6 terrorists neutralise

At least nine people were killed and 16 injured as two explosive-laden vehicles rammed into the boundary wall of the main cantonment in Bannu in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday while the army personnel neutralised at least six terrorists.

The suicide bombers hit the wall of Bannu Cantonment, about 200 km south-west of Peshawar, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the evening around sunset time, police said.

Hafiz Gul Bahadur-affiliated little-known Jaish Al Fursan, in a statement, claimed the attack in Bannu. The group is one of the several factions of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

Five casualties were reported from the nearby civil buildings while four bodies were recovered by the rescue authorities from the debris of a mosque adjacent to Bannu cantonment’s boundary wall hit by the suicide bombers, sources said quoting the hospital authorities.

The 16 injured have been shifted to the hospital, sources added.

After the explosions, the cantonment wall was breached and at least five to six attackers attempted to enter the cantonment; however, they were neutralised, police added.Sources said the army authorities have sealed the main routes leading to the cantonment and are not providing access to the blast site, adding that the security forces neutralised at least six terrorists who had entered the cantonment after suicide explosions.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the Bannu explosion and sought a report on the incident.

Expressing sorrow over the loss of human lives, he extended sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs.“Such incidents during the holy month of Ramadan are extremely condemnable and tragic,” Gandapur said.

The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, tasked with securing Sikkim and the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, recently completed a month-long live-firing exercise with T-90 tanks.

GUWAHATI: The Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, tasked with securing Sikkim and the strategically important Siliguri Corridor, recently completed a month-long live-firing exercise with T-90 tanks.

The exercise aimed to boost combat readiness and test armoured warfare tactics in different operational environments. Special focus was given to developing high-altitude warfare capabilities and incorporating cutting-edge technologies to address contemporary battlefield challenges.

The T-90 tank is arguably the most advanced main battle tank in the inventory of the Indian Army. Equipped with highly advanced fire control systems, enhanced mobility, and improved protection, the T-90 is ahead of its class. One major strength of the T-90 is that it can fire the anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) accurately, allowing the tank to take out enemy armored units at significant ranges. The tank’s advanced thermal sight and sensor capabilities guarantee effective nighttime operations, giving the Army continuous combat capability during all weather conditions.

The live firing exercise focused on a few important areas to enhance operational effectiveness:

•Firing of sophisticated ammunition and guided missiles to test precision strike capabilities.

•Drone integration for real-time surveillance and target detection.

•Man-machine teaming exercises to promote crew coordination and combat readiness.

•High-altitude operational readiness to support the Army’s combat power.

•Encouragement of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) through the use of indigenously designed defense technologies, such as locally produced ammunition and surveillance systems.

A top Army official, hailing the exercise’s successful completion, pointed out the importance of these exercises in contemporary warfare.

“This exercise was aimed at proving and developing our armored warfare capability in difficult terrain. The integration of T-90 tanks with air power and sophisticated surveillance equipment has boosted our combat readiness. Our soldiers have shown outstanding competence so that the Indian Army is always prepared to counter any operational situation. Also, this exercise has consolidated our resolve towards ‘Aatmanirbharta’ by further integrating indigenous defense systems, bolstering our self-sufficiency in military readiness.

The exercise follows on the heels of Exercise Devil Strike, which involves airborne and special forces operations aimed at improving rapid deployment and precision strikes in challenging environments. The consecutive conduct of these intensive exercises reflects the Indian Army’s holistic approach to contemporary warfare, to ensure the smooth coordination between armored, airborne, and special forces across varied combat environments.

The construction of critical infrastructure project along National Highway 144A achieved a significant milestone on Monday with the inaugural blast for the Bhimber Gali tunnel. The tunnel will allow swift movement of Army troops in the border districts of Rajouri…

he construction of critical infrastructure project along National Highway 144A achieved a significant milestone on Monday with the inaugural blast for the Bhimber Gali tunnel. The tunnel will allow swift movement of Army troops in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.

The tunnel, spanning an impressive 1.1 km, is a key component of the 16.10-km long project stretching from Kalali in Rajouri to Bhataduria in Poonch. This initiative will serve as an alternate axis for the movement of Army troops and general public in the challenging terrain from Rajouri to Poonch.

The inaugural blast was done by Brig Neeraj Madan, Chief Engineer, Project Sampark alongwith AM Prasad, Regional Officer, Jammu, MoRTH. An official spokesperson of Army said that various officials from the civil administration were present highlighting the collaborative effort between the BRO and the various departments of the district administration.

Prior to the blast, a ‘puja’ ceremony was conducted at the site of the tunnel. “This project is poised to enhance connectivity in the region by significantly reducing the length of the highway by 10.8 km, facilitating smoother and more efficient transportation between strategic locations,” the spokesperson said.

“The Bhimber Gali tunnel is a continuation of BRO’s relentless efforts to enhance regional infrastructure development. Building on the momentum of the Nowshera Tunnel breakthrough (700 meters) on January 29, 2024, the BRO continues its rapid progress in enhancing infrastructure across the challenging terrain of the Rajouri and Poonch districts,” the spokesperson said.

During his address, Brig Neeraj Madan reaffirmed BRO’s commitment to spearheading crucial road projects aimed at enhancing connectivity in remote areas and strengthening defence infrastructure in forward areas. The ongoing developments underscore the organisation’s dedication to national security and regional development.

The spokesperson said, “The Bhimber Gali tunnel once completed will not only facilitate civilian and military movement but also contribute significantly to economic growth and regional accessibility. The Border Roads Organisation remains steadfast in its mission to build and upgrade strategic road networks across challenging terrains, ensuring seamless connectivity for both defence and civilian purposes.”

The Indian Army first used tanks at high altitude in 1947-48, when Stuart tanks were moved to Zoji La at an altitude of around 12,000 feet in Kashmir, to check Pakistani invaders who had entered the Valley in a bid to capture it

The Indian Army is looking at newer technology to enhance the operational capability of its armoured formations at high altitude, with more focus being laid on induction of lighter mechanised platforms.

“We are looking at induction of light tanks like the Zorawar and mechanised vehicles to meet our requirements in high-altitude areas,” General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar said in Chandimandir Military Station on Monday.

Speaking on the sidelines of Mech Tech, a seminar on making mechanised platforms future-ready organised by the Western Command, he said that while armoured units have been deployed in eastern Ladakh as well as North Sikkim to meet the threat perception, lighter armoured vehicles would be more effective.

The Indian Army first used tanks at high altitude in 1947-48, when Stuart tanks were moved to Zoji La at an altitude of around 12,000 feet in Kashmir, to check Pakistani invaders who had entered the Valley in a bid to capture it.

Tanks were next used in high altitude during the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict, when AMX-13 tanks were airlifted by the IAF to the Chushul sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in south-eastern Ladakh.

In the early 1990s, a small number of T-72 tanks and BMP infantry combat vehicles were airlifted to Ladakh and permanently deployed in that sector. Later, this increased to three regiments, forming up an armoured brigade.

During the 2020 stand-off with China along the LAC, additional armoured vehicles, including the latest T-90 were airlifted to the frontline to deal with the Chinese incursions. The Army has since restructured its deployment in Ladakh and has been maintaining enhanced force levels.

Over the years, the Army has been developing operational and logistical capability to operate armoured vehicles in snow bound areas. It has driven tanks from lower altitude to heights of over 17,000 feet, besides setting up major tank repair facilities in Ladakh. Sub-zero temperature, rugged terrain and rarefied air are among challenges associated with operating tanks in areas like Ladakh.

As a fallout of the LAC situation, a light tank, christened Zorawar, has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation specifically for employment in high altitude areas. Larsen and Toubro is the manufacturer of this tank, which weighs around 25 tonnes compared to 45 tonnes for the T-90.

The Army intends to equip seven armoured regiments with the Zorawar. Other options like the US Stryker wheeled armoured vehicle and the indigenously developed wheeled-armoured platform are also being considered, while the BMP, which was inducted in the 1980s is also becoming due for replacement.

Discussing the role of mechanised forces in contemporary warfare, Lt Gen Katiyar said that a number of questions were raised on the efficacy of mechanised forces due to initial reverses in the Russia-Ukraine War.

He said that among the lessons drawn for the war was that we have been able to see how mechanised platforms were targeted in the war and we have been able to devise counter measures to deal with emerging threats.

The army is aiming to make the mechanised forces more effective by looking at threats from various platforms like drones and other anti-tank weapon systems and come up with requisite solutions.

On the issue of the emergence of drones as a prominent element of the battlefield, the Western Army Commander said that drones are a major gamechanger in the next generation warfare as can been seen from the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflicts in the Middle East.

Terming it to be the future of warfare, he said that drones was something that we have to induct into the armed forces in huge numbers to cover the operational spectrum at all levels and the armed forces are not only looking at unmanned aerial vehicles but also unmanned ground systems and underwater systems.

A two-day seminar aimed at providing a comprehensive platform for sharing thoughts and latest technological advancements on the ‘Future Landscape of Mechanised Warfare and Infusion of Niche Technology’ began at Chandimandir Military Station today. The seminar, “Mech Tech”, was inaugurated…

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, Vice-Chief of Army Staff, at the exhibition “Make in India Continuum: Making Mechanised Platforms Future Ready” in Chandimandir, Panchkula, on Monday. TRIBUNE PHOTO: RAVI KUMAR

A two-day seminar aimed at providing a comprehensive platform for sharing thoughts and latest technological advancements on the ‘Future Landscape of Mechanised Warfare and Infusion of Niche Technology’ began at Chandimandir Military Station today.

The seminar, “Mech Tech”, was inaugurated by the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani. It underscores the imperative need for technological evolution in mechanised warfare, keeping in view emerging threats and evolving battlefield milieu.

Senior serving and retired military officers as well as representatives from the defence industry and academia discussed artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced armour protection, next generation communication networks and enhanced firepower solutions to ensure that the Indian Army’s mechanised platforms remain future-ready.

The GOC-in-C, Army Training Command (ARTRAC) and other senior officers discussed emerging challenges for mechanised warfare from contemporary conflicts and plausible trajectory for future mechanised warfare.

Deliberations were also carried out on various issues which are envisaged to make the existing mechanised platforms more battle worthy in terms of mobility, firepower and survivability.

Opening an associated exhibition, Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C Western Command, interacted with industry representatives and emphasised the role of indigenous defence capabilities, aligning with the government’s vision of self reliance in the defence sector.

He said in the present decade of transformation, technology is the key component for the Army to become a future-ready force. A large number of new generation weapons and equipment are being inducted in the Army and at the same time, there is a huge scope to infuse technology in the existing weapon systems to enhance their capability, he added.

He also stressed the need to invest in research and development by industry and academia to give further impetus to startups and premier education institutes, especially in the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.

Prominent defence industry players, research organisations and startups showcased innovative solutions for combat vehicles, sensor based warfare, and digitalised command and control systems.

Border Security Force (BSF) troops shot dead a Pakistan intruder on the Amritsar border on Monday. During the morning hours, the BSF troops on duty observed suspicious movement of a Pakistani intruder, who surreptitiously crossed the IB (International Border). He…

Border Security Force (BSF) troops shot dead a Pakistan intruder on the Amritsar border on Monday.

During the morning hours, the BSF troops on duty observed suspicious movement of a Pakistani intruder, who surreptitiously crossed the IB (International Border). He started approaching towards border security fence taking advantage of undulating ground and wheat crops in the border area near Kotrazda village in the district.

The BSF troops challenged the intruder, but he did not stop his advance and started running towards the border security fence.Noticing his aggressive gesture, the troops on duty fired at the advancing intruder in self-defence and neutralized him on the spot.

On searching the area carefully, a mobile phone was recovered from his possession. The legal formalities of handing over the body of the Pakistan intruder to the Ramdas police station are being carried out.

As many as 718 tourists, including seven foreigners, have been evacuated from the Spiti valley to Kinnaur in the past two days, according to Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul and Spiti, Rahul Kumar. These tourists were stranded in Spiti since February 26…

As many as 718 tourists, including seven foreigners, have been evacuated from the Spiti valley to Kinnaur in the past two days, according to Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul and Spiti, Rahul Kumar. These tourists were stranded in Spiti since February 26 due to heavy snowfall. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) managed to restore road connectivity from Kaza to Kinnaur, enabling the evacuation process.

Fresh snowfall in Lahaul today further complicated snow-clearing operations. Traffic movement had been completely halted across the valley since February 26 with major routes remaining blocked. The blocked roads included the Manali-Leh highway between Manali and Keylong, Sansari-Killar-Thirot-Tandi road connecting the Lahaul valley to the Pangi region of Chamba district and the Keylong-Darcha road. The disruption in road connectivity has affected transportation services badly in the district.

Besides, the district has been facing significant power outage since February 26. While power was restored in Keylong two days ago, other areas remained without electricity, impacting daily life. The disruption in power supply also affected telecommunication services across the region, making it difficult for people to stay connected.

As of now, 237 electricity transformers in the district are disrupted — 41 in Lahaul, 57 in Udaipur and 139 in Spiti divisions. Out of the 165 roads in the district, including national highways, 163 remain blocked, cutting off the region from the state.

Kunga Bodh, a member of the District Council of Lahaul and Spiti, has appealed to the state government and the local administration to initiate emergency helicopter services for the district and other tribal districts for a few days. “Basic services like electricity, telephone and roads have been severely affected. Some youths, who are stuck in Lahaul, were to reach Ladakh for the Agniveer written exam on March 9, which is crucial for their future,” Bodh stated.

The Deputy Commissioner said that inclement weather had hampered the work to restore roads and power supply. However, he assured people that as soon as the weather conditions improve, the restoration work would be intensified to bring back to normalcy in the region.

Residents of Lahaul and Spiti have been grappling with disruptions due to heavy snowfall for the past six days. Heavy snowfall has cut them off from the rest of the state. The continuous snowfall, including at the Atal Tunnel at Rohtang on the Manali-Leh highway that connects the Lahaul valley to Manali, has disrupted transportation and communication networks in the region.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Princess Astrid of Belgium and Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken on Monday to discuss potential defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Following the meeting, the Defence Minister shared on social media platform X, stating, “We…

Tribune News Service

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Princess Astrid of Belgium and Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken on Monday to discuss potential defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Following the meeting, the Defence Minister shared on social media platform X, stating, “We discussed issues related to regional security and the possibility of defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific.” He also highlighted deliberations on strengthening defence industrial cooperation between India and Belgium.

The Belgian delegation also held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, focusing on semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy and research and innovation. Jaishankar emphasised the opportunities for Belgian businesses under India’s initiatives, stating, “This visit allows Belgium to assess developments in India and take advantage of Make in India, Design in India, Research in India and Innovate in India. We are confident that this economic mission will lead to greater cooperation.”

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Princess Astrid and her delegation will also visit Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Delhi during their stay in India from March 2 to 8. Princess Astrid is the sister of Belgium’s King Philippe and is leading an economic delegation aimed at enhancing bilateral ties.

European leaders propose peace plan, seek US support

US President Donald Trump has paused military aid to Ukraine following his clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week, said a White House official, deepening the fissure that has opened between the two one-time allies.

“President Trump has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution,” said the official on Monday, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The White House had no immediate comment on the scope and amount of aid affected or how long the pause would last. The Pentagon could not provide further details.

Zelenskyy’s office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment nor did the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington.

The move comes after Trump upended US policy on Ukraine and Russia upon taking office in January, adopting a more conciliatory stance towards Moscow – and after an explosive confrontation with Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday in which Trump criticized him for being insufficiently grateful for Washington’s backing in the war with Russia..

On Monday, Trump again said Zelenskyy should be more appreciative of American support after earlier responding angrily to an Associated Press report quoting Zelenskiy as saying the end of the war is “very, very far away.”

“This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, using an alternative spelling of the Ukrainian leader’s name.

Letter no. 652 dated 27-02-2025 of SBI Click to open