All articles tagged with #military activity
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration warned airlines about possible military activities in parts of Latin America that could disrupt flight routes, advising operators to monitor conditions and be prepared to adjust paths or schedules as needed.
Multiple explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported in Caracas, Venezuela, with the government accusing the US of attacking military and civilian sites, amid heightened US-Venezuela tensions and military activity in the region.
The IAEA reports ongoing efforts to repair critical power lines at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant amid damage from military activity, highlighting the continued vulnerability of nuclear safety in the region and ongoing international assistance to Ukraine for environmental and health impacts of the conflict.
Poland closed airspace near Lublin and Rzeszow due to unplanned military activity related to Russian strikes on Ukraine, prompting aircraft to scramble for security, with the closure lasting until at least 0400 GMT on Sunday.
U.S. fighter jets have been scrambled multiple times this week to track Russian reconnaissance planes near Alaska within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, a routine activity that does not threaten U.S. or Canadian sovereignty, amid increasing Russian military activity in the Arctic region.
Israel has paused its military operations at Gaza aid sites amid escalating concerns over starvation and casualties, as the region faces ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked four Russian warplanes flying in international airspace near Alaska. The Russian aircraft, including two Tu-95 bombers escorted by SU-30SM fighter jets, remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. While this activity is not seen as a threat, it comes amid increased military activity in the region, including a previous joint Chinese and Russian operation near Alaska. NORAD uses a layered defense network to monitor North American airspace 24/7.
The Iraqi terror group Kata’ib Hezbollah, responsible for a fatal attack on US troops in Jordan, has announced a suspension of military activity in the region under pressure from Iran and the Iraqi government. President Biden has vowed to respond to the attack, which left three soldiers dead and around 30 injured. Iraqi Prime Minister's intervention and pressure from Iran led to the group's decision. Meanwhile, Iran has warned of a response to any US attack, and Biden has stated that he has decided on a response but has not provided details.
Taiwan reported the sighting of six Chinese balloons flying over or near its airspace, along with the presence of Chinese warplanes and navy ships in the area. The purpose of these balloons remains unclear, but they are seen as part of China's campaign of intimidation against Taiwan. This comes amid heightened tensions following Taiwan's presidential election and reflects China's ongoing efforts to assert its territorial claims.
Taiwan's defense ministry reported 18 Chinese air force planes conducting "joint combat readiness patrols" with Chinese warships around Taiwan, marking the first major military activity after the recent election. China, which considers Taiwan its own territory, has regularly sent warplanes and warships near the island to assert sovereignty claims. The US urged China to show restraint and not use the election as a pretext for escalation, while a source familiar with the Biden administration's thinking suggested that Beijing may gradually increase pressure on Taiwan in the coming months. Taiwan's president-elect, Lai Ching-te, has expressed willingness to engage in talks with China but has been rebuffed, emphasizing that only Taiwan's people can determine its future.
North Korea fired shots into the sea near Yeonpyeong Island, which is located north of South Korea, according to a report by Yonhap news agency citing South Korea's military. The incident adds to the ongoing tensions between the two Koreas.
Taiwan's military is closely monitoring a Chinese naval formation led by the aircraft carrier Shandong as it sails through the sensitive Taiwan Strait. The formation entered the strait on Wednesday, sailing in a northerly direction while keeping to the Chinese side of the waterway's median line. Taiwan has dispatched appropriate forces to keep watch, and the Chinese carrier group is continuing to sail northwards. China claims sovereignty over the Taiwan Strait, which is disputed by Taiwan and the United States. China has increased military activity near Taiwan in response to perceived collusion between Taiwan and the United States.
Taiwan's defense ministry reported that 15 Chinese air force planes, including fighter jets and drones, entered Taiwan's air defense zone on Thursday morning. The Chinese aircraft were accompanying warships conducting "combat readiness patrols" and drills. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has consistently raised concerns about Chinese military activity near the island.
China sent a record-breaking 103 warplanes towards Taiwan in a 24-hour period, according to Taiwan's defense ministry. While Chinese warplanes frequently approach the island, this recent surge in activity is seen as a new high. China has been conducting large military drills near Taiwan as tensions between the two nations, as well as with the United States, continue to rise. The recent military actions may be an attempt to influence Taiwan's upcoming presidential election in January. Taiwan's defense ministry called the Chinese military activity "harassment" and urged China to cease such actions.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported hearing numerous explosions near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), raising concerns about potential threats to nuclear safety and security. The IAEA team has observed maintenance activities at the plant, which remains in a precarious situation due to the ongoing conflict in the region. The ZNPP has reduced personnel and is expanding access to alternative water sources for cooling purposes. The IAEA emphasizes the importance of all parties adhering to the principles for protecting the ZNPP and urges precautions to prevent a nuclear accident.