SENIOR MILITARY LEADERS
Israeli strike kills another senior Hezbollah commander as diplomats scramble for calm in Lebanon
A Hezbollah statement identified the killed commander as Mohammad Naameh Nasser, who went by the name “Abu Naameh,” his nom de guerre. A Hezbollah official speaking anonymously said he was head of the group's Aziz Unit, one of three regional divisions in southern Lebanon.
From Classmates to Commanders: Sainik School graduates Dwivedi and Tripathi now command India's Armed Forces
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, once classmates at Sainik School Rewa, now lead the Indian Army and Navy. Their unique bond, formed in the early 1970s, has strengthened inter-service ties. With Admiral Tripathi already at the helm and Lieutenant General Dwivedi stepping in as Army Chief, their careers highlight the influence of early connections in military leadership.
With a corrupt military, can China's Xi Jinping wage and win a war?
Despite Xi Jinping's efforts to strengthen China's military, internal corruption and challenges in military modernization hinder the country's ambitions for global dominance. The ongoing anti-corruption campaign and concerns over military capabilities pose significant obstacles in Xi's quest for establishing a 'world-class' military.
An Israel offensive into Lebanon risks an Iranian military response, top US military leader says
Top U.S. military officer warns that an Israeli offensive in Lebanon could lead to broader war, with Iran likely to back Hezbollah. Israel has threatened military action if Hezbollah isn't pushed from the border. Diplomatic efforts are underway, including meetings between Israeli and U.S. officials. The U.S. is concerned about assisting Israel against Hezbollah's rockets. The conflict has already caused casualties on both sides. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah claims to have over 100,000 fighters, potentially escalating the conflict with broader regional involvement.
The fate of the latest cease-fire proposal hinges on Netanyahu and Hamas' leader in Gaza
The proposed cease-fire deal for Gaza is influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas' leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar. Both leaders face significant political and personal pressures that may influence their decision-making. Hamas has accepted the broad outline of the plan but requested "amendments," while Netanyahu has publicly disputed aspects of it, even though the U.S. has framed it as an Israeli plan.
World leaders join Ukraine summit in test of Kyiv's diplomatic clout
More than 90 countries will take part, but China's absence in particular has dimmed hopes the summit would show Russia as globally isolated, while recent military reverses have put Kyiv on the back foot. The war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has also diverted the world's attention from Ukraine.
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Vladimir Putin says freezing of Russian assets in West is 'theft'
Russian President Vladimir Putin criticised the freezing of Russian assets abroad as "theft" and vowed to retaliate. G7 leaders agreed on a $50 billion loan for Ukraine using profits from frozen Russian assets, prompting US President Joe Biden to emphasize resolve against Russia. Putin accused Western countries of justifying their actions and warned of severe consequences, stating the nuclear standoff is nearing a critical point.
Rajnath Singh retains Defence Minister portfolio with major reforms on the horizon, here are some key issues that are expected to be addressed
Rajnath Singh will continue as India's Defense Minister, focusing on self-reliance in defense and boosting women's roles in the armed forces. Amidst tensions with China, India is increasing defense imports from the US. The Agnipath recruitment scheme, criticized for job security, is under review. Theater command unification aims to enhance joint operations, with progress made. Indigenous military production is a priority to reduce reliance on imports. Singh faces the immediate task of appointing a new Army Chief, influencing future military reforms.
US unveils sweeping sanctions targeting Russia over Ukraine war
The United States has imposed new sanctions on more than 300 targets, including entities in Russia and other countries, in an effort to constrain Moscow's war in Ukraine. The sanctions target entities involved in Russia's military-industrial complex and several liquefied natural gas projects. The move also broadens the reach of sanctions to include all Russian individuals and entities impacted by US sanctions, expanding the list from over 1,000 to about 4,500. The US is also restricting the supply of certain IT services and software support to individuals in Russia.
India may depute senior MEA Secy to attend Ukraine peace summit
India is unlikely to participate at the political level in the Ukraine peace summit on June 15-16. The country is expected to depute secretary (West) in the ministry of external affairs for the summit organized by Switzerland.
Iran helicopter crash shows Tehran's reliance on an aging fleet as well as its challenges at home
While the cause of the May 19 crash remains unknown, the sudden death of the hard-line protege of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei exposed the contradictions and challenges facing the country's Shiite theocracy. The Iranian military investigators probing the crash have previously faced international criticism over their report on troops shooting down a Ukrainian airliner in 2020.
US military completes major exercise in Africa and works to deepen partnerships
The U.S. and top African allies conducted the African Lion military exercise in Morocco, addressing new challenges in volatile regions. The exercise showcased joint military operations and emphasized a holistic approach to instability issues beyond military solutions.
Xi Jinping exposes cracks in China's governance model
President Vladimir Putin emphasized Russia and China's commitment to a more democratic multipolar world order during his visit to China. Critics point to Xi Jinping's concentration of power, erosion of norms, and struggles in maintaining control over the PLA, raising concerns about China's governance model.
North Korea plans to launch a rocket soon, likely carrying its 2nd military spy satellite
North Korea announced plans to launch a rocket carrying its second military spy satellite, drawing strong rebukes from South Korea and Japan. The launch, banned under UN resolutions, was disclosed during a trilateral meeting between South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. North Korea's planned launch is viewed as a cover for testing its long-range missile technology, violating UN resolutions. Yoon and Kishida urged North Korea to cancel the launch, emphasizing its threat to regional peace and security.
Top Russian military officials are being arrested. Why is it happening?
Following the arrest of a Russian deputy defense minister last month, a series of detentions of senior military officials on corruption charges has unfolded. These arrests coincided with President Vladimir Putin's fifth term and a reshuffle of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The detentions have sparked speculation about Putin's control over the Defense Ministry, potential turf battles, or other internal power plays. Corruption has long been entrenched in Russia's system, but the recent crackdown, especially amid the war in Ukraine, suggests a significant shift in handling graft within the defense sector.
With Ukraine losing ground, allies debate how to squeeze cash for Kyiv out of frozen Russian assets
Ukraine's allies are debating how to use frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv's war effort amid Russia's territorial gains. The issue of $260 billion in Russian assets frozen abroad is a key concern at the G7 meeting in Italy.
Deputy Russian military chief of staff jailed for bribery in latest arrest of senior defense official
A deputy chief of the Russian military general staff, Lt Gen Vadim Shamarin, has been arrested on charges of large-scale bribery, according to Russian news reports. This follows the recent arrest of Maj Gen Ivan Popov, a former top commander in Russia's offensive in Ukraine, also on bribery charges. These arrests are part of a series of high-profile bribery cases involving senior military officials. Shamarin, who is also the head of the defense ministry's main communications directorate, is being held in custody for two months. The arrests come amid wider allegations of incompetence and corruption within the Russian military leadership.
China launches military drills around Taiwan as 'punishment'
China initiated two days of military drills around Taiwan in response to the inauguration of Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, who emphasized Taiwan's sovereignty. These exercises aim to encircle Taiwan and serve as a warning against pro-independence forces and external interference. Taiwan condemned the drills as threats to regional peace but remains prepared to defend its security. Despite the tensions, Lai has signaled a willingness to engage in dialogue with Beijing and maintain peaceful relations.
Israel tries to contain the fallout after some allies support ICC prosecutor's request for warrants
The International Criminal Court seeks arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh, supported by France, Belgium, and Slovenia for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza and Israel.
What is the ICC and why is it seeking arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders
The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor has requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan believes these leaders bear criminal responsibility for crimes against humanity. Established in 2002, the ICC prosecutes severe atrocities globally but lacks enforcement power, relying on member states to arrest suspects. Israel and the U.S. oppose the investigation, complicating potential prosecutions and reflecting ongoing disputes over the court's jurisdiction and actions.
ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrant for Israeli and Hamas leaders, including Netanyahu
The International Criminal Court's prosecutor has requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Gallant, and three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Prosecutor Karim Khan claims the five men bear criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity. A panel of judges will decide on the warrants, but enforcement remains uncertain as the ICC lacks the means to compel arrests, and both Israel and the U.S. oppose the investigation.
What is the ICC, why it is considering arrest warrants for Israeli, Hamas leaders, including Israel PM Netanyahu
The ICC was established in 2002 as the permanent court of last resort to prosecute individuals responsible for the world's most heinous atrocities - war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression. The Rome Statute creating the ICC was adopted in 1998 and took effect when it got 60 ratifications on July 1, 2002. The U.N. General Assembly endorsed the ICC, but the court is independent.
Iran's Cabinet holds emergency meeting after president's death
President Ebrahim Raisi dies in a helicopter crash in Iran's East Azerbaijan province, leading to condolences from Pakistan and Iraq. Houthi leader mourns, highlighting Iran's support in Yemen conflict against Saudi-led coalition. The crash may have implications on Middle East tensions.
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi dead: Who is Mohammad Mokhber, Iran's new president?
Iran New President: Mohammad Mokhber, 68, is Iran's interim president following Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash. He leads a council to organize a new presidential election within 50 days. Mokhber, close to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was vice president since 2021 and previously headed Setad, an investment fund. He has been involved in significant diplomatic and military dealings with Russia.
Airstrike kills 27 in central Gaza and fighting rages as Israel's leaders are increasingly divided
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism from the two other members of his War Cabinet, with his main political rival, Benny Gantz, threatening to leave the government if a plan is not created by June 8 that includes an international administration for postwar Gaza.
Hezbollah introduces new weapons and tactics against Israel as war in Gaza drags on
Hezbollah has regularly fired missiles across the border with Israel over the past seven months, but the one on Thursday appears to have been the first successful missile airstrike it has launched from within Israeli airspace. The group has stepped up its attacks on Israel in recent weeks, particularly since the Israeli incursion into the southern city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. It has struck deeper inside Israel and introduced new and more advanced weaponry.
US says Israel's use of US arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration suggested that Israel's use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Gaza may have breached international law but stopped short of conclusive evidence due to wartime complexities. While finding "reasonable" evidence of violations, the report did not link specific U.S. arms to individual airstrikes. This assessment could influence future decisions on arms provisions to Israel. Critics argue the review overlooks clear Israeli blocks on aid delivery during the conflict, raising concerns about potential starvation among Palestinians in Gaza.
US says Rafah offensive would jeopardize cease-fire talks as Biden threatens to halt more Israel aid
The United States has warned Israel against launching a full-scale assault on Gaza's Rafah, Hamas' stronghold, citing concerns over civilian casualties. President Biden threatened to pause offensive military aid to Israel if it proceeds with the operation. The U.S. views such an attack as strengthening Hamas' position and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Despite this, Israel remains defiant, with Prime Minister Netanyahu expressing willingness to stand alone if necessary. The U.S. is urging Israel to pursue more surgical operations against Hamas and is committed to Israel's defense, including providing defensive arms.
Has Israel followed the law in its war in Gaza? The US is due to render a first-of-its-kind verdict
The Biden administration is set to determine if Israel's actions in Gaza violate international and U.S. laws, amid scrutiny over its military support for Israel. This decision could influence the flow of weapons and aid to Israel. Critics question whether the U.S. will hold Israel accountable for alleged human rights violations, while supporters argue for maintaining strong ties with Israel. The administration's findings could impact future military assistance to Israel and have broader implications for U.S. foreign policy in the region.
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