分类： world

In a concerning escalation of regional tensions, Afghan nationals were responsible for two separate suicide bombings in Pakistan this week, as confirmed by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The attacks, which occurred in Islamabad and South Waziristan, have further strained the already fragile relations between the two neighboring nations. The first incident took place on Tuesday near a lower court in Islamabad, where a suicide bomber detonated explosives close to a police patrol, resulting in 12 fatalities and 27 injuries. The second attack unfolded on Monday in South Waziristan, near the Afghan border, when a bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a military-run school, killing three individuals. Militants subsequently infiltrated the school, engaging in a prolonged 24-hour confrontation with Pakistani forces until all attackers were neutralized. Naqvi, addressing parliament, identified both bombers as Afghan nationals, though Kabul has yet to respond to these allegations. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been mounting, with Islamabad accusing militants based in Afghanistan of orchestrating attacks within its borders. Kabul, however, denies providing sanctuary to such groups. The recent bombings follow last month’s deadly border clashes, which claimed the lives of dozens of soldiers from both sides. These incidents underscore the volatile security situation in the region and the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate hostilities.

In a disturbing escalation of violence, Israeli settlers set fire to the Hajja Hamida Mosque near the occupied West Bank city of Salfit on Thursday. The attack, which occurred between the towns of Kafr Haris and Deir Istiya, left the mosque severely damaged, with charred walls, shattered windows, and racist graffiti spray-painted on its exterior. Residents arriving for dawn prayers were met with flames and thick smoke, forcing them to call the Civil Defence to control the blaze. Imam Ahmad Ahed Salman, who leads prayers at the mosque, described the scene as devastating, noting that settlers had poured flammable materials inside before the attack. The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Endowments condemned the incident as a ‘heinous crime,’ accusing Israel of systematically targeting places of worship to intimidate Palestinians. This attack is part of a broader surge in settler violence, which has intensified since October 2023, particularly during the olive harvest season—a critical period for Palestinian livelihoods. According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, over 2,350 attacks were recorded in October alone, with the majority occurring in Ramallah, Nablus, and Hebron. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern about the violence, warning that it could undermine ceasefire efforts in Gaza. Israeli security data also reveals a sharp increase in ‘nationalist crimes’ against Palestinians, with 704 incidents documented from January to October 2025, surpassing the total for 2024. The attack has left local communities fearful but resolute, with Salman vowing to rebuild the mosque and protect their homes.

Juan Ponce Enrile, a pivotal figure in Philippine history and a key architect of the martial law imposed during the regime of dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., has died at the age of 101. His daughter, Katrina Ponce Enrile, confirmed his passing on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Enrile, who had been receiving treatment for pneumonia, died peacefully at his home at 4:21 PM local time, surrounded by his family. A public viewing has been announced to honor his memory. Enrile’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the Philippines’ tumultuous political history, particularly during the Marcos era, where he played a significant role in shaping the nation’s trajectory. His death marks the end of an era for a man who was both celebrated and criticized for his contributions to Philippine politics.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has introduced a groundbreaking ‘one-stop’ air-travel system, set to revolutionize intra-regional travel for Gulf citizens. This innovative initiative, which merges immigration and security checks into a single checkpoint, aims to simplify travel across the six GCC member states: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The system will be piloted between the UAE and Bahrain starting December 2025, with plans for full implementation across the region.

The ‘one-stop’ system allows eligible passengers to complete all necessary checks—including immigration, security, and potentially customs—before departure. Upon arrival, travelers can collect their baggage and exit the airport without further formalities, mirroring the experience of domestic flights. This streamlined process is designed to eliminate redundant checks and enhance travel efficiency.

While the initial phase is limited to Gulf nationals, officials have hinted at the possibility of expanding eligibility to resident expatriates in future phases. The system complements the upcoming unified GCC tourist visa, which will enable international visitors to travel freely across all six member states with a single entry permit.

Unlike country-specific e-gates or smart gates, the ‘one-stop’ model represents a collaborative effort among GCC countries to create a seamless travel experience. Operational details, such as dedicated lanes and signage, will be announced closer to the rollout. The pilot phase will focus on international airports in the UAE and Bahrain, with expansion to other GCC states contingent on the success of the initial trial.

This initiative underscores the GCC’s commitment to fostering regional integration and boosting tourism, making travel within the Gulf as effortless as moving between cities in the same country.

A chaotic scene unfolded in Bucheon, South Korea, on Thursday morning when a light truck careened into a bustling market, injuring 20 people, two of whom remain unconscious. The vehicle reportedly sped out of control for approximately 150 meters (164 yards) before coming to a halt. The incident occurred in a market located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Seoul, according to emergency officials. Authorities confirmed that the driver, who was not critically injured, was tested for alcohol intoxication at the scene, with results showing no signs of impairment. Police have since taken custody of the vehicle for further investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The event has raised concerns about safety measures in densely populated areas, as officials work to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In a significant development in the investigation of the recent Delhi car blast near the Red Fort, forensic DNA testing has conclusively identified Dr. Umar Un Nabi as the prime suspect. The blast, which claimed 12 lives, including that of the suspect, occurred in a high-security zone, raising serious concerns about national security. Delhi Police confirmed the identity after matching DNA samples from Dr. Umar’s remains with those of his mother and brother, analyzed at the AIIMS forensic laboratory. Dr. Sudhir Gupta, Head of Forensic Medicine at AIIMS, emphasized the reliability of DNA profiling in establishing biological relationships and identifying individuals in criminal investigations. The forensic team examined 21 biological samples, including those from other victims and traces found on damaged vehicles. Investigators are now focusing on tracing the origin of the explosives, potential handlers, and whether the incident was part of a larger conspiracy. The investigation has also revealed that Dr. Umar stayed at a mosque on Asaf Ali Road before the blast and parked his car in the Sunehri Masjid parking lot. A red Ford EcoSport, registered in his name, has been seized as part of the probe. Delhi Police, along with central agencies, are intensifying efforts to uncover the terror angle behind the incident, with multiple teams deployed across Delhi and neighboring states.