The head of Australian intelligence has warned that an “emerging axis” formed by Russia, North Korea, China, and Iran poses a serious threat to Western nations.

Andrew Shearer, Director-General of the Australian Office of National Intelligence, argued that the impact of this alliance has been underestimated.

“The massive provision by China of dual-use assistance to Putin, and economic support and diplomatic support is keeping Putin’s army in the field in Ukraine, killing innocent Ukrainians just as surely as if they were providing artillery ammunition and missiles,” he said at a press conference held in Canberra.

“We have to do a better job of disrupting these burgeoning networks.This is a profoundly troubling strategic development and we are all grappling to catch up with it and put in place effective measures, but I think this is one of the strategic challenges of our time,” he added.

This warning comes as Ukraine launched strikes on North Korean troops earlier this week.

According to multiple intelligence agencies, Pyongyang has deployed 12,000 troops, with a quarter already fighting in the Kursk region.

United States President-elect, Donald Trump has named Susie Wiles, a longtime GOP operative, as his White House chief of staff.

Wiles was Trump’s campaign manager and has been widely credited for running what was Trump’s most disciplined and well-executed campaign.

Trump had given a special thanks to Wiles for her prominent role in the campaign during his victory celebration on Wednesday.

Trump appoints first female Chief of Staff in U.S. history

He described Wiles as tough, smart, innovative and said she is universally admired and respected.

“Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns.

“It is a well deserved honor to have Susie as the first-ever female Chief of Staff in United States history. I have no doubt that she will make our country proud,” Trump said.

Former Nigerian Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has commiserated with the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja.

In a statement by the Media Aid to the former Military President, Abdullahi Mahmud describes the death of the late Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja as not only a profound loss to his immediate family but to Nigeria as a whole especially at this point in his life and career.

General Babangida eulogised the late Chief of Army of staff as a fine officer and a dedicated leader of men whose sense of patriotism was exemplary, saying his vigorous effort at the frontline of war to end banditry and insurgency has already borne good fruits and it is unfortunate that he would not be around to see it through.

The statement which quoted the Former Nigerian Military President says his heart goes out to the deceased beloved family, his officers and men, as well as the country that has once again lost a gallant army chief, one in the fine tradition of his brilliant predecessors.

While enjoining the Nigerian Armed Forces to continue to make the necessary sacrifice to safeguard the country’s democracy and her territorial integrity, General Babangida also joined other Nigerians in applauding their courage.