Somalia’s Defence Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has confirmed that transport aircraft carrying undisclosed cargo have been flying between Bosaso Airport in Somalia’s Puntland region and western Sudan. This admission follows a Middle East Eye (MEE) report last week, which detailed the use of Bosaso Airport by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to support Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF has been engaged in a brutal conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023, with allegations of genocide and widespread human rights abuses, including rape and murder of civilians in North Darfur’s el-Fasher city. MEE’s investigation revealed that heavy logistical materials were offloaded at Bosaso Airport before being transported to Sudan via neighboring countries. Additionally, Colombian mercenaries, reportedly fighting alongside the RSF, have been observed transiting through Bosaso Airport. Flight tracking data and satellite imagery suggest the UAE as the origin of these operations. The UAE has long funded Puntland’s regional security forces, and the semi-autonomous region maintains close ties with Abu Dhabi. Somalia’s federal government, which controls the country’s airspace, has not openly confronted the UAE over its activities in Puntland. Former Somali Foreign Minister Abdisaid Muse Ali accused Somalia of complicity in the genocide in Sudan, stating that the use of Bosaso as a logistical hub implicates Somalia in sustaining the RSF’s operations. The report has sparked widespread debate in Somali and regional media, with prominent figures condemning the alleged involvement of Bosaso Airport in Sudan’s conflict. Despite historical support from Sudan, including scholarships for Somali students, Somalia’s role in the war has drawn criticism and calls for accountability.
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Safer winter: Protecting infants from respiratory syncytial virus
As winter approaches, healthcare institutions across the UAE are gearing up for an anticipated surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, particularly among infants. This seasonal spike highlights the critical need for coordinated efforts among families, communities, and healthcare providers to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations. RSV, a leading cause of infant hospitalizations globally, demands proactive measures to prevent severe outcomes. Dr. Markus Knuf, Head of the Children’s Hospital in Worms, Germany, and a Paediatric Infectious Disease Consultant at the University of Mainz, emphasized the success of Germany’s strategy, which reduced RSV-related hospitalizations by 80% through public awareness campaigns, preventive measures, and early interventions. This remarkable achievement underscores the importance of education and timely action in safeguarding children’s health. In the UAE, experts like Dr. Walid Abu Hammour, Head of the Infectious Disease Department at Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, and Dr. Eslam El Baroudy, Professor and Paediatric Consultant at Cairo University and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, have highlighted the ease of RSV transmission through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. They advocate for consistent preventive practices in households and schools, emphasizing the role of community-wide collaboration in minimizing risks. Sanofi’s General Manager for the Greater Gulf, Baptiste de Clarens, reiterated the company’s partnership with UAE healthcare authorities to promote preventive measures and raise public awareness. These collective efforts aim to ensure a safe and healthy start to the winter season for every child, while also alleviating strain on the healthcare system and fostering a culture of health awareness and shared responsibility.
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At least 9 dead in cargo plane crash in US state Kentucky
A tragic cargo plane crash near Louisville International Airport in Kentucky has resulted in the deaths of at least nine individuals, with fears that the toll may rise as investigations proceed. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg disclosed the grim details during a Wednesday morning interview with local media. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear had earlier indicated on social media that at least seven fatalities and 11 injuries were reported. The incident involved a UPS cargo plane en route to Honolulu, which crashed around 5:15 pm (2215 GMT) on Tuesday. The National Transportation Safety Board has been tasked with leading the investigation into the crash, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Meanwhile, Louisville International Airport has resumed passenger flights, according to its official website.
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World Series Game 7 averaged 51 million in U.S., Canada and Japan
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ dramatic 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 of the World Series captivated a global audience, averaging 51 million viewers across the United States, Canada, and Japan. This marks the most-watched World Series game since the 1991 showdown between the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves. In the U.S., the game drew an average of 27.33 million viewers on Fox Sports, Fox Deportes, and Fox’s streaming platforms, making it the second most-watched broadcast of the week. The game also saw a 16% increase in viewership compared to the 2019 Game 7 between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros. In Canada, the game averaged 11.6 million viewers on Sportsnet and TVA Sports, becoming the most-watched English-language broadcast since the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Japan, where the game aired at 9 a.m. local time, recorded an average of 12 million viewers, following Game 6’s record-breaking 13.1 million viewership. The entire seven-game series averaged 15.71 million viewers on Fox, marking a 2% increase from last year’s Dodgers-Yankees series and the first consecutive year of audience growth since 2015-16. The MLB Postseason on Fox, FS1, and FS2 averaged 8.09 million viewers, an 8% increase from 2022, making it Fox’s best postseason since 2017. The World Series was broadcast in 203 countries and territories by 44 media partners in 16 languages, solidifying its global appeal.
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Zohran Mamdani’s victory speech hits Bollywood frenzy in New York with ‘Dhoom Machale’
In a historic moment for New York City, Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic socialist, has been elected as the city’s first Muslim mayor, marking a generational and symbolic shift in its political landscape. Mamdani’s victory speech culminated in an electrifying celebration, underscored by the Bollywood hit ‘Dhoom Machale,’ a nod to his South Asian heritage and cinematic roots. The iconic track, which translates to ‘make a storm! boom!,’ resonated with the crowd, amplifying the energy of a night that saw Mamdani defeat political heavyweights, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Addressing supporters, Mamdani declared, ‘We have toppled a political dynasty,’ signaling a new chapter for a city grappling with economic inequality and rising living costs. His progressive agenda, which includes rent freezes, affordable housing, free childcare, and tax hikes on the wealthy, has been hailed as a repudiation of the Trump-era policies. The Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, praised the outcome as a rejection of ‘cruelty, chaos, and greed.’ Mamdani’s victory, celebrated alongside his wife, Rama Duwaji, and parents, including filmmaker Mira Nair, is being viewed as a defining moment for New York’s future.
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Mamdani says he’s a democratic socialist. What does that mean?
In the wake of the recent New York City mayoral election, the political ideology of the mayor-elect has become a focal point of national debate. Describing himself as a democratic socialist, the incoming leader has drawn both support and criticism. President Donald Trump has been particularly vocal, labeling the mayor-elect as a communist and questioning the implications of his political stance. Democratic socialism, a term often misunderstood in American political discourse, advocates for a blend of democratic governance and socialist economic policies, emphasizing social welfare, public services, and economic equality. Critics argue that such policies could lead to excessive government control, while proponents see them as a pathway to reducing inequality and improving public services. The controversy highlights the ongoing ideological divide in U.S. politics and raises questions about how the mayor-elect’s policies will shape New York City’s future.
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North Korea holds state funeral for longtime ceremonial head of state
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over a state funeral for Kim Yong Nam, the nation’s longtime ceremonial head of state, who passed away at the age of 97. The solemn ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Patriotic Martyrs’ Cemetery in Pyongyang, attended by senior officials, family members, and a 100-member funeral committee. Kim Yong Nam, who was not related to the ruling Kim family, was honored with a procession through the streets of Pyongyang, where citizens paid their respects as his flag-draped coffin and a large portrait were transported to the cemetery. North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song delivered a eulogy, while Kim Jong Un and hundreds of mourners, dressed in black suits or military uniforms, bowed in silent tribute before the burial. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that participants prayed for the immortality of Kim Yong Nam’s revolutionary spirit, acknowledging his significant contributions to the party and state. Kim Yong Nam served as the head of North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament from 1998 to 2019, a role that positioned him as the nominal head of state, though real power remained with the Kim dynasty. He played a key diplomatic role, notably accompanying Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, to the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea as part of a diplomatic outreach. However, these efforts faltered in 2019 after the collapse of talks between Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump. Kim Yong Nam was replaced by Choe Ryong Hae in April 2019 and had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer since June 2022 before succumbing to multiple organ failures on Monday.
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Controversial rapper Namewee held over influencer’s death
Malaysian rapper Namewee, known for his provocative and satirical music, has been remanded in custody following the mysterious death of Taiwanese influencer Iris Hsieh. The 31-year-old was found unresponsive in a Kuala Lumpur hotel bathtub two weeks ago. Namewee, whose real name is Wee Meng Chee, was the last person seen with Hsieh, who was in Malaysia to discuss a commercial video project. Police have reclassified her death as murder, and Namewee is now assisting in the investigation.
Namewee, 42, initially turned himself in after Hsieh’s death and was arrested when police discovered nine blue pills, suspected to be ecstasy, in the hotel room. Despite denying drug use, he tested positive for multiple illicit substances, including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ketamine, and THC. Although he was granted bail on drug-related charges, he has been detained again as the case escalated.
Namewee has maintained his innocence, accusing local media of sensationalism. The rapper, who boasts 3.6 million YouTube subscribers and 856,000 Instagram followers, is renowned for his controversial music, which often critiques societal and political issues. His 2021 song ‘Fragile,’ which mocked Chinese nationalists, was banned in China but gained widespread popularity among Mandarin-speaking audiences.
Hsieh, nicknamed the ‘nurse goddess,’ had a significant social media presence, with over 545,000 Instagram followers. She was known for her revealing photos and had recently started an OnlyFans account. Her family, unable to travel to Malaysia due to severe disabilities, has hired legal representatives to handle the case.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus stated that Namewee had ‘gone into hiding’ after the case was reclassified but later turned himself in, pledging full cooperation. Authorities are awaiting post-mortem and toxicology results to determine the cause of death. The case continues to unfold, drawing significant attention across Asia.
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US to cut flights at 40 airports if shutdown doesn’t end, transportation secretary warns
The US transportation sector is bracing for significant disruptions as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a 10% reduction in air travel capacity across 40 major airports, effective Friday morning. This decision comes in response to growing concerns over air traffic controller fatigue, exacerbated by the ongoing government shutdown—now the longest in US history. FAA Chief Bryan Bedford emphasized the unprecedented nature of the situation, noting that controllers have been working without pay for over a month, leading some to seek alternative employment or call in sick. The affected airports, all high-traffic hubs, will be disclosed on Thursday, with daily flight cancellations expected to range between 3,500 and 4,000. Bedford warned that unchecked pressures could compromise the safety and efficiency of the US airline system, widely regarded as the safest globally. While Duffy assured the public that air travel remains safe, he cautioned that further shutdown-related strains could necessitate additional restrictions. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has left most federal workers unpaid, with essential personnel like controllers continuing their duties without compensation. The aviation industry has already felt the impact, with some airports grounding flights due to staff shortages and others relying on controllers from neighboring facilities. Duffy has urged controllers to prioritize their duties, even as they face financial hardships, and has threatened disciplinary action against those who fail to report for work.
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McIlroy eyes elusive Falcon Trophy at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Rory McIlroy, the current leader in the Race to Dubai Rankings, is set to compete in the 20th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship with his sights firmly set on the Falcon Trophy. Despite his impressive track record in the UAE, including seven DP World Tour victories—four Hero Dubai Desert Classic titles and three DP World Tour Championship wins—McIlroy has yet to claim victory in Abu Dhabi. This tournament remains a notable gap in his illustrious career, which boasts five Major Championships and 29 PGA TOUR victories.
McIlroy has come close to winning in Abu Dhabi on multiple occasions, with four runner-up finishes and five third-place finishes. Reflecting on his past performances, McIlroy noted that the tournament’s timing at the start of the year often left him less prepared than he would have liked. However, with the event now moved to the end of the season, he feels better positioned to finally secure the title. ‘I’ve been close,’ McIlroy stated in his pre-tournament press conference. ‘This year, I’m hoping to finally get that Falcon Trophy.’
The Northern Irishman enters the tournament with a commanding 441.32-point lead over England’s Marco Penge in the Race to Dubai Rankings. A strong performance could see McIlroy claim his seventh Harry Vardon Trophy, bringing him within one of Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight season-long titles. ‘Getting to six last year and tying Seve was special, and now Monty’s record feels within reach,’ McIlroy added. ‘I’m excited for the challenge over these next couple of weeks.’
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship offers fans an exceptional viewing experience, with general admission tickets free for the first two days and starting at just Dh 100 for the final two days. For those seeking a premium experience, the Championship Chalet on the 18th green provides five-star hospitality and unparalleled views of the action. Spectators can enjoy the air-conditioned chalet and a shaded balcony overlooking the final hole, making it the perfect spot to witness McIlroy’s quest for the Falcon Trophy.