After retreat, Ukraine digs in to repel new Russian attacks in east
Kyiv, Ukraine Reuters Ukraine’s military said on Monday its troops had taken up new defensive positions in the east after retreating from the captured town of Avdiivka and were repelling Russian attempts to develop the offensive thrust. Russia took full control of devastated Avdiivka after Kyiv’s troops withdrew over the weekend, handing the Kremlin its […]
Ukraine leaves part of Avdiivka, says there is no strategic win for Russia
Kyiv, Ukraine Reuters Ukraine’s military said it had withdrawn outnumbered troops from the south-eastern part of the city of Avdiivka amid escalating battles, adding that the decision provided no strategic advantage for Russia. Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, the commander of Ukraine’s south-eastern sector, said on Telegram Ukrainian units pulled back with minor losses. A Ukrainian serviceman walks […]
Interpreters for German troops in Mali seek Berlin protection as pull-out looms
Berlin, GermanyReuters Interpreters for German forces in Mali have asked Berlin for protection for themselves and their families as the troops prepare to pull out by the end of the year, the defence ministry in Berlin said on Wednesday. The Bundeswehr has deployed some 1,000 troops in Mali where their main task has been reconnaissance […]
Russia is still building up troops near Ukraine, say US and NATO
Moscow, Russia/Kyiv, UkraineReuters The United States and NATO said Russia was still building up troops around Ukraine on Wednesday despite Moscow’s insistence it was pulling back, questioning President Vladimir Putin’s stated desire to negotiate a solution to the crisis. In Ukraine, where people raised flags and played the national anthem to show unity against fears […]
Russian troops to quit Kazakhstan, says President, taking aim at the elite
Nur-Sultan, KazakhstanReuters Russian-led forces will begin withdrawing from Kazakhstan in two days’ time after stabilising the Central Asian nation following serious unrest, the President said on Tuesday, in a speech that took aim at wealthy associates of his predecessor. In a video call with parliament after putting down what he has called an attempted coup, […]
Essay: In Afghanistan, we made the same mistakes as in Vietnam
US Catholic commentator THOMAS REESE, in an article first published on Religion News Service, says it’s time America realised its military cannot solve every problem in the world…
US says it is up to Afghans to defend country as Taliban take more territory
Kabul, AfghanistanReuters The United States said it was up to Afghan security forces to defend the country after Taliban militants captured a sixth provincial capital on Monday, along with border towns and trade routes. President Joe Biden has said the US military mission in Afghanistan will end on 31st August, arguing that the Afghan people […]
Canada vows to resettle Afghan interpreters, citing threat from Taliban
Toronto, CanadaReuters Canada announced it would resettle Afghan interpreters, embassy staff and their families amid a “dynamic and deteriorating” situation in Afghanistan, saying they had become targets for the Taliban. “Canada is here to support those who supported us,” Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said on Friday, adding that “several thousand” people would be eligible and […]
UN readies for more displaced Afghans after troop withdrawal
United NationsReuters The United Nations is preparing for a likely further displacement of civilians in Afghanistan after US and international troops leave the country in September, UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi told Reuters on Monday. Violence has been rising as foreign forces begin withdrawing and efforts to broker a peace settlement between the Afghan Government […]
Many Afghans feel US is leaving them at mercy of resurgent Taliban
Kabul, AfghanistanReuters Many Afghans believe that the United States is putting them at the mercy of hardline Islamist Taliban insurgents after President Joe Biden’s announcement that US troops will leave the country by 11th September. The withdrawal date was pushed back four months from the 1st May deadline agreed to between the Washington and the […]