Latest news with #US-operated
Al-Ahram Weekly
5 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
UK using US contractor to conduct Gaza spy flights: The Times report - War on Gaza
The UK military has used US contractors to conduct spy flights over Gaza for Israel due to a shortage of British aircraft, The Times reported on Thursday. The UK government acknowledged this year that it conducts such flights over the war-ravaged Palestinian territory but insisted they were "solely in support of hostage rescue". The spy flights appear increasingly at odds with the UK government's growing public frustration with Israel over the war in Gaza, and increasing international demands for a ceasefire. Last week, Britain announced it would formally recognise a Palestinian state if steps, including a ceasefire, were not taken by mid-September. It has been said that the flights are part of its response to October 7, 2023. The Royal Air Force (RAF) had been using its Shadow R1 reconnaissance aircraft to film over Gaza, aiding the search for the captives, but turned to a US firm after the planes were reassigned or needed maintenance, according to The Times. The Nevada-based company being used is a subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Corporation, one of the world's largest military contractors, the newspaper said. It is likely to be seen as further evidence that Britain's military has been pared back too drastically over recent decades, primarily due to budget pressures. Relying on private sector contractors, which use an RAF base in Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean, can have pitfalls. The flight path of a US-operated sortie last month over the largely destroyed Gaza city of Khan Yunis became public following what The Times called a "schoolboy" error. It said the plane's transponder had not been fully turned off, which meant it could be identified on flight-tracking websites and platforms as flying over southern Gaza. The UK defence ministry declined to comment, citing the need to protect operational security around intelligence matters. It reiterated that Britain conducts surveillance flights over Gaza to help Israel locate captives and only passes on intelligence related to that. In March, armed forces secretary Luke Pollard told MPs, "These flights are solely in support of hostage rescue". Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Antarctica evacuation: Why 3 researchers at US base needed medical attention. First details out
A dramatic evacuation unfolded this week when the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) airlifted three researchers from the US-operated McMurdo Station in Antarctica, prompted by a medical emergency. The operation was conducted amid 24-hour darkness and temperatures as low as -24°C (-11°F), involved one individual requiring urgent medical care, and two others needing attention beyond the station's capabilities. Researchers were evacuated from a US-operated station in Antarctica(RNZAF) Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott, in a RNZAF press release, noted that the evacuation was 'one of the most challenging' missions the crew has performed. What happened on the Antarctica evacuation mission? 'The crew can only attempt the flight after detailed analysis of the weather and airfield state. The United States Antarctic Program Winter Team must physically create the runway before we can depart by ensuring the ice is groomed and suitable for landing,' he said. 'Although they determine it is safe, it's still an extremely challenging environment to fly in on Night Vision Goggles due to the extreme weather conditions, which are highly changeable at this time of year and makes accurate forecasting a challenge.' "This, coupled with there being no airfields available to divert to once the aircraft is past a certain point south adds to the risk, so these missions are not taken lightly,' he added. The McMurdo Station, a key hub supporting around 200 winter staff, relies on international support for emergencies during the Antarctic winter, when isolation and harsh conditions limit medical resources. The RNZAF's 19.5-hour mission, executed with a C-130J Hercules equipped with a doctor, successfully transported the trio to Christchurch, New Zealand. US Chargé d'Affaires Melissa Sweeney praised the effort as 'flawless'. 'We are so very grateful. Our Kiwi partners didn't hesitate to undertake this mission in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth. Their skill and readiness are truly world-class,' she said.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Drone attack halts US-run oil field in Iraq's Kurdistan
ARBIL: A drone strike disrupted operations at a US-operated oil field in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, marking another attack on the area's critical energy infrastructure. The Kurdistan Regional Government condemned the strike on the Sarsang oil field in Duhok province as an act of terrorism. HKN Energy, the US firm managing the site, confirmed the attack occurred around 7:00 am local time, damaging a production facility. 'Operations at the affected facility have been suspended until the site is secured,' the company stated. Emergency teams later contained a fire that broke out, with no casualties reported. The strike follows a series of recent attacks in Kurdistan, including a drone incident near Erbil airport, which hosts US troops. Another attack targeted the Khurmala oil field, causing material damage. No group has claimed responsibility, but Kurdish authorities previously blamed pro-Iran factions for similar incidents. Tensions between Baghdad and Erbil have escalated over oil and gas contracts, with Iraq's federal government opposing Kurdistan's independent deals with foreign firms. Hours after the drone strike, Iraq's oil ministry announced a preliminary agreement with HKN Energy to develop the Hamrin oil field. Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdel Ghani expressed Baghdad's willingness to collaborate with US companies, despite ongoing disputes. Approximately 2,500 US troops remain in Iraq as part of the anti-ISIS coalition. - AFP
Gulf Insider
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Qatar To Compensate Citizens For Damage Caused
Qatar has announced that it will compensate citizens and residents whose private properties were damaged by falling debris during last month's missile incident involving Iran and the US. The incident occurred on June 23, when Iran launched missiles at the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, in retaliation for American airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. While no casualties were reported, explosions were heard in Doha, and fragments from intercepted missiles were found scattered on roads and near homes. On Sunday, Qatar's Ministry of Interior confirmed that financial compensation will be provided for damages to residential buildings, vehicles, commercial establishments, and industrial properties affected by the missile shrapnel. However, the ministry emphasized that only damages officially reported to security departments will be eligible. Residents who haven't submitted a damage report can still apply for compensation through the 'Metrash' mobile app within two days of the announcement. After the deadline, no further claims will be accepted. The Civil Defence Council will contact affected individuals to guide them through the compensation process in line with Qatari regulations. Also read: Qatar Airways Now Has The World's Fastest Inflight Wi-Fi After Boeing 777 Upgrade
Daily Tribune
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Qatar to Compensate Citizens for Damage Caused by Missile Debris
Qatar has announced that it will compensate citizens and residents whose private properties were damaged by falling debris during last month's missile incident involving Iran and the US. The incident occurred on June 23, when Iran launched missiles at the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, in retaliation for American airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. While no casualties were reported, explosions were heard in Doha, and fragments from intercepted missiles were found scattered on roads and near homes. On Sunday, Qatar's Ministry of Interior confirmed that financial compensation will be provided for damages to residential buildings, vehicles, commercial establishments, and industrial properties affected by the missile shrapnel. However, the ministry emphasized that only damages officially reported to security departments will be eligible. Residents who haven't submitted a damage report can still apply for compensation through the 'Metrash' mobile app within two days of the announcement. After the deadline, no further claims will be accepted. The Civil Defence Council will contact affected individuals to guide them through the compensation process in line with Qatari regulations.
