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Ankara/Islamabad: Turkey and Pakistan are accelerating their defense cooperation, expanding beyond modernization of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet. Ankara is reportedly planning to set up a factory in Pakistan to assemble attack drones, signaling a significant boost in military collaboration between the two nations. According to Bloomberg sources, Turkey aims to establish a facility in Pakistan for assembling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for export. The project will include stealth-capable and long-endurance drone platforms, reflecting Ankara’s strategy to expand its rapidly growing defense industry into new markets. Officials familiar with the discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity, said negotiations have made significant progress since October. Defense Industry GrowthTurkey’s de...

Ankara: Turkey is preparing to make a major deal with the United States for F-35 fighter jets, potentially ending its controversial S-400 air defense program purchased from Russia. The move, confirmed by U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrett in Abu Dhabi, could have far-reaching implications for regional security, affecting countries from India to Israel. The S-400 system had long been the primary obstacle preventing Turkey from rejoining the F-35 program. Ambassador Barrett stated that Turkey has resolved operational issues with the S-400, although control over the system remains a sensitive point for the U.S. He expects the matter to be fully settled within four to six months. Strategic ImplicationsFor Turkey, the deal promises multiple benefits: Improved relations with the U.S., a key N...

Kabul/Islamabad: Tensions escalated once again along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as overnight clashes erupted between the Pakistani army and Afghan Taliban forces. Heavy gunfire was reported near the Durand Line on Friday night, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the attacks. According to Afghan media outlet TOLO News, at least four civilians were killed and four others injured in Pakistani shelling in Spin Boldak. The casualties occurred in Pakistan’s Majal Gali and Lukman villages. Among the injured, one man and one woman are reported to be in critical condition. Breaking the CeasefireThe Taliban accused Pakistan of launching unprovoked attacks, claiming that civilians were deliberately targeted. A Taliban spokesperson, Mujahid, said in a post, “Unfortunately, Pa...

Paris/Guadeloupe: Tragedy struck during Christmas celebrations in the French Caribbean territory of Guadeloupe, as a car rammed into a crowd in Sainte-Anne, turning festive cheer into mourning. At least 10 people have died, and around 10 others are injured, with three in critical condition. The incident occurred at Shoelcher Square, near the town hall and local church, where residents had gathered for Christmas preparations. Authorities are yet to confirm whether the incident was an accident or a deliberate attack. Witnesses told Radio Caribs International (RCI) that the driver may have experienced a medical emergency while driving. However, officials have not yet verified this theory. The driver remains at the scene. Firefighters, paramedics, and police officials have been deployed,...

Washington: A former U.S. Pentagon official has offered a striking analysis of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to India. According to him, the grand reception extended to Putin in New Delhi should not only be credited to Moscow but also to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The official went so far as to say that Trump deserves a Nobel Prize for his role in strengthening India-Russia ties. Michael Rubin, speaking to ANI, described Putin’s visit as highly successful from Russia’s perspective. He highlighted the unprecedented scale of respect and honor shown to the Russian president in India and emphasized that Trump played a significant role in bringing the two countries closer. Trump’s Nobel Worthy RoleRubin remarked, “The level of honor given to President Putin in I...

Russian President Vladimir Putin has decisively countered the narrative being pushed by Pakistan regarding the Afghan Taliban, emphasizing that their rule in Afghanistan is a reality that must be acknowledged. In an interview with India Today, Putin stated that the Taliban are actively fighting terrorism and have taken measures to curb opium production in the country. He also explained why Russia officially recognizes the Taliban government in Kabul. By highlighting the Taliban’s efforts against terrorist groups like ISIS and other extremist organizations, Putin has effectively undermined Islamabad’s repeated claims that the Taliban provide sanctuary to anti-Pakistan militant groups, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan has long accused Kabul of allowing TTP operative...

Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border escalated again on Friday night as heavy firing broke out, following failed peace talks earlier this week. Officials from both sides have confirmed the exchanges, although no casualties have been officially reported so far. The Afghan Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed that Taliban forces carried out attacks in Spin Boldak, Kandahar province, targeting Pakistani positions. Meanwhile, the Pakistani government accused Afghan forces of launching unprovoked attacks along the Chaman border. According to reports from Reuters, the situation forced the Pakistani army to abandon over 20 border posts, highlighting the intensity of the clashes. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, through spokesperson Musharraf Zaidi, stated that...

Islamabad: Pakistan has made history by appointing Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). President Asif Ali Zardari issued the official notification on Thursday following a recommendation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approving Munir for a five-year term. Dual Command: CDF and COAS According to the presidential office, Munir will simultaneously serve as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and CDF, consolidating the highest levels of military command in Pakistan. The notification states that “the summary submitted by the Prime Minister has been approved in accordance with paragraph 7,” formally confirming Munir’s dual appointment. The President’s office further clarified: “President Asif Ali Zardari has approved Field Marshal Syed Asim Muni...

Tel Aviv: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have struck decisively against Hamas fighters trapped in underground tunnels beneath Rafah in southern Gaza, killing approximately 40 militants, officials reported on Thursday. The tunnels, which stretch beneath Israeli-controlled areas, have long been a refuge for fighters. Israeli and American assessments suggest that nearly 200 Hamas militants may still be trapped in these underground networks, where they have been isolated for months. Some have emerged and were either killed in clashes with Israeli forces or surrendered. Failed Negotiations Washington and other intermediaries, including Egypt, had attempted to broker a deal allowing trapped Hamas fighters to exit safely in exchange for disarming. However, these negotiations collapsed....

The Trump administration has announced a significant tightening of US immigration rules, slashing the maximum duration of work permits from five years to just 18 months. The change applies to refugees and other legally protected immigrants seeking employment authorization in the United States. Reason for the Change According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the move aims to increase the frequency of security checks and ensure that foreign workers do not pose public safety risks or propagate anti-American sentiments. The announcement cites last week’s attack on two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. as a key factor highlighting the need for more regular oversight. USCIS Director Joseph Adlo emphasized that this step will allow the agency to monitor fo...