Sweden confirms Russian drone intercepted near French aircraft carrier
Al Jazeera
Swedish forces disrupt a drone launched from a Russian ship near a visiting French aircraft carrier in Swedish waters.
Sweden’s military has confirmed that a drone disabled near a visiting French aircraft carrier this week was Russian, prompting France to condemn what it described as a “ridiculous provocation” by Moscow.
The incident took place in the Oresund strait between Sweden and Denmark, as France’s flagship Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier was on a visit to the region.
“During the visit of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, one of the Swedish Armed Forces’ vessels observed a drone taking off from a Russian signals intelligence ship,” the Swedish military said in a statement on Friday.
“The Swedish Armed Forces can now confirm that a Russian drone has carried out an unauthorised flight,” it added.
Sweden’s Defence Minister Pal Jonson said “technical data” confirmed the origins of the drone as being the Russian vessel “Zhigulevsk”, noting also that the incident “constitutes a breach of Sweden’s access regulations and a violation of Swedish airspace”.
Family, advocates call for full probe after Mohommad Nazeer Paktyawal dies less than 24 hours after being detained.
Farmers in northern India are dressing up in bear costumes to protect their crops from monkeys.
Rights group says Tomahawk missile likely used in Minab school strike that killed at least 170 people, mostly children.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says his country has shown it is ready to take the war “as far as necessary”.
Oil and gas price hikes due to the war have rattled the global economy.
Airline says limited number of flights will operate as of March 18 between Qatari capital and dozens of destinations.
Iranian state media calls for turning fire festival into a symbolic protest by burning figures of US President Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu.
Pushback comes as US President Donald Trump says NATO allies should help secure key waterway amid soaring oil prices.
Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari accuses Iran of targeting civilian areas as he calls for de-escalation.
Kenyan foreign minister meets Russian counterpart amid reports that hundreds of Kenyans were recruited to fight in Russia and Ukraine.
Despite degraded launch capabilities, Iran has enough missiles to fire strategically and keep the region on edge, experts say.
Every aspect of Iran’s ability to project regional power is being successfully degraded.