Archive for June, 2017
EU extends sanctions on Russia
Wednesday, June 28, 2017 Comments Off on EU extends sanctions on RussiaThe European Union extended its sanctions on Russia six months on Wednesday, keeping restrictions on business with the Russian energy, defense and financial sectors. The formal extension of sanctions was adopted unanimously by the EU Council. As a result of the measures, European companies can not borrow or borrow five big Russian state banks for […]
Egypt army destroys 12 vehicles crossing from Libya
Wednesday, June 28, 2017 Comments Off on Egypt army destroys 12 vehicles crossing from LibyaEgypt’s military says its air force destroyed 12 vehicles loaded with weapons, ammunitions and explosives, after receiving intelligence that “criminal elements” were attempting to cross the western border with Libya.
Afghanistan to call for more pressure on Pakistan at NATO defense ministers meeting
Wednesday, June 28, 2017 Comments Off on Afghanistan to call for more pressure on Pakistan at NATO defense ministers meetingAfghanistan to urge “political and military” pressure on Pakistan at NATO defense ministers meeting on Wednesday in Brussels, Afghan Defense Ministry said Tuesday. The meeting would focus on the security situation in Afghanistan, more specifically, strengthening the capability of Afghan security and defense forces and counter-terrorism as well as the number of coalition forces in […]
US Vice President to visit India
Wednesday, June 28, 2017 Comments Off on US Vice President to visit IndiaUnited States Vice President Mike Pence has said he is planning to visit India soon and asserted that the Indo-US partnership has never looked brighter with the best days for the two nations yet to come. Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump as “historic and productive”, Pence said, “Today I […]
India, United States to enhance bilateral security cooperation
Wednesday, June 28, 2017 Comments Off on India, United States to enhance bilateral security cooperationIndia and the US will soon sign a pact for enhancing bilateral security cooperation that will include sharing of information on terror groups and counter-terror initiatives. A meeting of the Union cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved signing of a memorandum of cooperation between India and the United States on homeland security.
Turkey attacks Kurdish militia, Iraqi militants
Wednesday, June 28, 2017 Comments Off on Turkey attacks Kurdish militia, Iraqi militantsTurkish forces retaliated with an artillery barrage overnight and destroyed People’s Protection Units (YPG) targets after the Kurdish militia opened fire on Turkey-backed forces in northern Syria, the military said on Wednesday. It said Turkish warplanes separately struck Kurdish militants in northern Iraq on Wednesday, killing seven fighters from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) group, […]
Iraqi troops push deeper into Mosul’s Old City
Wednesday, June 28, 2017 Comments Off on Iraqi troops push deeper into Mosul’s Old CityIraq’s military pushed deeper into Mosul’s Old City on Wednesday, taking two more districts from Daesh and bringing it closer to total control of the city. The army’s 16th infantry division captured Hadarat Al Saada and Al Ahmadiyya, the military said in a statement. The areas are northwest of the historic Grand Al Nuri Mosque […]
Romanian, Bulgarian Presidents discuss Black Sea security
Wednesday, June 28, 2017 Comments Off on Romanian, Bulgarian Presidents discuss Black Sea securityThe EU recently agreed to extend sanctions against Russia on its actions in Ukraine following the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, 3 years ago. Moscow also sees NATO with suspicion after the Alliance has strengthened its presence in Eastern Europe.
Egypt extends emergency state by 3 months
Monday, June 26, 2017 Comments Off on Egypt extends emergency state by 3 monthsEgyptian cabinet decided on Thursday to extend the state of emergency in the country for three more months. The decision to extend the emergency state was made during a cabinet meeting.
China’s FM, Pakistan official discuss ways to achieve peace in Afghanistan
Monday, June 26, 2017 Comments Off on China’s FM, Pakistan official discuss ways to achieve peace in AfghanistanChina’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Sartaj Aziz, advisor to Pakistan’s prime minister on foreign affairs, on Sunday in Islamabad to discuss peace and stability in Afghanistan. During the meeting, Aziz said: “Pakistan has consistently emphasized that peace and stability in Afghanistan is in our interest and a stable Afghanistan would help us promote our […]
Mattis, Modi discuss security challenges
Monday, June 26, 2017 Comments Off on Mattis, Modi discuss security challengesIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held talks with US Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump. Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was also present at the meetings.
US-backed fighters advance in Syria’s Raqqa
Monday, June 26, 2017 Comments Off on US-backed fighters advance in Syria’s RaqqaUS-backed fighters seized a quarter of Syria’s Raqqa from the Islamic State group, a monitor said on Monday, less than three weeks after they first launched the offensive to recapture the northern city. Arab and Kurdish militiamen from the Syrian Democratic Forces smashed into the militants’ main Syrian bastion on June 6 after a months-long […]
Iraqi troops advance in Mosul
Monday, June 26, 2017 Comments Off on Iraqi troops advance in MosulThe battle to take full control of Mosul from Islamic State will be over in a few days after an attempted fightback by the militants failed, an Iraqi general has told Reuters. “Only a small part remains in the city, specifically the Old City,” said Lieutenant General Abdul Ghani al-Assadi, commander of the Counter Terrorism […]
Six killed in fresh clashes in eastern DRC
Monday, June 26, 2017 Comments Off on Six killed in fresh clashes in eastern DRCFresh clashes on Saturday between government troops and a militia in Nord-Kivu province in the troubled east of Democratic Republic of Congo have left two soldiers and four fighters dead, the army said. The army’s position in Kaseghe was attacked around dawn “by the Mai Mai (militia) which caused the death of two soldiers from […]
Chad: 8 soldiers killed in clashes with Boko Haram
Monday, June 26, 2017 Comments Off on Chad: 8 soldiers killed in clashes with Boko HaramEight Chadian soldiers were killed in fierce fighting with Boko Haram insurgents at the weekend on islands on Lake Chad, which borders four countries on the edge of the Sahara, Chad’s army said on Monday. “Our forces attacked Boko Haram elements on five islands near Nigeria on June 24 and 25,” said spokesperson Colonel Azem, […]
India, US to discuss bilateral partnership during Modi’s visit
Friday, June 23, 2017 Comments Off on India, US to discuss bilateral partnership during Modi’s visitPrime minister Narendra Modi Friday said the aim of his upcoming visit to the US was to build a “forward-looking vision” for the bilateral partnership and further consolidate the robust and wide- ranging ties. Modi, who will be meeting president Donald Trump for the first time on June 26 in Washington, said he looked forward […]
Syria: US-backed forces launch siege on Raqqa
Friday, June 23, 2017 Comments Off on Syria: US-backed forces launch siege on RaqqaThe U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have completed a siege on areas under the Islamic State (IS) in Syria’s northern city of Raqqa. The siege on Raqqa has been completed, amid talks among the tribesmen in the city about reviving negotiations with IS over the next 24 hours for the withdrawal of IS from the […]
Mosul operations enter final stage
Friday, June 23, 2017 Comments Off on Mosul operations enter final stageThe Islamic State (IS) militants bombed historical al-Nuri mosque on Wednesday during fierce battles against the Iraqi army which has retaken most of Mosul, the country’s second largest city, after eight months of offensives. Iraqi Prime Minister Hadier Abadi said “blowing up the al-Nuri mosque and the al-Hadba minaret is an official declaration of defeat […]
Iraqi PM: Mosul to be liberated within days
Friday, June 23, 2017 Comments Off on Iraqi PM: Mosul to be liberated within daysThe “liberation” of the city of Mosul from Daesh will be announced in a few days, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi said on Thursday, according to Baghdad-based Al-Sumaria TV. “It’s a matter of a few days and we will announce the total liberation of Mosul,” Al-Abadi told reporters in Baghdad, according to Al-Sumaria.
NATO prepared for quick response in Eastern Europe if needed
Friday, June 23, 2017 Comments Off on NATO prepared for quick response in Eastern Europe if neededNATO member countries in Eastern Europe hosted four multinational battalions of the Alliance. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, said during the Allied forces meeting in Latvia. Approximately 4,000 soldiers are stationed in Poland and the Baltic States. Germany is in charge of the battalion in Lithuania, the United States manages troops in Poland, UK runs […]
Militants clash with troops in eastern DRC
Friday, June 23, 2017 Comments Off on Militants clash with troops in eastern DRCClashes between militants and government troops on Thursday left 16 dead in the restive east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the army said. The fighting erupted in the eastern suburbs of Beni, a city in the troubled North-Kivu province, with residents hearing gunshots and heavy weapons fire. The province has been plagued by regular […]
UN seeks $8bn for South Sudan refugee crisis
Friday, June 23, 2017 Comments Off on UN seeks $8bn for South Sudan refugee crisisThe United Nations secretary-general is making a plea for protection of refugees around the world, saying some richer countries haven’t been as tolerant as some in Africa. Antonio Guterres on Friday addressed a UN-backed summit in Uganda that seeks $8bn for nearly a million South Sudanese refugees and the host communities that officials say are […]
US to have permanent diplomatic presence in Somalia
Friday, June 23, 2017 Comments Off on US to have permanent diplomatic presence in SomaliaThe United States ambassador to Somalia says the US once again will have a permanent diplomatic presence in the country after it opens offices in Mogadishu later this year. The US embassy was closed in 1991 as the Horn of Africa nation slid into decades of chaos. Former Secretary of State John Kerry during a […]
Pakistan, Turkey discuss defence cooperation
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Comments Off on Pakistan, Turkey discuss defence cooperationPakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was awarded the Legion of Merit in Ankara on Tuesday in recognition of his services for promotion of Pakistan-Turkey defence ties. Speaking on the occasion, General Bajwa dedicated the award to the martyrs of both Pakistani and Turkish armed forces.
UN chief says Nawaz, Modi meetings will solve Kashmir dispute
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Comments Off on UN chief says Nawaz, Modi meetings will solve Kashmir disputeUnited Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has suggested meetings with Indian and Pakistani leaders as a means to facilitate dialogue between the two adversaries over the Kashmir dispute.
US shots down drone in Syria near Jordanian border
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Comments Off on US shots down drone in Syria near Jordanian borderA US warplane shot down an Iran-made drone operated by pro-regime forces in southern Syria early on Tuesday, officials said, the second such incident in less than two weeks. The US-led anti-ISIL coalition said an F-15E Strike Eagle jet destroyed the Shaheed-129 drone around 12.30am, north-east of the Al Tanaf garrison which is close to […]
EU urges protection of civilians in Mosul
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Comments Off on EU urges protection of civilians in MosulThe European Union (EU) on Tuesday expressed deep concern about civilians trapped in the Iraqi city of Mosul as the battle enters the final stage and expressed support to humanitarian organizations to deliver lifesaving aid to them. “Our deepest concern right now are the civilians still trapped inside. Protecting the lives of tens of thousands […]
Iraq army encircles IS in Mosul’s City
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Comments Off on Iraq army encircles IS in Mosul’s CityIraq’s army said it encircled Islamic State’s stronghold in the Old City of Mosul on Tuesday after taking over an area to the north of the densely populated historic district. The army’s 9th armored division seized al-Shifaa district, which includes the city’s main hospitals, alongside the western bank of the Tigris river, a military statement […]
France, Algeria call for political solution to Libyan crisis
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Comments Off on France, Algeria call for political solution to Libyan crisisThe foreign ministers of Algeria and France on Tuesday urged Libya’s rival armed factions to seek a political solution in the North African country to help stem the spread of militant groups there and potential spillover across its borders. Algeria has joined with North African neighbor Tunisia to seek support for an inclusive dialogue in […]
Egypt army says 12 militants killed in North Sinai
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Comments Off on Egypt army says 12 militants killed in North SinaiEgypt’s military says its air force has killed 12 “extremely dangerous” militants in airstrikes in northern Sinai, a militant hotspot. In a Tuesday statement, the armed forces said the strikes also destroyed four vehicles as it targeted a “terrorist stronghold” of the local Islamic State affiliate, formerly known as Ansar Beit al-Maqdis.
At least 40 killed in CAR day after ceasefire
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 Comments Off on At least 40 killed in CAR day after ceasefireAt least 40 people were killed in clashes on Tuesday in the Central African Republic, aid and security sources said, the day after the signing of a ceasefire deal. The violence in the central town of Bria was between members of Christian ‘anti-balaka’ militias and ex-Seleka fighters, the sources said.
US downs Syrian air force fighter jet
Monday, June 19, 2017 Comments Off on US downs Syrian air force fighter jetAn American Navy fighter jet shot down a Syrian regime SU-22 fighter jet shortly after it attacked U.S. partner forces, the anti-Daesh coalition said Sunday. The Syrian aircraft had dropped bombs near Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) south of Tabqah, which the group seized from Daesh in May, according to the coalition statement that said the […]
US Defense, Turkish counterpart to discuss Syria
Monday, June 19, 2017 Comments Off on US Defense, Turkish counterpart to discuss SyriaUS Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis will meet again with his Turkish counterpart in Europe next week, said Monday the US general, who described the United States’ ordinary efforts to address Turkey’s concerns at the US decision, to provide arms for Kurdish fighters in Syria. US Marine General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs […]
Germany to relocate it’s troops from Incirlik to Jordan in July
Monday, June 19, 2017 Comments Off on Germany to relocate it’s troops from Incirlik to Jordan in JulyAccording to a German official, the country’s troops will start leaving a Turkish air base where they are stationed in July. German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen revealed the Bundeswehr soldiers would pull out of the Incirlik air base in Turkey after strained relations between the NATO allies. The German troops will be relocated […]
EU reiterates support to Iraq’s unity
Monday, June 19, 2017 Comments Off on EU reiterates support to Iraq’s unityThe EU Foreign Affairs Council discussed during its meeting in Luxembourg on Monday the situation im Iraq, focussing on the latest developments, in particular in Mosul and Nineveh province, and on the future stabilisation of the country. The Council issued a statement praising the Iraqi Government and the Iraqi security forces for the significant advances […]