by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | armed forces, military, myanmar, politics, politics and government
The head of Myanmar’s military reiterated during an annual Armed Forces Day address his commitment to holding a national election before the year ends. He also urged various opposition factions battling against the armed forces to participate in political parties and engage with the electoral system.
Min Aung Hlaing stated that his military administration was gearing up for an election scheduled for December, with the conduct of the poll contingent upon the varying security situations across different areas of the nation, which frequently experience armed clashes.
He addressed over 7,000 service members gathered in the capital city of Naypyidaw.
Service members carrying rifles came to attention as the general inspected them from an open-backed vehicle.
They proceeded past him in sequence, giving him a salute as combat aircraft zoomed above, releasing flares into the dark evening.
Seizing power
In 2021, a military takeover removed the democratically elected State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi from power, leading to significant backlash. This resulted in large-scale demonstrations and initiated an armed struggle that has brought about widespread unrest across many regions of the nation.
The military junta has stated that holding an election was their main objective; however, they have consistently delayed the scheduled date.
The proposal for a general election is broadly interpreted as an effort to legitimize the military’s takeover of power via democratic means and to produce outcomes that guarantee the armed forces maintain their influence.
During his address, Min Aung Hlaing attempted to rationalize the ousting of Suu Kyi’s democratically elected administration by citing well-worn yet largely refuted claims about its failure to probe alleged irregularities during the November 2020 national elections. He reiterated that his regime would organize “a free and fair election” before transferring authority accordingly.
The nation’s present security scenario, where the military reportedly holds sway over fewer than half of its territories, presents a significant obstacle for conducting elections.
Critics argue that the military-organized election will lack freedom and fairness due to the absence of independent media and the arrest of many key figures from Suu Kyi’s once-popular yet now disbanded National League for Democracy party.
Suu Kyi is currently serving cumulative prison terms totaling 27 years following convictions in multiple cases that many view as politically motivated.
The 80th anniversary of Armed Forces Day commemorates the date in 1945 when the military of Myanmar, formerly called Burma, commenced its battle against the invading Japanese forces that had ousted the British occupiers.
During his trip to Belarus earlier this month, Min Aung Hlaing disclosed the timeline for the election.
He mentioned at that time that 53 political parties had already handed in their lists to take part in the election.
The state media mentioned that he restated the election schedule during an official gathering on Tuesday. However, the reports did not specify if the voting will take place within the final two weeks of December, the initial two weeks of January, or throughout the entire span covering these four weeks.
In a separate report, state-owned MRTV television stated that Min Aung Hlaing has approved pardons for seven foreign inmates, among whom were four Thais incarcerated in the southern seaside town of Kawthaung, set to be expelled from the country.
It is common for prisoner amnesties to be declared on state or religious holidays.
by admin | Mar 27, 2025 | armed forces, military, myanmar, politics, politics and government
The head of Myanmar’s military has utilized an address during the annual Armed Forces Day to emphasize intentions of conducting a general election before the year ends and urged opposing factions battling the armed forces to participate in political parties and the voting procedure.
Min Aung Hlaing stated that his military administration plans to conduct an election in December, with the assurance that it will proceed based on the safety circumstances across various areas of the nation, which frequently experience armed clashes.
He addressed over 7,000 military members gathered in the capital city of Naypyidaw.
Servicemen and women carrying rifles came to attention as the general inspected them from an open-backed vehicle at the rear.
They proceeded past him in sequence, giving him a salute as they went, with fighter jets soaring above them, releasing flares into the dark evening.
Seizing power
In 2021, a military takeover removed the democratically chosen State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi from power. This action faced significant backlash, leading to extensive demonstrations and igniting an armed rebellion that has caused many regions across the nation to descend into turmoil.
The military government has stated that holding an election is their main objective; however, they have continually delayed the scheduled date.
The overall strategy for holding a general election is largely perceived as an effort to validate the military’s takeover via voting processes, aiming to produce outcomes that guarantee continued dominance for the armed forces.
In his address, Min Aung Hlaing attempted to rationalize the ousting of Suu Kyi’s democratically elected administration by citing well-worn yet largely refuted claims about its failure to probe alleged discrepancies during the November 2020 national elections. He reiterated that his regime would organize “a clean and impartial vote” before transferring authority thereafter.
The present security scenario in the nation, where the military reportedly holds sway over fewer than half of the regions, presents a significant obstacle for conducting elections.
Critics argue that the military-organized election won’t be free or fair since there’s no access to independent media, and many leaders from Suu Kyi’s well-supported yet disbanded National League for Democracy party remain detained.
Aung San Suu Kyi is currently facing imprisonment for a total of 27 years after being found guilty in multiple cases that many believe were driven by political intentions.
The 80th anniversary of Armed Forces Day commemorates the date in 1945 when the military of Myanmar, formerly called Burma, started their battle against the occupying Japanese forces that had seized control following the expulsion of the British.
During his trip to Belarus earlier this month, Min Aung Hlaing disclosed the timeline for the election.
He mentioned at that time that 53 political parties had already handed over their lists to take part in the elections.
The state media mentioned that he restated the election plans during an official gathering on Tuesday. However, the reports did not clearly specify if the voting will take place within the final two weeks of December, the initial two weeks of January, or throughout the entire span covering these four weeks.
In a separate report, state-owned MRTV television stated that Min Aung Hlaing had approved amnesty for seven foreign inmates, among whom were four Thais imprisoned in the southern coastal town of Kawthaung; these individuals will be sent back to their home country.
It is common for prisoner amnesties to be declared on state or religious holidays.
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | armed forces, breaking news, foreign policy, indian national news, police and law enforcement
Agartala
(
Tripura
[India], March 25 (ANI): Deputy Inspector General (DIG),
BSF
Eastern Command
Ravi Gandhi
, arrived in
Tripura
On Monday for a duration of three days. Upon arrival, he was greeted by Ashwani Kumar Sharma, who holds the position of Inspector General (IG).
BSF
Tripura
.
Upon his arrival at
BSF
HQ, ADG
Ravi Gandhi
He was honored with a Guard of Honour. Additionally, he paid tribute to those who gave their lives for the nation’s service.
He received updates from the Frontier IG regarding operational readiness and important strategic issues.
Ravi Gandhi
, ADG also appealed to the esteemed Chief Minister.
Tripura
,
Manik Saha
, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, IAS, along with the DGP
Tripura
During the meeting with Police Amitabh Ranjan, IPS, they discussed the prevailing security situation along with several concerns related to the state.
Tripura
were discussed.
As per his schedule, ADG
Ravi Gandhi
plans to tour several border-deployed units to evaluate the current conditions on the ground and engage with field officers and soldiers. The purpose of his trip is to enhance operational effectiveness and uplift the spirits of the personnel.
BSF
personnel. (ANI)
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | armed forces, military, national security, special forces, united states armed forces
The federal government has introduced a Special Operations Forces training initiative, recruiting 800 troops from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This program is designed to boost the nation’s capability to effectively tackle terrorism, insurgency, transnational crimes, and various unconventional threats.
On Monday, during the inauguration of the elite forces’ training program at Camp Kabala within the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna, Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar stated that this initiative aims to develop a proficient, adaptable, and operationally ready unit equipped for intricate missions across various challenging terrains.
The minister highlighted that current security threats were constantly changing, necessitating the creation of a specialized unit equipped with modern tools and trained in sophisticated strategies, guerrilla warfare, data-backed operations, and swift deployment capabilities.
He stated, “The Special Operations Forces Training program is a strategic effort designed to boost our operational efficiency in countering terrorism, insurgency, cross-border criminal activities, and various other asymmetric challenges plaguing our country.”
This special operations unit will play a vital role in safeguarding our nation’s independence, ensuring the safety of our people, and upholding tranquility and order both domestically and internationally.
This training program has been carefully crafted to produce highly proficient individuals adept in specialized combat techniques, anti-terrorism activities, information collection, and hostage recovery assignments.
The program aims to equip participants with the skills needed for high-risk operations in various settings, including urban and challenging terrains, guaranteeing their ability to respond effectively to evolving dangers. Considering the cross-departmental character of contemporary security issues, this training will encourage smooth teamwork between members of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, and additional security organizations.
Abubakar also mentioned that this unveiling marks the initial phase involving 800 individuals out of a total of 2,400 who will undergo training. This initiative forms part of an extensive plan aimed at fostering elite special operations capabilities within the Nigerian military forces. He emphasized that moving forward, the program will continue and grow to include additional members drawn from various divisions of the armed services.
Musa highlighted the significance of the training, asserting that it was essential for attaining “convergence,” which refers to the capability to synchronize and combine kinetic and non-kinetic abilities to produce simultaneous impacts across various fields more swiftly and efficiently than adversaries.
“As everyone recognizes the changing nature of contemporary warfare and the distinct difficulties presented by asymmetrical threats in our nation, the circumstances require that our armed forces must be thoroughly trained, adequately equipped, and ready to react quickly, efficiently, and resolutely. In light of these requirements, the formation of this Special Operations Unit is greatly anticipated because they symbolize the pinnacle of our military’s capability to promptly and firmly address dangers, whether domestic or foreign,” he stated.
However, Musa showed optimism that the Special Operations Force would play a crucial role in the military’s endeavors to combat terrorism, insurgency, and other threats to national security.
I’m equally impressed with the cutting-edge training facility, which undoubtedly will boost the effective training of our armed forces personnel. Consequently, I wish to express my gratitude to the Ministry of Defence for their courageous initiative that made this occasion possible. This development will greatly contribute to realizing my vision of ‘cultivating a citizen-focused Nigerian military equipped to fulfill its constitutional duties within an integrated and cooperative framework.’
To the 800 valiant members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who have participated in this training following an extensive selection process, I applaud your commitment and national spirit. You stand at the forefront of a fresh era in our defense story.
“I thus encourage all of you to face the upcoming challenges and duties with unyielding resolve. The training will be demanding and strenuous, yet with perseverance and the correct attitude, you will succeed. It is crucial that you dedicate yourselves fully to the training because this program aims to equip you thoroughly for every operational situation you may confront in the field,” he emphasized.
The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani—who attended as the Special Guest of Honor—stated that this initiative demonstrates the administration’s steadfast dedication to enhancing Nigeria’s security framework, addressing new challenges, and safeguarding the nation.
In her representation of him, Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe highlighted that “the nature of security concerns nowadays continues to change, encompassing not only terrorism, insurgency, and brigandage but also extending into areas like cyber threats and international criminal activities. To counteract this wide array of issues, it is essential for us to provide our military personnel with top-tier education, advanced strategies, and the fortitude required to tackle these multifaceted problems.”
This specialized force training program represents an ambitious move to ready a fresh cohort of top-tier soldiers adept at safeguarding our nation’s independence through accuracy, wit, and bravery. Additionally, this initiative aims to foster strategic reasoning, prompt decision-making, and leadership marked by integrity.
“In the current security landscape, the threats we encounter continue to change, ranging from terrorism, insurgency, and banditry to cyber threats and transnational crimes. To address these issues, we should provide our military forces with top-notch training, advanced strategies, and the fortitude required to tackle these obstacles,” he stated.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, armed forces, diplomacy and diplomats, military, warfare
Upon arriving in Rwanda and feeling the warmth of the welcome he experienced, ‘Major’ Gilbert Ndayambaje stated that the genocidal group FDLR propagated falsehoods to control its members. Among the 14 former militia fighters surrendered to Rwandan officials by the AFC/M23 rebels were Major Ndayambaje and Brigadier General Ezechiel Gakwerere, a high-ranking leader within the DR Congo-based FDLR genocidal organization, on March 1st. Gakwerere played a significant role in orchestrating the Genocide against the Tutsis.
Operating in DR Congo for thirty years, the FDLR is a United Nations-designated militant faction established primarily by individuals responsible for the 1994 genocide targeting ethnic Tutsis.
“The hopelessness I carried disappeared once we crossed the border at La Corniche One-Stop Border Post due mainly to the reception provided by the government,” Ndayambaje explained. “I immediately sensed acceptance and tranquility upon seeing what an evolved nation this was compared to the tales spun by these groups.”
Ndayambaje disclosed during an interview with The New Times that he joined the genocidal force under duress in 1998 after fleeing from infiltration threats posed by the Abacengezi group which coerced him into service. Having endured hardship in the forests of DR Congo—where escaping meant almost certain peril—he confessed that starting circa 2010, he yearned intensely for repatriation. His spouse along with their five offspring relocated to Rwanda in 2012.
Following reports indicating that M23 seized Goma and caught up with Gakwerere, Ndayambaje conceived a plan to make it across the Rwandan frontier beginning from Sake area where he fought alongside FARDC troops until then. Unfamiliar with details regarding Goma town, Ndayambaje ventured into a local household seeking direction assistance; instead encountering three M23 personnel accompanied by kindly hosts offering respite indoors despite his current attire denoting allegiance elsewhere.
He highlighted instances illustrating maltreatment meted out towards FDLR recruits by superiors linked either directly or indirectly via collaboration networks extending beyond national borders initially set ablaze amidst conflict dynamics spanning decades prior.
In sharp juxtaposition however stands treatment afforded participants presently enrolled within rehabilitation programs administered by the RDFD commission located in Mutobo district, specifically designed aiding transition phases facilitating eventual social integration efforts following successful decommissioning processes concluded successfully thus far involving thousands beneficiaries since inception nearly twenty-two years ago.
“Life here couldn’t be better—we receive essential provisions like toiletries garments sustenance plus structured vocational instruction empowering readiness levels required transitioning smoothly back into civilian roles seamlessly integrated societies again.”
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | armed forces, military, national security, politics, politics and government
President Pakistan Ex-servicemen Society, Senator Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Qayyum has said that some political elements were plunging the public into confusion by spreading rumours about possible military operations in the country.
He told the journalists in Islamabad that some politicians are seeking inexpensive publicity and advancing their political ambitions by disseminating false information regarding military activities within the nation, thus confusing the populace. The senator further stated that internal military actions are required solely when there are regions of defiance and ‘No-Go’ zones inside our boundaries. Currently, no such territories exist where our armed forces cannot operate. Consequently, as the general pointed out, only intelligence-led missions are underway, aimed at eliminating terrorist strongholds and dormant cell structures.
In the same vein, he pointed out that no nation can ignore unlawful migrants, as some might collaborate with terrorists and assist them. Consequently, the administration has set March 31st as the deadline for deportations.
Our opponents have consistently attempted to undermine our nation’s army, which is crucial for safeguarding our country. Upon examining our past, it becomes evident that our security personnel have made immense sacrifices to counteract the malevolent plans of those who wish us harm,” General Abdul Qayyum added. He continued by stating, “It is imperative that we come together and confront these antagonistic entities, neutralizing their harmful objectives. We should advocate for robust measures against individuals threatening the state and work towards ensuring Pakistan is protected from every possible danger.
‘In today’s world, it is crucial for us to come together and safeguard the integrity of our nation. We should show no compassion towards those who aid and facilitate terrorists.’
He stated that loving the homeland ought to be both our shared enthusiasm and responsibility. He emphasized that when the nation’s integrity is threatened, all Pakistanis should come forth to combat any adversary. The ‘Pakistan Ex Servicemen Society’ wholeheartedly backs the bravery of our armed forces and urges nationwide collaboration with law enforcement and security agencies. They also advocate for swift legal measures against captured terrorists, aiming to rid our country of terrorism once and for all.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
