President Joe Biden recently made a significant decision regarding the shipment of US-made ammunition to Israel. The Biden administration paused the shipment, causing speculation and questions about the rationale behind this move.
A source familiar with the matter revealed that the pause in the ammunition shipment was not related to any potential Israeli operation in Rafah. Furthermore, the source clarified that this hold does not impact other shipments scheduled for the future.
National Security Council’s Response
When questioned about the paused shipment, a spokesperson from the National Security Council emphasized the ongoing commitment to providing security assistance to Israel. The spokesperson highlighted the extensive support the United States has offered to Israel in the wake of recent attacks and conflicts.
The spokesperson stated, “The United States has allocated billions of dollars in security assistance to Israel, passed emergency aid packages, and led coalitions to defend Israel against external threats. Our priority is to ensure Israel’s ability to protect itself from any potential dangers.”
Current Situation and Negotiations
Recent reports from Axios first brought attention to the paused ammunition shipment, sparking discussions about the implications of this decision. Despite the temporary hold, US officials have reiterated that there is no shift in policy towards Israel.
The ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, aim to reach a ceasefire agreement and address the issue of hostages held in Gaza. CIA Director Bill Burns has played a crucial role in these talks, emphasizing the importance of finding a peaceful resolution.
Challenges and Uncertainties
The complexities of the situation are evident as Israel and Hamas continue to engage in discussions over ceasefire terms. Both sides have expressed concerns and disagreements, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighting key points of contention.
The fluid nature of the negotiations underscores the challenges faced by all parties involved. The US remains committed to facilitating dialogue and promoting stability in the region, despite the ongoing tensions.
This evolving story reflects the dynamic nature of international relations and the delicate balance of power in the Middle East. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.
US Halts Ammunition Shipment to Israel in Response to Gaza Conflict
Russian Infantry Turning to Shotguns for Protection Against Ukrainian Drones
The Russian military’s anti-drone jammers have not been very effective. Russian military air defense systems are spread thinly to protect bases, factories and refineries hundreds of kilometers from the front line from Ukrainian drone attacks.
So how can the Russian infantry protect themselves from the approximately 100,000 suicide FPV (first person view) drones that Ukraine sends to Russian positions every month?
A shotgun is surprisingly not bad for this purpose. FPV drones, weighing around 900g, are about the size and flight speed of a bird. If you’re a quick shooter, you might be able to shoot an incoming FPV drone like a duck.
In fact, the Russian army issues shotguns to a small number of its soldiers to protect them from drones. But it is far from enough to protect the entire army of 400,000 in Ukraine. So at least one Russian soldier is begging fans in his home country to buy him a shotgun and send him to the front.
“Support us with pump firing guns.” Exhausted from battle, this soldier turned to his supporters.video messageThat’s what he claims. “It doesn’t matter how old it is.”
A Russian soldier is worried about Ukrainian FPV drones, asking his followers for help with a pump gun to counter them. pic.twitter.com/sV7B25c2q6
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) May 1, 2024
The soldiers’ pleas highlight Russia’s struggle to acquire large quantities of firearms through military channels and send them to front-line troops as anti-drone weapons.
As a last resort, at least one Russian military unit appears to be training soldiers to intercept incoming FPV drones. Obtained by Ukrainian drone expert Serhiy Beskrestnow and posted on social media.filmshows soldiers practicing running around and dodging drones. Some of the film is from a drone’s point of view.
“There are great-grandchildren[y milwyr o Rwsia yn yr Ail Ryfel Byd]following a ‘Ukrainian FPV course to avoid drones,’” Beskrestnow quipped.
The problem for Russia is that there are mountains of footage of Russian soldiers trying unsuccessfully to fend off incoming drones and dying in explosions.
FPV drones usually carry at least a 450g bomb. Samuel Bendet, a drone expert at CNA, a think tank in Virginia, says, “If an FPV drone explodes close, even if it misses the target, may cause injury or serious injury.’”makes comments.
A Russian soldier who asked for firearms also complained that Ukrainian drones were “just trying to burn us.” He said even if one plane exploded, “people would be torn apart.”
(Original text from forbes.com)
#Russian #military #units #drone #avoidance #training #soldiers #calling #guns #Forbes #JAPAN #Official #Site #Forbes #Japan
Related
Russian Infantry Turning to Shotguns for Protection Against Ukrainian Drones
The disastrous floods in southern Brazil
Loading player
From Saturday 27 April in Rio Grande do Sul, a state in the extreme south of Brazil near the border with Argentina, heavy rains and strong winds they are causing floods that are particularly difficult to manage. According to Brazilian authorities, at least 55 people have died due to floods and landslides caused by the rain, and police are investigating another seven deaths which also appear to be linked. Another person died in the neighboring state of Santa Catarina, also in the south of the country, after the car they were in was swept away by the current.
Seventy-four people are still missing, over 25 thousand have had to leave their homes and 500 thousand are left without access to electricity and a source of drinking water. In some areas the flooding is so severe that entire towns have been left completely isolated, with roads and bridges destroyed.
More than half of the 497 cities that make up the state were affected by the storm, but the situation is particularly complex in the Bento Gonçalves area, where a hydroelectric dam collapsed killing 30 people and another risks collapsing due to excessive rising of the water level. In Porto Alegre, the state capital, rescuers had to use jet skis to move along the streets in search of the missing. The city’s international airport has suspended all flights until further notice.
The governor of Rio Grande do Sul Eduardo Leite he said that the ongoing emergency is “absolutely unprecedented”: the Brazilian geological agency esteem that the only comparison is with the floods that hit this area in 1941. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva promised that “there will be no shortage of human and material resources to minimize the suffering that this extreme event is causing in the state.”
Further rain is expected in the coming days. Climatologist Francisco Eliseu Aquino he explained toFrance Media Agency that the region has always been affected by intense climatic events, caused by the collision of tropical and polar air masses, but that these events have intensified due to climate change. Last year, a total of 75 people were killed in three separate floods.
Related