After US forces executed the assassination of Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, the US State Department on Tuesday (August 2), issued a warning to Americans going overseas that they now might face a high risk of violence. The department issued a warning after the strike, advising them to ‘keep a high level of vigilance and practise good situational awareness.’ As per US President Joe Biden, the "trail of murder and brutality against American citizens" has come to an end with the execution. The president continued, the 71-year-old terrorist, the primary planner of the 9/11 assault, was killed over the weekend in a CIA airstrike near Kabul.

The department, in a statement, said, "Current information suggests that terrorist organisations continue to plan terrorist attacks against US interests in multiple regions across the globe," AFP reported. The department further states that these attacks includes a wide range of tactics, from bombing to assassination to kidnappings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-ayman-al-zawahiri-the-al-qaeda-chief-killed-by-us-strike-502755">Who is Ayman al-Zawahiri, the Al-Qaeda chief killed by US strike?</a>

The 71-year-old Egyptian terrorist was on the balcony of a three-story house in Kabul when he was hit by two Hellfire missiles on Sunday (August 1), according to a top official in the Biden administration.

Watch |&nbsp;9/11 mastermind and Bin Laden successor Al-Zawahiri killed in US drone strike

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Since Osama bin Laden’s murder in 2011, his death in a drone attack in Kabul over the weekend struck Al-Qaeda's heaviest blow, leading US President Joe Biden to declare that "Justice has been delivered."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-condemn-zawahiri-killing-while-saudi-welcomes-the-move-502760">Here's how world is reacting to the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Zawahiri</a>

Ever since the US withdrew its forces from Afghanistan on August 31 last year, only days after the Taliban retook power, it is unknown whether the United States has carried out any air strikes on targets in Afghanistan.

However, the Taliban denounced the drone strike on Tuesday (August 2), although they omitted any mention of casualties or Zawahiri.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After US forces executed the assassination of Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, the US State Department on Tuesday (August 2), issued a warning to Americans going overseas that they now might face a high risk of violence.

After US forces executed the assassination of Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, the US State Department on Tuesday (August 2), issued a warning to Americans going overseas that they now might face a high risk of violence. The department issued a warning after the strike, advising them to ‘keep a high level of vigilance and practise good situational awareness.’ As per US President Joe Biden, the "trail of murder and brutality against American citizens" has come to an end with the execution. The president continued, the 71-year-old terrorist, the primary planner of the 9/11 assault, was killed over the weekend in a CIA airstrike near Kabul. The department, in a statement, said, "Current information suggests that terrorist organisations continue to plan terrorist attacks against US interests in multiple regions across the globe," AFP reported. The department further states that these attacks includes a wide range of tactics, from bombing to assassination to kidnappings. Also read | Who is Ayman al-Zawahiri, the Al-Qaeda chief killed by US strike? The 71-year-old Egyptian terrorist was on the balcony of a three-story house in Kabul when he was hit by two Hellfire missiles on Sunday (August 1), according to a top official in the Biden administration. Watch | 9/11 mastermind and Bin Laden successor Al-Zawahiri killed in US drone strike Since Osama bin Laden’s murder in 2011, his death in a drone attack in Kabul over the weekend struck Al-Qaeda's heaviest blow, leading US President Joe Biden to declare that "Justice has been delivered." Also read | Here's how world is reacting to the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Zawahiri Ever since the US withdrew its forces from Afghanistan on August 31 last year, only days after the Taliban retook power, it is unknown whether the United States has carried out any air strikes on targets in Afghanistan. However, the Taliban denounced the drone strike on Tuesday (August 2), although they omitted any mention of casualties or Zawahiri. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After Zawahiri’s death, State Department warns Americans on violence risks

Even as China faces a drastic rise in the number of reported coronavirus cases, the country continues to stick to its ‘zero Covid’ policy. The US said on Tuesday that it had ordered all non-essential embassy personnel from the US consulate in Shanghai to leave due to China's tight lockdowns.

China’s "zero Covid" policy aims to eliminate infections using rigid lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-shanghai-residents-loot-supermarket-as-covid-lockdown-spurs-food-scarcity-470063">Watch: Shanghai residents loot supermarket as Covid lockdown spurs food scarcity</a>

As per an AFP report, due to a sudden surge of cases in March, the policy has come under a strain in Shanghai.&nbsp;Last month more than 100,000 cases were reported in the city of 25 million population. This led to a lockdown of the city, which in turn led to public panic and outcry over food shortages.

The inflexible policy of sending those who tested positive to quarantine centres also invited criticism, not only from citizens but also from other countries. Nations voiced their concerns about children being separated from their families.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;China: Shanghai's covid-19 infections rise by 25,000, authorities shaping an exit plan from lockdown

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A statement by US’s Beijing embassy said that the US State Department has ordered the departure "due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak", and as there was concern among American diplomats “about the safety and welfare of US citizens with People's Republic of China officials."&nbsp;

"It is best for our employees and their families to be reduced in number and our operations to be scaled down as we deal with the changing circumstances on the ground," added the statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-eases-child-separation-under-covid-policy-but-extends-lockdown-468926">Shanghai eases child separation under COVID policy but extends lockdown</a>

Beijing has responded to the US complaints, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian blasting the US for making "groundless accusations" and stressing that China's strategy is "scientific and effective."

Shanghai officials have said that the city will not relax in the least and that they are preparing tens of thousands of extra beds to accommodate anybody who tests positive for the virus, regardless of whether or not they show symptoms.

According to a Reuters report, despite an increase in instances, Shanghai on Monday began to ease the lockdown since it is becoming increasingly difficult for residents of China's wealthiest city to obtain food and medications.

(With inputs from agencies)

Even as China faces a drastic rise in the number of reported coronavirus cases, the country continues to stick to its ‘zero Covid’ policy. The US said on Tuesday that it had ordered all non-essential embassy personnel from the US consulate in Shanghai to leave due to China's tight lockdowns.

Even as China faces a drastic rise in the number of reported coronavirus cases, the country continues to stick to its ‘zero Covid’ policy. The US said on Tuesday that it had ordered all non-essential embassy personnel from the US consulate in Shanghai to leave due to China's tight lockdowns. China’s "zero Covid" policy aims to eliminate infections using rigid lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions. Also read | Watch: Shanghai residents loot supermarket as Covid lockdown spurs food scarcity As per an AFP report, due to a sudden surge of cases in March, the policy has come under a strain in Shanghai. Last month more than 100,000 cases were reported in the city of 25 million population. This led to a lockdown of the city, which in turn led to public panic and outcry over food shortages. The inflexible policy of sending those who tested positive to quarantine centres also invited criticism, not only from citizens but also from other countries. Nations voiced their concerns about children being separated from their families. Watch | China: Shanghai's covid-19 infections rise by 25,000, authorities shaping an exit plan from lockdown A statement by US’s Beijing embassy said that the US State Department has ordered the departure "due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak", and as there was concern among American diplomats “about the safety and welfare of US citizens with People's Republic of China officials." "It is best for our employees and their families to be reduced in number and our operations to be scaled down as we deal with the changing circumstances on the ground," added the statement. Also read | Shanghai eases child separation under COVID policy but extends lockdown Beijing has responded to the US complaints, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian blasting the US for making "groundless accusations" and stressing that China's strategy is "scientific and effective." Shanghai officials have said that the city will not relax in the least and that they are preparing tens of thousands of extra beds to accommodate anybody who tests positive for the virus, regardless of whether or not they show symptoms. According to a Reuters report, despite an increase in instances, Shanghai on Monday began to ease the lockdown since it is becoming increasingly difficult for residents of China's wealthiest city to obtain food and medications. (With inputs from agencies)

Due to China's hard lockdowns, US orders non-essential staff to leave Shanghai embassy

A top Pakistani court on Monday dismissed a petition to register a treason case against former prime minister Imran Khan and various ministers, saying it was inadmissible.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah of the Islamabad High Court delivered a reserved verdict during which he also fined the petitioner Maulvi Iqbal Haider Rs100,000, the Express Tribune newspaper reported.

Request to put the names of ex-premier and other former ministers on the no-fly list was also rejected by the court along with the plea to probe the diplomatic dispatch which alleges 'foreign conspiracy to oust Imran Khan's government'.

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The court dismissed the petition on Monday, seeking to register a treason case against former prime minister Khan and various ministers, as inadmissible, the report added.

Earlier, it was reported that despite serious concern from the legal wing, former prime minister Khan sent the Foreign Office diplomatic letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, claiming that a foreign country sent a threatening message through Pakistan's envoy.

Sources told The Express Tribune that there is a possibility that the CJP may not read the diplomatic letter.

It was being reported that a US official had warned that there could have been implications if Khan had survived the opposition's no-confidence motion in the National Assembly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-members-resign-from-pak-parliament-with-its-chief-imran-khan-saying-not-to-shehbaaz-sharif-470201">Members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf resign from National Assembly</a>

An emergency petition was also filed in the IHC on Saturday, seeking to restrain then prime minister Khan from de-notifying Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

On Saturday, Khan became the first premier in the country's history to be sent home after losing the trust of the House.

In a live address to the nation last week, Khan discussed a 'threat letter' and termed it as part of a foreign conspiracy to remove him as he was not acceptable for following an independent foreign policy. He named the US as the country behind the threat letter against his government.

The US State Department has firmly rejected Khan's remarks over Washington's role in an alleged foreign conspiracy to oust him from power.

America also asserted that it did not send any letter to Pakistan on the current political situation in the country as it sought to refute allegations of America's involvement in the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led government.

A top Pakistani court on Monday dismissed a petition to register a treason case against former prime minister Imran Khan and various ministers, saying it was inadmissible.

A top Pakistani court on Monday dismissed a petition to register a treason case against former prime minister Imran Khan and various ministers, saying it was inadmissible. Chief Justice Athar Minallah of the Islamabad High Court delivered a reserved verdict during which he also fined the petitioner Maulvi Iqbal Haider Rs100,000, the Express Tribune newspaper reported. Request to put the names of ex-premier and other former ministers on the no-fly list was also rejected by the court along with the plea to probe the diplomatic dispatch which alleges 'foreign conspiracy to oust Imran Khan's government'. The court dismissed the petition on Monday, seeking to register a treason case against former prime minister Khan and various ministers, as inadmissible, the report added. Earlier, it was reported that despite serious concern from the legal wing, former prime minister Khan sent the Foreign Office diplomatic letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial, claiming that a foreign country sent a threatening message through Pakistan's envoy. Sources told The Express Tribune that there is a possibility that the CJP may not read the diplomatic letter. It was being reported that a US official had warned that there could have been implications if Khan had survived the opposition's no-confidence motion in the National Assembly. Also read | Members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf resign from National Assembly An emergency petition was also filed in the IHC on Saturday, seeking to restrain then prime minister Khan from de-notifying Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. On Saturday, Khan became the first premier in the country's history to be sent home after losing the trust of the House. In a live address to the nation last week, Khan discussed a 'threat letter' and termed it as part of a foreign conspiracy to remove him as he was not acceptable for following an independent foreign policy. He named the US as the country behind the threat letter against his government. The US State Department has firmly rejected Khan's remarks over Washington's role in an alleged foreign conspiracy to oust him from power. America also asserted that it did not send any letter to Pakistan on the current political situation in the country as it sought to refute allegations of America's involvement in the no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan-led government.

Pak court dismisses treason plea against Imran Khan, others as inadmissible

Repeating its earlier warnings for Americans not to travel to Russia, the US State Department has issued another travel advisory asking its people to avoid visiting, warning that Russia “may single out and detain US citizens”.

It said that the warning was "due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces" as well as the potential for harassment of US citizens by Russian authorities, the travel advisory said, repeating calls for Americans travelling or living in Russia to leave "immediately", reports AFP.

The Tuesday statement was in reference to US basketball star Brittney Griner who has been kept in Russian custody for more than a month.

Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at a Moscow airport on February 17 for allegedly possessing an oil derived from cannabis, a charge which can result in up to 10 years in prison in Russia.&nbsp;

On March 18, a Russian court extended&nbsp;the star's detention to May 19. She is being held in a pre-trial detention centre near Moscow, where she will stay until her next court appearance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russia-ukraine-exclusive-putin-should-be-behind-bars-ex-ukraine-president-tells-wion-466807">Russia-Ukraine | Putin should be behind bars, ex-Ukraine president tells WION</a>

Griner was in Russia playing for the team UMMC Ekaterinburg, which she has done for the past seven years.

Russian teams offer WNBA players like Griner an opportunity to make additional money during the US' off season.

The 31-year-old makes almost $1 million per season in Russia, according to the Associated Press.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-in-ukraine-enhances-eus-resolve-to-act-in-indo-pacific-says-top-diplomat-gabriele-466800">War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat</a>

The arrest is said to have occurred in response to the worsening relations between US and Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden has imposed economic sanctions on Russia and President Vladimir Putin in response to waging war against Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine, allies remain cautious as Russia pledges to reduce attacks amid the Russian invasion

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(With inputs from agencies)

Repeating its earlier warnings for Americans not to travel to Russia, the US State Department has issued another travel advisory asking its people to avoid visiting, warning that Russia “may single out and detain US citizens”.

Repeating its earlier warnings for Americans not to travel to Russia, the US State Department has issued another travel advisory asking its people to avoid visiting, warning that Russia “may single out and detain US citizens”. It said that the warning was "due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces" as well as the potential for harassment of US citizens by Russian authorities, the travel advisory said, repeating calls for Americans travelling or living in Russia to leave "immediately", reports AFP. The Tuesday statement was in reference to US basketball star Brittney Griner who has been kept in Russian custody for more than a month. Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at a Moscow airport on February 17 for allegedly possessing an oil derived from cannabis, a charge which can result in up to 10 years in prison in Russia. On March 18, a Russian court extended the star's detention to May 19. She is being held in a pre-trial detention centre near Moscow, where she will stay until her next court appearance. Also read | Russia-Ukraine | Putin should be behind bars, ex-Ukraine president tells WION Griner was in Russia playing for the team UMMC Ekaterinburg, which she has done for the past seven years. Russian teams offer WNBA players like Griner an opportunity to make additional money during the US' off season. The 31-year-old makes almost $1 million per season in Russia, according to the Associated Press. Also read | War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat The arrest is said to have occurred in response to the worsening relations between US and Russia over the invasion of Ukraine. US President Joe Biden has imposed economic sanctions on Russia and President Vladimir Putin in response to waging war against Ukraine. Watch | Ukraine, allies remain cautious as Russia pledges to reduce attacks amid the Russian invasion (With inputs from agencies)

‘Russia may single out and detain US citizens’: State Dept issues another travel advisory

US State Department said on Monday (February 28) that it has decided to suspend operations at US Embassy in Minsk, Belarus. In addition to this, the state department has also authorised voluntary departure of non-emergency employees and family members from&nbsp;its embassy in Moscow.

In a statement,&nbsp;the US State Department said that these steps were being taken due to "security and safety" issues. It added&nbsp;that "unprovoked and unjustified attack" by "Russian military" has thrown up these security issues for its staff.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-will-compensate-the-damage-kremlin-on-western-sanctions-457472">'Russia will compensate the damage': Kremlin on Western sanctions</a>

"...The Department of State continually adjusts its posture at embassies and consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, and the health situation..." read the statement.

State department said that for it, there was "no higher priority" than "safety and security of US citizens" and their dependents serving across the world.

The Ukraine conflict entered fifth day on February 28. On Monday the US took several decisions to cripple Russia's economic might. Treasury Department banned all transactions.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-belarus-gives-up-non-nuclear-status-approves-hosting-russian-forces-permanently-457468">Ukraine invasion: Belarus gives up non-nuclear status, approves hosting Russian forces permanently</a>

"This action effectively immobilises any assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation held in the United States or by US persons, wherever located," said the treasury.

The Biden administration estimates that the move could impact “hundreds of billions of dollars” of Russian funding. Its officials said Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Japan, European Union and others will join the US in targeting the Russian central bank.

US State Department said on Monday (February 28) that it has decided to suspend operations at US Embassy in Minsk, Belarus. In addition to this, the state department has also authorised voluntary departure of non-emergency employees and family members from its embassy in Moscow.

US State Department said on Monday (February 28) that it has decided to suspend operations at US Embassy in Minsk, Belarus. In addition to this, the state department has also authorised voluntary departure of non-emergency employees and family members from its embassy in Moscow. In a statement, the US State Department said that these steps were being taken due to "security and safety" issues. It added that "unprovoked and unjustified attack" by "Russian military" has thrown up these security issues for its staff. Also Read | 'Russia will compensate the damage': Kremlin on Western sanctions "...The Department of State continually adjusts its posture at embassies and consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, and the health situation..." read the statement. State department said that for it, there was "no higher priority" than "safety and security of US citizens" and their dependents serving across the world. The Ukraine conflict entered fifth day on February 28. On Monday the US took several decisions to cripple Russia's economic might. Treasury Department banned all transactions. Also Read | Ukraine invasion: Belarus gives up non-nuclear status, approves hosting Russian forces permanently "This action effectively immobilises any assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation held in the United States or by US persons, wherever located," said the treasury. The Biden administration estimates that the move could impact “hundreds of billions of dollars” of Russian funding. Its officials said Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Japan, European Union and others will join the US in targeting the Russian central bank.

Operations at US Embassy in Minsk suspended: State department

A new report has revealed that China is making rapid progress in developing silos missiles that have the ability to launch nuclear weapons.

The report, released by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) has come after US Air Force General John Hyten had called China a ''pacing threat.''

It states that China's nuclear buildup is ''unprecedented'' and ''the missile silo fields are still many years away from becoming fully operational and it remains to be seen how China will arm and operate them.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-air-force-general-john-hyten-calls-china-pacing-threat-424911">Also read |&nbsp;US Air Force General John Hyten calls China 'pacing threat'</a>

Satellite images showed China was building a new field of silos near Hami in the eastern part of its Xinjiang region.

<img alt="cd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d55ec4bf-e3c7-46df-97e5-4f9ea7873ab0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_107.jpg" />

In picture:&nbsp;Suspected missile silos near Ordos at different stages of construction/Federation of American Scientists

The report came weeks after another on the construction of about 120 missile silos in Yumen, a desert area about 240 miles (380 km) to the southeast.

Earlier, Hyten had said ''China will surpass Russia and the United States if we don't do something to change it. It will happen. So I think we have to do something."

He had also called the bureaucracy in the United States ''brutal'' and ''slow.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-report-of-china-building-more-than-100-nuclear-missile-silos-concerning-395234">Also read |&nbsp;US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning'</a>

The top US military officer, General Mark Milley, had provided the first official confirmation of a Chinese hypersonic weapons test that military experts say appears to show Beijing's pursuit of an Earth-orbiting system designed to evade American missile defences.

In July, the State US Department had called China's nuclear buildup concerning and said it appeared Beijing was deviating from decades of nuclear strategy based around minimal deterrence.

A 2020 Pentagon report estimated China's nuclear warhead stockpile in "the low 200s" and said it was projected to at least double in size as Beijing expands and modernises its forces.

Analysts say the United States has around 3,800 warheads, and according to a state department, 1,357 of those were deployed as of March 1.

Washington has repeatedly called on China to join it and Russia in a new arms control treaty.

Beijing says its arsenal is dwarfed by those of the United States and Russia and it is ready to conduct bilateral dialogues on strategic security "on the basis of equality and mutual respect."

(With inputs from agencies)

A new report has revealed that China is making rapid progress in developing silos missiles that have the ability to launch nuclear weapons. The report, released by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) has come after US Air Force General John Hyten had called China a ''pacing threat.

A new report has revealed that China is making rapid progress in developing silos missiles that have the ability to launch nuclear weapons. The report, released by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) has come after US Air Force General John Hyten had called China a ''pacing threat.'' It states that China's nuclear buildup is ''unprecedented'' and ''the missile silo fields are still many years away from becoming fully operational and it remains to be seen how China will arm and operate them.'' Also read | US Air Force General John Hyten calls China 'pacing threat' Satellite images showed China was building a new field of silos near Hami in the eastern part of its Xinjiang region. In picture: Suspected missile silos near Ordos at different stages of construction/Federation of American Scientists The report came weeks after another on the construction of about 120 missile silos in Yumen, a desert area about 240 miles (380 km) to the southeast. Earlier, Hyten had said ''China will surpass Russia and the United States if we don't do something to change it. It will happen. So I think we have to do something." He had also called the bureaucracy in the United States ''brutal'' and ''slow.'' Also read | US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning' The top US military officer, General Mark Milley, had provided the first official confirmation of a Chinese hypersonic weapons test that military experts say appears to show Beijing's pursuit of an Earth-orbiting system designed to evade American missile defences. In July, the State US Department had called China's nuclear buildup concerning and said it appeared Beijing was deviating from decades of nuclear strategy based around minimal deterrence. A 2020 Pentagon report estimated China's nuclear warhead stockpile in "the low 200s" and said it was projected to at least double in size as Beijing expands and modernises its forces. Analysts say the United States has around 3,800 warheads, and according to a state department, 1,357 of those were deployed as of March 1. Washington has repeatedly called on China to join it and Russia in a new arms control treaty. Beijing says its arsenal is dwarfed by those of the United States and Russia and it is ready to conduct bilateral dialogues on strategic security "on the basis of equality and mutual respect." (With inputs from agencies)

China making rapid progress in development of silos missiles that could launch nuclear weapons: Report

According to reports, the US state department was recently hit by a cyber attack, and notifications of a possible serious breach were made by the department of defence cyber command.

Report: US State Department hit by cyber attack, possible breach notified

The US has said that regional consensus and support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process is important for enduring peace, stressing that Afghanistan's neighbours and countries in the region have a real stake in the war-torn nation's future.

The comments came on Friday, hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a telephonic conversation with his counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, amidst a rapid withdrawal of American and NATO troops from Afghanistan.

During the call, Blinken underscored the importance of continued bilateral cooperation between the US and Pakistan. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Taliban claims it controls 85% of Afghanistan

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The conversation took place in the backdrop of reports that the Taliban had made huge territorial gains in Afghanistan. Taliban militants are now thought to control about a third of the war-torn country.

"Afghanistan’s neighbours and countries in the region have a real stake in Afghanistan’s future and influence with the parties," a State Department spokesperson said.

"Regional consensus and support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process are important for an enduring peace," the spokesperson said in response to a question.

In reply to another question, the spokesperson said that security assistance to Pakistan was suspended in 2018.

"We continue to work with the Pakistan military on numerous issues and value our strong bilateral partnership," the spokesperson said.

"We do not comment or speculate on policies that may or may not be under deliberation," the official said when asked if President Joe Biden is reviewing the suspension of security assistance to Pakistan.

In May, Biden continued his predecessor Donald Trump's policy of suspending security assistance to Pakistan without any clarity if the administration will change its stance in the future.

Trump suspended all security assistance to Pakistan in January 2018, arguing that he was not satisfied with Islamabad's cooperation and role in the fight against terrorism.

Earlier, during her daily news conference, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that the American intelligence community has never said it was inevitable for the Taliban to take over Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US forces from there.

"We have trained over 300,000. We've provided $3.9 billion in humanitarian assistance. These are brave fighters who have taken on casualties and fought off over the last several years. We want to equip and empower them, and it is now in their hands. But it is not inevitable, nor has any intelligence assessment predicted it was inevitable, "she said.

Biden on Thursday announced that America’s nearly 20-year military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on August 31.

The US military exit from Afghanistan before September 11 stems from the February 2020 agreement Washington signed with the Taliban in return for counterterrorism guarantees and pledges the group would negotiate a political settlement to the war with the Afghan government.

In April, President Biden announced that the US would withdraw all remaining troops from Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks, to end a deadly conflict that has cost trillions of dollars and the lives of more than 2,300 American troops.

The US has said that regional consensus and support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process is important for enduring peace, stressing that Afghanistan's neighbours and countries in the region have a real stake in the war-torn nation's future.

The US has said that regional consensus and support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process is important for enduring peace, stressing that Afghanistan's neighbours and countries in the region have a real stake in the war-torn nation's future. The comments came on Friday, hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a telephonic conversation with his counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, amidst a rapid withdrawal of American and NATO troops from Afghanistan. During the call, Blinken underscored the importance of continued bilateral cooperation between the US and Pakistan. Watch | Gravitas: Taliban claims it controls 85% of Afghanistan The conversation took place in the backdrop of reports that the Taliban had made huge territorial gains in Afghanistan. Taliban militants are now thought to control about a third of the war-torn country. "Afghanistan’s neighbours and countries in the region have a real stake in Afghanistan’s future and influence with the parties," a State Department spokesperson said. "Regional consensus and support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process are important for an enduring peace," the spokesperson said in response to a question. In reply to another question, the spokesperson said that security assistance to Pakistan was suspended in 2018. "We continue to work with the Pakistan military on numerous issues and value our strong bilateral partnership," the spokesperson said. "We do not comment or speculate on policies that may or may not be under deliberation," the official said when asked if President Joe Biden is reviewing the suspension of security assistance to Pakistan. In May, Biden continued his predecessor Donald Trump's policy of suspending security assistance to Pakistan without any clarity if the administration will change its stance in the future. Trump suspended all security assistance to Pakistan in January 2018, arguing that he was not satisfied with Islamabad's cooperation and role in the fight against terrorism. Earlier, during her daily news conference, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that the American intelligence community has never said it was inevitable for the Taliban to take over Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US forces from there. "We have trained over 300,000. We've provided $3.9 billion in humanitarian assistance. These are brave fighters who have taken on casualties and fought off over the last several years. We want to equip and empower them, and it is now in their hands. But it is not inevitable, nor has any intelligence assessment predicted it was inevitable, "she said. Biden on Thursday announced that America’s nearly 20-year military mission in Afghanistan will conclude on August 31. The US military exit from Afghanistan before September 11 stems from the February 2020 agreement Washington signed with the Taliban in return for counterterrorism guarantees and pledges the group would negotiate a political settlement to the war with the Afghan government. In April, President Biden announced that the US would withdraw all remaining troops from Afghanistan by the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks, to end a deadly conflict that has cost trillions of dollars and the lives of more than 2,300 American troops.

Afghanistan’s neighbours in the region have real stake in its future: US State Department

The United States on Tuesday ordered government employees out of its embassy in the Afghan capital of&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;if their work can be done elsewhere, citing increasing violence in the city.

The order came in an updated State Department travel advisory for Afghanistan, where the Biden administration is beginning a drawdown of US&nbsp;combat troops on May 1.

"In light of increasing violence and threat reports in&nbsp;Kabul, the Department has approved Ordered Departure status affecting a relatively small number of employees at the US&nbsp;Embassy in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;effective immediately," a State Department spokeswoman said by email. She declined to discuss the exact number of staff affected.

"We do not anticipate any changes to our operations and capabilities resulting from this action," she added.

President Joe Biden this month set a deadline for withdrawing all 2,500 US&nbsp;troops remaining in Afghanistan of September&nbsp;11, the 20th anniversary of al Qaeda's attacks on the United States that triggered the war.

The United States on Tuesday ordered government employees out of its embassy in the Afghan capital of Kabul if their work can be done elsewhere, citing increasing violence in the city.

The United States on Tuesday ordered government employees out of its embassy in the Afghan capital of Kabul if their work can be done elsewhere, citing increasing violence in the city. The order came in an updated State Department travel advisory for Afghanistan, where the Biden administration is beginning a drawdown of US combat troops on May 1. "In light of increasing violence and threat reports in Kabul, the Department has approved Ordered Departure status affecting a relatively small number of employees at the US Embassy in Kabul effective immediately," a State Department spokeswoman said by email. She declined to discuss the exact number of staff affected. "We do not anticipate any changes to our operations and capabilities resulting from this action," she added. President Joe Biden this month set a deadline for withdrawing all 2,500 US troops remaining in Afghanistan of September 11, the 20th anniversary of al Qaeda's attacks on the United States that triggered the war.

State Department orders some US government employees out of Kabul

A US&nbsp;commission&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday recommended for the second year in a row that India be placed&nbsp;on&nbsp;a blacklist for&nbsp;religious&nbsp;freedom, saying treatment of minorities had deteriorated further.

In addition to India, the&nbsp;commission&nbsp;called&nbsp;on&nbsp;the State Department to add Russia, Syria and Vietnam to the blacklist.

The&nbsp;commission, which offers recommendations but does not set US policy, said in its annual report that "religious&nbsp;freedom&nbsp;conditions in India continued their negative trajectory."

The&nbsp;commission&nbsp;recommended that the State Department designate India as a "country of particular concern," a blacklist that includes China, Saudi Arabia and&nbsp;Pakistan.

Other nations already&nbsp;on&nbsp;the State Department's blacklist -- which paves the way for sanctions if they do not improve their records,&nbsp;are Eritrea, Iran, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

The recommendation&nbsp;on&nbsp;India drew a dissent from one commissioner, Johnnie Moore, an appointee of former President Donald Trump.

Moore in a statement said India was "at a crossroads" but noted that it was the world's largest democracy with constitutional guarantees of&nbsp;religious&nbsp;freedom.

"Of all the countries in the world, India should not be a 'country of particular concern,'" he said.

"It is diversity personified and its&nbsp;religious&nbsp;life has been its greatest historic blessing."

&nbsp;

A US commission on Wednesday recommended for the second year in a row that India be placed on a blacklist for religious freedom, saying treatment of minorities had deteriorated further.

A US commission on Wednesday recommended for the second year in a row that India be placed on a blacklist for religious freedom, saying treatment of minorities had deteriorated further. In addition to India, the commission called on the State Department to add Russia, Syria and Vietnam to the blacklist. The commission, which offers recommendations but does not set US policy, said in its annual report that "religious freedom conditions in India continued their negative trajectory." The commission recommended that the State Department designate India as a "country of particular concern," a blacklist that includes China, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Other nations already on the State Department's blacklist -- which paves the way for sanctions if they do not improve their records, are Eritrea, Iran, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The recommendation on India drew a dissent from one commissioner, Johnnie Moore, an appointee of former President Donald Trump. Moore in a statement said India was "at a crossroads" but noted that it was the world's largest democracy with constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. "Of all the countries in the world, India should not be a 'country of particular concern,'" he said. "It is diversity personified and its religious life has been its greatest historic blessing."

US commission alleges religious freedom in India deteriorating

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday named Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley as the State Department’s first chief diversity officer, a position created to make the US&nbsp;diplomatic corps more representative.

The appointment is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to put diversity, equity and racial justice at the top of the national agenda after nationwide protests against police brutality and racial bias last year.

Introducing Abercrombie-Winstanley, Blinken said the department and the country were at a “moment of reckoning” on racial equality, referring to the Black Lives Matter movement and attacks against Asian-Americans.

Abercrombie-Winstanley, a career diplomat since 1985 who served as US&nbsp;ambassador to Malta, will report directly to Blinken, he said.

Promoting diversity inclusion was the job of every department official, but the new officer would hold department leadership accountable on that score, Blinken said.

The lack of diversity at the highest levels of the department was “alarming,” he added, but could be traced through its history and seen in the portraits of former secretaries that line the corridor to his office.

“It’s hard not to notice that almost every one of the secretaries along the hallway is a white man,” Blinken said.

With 76,000 employees globally, racial and ethnic minorities are underrepresented at the department, particularly in senior ranks, according to an independent federal watchdog report released last year. Abercrombie-Winstanley is Black.

“The truth is this problem is as old as the department itself. It’s systemic,” Blinken said. “It goes deeper than any one institution or any one administration, and it’s perpetuated by policies, practices and people to this day.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday named Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley as the State Department’s first chief diversity officer, a position created to make the US diplomatic corps more representative.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday named Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley as the State Department’s first chief diversity officer, a position created to make the US diplomatic corps more representative. The appointment is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to put diversity, equity and racial justice at the top of the national agenda after nationwide protests against police brutality and racial bias last year. Introducing Abercrombie-Winstanley, Blinken said the department and the country were at a “moment of reckoning” on racial equality, referring to the Black Lives Matter movement and attacks against Asian-Americans. Abercrombie-Winstanley, a career diplomat since 1985 who served as US ambassador to Malta, will report directly to Blinken, he said. Promoting diversity inclusion was the job of every department official, but the new officer would hold department leadership accountable on that score, Blinken said. The lack of diversity at the highest levels of the department was “alarming,” he added, but could be traced through its history and seen in the portraits of former secretaries that line the corridor to his office. “It’s hard not to notice that almost every one of the secretaries along the hallway is a white man,” Blinken said. With 76,000 employees globally, racial and ethnic minorities are underrepresented at the department, particularly in senior ranks, according to an independent federal watchdog report released last year. Abercrombie-Winstanley is Black. “The truth is this problem is as old as the department itself. It’s systemic,” Blinken said. “It goes deeper than any one institution or any one administration, and it’s perpetuated by policies, practices and people to this day.”

US State Department names former ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley as first chief diversity officer

US State Department on Friday&nbsp;expressed "deep concern" over a Pakistani court's order to release British-born al-Qaeda leader Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and his three aides, who were convicted and sentenced in the abduction and murder case of American journalist Daniel Pearl.

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(1/3)We are deeply concerned by the reports of the December 24 ruling of Sindh High Court to release multiple terrorists responsible for the murder of Daniel Pearl. We have been assured that the accused have not been released at this time.
— State_SCA (@State_SCA) <a href="https://twitter.com/State_SCA/status/1342179631244443648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It said that the US will continue to monitor any developments in the case and will continue to support the Pearl family "through this extremely difficult process" while honouring the legacy of Pearl as a "courageous journalist".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-court-orders-release-of-terrorist-omar-sheikh-linked-in-daniel-pearl-case-352063" hreflang="en">Pak court orders release of terrorist Omar Sheikh linked in Daniel Pearl case</a>

A Pakistani court on Thursday ordered the immediate release of four men accused of orchestrating the 2002 kidnapping and murder of American journalist&nbsp;Daniel&nbsp;Pearl, including the main suspect earlier sentenced to death for masterminding the killing.

Sheikh, a seasoned jihadist who once studied at the London School of Economics and had been involved in previous kidnappings of foreigners, was arrested days after&nbsp;Pearl's abduction and later sentenced to death by hanging.

The decision by Sindh High Court to release the accused comes months after it sparked outrage for overturning the murder conviction and death sentence of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and acquitted three other men connected to the case.

The four are being held under the emergency orders of the local government while an ongoing appeal against their acquittals is heard in the Supreme Court, but defence lawyers argued against their continued detention in the south of the country.

“All the petitioners ... shall be released from jail forthwith on the receipt of this order, unless they are wanted in any other custody case or any order against their release has been passed by the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan,” Thursday's court order read.

The April order has been challenged by the government at the Supreme Court, and&nbsp;Pearl's parents have also petitioned the country's highest judicial forum seeking the overturning of the decision to acquit the suspects.

Pearl&nbsp;was South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal when he was abducted in Karachi in January 2002 while researching a story about Islamist extremists.

US State Department on Friday expressed "deep concern" over a Pakistani court's order to release British-born al-Qaeda leader Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and his three aides, who were convicted and sentenced in the abduction and murder case of American journalist Daniel Pearl.

US State Department on Friday expressed "deep concern" over a Pakistani court's order to release British-born al-Qaeda leader Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and his three aides, who were convicted and sentenced in the abduction and murder case of American journalist Daniel Pearl. (1/3)We are deeply concerned by the reports of the December 24 ruling of Sindh High Court to release multiple terrorists responsible for the murder of Daniel Pearl. We have been assured that the accused have not been released at this time. — State_SCA (@State_SCA) December 24, 2020 × It said that the US will continue to monitor any developments in the case and will continue to support the Pearl family "through this extremely difficult process" while honouring the legacy of Pearl as a "courageous journalist". Also read: Pak court orders release of terrorist Omar Sheikh linked in Daniel Pearl case A Pakistani court on Thursday ordered the immediate release of four men accused of orchestrating the 2002 kidnapping and murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl, including the main suspect earlier sentenced to death for masterminding the killing. Sheikh, a seasoned jihadist who once studied at the London School of Economics and had been involved in previous kidnappings of foreigners, was arrested days after Pearl's abduction and later sentenced to death by hanging. The decision by Sindh High Court to release the accused comes months after it sparked outrage for overturning the murder conviction and death sentence of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, and acquitted three other men connected to the case. The four are being held under the emergency orders of the local government while an ongoing appeal against their acquittals is heard in the Supreme Court, but defence lawyers argued against their continued detention in the south of the country. “All the petitioners ... shall be released from jail forthwith on the receipt of this order, unless they are wanted in any other custody case or any order against their release has been passed by the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan,” Thursday's court order read. The April order has been challenged by the government at the Supreme Court, and Pearl's parents have also petitioned the country's highest judicial forum seeking the overturning of the decision to acquit the suspects. Pearl was South Asia bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal when he was abducted in Karachi in January 2002 while researching a story about Islamist extremists.

'Deeply concerned': US slams Pak court's order to release accused in Daniel Pearl case

Deeply concerned over Pak court's order to release Omar Saeed Sheikh in Daniel Pearl case

The mysterious head injuries suffered by US diplomats in China and Cuba that had been described as "sonic attacks" might have happened due to microwave energy.

A report published Saturday by the National Academy of Sciences said, "Overall, directed pulsed RF (radio frequency) energy, especially in those with the distinct early manifestations, appears to be the most plausible mechanism in explaining these cases among those that the committee considered."

A 19-person committee of medical and scientific experts produced the report at the request of the US State Department.

The government study considered possible incidents of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness as a possible secondary issue in some of those affected a contributing factor.

The report said that it considered chemical exposures, infectious diseases and psychological issues as potential causes or aggravating factors of the injuries, but the overall analysis appeared to show they were not the likely cause.

It said such action could be used for nefarious purposes, without concluding that the use of directed microwave energy in these instances was done deliberately.

"The mere consideration of such a scenario raises grave concerns about a world with disinhibited malevolent actors and new tools for causing harm to others, as if the US government does not have its hands full already with naturally occurring threats," the report said.

Most of the documented attacks came in 2016 and 2017, though there were a handful of reported incidents after that as well.

Cuban officials have consistently denied their government had any involvement with the diplomats' health problems and have said mass hysteria is the most likely cause.

(with inputs)

The mysterious head injuries suffered by US diplomats in China and Cuba that had been described as "sonic attacks" might have happened due to microwave energy. A report published Saturday by the National Academy of Sciences said, "Overall, directed pulsed RF (radio frequency) energy, especially in those with the distinct early manifestations, appears to be the most plausible mechanism in explaining these cases among those that the committee considered.

The mysterious head injuries suffered by US diplomats in China and Cuba that had been described as "sonic attacks" might have happened due to microwave energy. A report published Saturday by the National Academy of Sciences said, "Overall, directed pulsed RF (radio frequency) energy, especially in those with the distinct early manifestations, appears to be the most plausible mechanism in explaining these cases among those that the committee considered." A 19-person committee of medical and scientific experts produced the report at the request of the US State Department. The government study considered possible incidents of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness as a possible secondary issue in some of those affected a contributing factor. The report said that it considered chemical exposures, infectious diseases and psychological issues as potential causes or aggravating factors of the injuries, but the overall analysis appeared to show they were not the likely cause. It said such action could be used for nefarious purposes, without concluding that the use of directed microwave energy in these instances was done deliberately. "The mere consideration of such a scenario raises grave concerns about a world with disinhibited malevolent actors and new tools for causing harm to others, as if the US government does not have its hands full already with naturally occurring threats," the report said. Most of the documented attacks came in 2016 and 2017, though there were a handful of reported incidents after that as well. Cuban officials have consistently denied their government had any involvement with the diplomats' health problems and have said mass hysteria is the most likely cause. (with inputs)

Microwave energy caused US diplomats in China, Cuba head injuries: Govt study

The Pentagon said today it has&nbsp;rescued &nbsp;American citizen Philip Walton from captivity in Nigeria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-win-for-our-very-elite-us-special-forces-today-trump-339298">Also Read:&nbsp;Big win for our very elite US Special Forces today, says&nbsp;Trump</a>

US President in a tweet had earlier said US Special Forces had managed a "big win" today.

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Big win for our very elite U.S. Special Forces today. Details to follow!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1322534172339150853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Philip Walton was abducted on the outskirts of Massalata in the Nigerian border.

"Walton is safe and in the care of the US State Department," the Pentagon said, adding, "US forces did not suffer any casualties in the rescue operation."

Hailing the rescue effort, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: "The United States is committed to the safe return of all US citizens taken captive, we delivered on that commitment late last night in Nigeria, where some of our bravest and most skilled warriors rescued a US citizen."

Reports said the Special forces including Navy SEALs rescued Philip Walton,27, from captivity after he was kidnapped by armed men who abducted him from his home.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that the Trump administration had in the last four years rescued 55 hostages.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Pentagon said today it has rescued American citizen Philip Walton from captivity in Nigeria. Also Read: Big win for our very elite US Special Forces today, says Trump US President in a tweet had earlier said US Special Forces had managed a "big win" today.

The Pentagon said today it has rescued American citizen Philip Walton from captivity in Nigeria. Also Read: Big win for our very elite US Special Forces today, says Trump US President in a tweet had earlier said US Special Forces had managed a "big win" today. Big win for our very elite U.S. Special Forces today. Details to follow! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2020 × Philip Walton was abducted on the outskirts of Massalata in the Nigerian border. "Walton is safe and in the care of the US State Department," the Pentagon said, adding, "US forces did not suffer any casualties in the rescue operation." Hailing the rescue effort, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: "The United States is committed to the safe return of all US citizens taken captive, we delivered on that commitment late last night in Nigeria, where some of our bravest and most skilled warriors rescued a US citizen." Reports said the Special forces including Navy SEALs rescued Philip Walton,27, from captivity after he was kidnapped by armed men who abducted him from his home. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said that the Trump administration had in the last four years rescued 55 hostages.

US forces free American hostage Philip Walton in Nigeria

The US State Department has approved the potential sale of 100 Boeing-made Harpoon Coastal Defence Systems to Taiwan in a deal worth as much as $2.37 billion.

US approves $2.37 bn arms sales to Taiwan

Ahead of third India, US 2+2 foreign and defence ministers meet in New Delhi next week, the US state department has said that the situation at the Line of Actual Control with Chinese forces amassed will be discussed at the meet. The 2+2 meet will take place on October 26 and 27, and for that US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo and US Defence secretary Mark Esper will visit India.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Dean R. Thompson, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs speaking to reporters in Washington said, "Certainly, I think the situation on the Line of Actual Control will be – will probably be discussed at some point, and we’re watching the situation closely. &nbsp;I think both sides have expressed a desire to de-escalate violence".

The Ministry of external affairs' spokesperson Anurag Srivastav on Thursday during weekly virtual presser said, "The Third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will entail a comprehensive discussion on cross cutting bilateral issues of mutual interest. &nbsp;In addition, both sides will also exchange views on salient regional and global issues."

India and China are engaged in a tensed standoff at LAC in eastern Ladakh, which started in the month of April. The situation got worse in June after 20 Indian soldiers died in Galwan valley due to Chinese aggressiveness, and even though Chinese also suffered casualties, they never came out with any number.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-official-india-and-usa-will-hold-22-dialogue-next-week-337003">Also read|&nbsp;It's official: India and USA will hold 2+2 dialogue next week</a>

On Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) which is a military pact, Thompson said, "We’re in the process of finalizing a lot of the discussions right now, and so I know that BECA and other agreements are in the works. &nbsp;I’m not going to, I think, commit to anything right this minute, but we do expect to have several items highlighted as we go through the trip."

BECA will be the last of the four foundational military pacts that will be signed to increase interoperability and share information. India and US have already signed Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002.

Asked about the 2+2 happening just a week before the US goes to the election, the state department official said, "the 2+2 had previously been scheduled, has been delayed, and this was an opportunity where schedules worked out to get together, so that’s really what’s driving the opportunity for this trip right now."

Explaining, " There’s a lot happening in the relationship with India and with our other partners in the region, and so the fact that we could go now, that we could have this discussion, is driven by the situation in the region and what – where we’re headed. "

The previous two dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in December 2019. US Secretary of state will be on a four-country tour next week, starting with India, followed by Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

Ahead of third India, US 2+2 foreign and defence ministers meet in New Delhi next week, the US state department has said that the situation at the Line of Actual Control with Chinese forces amassed will be discussed at the meet.

Ahead of third India, US 2+2 foreign and defence ministers meet in New Delhi next week, the US state department has said that the situation at the Line of Actual Control with Chinese forces amassed will be discussed at the meet. The 2+2 meet will take place on October 26 and 27, and for that US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo and US Defence secretary Mark Esper will visit India. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Dean R. Thompson, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs speaking to reporters in Washington said, "Certainly, I think the situation on the Line of Actual Control will be – will probably be discussed at some point, and we’re watching the situation closely. I think both sides have expressed a desire to de-escalate violence". The Ministry of external affairs' spokesperson Anurag Srivastav on Thursday during weekly virtual presser said, "The Third India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will entail a comprehensive discussion on cross cutting bilateral issues of mutual interest. In addition, both sides will also exchange views on salient regional and global issues." India and China are engaged in a tensed standoff at LAC in eastern Ladakh, which started in the month of April. The situation got worse in June after 20 Indian soldiers died in Galwan valley due to Chinese aggressiveness, and even though Chinese also suffered casualties, they never came out with any number. Also read| It's official: India and USA will hold 2+2 dialogue next week On Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) which is a military pact, Thompson said, "We’re in the process of finalizing a lot of the discussions right now, and so I know that BECA and other agreements are in the works. I’m not going to, I think, commit to anything right this minute, but we do expect to have several items highlighted as we go through the trip." BECA will be the last of the four foundational military pacts that will be signed to increase interoperability and share information. India and US have already signed Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002. Asked about the 2+2 happening just a week before the US goes to the election, the state department official said, "the 2+2 had previously been scheduled, has been delayed, and this was an opportunity where schedules worked out to get together, so that’s really what’s driving the opportunity for this trip right now." Explaining, " There’s a lot happening in the relationship with India and with our other partners in the region, and so the fact that we could go now, that we could have this discussion, is driven by the situation in the region and what – where we’re headed. " The previous two dialogues were held in New Delhi in September 2018 and in Washington DC in December 2019. US Secretary of state will be on a four-country tour next week, starting with India, followed by Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

US state department says LAC situation will be discussed at 2+2; BECA agreement in works

The US State Department has removed a National Public Radio (NPR) reporter from the press pool for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's upcoming foreign trip, a press association and NPR said on Monday.

The US State Department has removed a National Public Radio (NPR) reporter from the press pool for Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's upcoming foreign trip, a press association and NPR said on Monday. The development comes days after Pompeo's tense interview with NPR journalist. The removal of NPR reporter Michele Kelemen, who was part of the travelling pool of correspondents with Pompeo on his planned trip to the UK, Ukraine, Belarus and Central Asia, can be seen only as retaliation for her colleague's interview, the State Department Correspondents' Association (SDCA) said. "The State Department press corps has a long tradition of accompanying secretaries of state on their travels and we find it unacceptable to punish an individual member of our association," Shaun Tandon, the head of the association, said in a statement. Pompeo was interviewed on Friday by NPR reporter Mary Louise Kelly, and was asked repeatedly about Ukraine and ousted US Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch during a testy nine-minute exchange. Yovanovitch's removal was a key event in the actions that prompted the impeachment of President Donald Trump by the Democratic-led US House of Representatives last month. Following the interview, Kelly said Pompeo cursed at her and repeatedly "used the F-word" and asked her: "Do you think Americans care about Ukraine?"

NPR reporter removed from Mike Pompeo trip after testy interview

Hours after United States strike killed top Iranian commander<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deputy-commander-of-quds-force-to-replace-soleimani-irans-supreme-leader-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-271905"> Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad</a>, the States Department issued a warning for US citizens to leave Iraq "immediately".

"Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, we urge US citizens to depart Iraq immediately," State Department said on Twitter.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iraq?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iraq</a>: Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, we urge U.S. citizens to depart Iraq immediately. Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the U.S. Embassy compound, all consular operations are suspended. U.S. citizens should not approach the Embassy. <a href="https://t.co/rdRce3Qr4a">pic.twitter.com/rdRce3Qr4a</a>
— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) <a href="https://twitter.com/TravelGov/status/1213011491777060864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the US Embassy compound, all consular operations are suspended. US citizens should not approach the Embassy," the statement added.

Earlier on January 1 as well,&nbsp;the US had issued a travel advisory urging US citizens not to travel to Iraq.

Earlier in the day, the US announced that it had killed the head of the country's Quds Forces, Qasem Soleimani in strike on Baghdad international airport. The US State Department later confirmed that the killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump.

Tensions with Iraq were already running high after pro-Iranian protesters laid siege the US embassy on Tuesday, reacting to weekend airstrikes that killed at least 25 fighters from the hardline Kataeb Hezbollah paramilitary group.

The strikes were in response to a 36-rocket attack last week that killed an American contractor at an Iraqi base.

The Pentagon said Soleimani had orchestrated attacks on coalition bases in Iraq over the past few months, including on December 27, the day the contractor was killed.

Soleimani "also approved the attacks" on the US embassy in Baghdad, according to the Pentagon.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Hours after United States strike killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad, the States Department issued a warning for US citizens to leave Iraq "immediately".

Hours after United States strike killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad, the States Department issued a warning for US citizens to leave Iraq "immediately". "Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, we urge US citizens to depart Iraq immediately," State Department said on Twitter. #Iraq: Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, we urge U.S. citizens to depart Iraq immediately. Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the U.S. Embassy compound, all consular operations are suspended. U.S. citizens should not approach the Embassy. pic.twitter.com/rdRce3Qr4a — Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) January 3, 2020 × "Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the US Embassy compound, all consular operations are suspended. US citizens should not approach the Embassy," the statement added. Earlier on January 1 as well, the US had issued a travel advisory urging US citizens not to travel to Iraq. Earlier in the day, the US announced that it had killed the head of the country's Quds Forces, Qasem Soleimani in strike on Baghdad international airport. The US State Department later confirmed that the killing was authorised by US President Donald Trump. Tensions with Iraq were already running high after pro-Iranian protesters laid siege the US embassy on Tuesday, reacting to weekend airstrikes that killed at least 25 fighters from the hardline Kataeb Hezbollah paramilitary group. The strikes were in response to a 36-rocket attack last week that killed an American contractor at an Iraqi base. The Pentagon said Soleimani had orchestrated attacks on coalition bases in Iraq over the past few months, including on December 27, the day the contractor was killed. Soleimani "also approved the attacks" on the US embassy in Baghdad, according to the Pentagon. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid heightened tensions in Iraq, US State Department tells US citizens to 'depart Iraq immediately'

The United States respects India`s democratic institutions and will continue to observe the active political debate, parliamentary discussions, and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-citizenship-amendment-act-when-actors-turned-activists-269216">protests</a> over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, a senior State Department official said on Thursday.

"We are seeing the active political debate, the discussions in Parliament, the protests by people who are espousing their views on that law. We are also fully aware that there is a judicial process that`s underway," the official said.

"And we respect India`s democratic institutions and India`s democratic practices, and we will continue to observe it on an ongoing basis,` the official added.

The senior State Department official said that Washington would talk to New Delhi "about the fact that as democracies, issues around minority rights, religious freedom, human rights are important pillars of democratic societies", and encourage India and the other democracies alike to adhere to those principles.

The official also said that the US recognises India as a vibrant democracy and holds regular conversations with the country "about a full range of issues".

Similar remarks were made by US Secretary of State Michael <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-was-on-the-call-says-pompeo-on-trump-call-to-ukraine-leader-253318">Pompeo</a> yesterday, when he said that his country cares deeply about protecting minorities and religious rights everywhere but honours "Indian democracy as they have a robust debate" on the issue of CAA.

"We care deeply and always will about protecting minorities, protecting religious rights everywhere. We honour Indian democracy and they have a robust debate in India on the issue. The US will be consistent in its response to these issues, not only in India but all across the world," Pompeo said during the joint presser with US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, India`s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-commence-22-ministerial-dialogue-in-washington-dc-269125">2+2</a> India-US ministerial dialogue.

His remarks came after being asked whether he thinks "it is appropriate for a democracy to use faith as a determining criterion for citizenship."Last week, the Indian Parliament had passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and it became an Act after receiving assent from President Ram Nath Kovind.

The Act grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Commenting on the Kashmir issue, the senior State Department official said that Washington has spoken publicly of concerns about prolonged detentions in the region after the Indian government`s decision to revoke <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/article-370-abrogation-foreign-medias-india-bias-249191">Article 370</a> of the Constitution on August 5.&nbsp;

The United States respects India`s democratic institutions and will continue to observe the active political debate, parliamentary discussions, and the protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, a senior State Department official said on Thursday.

The United States respects India`s democratic institutions and will continue to observe the active political debate, parliamentary discussions, and the protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, a senior State Department official said on Thursday. "We are seeing the active political debate, the discussions in Parliament, the protests by people who are espousing their views on that law. We are also fully aware that there is a judicial process that`s underway," the official said. "And we respect India`s democratic institutions and India`s democratic practices, and we will continue to observe it on an ongoing basis,` the official added. The senior State Department official said that Washington would talk to New Delhi "about the fact that as democracies, issues around minority rights, religious freedom, human rights are important pillars of democratic societies", and encourage India and the other democracies alike to adhere to those principles. The official also said that the US recognises India as a vibrant democracy and holds regular conversations with the country "about a full range of issues". Similar remarks were made by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo yesterday, when he said that his country cares deeply about protecting minorities and religious rights everywhere but honours "Indian democracy as they have a robust debate" on the issue of CAA. "We care deeply and always will about protecting minorities, protecting religious rights everywhere. We honour Indian democracy and they have a robust debate in India on the issue. The US will be consistent in its response to these issues, not only in India but all across the world," Pompeo said during the joint presser with US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, India`s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the 2+2 India-US ministerial dialogue. His remarks came after being asked whether he thinks "it is appropriate for a democracy to use faith as a determining criterion for citizenship."Last week, the Indian Parliament had passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and it became an Act after receiving assent from President Ram Nath Kovind. The Act grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. Commenting on the Kashmir issue, the senior State Department official said that Washington has spoken publicly of concerns about prolonged detentions in the region after the Indian government`s decision to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution on August 5.

Respect India's democratic institutions; will continue to observe parliamentary discussions: US State Dept official on CAA

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-have-no-proof-i-want-an-immediate-trial-trump-on-impeachment-proceedings-269248">Trump administration</a> has approved a resumption of Pakistan's participation in a coveted US&nbsp;&nbsp;military training and educational program more than a year after it was suspended, the State Department said on Thursday.

The decision to resume Islamabad's participation in the International Military Education and Training Program, or IMET - for more than a decade a pillar of US-Pakistani military ties - underscores warming relations that have followed meetings this year between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Pakistani <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-cuts-short-geneva-visit-calls-emergency-meeting-to-discuss-musharraf-verdict-268976">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>.

Washington also has credited Islamabad with helping to facilitate negotiations on a US&nbsp;troop withdrawal from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-killed-in-afghanistan-bomb-explosion-268979">Afghanistan</a>. The talks recently resumed between the United States and the Taliban, who US&nbsp;officials say receive sanctuary and other aid from the Pakistan's military-led intelligence agency. Pakistan denies the charge.

The State Department administers IMET. It was a small facet of US&nbsp;security aid programs for Pakistan worth some $2 billion that remain suspended on orders that Trump abruptly issued in January 2018 to compel the nuclear-armed South Asian nation to crackdown on Islamist militants. Trump's decision, announced in a tweet, blindsided US&nbsp;officials.

After an attack earlier this year by a Pakistan-based extremist group that killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary troops, US&nbsp;officials called on Islamabad to take "sustained and irreversible action" against militants operating from its territory.

A State Department spokeswoman said in an email that Trump's 2018 decision to suspend security assistance authorized "narrow exceptions for programs that support vital US&nbsp;national security interests." The decision to restore Pakistani participation in IMET was "one such exception," she said.

The program "provides an opportunity to increase bilateral cooperation between our countries on shared priorities," she added. "We want to continue to build on this foundation through concrete actions that advance regional security and stability."

A second US&nbsp;official said on condition of anonymity that Pakistan was in the process of selecting officers to send to the United States.

The restart of the program, however, is subject to approval by Congress. Republican and Democratic aides for the Senate and House of Representatives committees with jurisdiction over the process did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

IMET affords spaces to foreign military officers at US&nbsp;military education institutions, such as the US&nbsp;Army War College and the US&nbsp;Naval War College.

Pakistan's suspension from the program in August 2018 prompted the cancellation of 66 slots set aside that year for Pakistani military officers in one of the first known impacts of Trump's decision to halt security assistance.

The US&nbsp;military traditionally has sought to shield such educational programs from political tensions, arguing that the ties built by bringing foreign military officers to the United States pay long-term dividends.

The Trump administration has approved a resumption of Pakistan's participation in a coveted US military training and educational program more than a year after it was suspended, the State Department said on Thursday.

The Trump administration has approved a resumption of Pakistan's participation in a coveted US military training and educational program more than a year after it was suspended, the State Department said on Thursday. The decision to resume Islamabad's participation in the International Military Education and Training Program, or IMET - for more than a decade a pillar of US-Pakistani military ties - underscores warming relations that have followed meetings this year between US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Washington also has credited Islamabad with helping to facilitate negotiations on a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. The talks recently resumed between the United States and the Taliban, who US officials say receive sanctuary and other aid from the Pakistan's military-led intelligence agency. Pakistan denies the charge. The State Department administers IMET. It was a small facet of US security aid programs for Pakistan worth some $2 billion that remain suspended on orders that Trump abruptly issued in January 2018 to compel the nuclear-armed South Asian nation to crackdown on Islamist militants. Trump's decision, announced in a tweet, blindsided US officials. After an attack earlier this year by a Pakistan-based extremist group that killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary troops, US officials called on Islamabad to take "sustained and irreversible action" against militants operating from its territory. A State Department spokeswoman said in an email that Trump's 2018 decision to suspend security assistance authorized "narrow exceptions for programs that support vital US national security interests." The decision to restore Pakistani participation in IMET was "one such exception," she said. The program "provides an opportunity to increase bilateral cooperation between our countries on shared priorities," she added. "We want to continue to build on this foundation through concrete actions that advance regional security and stability." A second US official said on condition of anonymity that Pakistan was in the process of selecting officers to send to the United States. The restart of the program, however, is subject to approval by Congress. Republican and Democratic aides for the Senate and House of Representatives committees with jurisdiction over the process did not immediately respond to requests for comment. IMET affords spaces to foreign military officers at US military education institutions, such as the US Army War College and the US Naval War College. Pakistan's suspension from the program in August 2018 prompted the cancellation of 66 slots set aside that year for Pakistani military officers in one of the first known impacts of Trump's decision to halt security assistance. The US military traditionally has sought to shield such educational programs from political tensions, arguing that the ties built by bringing foreign military officers to the United States pay long-term dividends.

US to resume military training program for Pakistan: State Department

US&nbsp;Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, after a visit to Kabul, will travel to Qatar to rejoin talks with Taliban negotiators on steps that could lead to a ceasefire and a settlement to the war in Afghanistan, the State Department said on Wednesday.

Khalilzad arrived in Kabul earlier on Wednesday to follow up on US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's visit to Afghanistan last week and to discuss with Afghan officials and others how to convene talks with the Taliban on a political settlement, the State Department said.

US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, after a visit to Kabul, will travel to Qatar to rejoin talks with Taliban negotiators on steps that could lead to a ceasefire and a settlement to the war in Afghanistan, the State Department said on Wednesday.

US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, after a visit to Kabul, will travel to Qatar to rejoin talks with Taliban negotiators on steps that could lead to a ceasefire and a settlement to the war in Afghanistan, the State Department said on Wednesday. Khalilzad arrived in Kabul earlier on Wednesday to follow up on US President Donald Trump's visit to Afghanistan last week and to discuss with Afghan officials and others how to convene talks with the Taliban on a political settlement, the State Department said.

US envoy to rejoin Doha talks with Taliban after Kabul visit: State Department

US President Donald Trump has asked Japan to quadruple annual payments for US forces stationed there to around $8 billion, Foreign Policy reported part of Washington's efforts to press its allies to increase their defence spending.

The current agreement that covers the 54,000 US troops stationed in Japan expires in March 2021.

The demand was made to Japanese officials during a trip to the region in July by John Bolton, at that time Trump's national security adviser, and Matt Pottinger, who was then the Asia director for the National Security Council, the US global affairs magazine said, citing unidentified former US officials.

A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said the report was incorrect and no US-Japan negotiations on a new agreement have taken place.

According to Kyodo news agency, Japanese officials told Bolton the increase is "unrealistic", saying Japan already pays a greater share of stationing costs than other allies.

A US State Department spokesman said in an emailed statement: "The President has made clear that allies and partners should contribute more to their shared defence."

Negotiations to renew the agreement will start in the first half of next year, the spokesman said, adding that the US commitment to Japan's defence was "unwavering".

Japan hosts the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, including the only permanently forward-deployed carrier strike group, as well as the Third Marine Expeditionary Force.

In addition to defending Japan, those units use the archipelago as a base for operations in the wider Asia-Pacific region where US military power acts as a counterbalance to China's growing influence.

Trump has also insisted Seoul shoulder more of the cost of the US military presence in South Korea, where it serves as deterrence against North Korea, and has floated the idea of pulling US troops from the peninsula.

US President Donald Trump has asked Japan to quadruple annual payments for US forces stationed there to around $8 billion, Foreign Policy reported part of Washington's efforts to press its allies to increase their defence spending.

US President Donald Trump has asked Japan to quadruple annual payments for US forces stationed there to around $8 billion, Foreign Policy reported part of Washington's efforts to press its allies to increase their defence spending. The current agreement that covers the 54,000 US troops stationed in Japan expires in March 2021. The demand was made to Japanese officials during a trip to the region in July by John Bolton, at that time Trump's national security adviser, and Matt Pottinger, who was then the Asia director for the National Security Council, the US global affairs magazine said, citing unidentified former US officials. A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said the report was incorrect and no US-Japan negotiations on a new agreement have taken place. According to Kyodo news agency, Japanese officials told Bolton the increase is "unrealistic", saying Japan already pays a greater share of stationing costs than other allies. A US State Department spokesman said in an emailed statement: "The President has made clear that allies and partners should contribute more to their shared defence." Negotiations to renew the agreement will start in the first half of next year, the spokesman said, adding that the US commitment to Japan's defence was "unwavering". Japan hosts the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, including the only permanently forward-deployed carrier strike group, as well as the Third Marine Expeditionary Force. In addition to defending Japan, those units use the archipelago as a base for operations in the wider Asia-Pacific region where US military power acts as a counterbalance to China's growing influence. Trump has also insisted Seoul shoulder more of the cost of the US military presence in South Korea, where it serves as deterrence against North Korea, and has floated the idea of pulling US troops from the peninsula.

Trump asks Japan to hike payments for US troops to $8 billion: Foreign Policy

A European think-tank has said that despite several restrictions and warnings by global watchdogs, the United States`s concern over prevailing terror hubs in Pakistan is portraying a grim picture of the security situation in the region, reported news agency ANI.

A European think-tank has said that despite several restrictions and warnings by global watchdogs, the United States`s concern over prevailing terror hubs in Pakistan is portraying a grim picture of the security situation in the region, reported news agency ANI. The European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) predicted after referring to the US State Department`s recent Country Report on Terrorism in 2018, which came down heavily on Pakistan for promoting terrorism and its sluggishness in dealing with terror entities. The report stated that "Pakistan did not take sufficient action" against externally focused groups such as Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continues to operate, train, organise, and fundraise on its soil. The report also accused Islamabad of propping up "candidates overtly affiliated with LeT front organisations to contest the July general elections". On Pakistan`s role in Afghanistan, the State Department report said, "The Pakistani government pledged support for political reconciliation between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban but did not restrict the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network (HQN) from operating in Pakistan and threatening US and Afghan forces in Afghanistan... the Taliban and the HQN continued to launch lethal attacks throughout Afghanistan, including against US military personnel. In one of its deadliest attacks to date, HQN - an affiliate of the Taliban - killed more than 100 people after detonating an explosives-laden ambulance in Kabul in January, a week after the Taliban conducted an attack on a Kabul hotel that killed 22". Pakistan`s dubious and unhelpful role in Afghanistan was also a prominent theme in another report of the US Congressional Research Service (CRS) on the war-ravaged country. The CRS is tasked with preparing reports periodically on issues of importance for Congressmen to enable them to make informed decisions. This report identified Pakistan as the "most important neighbour" of Afghanistan, one which had played an active but negative role in Afghan affairs for decades. The report reiterated that "Pakistan`s security services maintain ties to Afghan insurgent groups, most notably the Haqqani Network, a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) that has become an official, semiautonomous component of the Taliban. Afghan leaders, along with US military commanders, attribute much of the insurgency`s power and longevity either directly or indirectly to Pakistani support". (With inputs from ANI)

US' concern over terror hubs in Pakistan worrisome: Report

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi "deplored the death toll" among protesters due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-struggle-to-continue-protests-after-deadly-crackdown-by-authorities-261169">crackdown of the Iraqi government</a> and urged him to take immediate steps to address demonstrators' demands, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said on Tuesday.

Iraqi security forces on Monday shot dead two protesters in the city of Nassiriya, bringing to 300 the number of people killed since protests against political corruption, unemployment and poor public services erupted in Baghdad on October&nbsp;1 and spread to the southern Shi'ite heartlands.

"The Secretary deplored the death toll among the protesters as a result of the Government of Iraq’s crackdown and use of lethal force, as well as the reports of kidnapped protesters," Ortagus said in a statement.

The government has failed to find an answer to the unrest among mostly unemployed young people who see no improvement in their lives even in peacetime after decades of war and sanctions.

"Secretary Pompeo emphasized that peaceful public demonstrations are a fundamental element of all democracies," Ortagus said and added that Pompeo urged Mahdi to address the protesters’ grievances by enacting reforms and tackling corruption.

The unrest is the biggest and most complex challenge to the Iraqi political order since the government declared victory over Islamic State two years ago.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi "deplored the death toll" among protesters due to the crackdown of the Iraqi government and urged him to take immediate steps to address demonstrators' demands, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said on Tuesday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi "deplored the death toll" among protesters due to the crackdown of the Iraqi government and urged him to take immediate steps to address demonstrators' demands, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said on Tuesday. Iraqi security forces on Monday shot dead two protesters in the city of Nassiriya, bringing to 300 the number of people killed since protests against political corruption, unemployment and poor public services erupted in Baghdad on October 1 and spread to the southern Shi'ite heartlands. "The Secretary deplored the death toll among the protesters as a result of the Government of Iraq’s crackdown and use of lethal force, as well as the reports of kidnapped protesters," Ortagus said in a statement. The government has failed to find an answer to the unrest among mostly unemployed young people who see no improvement in their lives even in peacetime after decades of war and sanctions. "Secretary Pompeo emphasized that peaceful public demonstrations are a fundamental element of all democracies," Ortagus said and added that Pompeo urged Mahdi to address the protesters’ grievances by enacting reforms and tackling corruption. The unrest is the biggest and most complex challenge to the Iraqi political order since the government declared victory over Islamic State two years ago.

Pompeo 'deplored' protests' death toll in phone call with Iraqi PM: US State Department

As Bolivia's ex-president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-seeks-new-leader-as-morales-heads-for-mexico-refuge-261644">Evo Morales began his life</a> in exile in Mexico pledging to "remain in politics" and continue his "fight", the US State Department asked its citizens not to travel to the South American country amid large scale violence.

"As long as I am alive, we will remain in politics. As long as I am alive, the fight continues," Morales told reporters as soon as he got off the plane in Mexico. He was whisked away by Mexican officials to an undisclosed place citing security concerns.

Paraguayan President Mario Abdo had earlier said his country was willing to grant political asylum to Morales.

In violence-ravaged Bolivia, deputy Senate Speaker Jeanine Anez who is in line to take over declared herself interim president even as lawmakers failed to reach a consensus over the country's leadership although reports said Constitutional Court had endorsed her appointment.

"We are emerging from one of the darkest episodes of our democratic history," Jeanine Anez said, adding,"I ask that from now on we join forces and our hands to help rebuild democracy and the rule of law."

"We want to call new elections as soon as possible," Anez said in Congress while adding that, "It's a commitment we have made to the country and of course, we will fulfil it."

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-bolivian-president-resigns-takes-asylum-in-mexico-261689/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Police set roadblocks to block political groups from clashing against each other even as the attorney general said seven people had died since violence had broken out after Morales was declared winner in a controversial election last month.

Four of those fatalities were from gunfire, Attorney General Juan Lanchipa said.

"All of these cases will be investigated until we establish the truth and find out who is responsible so they can be punished under the law," Lanchipa asserted.

Meanwhile, the US State Department told its citizens not to travel to Bolivia due to the unrest.

"Do not travel to Bolivia due to civil unrest," the State Department said in its advisory while it decided to pullout "non-emergency US government employees due to ongoing political instability in Bolivia."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As Bolivia's ex-president Evo Morales began his life in exile in Mexico pledging to "remain in politics" and continue his "fight", the US State Department asked its citizens not to travel to the South American country amid large scale violence.

As Bolivia's ex-president Evo Morales began his life in exile in Mexico pledging to "remain in politics" and continue his "fight", the US State Department asked its citizens not to travel to the South American country amid large scale violence. "As long as I am alive, we will remain in politics. As long as I am alive, the fight continues," Morales told reporters as soon as he got off the plane in Mexico. He was whisked away by Mexican officials to an undisclosed place citing security concerns. Paraguayan President Mario Abdo had earlier said his country was willing to grant political asylum to Morales. In violence-ravaged Bolivia, deputy Senate Speaker Jeanine Anez who is in line to take over declared herself interim president even as lawmakers failed to reach a consensus over the country's leadership although reports said Constitutional Court had endorsed her appointment. "We are emerging from one of the darkest episodes of our democratic history," Jeanine Anez said, adding,"I ask that from now on we join forces and our hands to help rebuild democracy and the rule of law." "We want to call new elections as soon as possible," Anez said in Congress while adding that, "It's a commitment we have made to the country and of course, we will fulfil it." Watch Video: Police set roadblocks to block political groups from clashing against each other even as the attorney general said seven people had died since violence had broken out after Morales was declared winner in a controversial election last month. Four of those fatalities were from gunfire, Attorney General Juan Lanchipa said. "All of these cases will be investigated until we establish the truth and find out who is responsible so they can be punished under the law," Lanchipa asserted. Meanwhile, the US State Department told its citizens not to travel to Bolivia due to the unrest. "Do not travel to Bolivia due to civil unrest," the State Department said in its advisory while it decided to pullout "non-emergency US government employees due to ongoing political instability in Bolivia."

In Mexico, Morales pledges to 'remain in politics' as Bolivia battles to restore stability

Pakistan has not taken sufficient action against terrorist groups including Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continue to operate, train, organise, and fundraise from the country, according to a recent United States government report.

The US State Department Report in its 'Country Reports on Terrorism 2018' said India continues to experience attacks by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations.

"Pakistan continued to experience significant terrorist attacks, particularly against vulnerable civilian and government targets. Pakistani military and security forces undertook counterterrorism operations against groups that conducted attacks within Pakistan, such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan did not take sufficient action against externally focused groups such as Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continued to operate, train, organize, and fundraise in Pakistan," said the US Department in its report was released in October.

The state department said that Pakistan-based LeT, which was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and JeM maintained the "capability and intent" to attack Indian and Afghan targets.

"India continued to experience attacks, including by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations and tribal and Maoist insurgents. Indian authorities blamed Pakistan for cross-border attacks in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. India continued to apply pressure to detect, disrupt, and degrade terrorist organizations' operations within its borders, including the disruption of an ISIS-inspired terrorist cell reportedly planning terrorist attacks in late 2018," the report stated.

"Regionally focused terrorist groups also remained a threat in 2018. For example, Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayyiba - which was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks - and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) maintained the capability and intent to attack Indian and Afghan targets. In February, operatives reportedly affiliated with JeM attacked an Indian army camp at Sunjuwan, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, killing seven," it added.

The department also pointed out that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-set-to-attend-afghanistan-peace-talks-in-russia-257851">Islamabad pledged support </a>for political reconciliation between the Afghan government and the Taliban, however, did not restrict the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network (HQN) from operating in Pakistan and threatening US&nbsp;and Afghan forces in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"The Pakistani government pledged support for political reconciliation between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban but did not restrict the Afghan Taliban and HQN from operating in Pakistan and threatening US&nbsp;and Afghan forces in Afghanistan.

In June, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/february-2020-deadline-crucial-for-pakistan-to-exit-fatf-grey-list-257530">FATF placed Pakistan</a> on its list of jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies (the "grey list") for deficiencies in its AML/CFT regimes, including the failure to implement U.N. sanctions related to designated entities," the report read.

Pakistan has not taken sufficient action against terrorist groups including Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continue to operate, train, organise, and fundraise from the country, according to a recent United States government report.

Pakistan has not taken sufficient action against terrorist groups including Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continue to operate, train, organise, and fundraise from the country, according to a recent United States government report. The US State Department Report in its 'Country Reports on Terrorism 2018' said India continues to experience attacks by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations. "Pakistan continued to experience significant terrorist attacks, particularly against vulnerable civilian and government targets. Pakistani military and security forces undertook counterterrorism operations against groups that conducted attacks within Pakistan, such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan did not take sufficient action against externally focused groups such as Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continued to operate, train, organize, and fundraise in Pakistan," said the US Department in its report was released in October. The state department said that Pakistan-based LeT, which was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and JeM maintained the "capability and intent" to attack Indian and Afghan targets. "India continued to experience attacks, including by Pakistan-based terrorist organisations and tribal and Maoist insurgents. Indian authorities blamed Pakistan for cross-border attacks in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. India continued to apply pressure to detect, disrupt, and degrade terrorist organizations' operations within its borders, including the disruption of an ISIS-inspired terrorist cell reportedly planning terrorist attacks in late 2018," the report stated. "Regionally focused terrorist groups also remained a threat in 2018. For example, Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayyiba - which was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks - and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) maintained the capability and intent to attack Indian and Afghan targets. In February, operatives reportedly affiliated with JeM attacked an Indian army camp at Sunjuwan, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, killing seven," it added. The department also pointed out that Islamabad pledged support for political reconciliation between the Afghan government and the Taliban, however, did not restrict the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network (HQN) from operating in Pakistan and threatening US and Afghan forces in Afghanistan. "The Pakistani government pledged support for political reconciliation between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban but did not restrict the Afghan Taliban and HQN from operating in Pakistan and threatening US and Afghan forces in Afghanistan. In June, the FATF placed Pakistan on its list of jurisdictions with strategic deficiencies (the "grey list") for deficiencies in its AML/CFT regimes, including the failure to implement U.N. sanctions related to designated entities," the report read.

Pakistan failed to take action sufficient against terrorist groups: United States

Stephen&nbsp;Biegun, a respected US foreign policy veteran in the difficult job of leading diplomacy with&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea, was&nbsp;named&nbsp;Thursday as the&nbsp;State&nbsp;Department&nbsp;number&nbsp;two, a role that could become even more key in coming months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-effort-passes-first-test-in-divided-us-congress-259134">President Donald Trump</a> announced&nbsp;Biegun's nomination to replace Deputy Secretary of&nbsp;State&nbsp;John Sullivan, who has been tapped to be ambassador to Russia.

The nomination is drawing particular attention amid growing speculation that Secretary of&nbsp;State&nbsp;Mike Pompeo will run for Senate next year in Kansas, meaning that&nbsp;Biegun&nbsp;could become the acting top US diplomat, at least briefly.

Biegun, whose nomination requires Senate confirmation, will remain as the special representative on&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea, a position he took last year after Trump's historic first summit with leader Kim Jong Un, a US official said.

Biegun&nbsp;initially received a cold shoulder from&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;officials who, mindful that the countries' leaders were negotiating directly about Pyongyang's nuclear program, saw little reason to deal with an&nbsp;envoy&nbsp;on anything other than summit logistics.

But&nbsp;Biegun&nbsp;enjoyed a breakthrough of sorts in early October when he met&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's lead negotiator Kim Myong Gil in Sweden.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-projectiles-souths-military-259136">North&nbsp;Korea </a>walked away from the talks, denouncing the US attitude, but the United States issued a comparatively upbeat statement saying that&nbsp;Biegun&nbsp;never planned to resolve all issues in a day and that the&nbsp;two&nbsp;sides would meet again.

At a time of deep polarization in Washington,&nbsp;Biegun, 56, has won respect for his affability and for offering cogent analysis rather than ideological lectures.

A lifelong Republican,&nbsp;Biegun&nbsp;spent his career in behind-the-scenes roles in Congress and in former president George W. Bush's administration, where he served in senior staff positions at the White House and&nbsp;State&nbsp;Department.

Former secretary of&nbsp;state&nbsp;Condoleezza Rice voiced "tremendous respect" for&nbsp;Biegun, calling him a "very strong diplomat, but also an exceptional manager."

William Cohen, defense secretary under Democratic president Bill Clinton, in a statement praised&nbsp;Biegun's "unassailable reputation for intelligence, integrity and independence" and said he had "gained the respect of others across the political spectrum and around the world."

Unlike Sullivan, who is expected to be confirmed to go to Moscow,&nbsp;Biegun's expertise in fact lies in Russia, where he lived from 1992 to 1994 as part of US democracy promotion work.

In an interview with an alumni publication at the University of Michigan,&nbsp;Biegun&nbsp;recalled that he became fascinated by Russia when a high school history teacher wrote "tsar" in Cyrillic script.

"It was one of the most exotic things I'd ever seen. It left such an impression on me that I went to the town library and checked out a book to teach myself Russian," he said.

A native of Michigan,&nbsp;Biegun&nbsp;was the third generation of his family to work at the Ford Motor Corp., handling the auto giant's relations with foreign governments before being tapped as the&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;envoy.&nbsp;

Stephen Biegun, a respected US foreign policy veteran in the difficult job of leading diplomacy with North Korea, was named Thursday as the State Department number two, a role that could become even more key in coming months.

Stephen Biegun, a respected US foreign policy veteran in the difficult job of leading diplomacy with North Korea, was named Thursday as the State Department number two, a role that could become even more key in coming months. President Donald Trump announced Biegun's nomination to replace Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, who has been tapped to be ambassador to Russia. The nomination is drawing particular attention amid growing speculation that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will run for Senate next year in Kansas, meaning that Biegun could become the acting top US diplomat, at least briefly. Biegun, whose nomination requires Senate confirmation, will remain as the special representative on North Korea, a position he took last year after Trump's historic first summit with leader Kim Jong Un, a US official said. Biegun initially received a cold shoulder from North Korean officials who, mindful that the countries' leaders were negotiating directly about Pyongyang's nuclear program, saw little reason to deal with an envoy on anything other than summit logistics. But Biegun enjoyed a breakthrough of sorts in early October when he met North Korea's lead negotiator Kim Myong Gil in Sweden. North Korea walked away from the talks, denouncing the US attitude, but the United States issued a comparatively upbeat statement saying that Biegun never planned to resolve all issues in a day and that the two sides would meet again. At a time of deep polarization in Washington, Biegun, 56, has won respect for his affability and for offering cogent analysis rather than ideological lectures. A lifelong Republican, Biegun spent his career in behind-the-scenes roles in Congress and in former president George W. Bush's administration, where he served in senior staff positions at the White House and State Department. Former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice voiced "tremendous respect" for Biegun, calling him a "very strong diplomat, but also an exceptional manager." William Cohen, defense secretary under Democratic president Bill Clinton, in a statement praised Biegun's "unassailable reputation for intelligence, integrity and independence" and said he had "gained the respect of others across the political spectrum and around the world." Unlike Sullivan, who is expected to be confirmed to go to Moscow, Biegun's expertise in fact lies in Russia, where he lived from 1992 to 1994 as part of US democracy promotion work. In an interview with an alumni publication at the University of Michigan, Biegun recalled that he became fascinated by Russia when a high school history teacher wrote "tsar" in Cyrillic script. "It was one of the most exotic things I'd ever seen. It left such an impression on me that I went to the town library and checked out a book to teach myself Russian," he said. A native of Michigan, Biegun was the third generation of his family to work at the Ford Motor Corp., handling the auto giant's relations with foreign governments before being tapped as the North Korea envoy.

US North Korean envoy Stephen Biegun named as US State Department number two

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tells-united-states-to-stop-interfering-in-its-affairs-after-blacklisting-of-companies-254518">"repression" of Uighurs</a> and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions.

The one-two punch by President Donald Trump's administration marks the most forceful attempt by a foreign power to address what some rights groups call a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-to-resume-thursday-white-house-254346">historic crisis in Xinjiang</a>, and comes amid a range of feuds between the United States and China.

"China has forcibly detained over one million Muslims in a brutal, systematic campaign to erase religion and culture in Xinjiang," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter.

"China must end its draconian surveillance and repression, release all those arbitrarily detained and cease its coercion of Chinese Muslims abroad," he said.

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Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on Chinese government and Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, the detention or abuse of Uighurs, Kazakhs, or other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo/status/1181654413913534464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In an accompanying statement, Pompeo said that the State Department would restrict visas granted to government and ruling Communist Party officials involved in "detention or abuse" of Uighurs, Kazakhs or members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

The order will also affect their family members, including children who may be seeking to study in the United States.

Watch: Uighurs use Tiktok to expose China's detention camps in Xinjiang

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The State Department did not specify the names of officials who would be affected.

But lawmakers have specifically asked for action against Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief for Xinjiang.

Reputed within the party for his handling of minority groups, he earlier led iron-fisted policies aimed at crushing dissent in Tibet.

Defying Chinese protests

The US Commerce Department on Monday blacklisted 28 Chinese entities including video surveillance firm Hikvision and artificial intelligence companies Megvii Technology and SenseTime over their involvement in Xinjiang.

Beijing voiced its "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" over the move and denied any human rights abuses in the restive region.

"These accusations are nothing more than an excuse for the United States to deliberately interfere in China's internal affairs," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing.

Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims are being held in a vast network of camps in Xinjiang aimed at homogenizing the population to reflect China's majority Han culture.

Witnesses say that China has sought to force Uighurs to drop core practices of Islam such as fasting during Ramadan and abstaining from alcohol and pork.

China, after initially denying the camps, describes them as vocational schools aimed at dampening the allure of Islamist extremism and violence.

Authorities have cracked down especially hard since 2009, when nearly 200 people died in riots in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi, which has seen an influx of Han Chinese.

The violence was sparked by news of a factory brawl in southern China in which two Uighur migrant workers were killed.

Pompeo has previously called China's treatment of Uighurs one of the "worst stains on the world" and likened the camps to actions by Nazi Germany.

But few Muslim leaders have spoken out against a rising China with the exception of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, which has linguistic and cultural connections with the Uighurs.

Rights advocates also say that Trump has been inconsistent in exercising pressure over human rights, with the tycoon president warmly embracing authoritarian leaders of allies such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The actions on Xinjiang come as a trade war shows no signs of abating between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, which have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of each other's goods.

At the United Nations last month, Trump also warned China that the United States was watching Hong Kong, where months of swelling protests have demanded that Beijing respect the city's semi-autonomous status.

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its "repression" of Uighurs and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions.

The United States said Tuesday it would curb visas for Chinese officials until Beijing ends its "repression" of Uighurs and other Muslims in the western region of Xinjiang, a day after imposing commercial restrictions. The one-two punch by President Donald Trump's administration marks the most forceful attempt by a foreign power to address what some rights groups call a historic crisis in Xinjiang, and comes amid a range of feuds between the United States and China. "China has forcibly detained over one million Muslims in a brutal, systematic campaign to erase religion and culture in Xinjiang," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter. "China must end its draconian surveillance and repression, release all those arbitrarily detained and cease its coercion of Chinese Muslims abroad," he said. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on Chinese government and Communist Party officials believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, the detention or abuse of Uighurs, Kazakhs, or other Muslim minority groups in Xinjiang. — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 8, 2019 × In an accompanying statement, Pompeo said that the State Department would restrict visas granted to government and ruling Communist Party officials involved in "detention or abuse" of Uighurs, Kazakhs or members of other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The order will also affect their family members, including children who may be seeking to study in the United States. Watch: Uighurs use Tiktok to expose China's detention camps in Xinjiang × The State Department did not specify the names of officials who would be affected. But lawmakers have specifically asked for action against Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief for Xinjiang. Reputed within the party for his handling of minority groups, he earlier led iron-fisted policies aimed at crushing dissent in Tibet. Defying Chinese protests The US Commerce Department on Monday blacklisted 28 Chinese entities including video surveillance firm Hikvision and artificial intelligence companies Megvii Technology and SenseTime over their involvement in Xinjiang. Beijing voiced its "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" over the move and denied any human rights abuses in the restive region. "These accusations are nothing more than an excuse for the United States to deliberately interfere in China's internal affairs," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing. Rights groups say more than one million Uighurs and other Muslims are being held in a vast network of camps in Xinjiang aimed at homogenizing the population to reflect China's majority Han culture. Witnesses say that China has sought to force Uighurs to drop core practices of Islam such as fasting during Ramadan and abstaining from alcohol and pork. China, after initially denying the camps, describes them as vocational schools aimed at dampening the allure of Islamist extremism and violence. Authorities have cracked down especially hard since 2009, when nearly 200 people died in riots in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi, which has seen an influx of Han Chinese. The violence was sparked by news of a factory brawl in southern China in which two Uighur migrant workers were killed. Pompeo has previously called China's treatment of Uighurs one of the "worst stains on the world" and likened the camps to actions by Nazi Germany. But few Muslim leaders have spoken out against a rising China with the exception of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, which has linguistic and cultural connections with the Uighurs. Rights advocates also say that Trump has been inconsistent in exercising pressure over human rights, with the tycoon president warmly embracing authoritarian leaders of allies such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The actions on Xinjiang come as a trade war shows no signs of abating between the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, which have imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of each other's goods. At the United Nations last month, Trump also warned China that the United States was watching Hong Kong, where months of swelling protests have demanded that Beijing respect the city's semi-autonomous status.

US imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials; demands end to Uighur 'repression'

Washington announced Thursday that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-on-china-and-ukraine-to-investigate-biden-253570">State Department</a> has approved the possible sale of anti-tank missiles to Kiev that was discussed in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-trump-youre-not-going-to-destroy-me-253473">call between the US president and his Ukrainian counterpart</a>.

The call -- in which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-north-korea-talks-going-ahead-despite-missile-test-253573">Donald Trump</a> tried to get Volodymyr Zelensky to provide dirt on a 2020 election rival -- has sparked an impeachment inquiry into the US president.

Congress, which needs to approve the transaction, has been notified about the possible $39.2 million sale of 150 Javelin missiles and 10 launch units, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of Ukraine," the DSCA said.

"The Javelin system will help Ukraine build its long-term defence capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in order to meet its national defence requirements. Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing this system into its armed forces," it added.

Watch: US President Donald Trump says he wants China to investigate Bidens

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According to a White House memorandum on the July call between Trump and Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader said that "we are almost ready to buy more Javelins from the United States for defence purposes."

In the same call -- which took place after Trump froze military aid to Ukraine, which is battling Russian-backed separatists -- the US president urged Zelensky to investigate Democratic frontrunner Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

That has led the Democratic-controlled US House of Representatives to launch an impeachment inquiry that is threatening Trump's presidency. 
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Washington announced Thursday that the State Department has approved the possible sale of anti-tank missiles to Kiev that was discussed in a call between the US president and his Ukrainian counterpart.

Washington announced Thursday that the State Department has approved the possible sale of anti-tank missiles to Kiev that was discussed in a call between the US president and his Ukrainian counterpart. The call -- in which Donald Trump tried to get Volodymyr Zelensky to provide dirt on a 2020 election rival -- has sparked an impeachment inquiry into the US president. Congress, which needs to approve the transaction, has been notified about the possible $39.2 million sale of 150 Javelin missiles and 10 launch units, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement. "This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of Ukraine," the DSCA said. "The Javelin system will help Ukraine build its long-term defence capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in order to meet its national defence requirements. Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing this system into its armed forces," it added. Watch: US President Donald Trump says he wants China to investigate Bidens × According to a White House memorandum on the July call between Trump and Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader said that "we are almost ready to buy more Javelins from the United States for defence purposes." In the same call -- which took place after Trump froze military aid to Ukraine, which is battling Russian-backed separatists -- the US president urged Zelensky to investigate Democratic frontrunner Joe Biden and his son Hunter. That has led the Democratic-controlled US House of Representatives to launch an impeachment inquiry that is threatening Trump's presidency.

US State Department approves missile sale raised in Ukraine call

The US State Department on Tuesday approved the sale of 66 F-16 fighters to Taiwan, in a move expected to anger Beijing. Taiwan will get the latest version of the Lockheed Martin-built fighter, the F-16C/D Block 70, in the $8 billion deal, the State Department said.

The US State Department on Tuesday approved the sale of 66 F-16 fighters to Taiwan, in a move expected to anger Beijing. Taiwan will get the latest version of the Lockheed Martin-built fighter, the F-16C/D Block 70, in the $8 billion deal, the State Department said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that President Donald Trump had green-lighted the proposed sale after Congress was notified last week. The F-16s "are deeply consistent with the arrangements, the historical relationship between the United States and China," Pompeo said. "Our actions are consistent with past US policy. We are simply following through on the commitments we've made to all of the parties." Taiwan's plan to upgrade its air defenses comes amid increasing Chinese military incursions into its air space. A spokesman for the Taiwanese president released a statement saying the jets would "substantially enhance our air defence capabilities to help Taiwan's self-defence and maintain the people's freedom and welfare." The sale's approval will have a key role in "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and region, especially in the wake of China's frequent military actions... in the region in recent years," the statement said. Beijing regards Taiwan as a part of China awaiting reunification, but the island is self-ruled and is a close ally of the United States. In a statement, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees US foreign military sales, said Taiwan's purchase of the F-16s "will not alter the basic military balance in the region." "This proposed sale will contribute to the recipient's capability to provide for the defence of its airspace, regional security, and interoperability with the United States." On Monday, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said US arms sales to Taiwan "severely violate" agreements between Washington and Beijing and "constitute severe interference in China's internal affairs." The United States should "immediately cancel the planned arms sales, and stop selling weapons and military contact with Taiwan," he said. "Otherwise, the US will have to bear all the consequences." Taiwan already has a fleet of old-model F-16s purchased in 1992, which have undergone several crucial upgrades. Manufacturer Lockheed Martin says the newest version, the F-16 Block 70/72, includes many avionics, weapons and radar technologies not in existence when earlier models were created. It is structurally stronger, the company says, so that it "can fly and fight to 2070 and beyond." The approval of the sale comes as Washington and Beijing face off in tough trade negotiations that economists say are hurting both of the superpowers, as well as dragging down the global economy.

US State Department approves sale of 66 F-16 fighters to Taiwan

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