the event was not celebratory in nature, describing it as a "soldierly ritual". 'Important date for Russians' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the day was important "for all Russians and personally for President Putin." Clutching red roses, Putin visited the famed Piskaryovskoe cemetery where groups of Russians wished him good health. Putin, at 66, was born after the war. But his older brother died in childhood during the devastating siege and is buried in a mass grave at Piskaryovskoe. The Russian leader's mother nearly succumbed to hunger, while his father fought in the war and was wounded near Leningrad. Since Friday, the city has been holding a series of commemorative events that include music concerts and film screenings. On Sunday evening, authorities will conduct a gun salute in memory of the gunfire that marked the end of the ordeal in 1944. The trauma from the war is deeply ingrained in the collective psyche of the city. Some buildings still carry signs warning residents about air raids. Russia's former imperial capital is home to some 108,000 war veterans and siege survivors.

Russia marks end of Leningrad siege with military parade

More than 17 years after the US invasion of Afghanistan, Washington and the Taliban appear closer than ever to some sort of agreement that could bring the insurgents to the table for peace talks.

However with the withdrawal of US troops seen as part of the deal, fears are rising about what an American exit could mean for Afghanistan, with security forces taking staggering losses, the government facing election upheaval, and civilians paying a disproportionate price after nearly two decades of bloodshed.&nbsp;

Here is a rundown of the status of the talks and what can be expected in the future.

What has happened so far?

The US and Taliban representatives have held several rounds of negotiations in recent months, part of a diplomatic push to get the insurgents to agree to peace talks.&nbsp;

The latest session ended in Qatar on Saturday after six straight days of negotiations — the longest consecutive sit-down between the two sides to date.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan — the only countries to recognise the Taliban regime of the late 1990s — have also all participated in the talks, but the Afghan government has complained of being cut out of them. &nbsp;

The militants are negotiating from a position of strength: they have the upper hand on the battlefield, and US President Donald Trump's reported eagerness to start withdrawing troops from Afghanistan is weighing heavy on the discussions.

What is the goal of the talks?

Ostensibly to find a way to bring the Taliban to the table for peace negotiations with the government in Kabul to end the Afghan conflict.

Doing so would require some movement on longstanding demands from both sides. For the Taliban, that includes a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign forces in Afghanistan, while the US is seeking promises that Afghanistan will not be used again as a base for militants to launch attacks on foreign countries.

Other issues include a potential ceasefire, a prisoners exchange, and ways to bring the Taliban into the political mainstream without undermining the legitimacy of the elected government in Kabul.&nbsp;

The Taliban is widely believed to want a return to power in Afghanistan and to reimpose shariah law, although there is some uncertainty over whether they might loosen their hardline stance after a US exit.

What have they decided?

Nothing yet. But it is believed the US and Taliban have come closer to an agreement than ever before. For now, the two sides have agreed to keep talking.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is heading the initiative for Washington, appeared upbeat, saying late Saturday that the talks were "more productive than they have been in the past. We made significant progress on vital issues".

But he added: "Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, and 'everything' must include an intra-Afghan dialogue and comprehensive ceasefire."

The Taliban also cited progress, though spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said reports of an 18-month withdrawal plan and a ceasefire are "not true".

What happens next?

Khalilzad has said he is returning to Kabul for consultations and is likely hold a range of meetings with the Afghan government.

The Taliban have said they are planning to "share details of the meetings and receive guidance" from their leaders before moving forward, and vowed to resume "similar future meetings".

More talks are expected soon, but neither side has given any clarity on when, or when a deal might be announced.&nbsp;

Even if one is reached in the near future, it will only be the beginning of a peace process. A withdrawal would need to be managed carefully to prevent the collapse of Afghan security forces, and any negotiations between the Taliban and the Kabul government could take months, if not years.&nbsp;

What does it mean for future peace?

"There are too many unknowns... this is just a beginning," analyst Borhan Osman told AFP. "Nobody should underestimate the complexity and delicacy of the way forward from here."

The major sticking point remains the Taliban's flat refusal to speak with the Afghan government, whom the insurgents brand as "puppets" of the West.

Even if the US and Taliban can agree on a mechanism that would bring the militants to the table with Kabul, however, then any specifics will be the subject of "thorny negotiations, in a long battle of wills among more stakeholders than the Taliban and the US", Osman warned.

Last year Afghan President Ashraf Ghani offered a peace plan which encompassed a ceasefire and called for bringing the Taliban into the political mainstream.

However, the Taliban's response was lukewarm at the time and experts said they had no reason to expect that stance to change.

"The Taliban will not agree to a power-sharing deal," Afghan analyst Nazar Mohammad Mutmaeen told AFP.

A US exit without some sort of rapport between the Taliban and Kabul could be disastrous.&nbsp;

There are fears that Afghan security forces — already taking what experts have described as "unsustainable" losses — could break down along ethnic lines, unleashing an even bloodier civil war or even ushering in the return of a Taliban regime. 
&nbsp;

More than 17 years after the US invasion of Afghanistan, Washington and the Taliban appear closer than ever to some sort of agreement that could bring the insurgents to the table for peace talks.

More than 17 years after the US invasion of Afghanistan, Washington and the Taliban appear closer than ever to some sort of agreement that could bring the insurgents to the table for peace talks. However with the withdrawal of US troops seen as part of the deal, fears are rising about what an American exit could mean for Afghanistan, with security forces taking staggering losses, the government facing election upheaval, and civilians paying a disproportionate price after nearly two decades of bloodshed. Here is a rundown of the status of the talks and what can be expected in the future. What has happened so far? The US and Taliban representatives have held several rounds of negotiations in recent months, part of a diplomatic push to get the insurgents to agree to peace talks. The latest session ended in Qatar on Saturday after six straight days of negotiations — the longest consecutive sit-down between the two sides to date. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan — the only countries to recognise the Taliban regime of the late 1990s — have also all participated in the talks, but the Afghan government has complained of being cut out of them. The militants are negotiating from a position of strength: they have the upper hand on the battlefield, and US President Donald Trump's reported eagerness to start withdrawing troops from Afghanistan is weighing heavy on the discussions. What is the goal of the talks? Ostensibly to find a way to bring the Taliban to the table for peace negotiations with the government in Kabul to end the Afghan conflict. Doing so would require some movement on longstanding demands from both sides. For the Taliban, that includes a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign forces in Afghanistan, while the US is seeking promises that Afghanistan will not be used again as a base for militants to launch attacks on foreign countries. Other issues include a potential ceasefire, a prisoners exchange, and ways to bring the Taliban into the political mainstream without undermining the legitimacy of the elected government in Kabul. The Taliban is widely believed to want a return to power in Afghanistan and to reimpose shariah law, although there is some uncertainty over whether they might loosen their hardline stance after a US exit. What have they decided? Nothing yet. But it is believed the US and Taliban have come closer to an agreement than ever before. For now, the two sides have agreed to keep talking. US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is heading the initiative for Washington, appeared upbeat, saying late Saturday that the talks were "more productive than they have been in the past. We made significant progress on vital issues". But he added: "Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, and 'everything' must include an intra-Afghan dialogue and comprehensive ceasefire." The Taliban also cited progress, though spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said reports of an 18-month withdrawal plan and a ceasefire are "not true". What happens next? Khalilzad has said he is returning to Kabul for consultations and is likely hold a range of meetings with the Afghan government. The Taliban have said they are planning to "share details of the meetings and receive guidance" from their leaders before moving forward, and vowed to resume "similar future meetings". More talks are expected soon, but neither side has given any clarity on when, or when a deal might be announced. Even if one is reached in the near future, it will only be the beginning of a peace process. A withdrawal would need to be managed carefully to prevent the collapse of Afghan security forces, and any negotiations between the Taliban and the Kabul government could take months, if not years. What does it mean for future peace? "There are too many unknowns... this is just a beginning," analyst Borhan Osman told AFP. "Nobody should underestimate the complexity and delicacy of the way forward from here." The major sticking point remains the Taliban's flat refusal to speak with the Afghan government, whom the insurgents brand as "puppets" of the West. Even if the US and Taliban can agree on a mechanism that would bring the militants to the table with Kabul, however, then any specifics will be the subject of "thorny negotiations, in a long battle of wills among more stakeholders than the Taliban and the US", Osman warned. Last year Afghan President Ashraf Ghani offered a peace plan which encompassed a ceasefire and called for bringing the Taliban into the political mainstream. However, the Taliban's response was lukewarm at the time and experts said they had no reason to expect that stance to change. "The Taliban will not agree to a power-sharing deal," Afghan analyst Nazar Mohammad Mutmaeen told AFP. A US exit without some sort of rapport between the Taliban and Kabul could be disastrous. There are fears that Afghan security forces — already taking what experts have described as "unsustainable" losses — could break down along ethnic lines, unleashing an even bloodier civil war or even ushering in the return of a Taliban regime.

US-Taliban talks: As hopes rise of a deal, what comes next?

Iraq to deploy troops in Syria

WION Dispatch: Thousands of troops deployed in Bangladesh ahead of general elections

The United States said on Monday it will send over 5,200 troops to help secure the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/many-gang-members-in-caravan-headed-to-sourthern-border-it-is-an-invasion-and-our-military-is-waiting-trump-174273">border with Mexico</a>, a far larger-than-expected deployment as President Donald Trump hardens his stance on immigration ahead of November&nbsp;6 mid-term elections.

The deployment will create an active-duty force comparable in size to the US&nbsp;military contingent in Iraq, as Trump's administration draws attention to a caravan of migrants that is trekking through Mexico toward the United States.

General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the head of US&nbsp;Northern Command, said 800 US&nbsp;troops were already en route to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-honors-migrants-at-day-of-the-dead-as-caravan-treks-north-173978">Texas border</a> and more were headed to the borders in California and Arizona.

"The president has made it clear that border security is national security," O'Shaughnessy said, as he detailed a much larger deployment that the 800 to 1,000 troops predicted by US&nbsp;officials last week.

O'Shaughnessy said some soldiers would be armed although it was unclear who, beyond US&nbsp;military police, might need those weapons. US&nbsp;officials have stressed that the troops would not police the border and instead carry out support roles like building tents and barricades, and flying US&nbsp;customs personnel to locations along the border.

Trump railed against illegal immigration to win the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election and has seized on the caravan of Central American migrants at campaign rallies in the run-up to next week's vote, firing up support for his Republican Party.

If the Republicans lose control of the House of Representatives or the Senate, it could become much harder for Trump to pursue his policy agenda in his remaining two years in office.

According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in late September and early October, 75 per cent of Republican voters said illegal immigration is a very big problem, compared with 19 percent of Democratic voters.

Although Trump's supporters in Congress praised the deployment of troops, the American Civil Liberties Union derided it as a political stunt.

"President Trump has chosen just before midterm elections to force the military into furthering his anti-immigrant agenda of fear and division," said Shaw Drake, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union Border Rights Center in El Paso, Texas.

ARMED SOLDIERS

Trump said on Twitter on Monday that the military would be waiting for the procession -- suggesting a far more direct role in confronting the migrants than the Pentagon described.

"Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border," Trump tweeted.

"Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" he added.

Trump administration officials have been discussing other options to address the caravan and a surge in border crossings, including having Trump use his authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to declare certain migrants ineligible for asylum for national security reasons.

Officials said no decisions had been made.

Kevin McAleenan, the US&nbsp;commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, said a group of approximately 3,500 immigrants were travelling through southern Mexico with the intent of reaching the US&nbsp;border. A second caravan of about 3,000 people were at the Guatemala-Mexico border, McAleenan said.

At the same time, over the last three weeks, border agents have encountered nearly 1,900 people per day either crossing the border illegally or presenting themselves at ports of entry, with over half of them being children alone or parents and children travelling together, McAleenan said.

"We are already facing a border security and humanitarian crisis at our southwest border," he said.

Some migrants have abandoned the journey, deterred by the hardships or the possibility instead of making a new life in Mexico. Others joined it in southern Mexico.

Trump's decision to call in the military appears to be a departure from past practice, at least in recent years, in which such operations were carried out by National Guard forces -- largely part-time military members who are often called upon to serve in response to domestic emergencies.

There are already 2,100 US&nbsp;National Guard forces at the border, sent after a previous Trump request in April. The latest deployment would be in addition to those forces.

The decision to send active duty forces this time gives the Pentagon the ability to more rapidly mobilise greater capability than would be immediately available with the Guard, officials told Reuters.

But it also injects the military, which prides itself in being non-partisan, into a highly charged political issue just days ahead of an election.

The United States said on Monday it will send over 5,200 troops to help secure the border with Mexico, a far larger-than-expected deployment as President Donald Trump hardens his stance on immigration ahead of November 6 mid-term elections.

The United States said on Monday it will send over 5,200 troops to help secure the border with Mexico, a far larger-than-expected deployment as President Donald Trump hardens his stance on immigration ahead of November 6 mid-term elections. The deployment will create an active-duty force comparable in size to the US military contingent in Iraq, as Trump's administration draws attention to a caravan of migrants that is trekking through Mexico toward the United States. General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the head of US Northern Command, said 800 US troops were already en route to the Texas border and more were headed to the borders in California and Arizona. "The president has made it clear that border security is national security," O'Shaughnessy said, as he detailed a much larger deployment that the 800 to 1,000 troops predicted by US officials last week. O'Shaughnessy said some soldiers would be armed although it was unclear who, beyond US military police, might need those weapons. US officials have stressed that the troops would not police the border and instead carry out support roles like building tents and barricades, and flying US customs personnel to locations along the border. Trump railed against illegal immigration to win the 2016 US presidential election and has seized on the caravan of Central American migrants at campaign rallies in the run-up to next week's vote, firing up support for his Republican Party. If the Republicans lose control of the House of Representatives or the Senate, it could become much harder for Trump to pursue his policy agenda in his remaining two years in office. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in late September and early October, 75 per cent of Republican voters said illegal immigration is a very big problem, compared with 19 percent of Democratic voters. Although Trump's supporters in Congress praised the deployment of troops, the American Civil Liberties Union derided it as a political stunt. "President Trump has chosen just before midterm elections to force the military into furthering his anti-immigrant agenda of fear and division," said Shaw Drake, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union Border Rights Center in El Paso, Texas. ARMED SOLDIERS Trump said on Twitter on Monday that the military would be waiting for the procession -- suggesting a far more direct role in confronting the migrants than the Pentagon described. "Many Gang Members and some very bad people are mixed into the Caravan heading to our Southern Border," Trump tweeted. "Please go back, you will not be admitted into the United States unless you go through the legal process. This is an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" he added. Trump administration officials have been discussing other options to address the caravan and a surge in border crossings, including having Trump use his authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to declare certain migrants ineligible for asylum for national security reasons. Officials said no decisions had been made. Kevin McAleenan, the US commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, said a group of approximately 3,500 immigrants were travelling through southern Mexico with the intent of reaching the US border. A second caravan of about 3,000 people were at the Guatemala-Mexico border, McAleenan said. At the same time, over the last three weeks, border agents have encountered nearly 1,900 people per day either crossing the border illegally or presenting themselves at ports of entry, with over half of them being children alone or parents and children travelling together, McAleenan said. "We are already facing a border security and humanitarian crisis at our southwest border," he said. Some migrants have abandoned the journey, deterred by the hardships or the possibility instead of making a new life in Mexico. Others joined it in southern Mexico. Trump's decision to call in the military appears to be a departure from past practice, at least in recent years, in which such operations were carried out by National Guard forces -- largely part-time military members who are often called upon to serve in response to domestic emergencies. There are already 2,100 US National Guard forces at the border, sent after a previous Trump request in April. The latest deployment would be in addition to those forces. The decision to send active duty forces this time gives the Pentagon the ability to more rapidly mobilise greater capability than would be immediately available with the Guard, officials told Reuters. But it also injects the military, which prides itself in being non-partisan, into a highly charged political issue just days ahead of an election.

As migrant caravan approaches, US says it's sending 5,200 troops to Mexico border

Israeli troops fired live rounds and tear gas at Palestinians who thronged the Gaza-Israel frontier and rampaged at a border terminal on Friday as part of a long-running protest, injuring about 1,100 people.

Medics said around 82 people were shot and wounded with live fire, another 800 treated for gas inhalation and the rest for other injuries along the Gaza side of the 25-mile (40-km) border fence, where Palestinians set up tent encampments on March 30 for what they call "The Great March of Return".

Youths rolled burning tyres to within 300 metres (yards) of the fence, trying to use the smoke as cover for throwing stones across it while eluding Israeli snipers. Army gunfire has killed at least 43 Palestinians on the frontier over the last month.

Protesters said they used slingshots to down two small Israeli observation drones. The army confirmed the drone losses.

Hundreds of Palestinians entered Kerem Shalom, an industrial crossing point on the border. One of them said over social media that they had "torched rooms used by the Occupation (Israel)."

The Israeli army issued footage showing fires at Kerem Shalom, but said the damage was limited to the Palestinian side.

"The rioters are damaging the pipes that carry fuel and gas from Israel into the Gaza Strip," the army said in a statement.

Facing international censure over its use of live fire in the protests, the Israeli army says it is protecting its border and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling firebombs and trying to plant explosives, approach too closely.

On Friday, troops faced "10,000 Palestinians participating in riots in six locations along the Gaza Strip border," it said.

As Israel celebrates its 70th birthday, Palestinians mourn what they call the "Nakba" (Catastrophe) of their people's mass dispossession during the conflict that broke out in 1948.

"Give us a state"

Two-thirds of the two million Palestinians in Gaza are war refugees or their descendants. The protests have seen thousands gather - in greater numbers on Fridays - to demand access to their families' lost homes or lands, now in Israel.

Israel rules that out, concerned it would lose its Jewish majority. Alternatives, such as accommodating refugees and their descendants in a future Palestinian state, have been discussed in peace talks that date back to 1993 but which are now stalled.

"If it wasn't for the occupation we would have lived as free as people like in other countries," Ahmed, 24, said at a protest site east of Gaza City. "If they don't allow us back, at least they should give us a state."

Israel says the protests have been organised by Hamas - an Islamist group that controls Gaza and is sworn to Israel's destruction - to provide cover for attacks, and that most of the dead were militants. Palestinians deny those allegations.

Israel, which withdrew settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005 after a 38-year occupation, has expanded its settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

An added focus this year is President Donald Trump's decision to begin moving the US&nbsp;Embassy to Jerusalem on May 14, the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding.

Trump's moves angered Palestinian leaders, who have refused to talk to his administration, accusing it of pro-Israel bias. Israel's government celebrated the U.S. decision, saying it recognised the "reality" that Jerusalem was the historic capital of the Jewish people.

Visiting the Middle East earlier this week, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lent his support to Israel's handling of the border protests. "We do believe the Israelis have a right to defend themselves," he said.

Medics said around 82 people were shot and wounded with live fire, another 800 treated for gas inhalation and the rest for other injuries along the Gaza side of the 25-mile (40-km) border fence

Israeli troops fired live rounds and tear gas at Palestinians who thronged the Gaza-Israel frontier and rampaged at a border terminal on Friday as part of a long-running protest, injuring about 1,100 people. Medics said around 82 people were shot and wounded with live fire, another 800 treated for gas inhalation and the rest for other injuries along the Gaza side of the 25-mile (40-km) border fence, where Palestinians set up tent encampments on March 30 for what they call "The Great March of Return". Youths rolled burning tyres to within 300 metres (yards) of the fence, trying to use the smoke as cover for throwing stones across it while eluding Israeli snipers. Army gunfire has killed at least 43 Palestinians on the frontier over the last month. Protesters said they used slingshots to down two small Israeli observation drones. The army confirmed the drone losses. Hundreds of Palestinians entered Kerem Shalom, an industrial crossing point on the border. One of them said over social media that they had "torched rooms used by the Occupation (Israel)." The Israeli army issued footage showing fires at Kerem Shalom, but said the damage was limited to the Palestinian side. "The rioters are damaging the pipes that carry fuel and gas from Israel into the Gaza Strip," the army said in a statement. Facing international censure over its use of live fire in the protests, the Israeli army says it is protecting its border and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling firebombs and trying to plant explosives, approach too closely. On Friday, troops faced "10,000 Palestinians participating in riots in six locations along the Gaza Strip border," it said. As Israel celebrates its 70th birthday, Palestinians mourn what they call the "Nakba" (Catastrophe) of their people's mass dispossession during the conflict that broke out in 1948. "Give us a state" Two-thirds of the two million Palestinians in Gaza are war refugees or their descendants. The protests have seen thousands gather - in greater numbers on Fridays - to demand access to their families' lost homes or lands, now in Israel. Israel rules that out, concerned it would lose its Jewish majority. Alternatives, such as accommodating refugees and their descendants in a future Palestinian state, have been discussed in peace talks that date back to 1993 but which are now stalled. "If it wasn't for the occupation we would have lived as free as people like in other countries," Ahmed, 24, said at a protest site east of Gaza City. "If they don't allow us back, at least they should give us a state." Israel says the protests have been organised by Hamas - an Islamist group that controls Gaza and is sworn to Israel's destruction - to provide cover for attacks, and that most of the dead were militants. Palestinians deny those allegations. Israel, which withdrew settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005 after a 38-year occupation, has expanded its settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. An added focus this year is President Donald Trump's decision to begin moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem on May 14, the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding. Trump's moves angered Palestinian leaders, who have refused to talk to his administration, accusing it of pro-Israel bias. Israel's government celebrated the U.S. decision, saying it recognised the "reality" that Jerusalem was the historic capital of the Jewish people. Visiting the Middle East earlier this week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lent his support to Israel's handling of the border protests. "We do believe the Israelis have a right to defend themselves," he said.

Israeli troops fire shots, tear gas at Gaza protesters, 1,100 Palestinians hurt

Israeli troops shot dead four Palestinians on the Gaza-Israel border on Friday, bringing to 35 the death toll among Palestinians protesters demanding the right to return to their former homeland.

Gazans used catapults and sling-shots to launch stones at Israeli forces, and some Palestinians brought wire-cutters to cut through the border fence, ignoring leaflets dropped by the Israeli military warning residents not to approach the frontier.

The deaths included a 15-year-old boy shot dead in northern Gaza, Palestinian health officials said. At least 100 people were wounded by Israeli gunfire, the officials said.

The planned six-week protest campaign reached its half-way point on Friday, which saw smaller crowds than in recent weeks. As the numbers peaked during the afternoon Israeli soldiers called out warnings in Arabic over loudspeakers to anyone who approached the border fence.

Black plumes of smoke from piles of burning tyres billowed over the area, and stretcher-bearers rushed to carry the wounded to first aid posts.

The protest began on March 30, and has seen tent encampments spring up near the Israeli-imposed restricted zone along the 40km (25-mile) border fence. The protesters have revived demands for Palestinian refugees to regain their ancestral homes in what is now Israel.&nbsp;

The protests are scheduled to culminate on May 15, when, according to Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, the Gaza scenes would be replicated elsewhere on Israel's frontiers.

"I say to our people everywhere, be prepared for a human deluge on all of the borders of Palestine, inside the occupied land and outside the occupied land," he said on a visit to one of the border camps. "I say to the (Israeli occupiers) your time is gone."

Israel's use of live fire has drawn international criticism but the Israeli government says it is protecting its borders and takes such action when protesters come too close to the border fence.

The Israeli military said that around 3,000 Palestinians were involved in the latest protest, and that its troops responded "with riot dispersal means and are firing in accordance with the rules of engagement."

Israel accuses Hamas, the Islamist militant group which rules Gaza, of staging riots and trying to carry out attacks. Hamas denies this. Although organisers say the main protest is intended to be peaceful, some protesters have advanced toward the border from the encampments to hurl stones and burning tyres near the fence.

On Friday they fitted kites with cans of flammable liquid, which they flew across the border to start fires in Israel.

"We aim to distract the soldiers from shooting and wounding or killing our people," said Mohammad Abu Mustafa, 17, who lost his right leg a few months ago after being shot by an Israeli soldier. Israel's Foreign Ministry tweeted a photograph of one kite daubed with a swastika flying through the sky trailing flames.

Packed in

More than 2 million Palestinians are packed into the narrow coastal enclave. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but maintains tight control of its land and sea borders. Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border.

The protest campaign, dubbed The Great March of Return, is leading up to May 15, when Palestinians mark Nakba Day, or the Day of Catastrophe, commemorating their displacement around the time of Israel`s founding in 1948.

It takes place at a time of growing frustration over the prospects for an independent Palestinian state. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled for several years and Israeli settlements in the occupied territories have expanded.&nbsp;

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's decision last year to recognise disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital further fueled Palestinian anger.&nbsp;

In an apparent sign of concern over the bloodshed on the border, the Israeli-American Hollywood actress Natalie Portman announced she was pulling out of a ceremony in Israel to accept a million-dollar prize because of "distressing" events in the country.

In a statement, the Genesis Prize Foundation quoted a representative for Portman as saying: "Recent events in Israel have been extremely distressing to her and she does not feel comfortable participating in any public events in Israel."

It gave no further details of her reasons. But the foundation said it "admires her humanity, and respects her right to publicly disagree with the policies of the government of Israel".

Israel's culture minister, Miri Regev, suggested the actress was supporting the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to isolate Israel economically over its treatment of Palestinians. Israel sees the BDS movement as an attempt to delegitimise it.

The Genesis Prize is awarded to individuals for excellence in their professional fields and "who inspire others through their dedication to the Jewish community and Jewish values"

Despite the warnings, two Palestinians were killed and 12 wounded by Israeli gunfire

Israeli troops shot dead four Palestinians on the Gaza-Israel border on Friday, bringing to 35 the death toll among Palestinians protesters demanding the right to return to their former homeland. Gazans used catapults and sling-shots to launch stones at Israeli forces, and some Palestinians brought wire-cutters to cut through the border fence, ignoring leaflets dropped by the Israeli military warning residents not to approach the frontier. The deaths included a 15-year-old boy shot dead in northern Gaza, Palestinian health officials said. At least 100 people were wounded by Israeli gunfire, the officials said. The planned six-week protest campaign reached its half-way point on Friday, which saw smaller crowds than in recent weeks. As the numbers peaked during the afternoon Israeli soldiers called out warnings in Arabic over loudspeakers to anyone who approached the border fence. Black plumes of smoke from piles of burning tyres billowed over the area, and stretcher-bearers rushed to carry the wounded to first aid posts. The protest began on March 30, and has seen tent encampments spring up near the Israeli-imposed restricted zone along the 40km (25-mile) border fence. The protesters have revived demands for Palestinian refugees to regain their ancestral homes in what is now Israel. The protests are scheduled to culminate on May 15, when, according to Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, the Gaza scenes would be replicated elsewhere on Israel's frontiers. "I say to our people everywhere, be prepared for a human deluge on all of the borders of Palestine, inside the occupied land and outside the occupied land," he said on a visit to one of the border camps. "I say to the (Israeli occupiers) your time is gone." Israel's use of live fire has drawn international criticism but the Israeli government says it is protecting its borders and takes such action when protesters come too close to the border fence. The Israeli military said that around 3,000 Palestinians were involved in the latest protest, and that its troops responded "with riot dispersal means and are firing in accordance with the rules of engagement." Israel accuses Hamas, the Islamist militant group which rules Gaza, of staging riots and trying to carry out attacks. Hamas denies this. Although organisers say the main protest is intended to be peaceful, some protesters have advanced toward the border from the encampments to hurl stones and burning tyres near the fence. On Friday they fitted kites with cans of flammable liquid, which they flew across the border to start fires in Israel. "We aim to distract the soldiers from shooting and wounding or killing our people," said Mohammad Abu Mustafa, 17, who lost his right leg a few months ago after being shot by an Israeli soldier. Israel's Foreign Ministry tweeted a photograph of one kite daubed with a swastika flying through the sky trailing flames. Packed in More than 2 million Palestinians are packed into the narrow coastal enclave. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but maintains tight control of its land and sea borders. Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border. The protest campaign, dubbed The Great March of Return, is leading up to May 15, when Palestinians mark Nakba Day, or the Day of Catastrophe, commemorating their displacement around the time of Israel`s founding in 1948. It takes place at a time of growing frustration over the prospects for an independent Palestinian state. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled for several years and Israeli settlements in the occupied territories have expanded. US President Donald Trump's decision last year to recognise disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital further fueled Palestinian anger. In an apparent sign of concern over the bloodshed on the border, the Israeli-American Hollywood actress Natalie Portman announced she was pulling out of a ceremony in Israel to accept a million-dollar prize because of "distressing" events in the country. In a statement, the Genesis Prize Foundation quoted a representative for Portman as saying: "Recent events in Israel have been extremely distressing to her and she does not feel comfortable participating in any public events in Israel." It gave no further details of her reasons. But the foundation said it "admires her humanity, and respects her right to publicly disagree with the policies of the government of Israel". Israel's culture minister, Miri Regev, suggested the actress was supporting the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to isolate Israel economically over its treatment of Palestinians. Israel sees the BDS movement as an attempt to delegitimise it. The Genesis Prize is awarded to individuals for excellence in their professional fields and "who inspire others through their dedication to the Jewish community and Jewish values"

Israeli troops kill four more Palestinians in border protest

US Defense Secretary James Mattis has signed a memo according to which the National Guard will deploy up to 4,000 troops to the US-Mexico border.

According to the Hill, the move permits the use of the Pentagon money for up to 4,000 National Guard personnel to support the Department of Homeland Security's "southern border security mission while under the command and control of their respective governors through September 30, 2018."

The memo reportedly further states that the troops will not be used for law enforcement or interaction with immigrants unless Defense Secretary James Mattis approves it and that the troops will be armed only if required for self-defence.

It will be valid for the current budget year, which ends on 30 September, however, the memo does not say how much the mission will cost.

The initial deployment of 500 will include soldiers and airmen.

"Always Ready, Always There! Moving up to 500 #NationalGuard troops immediately on the SW border security mission. Vehicles, equipment & helicopters on the way tonight," National Guard Bureau Chief Gen. Joseph Lengyel wrote on Twitter.&nbsp

The initial deployment of 500 will include soldiers and airmen

US Defense Secretary James Mattis has signed a memo according to which the National Guard will deploy up to 4,000 troops to the US-Mexico border. According to the Hill, the move permits the use of the Pentagon money for up to 4,000 National Guard personnel to support the Department of Homeland Security's "southern border security mission while under the command and control of their respective governors through September 30, 2018." The memo reportedly further states that the troops will not be used for law enforcement or interaction with immigrants unless Defense Secretary James Mattis approves it and that the troops will be armed only if required for self-defence. It will be valid for the current budget year, which ends on 30 September, however, the memo does not say how much the mission will cost. The initial deployment of 500 will include soldiers and airmen. "Always Ready, Always There! Moving up to 500 #NationalGuard troops immediately on the SW border security mission. Vehicles, equipment & helicopters on the way tonight," National Guard Bureau Chief Gen. Joseph Lengyel wrote on Twitter.

Mattis approves deployment of National Guard troops at US-Mexico border

Pakistan&rsquo;s Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani today threatened Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir with &#39;contempt of parliament&#39; proceedings after the minister refused to provide details of the &#39;unilateral decision&rsquo; to send Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia for deployment.

The minister gave a policy statement in Senate, the upper house, days after the powerful army announced the decision to send troops to the Gulf Kingdom.

&quot;Pakistani troops being dispatched to Saudi Arabia are only meant for imparting training to Saudi security personnel instead of entangling in Yemen war,&quot; he told the lawmakers.

He said that over 1,000 contingent will be dispatched shortly as part of the decision.

Currently, around 1,600 Pakistani troops are on deputation in Saudi Arabia under a bilateral agreement.

The minister said Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has approved deputing additional Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia for training and advisory purposes, which is a continuation of the on-going support.

He rejected the impression that by sending troops the government had violated April 2015 resolution by parliament which had asked the government to stay away from Yemen war.

However, the Senate Chairman &#39;rejected&#39; Dastagir&#39;s briefing to the upper house after the minister said he could not divulge &quot;operational details&quot; of the deployment.

&quot;Why don&#39;t we proceed against you and the prime minister over &#39;contempt of parliament&#39;?&quot; Rabbani asked.

He asked why the parliament was not informed by the minister and the prime minister since they knew about the decision to deploy the troops.

&quot;The parliament found out (about the deployment) through a press release,&quot; Rabbani said. &quot;The executive has itself rubbed parliament&#39;s nose in the dirt.&quot;

Rabbani asked the minister to provide all details about the deployment and offered in-camera session for the purpose and urged him &quot;not to give us a lollipop&quot; as &quot;we are not children.&quot;

The minister refused to accept the offer and even refused to share the location where the troops will be deployed.

He told the Senate that the troops will not be deployed outside the Kingdom&#39;s territory, but Rabbani expressed a lack of confidence in his words, saying this information was already known.

Currently, around 1,600 Pakistani troops are on deputation in Saudi Arabia under a bilateral agreement

Pakistan’s Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani today threatened Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir with 'contempt of parliament' proceedings after the minister refused to provide details of the 'unilateral decision’ to send Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia for deployment. The minister gave a policy statement in Senate, the upper house, days after the powerful army announced the decision to send troops to the Gulf Kingdom. "Pakistani troops being dispatched to Saudi Arabia are only meant for imparting training to Saudi security personnel instead of entangling in Yemen war," he told the lawmakers. He said that over 1,000 contingent will be dispatched shortly as part of the decision. Currently, around 1,600 Pakistani troops are on deputation in Saudi Arabia under a bilateral agreement. The minister said Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has approved deputing additional Pakistani troops to Saudi Arabia for training and advisory purposes, which is a continuation of the on-going support. He rejected the impression that by sending troops the government had violated April 2015 resolution by parliament which had asked the government to stay away from Yemen war. However, the Senate Chairman 'rejected' Dastagir's briefing to the upper house after the minister said he could not divulge "operational details" of the deployment. "Why don't we proceed against you and the prime minister over 'contempt of parliament'?" Rabbani asked. He asked why the parliament was not informed by the minister and the prime minister since they knew about the decision to deploy the troops. "The parliament found out (about the deployment) through a press release," Rabbani said. "The executive has itself rubbed parliament's nose in the dirt." Rabbani asked the minister to provide all details about the deployment and offered in-camera session for the purpose and urged him "not to give us a lollipop" as "we are not children." The minister refused to accept the offer and even refused to share the location where the troops will be deployed. He told the Senate that the troops will not be deployed outside the Kingdom's territory, but Rabbani expressed a lack of confidence in his words, saying this information was already known.

Pakistan refuses to disclose details of troops deployment in Saudi Arabia

In a major policy shift, Pakistan has decided to deploy troops in <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Saudi-Arabia" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia/articleshow/62945805.cms~Saudi Arabia-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Saudi-Arabia">Saudi Arabia</a> under bilateral security cooperation with the kingdom which is involved in the ongoing civil war in neighbouring Yemen. 
The <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Pakistan-Army" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia/articleshow/62945805.cms~Pakistan Army-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Pakistan-Army">Pakistan Army</a> announced the decision after a meeting between Army Chief General <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Qamar-Javed-Bajwa" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia/articleshow/62945805.cms~Qamar Javed Bajwa-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Qamar-Javed-Bajwa">Qamar Javed Bajwa</a> and Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Saeed-Al-Maliki" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-to-deploy-troops-in-saudi-arabia/articleshow/62945805.cms~Saeed Al-Maliki-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Saeed-Al-Maliki">Saeed Al-Maliki</a>, at army headquarters in Rawalpindi yesterday. 
 
&quot;In continuation of ongoing Pak-Saudi bilateral security cooperation, a Pakistan Army contingent is being sent to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on training and advise mission. These or troops already there will not be employed outside KSA,&quot; the army said. 
 
It also said the army &quot;maintains bilateral security cooperation with many other Gulf/regional countries&quot;. 
 
About the meeting of the ambassador with Bajwa, it said that matters of mutual interest including regional security situation were discussed during the meeting. 
 
Already around 1,000 Pakistani troops are deployed in Saudi Arabia in various advisory and training roles, according to officials 
 
There was no official word on the number of additional troops being sent to the kingdom but the Dawn newspaper quoted &quot;multiple sources&quot; hinting that it might be the size of a composite brigade. 
 
It also quoted army spokesman, Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, that the new deployment would be much lesser than a division, and that he would give details later. 
 
Saudi Arabia has been pushing Pakistan to provide troops since 2015 when it joined Yemen&#39;s civil war but Pakistan steadily refused, saying it would not become the party to any regional conflict.

The war in Yemen stalemated and the situation has aggravated with the rebels firing missiles at regular intervals towards the kingdom. 
 
The alliance of Muslim nations set up by Saudi Arabia and led by former Pakistan Army chief Raheel Sharif is also still in an early stage to play any role in the conflict. 
 
Bajwa earlier this month visited Saudi Arabia for three days and met officials including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Commander of Ground Forces Lt Gen Prince Fahd bin Turki bin Abdulaziz. 
 
It was his second visit to the kingdom in two months and reportedly played a role in Pakistan&#39;s decision to deploy troops.

Pakistan is treading a fine line in maintaining relations with Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Qatar and other regional players and the decision of deploying troops may annoy Saudi Arabia&#39;s rivals like Iran and Qatar. 
 
Bajwa has been playing a major role in addressing concerns of regional countries and met with ambassadors of Iran and Turkey earlier this week. He also recently visited Qatar and met its &#39;emir&#39;.

The decision may also create tension in Pakistan&#39;s internal politics as parliament had passed a resolution at the start of the Yemen crisis that said Pakistan would stay neutral in the conflict.

Saudi Arabia has been pushing Pakistan to provide troops since 2015 when it joined Yemen's civil war

In a major policy shift, Pakistan has decided to deploy troops in Saudi Arabia under bilateral security cooperation with the kingdom which is involved in the ongoing civil war in neighbouring Yemen. The Pakistan Army announced the decision after a meeting between Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki, at army headquarters in Rawalpindi yesterday. "In continuation of ongoing Pak-Saudi bilateral security cooperation, a Pakistan Army contingent is being sent to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on training and advise mission. These or troops already there will not be employed outside KSA," the army said. It also said the army "maintains bilateral security cooperation with many other Gulf/regional countries". About the meeting of the ambassador with Bajwa, it said that matters of mutual interest including regional security situation were discussed during the meeting. Already around 1,000 Pakistani troops are deployed in Saudi Arabia in various advisory and training roles, according to officials There was no official word on the number of additional troops being sent to the kingdom but the Dawn newspaper quoted "multiple sources" hinting that it might be the size of a composite brigade. It also quoted army spokesman, Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, that the new deployment would be much lesser than a division, and that he would give details later. Saudi Arabia has been pushing Pakistan to provide troops since 2015 when it joined Yemen's civil war but Pakistan steadily refused, saying it would not become the party to any regional conflict. The war in Yemen stalemated and the situation has aggravated with the rebels firing missiles at regular intervals towards the kingdom. The alliance of Muslim nations set up by Saudi Arabia and led by former Pakistan Army chief Raheel Sharif is also still in an early stage to play any role in the conflict. Bajwa earlier this month visited Saudi Arabia for three days and met officials including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Commander of Ground Forces Lt Gen Prince Fahd bin Turki bin Abdulaziz. It was his second visit to the kingdom in two months and reportedly played a role in Pakistan's decision to deploy troops. Pakistan is treading a fine line in maintaining relations with Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Qatar and other regional players and the decision of deploying troops may annoy Saudi Arabia's rivals like Iran and Qatar. Bajwa has been playing a major role in addressing concerns of regional countries and met with ambassadors of Iran and Turkey earlier this week. He also recently visited Qatar and met its 'emir'. The decision may also create tension in Pakistan's internal politics as parliament had passed a resolution at the start of the Yemen crisis that said Pakistan would stay neutral in the conflict.

Pakistan to deploy troops in Saudi Arabia

The beleaguered Maldives government Sunday ordered police and troops to reject any move by the Supreme Court to arrest or impeach President Abdulla Yameen over his refusal to release political prisoners.

The tiny tourist archipelago has been plunged into a political crisis pitting the country&#39;s top court against Yameen, whose crackdown on dissent has tarnished the nation&#39;s image as an upmarket holiday paradise.

On Thursday &mdash; in a move that surprised many &mdash; judges ordered authorities to release nine political dissidents and restore the seats of 12 legislators who had been sacked for defecting from Yameen&#39;s party, ruling the cases were politically motivated.

But the Yameen government has so far refused, shuttering parliament and resisting international calls to comply.

In a national television address on Sunday Attorney General Mohamed Anil said the government remained defiant.

&quot;Any Supreme Court order to arrest the president would be unconstitutional and illegal. So I have asked the police and the army not to implement any unconstitutional order,&quot; Anil said.

The reinstatement of the dozen legislators gave the opposition a majority in the 85-member assembly, and it can now potentially impeach Yameen.

However the authorities shut parliament indefinitely on Saturday to avert such a move. Yameen also sacked two police chiefs after the court&#39;s decision.

The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party &mdash; led by the country&#39;s first democratically-elected president Mohamed Nasheed &mdash; has urged the government to respect the top court&#39;s decision, fearing any refusal might trigger unrest in the nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims.

The Maldivian government said Friday it had concerns about releasing those convicted for &quot;terrorism, corruption, embezzlement, and treason&quot;.

The United Nations, Australia, Britain, Canada, India and the United States welcomed the court&#39;s decision as a move towards restoring democracy in the politically troubled Indian Ocean nation.

Nasheed was barred from contesting any election in the Maldives after a controversial 2015 terrorism conviction which was internationally criticised as politically motivated. He lives abroad after travelling out of the country in 2016 on prison leave for medical treatment.

In a national television address on Sunday Attorney General Mohamed Anil said the government remained defiant

The beleaguered Maldives government Sunday ordered police and troops to reject any move by the Supreme Court to arrest or impeach President Abdulla Yameen over his refusal to release political prisoners. The tiny tourist archipelago has been plunged into a political crisis pitting the country's top court against Yameen, whose crackdown on dissent has tarnished the nation's image as an upmarket holiday paradise. On Thursday — in a move that surprised many — judges ordered authorities to release nine political dissidents and restore the seats of 12 legislators who had been sacked for defecting from Yameen's party, ruling the cases were politically motivated. But the Yameen government has so far refused, shuttering parliament and resisting international calls to comply. In a national television address on Sunday Attorney General Mohamed Anil said the government remained defiant. "Any Supreme Court order to arrest the president would be unconstitutional and illegal. So I have asked the police and the army not to implement any unconstitutional order," Anil said. The reinstatement of the dozen legislators gave the opposition a majority in the 85-member assembly, and it can now potentially impeach Yameen. However the authorities shut parliament indefinitely on Saturday to avert such a move. Yameen also sacked two police chiefs after the court's decision. The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party — led by the country's first democratically-elected president Mohamed Nasheed — has urged the government to respect the top court's decision, fearing any refusal might trigger unrest in the nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims. The Maldivian government said Friday it had concerns about releasing those convicted for "terrorism, corruption, embezzlement, and treason". The United Nations, Australia, Britain, Canada, India and the United States welcomed the court's decision as a move towards restoring democracy in the politically troubled Indian Ocean nation. Nasheed was barred from contesting any election in the Maldives after a controversial 2015 terrorism conviction which was internationally criticised as politically motivated. He lives abroad after travelling out of the country in 2016 on prison leave for medical treatment.

Maldives govt warns Supreme Court against impeachment move

Iraqi forces thrust north from the Euphrates Valley into the desert on Saturday, opening up a new front in the drive to flush out fugitive Islamic State group fighters, a commander told AFP.

Islamic State has already been driven from all the towns it once held, but Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said he will not proclaim victory until the jihadists have been cleared from the western desert bordering Syria.

Troops and paramilitaries had advanced into the desert from the east and north on Thursday at the start of an offensive aimed at inflicting a final defeat on the jihadists.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-forces-launch-operation-to-clear-desert-bordering-syria-of-islamic-state-24909">Iraqi forces launch operation to clear desert bordering Syria of Islamic State</a>

On Saturday, troops and tribal militia pushed north from Al-Qaim and Rawa, two Euphrates Valley towns recaptured from Islamic State earlier this month, in a pincer movement against retreating Islamic State fighters, one of the operation&#39;s two commanders told AFP.

&quot;It&#39;s a matter of linking up with the forces advancing from Nineveh&quot; province in the north, the commander said, asking not to be identified.

&quot;The aim of the operation is to clear the desert right up to the Syrian border and hunt down the terrorists who fled into the desert from the towns that have been liberated.&quot;

The Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) paramilitary force, which has played a key role in the offensive, said 100 villages and hamlets had already been cleared of Islamic State fighters.

&quot;The battle for the desert is very important because it&#39;s from there that Daesh fighters coming from Syria can attack our defence lines,&quot; said Hashed number two Abu Mahdi al-Mohandis, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State.

In a video posted by the Hashed, Mohandis said the desert was &quot;the last region where Daesh still has a military presence.&quot;

He said operations against it were under away over an area of 27,000 square kilometres (10,400 square miles).

But he warned that their completion would not spell the end of Islamic State.

&quot;We must hunt them down in areas that have been liberated and we must arrest them before they slip back into urban areas,&quot; said Mohandis, who is widely regarded as the strongman of the Hashed, which is largely composed of Iran-backed Shiite militias.

&quot;We must remain in a state of alert,&quot; he added. &quot;Security will not be fully assured until we have complete control of the border with Syria.&quot;

At the peak of its power in 2014, Islamic State ruled some seven million people in a territory as large as Italy, encompassing large parts of Syria and nearly a third of Iraq.

It is now being flushed out of its last desert hideouts in Iraq at the same time as its final pockets of control in Syria face simultaneous operations by Russian-backed government forces and US-backed Kurdish-led fighters.

Troops and paramilitaries had advanced into the desert from the east and north on Thursday at the start of an offensive aimed at inflicting a final defeat on the jihadists

Iraqi forces thrust north from the Euphrates Valley into the desert on Saturday, opening up a new front in the drive to flush out fugitive Islamic State group fighters, a commander told AFP. Islamic State has already been driven from all the towns it once held, but Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said he will not proclaim victory until the jihadists have been cleared from the western desert bordering Syria. Troops and paramilitaries had advanced into the desert from the east and north on Thursday at the start of an offensive aimed at inflicting a final defeat on the jihadists. Also read: Iraqi forces launch operation to clear desert bordering Syria of Islamic State On Saturday, troops and tribal militia pushed north from Al-Qaim and Rawa, two Euphrates Valley towns recaptured from Islamic State earlier this month, in a pincer movement against retreating Islamic State fighters, one of the operation's two commanders told AFP. "It's a matter of linking up with the forces advancing from Nineveh" province in the north, the commander said, asking not to be identified. "The aim of the operation is to clear the desert right up to the Syrian border and hunt down the terrorists who fled into the desert from the towns that have been liberated." The Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) paramilitary force, which has played a key role in the offensive, said 100 villages and hamlets had already been cleared of Islamic State fighters. "The battle for the desert is very important because it's from there that Daesh fighters coming from Syria can attack our defence lines," said Hashed number two Abu Mahdi al-Mohandis, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. In a video posted by the Hashed, Mohandis said the desert was "the last region where Daesh still has a military presence." He said operations against it were under away over an area of 27,000 square kilometres (10,400 square miles). But he warned that their completion would not spell the end of Islamic State. "We must hunt them down in areas that have been liberated and we must arrest them before they slip back into urban areas," said Mohandis, who is widely regarded as the strongman of the Hashed, which is largely composed of Iran-backed Shiite militias. "We must remain in a state of alert," he added. "Security will not be fully assured until we have complete control of the border with Syria." At the peak of its power in 2014, Islamic State ruled some seven million people in a territory as large as Italy, encompassing large parts of Syria and nearly a third of Iraq. It is now being flushed out of its last desert hideouts in Iraq at the same time as its final pockets of control in Syria face simultaneous operations by Russian-backed government forces and US-backed Kurdish-led fighters.

Iraq forces open new drive to flush out Islamic State

Afghanistan&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;welcomed a decision by US President Donald Trump to renew America&#39;s engagement in the war-torn country and allow for the deployment of more troops.&nbsp;

President Ashraf Ghani said in a statement that the announcement showed the &quot;enduring commitment by Afghanistan&#39;s foundational partner in this global conflict&quot;.

President Ashraf Ghani said "enduring commitment by Afghanistan's foundational partner in this global conflict", after Trump's statement.

Afghanistan on Tuesday welcomed a decision by US President Donald Trump to renew America's engagement in the war-torn country and allow for the deployment of more troops. President Ashraf Ghani said in a statement that the announcement showed the "enduring commitment by Afghanistan's foundational partner in this global conflict".

Trump's "enduring commitment" towards Afghan welcomed by the President Ashraf Ghani.

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

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