分类: world

  • Israel’s occupation and bombing of south Lebanon makes return home impossible

    Israel’s occupation and bombing of south Lebanon makes return home impossible

    Residents of southern Lebanon face an unrelenting crisis as Israeli military strikes continue to target Hezbollah’s infrastructure, forcing thousands to flee their homes. Avichay Adraee, the Israeli army’s Arabic-language spokesperson, has issued urgent warnings on social media platform X, signaling imminent attacks. These messages have become a grim routine for families in border villages, who live in constant fear of displacement.

  • US aircraft carrier group arrives in Caribbean

    US aircraft carrier group arrives in Caribbean

    The US Navy has confirmed the arrival of a formidable naval strike force in the Caribbean, led by the USS Gerald R Ford, the world’s largest warship. This deployment, ordered by President Donald Trump last month, coincides with ongoing US military operations targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels and escalating tensions with Venezuela. The strike group, which entered the area of responsibility of US Southern Command on November 11, includes the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier, guided-missile destroyers, and various support vessels. The carrier alone houses over 4,000 sailors and dozens of aircraft, significantly enhancing US military capabilities in the region. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized that the force aims to bolster the US capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit activities, particularly narcotics trafficking, which threatens the safety and prosperity of the nation. This deployment joins substantial military assets already stationed in the region, including thousands of troops, a nuclear-powered submarine, and military aircraft based in Puerto Rico, marking the largest US military presence in Latin America in decades. The US has conducted at least 19 strikes against suspected drug boats in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific, resulting in 76 fatalities. These operations have drawn criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who accuses the US of fabricating a crisis to destabilize Venezuela’s socialist government. Concerns have also been raised by observers regarding potential human rights violations and lack of due process. President Trump, however, defended the strikes, claiming they are essential to curbing drug trafficking into the US. In a recent interview, Trump refused to rule out the possibility of land-based strikes, further fueling speculation about US intentions in the region.

  • Turkish military cargo plane crashes with at least 20 on board

    Turkish military cargo plane crashes with at least 20 on board

    A Turkish military cargo plane carrying at least 20 individuals has crashed near the Azerbaijan-Georgia border, according to Turkey’s defence ministry. The C-130 aircraft, en route from Azerbaijan to Turkey, disappeared from radar without issuing a distress signal, as reported by Georgia’s aviation authority. The crash occurred near Sighnaghi, approximately 5 kilometers from Azerbaijan. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, with emergency services on site and wreckage visible in images from the scene. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences to ‘our martyrs,’ though the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack also extended their sympathies to the victims’ families and the Turkish people. The C-130, a widely used US-made transport plane, is a staple in air forces globally.

  • Indigenous groups get the spotlight at UN climate talks, but some say visibility isn’t power

    Indigenous groups get the spotlight at UN climate talks, but some say visibility isn’t power

    The COP30 United Nations climate talks, held in Belem, Brazil, were dubbed the “Indigenous peoples COP” with promises to center Indigenous voices. However, the event’s opening was marred by a power outage, symbolizing the broader challenges faced by Indigenous participants. Despite the setback, attendees persevered, using paper fans and improvising without microphones during songs, dances, and prayers. Indigenous groups, who safeguard much of the world’s biodiversity and are disproportionately affected by climate change, expressed skepticism about whether their voices would truly be heard. Thalia Yarina Cachimuel, a Kichwa-Otavalo delegate, highlighted the systemic barriers Indigenous people face, stating they must work “10 times harder” to be included in spaces not designed for them. The Brazilian government’s decision to host the summit near the Amazon rainforest was seen as a nod to Indigenous communities’ sustainable practices. However, logistical challenges, such as limited lodging and language barriers, hindered robust participation. Edson Krenak of Cultural Survival noted the frustration of being excluded from policy development but expected to comply with decisions. Despite these hurdles, some remained hopeful. Lucas Che Ical of Ak’Tenamit emphasized the need for direct funding to Indigenous communities and expressed optimism that this COP could yield meaningful results. The summit’s focus on implementing past promises rather than forging new agreements underscored the ongoing struggle for Indigenous inclusion in global climate negotiations.

  • ‘I wished for death’: Report accuses Israel of ‘systematic’ torture of Palestinian prisoners

    ‘I wished for death’: Report accuses Israel of ‘systematic’ torture of Palestinian prisoners

    A groundbreaking report by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) has unveiled harrowing accounts of systematic sexual torture inflicted upon Palestinian prisoners from Gaza held in Israeli detention. The investigation, based on testimonies from released detainees, details a pattern of abuse including rape, forced stripping, filming of assaults, and psychological humiliation.

  • Oman extends residency card validity to 10 years under new decision

    Oman extends residency card validity to 10 years under new decision

    In a significant move aimed at enhancing residency regulations, Oman has announced the extension of residency card validity from three years to a decade. This decision, issued under Decision 157/2025, amends the Executive Regulations of the Civil Status Law and applies to specific categories as defined by the Director General. Cardholders are required to renew their residency within 30 days of issuance. The annual fee for the residency card remains at 5 Omani riyals, while replacement cards will cost 20 Omani riyals. This development follows Oman’s recent introduction of a visa amnesty scheme, effective until December 31, 2025. The scheme allows visa violators to regularize their status or settle fines. According to the Royal Oman Police, foreign nationals seeking to renew their residence permits or transfer employment within Oman will be exempt from fines related to expired permits, provided their status is verified by the Ministry of Labour. Similarly, those wishing to leave Oman permanently will be exempt from fines tied to non-work-related visa terminations. These measures reflect Oman’s efforts to streamline immigration processes and support foreign residents.

  • Investigators blame bad weather for helicopter crash that killed two ministers in Ghana

    Investigators blame bad weather for helicopter crash that killed two ministers in Ghana

    A devastating helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Ghana’s Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and six others has been attributed to adverse weather conditions and outdated aviation systems, according to an investigative committee. The Z9 military helicopter, en route from Accra to Obuasi in August, crashed in a dense forest, leaving no survivors. The two-month investigation revealed that the aircraft experienced a ‘downdraft,’ a downward air current, causing it to lose altitude and lift. While the helicopter was deemed airworthy, the report highlighted the lack of modern safety and navigational systems, such as the terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS), which could have alerted the pilots to potential ground collisions. Captain Paul Forjoe, a retired commercial pilot and aviation engineer who led the investigation, emphasized the need for modernizing the Ghana Air Force fleet. The probe was conducted by Ghanaian authorities with assistance from US aviation experts and the Chinese manufacturer of the helicopter. The passengers were traveling to Obuasi for an event addressing illegal mining. An eyewitness reported the helicopter was flying at an unusually low altitude before the crash, describing hearing a loud sound followed by a bang. Upon reaching the scene, the witness found no survivors. The incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced aviation safety measures in Ghana.

  • Fog helps Russian forces push deeper into key Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk

    Fog helps Russian forces push deeper into key Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk

    In a strategic maneuver facilitated by dense fog, Russian forces have intensified their advance into the key Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, located in the eastern Donetsk region. The adverse weather conditions have significantly reduced visibility, hampering Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance efforts and allowing Russian troops to move more freely. According to Ukraine’s 7th Airborne Assault Corps, the fog has enabled Moscow to deploy additional forces into the city, aiming to encircle Ukrainian defenders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the challenging situation, noting that the weather has favored Russian military operations. A viral video on social media shows Russian soldiers driving through the foggy outskirts of Pokrovsk on civilian vehicles, a tactic made possible by the lack of Ukrainian drone surveillance. The BBC verified the location of the footage as the southern outskirts of the city. A Ukrainian drone pilot, known by the call-sign ‘Goose,’ revealed that the fog has severely limited their ability to monitor and intercept Russian movements. Despite repelling some attacks, Ukrainian forces face significant challenges in maintaining control over the city, which is now largely a contested ‘grey zone.’ Russian troops are reportedly attempting to encircle Pokrovsk and neighboring Myrnohrad, cutting off logistical routes and targeting Ukrainian supply lines with drones and ground infiltrations. Ukrainian military analyst Kostyantyn Mashovets highlighted the effectiveness of Russian infiltration tactics, which include disguising soldiers as locals or Ukrainian troops to sow chaos. Meanwhile, Russian forces are also pushing on other fronts, including Kupyansk in the northeast and Zaporizhzhya in the south, although Ukrainian officials deny claims of encirclement in these areas. The situation remains fluid, with both sides engaged in intense combat as the conflict continues to escalate.

  • Fact check: Red Fort blast in Delhi not confirmed to be CNG explosion

    Fact check: Red Fort blast in Delhi not confirmed to be CNG explosion

    A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort has left at least 12 people dead, sparking widespread concern and heightened security measures across India. Contrary to claims circulating on social media, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has officially denied that the blast was caused by a CNG cylinder explosion. The incident, which occurred on November 11, 2025, is currently under investigation by national security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG).

    Initial reports from a popular social media account, TeamSaathOfficial, suggested that the explosion was a tragic accident rather than a terror attack. The account, which has over 100,000 followers, cited an alleged confirmation from Special CP Ravindra Yadav of the Delhi Police. However, no official statement from the Delhi Police has corroborated this claim. TeamSaathOfficial later deleted the post and issued a public apology, urging followers to verify information from reliable sources before sharing.

    In response to the incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to deliver justice for the victims and extended his condolences to the affected families. The owner of the car involved in the explosion, along with two associates, has been arrested. Meanwhile, the Archaeological Survey of India has announced that the Red Fort will remain closed until November 13 to facilitate the ongoing investigation.

    Security has been significantly tightened across the country, with police checkpoints established in various cities and airports issuing advisories to passengers. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has chaired a high-level security meeting to address the situation. The incident has also prompted a broader discussion on the responsible use of social media and artificial intelligence, as misinformation continues to spread rapidly in the aftermath of such events.

  • ‘There was a state of terror’: Sudan hospital worker describes fleeing before alleged massacre

    ‘There was a state of terror’: Sudan hospital worker describes fleeing before alleged massacre

    In the wake of a devastating conflict in Sudan, Abdu-Rabbu Ahmed, a laboratory technician at the Saudi Maternity Hospital in el-Fasher, has shared his harrowing experiences with the BBC. Ahmed, who fled to a displaced persons camp in Tawila, 70 kilometers west of el-Fasher, described the loss of his colleagues and the pervasive sense of despair that now engulfs him. ‘I have lost the people whose faces I used to see smiling… It feels as if you lost a big part of your body or your soul,’ he lamented.