Pakistan and Russia have commenced a joint military exercise codenamed Druzhba (Friendship) VII, marking the 7th bilateral joint counterterrorism exercise between the two militaries, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Tuesday. According to the military’s media wing, the drill is “aimed at refining professional skills through joint training, besides harnessing the historic military-to-military relations among friendly countries”. “The two-week long exercise commenced on October 13 at National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Pabbi, with the participation of Light Commando Troops of Pakistan Army and Russian Military Contingent,” the ISPR said. According to the statement, the Commandant National Counter-Terrorism Centre graced the exercise’s opening ceremony as a chief guest. The last military drill — Druzbha VI — was held at the Molkino Trg area of Krasnodar, Russia, in 2021. Pakistani armed forces routinely conduct joint military exercises with other nat
Swedish prosecutors confirmed on Tuesday a rape probe following media reports that French footballer Kylian Mbappe was being investigated after a visit to Stockholm but did not name the suspect. On Monday, Swedish newspapers Aftonbladet and Expressen reported that a rape investigation had been opened following Mbappe’s two-day visit to the Nordic capital. “In response to media reports about a suspected rape in Stockholm, the prosecutor can confirm that a criminal report has been submitted to the police,” Sweden’s Prosecution Authority said in a statement. It added that the alleged incident occurred at a hotel on October 10, but did not name a suspect and said no further information could be shared for the moment. Expressen on Monday identified Mbappe as the suspect, citing anonymous sources, while Aftonbladet said on Tuesday it had also obtained information confirming Mbappe was the suspect. Expressen said Mbappe was “reasonably suspected” of rape and sexual assault, the l