Tag: air force

  • Two American Air Force members to quit as US continues to back Israel

    Two American Air Force members to quit as US continues to back Israel

    Two officers currently serving in the United States Air Force are seeking to quit their military roles and declare themselves conscientious objectors in the light of their opposition to Washington’s backing of the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

    The two people in question are Larry Hebert and Juan Bettancourt who are critical of the US-backed genocide in Gaza that has killed over 37,400 Palestinians, predominantly women and children.

    They have formally requested to be recognized as conscientious objectors as per established military procedures — a status granted to individuals who object to engaging in military activities on moral or ethical grounds.

    Al Jazeera spoke to Hebert who is presently serving as a senior airman in the US Air Force. He pointed out that conscientious objection in the US military has historically been seen during protests against the Vietnam and Iraq wars.

    He intends to raise awareness that active-duty soldiers have the option to choose conscientious objection.

    In an earlier interview with NBC News, Hebert revealed the death of six-year-old Hind Rajab in February was a pivotal moment influencing his decision.

  • Is Abhinandan missing Pakistani chai? Twitter observes Surprise Day with memes

    Is Abhinandan missing Pakistani chai? Twitter observes Surprise Day with memes

    Pakistan is observing the fourth anniversary of Operation Swift Retort—popularly known as Surprise Day— when the country’s armed forces gave a befitting response to Indian pilots.

    On February 27 in 2019, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down two Indian planes that had violated Pakistani airspace. One of the Indian pilots—Abhinandan Varthaman—was captured alive by Pakistan, but was later handed over to the rival country as a gesture of peace and goodwill.

    In a tweet, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the Pakistan Air Force on Monday for its “befitting response” to the Indian violation of Pakistan’s airspace “on the pretext of false flag Pulwama attack”.

    “While we aim for peace with all, we are mindful of our duty to defend the country. Let no one make any mistake about it,” he warned.

    At the time, Abhinandan’s praise for the tea he was served grabbed the attention of the world, and Twitterati didn’t hold back on the jokes. This year too, social media users remembered the fateful day in a fun way.

    The incident happened after 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed by a young Kashmiri boy. Later, India blamed Pakistan for the attack and Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an aerial strike near Balakot on February 26, 2019.

    Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets crossed the line of control in a tit-for-tat move into Indian territory.

    The PAF shot down two IAF aircraft and captured one of the pilots. The debris of the SU-30 fell in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and its pilot was killed, while the MiG-21 pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan, whose aircraft fell on the Pakistan side was captured alive.