Skip to main content

Iran blinded US bases before striking military assets, AP analysis finds

Iran's strikes on more than two dozen US bases in the Middle East focused on early-warning systems before hitting aircraft and buildings, causing billions of dollars in equipment damage, according to an Associated Press analysis. The AP independently verified damage to American targets using satellite imagery from multiple providers and spoke to four regional officials who were briefed or have firsthand knowledge of what was hit. The AP found that, through August, more than 115 drone or missile strikes claimed by Iran or Iranian-backed militias damaged or destroyed structures on 26 military bases and other sites with US equipment. The AP found that Iran initially focused its attacks on aircraft hangars and systems that detect incoming strikes, clearing the way for further strikes on warehouses, troop housing and more. The damage has significantly reshaped the American foothold in the Middle East, with two regional officials saying the US has moved many of its assets out of ...
Post a Comment

Japan rejects 'new militarism', accuses China of rapidly arming

Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Sunday rejected accusations of "new militarism" by Tokyo and criticised China for rapidly expanding its military with little transparency, underscoring mounting tensions between the two countries. China continues to increase its defence spending at a high level, Koizumi said at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, adding: "China's external approach and military activities are matters of serious concern for Japan and the international community at the same time." Rebutting criticism that Japan was embracing new militarism, he said: "Think about it. There's a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers. Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labelled 'new militarism'?" Koizumi said Japan's record since World War 2 "speaks for itself", citing its adherence to international law and commitment to the United Nations Charter, alongside efforts to uphold a "free and open international order." Read: Pentagon chief sounds 'alarm' over China's buildup, urges allies to boost defence spend In May, China's foreign ministry called on Asia-Pacific countries to be vigilant and "jointly resist the reckless actions of Japan's neo-militarism". At the Singapore forum, Chinese delegate Major General Meng Xiangqing also criticised Japan. "I deeply doubt whether a country that has not thoroughly eradicated the toxic legacy of militarism is qualified to talk extensively about defence cooperation on international occasions, and whether it can win the trust of the international community, especially the Asian countries it once invaded," he said. Ties between Japan and China sank to their worst level in years after ​Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned in November that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could draw a Japanese military response. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, over the objections of Taipei's government. Koizumi said he was "sad" he could not meet his Chinese counterpart at the dialogue, Asia's premier defence forum, but insisted Japan remains open to engagement. "We keep the door open," he said, reaffirming Japan's commitment to dialogue with China and other regional players to foster stability. Read More: 'Militarist' Japan becomes Washington's front line in East Asia For the second year running, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun has given the ‌free-wheeling Singapore security meeting a miss, skipping opportunities to meet his counterparts. Koizumi said Japan is "determined" to play a new role in defence equipment cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and aims to tangibly strengthen deterrence in the region. "We seek a region that can stand against coercion. We seek a region that is not misled by falsehoods. We seek a region that is not influenced by pressure," he said. In April, Tokyo unveiled its biggest overhaul of defence export rules in decades, scrapping restrictions on overseas arms sales and opening the way for exports of warships, missiles and other weapons.

from Latest World News, International News | Breaking World News https://ift.tt/kEPfLTD
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

At least 32 miners dead after bridge fails at cobalt site in southeast DR Congo

A bridge collapsed at a cobalt mine in southeast Democratic Republic of Congo killing at least 32 wildcat miners, a regional government official said Sunday. The bridge came down Saturday onto a flooded zone at the mine in Lualaba province, Roy Kaumba Mayonde, the provincial interior minister, told reporters. He said 32 bodies had been recovered and more were being searched for. The DRC produces more than 70 percent of the world supply of cobalt, which is essential for batteries used in electric cars, many laptop computers and mobile phones. More than 200,000 people are estimated to be working in giant illegal cobalt mines in the giant central African country. Local authorities said the bridge collapsed at the Kalando mine, about 42 kilometres (26 miles) southeast of the Lualaba provincial capital, Kolwezi. "Despite a formal ban on access to the site because of the heavy rain and the risk of a landslide, wildcat miners forced their way into the quarry," said Mayonde. He said ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Arab countries, Pakistan likely to observe Eid on same day

The International Astronomy Centre confirmed on Wednesday that the crescent moon of Shawwal will be impossible to sight on Saturday, March 29, across all regions of the Arab and Islamic world. This is due to the moon setting before the sun, with the conjunction occurring after sunset. As a result, observing the crescent moon, whether by the naked eye, telescopes, or other means, will be unfeasible on March 29. For countries requiring an actual sighting to mark the start of Shawwal, Ramadan will likely extend to 30 days, with Eid Al Fitr falling on Monday, March 31. However, in some regions where the conjunction occurs before sunset, allowing the moon to set after sunset, some countries may choose to declare Eid on Sunday, March 30, following traditional moon-sighting practices. Notably, a partial solar eclipse will be visible at noon on Saturday in parts of the western Arab world, including Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. This event serves as definitive proof that the cresce...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hajj scam alert: How to verify licensed service providers

As millions of Muslims prepare for their Hajj pilgrimage, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU) has issued a critical warning against fraudulent Hajj campaigns, urging pilgrims to use only licensed service providers for a smooth and safe experience. To help ensure authenticity, the ministry recommends pilgrims use their official website, www.haj.gov.sa, to verify licensed Hajj operators. This applies to domestic pilgrims, including Saudi citizens and residents, who can access a simple online tool to check accredited companies. For UAE nationals, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf) maintains a list of approved operators on awqaf.gov.ae. International pilgrims have two main options to ensure their chosen provider is licensed. Those from eligible countries can use the Nusuk platform at hajj.nusuk.sa, an online service that facilitates Hajj bookings with accredited providers. A full list of eligible countries is available on the platform’s website. For tho...
Post a Comment
Read more