Latest news with #SouthernCommand
Indian Express
5 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Army's Southern Command marks Kargil Vijay Diwas with solemn tribute, public outreach in Pune
The Indian Army's Southern Command in Pune marked Kargil Vijay Diwas Saturday with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial and a public outreach programme. The commemoration, marking the 26th anniversary of India's historic victory in the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan, began with the wreath-laying ceremony, where Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, paid tribute to the fallen heroes. In the presence of serving officers, soldiers, and veterans from Pune Military Station, the ceremony honoured the memory of those who laid down their lives to uphold the sovereignty of the nation during the 1999 conflict, an Army press statement said. On the occasion, a 'weapon and equipment display' was organised by Shivneri Brigade at Fergusson College, Pune, under the aegis of Southern Command. 'As part of the Army's 'Know Your Army' outreach initiative, the event showcased an array of cutting-edge weapon systems, advanced and specialised battlefield technologies, offering citizens—especially the youth—a unique window into the might and modernisation of the Indian Army,' the release stated. 'The display underlined the Army's transformation into a Future-Ready, Tech-Enabled Force, aligned with its vision for the 'Decade of Transformation', focusing on indigenisation, capability enhancement, and multidomain operational preparedness,' it added. 'The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the faculty and students of Fergusson College, along with cadets of the 2 Maharashtra Battalion NCC.' The release said. Both events highlighted the Indian Army's strong commitment to honouring its heroes, educating future generations, and protecting India's sovereignty, it said. 'The Indian Army remains steadfast in its service, upholding traditions, driven by modern technology and inspired by duty. This significant milestone of 26th anniversary of the victory stands as a powerful reminder of the undying courage, valour, and supreme sacrifice of the Indian Army's Bravehearts, who etched an immortal chapter in the annals of national history.' The release added.
NBC News
23-07-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
IDF says strike on Gaza's only Catholic church was an accident following investigation
The Israeli military says its forces "accidentally" hit Gaza 's only Catholic church last week following a probe into a strike that killed three people and injured nine others, including a parish priest who was a close friend of the late Pope Francis. The deadly strike on July 17 drew international condemnation, including from the Vatican, with Pope Leo XIV calling for an end to the 'barbarity of war." President Donald Trump also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the wake of the mortar strike, with his administration calling for an investigation into the incident. "Everyone is appalled," White House spokesperson Tammy Bruce said at the time. Netanyahu's office subsequently expressed regret over the strike, while the Israeli military said they would conduct an investigation. On Wednesday, it announced that the Southern Command had completed its inquiry the day before, determining that troops had struck the church "due to an unintentional deviation of munitions," in line with their preliminary statement that the strike was accidental. The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged that the impact of the strike "caused damage to the structure" of the church and "injured several Gazan civilians." It did not acknowledge that three people were killed in the incident, according to church officials. The IDF did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NBC News on why the fatalities were not mentioned. In an interview with Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper shortly after the strike, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, expressed doubts over Israel's initial statements which called the incident a mistake. 'We are not a target. They say it was an error. Even if everybody here believes it wasn't,' Pizzaballa said. The late Pope Francis had made near-nightly calls to the Holy Family Church throughout the war in Gaza and up until the days before his death in April, speaking with parish priest, Rev. Gabriel Romanelli, who was injured in last week's attack. The IDF said adjustments had been made to 'improve the accuracy of fire' during the operation in which the church was struck — and that following the incident, 'guidelines for opening fire near religious buildings, shelters, and other sensitive sites were further clarified.' Asked for further information on what adjustments had been made and how guidelines were further clarified, an IDF spokesperson said they would not elaborate beyond the initial statement. Throughout the war in Gaza, civilians have frequently been killed in strikes impacting civilian buildings and shelters, including religious sites. Last week's incident was also not the first time the Holy Family Church has come under attack. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem accused Israeli forces of fatally shooting a mother and daughter as they walked inside its grounds in December 2023. Francis condemned the attack at the time. Israeli officials denied responsibility. The IDF sought to emphasize Wednesday that it had facilitated the transfer of aid to the Holy Family Church, in addition to coordinating the visit of a delegation on behalf of the Greek and Latin Patriarchs, who were accompanied by a group of Christian clergy. Pizzaballa was among those to make the rare and dangerous trip, with Israel having sealed off the enclave to visits from foreign officials. The IDF's completion of its probe and the release of its findings were markedly swift, with the military still yet to release the results of a growing number of investigations since the start of the war in Gaza. Israel launched its assault following the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023 attacks in which some 1,200 people were killed and around 250 taken hostage, marking a major escalation in a decadeslong conflict. Since then, more than 59,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including thousands of children, according to the Palestinian health ministry in the enclave, while much of the territory has been destroyed.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Army launches outreach programme to highlight success of Operation Sindoor
Pune: The Indian Army has initiated a nationwide outreach programme on Operation Sindoor , aimed at showcasing the success of military action against Pakistan. Army units and stations across the country, including those in border regions, are conducting special sessions at educational institutions where senior officers present video footage taken during the operation. In the Southern Command, all stations, including forward units in Rajasthan and Gujarat that neutralised more than 70 Pakistani drones and missiles, have been engaging with students over the past few days. "As part of a nationwide outreach, the #IndianArmy is engaging students across #India to share the untold realities of Operation SINDOOR—symbolising courage, clarity, and national will. In #Jhansi and #Babina, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the #WhiteTigerDivision interacted with NCC Cadets, emphasising the critical role of youth as Information Warriors in today's hybrid battlespace. In #Gandhidham, the #FalconBrigade of the #AgnibaazDivision inspired over 1,000 students to stand for truth and contribute to the safeguarding of our nation's sovereignty and security," the Southern Command said on its official X handle. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune A senior Army officer told TOI that this student engagement is essential as there are attempts to create false narratives about Operation Sindoor on various social media platforms. "Since students are active on social media, we must clarify misconceptions, answer their questions, and demonstrate how effectively the Indian armed forces operated during the mission. Additionally, we aim to encourage and inspire youths to consider careers in the armed forces," the officer said. The sessions are being planned in schools and institutes in Pune as well. "The Dakshin Maharashtra and Goa Sub Area, which is the local military authority, will conduct such sessions in the coming days in the city," the officer said. The students are mainly curious about how the Army's units engaged Pakistani drones and what techniques they used while executing the operation in the forward locations, sources said. Another senior Army officer from the command said, "We also discussed how not to fall prey to the fake narratives being planted by rogue elements on social media platforms. Additionally, we explained the basic approach to operating in operational situations. These things may seem small, but they have a long-lasting, positive impact on the minds of the students. These are the things we want to inculcate in them."
Hans India
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Southern Command team wins army volleyball championship
Secunderabad: The Southern Command team emerged victorious in the Army Inter Command Volleyball Championship for 2025-26, which concluded with a spectacular Closing Ceremony on Saturday. The 1 EME Centre, recognized as the Volleyball Node for the Indian Army, hosted the event from July 14 to 19. It brought together teams from all six Army Commands. The Championship, conducted under the auspices of HQ Southern Command, aimed to foster competitive spirit and sportsmanship among Army personnel and to select players for the Indian Army volleyball team for the upcoming Services Volleyball Championship. The Championship featured intense and thrilling matches that showcased the exceptional skills of the players. The final match was an exciting showdown between the Southern Command team and the Western Command team. After a hard-fought battle, the Southern Command team clinched the Championship title for 2025-26, with final scores of 25-16, 25-20, 23-25, and 25-20. Brigadier Prashant Bajpai, the Commandant of the 1 EME Centre and Chief Guest of the event, congratulated the players for their outstanding performances, dedication, and competitive spirit. He presented the silver medals to the runner-up team, while the winning team received gold medals and the Championship Trophy.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Yahoo
IDF operates in Beit Hanun, Gaza City overnight while IAF strikes over 90 terror targets
Suspects were identified approaching IDF soldiers operating in the Rafah area in Gaza on Friday night, leading soldiers to fire warning shots to disperse them, the military said. Suspects were identified approaching IDF soldiers operating in the Rafah area in Gaza on Friday night, leading soldiers to fire warning shots to disperse them, the military said. Prior to shooting, the soldiers called on the suspects to distance themselves. Reports of casualties were received, and the incident is under investigation, the IDF noted. On Friday overnight, soldiers under the Southern Command operated and targeted terrorist infrastructure across the Gaza Strip between Friday and Saturday, the military said. In northern Gaza, soldiers from Division 162 killed terrorists, destroyed terror infrastructure and weapons facilities above and below ground, the IDF noted. Soldiers from Division 99 operated in northern and central Gaza, where they uncovered Hamas infrastructure and destroyed several terror sites in Beit Hanun. In the Gaza City area, soldiers destroyed rocket launch positions, sniper positions, and weapons storage facilities, the IDF stated. Additionally, the Israel Air Force attacked around 90 terror targets across Gaza, in coordination with ground forces. According to the IDF, the air force struck underground infrastructure and facilities. This is a developing story.
