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الوسم: Conflict

  • Airlines Alter Flights Amid Pakistan-India Conflict Escalation

    Airlines Alter Flights Amid Pakistan-India Conflict Escalation

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    A view of Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, May 7, 2025 — Reuters

    TAIPEI/NEW DELHI: Major airlines like United Airlines and Korean Air canceled or rerouted flights as approximately twelve airports in India closed on Wednesday. This response came after India launched a retaliatory strike on Pakistan, heightening concerns of escalating conflict.

    The Indian military targeted Azad Kashmir, while Pakistan claimed it had downed five Indian fighter jets during the incident, which followed an attack last month that resulted in 26 fatalities in the region of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

    Flight tracking data revealed a significant number of airlines adjusting their routes over Oman, the UAE, and Kuwait, prompting fears of airspace congestion.

    Pakistani authorities reported that 57 international flights were operating in their airspace when the Indian attack occurred. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office stated that India’s actions posed “serious threats to commercial airlines” from Gulf nations and endangered passengers’ lives.

    India’s civil aviation ministry had not responded immediately to inquiries regarding Pakistan’s statements.

    In recent days, both India and Pakistan have restricted their airspace to each other’s carriers, leading global airlines such as Lufthansa to avoid Pakistani airspace altogether.

    Flight operations within both nations experienced significant disruption, with 3% of scheduled flights in India and 17% in Pakistan being canceled by 10:30 GMT, according to Flightradar24 data.

    India’s leading airline, IndiGo, announced it would cancel 165 flights up to Saturday morning, resulting in a 1.1% share price drop. Cancellations also affected Air India, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air.

    Despite the recent closures, Pakistan reported that its airspace had reopened and that its airports were “operationally sound.”

    Concerns Over GPS Spoofing

    The ongoing changes to airline schedules are set to complicate operations further for carriers in the Middle East and South Asia, already impacted by regional conflicts.

    A representative for the Dutch airline KLM confirmed that it would refrain from flying over Pakistan until further notice. Similarly, Singapore Airlines declared it had ceased flights over Pakistani airspace as of May 6.

    Korean Air announced it would reroute its flights from Seoul to Dubai, opting for a path that traverses Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India, bypassing previous routes through Pakistani airspace.

    United Airlines also canceled its flight to Delhi, citing “airspace restrictions” among other reasons. The U.S. airline provides one direct flight from Newark to New Delhi.

    Thai Airways indicated that it would be rerouting flights to European and South Asian destinations starting early Wednesday, and Taiwan’s China Airlines reported disruptions for flights to and from cities such as London, Frankfurt, and Rome.

    Flights from India to Europe have also been observed taking longer routes. For instance, a Lufthansa flight from Delhi to Frankfurt took approximately half an hour longer to reach its destination compared to the previous day’s schedule, according to FlightRadar24.

    The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines expressed concerns about the impact of the ongoing conflicts on airline operations, highlighting not just the cost and operational disruptions but also the serious safety risks posed by GPS spoofing, which can mislead flight operations in conflict zones.

    GPS spoofing refers to a deceptive technique that alters Global Positioning System (GPS) data, potentially diverting commercial airliners from their intended paths.

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  • Threats Undermine India’s Emerging Safe Haven Reputation

    Threats Undermine India’s Emerging Safe Haven Reputation

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  • Zelensky Dismisses Putin’s ‘Truce Theater’ Before May 9 Events

    Zelensky Dismisses Putin’s ‘Truce Theater’ Before May 9 Events

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  • Putin Expresses Willingness for Direct Peace Talks with Ukraine

    Putin Expresses Willingness for Direct Peace Talks with Ukraine

    Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting with municipal leaders in Moscow, April 21, 2025. — Reuters

    • Vladimir Putin proposes direct discussions with Kyiv.
    • Announces that hostilities resumed after a 30-hour ceasefire.
    • Russia and Ukraine blame each other for breaking the truce.

    MOSCOW: In a response to increased pressure from Washington for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested on Monday the possibility of direct talks with Kyiv for the first time in years. He also expressed willingness to consider additional ceasefires following a one-day Easter truce.

    Putin reported that fighting had resumed after he declared a surprise 30-hour ceasefire on Saturday, a decision he made unilaterally. Both Ukraine and Russia accused one another of breaching the terms of the ceasefire, which Kyiv had dismissed as merely a publicity stunt from the start.

    The United States welcomed the suggestion of extending the ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy advocated for a 30-day truce to ensure the safety of civilian areas.

    U.S. President Donald Trump, who has pledged to conclude the ongoing war swiftly, has shifted U.S. foreign policy from unwavering support for Ukraine toward a more conciliatory stance toward Russia, although he has yet to achieve significant concessions from Moscow.

    Last month, Russia rejected a proposal from Trump for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine had agreed to. U.S. officials are engaged in parallel discussions with both parties in Saudi Arabia, resulting in only limited agreements to pause attacks on energy facilities, with both sides accusing each other of noncompliance.

    In an interview with a reporter from Russian state television, Putin mentioned that Moscow stands ready to entertain any peace initiatives and expects a reciprocal attitude from Kyiv.

    “We are always favorable toward a truce, which is why we proposed this initiative, especially during the joyous days of Easter,” Putin remarked.

    When asked about Zelenskiy’s suggestion for a month-long ceasefire protecting civilians, Putin responded, “This matter requires careful consideration, perhaps even bilateral discussion. We do not dismiss this possibility.”

    Following Putin’s comments, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the president was referring to the potential for direct negotiations with Ukraine. The last known talks between the two sides occurred early in the war, three years ago, and ended without progress.

    “When the president mentioned the possibility of discussing the issue of refraining from strikes on civilian targets, he meant negotiations and discussions with the Ukrainian side,” Peskov said, according to Interfax news agency.

    There was no immediate reply from Ukraine concerning Putin’s statements. A representative for President Zelenskiy was not available for comment.

    Air Strikes

    Earlier Monday, Zelenskiy instructed his forces to continue mirroring the actions of the Russian military.

    “The nature of Ukraine’s response will remain symmetrical: a ceasefire will be met with a ceasefire, and Russian strikes will be countered with our own in self-defense. Actions always carry more weight than words,” he stated on the social platform X.

    Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Friday that the U.S. might withdraw from peace talks in Ukraine if there is no progress in the coming days. However, Trump expressed hope on Sunday that a deal could be reached “this week.”

    Russia has not shown signs of compromising on any of its key demands, including Ukraine relinquishing territories that Putin claims to have annexed and agreeing to a status of permanent neutrality. Ukraine insists that conceding these demands would amount to surrender and leave the nation vulnerable in the event of further attacks from Moscow.

    In response to Trump’s hopes for a swift peace agreement, Peskov remarked during a regular briefing: “I don’t have any comments to make at this stage, particularly regarding timeframes.

    “President Putin and the Russian side are still open to pursuing a peaceful resolution. We are continuing communications with the American side and certainly hope that this effort will lead to results.”

    Despite there being no air raid alerts in Ukraine on Sunday, Ukrainian forces reported close to 3,000 violations of the Russian ceasefire, with the most intense attacks occurring along the Pokrovsk section of the frontline, Zelenskiy communicated earlier on Monday.

    On Sunday, the Russian defense ministry stated that Ukrainian forces had targeted Russian positions 444 times and noted over 900 drone attacks from Ukraine, asserting that there were casualties among civilians.

  • Russia, Ukraine Exchange Accusations on Broken Easter Truce

    Russia, Ukraine Exchange Accusations on Broken Easter Truce

    Russian troops in the damaged port city of Mariupol. — AFP/File

    Russia and Ukraine have both accused each other of violating a 30-hour Easter ceasefire that was announced by President Vladimir Putin, according to an AFP report.

    The ceasefire was intended to start on Saturday evening to observe the holy holiday, yet both parties reported ongoing clashes.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia conducted “hundreds of shelling and drone attacks” along the front lines despite the supposed truce. He emphasized, “The Ukrainian military is responding in kind to Russia,” and reiterated his call for a 30-day ceasefire.

    While Ukrainian forces noted a decrease in activity, Russia claimed it had “successfully defended against” Ukrainian assaults and accused Kyiv of launching drone and artillery strikes against its positions in Donetsk. The Russian defense ministry insisted, “Despite the announced Easter ceasefire, Ukrainian units attempted nighttime attacks,” claiming that Russian forces maintained the ceasefire.

    In Kostyantynivka, emergency services reported that a man and a woman were killed by Russian shelling the previous day. Additionally, two civilians were said to have sustained injuries in Gorlovka, located in Russian-occupied Donetsk.

    Putin’s ceasefire order came after months of diplomatic efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently warned that he would halt discussions if progress was not made. On the ground, Ukrainian soldiers did observe a reduction in fighting.

    A drone commander indicated that Russian activity noticeably decreased in both the Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv regions, though there were some minor assaults. “Today, there will be fewer lives lost,” he remarked.

    Sergiy, a junior lieutenant in Ukraine, reported, “The Russian artillery isn’t firing. It’s much quieter than a typical day,” noting that Ukrainian forces remain on the defensive and only respond when attacked.

    Journalists from AFP have noted a decrease in explosions in eastern Ukraine. While Putin cited “humanitarian reasons” for the truce, Zelensky stated Ukraine is ready to comply and offered a 30-day pause, which he claims has not received a response from Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that no extension order was issued.

    In Kyiv, skepticism regarding Russia’s intentions remains high. “They’ve already broken their commitments,” remarked resident Olga Grachova. Meanwhile, some residents in Moscow expressed a desire for peace despite the ongoing conflict.

  • Russia cites Ukraine talks’ progress, labels US relations ‘complex’

    Russia cites Ukraine talks’ progress, labels US relations ‘complex’

    Moscow Update: Progress in Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Complex US Relations

    Moscow: Russia has reported some advancements in negotiations aimed at concluding the conflict in Ukraine, although it characterized its interactions with the United States as challenging and intricate.

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov conveyed to reporters, "Engagements are rather complicated, primarily due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter. We’re dedicated to finding a resolution to this conflict while safeguarding our interests and remain open to dialogue. We’re actively pursuing this path."

    On Friday, former US President Donald Trump expressed a desire to expedite a peace agreement, yet he noted that he can’t indefinitely engage in the search for a resolution if one of the parties complicates matters significantly.

    Earlier in Paris, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking after discussions with European and Ukrainian leaders, warned that both sides have only a few days to demonstrate progress; otherwise, the U.S. might withdraw from its mediating role.

    When asked about the possibility of the United States stepping back from the peace negotiations in Ukraine, Peskov emphasized that such a question should be directed towards Washington.

    "We believe that some progress is already evident," Peskov stated, mentioning a temporary halt in strikes on energy infrastructure, despite indicating that Ukraine has not fully adhered to this ceasefire.

    "Thus, we have achieved certain developments, but many intricate discussions still lie ahead," he added.

    When questioned about the status of the energy moratorium, Peskov noted that while it has been in place for a month, there have been no directives from the president to amend Russia’s stance.

    Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council and a prominent figure among Russian hardliners, endorsed Trump’s comments via the social media platform X, stating, "U.S. officials have indicated that without progress in Ukraine, the United States will withdraw its involvement. That is a wise move."

    Medvedev further remarked, "The EU should also take the same approach. This way, Russia will resolve the situation more swiftly."

  • Sudan Military Claims Control of Khartoum Presidential Palace

    Sudan Military Claims Control of Khartoum Presidential Palace

    A spokesperson for the Sudanese army addresses the nation through Sudan TV after claiming control of the presidential palace on March 21, 2025, according to the army’s report.

    • Regaining control of the palace represents a symbolic win for the army.
    • The ongoing conflict has triggered the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
    • The RSF is solidifying its hold in the western regions and establishing its own government.

    The Sudanese army announced on Friday that it has regained complete control of the presidential palace located in downtown Khartoum, marking a significant shift in the ongoing two-year conflict with a rival armed faction that poses a threat to the country’s unity.

    In response, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) stated that they remain close to the palace and claimed to have launched an attack that resulted in the deaths of numerous army personnel within the palace.

    According to army sources, the RSF fighters are positioned approximately 400 meters away. Reports indicate that the army faced a drone strike that resulted in several casualties, including three journalists from state television.

    While the army had been on the defensive for an extended period, recent developments indicate that they are regaining ground, having reclaimed territory from the RSF in central areas of the country.

    On the other hand, the RSF has been fortifying its presence in western Sudan, establishing new defensive positions and steering the country toward a potential partition. They are also attempting to form a parallel government in the regions they control, although international acceptance of this administration remains unlikely.

    The RSF initially took control of the presidential palace and the rest of Khartoum shortly after the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023, a conflict sparked by tensions over integrating the paramilitary organization into the national armed forces.

    Videos shared by the army depicted soldiers celebrating on the palace grounds, where shattered glass and bullet-scarred walls highlighted the intensity of the conflict.

    Many citizens in Sudan expressed support for the army’s declaration of control over the palace. “The recovery of the palace is the best news I’ve received since the war began, as it signals the army’s reclaiming of the rest of Khartoum,” stated 55-year-old resident Mohamed Ibrahim.

    “We want to feel safe again and live without fear or hunger,” he added.

    On Thursday evening, the RSF announced that they had captured a strategic military base from the army in North Darfur, a region in the western part of the country.

    The conflict has escalated into what the UN describes as the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, leading to widespread famine and disease among the 50 million inhabitants of Sudan.

    Both factions have faced accusations of committing war crimes, with the RSF specifically being charged with genocide, which both groups deny.

    Gunfire Echoes in Khartoum

    On Friday, sporadic gunfire was reported in Khartoum, and further violent clashes are anticipated as the army aims to encircle the RSF, which still controls extensive territories south of the palace.

    Earlier this week, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, had directed his troops to maintain their positions at the palace.

    Although the RSF retains a presence in Khartoum, its grip is reportedly weaker than at any time since the conflict erupted, suggesting a potential complete withdrawal of the RSF, according to Ahmed Soliman, a senior research fellow at Chatham House.

    The army is likely to continue military operations in the western regions, resulting in a “contested, partitioned reality” for Sudan, he added.

    The war broke out two years ago, as the country was initiating a transition toward democratic governance.

    Following the ousting of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, the army and RSF had previously joined forces but later became adversaries, largely due to historical grievances where Bashir bolstered the RSF as a counterbalance to the army, which is led by career officer Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.