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Chairman of the Jordanian Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major General Yousef Ahmed Al Huneiti, on Wednesday held talks with a delegation from the US National Defense University, headed by retired Admiral Kurt Tidd, who is visiting the capital, Amman.The discussions explored ways to enhance cooperation in training and strategic education, in addition to a number of issues of mutual interest.During the meeting, the Jordanian Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff underscored the importance of exchanging expertise and knowledge in military and academic fields. He highlighted the Jordan Armed Forces' commitment to drawing on leading international experiences in strategic planning, crisis management, and national security, in a manner that strengthens the capabilities of its personnel and their ability to address various challenges. 

The Qatar Armed Forces have concluded the Cross-Country Running Championship held at Al Bidda Park in Doha.The event featured participation from 14 teams representing various units of the Qatar Armed Forces, along with teams from the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), the General Directorate of Passports, and the Police College.In the under‑40 category, the Police Academy team secured first place.The Qatar Amiri Air Force team claimed first place in the 40‑to‑50 age group, while the Lekhwiya team took first place in the over‑50 category.At the conclusion of the tournament, Military Sports Federation president Major-General Youssef Dasmal al-Kuwari presented the medals, crowned the winners, and honoured the participant with the highest turnout in the championship.  

In the presence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and during the joint graduation ceremony of the military colleges, Qatar Armed Forces announced the establishment of Tamim bin Hamad University for Military and Technology Sciences, which will serve as an advanced academic institution, unifying the expertise of military and technical colleges and institutions within a unified scientific framework.  The university aims to enhance academic integration and coordination among military colleges and institutions, while preserving the identity and specialisations of each college. It also seeks elevating military education to advanced university level that keeps pace with modern requirements and science and technology developments. Furthermore, the university will contribute to developing national military competencies and raising the level of professionalism by building upon the accumulated experience and distinguished outputs of the prestigious military colleges, in order to enhance national readiness and support the security and defense system.  The university will include several military academic institutions, such as the Ahmed bin Mohammed Military College, Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Ghanem Naval Academy, Al-Zaeem Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah Air College, Strategic Studies Center, Military Technical College, and the Cyber ​​Space Academy. **media[407829]**The establishment of the university affirms Qatar Armed Forces' commitment to investing in advanced military education, linking it to modern technological and strategic developments, and preparing highly qualified military personnel to serve the nation. 

The Qatar Satellite Company, Es'hailSat, and the Qatar Armed Forces (QAF) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), to provide QAF with satellite communication services, ground infrastructure, and secure, flexible network solutions to support sovereign and operational requirements for government and military entities.In a press release Wednesday, Es'hailSat said that this MoU comes in recognition of QAF's role in protecting national security, supporting defence capabilities, and ensuring operational readiness under all circumstances, adding that it stems from the belief in the importance of satellite communications as a key element in supporting command and control, field connectivity, and operational continuity, especially in challenging environments and emergencies.The company noted that both parties are looking to strengthen frameworks for joint co-operation and exchange of technical and technological expertise to serve the national and strategic interests of both QAF and Es'hailSat and build upon their shared interest in co-operation in this field.Es'hailSat provides satellite, broadcast, teleport and managed services from Doha, Qatar and brings to this relationship more than 15 years of being in the business of catering to broadcasters, telecommunication companies, enterprises, mobility applications and governments across the Middle East and North Africa. Es'hailSat's two satellites at 25.5/26 East together with the 50,000sqm Tier-4 certified teleport facility provides reliable and robust connectivity services.QAF continues to play a vital role in protecting national security, supporting defence capabilities, and ensuring a high level of operational readiness under all circumstances.Through the Qatar Amiri Signal Corps, the Armed Forces oversee and maintain secure, sovereign, and resilient communications systems that underpin command, control, and mission continuity across the defence sector. Their work includes advancing field operations support, delivering technical and operational expertise, and enabling sustainable communications in both routine and emergency environments. The Qatar Armed Forces also prioritise crisis management communications, ensuring continuity of operations during exceptional or urgent situations.Commenting on this, Es'hailSat President and CEO Ali Ahmed al-Kuwari said, "Es'hailSat is delighted to enter into this enhanced partnership with Qatar Armed Forces that brings the experience and industry knowledge of Es'hailSat to complement the unique sovereign role of Qatar Armed Forces in protecting national security, supporting defence capabilities and ensuring operational readiness under all circumstances."Al-Kuwari added, "Es'hailSat acknowledges the needs of Qatar Armed Forces for sovereign ground station infrastructure, field operations support, and ensuring readiness during emergencies to maintain continuity, which will also lead to future development and capacity building." 

His Excellency the Chief of Staff of the Qatar Armed Forces Lieutenant-General (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed al-Mannai attended the signing of a number of agreements on the sidelines of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2026).The agreements included the signing of a letter of intent between Qatar and Finland’s defence ministries, the signing of agreements between Barzan Holdings and the Procurement and Supply Authority, the Qatari Amiri Maintenance Corps, and EDGE Group UAE.The ceremonies were attended by senior officers and officials. 

Qatar has completed preparations for the ninth Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2026), set to open today at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), according to Dimdex 2026 organising committee chairman Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh al-Ansari. Dimdex 2026 is held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Supreme Commander of the Qatar Armed Forces. The event is organised and hosted by the Qatar Armed Forces with the theme A Global Hub for Defence Innovations – Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow.Speaking during a press conference Sunday in the presence of VIP Delegation and Protocol director Capt (Sea) Khalid Mohammed al-Siddiqi, Staff Brigadier al-Ansari said that the 9th Dimdex is the largest and most expansive since the exhibition’s inception. He noted that the scale of the event reflects growing international interest in Dimdex, which has established itself as one of the most prominent platforms on the global defence calendar. Staff Brigadier al-Ansari added that the exhibition brings together cutting-edge technological advancements and innovations to address evolving needs in the defence and security sectors, offering a comprehensive showcase of naval, air and land defence systems. Related sectors on display include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), radar, advanced surveillance systems and other technologies critical to modern military operations.“The exhibition also represents a major hub for companies to conclude commercial agreements, drive business growth and stimulate investment, while providing valuable opportunities to establish strategic partnerships,” Staff Brigadier al-Ansari said. “Moreover, Dimdex facilitates the exchange of knowledge and expertise, offering fresh perspectives on defence-related issues and enabling a deeper understanding of emerging geopolitical and security challenges,” he added. Staff Brigadier al-Ansari highlighted that Dimdex 2026 will bring together more than 200 national and international companies specialising in security and defence, alongside eight major international pavilions. The event will also feature a strong presence of local companies from related sectors, as well as participation from various branches of the Qatar Armed Forces.Innovations and technologies will be showcased across more than 40,000sq metres of exhibition space. Staff Brigadier al-Ansari emphasised the decision to extend the exhibition to four days, in response to exhibitors’ requests, to ensure maximum benefit for participating companies and visiting delegations. Dimdex 2026 will host several established components, including the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference, organised in co-operation with the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies. The programme includes official VIP delegation visits and the reception of international visiting warships at Hamad Port. In addition, specialised workshops will be delivered by exhibitors over three days, from January 20-22, in a dedicated exhibition area, enabling companies to present their latest innovations directly to delegations and attendees. As part of the event, Hamad Port welcomed eight visiting warships earlier today, including the Qatar Amiri Naval Forces vessel Al Fulk, in the presence of local and international media. Exhibition hours are from 9am to 5pm on January 19, 20 and 21, and from 9am to 4pm on January 22. Visitor access on the opening day, January 19, will be from 12 noon to 5pm. The event is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors. Attendance is available through prior online registration on the website at www.dimdex.com 

People on either side of the divide cutting through Libya grieved Wednesday for the head of the country's armed forces, who was killed when his plane crashed in Turkiye.General Mohammed al-Haddad and his four aides died on Tuesday after a visit to Ankara, with Turkish officials saying an electrical failure caused their plane to crash less than 15 minutes after takeoff."It will be hard to find a man of his calibre," Nasreddine al-Maghribi told AFP at a cafe in Libyan capital Tripoli.Haddad "enjoyed great popularity in the east and west of the country, and we had hoped that he would play a key role in the leadership of a united Libyan army", said Maghribi, who is in his sixties.Libya has been divided since a Nato-backed revolt toppled and killed longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.Haddad had been the army's chief of general staff since August 2020.In Tripoli, seat of the internationally recognised Government of National Unity (GNU), celebrations to mark Libya's independence day were cancelled.Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah heads the GNU in the west, while commander Khalifa Haftar's administration runs the east.Both Dbeibah and Haftar have declared a three-day mourning period in the areas they control.Civil society activist Nouri Ben Othman described Haddad as "an emblematic figure for our nation"."He was not just a military leader, but also a symbol who shouldered the responsibility of unifying the institution of the military, and who worked towards a national reconciliation," he told AFP."The loss of such a figure is a loss for the nation."The UN mission to Libya, UNSMIL, also paid tribute to Haddad, describing him in a post on X as "a steadfast advocate for the unification of Libya's military and civilian institutions, peace and stability for a strong Libya"."He was a professional officer who put national interests first and a patriot who loved his country," the mission added.Until a successor is selected, Haddad's deputy, General Salaheddine al-Namroush, will stand in for him, according to the presidential council. 

In a conference room in Doha – a city now as familiar with ceasefire documents as with energy contracts – representatives of the Colombian government and the country’s most powerful armed group have signed what they are calling a ‘Commitment to Peace’. For Qatar, it is another marker in an increasingly crowded portfolio: a Gulf state turning itself into a consistent peace broker in conflicts thousands of miles away. The agreement, announced by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was reached after two rounds of talks in Doha between Colombia and the self-designated Ejército Gaitanista de Colombia (EGC), better known as the Clan del Golfo or AGC. His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi presided over the signing, flanked by senior envoys from Norway, Spain and Switzerland – a quartet styling itself the “Group of Facilitating States”. On paper, the commitment is cautious but far from cosmetic. The text, as described by Qatar and the mediators, binds both sides to alleviating civilian suffering, ending armed confrontation and laying the groundwork for “sustainable peace”. It explicitly links peace to the dismantling of the AGC’s criminal economy with a view to reintegrate child soldiers into Colombian society. From Colombia’s perspective, the stakes are obvious. The AGC emerged as the country’s dominant illegal armed group in the vacuum left by the demobilisation of FARC in 2016 and is estimated to command several thousand fighters. It straddles the line between paramilitary force and drug cartel, controlling trafficking routes, mining areas and entire communities. For President Gustavo Petro, who came to office in 2022 promising “total peace” with guerrillas and criminal organisations alike, getting the AGC to the table at all is an achievement; securing a signed roadmap for demobilisation is something more. Beginning March 1, 2026, AGC combatants are to gradually assemble in three defined “concentration areas” – two in the conflict-scarred Pacific department of Chocó and a third in neighbouring Córdoba. Ten additional municipalities will be folded into pilot peace programmes, on top of five already announced in September. While fighters gather, arrest and extradition orders against them will be suspended – an amnesty-adjacent concession is often the uncomfortable price of getting guns off the table. That this architecture has been built not in Bogotá, Oslo or Geneva but in Doha is no accident. For years, Qatar has positioned itself as a convening power for conflicts that have exhausted more traditional venues. Its foreign ministry notes that the first round of talks with the Gaitanista Army, held in mid-September at Colombia’s request, was designed around phased confidence-building: protecting human dignity, respecting human rights and including affected communities in the process. Put simply, Colombia has joined a growing list of states – from Afghanistan and Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo – that see Qatar as a useful, neutral broker with the resources, patience and diplomatic muscle to host long, grinding negotiations that might or might not succeed. The facilitators’ joint statement is careful to frame the commitment not as a reward, but as a step towards demobilisation, civilian protection and the eventual return of state authority. It stresses that implementation will demand “discipline, transparency and trust” – and pointedly warns that there will be “many hurdles and challenges to overcome”. For Qatar, those hurdles are familiar. Its mediators have watched more than one painstakingly constructed arrangement wobble under the weight of local spoilers, shifting political winds or simple bad faith. But the deeper logic of its foreign policy remains remarkably consistent: conflict resolution as statecraft. By repeatedly inserting itself at the hinge points of far-away wars and peace processes, Doha accumulates something that cannot be bought on energy markets: strategic relevance. The “Commitment to Peace” signed in Doha will not, by itself, end one of Latin America’s most resilient armed structures. But it does underline a quieter truth: when governments and gunmen go looking for a table at which to talk, they are increasingly finding it in Qatar.  

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.

An international conference on the protection of journalists in armed conflict zones began in Doha Wednesday.The conference is organised by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and Al Jazeera Public Liberties and Human Rights Centre (PLHRC) at Al Jazeera Media Network and in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights.Inaugurated by HE NHRC Chairperson Maryam bint Abdullah al-Attiyah, the conference will discuss ways to enhance the protection of journalists and ensure their safety while covering conflicts, and to address the issue of impunity for crimes committed against them, with the participation of international officials, experts, and media professionals.In this context, HE al-Attiyah said that organizing this conference comes within the context of the NHRC closely monitoring the conditions of journalists in areas of armed conflict, in addition to its keenness to follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of the previous conferences, especially the recommendations of the first Doha Declaration, issued by the international conference for the protection of journalists in dangerous situation, held in January 2012.In her opening remarks, she added that while the NHRC is proud to note the reference to this declaration in numerous Human Rights Council resolutions, and welcomed the interpretation of a number of its recommendations into practical action, including the establishment of a unit dedicated to the safety of journalists within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the NHRC renews its determination through this conference to move forward in enhancing protection and establishing a safe and enabling environment for journalists.HE al-Attiyah emphasized that it is no longer acceptable to limit oneself to mere condemnation. The widening scope of crimes and serious violations against journalists points to the urgent need for broad action involving governments, national human rights institutions, and all stakeholders, along with UN agencies, to activate the rules of international law and implement comprehensive reforms to protection mechanisms. She said that the NHRC declares its commitment to following up on the implementation of the outcomes of this conference, in cooperation with various partners. The issue of protecting journalists will remain a top priority, in support of the truth and redress for victims.HE Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network Sheikh Nasser bin Faisal al-Thani said that while the blood of Al Jazeera journalists in the Gaza Strip has not yet dried in defence of the truth, the profession of journalism is facing tests that threaten its very existence and its humanitarian role.He added that Al Jazeera Media Network has made the protection and safety of its journalists a firm priority, developing specialized training programs for its crews working in conflict zones and ensuring the highest standards of professional safety. However, its correspondents have been targeted simply for carrying out their duties. The number of Al Jazeera martyrs has reached 22 so far, 10 of whom were killed during the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza.Addressing the International Conference on the Protection of Journalists in Armed Conflicts, HE Sheikh Nasser stressed that Al Jazeera Media Network calls for unifying initiatives and strengthening solidarity among media institutions, human rights organizations, and nations to halt the killing of journalists and end the policy of impunity for their murderers.Sheikh Nasser highlighted that Al Jazeera has been driving this cause forward for years, with a key milestone being the launch of the Doha Declaration on the Protection of Journalists in 2016, a document that received the endorsement of the Human Rights Council and Unesco and stands as the first international document propelled by a media institution for adoption within UN frameworks.Unesco Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information Dr. Tawfik Jelassi stated in a recorded broadcast during the opening session that free and independent media are an essential pillar of democracy, yet it is equally crucial to ensure the safety of journalists and media workers while performing their vital role.Journalists around the globe encounter threats, harassment, and censorship, and often lethal violence, while female journalists remain particularly vulnerable to harassment, both online and offline, Dr. Jelassi highlighted.Dr Jelassi emphasised that protecting journalists in conflict zones remains a top priority for Unesco, averring that Unesco has repeatedly condemned the killing of journalists in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen, and other conflict zones, and affirms that journalists are civilians who must be protected under Security Council Resolution 2222.In a recorded intervention, Commissioner at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) and Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo emphasized that journalist protection is central to the African Commission's work, which closely monitors violations against journalists across Africa.The opening session concluded with a moment of silence honouring journalists who lost their lives in conflict zones worldwide, followed by the inauguration of a photo exhibition showcasing journalists' equipment and images of those martyred in Gaza and Iraq.

The State of Qatar has delivered an official message to the President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concerning the armed attack carried out by Israel against residential premises of several members of Hamas' political bureau in Doha on September 9, 2025, which resulted in a number of martyrs and injuries.The message was delivered by Qatar's Permanent Representative to the ICAO, Essa Abdullah Al Maliki.The message stated that this attack constitutes a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar and the provisions of the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, affirming that Qatar retains all its rights under international law.

An armed group that controls part of western Sudan appealed Tuesday for foreign help in recovering bodies and rescuing residents from torrential rain, after it said at least 1,000 people were killed when a landslide buried a mountain village.Only one person survived the destruction of the village of Tarseen in the mountainous Jebel Marra area of the Darfur region, said the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army.SLM/A, which has long controlled and governed an autonomous portion of Jebel Marra, appealed to the United Nations and international aid agencies to help collect the bodies of victims, including men, women and children."Tarseen, famed for its citrus production, has now been completely levelled to the ground," the group said in a statement. Continuing rains have made travel in the region difficult and could impede any rescue or aid efforts."Nearby villagers are overwhelmed with fear that a similar fate might befall them if the ... torrential rainfall persists, which underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive evacuation plan and provision of emergency shelter," the group's leader, Abdelwahid Mohamed Nur, said in a separate appeal.A statement by the UN's resident co-ordinator put the death toll at between 300 and 1,000, citing local reports.Arjimand Hussain, regional response manager for the development group Plan International, said the last 45km of the route to Tarseen were impassable to motor vehicles and could only be negotiated on foot or by donkey.Nine bodies were recovered by volunteers, said Abdelhafiz Ali from the Jebel Marra Emergency Room, who noted that the village had hosted hundreds of people displaced by fighting.The SLM/A has remained neutral in the battle between the main enemies in Sudan's civil war, the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The two foes are fighting over control of Al-Fashir, capital of North Darfur state, which is under siege from the RSF and has suffered famine.Residents of Al-Fashir and nearby areas have sought shelter in Jebel Marra, though food, shelter, and medical supplies are insufficient and hundreds of thousands have been exposed to the rains. Tawila, where most have arrived, is in the throes of a cholera outbreak, as are other parts of Darfur.The two-year civil war has left more than half of Sudan's population facing crisis levels of hunger and driven millions from their homes, leaving them especially exposed to the country's damaging annual floods.Sudan's army-controlled government expressed its condolences and willingness to assist.The prime minister of a newly-installed RSF-controlled rival government, Mohamed Hassan al-Taishi, said he would be co-ordinating with the SLM/A on the delivery of aid supplies to the area.Pope Leo sent his condolences and said he was praying for those affected, according to a Vatican statement.