Latest news with #F-7
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Myanmar's China challenge: Air Force looses Chinese origin fighter aircraft due to tech failure
Myanmar Air Force has yet again lost a Chinese origin fighter jet in a crash due to technical failure raising serious concerns over quality of defence equipment produced by Beijing. A F-7 fighter jet of Myanmar Air Force or MAF (F7 is the predecessor of JF17) crashed in Pale Township of Sagaing Region on June 10 wherein one pilot was killed in the crash. MAF attributed crash attributed to mechanical failure, but People's Libration Army (PLA), a Resistance Group, has claimed that they shot down fighter jet by using Machine Gun during a battle. However, PLA version is under question mark. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold Container Homes in Davao Oriental - Prices You Won't Believe! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Experts said the June 10 incident showed vulnerability of Chinese weapon systems being sold to developing countries including Myanmar and Pakistan. Earlier frustrated with quality of Chinese origin equipment, the Myanmar Air Force last year acquired six Sukhoi Su-30 SME fighter jets from Russia. The Chinese origin JF-17 Thunder fighters with MAF have been facing major technical trouble. Live Events The Myanmar Air Force acquired the Russian warplanes under a $400 million contract signed in 2018 and the jets were commissioned at the Meiktila Air Base in Mandalay on December 15, 2024. The Su-30SME fighters can be be a shot in the arm for the Myanmar Air Force to turn the tide against the rebel groups which have captured territories along the border with India among other areas in the country.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
Professional panhandlers thrive in capital
Amidst repeated action against beggars by Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, the city continues to witness a rise in the number of beggars at its streets, markets and traffic intersections. In most of areas of main city and housing societies in the suburbs, they are seen in abundance with scores among them are permanent and professional seeming like to be part of a nexus operating in the city. Some residents have pointed out that many of these permanent beggars are travelled to designated places daily in the morning and picked up in the evening by their masters after day long begging in these areas. Particularly busy areas like F-6, F-7, F-10 Markaz, capital's main traffic signals and housing societies along Islamabad Expressway including PWD, Police Foundation and Pakistan Town commercial areas have witnessed a surge in beggars including women and children, soliciting money from commuters and shoppers. Expressing concerns on prevailing situation, the residents have demanded strict enforcement of anti-begging laws, arguing that unchecked beggary not only tarnishes Islamabad's reputation but also resulting in petty crimes. They are also perturbed on re-emergence of beggars groups after a couple of days of action by ICT administration who occasionally launch operation against these beggars, nab them and put behind the bars. But, this practice could not prove to be a permanent solution to this menace as there are also reports that many rag pickers conduct recce in different areas during the day that leads to theft and robbery after sunset. Citizens in many localities have expressed frustration over frequent encounters with organized groups of beggars as well as the crimes like snatching or plundering valuables and breaking into houses, also threatening human lives. "Once regarded as one of the most orderly and serene cities in South Asia, Islamabad is now grappling with a persistent and increasingly visible challenge of beggary," remarked a businessman, Saleem Khan. "From traffic signals to bustling markets, the city's thoroughfares are teeming with individuals with many of them seeming like part of organized groups or an unseen nexus operating in the city," Saleem Khan said. "Some of them aggressively seek alms and when refused either they abuse you or scratch your vehicles and run away. " Since they are professional engaged in this notorious practice for years, they have numerous techniques to allure people. "Their techniques range from sympathetic women holding infants, children selling flowers, some knocking windows of your car and some elderly begging for medical treatment or marriage of their daughters," said Aiman Baig, a working woman. "Some among them are too sticky and arrogant and also pass derogatory remarks when refused alms. " She said, whether it is intersection at Aabpara, traffic-laden Jinnah Avenue or other areas in the city, you can find them everywhere. Amina Rafeeq, a local resident describes it as very uncomfortable and says, "even if you desire to help someone needy, you cannot ascertain who is genuinely deserving and who belongs to a nexus."
See - Sada Elbalad
13-02-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
North Korea's Role in Undermining Peace in the Middle East
H-Tayea North Korea has long been involved in fueling instability in the Middle East, forming close alliances with authoritarian regimes, providing weapons to armed groups, and engaging in covert military cooperation. As conflicts in the region continue to evolve, North Korea remains a key actor in sustaining unrest through its ties with countries such as Syria, Iran, and militant organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. North Korea's involvement in the Middle East dates back to the 1960s, when it established diplomatic and military ties with various regimes and militant organizations. It has been a major supplier of arms and military expertise, helping prolong conflicts and empowering groups engaged in warfare against U.S. allies and international coalitions. During Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, evidence emerged that the group used North Korean-made weapons, including F-7 grenade launchers. This was not the first instance of Pyongyang's military exports being linked to terrorist organizations. Reports suggest that Hamas's underground tunnel systems were based on North Korean designs, originally transferred to Hezbollah and later adapted for Gaza. North Korea has also been implicated in providing ballistic missile technology and chemical weapons expertise to Syria. The Al Kibar nuclear reactor, which was destroyed by Israel in 2007 during Operation Orchard, was reportedly built with North Korean assistance. Furthermore, the UN Security Council's 2018 report exposed illegal arms trading between North Korea and Syria, including shipments of ballistic missiles and dual-use military components. North Korea's alliance with Syria dates back to 1966, when the two countries established diplomatic relations. During the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, North Korea sent fighter pilots, military instructors, and arms to support Syrian forces against Israel. Over the years, their military cooperation expanded, with North Korea supplying Syria with missiles, nuclear technology, and battlefield tactics. Following the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, North Korea intensified its military support for the Assad regime. Pyongyang has been accused of supplying chemical weapons technology, helping the Syrian government conduct attacks against civilians. Reports have also surfaced suggesting North Korean pilots participated in airstrikes against opposition forces in 2013. With the Syrian opposition forming a transitional government, the international community is closely watching how the country repositions itself. The U.S. re-designated Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism on December 12, 2024, alongside North Korea, Iran, and Cuba. For Syria's new leadership to gain legitimacy and international recognition, it must cut all ties with North Korea. This would signal a genuine commitment to peace, democracy, and global stability. North Korea has repeatedly acted as a destabilizing force, and severing this relationship would be a critical step in Syria's reintegration into the international community.
