The top Unites States Army General, Mark Milley, has warned of an imminent civil war in Afghanistan, saying that the conditions are ripe for the “resurgence of terrorist groups” in the country.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said if the Taliban cannot consolidate power, then al Qaeda and the Islamic State will most likely take control of the region.

“My military estimate... is that the conditions are likely to develop of a civil war,” Milley told Fox News.

He raised doubts whether the Taliban, who are yet to declare a government, would be able to consolidate power and establish effective governance in the region.

"I think there's at least a very good probability of a broader civil war and that will then, in turn, lead to conditions that could, in fact, lead to a reconstitution of al-Qaida or a growth of ISIS or other ... terrorist groups," Milley said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/genocide-in-making-afghan-ex-vp-calls-on-un-to-end-talibans-onslaught-into-panjshir-province-410875">'Genocide in making': Afghan ex-VP calls on UN to end 'Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province'</a>

Giving a bleak assessment of what could transpire in the upcoming months, he said, “The conditions are very likely that you could see a resurgence of terrorism coming out of that general region within 12, 24, 36 months.”

The comments from the top military officer come even as the Taliban and the resistance forces are battling to control the Panjshir Valley north of Kabul, the last Afghan province resisting the&nbsp;Islamist group.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/taliban-expected-to-announce-its-governing-council-in-the-coming-week-410857/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There have been reports that 600 Taliban have been killed in Panjshir Valley while more than 1,000 Taliban have been captured. This comes after the Taliban claimed victory over the region.

A Taliban source said fighting was continuing in Panjshir but the advance had been slowed by landmines placed on the road to the capital Bazarak and the provincial governor's compound, reported Al Jazeera.

(With inputs from agencies)

The top Unites States Army General, Mark Milley, has warned of an imminent civil war in Afghanistan, saying that the conditions are ripe for the “resurgence of terrorist groups” in the country.

The top Unites States Army General, Mark Milley, has warned of an imminent civil war in Afghanistan, saying that the conditions are ripe for the “resurgence of terrorist groups” in the country. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said if the Taliban cannot consolidate power, then al Qaeda and the Islamic State will most likely take control of the region. “My military estimate... is that the conditions are likely to develop of a civil war,” Milley told Fox News. He raised doubts whether the Taliban, who are yet to declare a government, would be able to consolidate power and establish effective governance in the region. "I think there's at least a very good probability of a broader civil war and that will then, in turn, lead to conditions that could, in fact, lead to a reconstitution of al-Qaida or a growth of ISIS or other ... terrorist groups," Milley said. Also read | 'Genocide in making': Afghan ex-VP calls on UN to end 'Taliban’s onslaught into Panjshir province' Giving a bleak assessment of what could transpire in the upcoming months, he said, “The conditions are very likely that you could see a resurgence of terrorism coming out of that general region within 12, 24, 36 months.” The comments from the top military officer come even as the Taliban and the resistance forces are battling to control the Panjshir Valley north of Kabul, the last Afghan province resisting the Islamist group. Watch There have been reports that 600 Taliban have been killed in Panjshir Valley while more than 1,000 Taliban have been captured. This comes after the Taliban claimed victory over the region. A Taliban source said fighting was continuing in Panjshir but the advance had been slowed by landmines placed on the road to the capital Bazarak and the provincial governor's compound, reported Al Jazeera. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Top US General warns of civil war, says al Qaeda, ISIS may grow

73 US aircraft at Hamid Karzai International Airport were 'demilitarised', or rendered useless by US troops, Central Command head General Kenneth McKenzie said. "Those aircraft will never fly again. They'll never be able to be operated by anyone," he said. Here's the cost of aircraft disabled by the US army.

Know the staggering cost of 73 disabled aircraft

While the US President Joe Biden addresses the world to defend his decision of withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban were preparing a showcase.

Taliban fighters got all Humvees and tanks out of the parking lots and took to the streets to showcase their haul from the US army.

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WATCH: Taliban throw military parade with US equipment 
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Afghanistan’s second biggest city, Kandahar, was crowded with Taliban militants dressed in US Army’s clothes and were holding US Army’s weapons and machine guns. Some militants drove the pick-up trucks and the multi-use trucks and many others sat on top of these trucks to show off their clothes and weapons.

All the trucks and tanks, however, had white and black coloured Taliban flags attacked to them to showcase that the group has managed to take control of these from the US Army.

<img alt="Taliban parade" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e10b59e4-76fe-45c0-9073-dde4b3775e42" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Taliban%20parade%20%281%29.jpg" />

Along with these trucks and weapons, at least one Black Hawk helicopter was also spotted flying above the Kandahar in the past few days. The sighting of the Black Hawk helicopter suggests that someone from the Afghan Army has also been roped in to help the terrorist group as the Taliban lacks qualified pilots to fly a Black Hawk.

As the parade went on, many hoped that the Taliban’s Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, will also make a public appearance after years of staying in hiding. This expectation rose after the group confirmed that the supreme leader was present in Kandahar and would soon be steeping into the public eye.

However, Taliban militants and supporters were left disheartened as only the city’s new governor addressed the crowd.

While the US President Joe Biden addresses the world to defend his decision of withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban were preparing a showcase.

While the US President Joe Biden addresses the world to defend his decision of withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban were preparing a showcase. Taliban fighters got all Humvees and tanks out of the parking lots and took to the streets to showcase their haul from the US army. WATCH: Taliban throw military parade with US equipment pic.twitter.com/hfY15OYsEv — Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) September 1, 2021 × Afghanistan’s second biggest city, Kandahar, was crowded with Taliban militants dressed in US Army’s clothes and were holding US Army’s weapons and machine guns. Some militants drove the pick-up trucks and the multi-use trucks and many others sat on top of these trucks to show off their clothes and weapons. All the trucks and tanks, however, had white and black coloured Taliban flags attacked to them to showcase that the group has managed to take control of these from the US Army. Along with these trucks and weapons, at least one Black Hawk helicopter was also spotted flying above the Kandahar in the past few days. The sighting of the Black Hawk helicopter suggests that someone from the Afghan Army has also been roped in to help the terrorist group as the Taliban lacks qualified pilots to fly a Black Hawk. As the parade went on, many hoped that the Taliban’s Supreme Leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, will also make a public appearance after years of staying in hiding. This expectation rose after the group confirmed that the supreme leader was present in Kandahar and would soon be steeping into the public eye. However, Taliban militants and supporters were left disheartened as only the city’s new governor addressed the crowd.

Taliban shows off its might by carrying out parade with US army's weapons

President Joe Biden opened talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi on Monday saying relations were in a "new phase" that would include the end of US combat operations in the country.

With Kadhemi at his side in the White House, Biden said that the US is "committed to our security cooperation" and will "to continue to train, to assist, to help, to deal with ISIS as it arises."

"But we're not going to be, at the end of the year, in a combat mission," he said.

Biden also stressed US support for elections in October in Iraq, saying Washington is working closely with Baghdad, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Nations to ensure the elections are fair.

Kadhemi said the US and Iraq have a "strategic partnership."

"America, they help Iraq. Together we fight, fight and defeat ISIS," he said.

"Today, our relation is stronger than ever -- our partnership in the economy, the environment, health, education, culture and more."

Biden is currently also overseeing the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of war, with the Taliban on the offensive amid fears they could even topple the Kabul government.

Political support

Biden's comments confirmed his readinesses to further limit US involvement in Iraq, but without removing the remaining 2,500 troops in the country, 18 years after the United States invaded to remove strongman Saddam Hussein.

The move could lend political support to Kadhemi, in power for little over a year and under pressure from Iran-allied political factions to push US troops from his country.

The two leaders' meeting came after weeks of preparations which included discussions on support for fighting Covid-19, aiding the Iraqi private sector and cooperation on climate change.

Ahead of the meeting a senior US official who would not be identified praised Kadhemi for being pragmatic and "a problem solver rather than someone who tries to use problems for his own political interests."

The main concern from Washington is to lend enough support to Iraqi security forces to keep up the fight against the remnants of the ISIS group -- while also keeping a damper on Iran's influence in Iraq.

Since last year the principal role of the remaining US troops in Iraq has been to train, advise and support their Iraqi counterparts to battle ISIS.

But Biden's statement made clear that their involvement in actual fighting ISIS would end.

"Iraq has requested, and we very much agree, that they need continued training, support with logistics, intelligence, advisory capacity building -- all of which will continue," the US official said.

October elections

"We support strengthening Iraq's democracy and we're anxious to make sure the election goes forward in October," he said.

In the vote Kadhemi is hoping to regain ground with powerful pro-Iran political factions, which are overtly hostile to the US presence.

He was expected to persuade Washington to ease some sanctions relating to Iran, to help Iraq honor crucial transactions with its neighbor and tackle power shortages.

Ramzy Mardini, an Iraq specialist at the University of Chicago's Pearson Institute, said the meeting that it could be cosmetically "shaped" to help the Iraqi premier alleviate domestic pressures.

"But the reality on the ground will reflect the status quo and an enduring US presence." said Mardini.

Remaining, however, has its risks.

"If there is no significant announcement on the withdrawal of troops, I fear that the pro-Iran groups may... increase attacks on the US forces," Iraqi researcher Sajad Jiyad told AFP.

The Iraqi Resistance Coordination Committee, a group of militia factions, threatened to continue the attacks unless the United States withdraws all its forces and ends the "occupation."

President Joe Biden opened talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi on Monday saying relations were in a "new phase" that would include the end of US combat operations in the country.

President Joe Biden opened talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi on Monday saying relations were in a "new phase" that would include the end of US combat operations in the country. With Kadhemi at his side in the White House, Biden said that the US is "committed to our security cooperation" and will "to continue to train, to assist, to help, to deal with ISIS as it arises." "But we're not going to be, at the end of the year, in a combat mission," he said. Biden also stressed US support for elections in October in Iraq, saying Washington is working closely with Baghdad, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United Nations to ensure the elections are fair. Kadhemi said the US and Iraq have a "strategic partnership." "America, they help Iraq. Together we fight, fight and defeat ISIS," he said. "Today, our relation is stronger than ever -- our partnership in the economy, the environment, health, education, culture and more." Biden is currently also overseeing the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of war, with the Taliban on the offensive amid fears they could even topple the Kabul government. Political support Biden's comments confirmed his readinesses to further limit US involvement in Iraq, but without removing the remaining 2,500 troops in the country, 18 years after the United States invaded to remove strongman Saddam Hussein. The move could lend political support to Kadhemi, in power for little over a year and under pressure from Iran-allied political factions to push US troops from his country. The two leaders' meeting came after weeks of preparations which included discussions on support for fighting Covid-19, aiding the Iraqi private sector and cooperation on climate change. Ahead of the meeting a senior US official who would not be identified praised Kadhemi for being pragmatic and "a problem solver rather than someone who tries to use problems for his own political interests." The main concern from Washington is to lend enough support to Iraqi security forces to keep up the fight against the remnants of the ISIS group -- while also keeping a damper on Iran's influence in Iraq. Since last year the principal role of the remaining US troops in Iraq has been to train, advise and support their Iraqi counterparts to battle ISIS. But Biden's statement made clear that their involvement in actual fighting ISIS would end. "Iraq has requested, and we very much agree, that they need continued training, support with logistics, intelligence, advisory capacity building -- all of which will continue," the US official said. October elections "We support strengthening Iraq's democracy and we're anxious to make sure the election goes forward in October," he said. In the vote Kadhemi is hoping to regain ground with powerful pro-Iran political factions, which are overtly hostile to the US presence. He was expected to persuade Washington to ease some sanctions relating to Iran, to help Iraq honor crucial transactions with its neighbor and tackle power shortages. Ramzy Mardini, an Iraq specialist at the University of Chicago's Pearson Institute, said the meeting that it could be cosmetically "shaped" to help the Iraqi premier alleviate domestic pressures. "But the reality on the ground will reflect the status quo and an enduring US presence." said Mardini. Remaining, however, has its risks. "If there is no significant announcement on the withdrawal of troops, I fear that the pro-Iran groups may... increase attacks on the US forces," Iraqi researcher Sajad Jiyad told AFP. The Iraqi Resistance Coordination Committee, a group of militia factions, threatened to continue the attacks unless the United States withdraws all its forces and ends the "occupation."

Biden announces ‘new phase’ in Iraq relations, end of ‘combat operations’

US armed forces have left one of the largest military bases in Afghanistan, the Kandahar Airfield in the southern province once dominated by Taliban, US media reported citing security officials.

The airfield was turned over to the Afghan National Defence Security Forces earlier this week, the&nbsp;officials said, in a move that signals the urgency of the US effort to fully withdraw from the country by September 11.

"They have not officially handed over the base to us but I can confirm they left the base on Wednesday," said Khoja Yaya Alawi, a spokesman for the Afghan army in Kandahar.&nbsp;

This is the final phase of ending America's “forever war” in Afghanistan after 20 years.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden had set May 1 as the official start of the withdrawal of the remaining forces — about 2,500-3,500 US troops and about 7,000 NATO soldiers.

Taliban attacks in Afghanistan have increased as US and NATO forces begin their exit.

The Pentagon has continued to claim that small, harassing attacks by the Taliban in Afghanistan have not had a significant impact on the withdrawal of US forces.

Biden administration officials have also said there have been no attacks against US forces during the pullout process.

(With inputs from agencies)

US armed forces have left one of the largest military bases in Afghanistan, the Kandahar Airfield in the southern province once dominated by Taliban, US media reported citing security officials.

US armed forces have left one of the largest military bases in Afghanistan, the Kandahar Airfield in the southern province once dominated by Taliban, US media reported citing security officials. The airfield was turned over to the Afghan National Defence Security Forces earlier this week, the officials said, in a move that signals the urgency of the US effort to fully withdraw from the country by September 11. "They have not officially handed over the base to us but I can confirm they left the base on Wednesday," said Khoja Yaya Alawi, a spokesman for the Afghan army in Kandahar. This is the final phase of ending America's “forever war” in Afghanistan after 20 years. US President Joe Biden had set May 1 as the official start of the withdrawal of the remaining forces — about 2,500-3,500 US troops and about 7,000 NATO soldiers. Taliban attacks in Afghanistan have increased as US and NATO forces begin their exit. The Pentagon has continued to claim that small, harassing attacks by the Taliban in Afghanistan have not had a significant impact on the withdrawal of US forces. Biden administration officials have also said there have been no attacks against US forces during the pullout process. (With inputs from agencies)

US army leaves Kandahar Airfield as the drawdown continues in Afghanistan

Row over US President Joe Biden's recognition of the Armenian genocide the focus has shifted to Turkish military bases being used by the US army. The US army mainly uses Incirlik Air Base and its radar station for its operations in West Asia.

Row over Turkish military bases being used by US army

US President Joe Biden wants to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan by September 11, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a senior administration official has said.

Joe Biden to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11

A US&nbsp;Army&nbsp;lieutenant filed a lawsuit against two Virginia police officers in federal court over what court papers say was a violent traffic stop, where officers pointed their guns, knocked him to the ground, pepper-sprayed him, and "threatened to murder him."

The suit, filed by&nbsp;Army&nbsp;officer Caron Nazario on April 2 in the US&nbsp;District Court of Norfolk, Virginia, against Windsor policemen Joe Gutierrez and Daniel Crocker, alleges violations to his constitutional rights and includes assault, illegal search, and illegal detention.

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Army officer LT. Caron Nazario who’s Afro-Latino was pulled over in his car. 
 
When told to get out of the car he said, “I’m honestly afraid to get out.” 
 
Officer said, 
“Yeah, you should be!” 
 
This is how U treat soldiers of color who defend this country? 
 
<a href="https://t.co/E9CoUVjBqp">pic.twitter.com/E9CoUVjBqp</a>
— KID VICIOUS🔪 (@kirkacevedo) <a href="https://twitter.com/kirkacevedo/status/1380858745677258755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The incident captured on video comes at a time of heightened awareness over police arrests of minorities and racial justice, in the wake of the ongoing televised trial of former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody last May.

 
<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/high-stakes-trial-of-derek-chauvin-continues-376485/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

&nbsp;

"The lieutenant sent me his cell phone footage first and it was horrifying," Nazario's attorney, Jonathan Arthur, said on Sunday.&nbsp;"But I kept hoping and thinking, you know, that's only one angle. Maybe there's something I'm missing? Maybe the dash cam footage or the body cam footage will show something different? And it didn't. It just got worse from there."

Nazario, who is Latino and Black, was in uniform and driving his new SUV with a temporary paper tag displayed on the back window on December 5, when he was told to pull over on US&nbsp;Highway 460 in Windsor, Virginia, a town of about 2,600 residents and about 70 miles southeast of Richmond.

When a police cruiser signaled for him to stop, the lawsuit says Nazario put on his blinkers, slowed down and looked for a lighted place to stop.

The suit says an officer radioed to dispatch that a driver without a tag was "eluding police" and it was considered a "high-risk stop," and another police officer responded to the scene.

Nazario stopped at a nearby gas station, less than two minutes after being signaled to pull over. During the stop, which was captured on police body cameras and Nazario's cell phone, Nazario told police that he was afraid to get out of the vehicle. An officer responded, "Yeah you should be," the suit says.

An officer also stated that Nazario was "fixing to ride the lightning," in an apparent reference to execution by electrocution.

During the arrest, the suit says Nazario had his hands up, offered no resistance, but was pepper-sprayed and violently knocked to the ground and detained. Ultimately the police chief responded to the scene and Nazario was released without charges, the suit says.

After the altercation, the suit says that officer Gutierrez said he understood why Nazario looked for a lighted place to pull over, and said: "I get it, the media spewing race relations between law enforcement and minorities. I get it."

A US Army lieutenant filed a lawsuit against two Virginia police officers in federal court over what court papers say was a violent traffic stop, where officers pointed their guns, knocked him to the ground, pepper-sprayed him, and "threatened to murder him.

A US Army lieutenant filed a lawsuit against two Virginia police officers in federal court over what court papers say was a violent traffic stop, where officers pointed their guns, knocked him to the ground, pepper-sprayed him, and "threatened to murder him." The suit, filed by Army officer Caron Nazario on April 2 in the US District Court of Norfolk, Virginia, against Windsor policemen Joe Gutierrez and Daniel Crocker, alleges violations to his constitutional rights and includes assault, illegal search, and illegal detention. Army officer LT. Caron Nazario who’s Afro-Latino was pulled over in his car. When told to get out of the car he said, “I’m honestly afraid to get out.” Officer said, “Yeah, you should be!” This is how U treat soldiers of color who defend this country? pic.twitter.com/E9CoUVjBqp — KID VICIOUS🔪 (@kirkacevedo) April 10, 2021 × The incident captured on video comes at a time of heightened awareness over police arrests of minorities and racial justice, in the wake of the ongoing televised trial of former Minneapolis policeman Derek Chauvin following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody last May. "The lieutenant sent me his cell phone footage first and it was horrifying," Nazario's attorney, Jonathan Arthur, said on Sunday. "But I kept hoping and thinking, you know, that's only one angle. Maybe there's something I'm missing? Maybe the dash cam footage or the body cam footage will show something different? And it didn't. It just got worse from there." Nazario, who is Latino and Black, was in uniform and driving his new SUV with a temporary paper tag displayed on the back window on December 5, when he was told to pull over on US Highway 460 in Windsor, Virginia, a town of about 2,600 residents and about 70 miles southeast of Richmond. When a police cruiser signaled for him to stop, the lawsuit says Nazario put on his blinkers, slowed down and looked for a lighted place to stop. The suit says an officer radioed to dispatch that a driver without a tag was "eluding police" and it was considered a "high-risk stop," and another police officer responded to the scene. Nazario stopped at a nearby gas station, less than two minutes after being signaled to pull over. During the stop, which was captured on police body cameras and Nazario's cell phone, Nazario told police that he was afraid to get out of the vehicle. An officer responded, "Yeah you should be," the suit says. An officer also stated that Nazario was "fixing to ride the lightning," in an apparent reference to execution by electrocution. During the arrest, the suit says Nazario had his hands up, offered no resistance, but was pepper-sprayed and violently knocked to the ground and detained. Ultimately the police chief responded to the scene and Nazario was released without charges, the suit says. After the altercation, the suit says that officer Gutierrez said he understood why Nazario looked for a lighted place to pull over, and said: "I get it, the media spewing race relations between law enforcement and minorities. I get it."

US Army lieutenant sues two Virginia police officers oafter 'horrifying' traffic stop

Amid rising tensions between China and Philippines, the United States and Philippines will conduct a two-week joint military exercise from today. The announcement came after the two countries' defence secretaries held a phone call to discuss the drills, the situation in the South China Sea, and recent regional security developments.

Philippines, US to begin two-week joint military drill from Monday

A US Army lieutenant filed a lawsuit against two Virginia policemen in federal court over a violent traffic stop, where police officers pointed their guns, knocked him to the ground, pepper-sprayed him, and "threatened to murder him."

US army officer files lawsuit against two Virginia policemen

Microsoft Corp on Wednesday said it has won a deal to sell the US&nbsp;Army augmented reality headsets based on its HoloLens product and backed by Azure cloud computing services.

The contract could be worth up to $21.88 billion over 10 years, a Microsoft spokesman said.

Over the past two years, Microsoft has worked with the Army on the prototyping phase of what is called the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, or IVAS. The company said on Wednesday that the Army had moved into the production phase of the project.

In a blog post, Microsoft&nbsp;Technical Fellow Alex Kipman said the headsets are designed to deliver "enhanced situational awareness, enabling information sharing and decision-making in a variety of scenarios."

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The headsets will be manufactured in the United States, a Microsoft spokesman told Reuters.Microsoft was also in line to win the $10 billion JEDI cloud computing contract with the Pentagon, but the contract remains in dispute in a lawsuit filed by Amazon.com Inc. Pentagon officials told U.S. lawmakers in February that the Defense Department may jettison the contract if the dispute lingers in the courts.

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We would much rather Microsoft used today to stand up for Transgender people everywhere on Transgender Day of Visibility, instead of building weapons of war. <a href="https://t.co/kHZycRhpvM">https://t.co/kHZycRhpvM</a>
— Microsoft Workers 4 Good (@MsWorkers4) <a href="https://twitter.com/MsWorkers4/status/1377487512050921474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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After Microsoft announced a $480 million contract in 2018 to supply prototypes to the Army, at least 94 workers petitioned the company to cancel the deal and stop developing "any and all weapons&nbsp;technologies."&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the workers' group said on Twitter, "We would much rather Microsoft used today to stand up for Transgender people everywhere on Transgender Day of Visibility, instead of building weapons of war."

(With inputs from Agencies)

Microsoft Corp on Wednesday said it has won a deal to sell the US Army augmented reality headsets based on its HoloLens product and backed by Azure cloud computing services.

Microsoft Corp on Wednesday said it has won a deal to sell the US Army augmented reality headsets based on its HoloLens product and backed by Azure cloud computing services. The contract could be worth up to $21.88 billion over 10 years, a Microsoft spokesman said. Over the past two years, Microsoft has worked with the Army on the prototyping phase of what is called the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, or IVAS. The company said on Wednesday that the Army had moved into the production phase of the project. In a blog post, Microsoft Technical Fellow Alex Kipman said the headsets are designed to deliver "enhanced situational awareness, enabling information sharing and decision-making in a variety of scenarios." The headsets will be manufactured in the United States, a Microsoft spokesman told Reuters.Microsoft was also in line to win the $10 billion JEDI cloud computing contract with the Pentagon, but the contract remains in dispute in a lawsuit filed by Amazon.com Inc. Pentagon officials told U.S. lawmakers in February that the Defense Department may jettison the contract if the dispute lingers in the courts. We would much rather Microsoft used today to stand up for Transgender people everywhere on Transgender Day of Visibility, instead of building weapons of war. https://t.co/kHZycRhpvM — Microsoft Workers 4 Good (@MsWorkers4) April 1, 2021 × After Microsoft announced a $480 million contract in 2018 to supply prototypes to the Army, at least 94 workers petitioned the company to cancel the deal and stop developing "any and all weapons technologies." On Wednesday, the workers' group said on Twitter, "We would much rather Microsoft used today to stand up for Transgender people everywhere on Transgender Day of Visibility, instead of building weapons of war." (With inputs from Agencies)

Microsoft wins $21.9 billion deal to sell AR headsets to US Army

As town meetings go, the discussion was fairly routine, meandering from what Memorial Day celebrations might look like in the second year of the coronavirus pandemic, to a federal grant application for bulletproof vests for police officers.

But when the time came for the trustees in West Chester Township, Ohio, to deliver personal remarks at the group’s most recent meeting, the board’s chairman, Lee Wong, who is Asian American, did something unusual.

Wong removed his suit jacket and his tie and unbuttoned his dress shirt, according to a video of the board’s March 23 meeting, which has since drawn widespread attention. Then, he lifted his undershirt, revealing scars on his chest that he said he got while serving in the U.S. Army.

Wong, 69, said he could no longer endure the indignities of prejudice against Asian Americans or having people question his loyalties to America.

“Here is my proof,” he said. “Now is this patriot enough? I’m not ashamed to walk around anymore. Before I was inhibited. People looked at me strange.”

It was the board’s first meeting since March 16, when a gunman killed six women of Asian descent in a series of attacks on massage businesses in the Atlanta area, leaving eight people dead.

Prosecutors are weighing whether to classify the shootings as a hate crime, but the rampage came amid a rise in violent crimes targeting people of Asian descent across the United States, which advocates say has been exacerbated by pandemic-related racism.

Wong immigrated to the United States from the island of Borneo in 1971, according to a profile about him in The Cincinnati Enquirer last year when he ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate.

He is a Republican, though the township board is a nonpartisan body, the Enquirer reported. He was first elected to the board in West Chester Township, a northern suburb of Cincinnati, in 2005.

About halfway through the board’s meeting, Wong said he would depart from protocol and had something that he wanted to share.

He said he came to the United States when he was 18 and once had been assaulted in a racially motivated attack in Chicago. For too long, Wong said, he had put up with racism but had been too afraid to speak out because he feared facing more discrimination and abuse.

“In the last few years, things are just getting worse and worse,” he said. “There are some ignorant people that will come up to me and say that I don’t look American or patriotic enough. Now, that really gets my goat.”

He said that Asian Americans had been subjected to widespread prejudice, particularly restaurant workers.

“They are hardworking Americans,” he said. “Some even served in the U.S. armed forces — not Chinese army. U.S. Army.”

Noting that he had been a U.S. citizen for quite some time, Wong said that he had served in the U.S. Army for 20 years. He got the scars while serving at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, The Journal-News of Hamilton, Ohio, reported.

Efforts to reach Wong on Sunday were not immediately successful, but he told CNN that he got the scars after undergoing multiple surgeries for cuts that got infected during combat training.

“People question my patriotism, that I don’t look American enough,” Wong said at the meeting. “They cannot get over this face.”

Wong said the country had significant work to do to address bigotry.

“You know prejudice is hate,” he said. “We need to be kinder, gentler to one another, because we are all the same. We are one human being on this earth.”

As town meetings go, the discussion was fairly routine, meandering from what Memorial Day celebrations might look like in the second year of the coronavirus pandemic, to a federal grant application for bulletproof vests for police officers.

As town meetings go, the discussion was fairly routine, meandering from what Memorial Day celebrations might look like in the second year of the coronavirus pandemic, to a federal grant application for bulletproof vests for police officers. But when the time came for the trustees in West Chester Township, Ohio, to deliver personal remarks at the group’s most recent meeting, the board’s chairman, Lee Wong, who is Asian American, did something unusual. Wong removed his suit jacket and his tie and unbuttoned his dress shirt, according to a video of the board’s March 23 meeting, which has since drawn widespread attention. Then, he lifted his undershirt, revealing scars on his chest that he said he got while serving in the U.S. Army. Wong, 69, said he could no longer endure the indignities of prejudice against Asian Americans or having people question his loyalties to America. “Here is my proof,” he said. “Now is this patriot enough? I’m not ashamed to walk around anymore. Before I was inhibited. People looked at me strange.” It was the board’s first meeting since March 16, when a gunman killed six women of Asian descent in a series of attacks on massage businesses in the Atlanta area, leaving eight people dead. Prosecutors are weighing whether to classify the shootings as a hate crime, but the rampage came amid a rise in violent crimes targeting people of Asian descent across the United States, which advocates say has been exacerbated by pandemic-related racism. Wong immigrated to the United States from the island of Borneo in 1971, according to a profile about him in The Cincinnati Enquirer last year when he ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate. He is a Republican, though the township board is a nonpartisan body, the Enquirer reported. He was first elected to the board in West Chester Township, a northern suburb of Cincinnati, in 2005. About halfway through the board’s meeting, Wong said he would depart from protocol and had something that he wanted to share. He said he came to the United States when he was 18 and once had been assaulted in a racially motivated attack in Chicago. For too long, Wong said, he had put up with racism but had been too afraid to speak out because he feared facing more discrimination and abuse. “In the last few years, things are just getting worse and worse,” he said. “There are some ignorant people that will come up to me and say that I don’t look American or patriotic enough. Now, that really gets my goat.” He said that Asian Americans had been subjected to widespread prejudice, particularly restaurant workers. “They are hardworking Americans,” he said. “Some even served in the U.S. armed forces — not Chinese army. U.S. Army.” Noting that he had been a U.S. citizen for quite some time, Wong said that he had served in the U.S. Army for 20 years. He got the scars while serving at Fort Jackson in South Carolina, The Journal-News of Hamilton, Ohio, reported. Efforts to reach Wong on Sunday were not immediately successful, but he told CNN that he got the scars after undergoing multiple surgeries for cuts that got infected during combat training. “People question my patriotism, that I don’t look American enough,” Wong said at the meeting. “They cannot get over this face.” Wong said the country had significant work to do to address bigotry. “You know prejudice is hate,” he said. “We need to be kinder, gentler to one another, because we are all the same. We are one human being on this earth.”

An Asian American official bared his chest, revealing scars from his army service

Many of them believe that they don't need it, that they feel they've had COVID or friends have had COVID and it wasn't bad, or they're very worried about the vaccine itself.

1 in 3 US troops have refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine

Eleven soldiers at a US&nbsp;military base in Texas were hospitalized, with two in critical condition, after drinking&nbsp;antifreeze&nbsp;they mistook for alcohol, Army officials said on Friday.

The soldiers from Fort Bliss in El Paso were completing a 10-day field training exercise when the incident occurred on Thursday, the Army's public affairs office said in a statement.

The substance detected in lab results from the sickened soldiers was ethylene glycol, commonly known as&nbsp;antifreeze, the US Army said.

"Initial reports indicate soldiers consumed this substance, thinking they were drinking an alcoholic beverage," the Army statement added. "Army and Fort Bliss regulations prohibit the consumption of alcohol in a field training environment. Initial toxicology results indicate the soldiers are experiencing ethylene glycol poisoning."

Antifreeze&nbsp;ingestion can cause severe kidney damage and death, Army officials said at a news conference at Fort Bliss.

The military said earlier that the soldiers fell ill after "consuming a substance acquired outside of authorized food supply distribution channels."

Antifreeze&nbsp;has been known to cause accidental deaths and has been used in murder mystery novels and in real-life murder plots, as it can easily be mistaken for alcohol.

The hospitalized soldiers include one warrant officer, two non-commissioned officers and eight enlisted service members, the Army said. The Army did not release their names.

All remained hospitalized, the Army said.

Fort Bliss is the home to the Army's 1st Armored Division, nicknamed "Old Ironsides," with about 17,000 soldiers.

Eleven soldiers at a US military base in Texas were hospitalized, with two in critical condition, after drinking antifreeze they mistook for alcohol, Army officials said on Friday.

Eleven soldiers at a US military base in Texas were hospitalized, with two in critical condition, after drinking antifreeze they mistook for alcohol, Army officials said on Friday. The soldiers from Fort Bliss in El Paso were completing a 10-day field training exercise when the incident occurred on Thursday, the Army's public affairs office said in a statement. The substance detected in lab results from the sickened soldiers was ethylene glycol, commonly known as antifreeze, the US Army said. "Initial reports indicate soldiers consumed this substance, thinking they were drinking an alcoholic beverage," the Army statement added. "Army and Fort Bliss regulations prohibit the consumption of alcohol in a field training environment. Initial toxicology results indicate the soldiers are experiencing ethylene glycol poisoning." Antifreeze ingestion can cause severe kidney damage and death, Army officials said at a news conference at Fort Bliss. The military said earlier that the soldiers fell ill after "consuming a substance acquired outside of authorized food supply distribution channels." Antifreeze has been known to cause accidental deaths and has been used in murder mystery novels and in real-life murder plots, as it can easily be mistaken for alcohol. The hospitalized soldiers include one warrant officer, two non-commissioned officers and eight enlisted service members, the Army said. The Army did not release their names. All remained hospitalized, the Army said. Fort Bliss is the home to the Army's 1st Armored Division, nicknamed "Old Ironsides," with about 17,000 soldiers.

US soldiers hospitalised after drinking antifreeze they mistook for alcohol

In major&nbsp;"major revisions" to its regulations, the US Army has amended its&nbsp;uniform rules and allowed women to wear ponytails and lipsticks while letting men use clear nail polish.

Women in the US Army who are breastfeeding or pumping will also be allowed to wear an undershirt in addition to relaxed grooming standards.&nbsp;They will come into effect o February 24.

Calling it an effort to increase ''diversity'' and ''inclusion'', the US army has updated its grooming standards to address the disparate impact on female soldiers.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USArmy</a> has revised Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. 
 
The updates will be effective Feb. 25, 2021 and directly supports the Army’s diversity and inclusion efforts. 
 
Learn more in this STAND-TO! ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/Y2VlaZgQHr">https://t.co/Y2VlaZgQHr</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmyLife?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArmyLife</a> <a href="https://t.co/4y9e7hBJ5a">pic.twitter.com/4y9e7hBJ5a</a>
— U.S. Army (@USArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/USArmy/status/1354524006104387586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The changes are the result of a review launched last year under previous defence secretary Mark Esper, part of an examination of racial discrimination and mistreatment of minorities in the military.

In the past&nbsp;women&nbsp;with longer hair had to tie it in buns, which many said was uncomfortable and interfered with their helmets.

Lt. Gen. Gary Brito, Army deputy chief of staff for personnel said: "We are continuously assessing our policies to identify areas for improvement, then implementing policies that demonstrate our commitment to ensuring all Soldiers feel as though they are valued members of the Army team."

"We know that actions speak louder than words when it comes to inclusivity and equity within our ranks, and we believe that the changes we announced today are one example of policies that put our people first."

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5608a571-ac02-4cb0-bd31-f20344a6ed86" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_122.jpg" />

In picture: US Army grooming standards and AR 670-1

The decision received a mixed response on social networking platform Twitter with some making fun of it while others applauded&nbsp;the move.

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Lol. Nail polish for Joe? Seems legit.
— Anonymause77 (@anonymause77) <a href="https://twitter.com/anonymause77/status/1354532405906911237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As a vet I applaud the Army's progressive stance. Thank you.
— planetransgender (@planetrans) <a href="https://twitter.com/planetrans/status/1354699886843850757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The announcement comes a week after the US Air Force had changed its rules on how women in the service are allowed to wear their hair.

President Joe Biden on Monday signed an executive order that overturned a controversial ban by his predecessor on transgender individuals serving in the US&nbsp;military, a move cheered by LGBTQ advocates that fulfils a campaign promise.

Flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, Biden signed the executive order in the Oval Office.

“It’s simple: America is safer when everyone qualified to serve can do so openly and with pride,” Biden said on Twitter after the signing.

Former Democratic President Barack Obama in 2016 allowed trans people to serve openly and receive medical care to transition genders, but Republican President Donald Trump froze their recruitment while allowing serving personnel to remain.

When Trump announced the ban in 2017 on Twitter, he said the military needed to focus on “decisive and overwhelming victory” without being burdened by the “tremendous medical costs and disruption” of having transgender personnel.

A November 2020 report by the LGBT-rights think tank the Palm Center co-written by former military Surgeons General said the transgender ban had hurt military readiness.

Austin in a statement said he supported the move and would immediately take action to ensure that transgender people are eligible to enter the military.

The US&nbsp;Supreme Court ruled that the Trump transgender policy of 2019 could stand while it faces separate lawsuits in lower courts.

About 1.3 million active personnel serve in the US&nbsp;military, Department of Defense data shows. There are no official figures on the number of trans members but the Rand Corp, a US&nbsp;policy research institute, estimated in 2016 about 2,450 active service members were transgender.

In major "major revisions" to its regulations, the US Army has amended its uniform rules and allowed women to wear ponytails and lipsticks while letting men use clear nail polish.

In major "major revisions" to its regulations, the US Army has amended its uniform rules and allowed women to wear ponytails and lipsticks while letting men use clear nail polish. Women in the US Army who are breastfeeding or pumping will also be allowed to wear an undershirt in addition to relaxed grooming standards. They will come into effect o February 24. Calling it an effort to increase ''diversity'' and ''inclusion'', the US army has updated its grooming standards to address the disparate impact on female soldiers. The #USArmy has revised Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. The updates will be effective Feb. 25, 2021 and directly supports the Army’s diversity and inclusion efforts. Learn more in this STAND-TO! ➡️ https://t.co/Y2VlaZgQHr#ArmyLife pic.twitter.com/4y9e7hBJ5a — U.S. Army (@USArmy) January 27, 2021 × The changes are the result of a review launched last year under previous defence secretary Mark Esper, part of an examination of racial discrimination and mistreatment of minorities in the military. In the past women with longer hair had to tie it in buns, which many said was uncomfortable and interfered with their helmets. Lt. Gen. Gary Brito, Army deputy chief of staff for personnel said: "We are continuously assessing our policies to identify areas for improvement, then implementing policies that demonstrate our commitment to ensuring all Soldiers feel as though they are valued members of the Army team." "We know that actions speak louder than words when it comes to inclusivity and equity within our ranks, and we believe that the changes we announced today are one example of policies that put our people first." In picture: US Army grooming standards and AR 670-1 The decision received a mixed response on social networking platform Twitter with some making fun of it while others applauded the move. Lol. Nail polish for Joe? Seems legit. — Anonymause77 (@anonymause77) January 27, 2021 × As a vet I applaud the Army's progressive stance. Thank you. — planetransgender (@planetrans) January 28, 2021 × The announcement comes a week after the US Air Force had changed its rules on how women in the service are allowed to wear their hair. President Joe Biden on Monday signed an executive order that overturned a controversial ban by his predecessor on transgender individuals serving in the US military, a move cheered by LGBTQ advocates that fulfils a campaign promise. Flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, Biden signed the executive order in the Oval Office. “It’s simple: America is safer when everyone qualified to serve can do so openly and with pride,” Biden said on Twitter after the signing. Former Democratic President Barack Obama in 2016 allowed trans people to serve openly and receive medical care to transition genders, but Republican President Donald Trump froze their recruitment while allowing serving personnel to remain. When Trump announced the ban in 2017 on Twitter, he said the military needed to focus on “decisive and overwhelming victory” without being burdened by the “tremendous medical costs and disruption” of having transgender personnel. A November 2020 report by the LGBT-rights think tank the Palm Center co-written by former military Surgeons General said the transgender ban had hurt military readiness. Austin in a statement said he supported the move and would immediately take action to ensure that transgender people are eligible to enter the military. The US Supreme Court ruled that the Trump transgender policy of 2019 could stand while it faces separate lawsuits in lower courts. About 1.3 million active personnel serve in the US military, Department of Defense data shows. There are no official figures on the number of trans members but the Rand Corp, a US policy research institute, estimated in 2016 about 2,450 active service members were transgender.

US Army changes uniform rules for women to allow ponytails and nail polish

France-based users of a&nbsp;prayer app called 'Muslim Pro' has&nbsp;been accused of selling data to&nbsp;the army of the United States.

Former subscribers to the "Muslim Pro" app, which claims to have 95 million users around the world, filed a complaint on Monday after media reports accused the group of having shared its data with companies connected to the US army.

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The lawsuit, revealed by France's RTL radio, accuses the company of data protection offences, abuse of trust, endangering other people's lives and conspiracy to commit murder.

It follows a report by the Vice media group last week about how the US army bought users' geolocation data from a string of apps around the world.

It included the Muslim Pro app&nbsp;which has a geolocation option that enables users to determine the hour of prayer and the direction of Mecca.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blatant-lies-france-asks-pakistan-to-withdraw-comments-that-compared-macron-to-nazis-344721" hreflang="en">France asks Pakistan to withdraw comments that compared Macron to Nazis</a>

The company allegedly sold the&nbsp;data to a company called X-Mode, which reportedly sold it on to sub-contractors and by extension, the army, said Vice.

US Special Forces could then use the data on overseas missions, the report said, speculating that they could be used for the extra-judicial executions of terror suspects by means of drone strikes.

A day after the report came out, "Muslim Pro" said it was ending all sharing of its data with other companies.

The company, which was founded by a&nbsp;French&nbsp;national who is based in Singapore, also said it has launched an internal investigation.

France-based users of a prayer app called 'Muslim Pro' has been accused of selling data to the army of the United States. Former subscribers to the "Muslim Pro" app, which claims to have 95 million users around the world, filed a complaint on Monday after media reports accused the group of having shared its data with companies connected to the US army.

France-based users of a prayer app called 'Muslim Pro' has been accused of selling data to the army of the United States. Former subscribers to the "Muslim Pro" app, which claims to have 95 million users around the world, filed a complaint on Monday after media reports accused the group of having shared its data with companies connected to the US army. The lawsuit, revealed by France's RTL radio, accuses the company of data protection offences, abuse of trust, endangering other people's lives and conspiracy to commit murder. It follows a report by the Vice media group last week about how the US army bought users' geolocation data from a string of apps around the world. It included the Muslim Pro app which has a geolocation option that enables users to determine the hour of prayer and the direction of Mecca. Also read: France asks Pakistan to withdraw comments that compared Macron to Nazis The company allegedly sold the data to a company called X-Mode, which reportedly sold it on to sub-contractors and by extension, the army, said Vice. US Special Forces could then use the data on overseas missions, the report said, speculating that they could be used for the extra-judicial executions of terror suspects by means of drone strikes. A day after the report came out, "Muslim Pro" said it was ending all sharing of its data with other companies. The company, which was founded by a French national who is based in Singapore, also said it has launched an internal investigation.

French users sue Muslim prayer app over alleged data sharing to US army

Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller announced Tuesday that the US will withdraw thousands more US troops from Afghanistan and Iraq

U.S. troops to be withdrawn form Iraq and Afghanistan

Had it not been for dozens of U.S. airstrikes in recent weeks, the southern hub city Kandahar would be under siege, after Taliban fighters threatened to overrun several surrounding districts, security officials say.

Now with President Donald Trump’s orders to cut US forces in Afghanistan by roughly half — from 4,500 to 2,500 — Kandahar’s fate, and the fate of the Afghan security forces spread across the country, are once more in question.

“If it were not for the air support of US&nbsp;forces, the Taliban would be sitting inside Kandahar city now,” Col. Zabiullah Ghorzang, an Afghan army regimental commander, said Tuesday.

The Pentagon on Tuesday formally announced those troop cuts, stopping short of the full withdrawal by Christmas that Trump had mused about publicly and ensuring that the war in Afghanistan will transition to a fourth US administration over almost 20 years of conflict.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-air-strikes-in-syria-kill-three-troops-hit-iranian-targets-343817">Israel air strikes in Syria kill three troops, hit Iranian targets</a>

The reduction, though expected by Afghan officials, is coming at a desperate time for Afghanistan: Peace negotiations in Qatar between the Afghan government and the insurgency are stalled, Taliban offensives are surging near important cities in the south and north, and morale has been plunging among the Afghan government forces as they take heavy casualties, officials say.

The withdrawal plan has ramifications beyond Afghanistan, including troop cutbacks in the Middle East and Africa.

In Iraq, the American troop presence, which is seen as a hedge against a resurgence of the Islamic State and against powerful Iranian influence, has already come down to about 3,500 troops this year. Under the new orders, Pentagon officials say it will come down to around 2,500 in January. Unlike in Afghanistan, the cuts have not been a source of alarm: Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has described the cuts as being agreed to and desirable for both sides.

In Somalia, the withdrawal plan — no formal numbers were announced on Tuesday — is coming as al-Shabab, a terrorist group linked to al-Qaida, continues to intensify its attacks on both military and civilian targets in an effort to topple the country’s Western-backed government.

Had it not been for dozens of U.S. airstrikes in recent weeks, the southern hub city Kandahar would be under siege, after Taliban fighters threatened to overrun several surrounding districts, security officials say.

Had it not been for dozens of U.S. airstrikes in recent weeks, the southern hub city Kandahar would be under siege, after Taliban fighters threatened to overrun several surrounding districts, security officials say. Now with President Donald Trump’s orders to cut US forces in Afghanistan by roughly half — from 4,500 to 2,500 — Kandahar’s fate, and the fate of the Afghan security forces spread across the country, are once more in question. “If it were not for the air support of US forces, the Taliban would be sitting inside Kandahar city now,” Col. Zabiullah Ghorzang, an Afghan army regimental commander, said Tuesday. The Pentagon on Tuesday formally announced those troop cuts, stopping short of the full withdrawal by Christmas that Trump had mused about publicly and ensuring that the war in Afghanistan will transition to a fourth US administration over almost 20 years of conflict. Also read| Israel air strikes in Syria kill three troops, hit Iranian targets The reduction, though expected by Afghan officials, is coming at a desperate time for Afghanistan: Peace negotiations in Qatar between the Afghan government and the insurgency are stalled, Taliban offensives are surging near important cities in the south and north, and morale has been plunging among the Afghan government forces as they take heavy casualties, officials say. The withdrawal plan has ramifications beyond Afghanistan, including troop cutbacks in the Middle East and Africa. In Iraq, the American troop presence, which is seen as a hedge against a resurgence of the Islamic State and against powerful Iranian influence, has already come down to about 3,500 troops this year. Under the new orders, Pentagon officials say it will come down to around 2,500 in January. Unlike in Afghanistan, the cuts have not been a source of alarm: Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has described the cuts as being agreed to and desirable for both sides. In Somalia, the withdrawal plan — no formal numbers were announced on Tuesday — is coming as al-Shabab, a terrorist group linked to al-Qaida, continues to intensify its attacks on both military and civilian targets in an effort to topple the country’s Western-backed government.

US troops are packing up, ready or not

The chief of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has threatened to go after everyone who had a role in a top general's January killing during a US drone strike in Iraq.

The guard's website quoted Gen. Hossein Salami as saying, "Mr. Trump! Our revenge for martyrdom of our great general is obvious, serious and real."

In January, Iran had launched a ballistic missile attack targetting US soldiers in Iraq in response to the fatal drone strike.

US President Donald Trump has stepped up economic pressure on Iran with sanctions since he pulled the United States out of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018.

Trump warned this week that Washington would respond in a befitting manner to any Iranian attempts to take revenge for the death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani. He tweeted, "If they hit us in any way, any form, written instructions already done we're going to hit them 1000 times harder."

This also came in the backdrop of reports that said Iran was plotting to assassinate the US ambassador to South Africa in retaliation for Soleimani's killing at Baghdad's airport at the beginning of the year.

"We took out the world's number one terrorist and the mass murderer of American troops and many, many troops and many people all over the world," Trump had said. "Qasem Soleimani is dead. He's dead. Bad guy. Bad guy. Very bad guy."

Salami, on the other hand, rejected the report of an Iranian plot to assassinate Ambassador Lana Marks. He, however, clarified that Iran does intend to avenge the general's death.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has announced all UN Sanctions against Iran were restored -- a move other nations reject as illegal.

The administration on Saturday said that its triggering of the "snapback" mechanism in the UN Security Council resolution that enshrined the 2015 Iran nuclear deal had taken effect at 8 pm Eastern Time.

 
&nbsp;

The chief of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has threatened to go after everyone who had a role in a top general's January killing during a US drone strike in Iraq.

The chief of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has threatened to go after everyone who had a role in a top general's January killing during a US drone strike in Iraq. The guard's website quoted Gen. Hossein Salami as saying, "Mr. Trump! Our revenge for martyrdom of our great general is obvious, serious and real." In January, Iran had launched a ballistic missile attack targetting US soldiers in Iraq in response to the fatal drone strike. US President Donald Trump has stepped up economic pressure on Iran with sanctions since he pulled the United States out of Iran's nuclear deal with world powers in 2018. Trump warned this week that Washington would respond in a befitting manner to any Iranian attempts to take revenge for the death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani. He tweeted, "If they hit us in any way, any form, written instructions already done we're going to hit them 1000 times harder." This also came in the backdrop of reports that said Iran was plotting to assassinate the US ambassador to South Africa in retaliation for Soleimani's killing at Baghdad's airport at the beginning of the year. "We took out the world's number one terrorist and the mass murderer of American troops and many, many troops and many people all over the world," Trump had said. "Qasem Soleimani is dead. He's dead. Bad guy. Bad guy. Very bad guy." Salami, on the other hand, rejected the report of an Iranian plot to assassinate Ambassador Lana Marks. He, however, clarified that Iran does intend to avenge the general's death. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has announced all UN Sanctions against Iran were restored -- a move other nations reject as illegal. The administration on Saturday said that its triggering of the "snapback" mechanism in the UN Security Council resolution that enshrined the 2015 Iran nuclear deal had taken effect at 8 pm Eastern Time.

Iran vows 'hit' on all involved in US killing of top general

A small number of US troops were injured during an interaction with Russian forces in Syria, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday.

While such interactions between American and Russian forces are not rare, the incident highlights the risks of troops from both countries operating in close proximity in northern Syria and the potential for an escalation in tensions.

One of the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the injuries were a result of a collision and not any exchange of fire.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-greece-mobilize-their-navies-come-close-to-military-confrontation-323263">Also read:&nbsp;Turkey and Greece mobilize their navies; come close to military confrontation</a>

The other official said the incident took place earlier this week in northeastern Syria and the injuries were mild.

The Pentagon and the US military's Central Command, which oversees US forces in the region, declined to comment.

The US military does not generally comment on injuries. However, last month a paratrooper was killed during a vehicle rollover accident in eastern Syria.

Videos on social media showed Russian military vehicles, backed by a pair of helicopters, driving dangerously close to US&nbsp;armored vehicles. The origin of the videos was unclear.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-leader-navalny-poisoned-with-cholinesterase-inhibitors-says-german-hospital-322864">Also read:&nbsp;Russian Opposition leader Navalny poisoned with cholinesterase inhibitors, says German hospital</a>

Earlier this year, another video showed a close interaction between troops on a Syrian road.

About 500 US forces remain in northern Syria after a sharp reduction in troops that were initially there to drive out Islamic State militants from all of their strongholds in the country.

Some of the areas also have oil resources, something President Donald Trump has cited as a justification for keeping US troops partnered with Kurdish allies in the region.

The injuries were first reported by Politico.

A small number of US troops were injured during an interaction with Russian forces in Syria, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday. While such interactions between American and Russian forces are not rare, the incident highlights the risks of troops from both countries operating in close proximity in northern Syria and the potential for an escalation in tensions.

A small number of US troops were injured during an interaction with Russian forces in Syria, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday. While such interactions between American and Russian forces are not rare, the incident highlights the risks of troops from both countries operating in close proximity in northern Syria and the potential for an escalation in tensions. One of the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the injuries were a result of a collision and not any exchange of fire. Also read: Turkey and Greece mobilize their navies; come close to military confrontation The other official said the incident took place earlier this week in northeastern Syria and the injuries were mild. The Pentagon and the US military's Central Command, which oversees US forces in the region, declined to comment. The US military does not generally comment on injuries. However, last month a paratrooper was killed during a vehicle rollover accident in eastern Syria. Videos on social media showed Russian military vehicles, backed by a pair of helicopters, driving dangerously close to US armored vehicles. The origin of the videos was unclear. Also read: Russian Opposition leader Navalny poisoned with cholinesterase inhibitors, says German hospital Earlier this year, another video showed a close interaction between troops on a Syrian road. About 500 US forces remain in northern Syria after a sharp reduction in troops that were initially there to drive out Islamic State militants from all of their strongholds in the country. Some of the areas also have oil resources, something President Donald Trump has cited as a justification for keeping US troops partnered with Kurdish allies in the region. The injuries were first reported by Politico.

US troops injured in interaction with Russian forces in Syria: US officials

A United States-led military coalition in Iraq has said its troops have withdrawn from Camp Taji military base and handed it over to Iraqi security forces.

US army hands over camp Taji to Iraqi security forces

The training will allow the U.S. forces to integrate with their Polish-NATO Allies.

WION Fineprint: 'Defender Europe-20' kicks off in Poland | US-Polish troops | World

The US is set to withdraw almost 12,000 troops from Germany in what it described as a "strategic" repositioning of its forces in Europe.

U.S, European troops carry out training ops in Bavaria

The US army will send shipments of water, food and medicine to Lebanon in wake of the massive explosion that left Beirut devastated with hundreds of thousands homeless.

Deliveries of three C-17 military planes loaded with food, water and medical supplies were "impending," an official said.

The US was ready to continue providing assistance to the Lebanese during the "terrible tragedy" in partnership with the Lebanese army, the US embassy in Lebanon and the US international aid agency, USAID, said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, public anger in Lebanon is on the boil over the blast caused by a massive pile of ammonium nitrate that had for years lain in a ramshackle portside warehouse. It left at least 137 dead and 5,000 injured, and hundreds of thousands of people homeless.

The fallout is expected to cost billions in a small country already plunged into an unprecedented economic and social crisis, battling the coronavirus, and where almost half of the inhabitants live in poverty.

The US army will send shipments of water, food and medicine to Lebanon in wake of the massive explosion that left Beirut devastated with hundreds of thousands homeless.

The US army will send shipments of water, food and medicine to Lebanon in wake of the massive explosion that left Beirut devastated with hundreds of thousands homeless. Deliveries of three C-17 military planes loaded with food, water and medical supplies were "impending," an official said. The US was ready to continue providing assistance to the Lebanese during the "terrible tragedy" in partnership with the Lebanese army, the US embassy in Lebanon and the US international aid agency, USAID, said on Thursday. Meanwhile, public anger in Lebanon is on the boil over the blast caused by a massive pile of ammonium nitrate that had for years lain in a ramshackle portside warehouse. It left at least 137 dead and 5,000 injured, and hundreds of thousands of people homeless. The fallout is expected to cost billions in a small country already plunged into an unprecedented economic and social crisis, battling the coronavirus, and where almost half of the inhabitants live in poverty.

US army to deliver relief supplies to Beirut after devastation

Thailand Army has suspended its plans of joint training with the American military after nine Thai soldiers tested positive for the novel coronavirus upon their arrival from Hawaii, as per defence ministry's statement on Sunday.

Thailand Army has suspended its plans of joint training with the American military after nine Thai soldiers tested positive for the novel coronavirus upon their arrival from Hawaii, as per defence ministry's statement on Sunday. Also read: COVID-19: Global cases cross 18 million mark; death toll now at 687,930 According to the Thai Army, the infected men were a part of 151 Thai officers who returned from Lightning Forge 2020 training with US soldiers in Hawaii for the first three weeks of July. "The army has suspended all plans to bring forces abroad until the situation improves," said defence ministry spokesman Kongcheep Tantawanich. Thailand had no plans for joint training with other countries but the United States, he said. The head of the Thai Army's anti-COVID-19 unit, Nattapon Srisawat, told that the army will have to exercise with caution. "It will be difficult to travel at the moment as we have to be careful," he said. Thailand has been battling COVID-19 pandemic and has witnessed 3,317 cases along with 58 deaths. Recent infections were imported from abroad, marking 69 successive days without any domestic transmission. (Inputs from Reuters)

Thai Army suspends training exercise with US after soldiers test positive for COVID-19

The United States military has called off its search for seven Marines and has presumed missing personnel dead on Sunday.&nbsp;

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An amphibious vehicle carrying military personnel sank in deep water off the coast of California on Thursday during a training exercise.&nbsp;

"It is with a heavy heart that I decided to conclude the search and rescue effort," said Colonel Christopher Bronzi, commander of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Marine, Navy and Coast Guard helicopters, ships, and watercraft conducted a 40-hour search over 1,000 nautical miles, the Marines said in a statement.

A total of 16 personnel were on the vehicle, but only eight of them have been rescued. One of them died later, whereas, two others are in critical condition.

The search and rescue operation now shifts to one aimed at finding the bodies of the missing service members, Bronzi said.

(Inputs from AFP)

The United States military has called off its search for seven Marines and has presumed missing personnel dead on Sunday. Also read: Renomination of Trump to be held in private, GOP convention closed to press An amphibious vehicle carrying military personnel sank in deep water off the coast of California on Thursday during a training exercise.

The United States military has called off its search for seven Marines and has presumed missing personnel dead on Sunday. Also read: Renomination of Trump to be held in private, GOP convention closed to press An amphibious vehicle carrying military personnel sank in deep water off the coast of California on Thursday during a training exercise. "It is with a heavy heart that I decided to conclude the search and rescue effort," said Colonel Christopher Bronzi, commander of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Marine, Navy and Coast Guard helicopters, ships, and watercraft conducted a 40-hour search over 1,000 nautical miles, the Marines said in a statement. A total of 16 personnel were on the vehicle, but only eight of them have been rescued. One of them died later, whereas, two others are in critical condition. The search and rescue operation now shifts to one aimed at finding the bodies of the missing service members, Bronzi said. (Inputs from AFP)

US military ends search for 7 missing Marines and sailor, says presumed dead

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;Department of Defense is considering to ban&nbsp;new recruits from joining the military if they have been hospitalised for due to&nbsp;coronavirus,&nbsp;according to a defense official.

They will not be exempted unless they get a waiver from the service they want to sign up with.

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The official said the guidance is being put in place because there is little understanding of the "long-term" effects of the virus and there is a concern that potential recruits who have been hospitalized may need further medical assessments.

The new policy is being finalized to set medical restrictions on recruits who may have tested positive or have been treated for Covid-19.

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There is a particular concern over whether a sufficient number of recruits will be able to join before a rigorous enough testing regime is in place to ensure they are healthy enough to enter training.

Department of Defense medical waivers are required for a wide variety of medical conditions ranging from heart disease to a loss of vision.

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Defense Secretary Mark Esper said at the Pentagon Tuesday that the department would randomly test groups of people "to understand how many asymptomatic or carriers are maybe out there."

The US Department of Defense is considering to ban new recruits from joining the military if they have been hospitalised for due to coronavirus, according to a defense official.

The US Department of Defense is considering to ban new recruits from joining the military if they have been hospitalised for due to coronavirus, according to a defense official. They will not be exempted unless they get a waiver from the service they want to sign up with. Also read: Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump The official said the guidance is being put in place because there is little understanding of the "long-term" effects of the virus and there is a concern that potential recruits who have been hospitalized may need further medical assessments. The new policy is being finalized to set medical restrictions on recruits who may have tested positive or have been treated for Covid-19. Also read: For second consecutive year, sexual assault cases increase in US military There is a particular concern over whether a sufficient number of recruits will be able to join before a rigorous enough testing regime is in place to ensure they are healthy enough to enter training. Department of Defense medical waivers are required for a wide variety of medical conditions ranging from heart disease to a loss of vision. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said at the Pentagon Tuesday that the department would randomly test groups of people "to understand how many asymptomatic or carriers are maybe out there."

Pentagon planning to ban new military recruits hospitalised due to COVID-19

A report by News Week (New York based magazine) claimed that more than 150 military bases of United States of America have been infected of Coronavirus (COVID-19) which has halted military training.

Report: More than 150 US military bases infected of COVID-19, infection halts training

The U.S. Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Forces held a training exercise called 'Nautical Defender' on Wednesday (February 26) at the King Abdulaziz Naval base. The military exercise is designed to build combined war fighting capabilities.

Joint military exercises between Saudi and US Marines

Two American soldiers were killed and two others injured in a roadside bomb attack on a US Army vehicle in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, the NATO mission there said.

Two American soldiers were killed and two others injured in a roadside bomb attack on a US Army vehicle in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, the NATO mission there said. "In accordance with US Department of Defense policy, the names of the service members killed in action will be withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete," the NATO Resolute Support mission said in a statement. The incident took place in Dand district of southern Kandahar province, where a bomb hit a US armoured vehicle, provincial police spokesman Jamal Nasir Barkzai told reporters. "Foreign forces were patrolling near the Kandahar airport when they were hit by a blast," officials said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid saying on Twitter that the blast destroyed the vehicle, killing all on board. Violence in Afghanistan usually recedes as the cold winter sets in but this year the Taliban have pushed forward with their operations despite heavy snowfall in the mountains and despite their negotiations with the US for a deal that would see American troops leave the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan bomb attack, says NATO mission

A Taliban roadside bomb ripped through a US army vehicle in southern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-15-dead-in-pakistan-mosque-suicide-bombing-273482">Afghanistan</a> on Saturday, officials said, with no immediate details of casualties.

The incident took place in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/roadside-mine-blast-in-northern-afghanistan-kills-eight-259889">Dand</a> district of southern Kandahar province, where a bomb hit a US armoured vehicle, provincial police spokesman Jamal Nasir Barkzai told reporters.

"Foreign forces were patrolling near the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/ic-814-bees-saal-baad-hijack-vs-hijacked-270028">Kandahar airport</a> when they were hit by a blast. We don't have the details of the casualties because they have cordoned off the area," he said.

A NATO Resolute Support spokesman in southern Afghanistan confirmed the incident and said the situation was being assessed.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlFath?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlFath</a> 
Powerful IED shred American APC to pieces in Kro Shela area close to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kandahar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kandahar</a> airbase this morning resulting in all invaders aboard killed - Ahmadi
— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zabehulah_M33/status/1215936721646424069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with spokesman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/10-afghan-soldiers-killed-in-taliban-attack-270736">Zabihullah Mujahid</a> saying on Twitter that the blast destroyed the vehicle, killing all on board.

Violence in Afghanistan usually recedes as the cold winter sets in but this year the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-8-policemen-killed-in-taliban-attack-271470">Taliban</a> have pushed forward with their operations despite heavy snowfall in the mountains and despite their negotiations with the US for a deal that would see American troops leave the country.

According to parts of the deal made public so far, the Pentagon would pull about 5,000 of its 13,000 or so troops from five bases across Afghanistan, provided the Taliban sticks to its security pledges.

The insurgents have said they will renounce <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-releases-spying-convict-as-part-of-prisoners-swap-deal-with-syria-273434">Al-Qaeda</a>, fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven.

Last year was the deadliest for US forces in Afghanistan since combat operations officially finished at the end of 2014, highlighting the challenging security situation that persists.

More than 2,400 US troops have been killed in combat in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion in October 2001.

A Taliban roadside bomb ripped through a US army vehicle in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, officials said, with no immediate details of casualties. The incident took place in Dand district of southern Kandahar province, where a bomb hit a US armoured vehicle, provincial police spokesman Jamal Nasir Barkzai told reporters.

A Taliban roadside bomb ripped through a US army vehicle in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, officials said, with no immediate details of casualties. The incident took place in Dand district of southern Kandahar province, where a bomb hit a US armoured vehicle, provincial police spokesman Jamal Nasir Barkzai told reporters. "Foreign forces were patrolling near the Kandahar airport when they were hit by a blast. We don't have the details of the casualties because they have cordoned off the area," he said. A NATO Resolute Support spokesman in southern Afghanistan confirmed the incident and said the situation was being assessed. #AlFath Powerful IED shred American APC to pieces in Kro Shela area close to #Kandahar airbase this morning resulting in all invaders aboard killed - Ahmadi — Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) January 11, 2020 × The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid saying on Twitter that the blast destroyed the vehicle, killing all on board. Violence in Afghanistan usually recedes as the cold winter sets in but this year the Taliban have pushed forward with their operations despite heavy snowfall in the mountains and despite their negotiations with the US for a deal that would see American troops leave the country. According to parts of the deal made public so far, the Pentagon would pull about 5,000 of its 13,000 or so troops from five bases across Afghanistan, provided the Taliban sticks to its security pledges. The insurgents have said they will renounce Al-Qaeda, fight the Islamic State group and stop jihadists using Afghanistan as a safe haven. Last year was the deadliest for US forces in Afghanistan since combat operations officially finished at the end of 2014, highlighting the challenging security situation that persists. More than 2,400 US troops have been killed in combat in Afghanistan since the US-led invasion in October 2001.

Afghanistan: Blast hits US army vehicle in Dand, Taliban claims responsibility

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