Gulf states intercept Iranian missiles and drones: Pentagon

IANS | March 4, 2026 8:57 PM

Washington, March 4 (IANS) Several Gulf nations have joined defensive operations against Iranian missile and drone attacks as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East expands, senior US military officials said on Tuesday, highlighting the growing regional response to Tehran's strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure.

China seizes 'military vacuum' in Africa following Western retreat

IANS | March 4, 2026 5:43 PM

Naypyidaw, March 4 (IANS) China's growing military footprint in Africa now extends beyond nations that have distanced themselves from Paris, with Senegal and Ghana, long aligned with France and Western security partners, having stepped up acquisitions of Chinese defence systems.