Breakdown of United States-Iran military capabilities

A rocket attack in northern Iraq killed an American contractor and wounded several military personnel Friday, the first US casualties from a string of recent strikes, the international coalition against the Islamic State group said.

While the coalition did not attribute blame for the incident, it threatens to escalate already-high tensions between Washington and Tehran, which backs various paramilitary groups in Iraq that the United States has accused of being behind rocket attacks on its interests.

"One US civilian contractor was killed and several US service members and Iraqi personnel were wounded in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base in Kirkuk," the US-led coalition said in a statement.

Federal security forces and Shiite militia units -- as well as Islamic State (IS) group sleeper cells -- all have a presence in volatile Kirkuk province, which is claimed by both Iraq's Kurdish minority and Arab majority.

"Iraqi Security Forces are leading the response and investigation" into the attack, which took place at 7:20 pm (2220 GMT), the coalition said.

A US official with knowledge of the investigation told AFP on condition of anonymity that at least 30 rockets hit the base, including an ammunition depot, causing more explosions, while four more rockets were found in their tubes in a truck at the launch point.

The official described the attack as the biggest in the series of rocket strikes launched against US interests in the country since late October, killing one Iraqi soldier and leaving others wounded, as well as causing material damage in the vicinity of the US embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone.

A US source has said that pro-Iran factions in Iraq are now considered a more significant threat to American soldiers than the IS -- the threat that saw Washington deploy thousands of troops to the country to assist Baghdad in countering the jihadists' sweeping 2014 offensive.

'Take proactive actions'

Five rockets hit Al-Asad airbase on December 3, just four days after US Vice President Mike Pence visited troops there.

More than a dozen rockets hit the Qayyarah airbase in northern Iraq in November, one of the largest attacks in recent months to hit an area where US troops are based.

Multiple US diplomatic and military sources have told AFP of their growing frustration with such attacks.

They say they are relying on their Iraqi partners to play a "de-conflicting" role between American forces and the Hashed al-Shaabi -- an umbrella organization for paramilitary groups that is largely made up of Iran-backed Shiite militias -- to prevent any clashes.

That is a complicated task, as the Hashed has been ordered to integrate with the regular security forces, but many of its fighters continue to operate with some independence.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters earlier this month that he had expressed "concern about the optics in attacks on bases in Iraq where US troops and material might be," in a call with outgoing prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi.

The US has "a right of self-defence, that we would ask our Iraqi partners to take proactive actions... to get that under control because it's not good for anybody," he said.

Abdel Mahdi's office called on everyone "to spare no effort to prevent an escalation that will threaten all parties," warning that "unilateral decisions will trigger negative reactions that will make it more difficult to control the situation."

Tensions between Iran and the United States have soared since Washington pulled out of a landmark nuclear agreement with Tehran last year and enacted crippling sanctions.

Baghdad -- which is close to both countries -- is worried about being caught in the middle.

A rocket attack in northern Iraq killed an American contractor and wounded several military personnel Friday, the first US casualties from a string of recent strikes, the international coalition against the Islamic State group said.

A rocket attack in northern Iraq killed an American contractor and wounded several military personnel Friday, the first US casualties from a string of recent strikes, the international coalition against the Islamic State group said. While the coalition did not attribute blame for the incident, it threatens to escalate already-high tensions between Washington and Tehran, which backs various paramilitary groups in Iraq that the United States has accused of being behind rocket attacks on its interests. "One US civilian contractor was killed and several US service members and Iraqi personnel were wounded in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base in Kirkuk," the US-led coalition said in a statement. Federal security forces and Shiite militia units -- as well as Islamic State (IS) group sleeper cells -- all have a presence in volatile Kirkuk province, which is claimed by both Iraq's Kurdish minority and Arab majority. "Iraqi Security Forces are leading the response and investigation" into the attack, which took place at 7:20 pm (2220 GMT), the coalition said. A US official with knowledge of the investigation told AFP on condition of anonymity that at least 30 rockets hit the base, including an ammunition depot, causing more explosions, while four more rockets were found in their tubes in a truck at the launch point. The official described the attack as the biggest in the series of rocket strikes launched against US interests in the country since late October, killing one Iraqi soldier and leaving others wounded, as well as causing material damage in the vicinity of the US embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone. A US source has said that pro-Iran factions in Iraq are now considered a more significant threat to American soldiers than the IS -- the threat that saw Washington deploy thousands of troops to the country to assist Baghdad in countering the jihadists' sweeping 2014 offensive. 'Take proactive actions' Five rockets hit Al-Asad airbase on December 3, just four days after US Vice President Mike Pence visited troops there. More than a dozen rockets hit the Qayyarah airbase in northern Iraq in November, one of the largest attacks in recent months to hit an area where US troops are based. Multiple US diplomatic and military sources have told AFP of their growing frustration with such attacks. They say they are relying on their Iraqi partners to play a "de-conflicting" role between American forces and the Hashed al-Shaabi -- an umbrella organization for paramilitary groups that is largely made up of Iran-backed Shiite militias -- to prevent any clashes. That is a complicated task, as the Hashed has been ordered to integrate with the regular security forces, but many of its fighters continue to operate with some independence. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper told reporters earlier this month that he had expressed "concern about the optics in attacks on bases in Iraq where US troops and material might be," in a call with outgoing prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi. The US has "a right of self-defence, that we would ask our Iraqi partners to take proactive actions... to get that under control because it's not good for anybody," he said. Abdel Mahdi's office called on everyone "to spare no effort to prevent an escalation that will threaten all parties," warning that "unilateral decisions will trigger negative reactions that will make it more difficult to control the situation." Tensions between Iran and the United States have soared since Washington pulled out of a landmark nuclear agreement with Tehran last year and enacted crippling sanctions. Baghdad -- which is close to both countries -- is worried about being caught in the middle.

Iraq rocket attack kills US contractor, wounds military personnel

US President Donald Trump on Friday created the newest military service&nbsp;since the US Air Force came into being in 1947 by signing the National Defense Authorization Act into law.

Eyeing combat in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-says-death-greatly-exaggerated-to-adopt-new-strategies-on-space-china-263436">outer space</a>, the US Air Force Space Command has created this designated '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-establishes-us-space-command-in-counter-to-china-russia-threats-246507">the United States Space Force</a>', a step that Trump administration officials are touting as a historic step.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-chinas-plans-to-disrupt-gps-through-asat-in-2020-beyond-206321">In pics: How China plans to disrupt GPS through ASAT in 2020 &amp; beyond</a>

This new force will be a coequal service of the five existing forces of the United States — the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

Capping an ambitious order Trump issued in June 2018, the US Space Force officially came into being when Trump signed the annual military budget, the $738 billion National Defense Authorization Act.&nbsp;

"Our reliance on space-based capabilities has grown dramatically, and today outer space has evolved into a war-fighting domain of its own," said Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.&nbsp;

"Maintaining American dominance in that domain is now the mission of the United States Space Force."

The new organization builds on the US Space Command, already operating under the Air Force since it was created in August.

And, like the Marines, which operate within the umbrella of the Navy, the Space Force will be under the Air Force.

The Space Command will focus on warfighting — akin to the Pentagon's regional commands like CentCom — while the Space Force will encompass broader missions like training, procurement, long-term planning and other functions.

The Space Force will be comprised of about 16,000 Air Force and civilian personnel, some already taking part in the Space Command, according to Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett.

It will have its uniform, shoulder patches and even, eventually, its song, just like the other branches.

"The US Space Force will protect America's national interests by its singular focus on space. The United States has the best space acumen in the world," Barrett said.

A staff of 16,000 would make it much smaller than the other forces, but Barrett said the technology-centric nature of the work requires fewer people.

"It's a different sort of portfolio than what we might be thinking of when we generally think about warfighting machines," she said.

Leading the Space Force will be Air Force General Jay Raymond, who currently runs SpaceCom.

"With the establishment of the United States Space Force, we're elevating space commensurate with its importance to our national security and the security of our allies and our partners," said Raymond.

(With inputs from AFP)

US President Donald Trump on Friday created the newest military service since the US Air Force came into being in 1947 by signing the National Defense Authorization Act into law.

US President Donald Trump on Friday created the newest military service since the US Air Force came into being in 1947 by signing the National Defense Authorization Act into law. Eyeing combat in outer space, the US Air Force Space Command has created this designated 'the United States Space Force', a step that Trump administration officials are touting as a historic step. In pics: How China plans to disrupt GPS through ASAT in 2020 & beyond This new force will be a coequal service of the five existing forces of the United States — the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Capping an ambitious order Trump issued in June 2018, the US Space Force officially came into being when Trump signed the annual military budget, the $738 billion National Defense Authorization Act. "Our reliance on space-based capabilities has grown dramatically, and today outer space has evolved into a war-fighting domain of its own," said Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. "Maintaining American dominance in that domain is now the mission of the United States Space Force." The new organization builds on the US Space Command, already operating under the Air Force since it was created in August. And, like the Marines, which operate within the umbrella of the Navy, the Space Force will be under the Air Force. The Space Command will focus on warfighting — akin to the Pentagon's regional commands like CentCom — while the Space Force will encompass broader missions like training, procurement, long-term planning and other functions. The Space Force will be comprised of about 16,000 Air Force and civilian personnel, some already taking part in the Space Command, according to Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett. It will have its uniform, shoulder patches and even, eventually, its song, just like the other branches. "The US Space Force will protect America's national interests by its singular focus on space. The United States has the best space acumen in the world," Barrett said. A staff of 16,000 would make it much smaller than the other forces, but Barrett said the technology-centric nature of the work requires fewer people. "It's a different sort of portfolio than what we might be thinking of when we generally think about warfighting machines," she said. Leading the Space Force will be Air Force General Jay Raymond, who currently runs SpaceCom. "With the establishment of the United States Space Force, we're elevating space commensurate with its importance to our national security and the security of our allies and our partners," said Raymond. (With inputs from AFP)

United States Space Force: Donald Trump creates new warfare service branch of Pentagon

The United States has completed its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/syria-troop-withdrawal-is-donald-trump-burying-the-post-war-liberal-world-order-186963">military pullback</a> in northeastern Syria, settling into a more stable posture of about 600 troops in the rest of the country after repositioning and reducing forces, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said.

Esper's remarks in an interview with Reuters could signal the end of a period of turbulence and uncertainty surrounding the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-planning-to-send-14000-troops-to-middle-east-report-266277">US military</a> presence in Syria after President Donald Trump's initial withdrawal order in October.

Since then, troop levels in Syria have fallen about 40 per cent from around 1,000.

Esper stressed he retained the ability to move in and out smaller numbers of forces as needed into Syria. But he suggested the number of troops will fluctuate around the 600-level for the foreseeable future.

"It will be relatively static around that number. But if we see things happen ... I can dial up a little bit," Esper said late on Wednesday during a flight back from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meets-erdogan-unannounced-at-nato-summit-266252">NATO summit</a> on the outskirts of London.

Esper also didn't rule out being able to reduce US troop levels in Syria further if European allies contributed to the Syria mission.

"The coalition is talking a lot again. We could see some allies want to volunteer troops," Esper said, without suggesting any new contribution was imminent.

"If an allied country, a NATO country, decided to give us 50 people, I might be able to turn off 50 people."

The US military says it is focused on preventing a resurgence of Islamic State in Syria and carried out a raid last month that led to the death of Islamic State leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/al-baghdadis-death-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-leader-of-islamic-state-258617">Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi</a>.

Trump, in London, said he wanted remaining US forces to ensure Syria's oil reserves don't fall back into the militant group's hands.

"We kept the oil. And the oil is what fueled ISIS," Trump said, using an acronym for Islamic State.

Trump softened his pullout plans for Syria after backlash from Congress, including among key Republicans, who say he cleared the way for a long-threatened Turkish incursion against Kurdish forces in Syria who had been America's top allies in the battle against Islamic State.

NATO diplomats worry that Turkey, a NATO member since 1952 and a critical ally in the Middle East, has increasingly acted unilaterally, launching its incursion in Syria against US-backed forces and buying advanced Russian S-400 air defences.

Washington says the S-400 system is incompatible with NATO air defences, poses a threat to Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealth fighter jets and announced in July it was removing Turkey from the F-35 program. It has also warned of possible US&nbsp;sanctions.

After summit talks between Trump and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Esper suggested Ankara had not budged yet on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-bought-s-400s-from-russia-to-use-them-not-to-put-them-aside-262580">S-400 issue</a>.

"There's no movement at this point," Esper said.

Still, after lobbying by NATO allies, including the United States, Erdogan backed off from a threat to block defence plans for the Baltic states and Poland unless allies declared Kurdish fighters in Syria terrorists.

"I think it was a positive move forward," Esper said, of the change in position by Turkey.

"They've been a valuable part of NATO for decades, from the earliest days. So we got to keep them in the fold."

The United States has completed its military pullback in northeastern Syria, settling into a more stable posture of about 600 troops in the rest of the country after repositioning and reducing forces, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said.

The United States has completed its military pullback in northeastern Syria, settling into a more stable posture of about 600 troops in the rest of the country after repositioning and reducing forces, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said. Esper's remarks in an interview with Reuters could signal the end of a period of turbulence and uncertainty surrounding the US military presence in Syria after President Donald Trump's initial withdrawal order in October. Since then, troop levels in Syria have fallen about 40 per cent from around 1,000. Esper stressed he retained the ability to move in and out smaller numbers of forces as needed into Syria. But he suggested the number of troops will fluctuate around the 600-level for the foreseeable future. "It will be relatively static around that number. But if we see things happen ... I can dial up a little bit," Esper said late on Wednesday during a flight back from the NATO summit on the outskirts of London. Esper also didn't rule out being able to reduce US troop levels in Syria further if European allies contributed to the Syria mission. "The coalition is talking a lot again. We could see some allies want to volunteer troops," Esper said, without suggesting any new contribution was imminent. "If an allied country, a NATO country, decided to give us 50 people, I might be able to turn off 50 people." The US military says it is focused on preventing a resurgence of Islamic State in Syria and carried out a raid last month that led to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Trump, in London, said he wanted remaining US forces to ensure Syria's oil reserves don't fall back into the militant group's hands. "We kept the oil. And the oil is what fueled ISIS," Trump said, using an acronym for Islamic State. Trump softened his pullout plans for Syria after backlash from Congress, including among key Republicans, who say he cleared the way for a long-threatened Turkish incursion against Kurdish forces in Syria who had been America's top allies in the battle against Islamic State. NATO diplomats worry that Turkey, a NATO member since 1952 and a critical ally in the Middle East, has increasingly acted unilaterally, launching its incursion in Syria against US-backed forces and buying advanced Russian S-400 air defences. Washington says the S-400 system is incompatible with NATO air defences, poses a threat to Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealth fighter jets and announced in July it was removing Turkey from the F-35 program. It has also warned of possible US sanctions. After summit talks between Trump and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Esper suggested Ankara had not budged yet on the S-400 issue. "There's no movement at this point," Esper said. Still, after lobbying by NATO allies, including the United States, Erdogan backed off from a threat to block defence plans for the Baltic states and Poland unless allies declared Kurdish fighters in Syria terrorists. "I think it was a positive move forward," Esper said, of the change in position by Turkey. "They've been a valuable part of NATO for decades, from the earliest days. So we got to keep them in the fold."

US military completes pullback from northeast Syria: Mark Esper

Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador warned Friday he would not allow the US to conduct cross-border armed operations after Donald Trump vowed to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist groups.

The US president has been talking tough on the powerful drug cartels since one was allegedly responsible for the massacre of nine women and children from a US-Mexican Mormon community in northern Mexico on November 4.

Trump tweeted after the killings that the US was ready to help Mexico "wage war on the drug cartels," and he followed up this week by vowing to add Mexican cartels to the US blacklist of Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

That insulted national pride in Mexico, which resents a long history of armed interventions by its giant northern neighbour, and where Trump's comments have been taken as a threat of armed cross-border operations.

"Armed foreigners cannot intervene in our territory. We will not allow that," Lopez Obrador said.

He was quick to add that he considered any such operations unlikely, saying there was "great cooperation" between the neighbours and that Trump had always treated him "respectfully."

"In the unlikely case that a decision is taken that we consider affects our sovereignty, then we will act within the framework of international law, but I see it as unlikely," said the leftist leader, who took office one year ago.

US Attorney General William Barr will visit Mexico City next week for talks, said Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard.

Lopez Obrador, for his part, is due to meet Monday with family members of the slain Mormons.

Mexico deployed its army to fight drug trafficking in 2006, but experts blame the so-called "drug wars" for a spiral of violence, as fragmented cartels fight each other and the military.

The country has registered more than 250,000 murders since deploying the army into the streets, including an all-time high of 33,743 last year -- a record that looks set to be broken again this year.

Drone strikes?

Trump made his controversial comments in a radio interview with conservative media personality Bill O'Reilly.

"Are you going to designate those cartels in Mexico as terror groups and start hitting them with drones?" O'Reilly asked.

"I don't want to say what I'm going to do, but they will be designated," Trump said.

Mexican authorities reacted swiftly, with the foreign minister warning against a "violation of national sovereignty."

His office said it had contacted US officials "to understand the content and the reach" of Trump's statements.

Mexico said it would also seek a high-level meeting with US officials to hear their views and present the Mexican government's concerns -- which include stemming the illegal flow of American-made weapons south of the border.

The two countries share a 3,200-kilometer (nearly 2,000-mile) border. Mexico lost more than half its territory to the United States in 1848 after the Mexican-American War -- just one on a long list of grievances.

However, the two countries cooperate closely in the fight against drug cartels.

The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has a large operation in Mexico, American planes routinely conduct counter-narcotics operations in Mexican airspace and US personnel work with the Mexican military -- on condition that they are unarmed.

The two countries also work together to crack down on cartel money-laundering operations.

Experts say little would likely change on the ground if the US added Mexican cartels to its terror blacklist.

"There are DEA agents based here permanently, American personnel embedded with the Mexican marines, accompanying them on their missions.... All this is happening already," Jorge Castaneda, a Mexican academic and former foreign minister, told AFP.

"If the United States tells Mexico, 'I want to send in a drone tomorrow,' ... Mexico is going to say, 'Yeah, go ahead.' There's no need to treat it like an invasion."

Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador warned Friday he would not allow the US to conduct cross-border armed operations after Donald Trump vowed to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist groups.

Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador warned Friday he would not allow the US to conduct cross-border armed operations after Donald Trump vowed to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist groups. The US president has been talking tough on the powerful drug cartels since one was allegedly responsible for the massacre of nine women and children from a US-Mexican Mormon community in northern Mexico on November 4. Trump tweeted after the killings that the US was ready to help Mexico "wage war on the drug cartels," and he followed up this week by vowing to add Mexican cartels to the US blacklist of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. That insulted national pride in Mexico, which resents a long history of armed interventions by its giant northern neighbour, and where Trump's comments have been taken as a threat of armed cross-border operations. "Armed foreigners cannot intervene in our territory. We will not allow that," Lopez Obrador said. He was quick to add that he considered any such operations unlikely, saying there was "great cooperation" between the neighbours and that Trump had always treated him "respectfully." "In the unlikely case that a decision is taken that we consider affects our sovereignty, then we will act within the framework of international law, but I see it as unlikely," said the leftist leader, who took office one year ago. US Attorney General William Barr will visit Mexico City next week for talks, said Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard. Lopez Obrador, for his part, is due to meet Monday with family members of the slain Mormons. Mexico deployed its army to fight drug trafficking in 2006, but experts blame the so-called "drug wars" for a spiral of violence, as fragmented cartels fight each other and the military. The country has registered more than 250,000 murders since deploying the army into the streets, including an all-time high of 33,743 last year -- a record that looks set to be broken again this year. Drone strikes? Trump made his controversial comments in a radio interview with conservative media personality Bill O'Reilly. "Are you going to designate those cartels in Mexico as terror groups and start hitting them with drones?" O'Reilly asked. "I don't want to say what I'm going to do, but they will be designated," Trump said. Mexican authorities reacted swiftly, with the foreign minister warning against a "violation of national sovereignty." His office said it had contacted US officials "to understand the content and the reach" of Trump's statements. Mexico said it would also seek a high-level meeting with US officials to hear their views and present the Mexican government's concerns -- which include stemming the illegal flow of American-made weapons south of the border. The two countries share a 3,200-kilometer (nearly 2,000-mile) border. Mexico lost more than half its territory to the United States in 1848 after the Mexican-American War -- just one on a long list of grievances. However, the two countries cooperate closely in the fight against drug cartels. The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has a large operation in Mexico, American planes routinely conduct counter-narcotics operations in Mexican airspace and US personnel work with the Mexican military -- on condition that they are unarmed. The two countries also work together to crack down on cartel money-laundering operations. Experts say little would likely change on the ground if the US added Mexican cartels to its terror blacklist. "There are DEA agents based here permanently, American personnel embedded with the Mexican marines, accompanying them on their missions.... All this is happening already," Jorge Castaneda, a Mexican academic and former foreign minister, told AFP. "If the United States tells Mexico, 'I want to send in a drone tomorrow,' ... Mexico is going to say, 'Yeah, go ahead.' There's no need to treat it like an invasion."

Mexico warns will not allow US military operations against cartels

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday (October 19) that all of the nearly 1,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-troops-in-northern-syria-ordered-to-leave-country-us-official-255927">troops withdrawing from northern Syria</a> are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq."

"Certainly (to) be discussed at a military level is what does the next phase of the counter ISIS campaign look like," Esper told reporters en route to the Middle East.

It is unclear whether the US&nbsp;troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out airstrikes against Islamic State militants.

The Pentagon has begun removing all its troops in northern Syria, a US official said Monday, after President Donald Trump ordered them to leave in the face of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/turkey-threatens-to-crush-kurds-in-case-they-fail-to-withdraw-before-tuesday-257002">Turkey's attacks on Kurds in the area</a>.

Nearly 1,000 troops will vacate the country, leaving behind only a small contingent of 150 in the southern Syria base at Al Tanf, the official said.

"We are executing the order," the official told AFP.

Last Sunday Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Trump had ordered the withdrawal of the remaining troops deployed in northern Syria, with the US seeking to avoid getting caught between two allies.

But Esper did not make clear whether the troops would simply pull back to a position further south or quit the country completely.

Trump's critics accuse him of abandoning the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who Ankara says support Kurdish rebels inside Turkey.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday (October 19) that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Saturday (October 19) that all of the nearly 1,000 troops withdrawing from northern Syria are expected to move to western Iraq to continue the campaign against Islamic State militants and "to help defend Iraq." "Certainly (to) be discussed at a military level is what does the next phase of the counter ISIS campaign look like," Esper told reporters en route to the Middle East. It is unclear whether the US troops will use Iraq as a base to launch ground raids into Syria and carry out airstrikes against Islamic State militants. The Pentagon has begun removing all its troops in northern Syria, a US official said Monday, after President Donald Trump ordered them to leave in the face of Turkey's attacks on Kurds in the area. Nearly 1,000 troops will vacate the country, leaving behind only a small contingent of 150 in the southern Syria base at Al Tanf, the official said. "We are executing the order," the official told AFP. Last Sunday Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Trump had ordered the withdrawal of the remaining troops deployed in northern Syria, with the US seeking to avoid getting caught between two allies. But Esper did not make clear whether the troops would simply pull back to a position further south or quit the country completely. Trump's critics accuse him of abandoning the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, who Ankara says support Kurdish rebels inside Turkey.

All United States troops withdrawing from Syria expected to go to Iraq: Pentagon chief

A US Navy destroyer sailed near islands claimed by China in the South China Sea, the US military said, a move likely to anger Beijing. Watch this video to know more.

US destroyer sails in disputed South China Sea amid trade talks

President Donald Trump announced Thursday the official establishment of the US military's Space Command.

Trump launches United States space command

The US and the Taliban met in Doha on Thursday, an American source close to the talks said, for potentially decisive dialogue to allow Washington to drawdown militarily in Afghanistan.

The source said the talks started around 1300 GMT &nbsp;the ninth time the two foes have met face-to-face.

The disclosure came in a context of ongoing bloodshed in Afghanistan after NATO said two US military personnel were killed Wednesday, blasts rocked Jalalabad Monday, and the death toll from a weekend wedding bombing reached 80.

Washington's top commander in Afghanistan General Scott Miller was at the talks venue, according to a correspondent.&nbsp;

The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the insurgent group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks.&nbsp;

Washington is hoping to strike an agreement with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls due in 2020.

Taliban lead negotiator Abbas Stanikzai told on Thursday that overall talks had been "going well".

The talks are expected to focus on establishing a timeline for the US withdrawal of its more than 13,000 troops in Afghanistan.

"We've been there for 18 years, it's ridiculous," US President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday.

"We are negotiating with the government and we are negotiating with the Taliban," he said.

"We have good talks going and we will see what happens."

But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Afghanistan's incumbent administration remain unresolved.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad sought to bolster optimism for a peace agreement last week when he said in a tweet that he hoped this is the final year that the country is at war.

The US and the Taliban met in Doha on Thursday, an American source close to the talks said, for potentially decisive dialogue to allow Washington to drawdown militarily in Afghanistan.

The US and the Taliban met in Doha on Thursday, an American source close to the talks said, for potentially decisive dialogue to allow Washington to drawdown militarily in Afghanistan. The source said the talks started around 1300 GMT the ninth time the two foes have met face-to-face. The disclosure came in a context of ongoing bloodshed in Afghanistan after NATO said two US military personnel were killed Wednesday, blasts rocked Jalalabad Monday, and the death toll from a weekend wedding bombing reached 80. Washington's top commander in Afghanistan General Scott Miller was at the talks venue, according to a correspondent. The US, which invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban in 2001, wants to withdraw thousands of troops but only in return for the insurgent group renouncing Al-Qaeda and curbing attacks. Washington is hoping to strike an agreement with the Taliban by September 1 -- ahead of Afghan polls due the same month, and US presidential polls due in 2020. Taliban lead negotiator Abbas Stanikzai told on Thursday that overall talks had been "going well". The talks are expected to focus on establishing a timeline for the US withdrawal of its more than 13,000 troops in Afghanistan. "We've been there for 18 years, it's ridiculous," US President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday. "We are negotiating with the government and we are negotiating with the Taliban," he said. "We have good talks going and we will see what happens." But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taliban, the role of regional powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of Afghanistan's incumbent administration remain unresolved. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad sought to bolster optimism for a peace agreement last week when he said in a tweet that he hoped this is the final year that the country is at war.

Taliban talks resume amid hopes of deal: Report

&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;displayed what it described as a&nbsp;domestically-built&nbsp;long-range,&nbsp;mobile&nbsp;surface-to-air&nbsp;missile&nbsp;system&nbsp;on Thursday,&nbsp;Iranian state media reported.

The announcement comes at a time of rising tension between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and the United States.

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-meeting-with-parties-to-nuclear-deal-constructive-239070">Iran&nbsp;shot down a US military surveillance</a> drone in the Gulf with a surface-to-air&nbsp;missile&nbsp;in June.

&nbsp;It says the drone was over its territory, but the United States says it was in international airspace.

State television showed President Hassan Rouhani attending an unveiling ceremony for the Bavar-373&nbsp;system, which&nbsp;Iranian media have described as a competitor to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pm-narendra-modi-must-play-his-cards-deftly-when-he-meets-donald-trump-at-g20-summit-228898">Russian S-300&nbsp;missile&nbsp;system</a>.

The&nbsp;system's unveiling came on&nbsp;Iran's National&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Industry Day. 
&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has developed a large domestic arms industry in the face of international sanctions and embargoes that have barred it from importing many weapons.

Western military analysts say&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;often exaggerates its weapons capabilities, though concerns about its long-range ballistic&nbsp;missile&nbsp;programme contributed to Washington last year leaving the pact that&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;sealed with world powers in 2015 to rein in its nuclear ambitions in exchange for an easing of economic sanctions.

Iran displayed what it described as a domestically-built long-range, mobile surface-to-air missile system on Thursday, Iranian state media reported. The announcement comes at a time of rising tension between Iran and the United States.

Iran displayed what it described as a domestically-built long-range, mobile surface-to-air missile system on Thursday, Iranian state media reported. The announcement comes at a time of rising tension between Iran and the United States. Iran shot down a US military surveillance drone in the Gulf with a surface-to-air missile in June. It says the drone was over its territory, but the United States says it was in international airspace. State television showed President Hassan Rouhani attending an unveiling ceremony for the Bavar-373 system, which Iranian media have described as a competitor to the Russian S-300 missile system. The system's unveiling came on Iran's National Defence Industry Day. Iran has developed a large domestic arms industry in the face of international sanctions and embargoes that have barred it from importing many weapons. Western military analysts say Iran often exaggerates its weapons capabilities, though concerns about its long-range ballistic missile programme contributed to Washington last year leaving the pact that Iran sealed with world powers in 2015 to rein in its nuclear ambitions in exchange for an easing of economic sanctions.

Iran displays domestically built mobile missile defence system

US State Department spokesperson has said they have no intention to establish a military base in the island nation. "We have no ambition to establish a US military base or establish a permanent US military presence in Sri Lanka," the spokesperson told WION.

US State Department says no plan to set up military base in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is negotiating a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-president-vetoes-military-deal-with-washington-that-allows-us-troops-free-access-to-islands-ports-233571">fresh military cooperation deal</a> with the United States, the country's&nbsp;Prime Minister announced in parliament Wednesday, even as the country's president vowed to veto any agreement.

Ranil Wickremesinghe said the government was discussing a replacement for the 1995 Status of Forces (SOFA) arrangement that would allow the US military easier access to the strategically placed Indian Ocean island.

The prime minister said negotiations were ongoing as the new document contained provisions Sri Lanka was "not able to accept", without elaborating on what they were.

His comments came days after President Maithripala Sirisena said he would not let the government headed by his pro-West arch-rival conclude any deal giving US forces freer access to Sri Lanka.

"I will not allow the SOFA that seeks to betray the nation. Some foreign forces want to make Sri Lanka one of their bases. I will not allow them to come into the country and challenge our sovereignty," Sirisena, who faces an election this year, said at a rally last weekend.

Wickremesinghe denied that the new SOFA would lead to a permanent US presence on the island.

"The US navy is not a fleet of fishing trawlers. They don't need any bases (in Sri Lanka)," he said.

The US and Sri Lankan militaries can already access each other's ports and airports under the 2007 Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA).

The United States last year granted $39 million for maritime security to Sri Lanka as China increases its presence in the strategic region.

US concern has increased as China steps up investment in ports and other projects on the island, which is a key link in Beijing's ambitious "Belt and Road" infrastructure initiative.

China has vowed to keep providing financial help, including loans, to Sri Lanka despite warnings about the nation's mounting debt.

Sri Lanka in 2017 gave a 99-year lease on a strategic port to Beijing because it could not repay Chinese loans for the $1.4 billion project.

Hambantota port straddles the world's busiest east-west shipping route and also gives a strategic foothold to China in a region long dominated by India.

Sri Lanka is negotiating a fresh military cooperation deal with the United States, the country's Prime Minister announced in parliament Wednesday, even as the country's president vowed to veto any agreement.

Sri Lanka is negotiating a fresh military cooperation deal with the United States, the country's Prime Minister announced in parliament Wednesday, even as the country's president vowed to veto any agreement. Ranil Wickremesinghe said the government was discussing a replacement for the 1995 Status of Forces (SOFA) arrangement that would allow the US military easier access to the strategically placed Indian Ocean island. The prime minister said negotiations were ongoing as the new document contained provisions Sri Lanka was "not able to accept", without elaborating on what they were. His comments came days after President Maithripala Sirisena said he would not let the government headed by his pro-West arch-rival conclude any deal giving US forces freer access to Sri Lanka. "I will not allow the SOFA that seeks to betray the nation. Some foreign forces want to make Sri Lanka one of their bases. I will not allow them to come into the country and challenge our sovereignty," Sirisena, who faces an election this year, said at a rally last weekend. Wickremesinghe denied that the new SOFA would lead to a permanent US presence on the island. "The US navy is not a fleet of fishing trawlers. They don't need any bases (in Sri Lanka)," he said. The US and Sri Lankan militaries can already access each other's ports and airports under the 2007 Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA). The United States last year granted $39 million for maritime security to Sri Lanka as China increases its presence in the strategic region. US concern has increased as China steps up investment in ports and other projects on the island, which is a key link in Beijing's ambitious "Belt and Road" infrastructure initiative. China has vowed to keep providing financial help, including loans, to Sri Lanka despite warnings about the nation's mounting debt. Sri Lanka in 2017 gave a 99-year lease on a strategic port to Beijing because it could not repay Chinese loans for the $1.4 billion project. Hambantota port straddles the world's busiest east-west shipping route and also gives a strategic foothold to China in a region long dominated by India.

Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe negotiating 'new military deal' with US as President Sirisena vows to veto agreement

President Donald Trump sang the praises of the US military and American heroes of the past two and a half centuries Thursday as he skirted politics in a rousing Independence Day speech in Washington.

"What a great country," Trump exclaimed in an address saturated with patriotism and exceptionalism.

"For Americans, nothing is impossible."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A great crowd of tremendous Patriots this evening, all the way back to the Washington Monument! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaluteToAmerica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaluteToAmerica</a>🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/nJghdfqIhX">pic.twitter.com/nJghdfqIhX</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1146938775689412608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As combat aircraft, including the rarely seen B2 stealth bomber flew overhead, Trump scrolled through myriad events of US history, from groundbreaking inventions to battlefield victories, drawing cheers of "USA! USA!" from an enthusiastic rain-soaked audience of tens of thousands on the National Mall in Washington.

'The most exceptional nation'

In front of a massive statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln, the heroic 19th century president, Trump used the traditionally politics-free holiday to deliver shoutouts to each arm of the military, as well as singling out first responders and the controversial Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies that have been criticized for their treatment of migrants.

Wath:&nbsp;US military parade -&nbsp;Why the criticism?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-military-parade-why-the-criticism-233090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But he disappointed critics who had warned that Trump, the first president in decades to make a keynote speech on the July 4 holiday, was hijacking the celebration to bolster his own political standing and attack Democratic rivals.

Instead, in a trickling rain, he repeatedly ascribed singular greatness to the country, declaring it "the most exceptional nation in the history of the world."

"Today, we come together as one nation with this very special Salute to America. We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag -- the brave men and women of the United States military!" he said.

"Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before. It is its strongest now," he said.

Patriotic fervour

Surrounded by the top officers of the Pentagon, and a panoply of invited Republican officials and VIP donors, the event allowed Trump to stake a strong claim to patriotic fervour 16 months ahead of a presidential election with polls showing his potential Democratic rivals holding a significant edge over him.

Trump originally wanted a grand military parade for the holiday, ostensibly inspired by France's rollout of its military might on its own national day.

But instead, he got a scaled-back version, with some US armoured vehicles parked for display and a flyover by the president's own Air Force One jet, the B2 bomber, attack helicopters, and the Navy's Blue Angels flying team.

It was a military show that has been absent from the US capital for decades, and Trump's foes blasted it ahead of time as a show of militarism.

"What, I wonder, will Donald Trump say this evening when he speaks to the nation at an event designed more to stroke his ego than celebrate American ideals?" said leading Democratic White House contender Joe Biden in a speech in Iowa earlier Thursday.

President Donald Trump sang the praises of the US military and American heroes of the past two and a half centuries Thursday as he skirted politics in a rousing Independence Day speech in Washington.

President Donald Trump sang the praises of the US military and American heroes of the past two and a half centuries Thursday as he skirted politics in a rousing Independence Day speech in Washington. "What a great country," Trump exclaimed in an address saturated with patriotism and exceptionalism. "For Americans, nothing is impossible." A great crowd of tremendous Patriots this evening, all the way back to the Washington Monument! #SaluteToAmerica🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/nJghdfqIhX — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 5, 2019 × As combat aircraft, including the rarely seen B2 stealth bomber flew overhead, Trump scrolled through myriad events of US history, from groundbreaking inventions to battlefield victories, drawing cheers of "USA! USA!" from an enthusiastic rain-soaked audience of tens of thousands on the National Mall in Washington. 'The most exceptional nation' In front of a massive statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln, the heroic 19th century president, Trump used the traditionally politics-free holiday to deliver shoutouts to each arm of the military, as well as singling out first responders and the controversial Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies that have been criticized for their treatment of migrants. Wath: US military parade - Why the criticism? But he disappointed critics who had warned that Trump, the first president in decades to make a keynote speech on the July 4 holiday, was hijacking the celebration to bolster his own political standing and attack Democratic rivals. Instead, in a trickling rain, he repeatedly ascribed singular greatness to the country, declaring it "the most exceptional nation in the history of the world." "Today, we come together as one nation with this very special Salute to America. We celebrate our history, our people, and the heroes who proudly defend our flag -- the brave men and women of the United States military!" he said. "Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before. It is its strongest now," he said. Patriotic fervour Surrounded by the top officers of the Pentagon, and a panoply of invited Republican officials and VIP donors, the event allowed Trump to stake a strong claim to patriotic fervour 16 months ahead of a presidential election with polls showing his potential Democratic rivals holding a significant edge over him. Trump originally wanted a grand military parade for the holiday, ostensibly inspired by France's rollout of its military might on its own national day. But instead, he got a scaled-back version, with some US armoured vehicles parked for display and a flyover by the president's own Air Force One jet, the B2 bomber, attack helicopters, and the Navy's Blue Angels flying team. It was a military show that has been absent from the US capital for decades, and Trump's foes blasted it ahead of time as a show of militarism. "What, I wonder, will Donald Trump say this evening when he speaks to the nation at an event designed more to stroke his ego than celebrate American ideals?" said leading Democratic White House contender Joe Biden in a speech in Iowa earlier Thursday.

Our nation is stronger today than it ever was before: Trump in Independence Day

President Donald Trump said on Saturday he appreciated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-angry-about-khashoggi-murder-but-says-no-one-blames-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-231433">Saudi Arabia</a>`s purchase of US military equipment, calling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a "friend of mine" who had worked to open up the country with economic and social reforms.

"It`s an honour to be with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, a friend of mine - a man who has really done things in the last five years in terms of opening up Saudi Arabia," Trump said ahead of a bilateral meeting with the crown prince, known as MbS, in Osaka, Japan.

"I think especially what you’ve done for women and seeing what’s happening - it’s like a revolution in a very positive way," he added on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit.

Trump declined to respond to reporters` questions on whether he would address the death last year of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of MbS.

The CIA has determined the prince ordered his killing, but Saudi officials have denied any involvement.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday he appreciated Saudi Arabia`s purchase of US military equipment, calling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a "friend of mine" who had worked to open up the country with economic and social reforms.

President Donald Trump said on Saturday he appreciated Saudi Arabia`s purchase of US military equipment, calling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a "friend of mine" who had worked to open up the country with economic and social reforms. "It`s an honour to be with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, a friend of mine - a man who has really done things in the last five years in terms of opening up Saudi Arabia," Trump said ahead of a bilateral meeting with the crown prince, known as MbS, in Osaka, Japan. "I think especially what you’ve done for women and seeing what’s happening - it’s like a revolution in a very positive way," he added on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) summit. Trump declined to respond to reporters` questions on whether he would address the death last year of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of MbS. The CIA has determined the prince ordered his killing, but Saudi officials have denied any involvement.

Trump says he 'appreciates' Saudi purchase of US military equipment

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-has-no-plans-to-cap-h-1b-work-visa-program-state-department-229065">US has no plans to cap H-1B work visa programme: State Department</a>

The Trump administration has no plans to cap H-1B work visas for nations that force foreign companies to store data locally, the State Department said on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-hard-to-believe-iranian-shooting-down-of-us-drone-was-intentional-229050">Trump says hard to believe Iranian shooting down of US drone was intentional</a>

US President Donald Trump played down Iran's downing of a US military surveillance drone on Thursday, saying he suspected it was shot by mistake and "it would have made a big difference" to him had the remotely controlled aircraft been piloted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yoga-for-heart-care-this-years-theme-pm-modi-in-ranchi-229057">Yoga for 'heart care' this year's theme: PM Modi in Ranchi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that ''yoga for heart care'' will be the theme for this year and that world is accepting yoga practices.

Modi addressed around 30,000 people at Prabhat Tara ground in Ranchi on the occasion of International Day of Yoga.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-kim-say-boosting-china-north-korea-ties-good-for-regional-peace-report-229051">Xi, Kim say boosting China-North Korea ties good for regional peace: Report</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that amid "serious and complicated" international affairs strengthening bilateral ties was good for both countries and regional peace, North Korean state media KCNA said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-india-visit-pompeo-makes-congratulatory-call-to-jaishankar-229056">Ahead of India visit, Pompeo makes congratulatory call to Jaishankar&nbsp;</a>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Thursday spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and underscored the Trump administration's strong commitment to work closely with India to advance the bilateral strategic partnership, a top official has said.

US has no plans to cap H-1B work visa programme: State Department The Trump administration has no plans to cap H-1B work visas for nations that force foreign companies to store data locally, the State Department said on Thursday.

US has no plans to cap H-1B work visa programme: State Department The Trump administration has no plans to cap H-1B work visas for nations that force foreign companies to store data locally, the State Department said on Thursday. Trump says hard to believe Iranian shooting down of US drone was intentional US President Donald Trump played down Iran's downing of a US military surveillance drone on Thursday, saying he suspected it was shot by mistake and "it would have made a big difference" to him had the remotely controlled aircraft been piloted. Yoga for 'heart care' this year's theme: PM Modi in Ranchi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that ''yoga for heart care'' will be the theme for this year and that world is accepting yoga practices. Modi addressed around 30,000 people at Prabhat Tara ground in Ranchi on the occasion of International Day of Yoga. Xi, Kim say boosting China-North Korea ties good for regional peace: Report North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that amid "serious and complicated" international affairs strengthening bilateral ties was good for both countries and regional peace, North Korean state media KCNA said on Friday. Ahead of India visit, Pompeo makes congratulatory call to Jaishankar US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Thursday spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and underscored the Trump administration's strong commitment to work closely with India to advance the bilateral strategic partnership, a top official has said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The US military on Thursday released a video it said showed Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) removing an unexploded mine from the side of one of the two oil tankers attacked earlier in the day.

US releases video it says shows Iran's military recovering tanker mine

The United States will take "unprecedented actions" to ensure the supply of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-firms-fret-as-chinas-fedex-probe-planned-hit-list-heightens-trade-frictions-224227"> strategic minerals and rare earth</a> critical to the tech sector and the military, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday.

China is a major supplier of the critical materials and as the trade <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-cant-use-pressure-to-force-trade-deal-223677">conflict with Washington</a> has escalated, Beijing has dangled a threat of cutting exports of rare earth as a counter-strike to US tariffs.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-weapon-of-choice-in-trade-war-rare-earth-metals-224003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ross said in a statement that a new report designates 35 minerals as "critical to the economic and national security" of America, including uranium, titanium, and rare earth elements needed for smartphones, computers, aircraft and GPS systems, among other uses.

"These critical minerals are often overlooked but modern life without them would be impossible," Ross said.

"Through the recommendations detailed in this report, the Federal government will take unprecedented action to ensure that the United States will not be cut off from these vital materials."

President Donald Trump has ramped up his aggressive stance towards China in a bid to pressure the country to change its objectionable trade practices but the most recent flare-up caused talks to breakdown, especially due to US actions against Chinese tech giant Huawei.

In December 2017, Trump called on Commerce and other government agencies to develop new sources of critical minerals to reduce vulnerabilities to supply disruptions, especially from foreign sources.

The report calls for actions including improving supplies "through investment and trade with America's allies," while streamlining permitting for mining in the United States, including on federal lands.

It also lists a plan to improve mapping and data collection to promote domestic mineral exploration.

The United States will take "unprecedented actions" to ensure the supply of strategic minerals and rare earth critical to the tech sector and the military, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday.

The United States will take "unprecedented actions" to ensure the supply of strategic minerals and rare earth critical to the tech sector and the military, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday. China is a major supplier of the critical materials and as the trade conflict with Washington has escalated, Beijing has dangled a threat of cutting exports of rare earth as a counter-strike to US tariffs. Ross said in a statement that a new report designates 35 minerals as "critical to the economic and national security" of America, including uranium, titanium, and rare earth elements needed for smartphones, computers, aircraft and GPS systems, among other uses. "These critical minerals are often overlooked but modern life without them would be impossible," Ross said. "Through the recommendations detailed in this report, the Federal government will take unprecedented action to ensure that the United States will not be cut off from these vital materials." President Donald Trump has ramped up his aggressive stance towards China in a bid to pressure the country to change its objectionable trade practices but the most recent flare-up caused talks to breakdown, especially due to US actions against Chinese tech giant Huawei. In December 2017, Trump called on Commerce and other government agencies to develop new sources of critical minerals to reduce vulnerabilities to supply disruptions, especially from foreign sources. The report calls for actions including improving supplies "through investment and trade with America's allies," while streamlining permitting for mining in the United States, including on federal lands. It also lists a plan to improve mapping and data collection to promote domestic mineral exploration.

Will take unprecedented action to ensure supply of rare earths critical to tech, military: US

Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah pledged on Friday (May 31) to confront the U.S. Middle East plan that President Donald Trump has touted as "the deal of the century."

Lebanon's Hezbollah vows to confront U.S. Middle East plan

The US military said on Tuesday that it had identified a total of six American troops from 55 boxes of human remains from the 1950-53 Korean War that North Korea handed over last year, even as the Pentagon has said it has given up hope of recovering more of them in the near future.

The US Defense POW/MIA Account Agency (DPAA), which works to recover missing American troops around the world, earlier this month said it had not heard from North Korea since the second US-North Korean summit, held in Hanoi in February, ended with no agreement. The agency said it had suspended efforts for 2019.&nbsp;

After their first summit in June last year, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a declaration committing to the recovery of remains of soldiers killed in the war.

In July, North Korea handed over 55 boxes of human remains, a move Trump hailed as evidence of the success of his negotiations with Kim.

On Tuesday, Lieutenant Colonel Ken Hoffman, a spokesman for DPAA, said that four families had been notified of the remains, while two other family notifications were pending. That brings the total service members identified to six from the 55 boxes.

Forensic anthropologists are combing through the remains at a secure facility on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, which acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan visited on Tuesday.

The July transfer coincided with the 65th anniversary of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting between North Korean and Chinese forces and South Korean and US-led forces under the UN Command.

Since July, there has been little progress on resuming the search for the roughly 5,300 Americans believed to be lost in what is now North Korea.

Despite that lack of progress, as recently as April 26 Trump touted the return of the remains and said they "continued to come back."

The two sides remain technically at war because a peace treaty was never signed.

The United States and North Korea conducted joint searches for remains from 1996 until 2005, when Washington halted the operations citing concerns about the safety of its personnel as Pyongyang stepped up its nuclear program.

The US military said on Tuesday that it had identified a total of six American troops from 55 boxes of human remains from the 1950-53 Korean War that North Korea handed over last year, even as the Pentagon has said it has given up hope of recovering more of them in the near future.

The US military said on Tuesday that it had identified a total of six American troops from 55 boxes of human remains from the 1950-53 Korean War that North Korea handed over last year, even as the Pentagon has said it has given up hope of recovering more of them in the near future. The US Defense POW/MIA Account Agency (DPAA), which works to recover missing American troops around the world, earlier this month said it had not heard from North Korea since the second US-North Korean summit, held in Hanoi in February, ended with no agreement. The agency said it had suspended efforts for 2019. After their first summit in June last year, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a declaration committing to the recovery of remains of soldiers killed in the war. In July, North Korea handed over 55 boxes of human remains, a move Trump hailed as evidence of the success of his negotiations with Kim. On Tuesday, Lieutenant Colonel Ken Hoffman, a spokesman for DPAA, said that four families had been notified of the remains, while two other family notifications were pending. That brings the total service members identified to six from the 55 boxes. Forensic anthropologists are combing through the remains at a secure facility on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, which acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan visited on Tuesday. The July transfer coincided with the 65th anniversary of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting between North Korean and Chinese forces and South Korean and US-led forces under the UN Command. Since July, there has been little progress on resuming the search for the roughly 5,300 Americans believed to be lost in what is now North Korea. Despite that lack of progress, as recently as April 26 Trump touted the return of the remains and said they "continued to come back." The two sides remain technically at war because a peace treaty was never signed. The United States and North Korea conducted joint searches for remains from 1996 until 2005, when Washington halted the operations citing concerns about the safety of its personnel as Pyongyang stepped up its nuclear program.

US military identifies more remains of American war dead handed over by North Korea

Passengers and crew aboard a US military helicopter were injured when the chopper they were travelling in was destroyed during a "hard landing" in Afghanistan, a US official said Saturday.&nbsp;

According to Colonel David Butler, a spokesman for US Forces Afghanistan, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter "hit the ground hard on the way to drop passengers off" during a mission in Helmand province.&nbsp;

Butler said the helicopter had been totally destroyed during the landing.

"Both Afghan and US personnel were injured but all are stable and expected to recover," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"No hostile fire or enemy contact involved."

Chinooks, easily recognisable because they have one rotor at the front and one at the back, are the workhorse aircraft for foreign forces in Afghanistan and are used to ferry troops and supplies across the country.

Passengers and crew aboard a US military helicopter were injured when the chopper they were travelling in was destroyed during a "hard landing" in Afghanistan, a US official said Saturday.

Passengers and crew aboard a US military helicopter were injured when the chopper they were travelling in was destroyed during a "hard landing" in Afghanistan, a US official said Saturday. According to Colonel David Butler, a spokesman for US Forces Afghanistan, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter "hit the ground hard on the way to drop passengers off" during a mission in Helmand province. Butler said the helicopter had been totally destroyed during the landing. "Both Afghan and US personnel were injured but all are stable and expected to recover," he told AFP. "No hostile fire or enemy contact involved." Chinooks, easily recognisable because they have one rotor at the front and one at the back, are the workhorse aircraft for foreign forces in Afghanistan and are used to ferry troops and supplies across the country.

US military helicopter destroyed in Afghanistan 'hard landing'

The&nbsp;US&nbsp;Department of Defense is considering a&nbsp;US&nbsp;military&nbsp;request to&nbsp;send&nbsp;about&nbsp;5,000&nbsp;additional troops to the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;amid increasing tensions with Iran, two&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials&nbsp;told Reuters on Wednesday.

Tehran and Washington have this month been escalating rhetoric against each other, following&nbsp;US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's decision to try to cut Iran's oil exports to zero and beef up the&nbsp;US&nbsp;military&nbsp;presence in the Gulf in response to what he said were Iranian threats.

The&nbsp;officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the request had been made by&nbsp;US&nbsp;Central Command, but added that it was not clear whether the&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;would approve the request.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pentagon-seeks-to-use-funds-to-transport-lodge-taliban-members-in-search-of-ceasefires-219334">&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;</a>regularly receives - and declines - requests for additional resources from&nbsp;US&nbsp;combatant commands throughout the world.

One of the&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said the requested&nbsp;troops&nbsp;would be defensive in nature.

It is unclear if any specific request will ultimately be presented to the White House. The request for&nbsp;5,000&nbsp;additional&nbsp;troops&nbsp;was first reported by Reuters.

This appeared to be the latest request for additional resources in the face of what&nbsp;US officials&nbsp;have said are credible threats from Iran against&nbsp;US forces and American interests in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East.

The United States has not publicly shown any evidence of what the specific intelligence on the Iranian threat is.

The&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;declined to comment.

"As a matter of longstanding policy, we are not going to discuss&nbsp;or speculate on potential future plans and requests for forces," Commander Rebecca Rebarich, a&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;spokeswoman, said on Wednesday.

Acting&nbsp;US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said on Tuesday that while threats from Iran in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East&nbsp;remained high, deterrence measures taken by the&nbsp;Pentagon&nbsp;had "put on hold" the potential for attacks on Americans.

The&nbsp;US military&nbsp;accelerated the deployment of a carrier strike group to the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East and sent bombers and Patriot missiles to the region earlier this month in response to what Washington said were troubling indications of possible preparations for an attack by Iran.

The US&nbsp;government sources told Reuters last week they believe Iran encouraged Houthi militants or Iraq-based Shi'ite militias to carry out attacks on tanker ships off the United Arab Emirates.

Trump has warned that Iran would be met with "great force" if it attacked&nbsp;US&nbsp;interests in the&nbsp;Middle&nbsp;East.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that Iran's youth will witness the demise of Israel and American civilization.

The US Department of Defense is considering a US military request to send about 5,000 additional troops to the Middle East amid increasing tensions with Iran, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday.

The US Department of Defense is considering a US military request to send about 5,000 additional troops to the Middle East amid increasing tensions with Iran, two US officials told Reuters on Wednesday. Tehran and Washington have this month been escalating rhetoric against each other, following US President Donald Trump's decision to try to cut Iran's oil exports to zero and beef up the US military presence in the Gulf in response to what he said were Iranian threats. The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the request had been made by US Central Command, but added that it was not clear whether the Pentagon would approve the request. The Pentagon regularly receives - and declines - requests for additional resources from US combatant commands throughout the world. One of the officials said the requested troops would be defensive in nature. It is unclear if any specific request will ultimately be presented to the White House. The request for 5,000 additional troops was first reported by Reuters. This appeared to be the latest request for additional resources in the face of what US officials have said are credible threats from Iran against US forces and American interests in the Middle East. The United States has not publicly shown any evidence of what the specific intelligence on the Iranian threat is. The Pentagon declined to comment. "As a matter of longstanding policy, we are not going to discuss or speculate on potential future plans and requests for forces," Commander Rebecca Rebarich, a Pentagon spokeswoman, said on Wednesday. Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said on Tuesday that while threats from Iran in the Middle East remained high, deterrence measures taken by the Pentagon had "put on hold" the potential for attacks on Americans. The US military accelerated the deployment of a carrier strike group to the Middle East and sent bombers and Patriot missiles to the region earlier this month in response to what Washington said were troubling indications of possible preparations for an attack by Iran. The US government sources told Reuters last week they believe Iran encouraged Houthi militants or Iraq-based Shi'ite militias to carry out attacks on tanker ships off the United Arab Emirates. Trump has warned that Iran would be met with "great force" if it attacked US interests in the Middle East. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that Iran's youth will witness the demise of Israel and American civilization.

Pentagon mulling US military request to send 5,000 troops to Middle East: Officials

US fighters intercepted six Russian military aircraft in international airspace west of Alaska, and shadowed them until they exited the area, the North American Air Defence Command said Tuesday.

The Russian aircraft included two Tu-95 strategic bombers, which were intercepted Monday by two F-22 fighters, the command said.

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Two pairs of F-22 fighter jets, each with an E-3 intercepted Tu-95 bombers Su-35 fighter jets entering the Alaskan ADIZ May 21. The bombers entered the ADIZ and were intercepted by two F-22s, exited and then re-entered the Alaskan ADIZ accompanied by two Su-35 fighter jets. <a href="https://t.co/NYP6EVq2Xg">pic.twitter.com/NYP6EVq2Xg</a>
— North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) <a href="https://twitter.com/NORADCommand/status/1131076314025172993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A second group of two Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighters were also intercepted by a pair of F-22 fighters, it said.

An AWACS surveillance plane monitored the operations, NORAD said, adding that the Russian aircraft were in international airspace throughout.

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They were picked up as they entered the Alaska Air Defence Identification Zone, a perimeter line that lies outside national airspace but within which air traffic is kept under constant surveillance to reduce response times in case of a hostile threat.

"Our ability to deter and defeat threats to our citizens and vital infrastructure starts with detecting, tracking, and positively identifying aircraft in our airspace," NORAD's commander, General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, said.

"We are on alert 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year," he said.

The United States has four Air Defence Identification Zones. The Alaska zone extends about 320 kilometres&nbsp;from the state's coast.

US fighters intercepted six Russian military aircraft in international airspace west of Alaska, and shadowed them until they exited the area, the North American Air Defence Command said Tuesday.

US fighters intercepted six Russian military aircraft in international airspace west of Alaska, and shadowed them until they exited the area, the North American Air Defence Command said Tuesday. The Russian aircraft included two Tu-95 strategic bombers, which were intercepted Monday by two F-22 fighters, the command said. Two pairs of F-22 fighter jets, each with an E-3 intercepted Tu-95 bombers Su-35 fighter jets entering the Alaskan ADIZ May 21. The bombers entered the ADIZ and were intercepted by two F-22s, exited and then re-entered the Alaskan ADIZ accompanied by two Su-35 fighter jets. pic.twitter.com/NYP6EVq2Xg — North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) May 22, 2019 × A second group of two Tu-95 bombers and two Su-35 fighters were also intercepted by a pair of F-22 fighters, it said. An AWACS surveillance plane monitored the operations, NORAD said, adding that the Russian aircraft were in international airspace throughout. They were picked up as they entered the Alaska Air Defence Identification Zone, a perimeter line that lies outside national airspace but within which air traffic is kept under constant surveillance to reduce response times in case of a hostile threat. "Our ability to deter and defeat threats to our citizens and vital infrastructure starts with detecting, tracking, and positively identifying aircraft in our airspace," NORAD's commander, General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, said. "We are on alert 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year," he said. The United States has four Air Defence Identification Zones. The Alaska zone extends about 320 kilometres from the state's coast.

Six Russian bombers, fighters intercepted off Alaska coast: US military

The US military said one of its warships sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal claimed by China in the South China Sea on Sunday, a move likely to anger Beijing at a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-go-too-far-in-damaging-moves-china-tells-us-219797">time of tense ties between the world's two biggest economies</a>.

The busy waterway is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and Taiwan.

China struck a more aggressive tone in its trade war with the United States on Friday. The tough talk capped a week that saw Beijing unveil fresh retaliatory tariffs.

The US destroyer Preble carried out the operation, a US military spokesman told Reuters.

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"Preble sailed within 12 nautical miles of Scarborough Reef in order to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law," said Commander Clay Doss, a spokesman for the Seventh Fleet.

It was the second such US military operation in the South China Sea in the last month. On Wednesday, the chief of the US Navy said its freedom of navigation movements in the disputed South China Sea drew more attention than they deserved.

The US military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including areas claimed by allies, and they are separate from political considerations.

The operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing's efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate.

China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea and frequently lambasts the United States and its allies over naval operations near Chinese-occupied islands.

Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims in the region.

China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing's militarization of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs.

China defends its construction as necessary for self-defence and says the United States is responsible for ratcheting up tension in the region by sending warships and military planes close to islands Beijing claims.

Last month, China's navy chief said freedom of navigation should not be used to infringe upon the rights of other nations.

The US military said one of its warships sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal claimed by China in the South China Sea on Sunday, a move likely to anger Beijing at a time of tense ties between the world's two biggest economies.

The US military said one of its warships sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal claimed by China in the South China Sea on Sunday, a move likely to anger Beijing at a time of tense ties between the world's two biggest economies. The busy waterway is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and Taiwan. China struck a more aggressive tone in its trade war with the United States on Friday. The tough talk capped a week that saw Beijing unveil fresh retaliatory tariffs. The US destroyer Preble carried out the operation, a US military spokesman told Reuters. "Preble sailed within 12 nautical miles of Scarborough Reef in order to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access to the waterways as governed by international law," said Commander Clay Doss, a spokesman for the Seventh Fleet. It was the second such US military operation in the South China Sea in the last month. On Wednesday, the chief of the US Navy said its freedom of navigation movements in the disputed South China Sea drew more attention than they deserved. The US military has a long-standing position that its operations are carried out throughout the world, including areas claimed by allies, and they are separate from political considerations. The operation was the latest attempt to counter what Washington sees as Beijing's efforts to limit freedom of navigation in the strategic waters, where Chinese, Japanese and some Southeast Asian navies operate. China claims almost all of the strategic South China Sea and frequently lambasts the United States and its allies over naval operations near Chinese-occupied islands. Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims in the region. China and the United States have repeatedly traded barbs in the past over what Washington says is Beijing's militarization of the South China Sea by building military installations on artificial islands and reefs. China defends its construction as necessary for self-defence and says the United States is responsible for ratcheting up tension in the region by sending warships and military planes close to islands Beijing claims. Last month, China's navy chief said freedom of navigation should not be used to infringe upon the rights of other nations.

US warship sails in disputed South China Sea amid trade tensions

Proposal by Pentagon officials suggests deployment nearing Gulf War levels if Iran were to expedite nuclear program or targets US forces.

White House said to review plan to send up to 120,000 troops to Middle East

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó said he’s instructed his political envoy in Washington to immediately open relations with the U.S. military in a bid to bring more pressure on President Nicolás Maduro to resign. Watch full video to know more.

Venezuela's Opposition Leader Guaido to open relation with US military

At least five Taliban terrorists were killed in a drone strike by the US military in Laman area of Afghanistan on Saturday.

According to Geo News, two missiles hit a house in the area, killing five militants affiliated with Hafiz Gul Bahadur terror group.

The group is a faction of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-faction-claims-responsibility-for-blast-in-lahore-216950"> Pakistan`s Taliban</a>. A top commander, identified as Asadullah alias Shingri, of the group was among the dead. Last month, US President Donald Trump revoked a policy that asked the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to publish the number of civilians killed from drone strikes.

The policy was formulated by the Obama administration in 2016 following the pressure from the international community for more transparency. Last month, the US military also acknowledged that civilians were killed during a strike in Somalia. Amnesty International had accused the US of killing civilians during a drone strike in Somalian in 2018.&nbsp;

At least five Taliban terrorists were killed in a drone strike by the US military in Laman area of Afghanistan on Saturday. According to Geo News, two missiles hit a house in the area, killing five militants affiliated with Hafiz Gul Bahadur terror group.

At least five Taliban terrorists were killed in a drone strike by the US military in Laman area of Afghanistan on Saturday. According to Geo News, two missiles hit a house in the area, killing five militants affiliated with Hafiz Gul Bahadur terror group. The group is a faction of Pakistan`s Taliban. A top commander, identified as Asadullah alias Shingri, of the group was among the dead. Last month, US President Donald Trump revoked a policy that asked the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to publish the number of civilians killed from drone strikes. The policy was formulated by the Obama administration in 2016 following the pressure from the international community for more transparency. Last month, the US military also acknowledged that civilians were killed during a strike in Somalia. Amnesty International had accused the US of killing civilians during a drone strike in Somalian in 2018.

Afghanistan: 5 Talibani militants killed in drone strike by US

American B-52 Stratofortress bombers sent to the Middle East over what <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-commander-says-he-could-send-carrier-into-strait-of-hormuz-despite-iran-tensions-217422">Washington describes as threats from Iran</a> have arrived at a US base in Qatar, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

The US military said on Tuesday that a number of B-52 bombers would be part of additional forces being sent to the Middle East to counter what the Trump administration says are <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-threatens-swift-decisive-response-to-any-iran-attack-217396">"clear indications" of threats</a> from Iran to US forces there.

Iran has dismissed the new US deployments, including of an aircraft carrier, as old news announced now to intimidate it through "psychological warfare", at a time when Washington is also tightening financial sanctions. The USS Abraham Lincoln is replacing another carrier rotated out of the Gulf last month.

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A picture taken by US Air Force personnel stationed in Al Udaid air base and posted on the CENTCOM website showed two aircraft. The caption said: "B-52 Arrival. US B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron are parked on a flight line May 8, 2019."

The media officer at Al Udaid, near Doha, did not immediately respond to a phone call and email requesting comment and details. CENTCOM is responsible for US military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

Washington has tightened sanctions on Iran this month, eliminating waivers that had allowed some countries to buy its oil, with a goal of reducing Tehran's crude exports to zero. Iran has responded by scaling back some curbs on its nuclear programme, although it remains compliant with a deal to restrict its nuclear activity which Washington abandoned a year ago.

American B-52 Stratofortress bombers sent to the Middle East over what Washington describes as threats from Iran have arrived at a US base in Qatar, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

American B-52 Stratofortress bombers sent to the Middle East over what Washington describes as threats from Iran have arrived at a US base in Qatar, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. The US military said on Tuesday that a number of B-52 bombers would be part of additional forces being sent to the Middle East to counter what the Trump administration says are "clear indications" of threats from Iran to US forces there. Iran has dismissed the new US deployments, including of an aircraft carrier, as old news announced now to intimidate it through "psychological warfare", at a time when Washington is also tightening financial sanctions. The USS Abraham Lincoln is replacing another carrier rotated out of the Gulf last month. A picture taken by US Air Force personnel stationed in Al Udaid air base and posted on the CENTCOM website showed two aircraft. The caption said: "B-52 Arrival. US B-52H Stratofortress aircraft assigned to the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron are parked on a flight line May 8, 2019." The media officer at Al Udaid, near Doha, did not immediately respond to a phone call and email requesting comment and details. CENTCOM is responsible for US military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan. Washington has tightened sanctions on Iran this month, eliminating waivers that had allowed some countries to buy its oil, with a goal of reducing Tehran's crude exports to zero. Iran has responded by scaling back some curbs on its nuclear programme, although it remains compliant with a deal to restrict its nuclear activity which Washington abandoned a year ago.

US B-52 bombers arrive in Qatar amid threats from Iran

Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-build-four-nuclear-aircraft-carriers-to-catch-up-with-us-navy-report-195614">third aircraft carrier</a> is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday.

ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-chinas-first-indigenously-built-aircraft-carrier-completes-sea-test-137911">Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai</a>.

The bow and hull are already under assembly, the pictures indicated, and are likely to be the beginnings of the 80-85,000 tonne type 002 aircraft carrier the Chinese navy has been known to be planning.

"Visible through the clouds and mist is what looks to be a bow and main hull section of a large vessel," ChinaPower said.

"While details regarding the Type 002 are limited, what is observable at Jiangnan is consistent with what is expected for the People's Liberation Army Navy's third aircraft carrier."

China's first carrier, the three decade-old, 66,000 tonne Liaoning, was acquired from Russia.

The second, a home-built carrier designated Type 001A and based on the Liaoning's design began sea trials, one year ago.

ChinaPower said that, based on the photos, the Jiangnan shipyard appears to be building a new tower crane, a floodable ship basin and a launching channel to accommodate the huge new carrier.

In a report published online, ChinaPower said the carrier is expected to be completed in 2022. In January a senior Chinese naval expert said the country needs "at least" three carriers to defend its coastline and global interests.

"Our country has an 18,000-kilometre (11,000-mile) long coastline. Also, our economy is outward looking and our interests abroad are growing," said Commodore Zhang Junshe, a member of the Naval Research Institute.

Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its third aircraft carrier is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday. ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai.

Recent satellite photographs indicate China's construction of its third aircraft carrier is well underway, a Washington think tank reported Tuesday. ChinaPower, a unit of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, published photos of a large vessel under construction at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai. The bow and hull are already under assembly, the pictures indicated, and are likely to be the beginnings of the 80-85,000 tonne type 002 aircraft carrier the Chinese navy has been known to be planning. "Visible through the clouds and mist is what looks to be a bow and main hull section of a large vessel," ChinaPower said. "While details regarding the Type 002 are limited, what is observable at Jiangnan is consistent with what is expected for the People's Liberation Army Navy's third aircraft carrier." China's first carrier, the three decade-old, 66,000 tonne Liaoning, was acquired from Russia. The second, a home-built carrier designated Type 001A and based on the Liaoning's design began sea trials, one year ago. ChinaPower said that, based on the photos, the Jiangnan shipyard appears to be building a new tower crane, a floodable ship basin and a launching channel to accommodate the huge new carrier. In a report published online, ChinaPower said the carrier is expected to be completed in 2022. In January a senior Chinese naval expert said the country needs "at least" three carriers to defend its coastline and global interests. "Our country has an 18,000-kilometre (11,000-mile) long coastline. Also, our economy is outward looking and our interests abroad are growing," said Commodore Zhang Junshe, a member of the Naval Research Institute.

Satellite images indicate China building third aircraft carrier: US think tank

The US military has stopped tracking the amount of territory controlled or influenced by the Afghan government and militants, a US watchdog said on Tuesday, one of the last remaining public metrics that tracked the worsening security situation in the war-torn country.

The move comes as US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks aimed at ensuring a safe exit for US forces in return for a Taliban guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used by militants to threaten the rest of the world.

The Taliban announced the start of a spring offensive in early April. Even before the announcement, combat had intensified across Afghanistan in recent weeks and hundreds of Afghan troops and civilians have been killed.

The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said in a report published late Tuesday night that the US military had told the watchdog it was no longer tracking the level of control or influence the Afghan government and militants had over districts in the country.

The NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission in Afghanistan had told SIGAR that the assessments were "of limited decision-making value to the (RS) Commander."

Colonel David Butler, spokesman for US Forces in Afghanistan, said that while Resolute Support was no longer doing the analyses, the intelligence community did its own classified assessment of districts controlled by the government and Taliban. He did not speculate on whether the intelligence community analyses would continue or not.

"This much is clear: There's even less information for American taxpayers to gauge whether their investment in Afghanistan is a success, or something else," John Sopko, the head of SIGAR, told Reuters.

A January report put districts under government control or influence at 53.8 per cent covering 63.5 per cent of the population by October 2018, with the rest of the country controlled or contested by the Taliban.

Experts said that the move to stop tracking the key data was worrying because Washington had publicly set a benchmark which would now be difficult to measure.

In November 2017, the top US general in Afghanistan at the time set a goal of driving back Taliban insurgents enough for the government to control at least 80 per cent of the country within two years.

"If the military is not going to be tracking that data anymore, that is going to make it a lot more difficult to get a sense as to how strong the Taliban is," Michael Kugelman, with the Woodrow Wilson Center, said.

"That may well be the military's intention," he said.

Diminishing accountability

Over the past few years, the US military has restricted data on the Afghan war being shared with the public, including the size of the security forces, casualty numbers and the attrition rate for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

In 2018, the US military said a "human error in labelling" caused it to treat as classified information the amount of territory controlled or influenced by the Taliban and the Afghan government.

The rest of the report painted a bleak picture of the security situation in Afghanistan.

Citing numbers from Resolute Support, SIGAR said the monthly average of enemy-initiated attacks increased by 19 per cent from November 2018 through January 2019 compared to between August to October 2018.

ANDSF casualties increased by about 31 per cent from December through February compared to the same three-month period last year.

"The latest data from the few remaining publicly available measures of the security situation in Afghanistan - enemy-initiated attacks, general ANDSF casualty trends, and security incidents - show that Afghanistan experienced heightened insecurity," the report said.

The US military has stopped tracking the amount of territory controlled or influenced by the Afghan government and militants, a US watchdog said on Tuesday, one of the last remaining public metrics that tracked the worsening security situation in the war-torn country.

The US military has stopped tracking the amount of territory controlled or influenced by the Afghan government and militants, a US watchdog said on Tuesday, one of the last remaining public metrics that tracked the worsening security situation in the war-torn country. The move comes as US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks aimed at ensuring a safe exit for US forces in return for a Taliban guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used by militants to threaten the rest of the world. The Taliban announced the start of a spring offensive in early April. Even before the announcement, combat had intensified across Afghanistan in recent weeks and hundreds of Afghan troops and civilians have been killed. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said in a report published late Tuesday night that the US military had told the watchdog it was no longer tracking the level of control or influence the Afghan government and militants had over districts in the country. The NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission in Afghanistan had told SIGAR that the assessments were "of limited decision-making value to the (RS) Commander." Colonel David Butler, spokesman for US Forces in Afghanistan, said that while Resolute Support was no longer doing the analyses, the intelligence community did its own classified assessment of districts controlled by the government and Taliban. He did not speculate on whether the intelligence community analyses would continue or not. "This much is clear: There's even less information for American taxpayers to gauge whether their investment in Afghanistan is a success, or something else," John Sopko, the head of SIGAR, told Reuters. A January report put districts under government control or influence at 53.8 per cent covering 63.5 per cent of the population by October 2018, with the rest of the country controlled or contested by the Taliban. Experts said that the move to stop tracking the key data was worrying because Washington had publicly set a benchmark which would now be difficult to measure. In November 2017, the top US general in Afghanistan at the time set a goal of driving back Taliban insurgents enough for the government to control at least 80 per cent of the country within two years. "If the military is not going to be tracking that data anymore, that is going to make it a lot more difficult to get a sense as to how strong the Taliban is," Michael Kugelman, with the Woodrow Wilson Center, said. "That may well be the military's intention," he said. Diminishing accountability Over the past few years, the US military has restricted data on the Afghan war being shared with the public, including the size of the security forces, casualty numbers and the attrition rate for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). In 2018, the US military said a "human error in labelling" caused it to treat as classified information the amount of territory controlled or influenced by the Taliban and the Afghan government. The rest of the report painted a bleak picture of the security situation in Afghanistan. Citing numbers from Resolute Support, SIGAR said the monthly average of enemy-initiated attacks increased by 19 per cent from November 2018 through January 2019 compared to between August to October 2018. ANDSF casualties increased by about 31 per cent from December through February compared to the same three-month period last year. "The latest data from the few remaining publicly available measures of the security situation in Afghanistan - enemy-initiated attacks, general ANDSF casualty trends, and security incidents - show that Afghanistan experienced heightened insecurity," the report said.

US military stops tracking key metric on Afghan war: Watchdog

US military spending has risen for the first time in seven years, reflecting Trump administration policy, according to a new report released Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Worldwide military spending also rose by 2.6 per cent to $1.8 trillion overall last year, SIPRI calculated.

It was the second year running the global figure has risen, bringing military spending to its highest level since 1988.

"The increase in US spending was driven by the implementation from 2017 of new arms procurement programmes under the Trump administration," said Aude Fleurant, director of &nbsp;SIPRI's Arms and Military Expenditure (AMEX) programme.

The US figure alone of $649 billion was as much as the next eight highest military budgets.

But Chinese, as well as US spending, helped push the overall spending figures for the year higher, said the report.

China's spending has risen 83 per cent since 2009, bringing it up to the second place, ahead of Saudi Arabia, India -- which is modernising its armed forces -- and France.

China has spent 1.9 per cent of its gross domestic output (GDP) on military spending since 2013.

Russia meanwhile dropped out of the top five spenders, with its military budget declining since 2016, said the report.

Western countries' economic sanctions against Russia, in place since 2014 because of its conflict with Ukraine, have hit the country's military budget.

In Ukraine itself meanwhile, military spending rose 21 per cent on the previous year to $4.8 billion, SIPRI calculated.

US military spending has risen for the first time in seven years, reflecting Trump administration policy, according to a new report released Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

US military spending has risen for the first time in seven years, reflecting Trump administration policy, according to a new report released Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Worldwide military spending also rose by 2.6 per cent to $1.8 trillion overall last year, SIPRI calculated. It was the second year running the global figure has risen, bringing military spending to its highest level since 1988. "The increase in US spending was driven by the implementation from 2017 of new arms procurement programmes under the Trump administration," said Aude Fleurant, director of SIPRI's Arms and Military Expenditure (AMEX) programme. The US figure alone of $649 billion was as much as the next eight highest military budgets. But Chinese, as well as US spending, helped push the overall spending figures for the year higher, said the report. China's spending has risen 83 per cent since 2009, bringing it up to the second place, ahead of Saudi Arabia, India -- which is modernising its armed forces -- and France. China has spent 1.9 per cent of its gross domestic output (GDP) on military spending since 2013. Russia meanwhile dropped out of the top five spenders, with its military budget declining since 2016, said the report. Western countries' economic sanctions against Russia, in place since 2014 because of its conflict with Ukraine, have hit the country's military budget. In Ukraine itself meanwhile, military spending rose 21 per cent on the previous year to $4.8 billion, SIPRI calculated.

US military spending up for first time in seven years: SIPRI

Pentagon defends India’s anti-satellite test, says country concerned about threats in space. Watch full video to know more.

Pentagon defends India's ASAT test

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