The Pentagon has announced plans to remove up to 1,000 transgender service members from the military, allowing those affected a 30-day window to self-identify. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling that permits the Trump administration to enforce a ban on transgender individuals serving in the armed forces. According to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Department of Defence is moving away from what he describes as “wokeness and weakness,” indicating a shift away from using gender pronouns. Medical records will be reviewed to identify service members diagnosed with gender dysphoria, who will face mandatory discharge from military service. As of December 9, 2024, there were approximately 4,240 active duty, National Guard, and Reserve troops diagnosed with gender dysphoria. This recent memo echoes a communication sent out in February, which was delayed due to ongoing lawsuits.
In Sri Lanka, tragedy struck as a military helicopter crashed into a reservoir, resulting in the deaths of six armed forces personnel. The incident occurred on Friday in the Maduru Oya region while the helicopter, a Bell 212, was en route to a demonstration at the Army’s Special Forces brigade passing out parade. Among the casualties are two Air Force members and four soldiers from the special forces unit. In response to the crash, the Sri Lanka Air Force has formed a nine-member panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In Pakistan, a woman government officer has been arrested for criticizing the military and the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a WhatsApp group. Hina Sheikh, an officer with the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA), faces charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) for making derogatory comments about the Pakistan Army and inciting public dissent. The FIR alleges that her statements aimed to create division between state institutions and the public, jeopardizing national security. This arrest comes amid a broader crackdown by the Sharif government, which has detained several journalists, civil society members, and activists in response to critical social media posts targeting the military and the government.
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Tags: Pentagon, transgender service members, Sri Lanka helicopter crash, Pakistan, government officer arrest, military relations
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/05/10/world-watch-453/
Category: INTERNATIONAL
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Publish Date: 2025-05-10 03:57:00
