Tokyo, June 13 (IANS) Japan on Friday condemned Israel’s action against Iran, urging the parties…

Haikou, June 13 (IANS) Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated to safety in…

New Delhi, June 13 (IANS) In a significant push to strengthen New Delhi’s broader outreach in East and Central Asia, India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Friday held a meeting with Brigadier General Gankhuyag Devadorj, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Mongolia, during his ongoing visit to Ulaanbaatar. The discussions marking a growing convergence in strategic interests between India and Mongolia spanned a wide range of strategic issues to bolster defence ties, laying special emphasis on collaboration in new and emerging technology domains aimed at further strengthening India-Mongolia defence ties.The meeting was held on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the 17th edition of the India-Mongolia joint military exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’.”Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar presided over the closing ceremony of the India-Mongolia joint military exercise Nomadic Elephant in Ulaanbaatar as Guest of Honour. He was accompanied by Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Mongolia Brigadier General Baatar Baljid; Ambassador of India to Mongolia Atul M Gotsurve; and Director General, Operational Logistics & Strategic Movement Lieutenant General Puspendra Singh. He lauded the professionalism of Indian and Mongolian troops, calling the exercise a symbol of growing defence cooperation and shared commitment to regional peace,” the Ministry of Defence posted on X.The joint military exercise was conducted in Ulaanbaatar from May 31 to June 13. The last edition of the exercise was held in Meghalaya’s Umroi, last year.Meanwhile, India has also deployed a 40-member Army contingent to Ulaanbaatar for the Multinational Military Exercise ‘Khaan Quest’ , scheduled from June 14 to 28. The Indian team primarily includes troops from a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, along with personnel from other arms and services.Notably, the contingent also includes one woman officer and two women soldiers, underscoring India’s focus on gender inclusion in defence operations. Aim of the exercise is to prepare the Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions while operating in a multinational environment, thereby increasing interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.The exercise will focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills. This includes establishment of static and mobile check points; Cordon and search operations; Patrolling; Evacuation of civilians from hostile areas; Counter Improvised Explosive Device drills, and Combat first aid and casualty evacuation, among others.”Exercise Khaan Quest will enable the participating countries to share their best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for conduct of joint operations. The exercise will facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of the participating countries,” the Ministry of Defence stated.–IANSsas/as

Seoul, June 13 (IANS) South Korea on Friday issued special travel advisories for Israel and parts of Iran amid escalating military tension between the two Middle East adversaries.The Foreign Ministry upgraded the existing Level 2 advisories in Israel and parts of Iran to Level 2.5 following Israel’s strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear programme and military sites.The special advisory calls for South Korean citizens to cancel or postpone their trips to Israel and parts of Iran and flee to a safe country unless travel is absolutely necessary.The Level 2.5 advisory is issued in cases of urgent security risks to travellers and can be maintained for up to 90 days.Existing Level 3 advisories, which recommend departure, remain in effect for Israel’s West Bank region and Iran’s border areas with Turkey and Iraq, as well as parts of Iran’s western coastal provinces.Travel to Israel’s northern border with Lebanon and the Gaza Strip remains prohibited, Yonhap news agency reported.The Seoul government expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East.”We express serious concern over the sharp rise in tensions in the Middle East following Israel’s attacks on Iran and strongly condemn all actions that destabilise the region,” a ministry spokesperson said in a statement. “The South Korean government urges all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint to help de-escalate the situation.”The Foreign Ministry said there has been no damage to South Korean nationals related to Israel’s attack on Iran. About 100 South Koreans are currently staying in Iran.The Philippine Embassy in Israel also advised Filipinos to stay inside their homes, to be vigilant, and to seek shelter or a safe room in case a missile alert is issued by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).The Embassy issued the advisory after Israel attacked Iran early Friday in air strikes that targeted the country’s military installations.”For your safety, stay alert, and keep track of urgent emergency alerts,” the advisory read.There are over 30,000 Filipinos in Israel, according to data from the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs.–IANSint/jk/vd

Manila, June 13 (IANS) The Philippine Embassy in Israel on Friday advised Filipinos to stay inside their homes, to be vigilant, and to seek shelter or a safe room in case a missile alert is issued by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).The Embassy issued the advisory after Israel attacked Iran early Friday in air strikes that targeted the country’s military installations.”For your safety, stay alert, and keep track of urgent emergency alerts,” the advisory read.There are over 30,000 Filipinos in Israel, according to data from the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, Xinhua news agency reported.Earlier, the US Department of State took to social media and advised, “We remind US citizens in Israel and the broader Middle East region of the continued need for caution and encourage them to monitor the news for breaking developments. US citizens should know the location of the nearest shelter in the event of hostilities.”Advisory also shared some measures to take during Israel-Iran war.”Actions to Take: Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. Avoid all areas where there is a heavy police presence. Monitor local media. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Contact your airline directly for flight change details if your flight is affected. Exercise caution and stay alert at locations publicly associated with the United States. Keep a low profile. Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme,” the advisory stated.The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv has also issued an urgent advisory to Indian nationals currently in the country, urging them to stay vigilant, avoid non-essential movement, and follow local safety instructions.In its message on social media, the Indian mission stressed the importance of caution and preparedness for Indian citizens residing or travelling in Israel.“In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the Israeli authorities and home front command. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country and stay close to safety shelters,” the Embassy of India in Israel wrote in a post on X.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday announced that Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat of nuclear weapons to Israel’s very survival.–IANSint/jk/as

Tel Aviv, June 13 (IANS) Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets, guided by precise intelligence,…

Jerusalem, June 13 (IANS) Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa’ar continues to hold a “marathon of calls” with his counterparts around the world after the launch of ‘Operation Rising Lion’ by Israel Defence Forces (IDF) against Iran to remove the “Iranian threat of annihilation”, the country’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

One of the first conversations Sa’ar held early Friday morning was with German Foreign Minister Wadephul. Sa’ar informed his German counterpart of the unanimous Cabinet decision and the subsequent IDF action.”We made this decision at the last possible minute, after all other avenues had been exhausted. The whole world saw and understood that the Iranians were not ready to stop and we had to stop them. The latest IAEA report illustrated the serious Iranian violations. We know that challenging days lie ahead, but we have no other choice,” Sa’ar told the German Foreign Minister.Later, Sa’ar held a phone call with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.”Foreign Minister Sa’ar informed his Italian counterpart about the Cabinet’s decision to act to stop Iran’s plan to eliminate Israel and about the IDF’s operation in Iran. The two also discussed the Gaza issue. Minister Sa’ar said during the conversation that Israel is also interested in reaching a hostage deal – something Hamas has so far rejected,” read a statement issued by the Israeli Foreign Ministry after the call.Also, under the direction of Sa’ar, the Foreign Ministry has begun to operate in an emergency format and has opened an emergency situation room to operate all of Israel’s missions around the world.”Israel’s missions will operate diplomatically and through the media in all arenas to enable diplomatic legitimacy for the military operation,” the statement added.Meanwhile, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog said on Friday that the country has the “inherent right” and the “solemn duty” to defend itself and will always do so with determination and clarity.”Last night, Israel launched a targetted operation to neutralize an immediate and existential threat to our people. The international community has seen how over the last decades, the Iranian regime — at the helm of a global terror empire — has continued to radicalize and destabilize the region with its proxies, while working relentlessly to advance its military nuclear capabilities, and expand its ballistic missile arsenal,” said the Israeli President.He stated that Iran’s leaders have made no secret of their openly repeated intention to annihilate Israel and for years, the regime has prepared to turn that vision into reality.”Israel has the inherent right and the solemn duty to defend itself — and will always do so with determination and clarity. We sincerely hope that this will change the trajectory of our region towards a more peaceful and prosperous future,” Herzog remarked.Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel has launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat of nuclear weapons to Israel’s very survival.He asserted that the operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.“In recent months, Iran has taken steps that it has never taken before, steps to weaponise this enriched uranium. If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time. It could be a year. It could be within a few months, less than a year. This is a clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival,” Netanyahu said in a video statement.–IANSint/as

Jerusalem, June 13 (IANS) Iran had launched more than 100 drones towards Israel following the Israel Air Force’s attacks on the country early Friday morning, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Effie Defrin said in a video statement. According to several Israeli media outlets, the drones would take hours to reach Israeli territory if not intercepted beforehand.The IDF said in a statement that Israel’s operation resulted in the killing of the three most senior Iranian military commanders: chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces Mohammad Bagheri, chief commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Hossein Salami, and commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Gholam Ali Rashid.It added that more than 200 air force fighter jets, guided by intelligence, struck more than 100 targets across Iran with 330 munitions. These targets include the hideouts of senior Iranian military commanders, Xinhua news agency reported.Israel launched major airstrikes against Iran in the early hours of Friday morning, significantly escalating tensions in the region and raising the spectre of a broader conflict between the long-standing rivals.The attacks come amid its mounting concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme and its perceived threat to Israeli national security.In a televised statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had initiated a “targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.””This operation will take as long as is needed to complete the task of fending off the threat of annihilation against us,” Netanyahu added.The offensive was further confirmed by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who described it as a “preemptive strike” aimed at neutralising imminent threats. In response to the heightened risk, Katz also announced a special state of emergency across Israel to ensure national preparedness and civilian safety.Iranian state media reported that loud explosions were heard in several parts of the capital, Tehran, during the early morning hours on Friday.IRIB, Iran’s state broadcaster, noted that the source of the blasts had not yet been officially identified, though speculation is mounting that the Israeli strikes may have targeted military infrastructure or nuclear-related facilities.–IANSint/jk/vd

Riyadh, June 13 (IANS) Several Arab countries on Friday issued strong condemnation of Israel’s attack on Iran early on Friday, which has significantly escalated tensions in the region and raised the spectre of a broader conflict between the long-standing rivals.”The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms. While the Kingdom condemns these heinous attacks, it affirms that the international community and the Security Council bear a great responsibility to immediately halt this aggression,” read a statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The attacks come amid mounting concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme and its perceived threat to Israeli national security.In a televised statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel had initiated a “targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival.”The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stressed the importance of exercising the utmost self-restraint and judgment to mitigate risks and prevent the expansion of the conflict.”The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms Israel’s military targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and expressed its deep concern over the ongoing escalation and its repercussions on regional security and stability,” read the statement“The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s position that enhancing dialogue, adhering to international law, and respecting the sovereignty of states constitute essential principles for resolving the current crises. The UAE emphasised the need to resolve disputes through diplomatic means rather than confrontation and escalation, and called on the United Nations Security Council to take urgent and necessary measures to achieve a ceasefire, and to reinforce international peace and security,” it added.Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to shoulder responsibility in halting the violations to preserve security and stability in the region.”The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the State of Kuwait’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran, which constitute a flagrant violation of all international laws and conventions, constitute a blatant assault on Iranian sovereignty, and endanger the security and stability of the region. The State of Kuwait renews its call to the international community, particularly the Security Council, to shoulder their responsibilities in halting these violations in a manner that preserves the security and stability of the region,” the Ministry said in a statement.Condemning the attack, Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that the escalating tensions threaten the security and stability of the region.”The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan strongly condemned the Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, describing it as a blatant violation of the sovereignty of a member state of the United Nations and a clear breach of the rules of international law and the United Nations Charter,” said the Jordan Foreign Ministry.”The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ambassador Sufian Al-Qudah, warned of the repercussions of such escalatory violations, which threaten the security and stability of the region and heighten tensions. Al-Qudah reiterated the need to respect international law and the responsibility of the international community—especially the UN Security Council—to take urgent action to stop these aggressions, prevent their recurrence, and reach solutions that avoid further tension and escalation,” it added.–IANSint/scor/rs/vd

Jakarta, June 13 (IANS) The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday strongly condemned Israel’s strike on Iran, calling it a breach of law that undermines the very foundations of the international legal system.”The attack risks exacerbating existing regional tensions and could potentially trigger a broader conflict,” the ministry stated via its official social media account on Friday.Indonesia urged all parties to demonstrate the greatest moderation and avoid acts that might exacerbate tensions or cause additional instability.The government stressed that all nations must resolve their issues peacefully in conformity with international law, Xinhua news agency reported.In response to the situation, the Indonesian Embassy in Tehran continues to communicate with Indonesian nationals in Iran and advises them to call the embassy hotline immediately in case of an emergency.Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat of nuclear weapons to Israel’s very survival.He asserted that the operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”In recent months, Iran has taken steps that it has never taken before, steps to weaponise this enriched uranium. If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time. It could be a year. It could be within a few months, less than a year. This is a clear and present danger to Israel’s very survival,” Netanyahu said in a video statement.The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed to have eliminated three of Iran’s top military leaders in overnight airstrikes that rocked multiple cities across the Islamic Republic.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday called Israel’s attack on Iran a ‘unilateral action’, asserting that the US had no involvement.The statement came after Israel launched major airstrikes against Iran in the early hours of Friday, significantly escalating tensions in the region and raising the spectre of a broader conflict between the long-standing rivals.The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv has also issued an urgent advisory to Indian nationals currently in the country, urging them to stay vigilant, avoid non-essential movement, and follow local safety instructions.–IANSint/jk/vd