Violence and atrocities : #UnitedStates

Showing posts with label #UnitedStates. Show all posts

Sunday, November 27, 2022

President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan quits as head of the governing Democratic Progressive Party after loss in election

The vote in Taiwan has drawn global attention because the loss of President Tsai Ing-wen could become a bigger geopolitical flashpoint between China and the United States. Tsai Ing-wen resigned as head of the governing Democratic Progressive Party after its poor performance in local elections. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) won major races including the capital Taipei. Prior to the election, President Tsai had described the election as a vote for democracy amid rising tensions with China. After the results came out, she admitted that - "the election results were not as expected... I should shoulder all the responsibility and I resign as DPP chairwoman immediately.” However, she will continue as president of the self-ruled island. These elections for local councils and city mayors theoretically have a domestic agenda and focused on local issues such as crime, housing and social welfare. Those elected will not have a direct say on Taiwan's policy regarding China. However, Ms Tsai and government officials had urged voters to use the elections to send a message about standing up for democracy, as Beijing increases pressure on the island. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen quits as party chair after local elections. The Chinese government perceives Taiwan as a breakaway province that will, in due course of time, be part of the country.

A large section of Taiwanese people considers their self-ruled island to be distinct. It has its own form of government and a democratic system. However, tensions peaked in August when Beijing staged huge military drills around Taiwan. It was in a protest against the visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the island. The US has long walked a tightrope over Taiwan. Officially, it does not have any formal ties with Taiwan. In spite of that, it has also pledged to supply the island with defensive weapons and stressed that any attack by China would cause "grave concern." Taiwan has two major political parties. Their views differ on China. One of these is the Kuomintang (KMT). It consists of conservative business champions and traditionally seen as pro-China "doves." They advocate economic engagement with China and appear to favor unification while denying being pro-China. Their main rival is Ms Tsai's governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). She had won a landslide victory in the 2020 national election. Her stand is Beijing needs to show respect to Taiwan. She also said Taipei would not bow to pressure.

Friday, November 4, 2022

Tension mounts in the Korean Peninsula as South Korea scrambles 80 of its stealth jets

The military of South Korea detected mobilization of 180 North Korean warplanes. Immediately, it took action to counter any attack by scrambling its stealth jets. The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea reported that it scrambled 80 aircraft, including F-35A stealth fighters after spotting North Korean aircraft at multiple locations north of the "tactical action line." There were no immediate reports of clashes. According to an official of South Korea, the virtual line drawn north of the physical border serves as the basis for air defence operations in South Korea. None of the aircraft crossed the "tactical action line." Incidentally, more than 240 planes are participating in the Vigilant Storm air drills with the United States. There was no stoppage of these drills. South Korea scrambles jets after detecting North Korean warplanes.

Pyongyang had earlier launched roughly 80 artillery rounds in retaliation for Seoul's joint military exercises with the United States. These came after the North launched dozens of missiles this week. The United States, Japan and South Korea condemned such actions of North Korea. It seems it test fired at least 23 missiles, and later launched three more into the Sea of Japan. These included an intercontinental ballistic missile that triggered evacuation warnings in Japan. As a result, South Korea and the United States prolonged their Vigilant Storm exercises. This infuriated Pyongyang. It had threatened reprisals over extension of the drills. The actions and reactions of North Korea, the hermit kingdom, are difficult to explain. It is possible that it wants to send out some sort of a message to the global community.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

North Korea fires at least 10 missiles, one lands close to the territorial waters of the South for the first time since the 1945

The latest missile launch by North Korea was its 29th this year, according to a punt maintained by a section of the media. It consisted of at least 10 missiles. One of these landed close to the territorial waters of South Korea. It was the first incident since the division of the peninsula in 1945. There was also an air raid warning on an island located about 120 kilometers east of the peninsula. It was later lifted. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in Seoul said one short-range ballistic missile landed in international waters 167 kilometers northwest of South Korea’s Ulleung Island. This is about 26 kilometers south of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) that is the de facto inter-Korean maritime border. North Korea does not recognize it. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol described the North Korean test as an “effective territorial encroachment.” In an immediate response, South Korea launched three air-to-surface missiles from F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets according to JCS. North Korean missile lands close to South Korean waters for first time in decades. JCS explained that the South Korean Air Force targeted international waters north of the NLL at an equal distance to that which the North Korean missile had earlier landed south of the line. He added - “Our military’s precise strike showed our will to firmly respond to any North Korean provocations including short-range ballistic missile, and our capability and readiness to precisely target the enemy.”

This sort of aggressive accelerating in weapons testing by Pyongyang has sparked alarm in the region. The United States, South Korea and Japan responded with missile launches and joint military exercises. The United States and South Korea began previously scheduled large-scale military exercises called “Vigilant Storm.” These involve 240 aircraft and “thousands of service members” from both countries. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would meet with his South Korean counterpart Lee Jong-sup at the Pentagon. In the opinion of experts, Kim Jong-un could be sending across a message of sorts. The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog warned last week that Pyongyang could be preparing for a nuclear test – its first since 2017. This was because satellite imagery showed activity at its underground nuclear test site. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He called for a National Security Council meeting on priority in view of rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

The United States, Japan and South Korea warn North Korea about serious consequences of any nuclear test

The United States and its allies Japan and South Korea spoke in one voice and warned North Korea against any further nuclear test. They said any violation would warrant an "unprecedentedly strong response." The three vowed unity following launch of a number of missiles from the hermit kingdom. Foreign ministers of the three nations held talks in Tokyo and believe they could boost their deterrence in the region. South Korea's Cho Hyun-dong said - "We agreed to further strengthen cooperation ... so that North Korea can immediately stop its illegal activities and return to denuclearization talks.” He went on to explain to members of the media - "The three countries agreed on the need for an unprecedentedly strong response if North Korea proceeds with its seventh nuclear test." Seoul and Washington have repeatedly warned that Pyongyang could be close to testing an atomic bomb for the first time since 2017. This came after a number of launch of ballistic missiles. One of these flew over Japan last month. The North has separately claimed that it had carried out tactical nuclear drills. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman says – “All of this behavior is reckless and deeply destabilizing." She urged North Korea to "refrain from further provocations." North Korea put on notice: Nuclear test would draw "unprecedentedly strong" response.

According to a section of the media, Sherman laid stress on the fact that the commitment of the U.S. to the security of South Korea and Japan is "ironclad.” She went on to add that the U.S. would "use the full range of U.S. defense capabilities to defend our allies, including nuclear, conventional and missile defense capabilities." Incidentally, last month Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea had declared the country an "irreversible" nuclear power, effectively ending negotiations over his banned arms programs. He had met three times with President Biden's predecessor Donald Trump. It did reduce tensions but did not result in any lasting agreement. The country has also shown little interest in taking up President Biden's offer of working-level talks.

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Kim Jong-un supervised long-range cruise missile tests to demonstrate Pyongyang's readiness for "actual war"

North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reports that its leader Kim Jong-un supervised long-range cruise missile tests. He described them as a demonstration of his country’s readiness for "actual war." The two missiles flew for nearly three hours and showed their ability to strike targets roughly around 1,250 miles away. The agency said the test was conducted to improve the "combat efficiency and might" of long-range strategic cruise missiles "for the operation of tactical nukes." The leader of North Korea said his country's nuclear forces were prepared for "actual war to bring enemies under their control at a blow." He described his weapons systems as "mobile, precise and powerful." He went on to clarify that the missile tests send "another clear warning to enemies." Moreover, he said North Korea would "resolutely deter any crucial military crisis and war crisis at any time and completely take the initiative in it." North Korea's Kim Jong Un supervises cruise missile test.

North Korea has launched 12 ballistic missiles in a span of two weeks through October 9. One of these flew over Japan. Authorities in Pyongyang said the tests were a warning to the South and the US for staging joint naval exercises that including a US aircraft carrier. North Korea called these drills "dangerous." It seems the parliament of the North passed a law giving permission for preemptive use of nuclear weapons against these countries in the event of an attack on the leadership of North Korea. Pyongyang added that it would surrender its nuclear arsenal only if there were global disarmament. This would come as a big blow to those who still nurse hopes of negotiating Pyongyang's disarmament individually. Officials in South Korea do not rule out possibilities of the North conducting a nuclear test in the coming months.

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Shooting incident in school in Russia kills at least 17, injures another 24 - gunman takes his own life

A gunman opens fire in a school in central Russia, kills at least 17 people and injures another 24 before committing suicide. The tragic incident happened in the city of Izhevsk, a city located some 600 miles east of Moscow. Russian authorities have identified the gunman. He was in his early 30s and a graduate of the same school. It seems he wore a black T-shirt bearing “Nazi symbols.” His motives are still shrouded in mystery. The dead included 11 children. Another 22 children suffered injuries in the attack. According to the governor of Udmurtia, Alexander Brechalov, the gunman was registered as a patient at a psychiatric facility. He committed suicide after the attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the attack as “inhuman.” Russia: At least 17 dead, 24 wounded in Izhevsk school shooting. A spokesman of the Kremlin said - “President Putin deeply mourns the deaths of people, children, at a school where there was a terrorist attack by a person, who apparently belongs to a neo-fascist group.” He added - the president wishes for the recovery of those injured as a result of this inhuman terrorist attack.

Authorities of Russia reveals that the gunman used two non-lethal handguns adapted to fire real bullets. The guns were not registered. The authorities have launched criminal investigation into the incident on charges of multiple murders and illegal possession of firearms. After the incident, students were made to evacuate the premises and it was cordoned off. The school caters to children aged six to 17. The population of the city of Izhevsk is about 640,000 people and it is located west of the Ural Mountains in central Russia. While shooting in schools is more frequent in the United States and many other countries, it is not so in Russia. In April 2022, a man killed two children and a teacher at a kindergarten in the central Ulyanovsk region before killing himself. Before that, in May 2021, a lone teenage gunman opened fire in the city of Kazan and killed nine people. Seven of them were children. In another incident of 2018, a student at a college in Russian-annexed Crimea killed 20 people. Then he committed suicide. Incidentally, in Russia, military service is compulsory for men aged between 18 and 27. There have been a few incidents in the past of death from gun violence in the military.

Sunday, September 25, 2022

China hurls accusations at the United States on the Taiwan issue

Taiwan came center stage in the sidelines of the recent United Nations General Assembly in New York. The focus of talks between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, was Taiwan. During the nearly 90 minutes of talks, described as “direct and honest,” China accused the United States of sending “very wrong, dangerous signals” with relation to Taiwan. The Chinese side also added that Washington had “no right to interfere” in how Beijing wants to “resolve” the issue. The American said it was important to maintenance peace and stability across the Strait. However, China insists that the issue pertaining to Taiwan is an internal matter of China and the United States should not interfere. US sending ‘dangerous signals’ on Taiwan, China tells Blinken. Tensions over Taiwan increased subsequent to a visit in August by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Subsequently, China conducted large-scale military drills in the region. More recently, US President Joe Biden pledged to defend the island that is governed democratically.

The foreign ministry of China had a similar message for foreign minister James Cleverly of the United Kingdom. This was also on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York. The message was that the UK should “honour its one-China commitment and unequivocally oppose ‘Taiwan independence.’ China looks at Taiwan as one of its provinces and wants to bring it under its control. The government of Taiwan objects to the sovereignty claims of China and says it is up to the people to decide its future. Incidentally, Chinese leader Xi Jinping talked to Joe Biden in July over the phone and said - “those who play with fire will perish by it.” There are possibilities that the two leaders could meet on the sidelines of a G20 meeting in November.

Friday, September 9, 2022

North Korea declares itself as a nuclear weapons state

Kim Jong-un described the decision of declaring itself as a nuclear weapons state ‘irreversible.’ He also ruled out any possibility of reopening talks on denuclearization. The law emphasizes the country's right to go in for a pre-emptive nuclear strike to protect itself. During the tenure of Donald Trump as the president of the United States, there were talks on this subject but Donald and Kim could not arrive at an acceptable solution. Later, the Joe Biden administration tried to reopen the subject but there has not been much progress. In spite of facing crippling international sanctions, the North carried out six nuclear tests between 2006 and 2017. North Korea declares itself a nuclear weapons state. Pyongyang has continued to increase its military capability. This was a breach of United Nations Security Council resolutions. It meant threat to its neighbors and possibilities of bringing the United States mainland within striking range.

Incidentally, Kim Jong-un conducted long-range launches and nuclear tests in 2019. There were summits with the then US president Donald Trump that grabbed headlines but provided no result. Talks between the countries have since stalled. The Biden administration indicated its willingness to talk. It has reviewed its North Korea policy last year and reiterated that "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula was the goal. President Biden indicated he would pursue it with a mix of diplomacy and "stern deterrence." To this, Kim Jong-un said his country must prepare for both "dialogue and confrontation."

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

A mass stabbing incident in Canada left ten people dead and at least 15 others injured

The incident of mass stabbings in the Saskatchewan province of Canada happened in an indigenous community. Ten people lost their lives and at least another 15 were injured. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the attacks took place at a number of locations. The police have identified two suspects and are investigating 13 crime scenes. It seems they were travelling in a black Nissan Rogue. Preliminary investigations tend to indicate that the suspects had targeted some of the victims while others appear to be random attacks. Many of the injured victims moved to hospitals on their own. Ten dead and at least 15 injured after stabbing attacks in Canada, as suspects still at large. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the incidents as "horrific and heartbreaking." Scott Moe the premier of the province, went to a social media platform and said - he had no words to "adequately describe the pain and loss caused by this senseless violence."

Leaders of the indigenous community of James Smith Cree Nation and others in the nearby village of Weldon feel these attacks might be drug related. The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations represents the 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The federation says -“This is the destruction we face when harmful illegal drugs invade our communities." Incidentally, mass killings are common in the United States across the southern border. These stabbings rank among the deadliest mass killings in the history of modern Canada. The Saskatchewan Health Authority informed that patients were under treatment. Among the dead were a mother-of-two and a 77-year-old man. A neighbor described him as a person who loved his cats and extended his helping hand to others. There were crowds in the area because of a Canadian Football League game that was under way in a nearby venue.

Sunday, September 4, 2022

China warns America of "counter-measures" following huge arms sale to Taiwan

The Biden administration approved a huge arms sale to Taiwan. China is seeing red. It has warned the United States of "counter-measures" following the approval of the arms sales to Taiwan. An official of the Chinese embassy said China was "firmly opposed" to the sales. It feels such an action will "severely jeopardize China-US relations and peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." Washington should take action to revoke them immediately. The proposed arms sale includes anti-ship and air-to-air missiles. The State Department explained that the sales are in conformity with a longstanding US policy of providing defensive weapons to Taiwan and described the "swift provision" of such arms as being "essential for Taiwan's security." China, on its part, accused the US of interfering in what it sees as its internal affairs. Taiwan is a self-governing democracy but China claims it to be a part of its territory. It has also vowed to "reunify" the island with the Chinese mainland. They want to do it forcibly, if necessary. China warns of 'counter-measures' as US approves $1.1bn arms sales to Taiwan.

Tensions between the United States and China have increased after spiked the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan last month. China had warned Pelosi against making the trip but she went ahead with the visit. China responded by ordering military drills around the island after her departure. As to the latest arms sale to it, Taiwan expressed thanks to the US government. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the country’s determination to defend itself is extremely firm. Incidentally, Taiwan's military recently shot down a drone that was hovering over one of its island outposts just off the Chinese coast on Thursday. Subsequently, Taiwan had to take action to warn off drones hovering over three of the islands it occupies off the coast of the Chinese port city of Xiamen.

Friday, August 26, 2022

South Korea updates operational plans to counter nuclear and missile threats from the North

During his first visit to a military bunker in the capital Seoul, South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol said that this would serve as a command post in the event of a war. He gave orders for an update of the military's operational plans. This is necessary for his country to address the growing nuclear and missile threats of the North. His visit was significant because it coincided with the beginning of military drills by the armed forces of South Korea and the United States. These would be the largest in years. Renamed as Ulchi Freedom Shield these would conclude on Sep 1. The exercises involve the first field training between the two militaries since 2017. These were subsequently scaled back amid the COVID-19 pandemic and an effort to improve relations with North Korea. South Korea's Yoon orders update of war plans over North Korea's threats. President Yoon made it clear that the current drills were conducted under a changed scenario. He also added that the operational plans reflect North Korea's evolving threats.

During his visit, the President told commanders that there is an urgent need to ensure safety of the lives and properties of the people. These would include updating operational plans against nuclear and missile threats of North Korea. He also mentioned that these are gradually becoming a reality. Another point he made referred to the so-called "Kill Chain" system. Its design can launch preemptive strikes against the missiles of North Korea in case of an imminent attack. This year, its missile tests are progressing at an unprecedented pace. It seems it is ready to conduct its first nuclear test since 2017 at short notice. Last week it launched two cruise missiles from the west coast.

Friday, August 19, 2022

Trade talks between the United States and Taiwan take off in spite of China’s attitude

Washington and Taipei have reached an agreement to push ahead with trade talks. It would signal the beginning of the US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. The intention is to improve trade and advance common standards, especially in areas like anti-corruption policy and environmental regulations. This initiative between the United States and Taiwan is against the background of heightened tensions with China. It pertains to the status of the self-ruled island. The first round of talks could happen within two to three months. As an official explained, the plan would cover the eleven trade areas in the negotiating mandate. These would pave the way to create a fairer, more prosperous and resilient 21st century economy. US and Taiwan announce trade talks amid tensions with China. US President Joe Biden excluded the democratic island from the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). Observers feel this Asia-focused economic initiative would curb the growing influence of China as a rising military power and the world’s second-largest economy. Incidentally, China is the biggest trading partner of most of the region’s major economies, including Taiwan.

The talks between the US and Taiwan did not go down well with China. It had conducted military exercises when US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan recently. At a regular press conference, an official of the commerce ministry said China opposed the talks and would take all necessary measures to uphold its sovereignty, security and development interests. China treats Taiwan as a province that must be “reunified” with the mainland. It wants to achieve this by force, if necessary. China accused the US of trying to overturn decades of diplomatic policy concerning the status of Taiwan. During the Nixon-era, Washington did not accord recognition to Taiwan as an independent country or China’s territory. However, the US is obliged to extend assistance to Taiwan in order to defend itself under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Bomb blast in a mosque in Kabul during evening prayers kills many

A bomb blast in the Siddiquiya Mosque in the northern Kabul neighborhood of Khair Khanna killed many worshippers. It happened during evening prayers and the authorities have yet to confirm the exact number of deaths. Initial reports say the blast killed at least three people and left dozens of others wounded. Italian non-governmental organization NGO Emergency operates a hospital in the capital. It said it had 27 patients wounded in the blast. Three of them are dead and five of the wounded were children. A security official revealed to a section of the media that 20 people lost their lives in the blast and 40 others suffered injuries. A spokesman of the Taliban government confirmed people have died but did not specify the number of casualties. Several killed in explosion at mosque in Kabul. The official wrote on Twitter - “The murderers of civilians and perpetrators … will soon be punished for their crimes.”

A spokesman of the Kabul police confirmed - “A blast happened inside a mosque … the blast has casualties, but the numbers are not clear yet.” Witnesses revealed to the media about the blast that shattered windows in nearby buildings. Intelligence teams arrived at the site of the blast and the matter is under investigation. The Taliban took over in August last year after the withdrawal of United States-led NATO forces. The de-facto government of the Taliban has yet to be recognized by the world. The Taliban asserts that it has made the nation secure but Afghanistan continues to witness regular attacks by armed groups. Militant groups commit many of these. Last week, a bomb attack killed a prominent Taliban religious leader at a seminary in Kabul. The ISIL (ISIS) armed group claimed responsibility for the attack. Earlier, in June, there was an attack on a Sikh temple in Kabul in which two people were killed.

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North Korea reactivates its missile programs

After a brief lull, North Korea appears to have reactivated its missile program. It seems the North fired two cruise missiles towards the sea off its west coast recently. The country has been pursuing its missile programs in spite of sanctions against it by the global community. This had been imposed in order restrict the nuclear ambitions of the hermit kingdom and maintain peace in the Korean Peninsula. However, North Korea appears to be determined to pursue the testing of its missiles irrespective of consequences. The latest launch appears to be the first one by the secretive country since 8 June. At that time, it had conducted test of eight short-range ballistic missiles. North Korea fires two cruise missiles as South Korea leader calls for diplomacy. This comes even as South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed concern over the weapons program of its neighbor. The president of South Korea called for diplomatic procedures in an effort to create an atmosphere of sustainable peace.

During a news conference, President Yoon Suk-yeol made it clear that he was not in favor of bringing any political change in the North by force. Simultaneously, he urged North Korea to return to dialogue that would open the doors towards denuclearization. Such a step would result in economic benefits. Incidentally, Kim Jong-un, the leader of the North, has claimed about mobilizing his country’s nuclear war deterrent. He has also added that North Korea was prepared for any potential military conflicts with not only the United States but also South Korea. He went to the extent of criticizing the new president Yoon Suk-yeol for the first time and cautioned that Seoul was pushing towards the brink of war.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Tension increases between the U.S. and China on Taiwan - Chinese warplanes visible

At present, Taiwan is self-ruled. However, in the opinion of China, it sees it as a breakaway province and in due course of time, it will reunite. Hence, China views the visit of US Speaker Nancy Pelosi with concern. She is the senior most US politician to visit the country in the last 25 years. She has already met Tsai Ing, President of Taiwan and China has condemned it. Her message is that America would remain beside Taiwan. This is in spite of China saying that the US would have to face consequences for the visit. Referring to the Taiwan Relations Act, Pelosi reminded that America had promised to support Taiwan. She reaffirmed that America will not abandon the commitment to Taiwan. Taiwan: Nancy Pelosi meets President Tsai to Beijing's fury.

Relation between Washington and Beijing has always been tense. Beijing views the visit of Pelosi as another sign of support for Taiwan. The President of Taiwan and Nancy Pelosi praised each other. Even as the US plane landed, Chinese military jets were visible around Taiwan. Initially, Taiwan denied that but later admitted that Chinese military planes had entered its air defense zone. Within a short time of Nancy’s arrival, China revealed that the People's Liberation Army would conduct live military drills in the air and at sea around Taiwan. That could lead to tension in the region.

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Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Russia admits to loss of more than 1,300 troops in the month long war in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin insists on calling the conflict in Ukraine as a “special military operation.” It began on Feb. 24 and Russia has finally admitted to loos of its forces. U S News says more than 1,300 Russian troops have been killed. However, the figures are much less than the assessment of Western powers and Kyiv. Incidentally, an official of the Russian Ministry of Defense indicated the state would take care of rehabilitation of the families of soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Casualties will be there during wars and the United States. had lost 7,000 troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan. That was across two decades.

Russia conducted different methods to subdue Ukraine. However, it seems various issues have bogged down the plans. Some of these are a depletion of Russian armaments coupled with effective defenses of Ukraine. Putin took a decision to use more indiscriminate weaponry and siege tactics against dense civilian centers like Mariupol and the capital Kyiv. These have led to increased civilian casualties. There are concerns in some quarters about Russia going in for chemical weapons or biological warfare. It seems Putin could induct foreign fighters to carry out such attacks.

Source - U S News 25 March 2022.

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Friday, March 11, 2022

Claims and counter claims on chemical weapons in the Ukraine-Russia conflict

Ukraine claim its forces have seized items related to chemical warfare from Russian troops. The items are gas masks. The seizure is after the West warned about possibility of use of chemical weapons by Russia in its barbaric invasion. The Ministry of Defense brought forward images of the captured equipment. These included World War II era helmets and other items of the military. On the other hand, a spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry claimed that Ukraine was running biological weapons labs with support from the United States. The West has dismissed these allegations.

The invasion is into its third week and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the threat of Russian forces deploying chemical weapons is “very real.” There are fears of Russia using chemical weapons. This is borne out by the masks that Russia has issued to its troops. Prime Minister of Britain Boris Johnson echoed the concerns of Zelensky. The Prime Minister said Russia is preparing a “fake story.” it wants to deny using such weapons and blame the West. Russia has already accused Ukraine of a chemical weapons strike without providing any evidence. Officials believe the accusation could be an excuse for launching their own attack. Russia has a stockpile of chemical weapons but these have not been in combat for decades.

Source -

dailymail.co.uk dated 11/3/2022

Saturday, October 15, 2016

Indications are there that both United States and Russia are preparing for war

If recent indications are anything to go by, it is evident that tensions between the US and Russia have escalated to their worst levels since the Cold War - both sides appear to be preparing for conflict. Moscow has been prepping up its civilians for potential war by instructing them to check on the availability of bomb shelters and gas masks.
This has been reported in dailymail.co.uk dated 15 October 2016.

These instructions are believed to have been in response to news that CIA is preparing for a possible cyber attack on the Kremlin to embarrass its leadership. In the opinion of defense experts, Russia is not keen on war but is actually throwing its weight around to deter western countries from intervening with its bombing in Syria.
It is understood that Kremlin has taken the help of its state-sponsored television to guide citizens on how to prepare in the event of an attack on Russian soil. Among some important activities for civilians are to familiarize themselves with the nearest bomb shelters and clarifying which government bodies would take command in the breakout of war.
These developments are against the backdrop of the administration of US President Barack Obama preparing for a possible cyber strike on the Kremlin to ensure that Russian hackers are not able to interfere with the Presidential vote in November. It seems the CIA has already begun opening cyber doors, selecting targets and making other preparations for an operation.

Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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