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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 ...

India security chief visits China for border talks

India's top security official arrived in Beijing on Monday for talks on the countries' disputed Himalayan border, ahead of a BRICS summit next month that New Delhi hopes President Xi Jinping will attend. India's foreign ministry said that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for talks on Tuesday. "Doval, India's Special Representative (SR) on the India-China Boundary Question, arrived in Beijing on a two-day visit earlier this afternoon," the ministry said. Doval will also meet China's Vice President Han Zheng, it added. The two sides have met repeatedly for talks about their border since a deadly 2020 clash. "At this meeting, the two sides will, in accordance with the spirit of the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continue to engage in in-depth communication on the boundary question and jointly safeguard peace and tranquillity in the border areas," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters. The two Asian giants share a 3,500-kilometre (2,175-mile) border, and have in the past accused each other of trying to seize territory. India's main opposition party earlier this month said it was "deeply alarmed" by Indian media reports that Indian and Chinese army patrols came face-to-face in late July in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. India's government rejected those reports. China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet. India says the state is an integral part of its territory. Despite lingering distrust, ties between the neighbours have gradually improved, including through the resumption of direct flights and border trade. The September 12-13 BRICS meeting will be held in the Indian capital, with the Middle East, trade and the shifting global order expected to feature prominently. BRICS was created in 2009 as a forum for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in institutions dominated by Western powers. The grouping, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has since expanded.

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