Home Blog Page 31

UK Joins First Joint Airstrike with US Against Houthis in Yemen

0

In a significant escalation of Western military involvement in Yemen, the United Kingdom confirmed it carried out joint airstrikes with the United States against Houthi targets near the capital Sanaa on Tuesday night. This marks the first publicly acknowledged joint UK-US operation since President Donald Trump initiated “Operation Rough Rider” in March, vowing to crush Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping.

The UK Ministry of Defence said RAF Typhoon FGR4 jets deployed precision-guided bombs on a “cluster of buildings” used by the Iran-backed militant group to manufacture drones. These drones have been central to the Houthis’ maritime campaign, which has targeted international shipping lanes in solidarity with Palestinians since Israel’s war in Gaza began in October 2023.

“Very careful planning” ensured the mission minimized civilian risk, the ministry noted, and all aircraft returned safely.

The Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on commercial vessels and US Navy ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden—chokepoints critical to global trade. The UK defense secretary, John Healey, said the strikes aimed to stem these attacks, which he blamed for a 55% drop in Red Sea shipping, regional instability, and economic strain on Britain.

While the UK previously participated in joint strikes in 2024, this is its first public confirmation of involvement under Trump’s renewed offensive. Since mid-March, the US has executed over 800 strikes in Yemen, targeting oil refineries, missile sites, and airfields. However, Houthi capabilities remain largely intact, with many US drones shot down and further operations delayed.

In a troubling development, the Houthis alleged a recent US airstrike hit a prison for African migrants, killing dozens. US Central Command said it is investigating those civilian casualty claims as part of its ongoing damage assessment.

India’s Path to Defence Self-Reliance Strengthens, 90% of Upcoming Orders to Support Domestic Companies says Defence Secretary Rajesh Singh

0

India is intensifying its efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The government has set an ambitious target for the Indian Army to procure 85% of its defence equipment from domestic sources by 2032, marking a significant shift towards indigenous production .

In support of this goal, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved nine procurement proposals worth ₹45,000 crore, emphasizing the development and acquisition of indigenous weapon systems and platforms . This move is expected to bolster the domestic defence industry and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

The Union Budget for 2025-26 reflects this commitment, with a substantial increase in defence expenditure. The budget allocates ₹6.22 lakh crore to defence, marking a 30% growth over three years. Notably, the capital outlay has been increased to ₹1.8 lakh crore, focusing on infrastructure development and modernization of existing equipment .

To further promote domestic manufacturing, the government has introduced multiple positive indigenisation lists, restricting the import of certain defence items and encouraging their production within the country. These measures aim to provide a significant impetus to the domestic industry, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to participate in defence production and contribute to the country’s indigenization efforts .

The Ministry of Defence has also identified 509 items for domestic production, effectively curbing their import and promoting self-reliance in the defence sector . This strategic move is expected to empower MSMEs and drive the nation towards achieving the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

In a significant development, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed two contracts worth approximately €770 million (₹6,900 crore) with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited. These agreements cover the procurement of 155mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and High Mobility 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles, respectively, further emphasizing the focus on indigenous procurement .

These concerted efforts underscore India’s resolve to strengthen its defence capabilities through self-reliance, fostering innovation, and supporting domestic industries in the defence sector.

Jaishankar, Greek Foreign Minister Discuss Pahalgam Attack; Greece Backs India Against Cross-Border Terrorism

0

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a crucial telephonic discussion with his Greek counterpart, George Gerapetritis, on Tuesday to address the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 people and injured several others in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, carried out on April 22 at the Baisaran meadow, targeted unarmed tourists, triggering national outrage and strong international condemnation.

In a social media post, Jaishankar welcomed Greece’s “firm opposition” to cross-border terrorism and reaffirmed the strength of the India-Greece Strategic Partnership. “A good conversation with FM George Gerapetritis of Greece. Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Welcome Greece’s firm opposition to cross-border terrorism. Our Strategic Partnership reflects the depth of our ties,” Jaishankar wrote on X.

The conversation comes at a time when India has launched a series of diplomatic and strategic countermeasures aimed at Pakistan, whom New Delhi holds responsible for harboring and enabling terror outfits that operate across the border. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which decided on several key retaliatory actions.

Among the most significant steps, India has put the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 on hold, demanding Pakistan’s irreversible end to its support for cross-border terrorism. Additionally, visa services for Pakistani nationals have been suspended with immediate effect, and all existing visas stand revoked. Pakistani High Commission officials have been declared persona non grata and instructed to leave India within a week.

Addressing a public rally in Bihar’s Madhubani on April 24, PM Modi sent a stern message to terrorists and their sponsors. “The terrorists responsible for this attack, along with those who conspired it, will face punishment beyond their imagination,” he said. “India’s resolve is stronger than ever. The time has come to eliminate every remaining stronghold of terror. We will pursue every handler, backer, and mastermind to the ends of the earth.”

The prime minister’s statement, coupled with expanding international support—including Greece’s vocal condemnation of terrorism—signals a shift in India’s diplomatic narrative: seeking global alignment against state-sponsored terrorism and showcasing zero tolerance in the face of civilian attacks.

India continues to engage with global partners to strengthen its position and ensure justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack, with the government vowing swift and decisive action both militarily and diplomatically.

Turkish Military Delegation Meets Pakistan Air Force Chief

0

As tensions continue to mount between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, Turkey has intensified its military engagement with Islamabad, raising eyebrows across the region. A high-ranking Turkish military and intelligence delegation, headed by Lt. Gen. Yasar Kadioglu, visited the Pakistan Air Force headquarters in Islamabad for strategic-level talks.

The timing of the visit, amid heightened military preparedness on both sides of the India-Pakistan border, has fueled speculation about deepening defense cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan. Sources suggest the agenda included regional security, military training collaboration, and intelligence sharing.

Adding to the intrigue, Turkish military cargo planes were spotted landing at multiple airbases in Pakistan. While Pakistani sources hint at the possible delivery of combat or surveillance equipment, Ankara has dismissed the reports, claiming the flights were routine refueling stops with no military transfers involved.

Nevertheless, the optics of Turkish defense officials meeting their Pakistani counterparts during such a volatile period have not gone unnoticed in New Delhi or other global capitals. The development has prompted analysts to reassess the growing Turkey-Pakistan strategic axis and its potential implications for regional stability, particularly in the context of Kashmir.

India has yet to issue an official response, but diplomatic observers warn that increased foreign military engagement with Pakistan could complicate efforts to de-escalate the situation. With the Line of Control already active and naval forces deployed at sea, the region remains on edge.

Army Schools in Kashmir on High Alert Amid Suspected Pakistani Cyber Attacks

0

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, army-run schools in sensitive regions like Srinagar and Ranikhet have been placed on high alert following suspected cyber intrusion attempts linked to Pakistan. The alerts, issued on April 30, 2025, come amid fears that these attacks are designed to extract military-related information through seemingly innocuous education channels.

According to sources, the cyber attempts appear to focus on breaching school websites, internal communication systems, and parent-teacher messaging platforms. In response, school administrations have warned parents and staff against sharing any personal or security-related information over phone calls, emails, or messages from unknown sources.

“Any suspicious communication, including calls asking about a child’s schedule or army personnel details, must be reported immediately,” read a circular issued by one of the army schools.

Cybersecurity teams have been deployed to monitor network activity, and IT protocols have been tightened across all army schools nationwide. Officials believe the attempts are part of a broader strategy by Pakistan to exploit softer targets linked to military infrastructure for potential intelligence gathering.

This development follows reports of Pakistani warships deploying to the sea and growing fears of conflict escalation in the region after the Pahalgam terror attack.

Authorities have urged calm but stressed vigilance, emphasizing that the security of students, personnel, and sensitive data remains a top priority. An official investigation is underway, with central intelligence agencies working closely with the Ministry of Defence to neutralize any ongoing cyber threats.

Pakistan Navy Deploys Six Warships, Satellite Imagery Shows Increased Naval Activity At Ormara

0

In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Pakistan has deployed six warships from its naval base at Ormara Port, according to recent satellite imagery analyzed on April 30, 2025. The movement comes in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which has intensified hostilities along the Line of Control (LoC) and prompted a sharp increase in military activity from both India and Pakistan.

Sources indicate that several vessels have already been deployed to the Arabian Sea, signaling a potential naval posturing move by Islamabad. The Indian military has simultaneously conducted high-intensity air force drills near the border, further amplifying the standoff.

Reports suggest Pakistan is in a state of heightened alert, with government and military officials allegedly expecting an Indian offensive within the next 24 to 36 hours. Islamabad has formally reached out to the United Nations, appealing for diplomatic intervention and accusing New Delhi of preparing for a large-scale military response.

Ceasefire violations along the LoC have increased over the past 48 hours, with both nations trading accusations. The situation remains tense, and regional analysts warn that any miscalculation could lead to a rapid escalation of conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

While neither government has officially confirmed intentions for further military engagement, the strategic deployment of naval forces marks a troubling development in an already volatile atmosphere.

Pakistani Wife of a CRPF Soldier Sent back to Pakistan

0

Minal Ahmed Khan, a Pakistani national married to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldier Munir Khan, was deported to Pakistan via the Wagah-Attari border on Tuesday, following the revocation of her visa. The move is part of India’s broader deportation of Pakistani nationals after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people.

Minal, who married Munir Khan, a resident of Gharota, Jammu, in May 2024 through an online ceremony, arrived in India in March 2025 on a 15-day short-term visa. Their official marriage took place during her visit, but her visa expired in March, and an extension request was pending with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Following the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government revoked all visas for Pakistani nationals (except specific categories) and ordered them to leave by April 29, prompting Minal’s deportation.

Accompanied by her husband and family, Minal was sent from Jammu to the Wagah border, where she was handed over to Pakistani authorities. The deportation aligns with the government’s response to heightened tensions with Pakistan, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and diplomatic downgrading, amid accusations of Pakistan’s involvement in the attack.

Social media posts on X have raised concerns about national security risks posed by such marriages, with some users questioning systemic loopholes. Meanwhile, emotional scenes were reported as families, including Minal’s, bid farewell. The deportation process also involves 60 other Pakistanis in Jammu and Kashmir, though a Jammu court stayed the deportation of nine individuals from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

PM Modi to Chair ‘Super Cabinet’ Meeting, First Since Pulwama Attack

0

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair crucial meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) today, marking a pivotal moment in India’s response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.

This “super cabinet” session—the first CCPA meeting of its kind since the 2019 Pulwama attack—will assess high-priority political and economic strategies, while the CCS, convening at 11 AM, will focus exclusively on national security.

Government sources revealed that during a high-level meeting at his New Delhi residence on Tuesday, PM Modi granted the Indian Armed Forces “complete operational freedom” to respond decisively to the Pahalgam massacre. In a swift show of resolve, the government had earlier downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan, expelled military attaches, closed strategic border routes, and moved toward suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.

The CCPA, comprising senior ministers including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nitin Gadkari, and Piyush Goyal, will steer today’s policy discussions. Their deliberations are expected to shape India’s trajectory on internal security, diplomatic engagement, and regional stability in the aftermath of renewed cross-border violence.

Air Force Officers Launch First Community Outreach in Pakhimari Village

0

In a significant step toward rural development and social responsibility, Air Force Hospital Jorhat, under the guidance of Headquarters Eastern Air Command (EAC), conducted its inaugural community outreach program in Pakhimari Village on April 26, 2025.

The initiative, launched after the village was adopted by the Air Force Hospital, combined healthcare services with environmental and sanitation drives. A team of medical specialists set up an outdoor patient department (OPD), offering consultations and treatment to nearly 200 villagers, addressing critical gaps in rural healthcare access.

Beyond medical services, the program spotlighted two flagship government initiatives. As part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel led a street-cleaning operation, joined by local residents, to raise awareness about sanitation and its impact on health. The village streets were cleaned, and waste was collected, reinforcing the message of hygiene as a shared civic duty.

Air Force Officers Participating in Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam

In a parallel effort supporting the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, launched in 2024 to combat land degradation through tree plantation, IAF members and villagers planted saplings in honor of their mothers. The initiative aligns with India’s ambitious goal of planting 800 million trees nationwide and emphasizes environmental sustainability through community participation.

The outreach concluded with a joint session between IAF officials and village representatives to plan future engagements. Air Force Hospital Jorhat pledged continued support in healthcare, cleanliness, and environmental programs, reflecting the Indian Air Force’s commitment to national development beyond its core military duties.

Over 120 Terrorists Positioned Monthly Before Pahalgam Attack

0

Intelligence agencies have flagged a significant surge in terrorist activity across the Line of Control (LoC) in the months leading to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. According to officials, between December 2024 and March 2025, over 120 armed terrorists gathered every month at launch pads opposite Jammu and Kashmir, waiting to infiltrate India.

This figure marks a steep rise from the 40-50 terrorists observed in the same period the previous year. In December 2024, 167 terrorists were positioned across the LoC, followed by 146 in January, 138 in February, and 122 in March, as per intelligence inputs.

Officials say the Pakistan Army and its intelligence agency, ISI, ramped up terror operations during this period, especially through Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF), which later claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. The attack coincided with the visit of US Vice President JD Vance to India, further escalating concerns.

Sources believe 55-60 Pakistani terrorists may have already infiltrated and are hiding in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorists were instructed to carry out regular shootings, Border Action Team (BAT) operations — involving joint raids by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists — and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks.

In light of the April 22 incident, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian Army have been ordered to intensify checks for infiltration tunnels. These may include deep, concealed tunnels beneath trenches, potentially capable of sending both terrorists and regular Pakistani troops into Indian territory.

A 2020-discovered tunnel was found to be 500 metres long and 30 metres deep, equipped with an oxygen pipe for infiltrators. Similar tunnels were used in high-profile attacks such as the 2019 Pulwama bombing and the 2016 Nagrota camp assault.

Pakistan is reportedly using ex-servicemen and properties near the border to aid tunnel construction, and tall elephant grass is being deliberately cultivated to hide movement. Nearly 80% of terrorists at launch pads belong to LeT, while others are affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammad and Al-Badr.

Despite 22 tunnels having been discovered since 2001, officials warn that many more could exist, posing a persistent threat amid renewed hostilities along the LoC.