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Qatar is set to welcome the world's elite military parachutists from November 13 to 23 for the 47th CISM World Military Parachuting Championships.This was announced at a press conference on Wednesday at Umm Al-Shokhot Airfield.The 10-day event will be a gathering of skill and spirit, featuring 320 parachutists hailing from some 30 countries. The event, to be organized by the Qatar Air Sports Committee (QASC), promises spectacular displays of aerial precision.This championship marks a proud return for Qatar, which previously hosted the 44th edition in 2021—an event that earned widespread praise from the International Military Sports Council (CISM) for its impeccable organization and high caliber of competition.Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Saeed Al Mansouri, Vice Chairman of QASC, on Wednesday said Qatar is ready to stage what will be a global event."This championship represents a vital opportunity for exchanging expertise and actively strengthening human and cultural ties between nations," Al Mansouri said.He noted that preparations for the massive undertaking had been extensive, with the QASC putting "considerable efforts" into ensuring Umm Shakhout Airport was perfectly ready. Every technical and organizational detail has been finalized to the highest standards.The focus then turned to the home team. Lieutenant Colonel Al Mansouri confirmed that the country would be represented by the Qatari Target Team, expressing his deep confidence in their ability to deliver a performance "befitting the reputation of Qatari sports.""We promise you an exceptional championship," he said.He attributed the foundation for this success to the nation's leadership, the gracious patronage of His Excellency the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, and the dedicated efforts of everyone involved, from the Chief of Staff to the organizing committees and supporting entities."Everyone's cooperation is the guarantee for the tournament's success and its presentation in a manner befitting Qatar's global reputation," he said.The countdown has officially begun for a spectacular showcase of military precision and global camaraderie in the skies over Qatar.Captain Hazza Al-Attiyah, Secretary General of the QASC, said that a Local Organizing Committee chaired by the Commander of the Joint Special Forces was overseeing all stages to meet the highest international standards.The 320 parachutists will test their mettle across three thrilling disciplines: the aerial ballet of Formation Skydive (FS-4Way), the rapid, focused maneuvers of the Style Competition, and the ultimate test of canopy control in the Accuracy Competition.These events, open to men, women, and juniors, will strictly follow CISM and international rules, with full adherence to WADA regulations, ensuring absolute integrity in the skies.Captain Al-Attiyah emphasized that hosting this global gathering represents a significant addition to Qatar's military and sporting journey, embodying the national vision to become a premier destination for international championships.The event wasn't solely about the competition, however; it also celebrated legacy. A cultural cornerstone of the opening ceremony will be the inauguration of the Air Sports Museum, a first for the State of Qatar. This museum is intended to document the rich history and achievements of national air sports, preserving the legacy for generations to come.Salem Al-Fahida, Head of Media Affairs and Chairman of the Tournament's Media Committee, described the CISM World Military Games as a "global sporting epic that combines skill, courage, and a spirit of challenge." Al-Fahida stressed that the professional Qatari media would be an active partner in conveying the honorable image of the global event.Meanwhile, Lieutenant Abdulaziz Al-Hajjaji, captain of Qatari Target Team, confirmed the squad's "complete readiness" to take part in the the world's most prominent military sporting event.

Russia and Ukraine traded claims on Wednesday over the downing of military drones, as the conflict between the two countries continues unabated since Feb. 24, 2022. Ukrainian authorities said their air defense systems had shot down 61 Russian drones across northern, southern, and eastern regions of the country.Meanwhile, Russia's Ministry of Defense announced in a statement that its air defense forces had destroyed 40 Ukrainian drones over several areas during the previous night.Reports from both sides regarding the ongoing Russian military operation in Ukraine have frequently contradicted each other, particularly in terms of battlefield developments.

Philippine authorities announced that the death toll from Typhoon Kalmaegi has risen to 46, including six crew members of a military helicopter that crashed during the powerful storm, which brought torrential rains and flooding to the central Philippines.The Philippine Army said in a statement that the helicopter crashed while on a rescue mission. The bodies of the crew members have been recovered. The crash occurred approximately 270 km from Cebu Island, the most affected area.Although Kalmaegi, locally known as Tino, has gradually weakened since making landfall on Tuesday, it continued to batter the country with winds reaching speeds of up to 120 km per hour as it passed through the Visayas islands, heading towards northern Palawan and the South China Sea.Local authorities indicated that tens of thousands of residents in the Visayas region have been evacuated, and rescue operations are ongoing. The typhoon is expected to leave the Philippines late today or early tomorrow Thursday.The Philippines is hit by or approaches approximately 20 typhoons and storms annually, often causing the most damage in the country's poorest areas.

Israeli occupation forces killed three Palestinian young men at dawn on Tuesday and seized their bodies in the village of Kafr Qud, west of Jenin.Local sources told the Palestinian news agency (WAFA) that Israeli occupation forces stormed the town with military reinforcements, surrounded an area of agricultural land, and opened live fire at the three young men—whose identities have yet to be determined—killing them and seizing their bodies.Cities, towns, and refugee camps across the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem witness daily raids and incursions by occupation forces and settlers, often accompanied by clashes, arrests, live and rubber bullet fire, as well as the use of tear gas and other toxic gas grenades against Palestinians.

Israeli occupation forces infiltrated the northern Quneitra countryside in southern Syria on Tuesday, violating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.Local sources in Quneitra told the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) that Israeli forces, including four tanks, advanced from the Al-Hurriya area toward the village of Ufaniya in northern Quneitra, while two other military vehicles entered the same location.In another area, the sources said that tanks and approximately ten vehicles reached the vicinity of Tal Al-Ahmar and Ain Al-Nouriya. The tanks were positioned along the road between the Agricultural High School and the Al-Faqir Oil Mill and continued on the old highway between Ain Aisha and the town of Khan Arnabeh, according to SANA.Israeli forces have intensified their attacks on Syrian territory, violating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and related UN resolutions. Syria has condemned these incursions and called on the international community to take firm action to stop them.

The National Committee for International Humanitarian Law at the Ministry of Justice and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reviewed ways to enhance cooperation and joint coordination in the field of military training and the implementation of programs directed toward the armed forces. This came during a meeting that brought together the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law and a delegation from the ICRC, led by the Head of the ICRC delegation in Qatar, Basma Tabaja, along with Representative of the Armed Forces to the ICRC, Ahmed Moharram, and the Legal Advisor at the ICRC Mission in Damascus Bassel Almajd Representing the National Committee for International Humanitarian Law were members of the Committee and representatives of the Ministry of Defense Brigadier General Abdullah Ibrahim Al Fadala, Rapporteur of the Committee Khalid Mohammed Al Khamis Al Obaidli, and Assistant Rapporteur Alaa Ismail Al Musleh. The meeting comes as part of the Committee's ongoing commitment to promoting the principles of international humanitarian law and building national capacities in the military field, in a way that contributes to strengthening respect for humanitarian rules during armed conflicts.

Germany and Iceland have agreed to strengthen their military cooperation amid growing Russian threats. A memorandum of understanding signed in Reykjavik focuses on maritime logistics, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said during a meeting with Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir. "Germany is, from my point of view, the leading force now in strengthening the security and defence of Europe," Gunnarsdottir said. She highlighted plans for closer cooperation with the German air force and navy, as well as joint efforts to defend against hybrid attacks and disruptions to internet communications. The German armed forces plan to establish a point of call on the volcanic island in the far north for warships, submarines and supply vessels.

Israeli forces carried out an incursion into Saida Al-Hanout village in southern Quneitra Countryside. A unit consisting of 11 military vehicles entered Saida Al-Hanout and constructed a barrier at the village entrance. The forces withdrew shortly afterward, SANA News Agency reported.Last Monday, Israeli occupation forces entered the village of Saida Al-Hanout with five military vehicles, then withdrew shortly after.Israeli forces continue their aggressions against Syrian territory, in violation of the 1987 disengagement agreement, international law, and United Nations resolutions. Syria condemns these aggressions and calls on the international community to take a firm stand to stop them.

Saudi Minister of the National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz discussed Monday with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, and Minister of Defense Acquisition Program of South Korea Seok Jong-gun, who are visiting Riyadh, ways to enhance bilateral military and defense cooperation and opportunities to develop partnerships in the military industries. During these talks, the two sides also exchanged views on several topics of mutual interest.

The Kuwaiti and French Air Forces have carried out the joint air exercise "Swift Falcon" at the Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base, attended by Kuwait's Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, Major General (Pilot) Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, French Ambassador to Kuwait Olivier Gauvin, and senior military officers from both countries.In a statement carried by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Kuwait's General Staff said the exercise reflects the deepening military cooperation and exchange of field expertise between the two nations. The drill aims to strengthen combat readiness and enhance the ability to conduct joint operations with greater efficiency.Maj. Gen. Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah stressed the importance of advancing training and qualification programs, while reinforcing partnerships with friendly countries. He praised the participating forces for their high level of preparedness and coordination in implementing the training scenarios.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its forces have taken control of the town of Novonikolaivka, located in the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, southeastern Ukraine, as part of the military operations that have been ongoing since February 2022. In a statement on the progress of the operations, the ministry said that Russian forces have improved their tactical positions on several combat fronts, noting that they have inflicted casualties on the Ukrainian side estimated at 1,370 soldiers during the recent clashes. The statement added that Russian air defenses also shot down three missiles and 340 Ukrainian drones, in addition to destroying two tanks. Since the outbreak of war, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged near-daily reports of repelling each other's attacks - claims that remain difficult to independently verify due to ongoing war.

The Israeli military destroyed a high-rise in Gaza City Friday, shortly after announcing it would target tall buildings identified as being used by Hamas ahead of its planned seizure of the urban hub.Despite mounting pressure at home and abroad to halt its nearly two-year offensive in Gaza, Israel has been calling up reservists, intensifying its bombardments and closing in on Gaza City ever since announcing its intention to capture the Palestinian territory's largest city.AFP footage showed the Mushtaha Tower in the city's Al-Rimal neighbourhood collapsing after a massive explosion at its base, sending a thick cloud of smoke and dust billowing into the sky.AFP photographs of the aftermath showed Palestinians inspecting the rubble and debris of the collapsed building.Gaza civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal accused Israel of carrying out "a policy of forced displacement against civilians" in its targeting of high-rise buildings.The agency said Israeli strikes in and around Gaza City killed at least 19 people, among at least 32 Palestinians killed across the territory Friday.A member of Hamas's political bureau, Izzat al-Rishq, said Israeli claims the group was operating in the high-rises were "nothing but flimsy pretexts and blatant lies."The UN estimates that nearly 1mn people live in Gaza City and its surroundings, an area where it last month declared a famine.