Latest news with #BattleofStalingrad
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Beit Hanun disaster causing death of five IDF soldiers was a year in the making
All Hamas has to do is sit and wait. It knows that Israeli officials have vowed to disarm the terrorist group, exile its leaders, and defeat it. Five Israeli soldiers were killed in Beit Hanun on Monday, and another 14 soldiers were wounded. The incident involved terrorists using explosive devices and gunfire and took place as the IDF's Netzah Yehuda Battalion, part of the Kfir Brigade, was operating in the northern Gaza city. The tragedy in Beit Hanun is one of several similar incidents over the past month and a half of battles in Gaza. Israel returned to fighting in mid-March 2025 after a ceasefire that began in January. However, operations in March and April were minimal, designed to expand the IDF's control of the Morag Corridor near Rafah and also return to the buffer zone along the border. Beit Hanun is in the buffer zone. The Gazan town, which is very close to the Israeli city of Sderot, has long been a hot spot for terrorists, often used by Hamas and other groups to launch rockets at Israel. The IDF operated in Beit Hanun many times during the 640 days of the Israel-Hamas War. Most of the city has been badly damaged or destroyed in the war. However, there is a false perception that destroying areas in Gaza or razing whole communities will make the terrorists go away. In fact, the rubble and destruction may only provide a false sense of victory. The terrorists return to the wreckage. Terrorists hiding in rubble are just as challenging to find as those operating in an urban area untouched by war. The rubble may even help the terrorists hide, as it initially gives the impression that an area has been cleared or 'pacified.' History demonstrates that the ruins of cities do not make them any easier to conquer. During the World War II Battle of Stalingrad, the Soviet city was destroyed, but the Soviets and Nazis nevertheless had a difficult time fighting over it. WHAT HAS the clearing of Beit Hanun looked like over the last year and a half? Back in December 2024, the IDF said that 'following prior intelligence regarding the presence of terrorist infrastructure and operatives in the area, and as part of the effort to maintain security for the residents of the communities in southern Israel, the Nahal Brigade began operating overnight against terror targets in the area of Beit Hanun.' The military asked civilians to move out of the town, and the IDF used the air force and artillery to strike terror targets before infantry moved in to mop up. In September 2024, the IDF also had to strike terrorists in Beit Hanun. 'With the direction of IDF and Shin Bet [Israel Security Agency] intelligence, the IAF conducted a precise strike on a Hamas command and control center embedded inside a compound that previously served as the Raazi El Shua School in Beit Hanun,' it said. The problem with Beit Hanun is that the terrorists keep returning – or perhaps they have never left. In January 2025, just before the ceasefire, the IDF noted that 'the Nahal Brigade continues its activities in the Beit Hanun area in the Gaza Strip. As part of these activities, the brigade's troops uncovered and dismantled multiple sites used to launch rockets toward Israel, as well as several rockets intended to launch.' The army said that 'booby-trapped structures and observation equipment planted in the area to harm our forces were dismantled. In recent days, the brigade's troops have been engaging in intense combat in the area, during which both commanders and soldiers have fallen. The IDF extends its condolences to the bereaved families and will continue to accompany them.' This means that after more than a year of war, the terrorists were still active in Beit Hanun. They were placing improvised explosive devices, and they had plenty of terrorist infrastructure in the area. There was 'intense combat,' the military said. Yet, despite the challenge of a year of fighting in Gaza from the end of 2023 to January 2025, the enemy was allowed to remain in Beit Hanun. The ceasefire clearly gave the enemy time to regroup and recover, as it has all over the Gaza Strip. WHEN ISRAEL began operations again in March, Beit Hanun was not a significant objective. Later, Operation Gideon's Chariots was launched in May to regain IDF control over approximately 60%-70% of the enclave. The theory was that the military would control these areas permanently this time. No more raids into areas and then leaving, such that the enemy returns and the ground has to be repeatedly retaken. Beit Hanun is a microcosm representation of Gaza. The IDF has cleared it several times. Most Israeli commentators who follow IDF operations noted on Tuesday that the area has been retaken numerous times. Yet, the enemy was able to set up an apparently complex ambush. The same methods were used to soften up the area before the IDF entered with infantry. The problem is that the enemy has become familiar with IDF tactics over the last 640 days of war. The tragedy in Beit Hanun was more than a year in the making. If Beit Hanun, which is close to Sderot, cannot be cleared, how will most of Gaza be fully cleared of terrorists? Every military leader knows that plans only look good on paper until they are put into action against the enemy. Then, both sides should shift tactics as they learn what works and what does not. Although the IDF has learned a lot in Gaza, the enemy is also learning. It is waiting in the wings for an opportunity to strike. Hamas controls the central camps and Gaza City, and it assumes the IDF will not enter this 30% region of Gaza. As such, it uses that as a redoubt and then fights a low-level insurgency in the 60% of Gaza where the IDF is operating. Hamas knows that Israeli officials have vowed to disarm the terrorist group, exile its leaders, and defeat it. But it also knows that Israel has made these vows in the past and that Israel tends to convince itself that it is victorious, while Hamas survives each round. All Hamas has to do is sit and wait. If it has survived in Beit Hanun, this indicates the difficulty of uprooting it from elsewhere as well.
Metro
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Metro
Mystery of how top sports professor was found dead inside famous Russian statue
The chancellor of Russia's top sports university has died inside the head of 'Motherland Calls', a World War II memorial that was once the tallest in the world. Nikolai Chesnokov, 68, fell ill this morning during an excursion to the 279-foot statue in the southern region of Volgograd. He was reportedly accompanied by colleagues from the Kremlin-funded Moscow State Academy of Physical Culture who attempted to resuscitate him, but to no avail. Baza, a Telegram channel with links to Russian security services, claimed the visit inside the monument had not been authorised as the statue is not open to the public. It also said that Chesnokov died of a heart attack, but this has not yet been confirmed by emergency services. Russian reports stated that inside the head of the statue, there is a small room, with a wooden floor and a bench, which can be accessed through a hatch. It is a steep climb of 200 steps – some of which are on ladders – to actually get to the top. Immediately before his climb, Chesnokov was preparing to lay flowers atthe eternal flame near the monument. He had travelled to Volgograd from Moscow to take part in a nationwide university sports festival, Russian media reported. More Trending The Russian Investigative Committee has been probing his death for any sign of foul play. Set on top of Mamayev Kurgan hill, the concrete sculpture was unveiled in 1967 in commemoration of the casualties of the the bloodiest battle of World War II, the Battle of Stalingrad – the previous name for Volgograd. This is where Soviet forces repelled Nazi Germany's advance at the cost of more than 1 million casualties. Motherland Calls was the tallest statue in the world from its completion until 1975. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Putin shows no sign of agreeing to ceasefire with rare visit to the frontline MORE: British man with same name as Russian rebel keeps getting mistaken on holiday MORE: Putin prepares for Trump phone call by launching largest drone strike yet on Ukraine
Hans India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Russian embassy unveils plaque honouring Biju Patnaik
Bhubaneswar: Russia on Wednesday paid tribute to freedom fighter and former Odisha chief minister Biju Patnaik by unveiling a memorial plaque in his honour at its embassy in New Delhi. The event was part of celebrations marking the 80th Anniversary of the Great Victory in World War II. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik, the younger son of Biju Patnaik, attended the ceremony at the Russian embassy in the national capital. 'Honoured to attend the memorial plaque inauguration ceremony at Russian embassy in New Delhi to commemorate the contribution of legendary #BijuPatnaik in Stalingrad Operation during WWII. The Battle of Stalingrad led to success for Russia in the war against Nazi Germany which saved the world from untold horror. People of #Odisha will be immensely pleased with this award for #BijuPatnaik whom they treat with huge respect. Thank @RusEmbIndia for the honour. #RussiaHonoursBijuPatnaik,' Naveen said in a post on X Russian ambassador Danis Alipov had specially invited Naveen, Leader of the Opposition of Odisha Assembly, to attend the programme. The main function will be held on May 9. Alipov, in a letter to Naveen, had said, 'Among the heroes who we pay tribute to is your late father, Honourable Shri Biju Patnaik ji, a towering personality and a valiant pilot of the Indian National Airways, who had participated in the Stalingrad Operation, supplying weapons to the besieged Red Army.' The Battle of Stalingrad, which took place from July 1942 to February 1943, marked the successful Soviet defence of the city during World War II. Russia has plans to honour those 'who stood together against Nazism in anti-Hitler coalition, and commemorate the heroic deeds of the people of the former Soviet Union and its allies, who bore the brunt of the most brutal conflict in human history.' Biju Patnaik was the chief minister of Odisha for two terms — from 1961 to 1963 and again from 1990 to 1995. He died on April 17, 1997.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Russian Embassy unveils plaque in Biju's honour
1 2 Bhubaneswar: A commemorative plaque was unveiled at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday in honour of former Odisha chief minister Biju Patnaik for his valiant role in World War II , especially his contribution during the Battle of Stalingrad .BJD president and Biju's son, Naveen Patnaik , attended the event which was part of the 80th anniversary of Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in Biju's heroism and fearless spirit, Naveen said, "The nation is proud of Biju babu's courage and valour. His contribution to the Russian victory against the Nazis is a matter of great pride not just for Odisha, but for the entire country."During World War II, Biju, then a young pilot, air-dropped arms and ammunition to the besieged Russian forces in Stalingrad, risking his life and aiding the Soviet resistance against Nazi Germany. "This unparalleled act of bravery and commitment helped save the world from devastation," Naveen remarked. "Biju babu's legacy will continue to inspire generations," the former Odisha CM Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, was also present at the event. Senior officials of the Russian Embassy and several distinguished guests were in celebration in Moscow, scheduled for Friday, will also highlight Biju's contributions as part of a larger global tribute.
Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Russia honours Biju Patnaik: What did he do during Battle of Stalingrad?
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov on Wednesday inaugurated a memorial plaque dedicated to the late Biju Patnaik at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi. The plaque is meant to honour Biju Patnaik's role in the Battle of Stalingrad, one of the most decisive Allied victories over Nazi Germany in World War II. Patnaik, who at the time was flying for the Royal Indian Air Force, had made multiple sorties dropping off supplies to the besieged Red Army in Stalingrad. Here's the story. The Battle of Stalingrad On June 22, 1941, the Wehrmacht, at the time in control of almost all of western Europe, launched a massive invasion of the Soviet Union — Operation Barbarossa. By the spring of 1942, much of what is now Belaruss and Ukraine were under Nazi control. After the Red Army managed to rebuff German advances toward Moscow, the Wehrmacht looked southwards. And the city of Stalingrad was chosen as a major objective. Rechristened Volgorad in 1961, Stalingrad was a major industrial centre on the Volga, and home to the Red Army's artillery production centre. The River Volga itself made up one of the USSR's most important shipping routes, connecting western Russia to the Caspian Sea and the country's vast eastward expanse. More importantly, given that the city bore the name of Josef Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, it was also a target of great symbolic significance. The 6th Army of the Wehrmacht, under Gen Friedrich Paulus began the assault on Stalingrad on August 23, 1942. The fighting got very bloody, very quickly. The Red Army, suffering massive losses, slowed down the German advance into the city. But it could not stop it. By the fall of 1942, constant artillery shelling and bombing by the Luftwaffe had turned Stalingrad into a pile of ruins. And the Germans controlled almost 90% of the city. But the Russians kept fighting, even as Stalin instructed his forces to take 'not one step back'. Honoured to attend the memorial plaque inauguration ceremony at Russian Embassy in New Delhi to commemorate the contribution of legendary #BijuPatnaik in Stalingrad Operation during WWII. The Battle of Stalingrad led to success for Russia in the war against Nazi Germany which… — Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) May 7, 2025 The tide of the battle turned in November, when the Soviets launched a counterattack called Operation Uranus. Gathering all available troops in the region, the Red Army effectively formed a defensive cordon around the city, trapping the nearly 300,000 Axis troops. And then the Russian winter set in. With supply lines cut off and unprepared for a protracted winter war, the Germans were slowly pounded into submission by Red Army forces surrounding them. And even though they 'controlled' most of the city, Russian resistance within Stalingrad — now a stuff of legend — continued to inflict heavy losses. Gen Paulus surrendered on January 30, 1943. By February, the Red Army had retaken Stalingrad, capturing nearly 100,000 German troops in the process. The defeat in Stalingrad all but turned the tide for the Allies in World War II. The Wehrmacht lost all of its momentum, and never set a foot further in the east. The Red Army, on the other hand, was galvanised. Over the two-and-a-half years, it fought its way towards Germany, ultimately arriving in Berlin on May 2, 1945. The Germans formally surrendered on May 9, which is till date observed as Victory Day in Russia. The bravery of Biju 'Flying is my first love and though it has dimmed with age, it still remains so,' Biju Patnaik had once reminisced during an interview. Born in Cuttack in 1916, the man who would later become the Chief Minister of Orissa, had always been fascinated with aviation. Patnaik joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1936, mostly flying supply and transport planes such as the Douglas C-47 Skytrain, more commonly known as 'Dakota'. As World War II heated up and Imperial Japan advanced through Southeast Asia, Biju flew numerous sorties rescuing British officials and their families. He was integral in the evacuation of British officials from Rangoon. Patnaik also flew supply missions to assist China's Chiang Kai-Shek. He would do the same in Stalingrad. The Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov wrote to Naveen Patnaik, 'Among the heroes who we pay tribute to is your late father, Honourable Shri Biju Patnaik ji, a towering personality and a valiant pilot of the Indian National Airways, who had participated in the Stalingrad Operation, supplying weapons to the besieged Red Army,' the PTI reported. While the specifics of the operation in which Biju Patnaik participated are not available, he was likely one of the many Allied pilots to brave the Luftwaffe and German anti-aircraft batteries to supply the Red Army inside Stalingrad. After all, while the troops encircling the city were well-supplied, those inside were in the same boat as their German counterparts, cut-off from the rest of the world. And like their German counterparts, the Russian civilians and troops inside the city were completely dependent on aerial supplies to continue their war efforts. Note that this is not the first time the Russians have recognised Biju Patnaik's contribution. In 1995, on the 50th anniversary of the War's end, the Russian Embassy in New Delhi had honoured the then Chief Minister of Orissa. After his passing in 1997, his coffin was wrapped in the national flags of three different countries: India, Indonesia (whose Independence effort he had aided), and Russia.
