All articles tagged with #mercenaries
A Guardian investigation reveals UK-linked companies, notably Zeuz Global registered in London, have facilitated the recruitment of Colombian mercenaries to fight with Sudan's paramilitary RSF, accused of war crimes and genocide, raising concerns over UK company oversight and international conflict involvement.
Videos suggest that around 20,000 Cuban nationals have been recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine as mercenaries, with many living in poverty and lured by promises of higher pay, although the Cuban government denies involvement.
During WWII, American pilots and support personnel known as the Flying Tigers fought for China against Japan, becoming heroes and symbols of US-China cooperation, with their legacy still revered in China today, exemplified by their invitation to a WWII military parade in Beijing.
Sudanese forces destroyed an Emirati aircraft at Nyala airport in Darfur, killing 40 mercenaries, amid ongoing conflict involving the Sudanese army and RSF, with allegations of UAE support for mercenaries and military equipment, and reports of Colombian fighters fighting for the RSF.
Ukrainian President Zelensky reported that Russian forces in northeastern Ukraine include foreign mercenaries from countries such as China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and several African nations, prompting Ukraine to prepare a response. The presence of foreign fighters is part of Russia's broader recruitment efforts, with reports indicating thousands of foreign nationals participating in the conflict on both sides. Zelensky emphasized the importance of drone technology and troop recruitment in ongoing battles near the Russian border.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy claimed that foreign mercenaries from countries including China, Pakistan, and Africa are fighting for Russia in northeastern Ukraine and vowed to respond to their involvement.
The article argues that American private military contractors like UG Solutions operating in Gaza are effectively mercenaries, engaging in combat-like activities for personal gain and working for foreign entities, raising concerns about the ethical and legal implications of their involvement in conflict zones.
New footage reveals US mercenaries associated with UG Solutions firing warning shots at Gaza aid seekers, contradicting their claims of non-violence, and highlights the chaotic and unprofessional nature of their operations amid ongoing violence and international involvement.
The Wagner Group is leaving Mali after over three years of fighting Islamist insurgents, but Russia's presence remains through the Africa Corps, a paramilitary force also under Russian control, which will continue operations in the country.
Haiti's interim government reportedly hired Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, to help conduct lethal drone operations against gangs, raising concerns about foreign intervention, sovereignty, and the potential for violence and chaos in the country.
About 15,000 Nepali citizens are reportedly fighting on the side of Russian troops in Ukraine, receiving a monthly salary of at least $2,000. The Russian government had announced a lucrative package for foreign fighters, including expedited Russian passport acquisition. The Nepali government estimates around 200 citizens fighting for Russia, but opposition lawmakers and rights' campaigners claim the number is much higher. Families of these fighters are seeking help to locate their missing loved ones or bring them back home. The Nepali government has banned its citizens from traveling to Russia for work, and a racket involved in sending Nepali men to join the Russian army has been dismantled by Kathmandu police.
Thousands of Nepalis recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine have lost contact with their families, as the Russian government offers lucrative packages to foreign mercenaries. CNN's Matthew Chance spoke with former foreign fighters about their experiences and families who are struggling to reconnect with their loved ones.
France refuted Russia's claim of targeting French "mercenaries" in a strike on Kharkiv, Ukraine, stating it does not employ mercenaries and calling the claim a "clumsy Russian manipulation." Russia's defense ministry alleged killing foreign militants, including French mercenaries, in the attack, but provided no evidence. The strikes wounded 17 civilians and damaged residential and medical facilities in Kharkiv, which has been under persistent shelling since Russia's large-scale hostilities began in February 2022.
France denies Russia's claim of French mercenaries in Ukraine, stating that it only provides military support to Ukraine in compliance with international law. Russia's Ministry of Defence alleged that its forces had killed "foreign fighters" in Kharkiv, including French mercenaries, but provided no evidence. NATO's military committee chief criticized Russia's recent attacks in Ukraine as devastating but not militarily effective, while Ukraine warned of an ammunition shortage as its conflict with Russia nears the two-year mark.
France refutes Russia's assertion that French mercenaries were killed in a Russian strike in Ukraine, stating that it provides military support to Ukraine within the bounds of international law. Russia's defense ministry had claimed that it targeted a building housing "foreign fighters," mostly French mercenaries, in Kharkiv, resulting in over 60 casualties, but did not offer evidence to support the assertion.