Japanese troops drill on island
seen as vulnerable to China
TOKYO, Nov 19: Japanese marines in amphibious assault vehicles stormed an island beach at the edge of the East China Sea on Sunday in a simulated attack to dislodge invaders from territory that Tokyo worries is vulnerable to attack from China. As tensions run high with neighbours China, Russia and North Korea, the drill on the southwest island of Tokunoshima capped an 11-day series of exercises nationwide dubbed 05JX, meant to show the readiness of ground, sea and air forces to defend Japan's territory and infrastructure, including nuclear power plants. — Reuters
Kyiv and Moscow hit by drone attacks
KYIV, Nov 19: Both Kyiv and Moscow were targeted overnight by opposing drone attacks, which were largely intercepted by anti-aircraft defences and did not result in casualties, authorities said on Sunday. "An attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using a drone against facilities of the Russian Federation was thwarted," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement. Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow were particularly frequent in the spring, ahead of the launch of its counteroffensive in June, but they have been rare in recent weeks. — AFP
Rain disrupts cargo services in Kenya
NAIROBI, Nov 19: Kenya on Sunday said tens of thousands of people across the country had been impacted by heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides that had also interrupted cargo services at Mombasa port. The Horn of Africa has experienced intense rainfall linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon in recent weeks that has claimed dozens of lives, including at least 46 in various parts of Kenya. — AFP
France successfully tests ballistic missile
PARIS, Nov 19: France said it had successfully tested without a nuclear load the M51.3 strategic ballistic missile on Saturday. The French defence ministry said the launch took place from a site in the Landes region in southwestern France. The missile was tracked throughout its flight phase and the fallout area was located in the North Atlantic several hundred kilometres from any coast, the ministry added in a statement. "First successful test firing of an M51.3 strategic ballistic missile!" Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu wrote on X, formerly Twitter. — AFP
Napoleon's hat goes on sale at auction
PARIS, Nov 19: A hat belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte when he ruled the French empire in the 19th Century was set to go on sale at auction in Paris on Sunday. The bicorne black beaver felt hat is valued between €600,000 and €800,000 (£525,850-£701,131). Historians say the headwear was part of Napoleon's brand. Wearing it sideways made him recognisable in battle. — BBC
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
