The Liaoning Arrives In Hong Kong

July 7, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

China's first operational aircraft carrier Liaoning has arrived in Hong Kong.

Its first trip outside mainland China is part of the events marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from Britain to China. Its follows Xi Jinping's visit last week, his first as Chinese president.

During his trip, which was marred by protests, he warned that any challenge to the Beijing central government was "impermissible".

Hong Kong's political climate has grown tense in recent years with increasing calls for self-determination and even independence.

Sir John Chilcot Claims Tony Blair Was Not Truthful About Run Up To Iraq War

July 6, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Tony Blair was not "straight with the nation" about his decisions in the run up to the Iraq War, the chairman of the inquiry into the war has said.

Speaking for the first time since publishing his report a year ago, Sir John Chilcot discussed why he thinks the former PM made those decisions. He said the evidence Mr Blair gave the inquiry was "emotionally truthful" but he relied on beliefs rather than facts.

A spokesman for Mr Blair said "all these issues" had been dealt with.

Prison Officer Attacked At Norwich Prison

July 6, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A prison officer has suffered a neck injury after being attacked with a bladed weapon at Norwich Prison.

The guard, who is believed to be in his 40s, was taken to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital following the attack on 11 June. The attack was revealed by an inmate who said the officer "was in a really bad way".

A Prison Service spokeswoman confirmed the incident is being investigated by police.

East of England Ambulance Service said a man was treated for a neck injury after it was called to an address on Knox Road at 17:22 BST.

Emirates Lifts Ban Of Laptops On US Flights

July 5, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The Emirates airline has said the cabin ban on laptops no longer applies on its flights to the United States.

In March, the US banned cabin laptops and other large electronic devices to and from eight mostly Muslim nations, fearing bombs may be concealed in them.

An Emirates spokeswoman said it had worked with US authorities to meet the requirements of the new security guidelines for all US bound flights.

Emirates, the Middle East's largest airline, flies to 12 US cities. It comes after the US lifted the laptop ban on Sunday for Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi to the US.

President Macron Boards Nuclear Submarine

July 5, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

President Emmanuel Macron has spent several hours underwater aboard a nuclear submarine to signal commitment to France's nuclear deterrent.

During the visit to "Le Terrible" submarine off Brittany coast, Mr Macron reportedly took part in a simulated missile launch.

France will be the sole EU nation with nuclear arms after 2019, when the UK is expected to leave the 28-member bloc. Meanwhile, the new French government easily won its first confidence vote.

The cabinet led by Prime Minister Edouard Philippe was backed by 370 MPs in the lower house, with only 67 voting against.

Extremist Charged With Plotting To Kill President Macron

July 4, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A suspected far-right extremist has been charged with plotting to kill French President Emmanuel Macron at the Bastille Day parade later this month.

The 23-year-old was arrested in a Paris suburb last Wednesday after police were alerted by users of a videogame chat room where he allegedly said he wanted to buy a gun. He also said he wanted to attack minorities, a judicial source told AFP.

North Korea Test ICBM Missile

July 4, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

North Korea says it has successfully tested its first "intercontinental ballistic missile" (ICBM).

A state television announcement said the missile, which landed in the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, could hit targets anywhere in the world. But the US and Russia said the missile had a medium range and presented no threat to either country.

UK Border Force Seize Haul Of Guns

July 3, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A haul of firearms has been seized in France from a car heading to the UK.

Seventy-nine "viable" weapons were recovered from the car's trailer when it was stopped by UK Border Force officers at Coquelles near the Channel Tunnel terminal on Saturday.

Two men, a Polish and a Czech national, have been remanded in custody at Uxbridge magistrates' court in connection with the operation. The guns were concealed in specially-adapted engine blocks.

The seizure follows a joint operation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Metropolitan Police working with Border Force officials in France.

Weapons Stolen From Portuguese Military

July 3, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Days after weapons and explosives were taken from a military warehouse in Portugal, the scale of the theft is becoming clear.

A Spanish website has revealed an extensive list of grenades, ammunition and explosives seized from the Tancos site, north-east of Lisbon. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has called for a no-holds-barred investigation into the raid. Links to arms thefts in other Nato states should be looked at, he added. There was no mention of which other countries he had in mind.

USS Stethem Sails In Waters Claimed By China

July 3, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Beijing has called the presence of a US warship near a disputed island in the South China Sea "a serious political and military provocation".

The USS Stethem sailed close to Triton Island, part of the Paracel Islands archipelago, claimed by China and others.

China responded by sending military vessels and fighter jets to the area. It happened hours before US President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping spoke on the phone.