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  • Iran’s supreme leader says ‘thousands killed’ in unrest, blames Trump and Israel

    Iran’s supreme leader says ‘thousands killed’ in unrest, blames Trump and Israel

    In an unprecedented public statement, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has formally acknowledged that “several thousand” people lost their lives during recent nationwide protests, marking the first official recognition of the substantial death toll from the unrest. The comments, delivered on Saturday, represent a significant departure from previous government statements regarding the scale of the casualties.

    Khamenei directly attributed responsibility for the violence to United States President Donald Trump, asserting that Washington bore culpability for the widespread casualties, destruction, and social turmoil experienced across Iran. “We consider the US president criminal for the casualties, damages and slander he inflicted on the Iranian nation,” Khamenei declared through state media channels, emphasizing that the latest anti-government demonstrations differed from previous incidents due to Trump’s personal involvement.

    The protests initially erupted on December 28th, primarily driven by economic grievances, but rapidly evolved into the most severe civil unrest witnessed in Iran in recent years. Khamenei further accused Iran’s longstanding adversaries, the United States and Israel, of orchestrating the violence, claiming that “those linked to Israel and the US caused massive damage and killed several thousand” through arson attacks, destruction of public property, and deliberate efforts to incite chaos.

    Despite Trump’s repeated warnings against using capital punishment against protesters—including threats of “very strong action” if executions proceeded—and his Friday social media claim that Iranian authorities had halted mass hangings, Tehran promptly rejected this assertion, stating there was “no plan to hang people.”

    In remarks widely interpreted as a response to Washington, Khamenei asserted Iran would not be provoked into armed conflict while vowing that “we will not let domestic or international criminals go unpunished.”

    Independent verification of casualties remains challenging due to extensive internet restrictions. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has documented at least 3,090 verified deaths, including 2,885 protesters, alongside more than 22,000 arrests since the unrest began. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported connectivity had slightly improved after exceeding 200 hours of near-total shutdown but remained at approximately two percent of normal levels.

    Iranian state media has reported the arrest of thousands described as “rioters and terrorists,” including individuals allegedly connected to foreign-based opposition groups seeking to overthrow the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have publicly expressed support for exiled opposition figures, with Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu recently claiming Israel maintained operatives “on the ground” in Iran aimed at weakening Tehran’s capabilities, though denying direct involvement in attempts to topple the leadership.

  • Artemis II: Nasa’s mega Moon rocket arrives at launch pad

    Artemis II: Nasa’s mega Moon rocket arrives at launch pad

    In a monumental step toward returning humans to the Moon, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has completed its meticulous 12-hour journey to Launch Pad 39B at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. The 98-meter-tall colossus, carrying the Orion spacecraft, was transported vertically atop a massive crawler-transporter at a painstakingly slow pace of 0.82 mph (1.3 km/h) along the 4-mile (6.5 km) route from the Vehicle Assembly Building.

    The Artemis II mission, scheduled for launch as early as February 6th with additional windows through April, represents humanity’s first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in December 1972. The four astronauts—NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen—observed the rocket’s movement, anticipating their pioneering journey around the Moon.

    Before the historic launch, NASA engineers will conduct final preparations including a critical “wet dress rehearsal” to test fuel operations and countdown procedures. The 10-day mission will not land on the lunar surface but will instead orbit Earth initially before traveling approximately 250,000 miles to circumnavigate the Moon’s far side.

    A significant international collaboration underscores the mission, with the European Service Module—built by Airbus in Bremen, Germany—providing essential propulsion, power, and life support systems. “We basically can’t get to the Moon without it,” emphasized Sian Cleaver, an Airbus spacecraft engineer, highlighting the module’s critical role in crew safety and mission success.

    Despite years of development delays, NASA officials maintain that crew safety remains the absolute priority. “We’re going to fly when we’re ready,” stated John Honeycutt, chair of the Artemis mission management team, underscoring the commitment to the astronauts’ safe return. The mission will conduct substantial scientific observation during three dedicated hours of lunar flyby, gathering crucial data for future landing missions, particularly targeting the Moon’s south pole region.

  • Pat Dobbs dominates Jebel Ali Preps with back-to-back wins at ‘yellow’ racecourse

    Pat Dobbs dominates Jebel Ali Preps with back-to-back wins at ‘yellow’ racecourse

    Veteran jockey Pat Dobbs delivered a spectacular performance at Jebel Ali Racecourse on Saturday, securing decisive victories in both feature prep races to reinforce his status as one of the UAE’s most accomplished riders. The Irish horseman, a mainstay of Doug Watson’s championship-winning Red Stables, added two more triumphs to his impressive record in the region.

    Dobbs first demonstrated his tactical prowess aboard Arlan in the 2000-meter Tobougg Corner Stakes, executing a perfectly timed run to edge out Elusive Trevor by a head, with Secret Manner finishing a close third. The jockey then partnered with Qatari trainer Hamad Al Jehani to guide David Of Athens to a dominant 2.5-length victory in the Jebel Ali Mile Prep Stakes, comfortably ahead of rivals Saayedd and Kafoo.

    With over two decades of experience in the Emirates racing circuit, Dobbs has now accumulated more than 200 victories in the region. His most notable achievement remains his 2017 Godolphin Mile triumph aboard Second Summer, cementing his legacy as one of the UAE’s most consistent performers.

    The racing card also featured a strong showing from the combination of champion trainer Bhupat Seemar and jockey Tadhg O’Shea, who secured a double through Omaha Front in the Al Shafar Investment Stakes and Ashwaan in the Commercial Bank Of Dubai Stakes. These victories propelled O’Shea to 21 wins for the season, narrowing the gap to championship leader Silvestre de Sousa (26 wins).

    In the trainers’ championship, Seemar remains tied with Ibrahim Al Hadhrami at 23 victories each, while defending champion Musabbeh Al Mheiri stays in contention following No Escape’s success in the JARC Sprint Handicap. With both titles remaining fiercely contested, the UAE racing season appears poised for an exhilarating conclusion over the coming months.

  • UAE Lottery announces winning numbers; 3 players take home Dh100,000 each

    UAE Lottery announces winning numbers; 3 players take home Dh100,000 each

    The UAE Lottery has announced the results of its 33rd weekly Lucky Day draw, distributing substantial cash prizes to fortunate participants. Three separate ticket holders each secured Dh100,000 in the latest Saturday drawing, marking another successful event in the revamped lottery format.

    Held on January 17, 2026, the Lucky Day draw #260117 featured winning numbers 14, 22, 11, 10, 24, and 26 with month indicator 8. The three Lucky Chance winners who claimed the Dh100,000 prizes were identified by their unique IDs: BA2507375, DH8483124, and AU1971772.

    The transition to weekly Saturday drawings, implemented during the lottery’s first anniversary celebration, has proven remarkably successful. This revised format has already created over 200 Lucky Chance winners since its introduction, demonstrating increased winning opportunities for participants.

    The current lottery structure offers substantial prize tiers, including a massive Dh30 million grand prize, a Dh5 million second prize, and the weekly Dh100,000 Lucky Chance awards. This prize distribution system continues to attract participants across the United Arab Emirates, offering life-changing financial opportunities through regulated gaming.

    The UAE Lottery’s consistent Saturday schedule provides regular entertainment and winning possibilities for residents, contributing to the nation’s gaming and entertainment landscape while maintaining transparent and verifiable drawing procedures.

  • Half American, half Canadian: Take a ride in a car welded from two front ends

    Half American, half Canadian: Take a ride in a car welded from two front ends

    On the streets of Detroit, an automotive anomaly is turning heads and challenging conventional vehicle design. A uniquely modified car, meticulously crafted by welding the front ends of two separate vehicles together, has emerged as a rolling symbol of cross-border ingenuity. Its creator proudly describes the driving experience as generating exceptional ‘smiles per gallon,’ a metric that far surpasses traditional fuel efficiency ratings.

    This engineering curiosity, which lacks a conventional rear end, features two complete front sections fused at the center. The resulting ‘centrepillar’ car represents a fascinating exercise in automotive customization, showcasing what happens when mechanical creativity transcends factory specifications. While its exact powertrain configuration remains undisclosed, the vehicle demonstrates fully operational components from both front halves, including functioning headlights and steering systems from two donor vehicles.

    The phenomenon has sparked lively discussions among automotive enthusiasts and casual observers alike, generating both amusement and admiration for the builder’s unconventional approach to personal transportation. This creation stands as a testament to Detroit’s enduring identity as a hub of automotive innovation, where the spirit of customization continues to thrive in unexpected ways.

  • Watch: Fishing on a frozen river for respite from the war in Ukraine

    Watch: Fishing on a frozen river for respite from the war in Ukraine

    Beneath the stark winter sky, the frozen expanse of Kyiv’s Dnipro River has become an unexpected sanctuary. Amidst the constant backdrop of conflict with Russia, a resilient group of men has turned to the ancient practice of ice fishing, not for sustenance, but for a crucial mental reprieve. The rhythmic process of drilling through the thick ice, casting a line, and waiting in the quiet, frozen stillness offers a temporary escape from the pervasive anxieties of war. This poignant scene illustrates the profound psychological toll the prolonged conflict has exacting on civilians, revealing their deep-seated need to reclaim moments of normalcy and peace. The activity, while solitary in nature, fosters a silent camaraderie among those present, a shared, unspoken understanding of seeking respite. These individuals demonstrate a quiet form of bravery, prioritizing mental fortitude by consciously carving out spaces for tranquility amidst the chaos. Their pursuit on the ice is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s enduring quest for calm and a semblance of routine, even under the most dire and stressful circumstances.

  • Top-ranked Alcaraz, Sabalenka headline Australian Open day one

    Top-ranked Alcaraz, Sabalenka headline Australian Open day one

    The 2026 Australian Open commenced with spectacular intensity on Sunday, featuring top-ranked contenders Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka leading the charge on the opening day. Alcaraz, currently world number one, enters Melbourne Park with a historic opportunity—to complete a career Grand Slam by claiming the only major title absent from his impressive collection. The Spanish phenom, already a champion at Wimbledon, the US Open, and Roland Garros, could surpass compatriot Rafael Nadal as the youngest male player to achieve this milestone if victorious.

    Alcaraz faces Australian hopeful Adam Walton, ranked 79th, in his opening match on Rod Laver Arena. Meanwhile, reigning women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka seeks her third Australian Open title in four years. Fresh off a dominant victory at the Brisbane International, Sabalenka appears in formidable form as she prepares to confront French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah.

    The day’s lineup also includes last year’s finalist Alexander Zverev, who begins his campaign against Canada’s Gabriel Diallo. In a remarkable display of longevity, 45-year-old Venus Williams returns to Melbourne for the first time since 2021, becoming the oldest woman ever to compete in the tournament. Despite recent struggles and a current ranking of 576, the seven-time Grand Slam champion remains undaunted as she faces Serbia’s Olga Danilovic.

    Other notable competitors include men’s tenth seed Alexander Bublik and women’s twelfth seed Elina Svitolina, both arriving with momentum from recent warm-up tournament victories. The opening day sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling fortnight of elite tennis competition.

  • I want to show the world what Africa is – YouTube star brings joy and tears on tour

    I want to show the world what Africa is – YouTube star brings joy and tears on tour

    Global YouTube phenomenon IShowSpeed is revolutionizing digital content creation through an unprecedented 20-nation African tour, generating both massive adoration and thoughtful critique. The 20-year-old internet sensation, born Darren Watkins Jr., has been drawing extraordinary crowds across the continent during his “Speed Does Africa” expedition, captivating millions with his unfiltered, high-energy broadcasting style.

    In a remarkable cultural immersion, Speed participated in traditional initiation ceremonies in Eswatini where he was honored with the name “Logijimako” (meaning “the one who runs”) and recognized as a warrior entrusted with protecting the royal family. His journey has included everything from dancing with traditional performers in Ethiopia to braving the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls in Zambia, all while maintaining his characteristic marathon livestreams that typically span 3-11 hours.

    The tour has sparked complex conversations about cultural representation and digital influence. While young fans across Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Zambia have expressed overwhelming excitement—with many describing emotional meetings with their online hero—some critics on platforms like Reddit’s AskAnAfrican have questioned the depth of cultural exchange, characterizing the events as “fleeting spectacles” that provide temporary distraction from systemic challenges.

    Despite controversies including past platform bans and occasional mishaps—such as accidentally overlooking Miss Universe Zimbabwe during a chaotic livestream—Speed’s genuine engagement with local traditions has impressed many observers. His willingness to try regional delicacies, learn historical contexts, and participate in cultural practices has been widely noted by both fans and local organizers.

    The tour represents a significant moment in digital content creation’s intersection with cultural tourism, demonstrating how online personalities can influence global perceptions. As Speed continues his journey through Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Ghana, he maintains his declared mission: “I want to show the world what Africa really is.”

  • ‘Sense of pride’: UAE residents watch fighter jets fly past at Day of Solidarity parade

    ‘Sense of pride’: UAE residents watch fighter jets fly past at Day of Solidarity parade

    Across the United Arab Emirates, residents gathered along coastlines and city corniches on Saturday evening for a solemn aerial display marking the nation’s Day of Solidarity. Military aircraft flew in precise V-formations over all seven emirates in a coordinated parade organized by the UAE Armed Forces, creating a powerful visual symbol of national unity and resilience.

    The event commemorated the January 17, 2022 attack on civilian infrastructure in Abu Dhabi that resulted in three fatalities and six injuries. Unlike typical air shows, the atmosphere remained contemplative as spectators watched in reflective silence, many recording the moment on mobile devices while explaining the significance to younger generations.

    Authorities had previously published designated viewing locations and timings to ensure public safety during the nationwide observance. At Buhaira Corniche and Al Zohra Beach, families gathered not for entertainment but for education and remembrance. Ahmed Karim, a Sharjah resident attending with his family, noted: ‘We explained to our children that this is not a show for fun, but a reminder of something serious that happened and how the country stayed strong.’

    The emotional resonance was palpable among attendees. Ajman resident Aisha Mehreen observed: ‘People around me were not cheering or clapping. We all knew why the planes were flying today. It reminded us of that day we read about in the news, and of how important it is to stay united and grateful for the safety we have.’

    In official statements, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that the day reflects the strength and unity of the nation’s people and their determination to safeguard the country’s future. Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum similarly highlighted the occasion as a reminder of shared values and collective responsibility.

    The fourth anniversary observance served both as memorial for victims and reaffirmation of national commitment to security and stability, with the aerial formation representing both military readiness and emotional solidarity among citizens and residents alike.

  • SDF reports ‘intense clashes’ as Syrian army advances in Aleppo and Raqqa

    SDF reports ‘intense clashes’ as Syrian army advances in Aleppo and Raqqa

    A fragile withdrawal agreement between Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has collapsed, triggering intense military confrontations in northern Syria. The SDF reports being engaged in fierce clashes with pro-Damascus factions advancing on territories in Raqqa province, prompting Kurdish authorities to impose an indefinite curfew.

    The conflict erupted after the SDF agreed to withdraw its fighters east of the Euphrates River following two days of hostilities in the Aleppo region. While government troops successfully captured several towns and villages southwest of the Euphrates, they subsequently declared Kurdish-held areas in Raqqa province—including the strategic city of Tabqa—a “closed military zone.”

    According to SDF statements, Damascus violated the ceasefire agreement by launching attacks before Kurdish forces had completed their withdrawal from Deir Hafer and Maskana in Aleppo province. The SDF claims some of its fighters remain besieged in Deir Hafer due to what they term “government treachery.”

    Syrian state media presents a contrasting narrative, accusing Kurdish fighters of planting explosives on a bridge along the eastern road to Raqqa—an action the military warned could “disrupt the agreement” and incur “severe consequences.” The army has demanded the SDF immediately fulfill its commitment to withdraw completely east of the Euphrates and evacuate its fighters from Tabqa.

    Meanwhile, the Syrian government announced the capture of Raqqa province’s Resafa area and several nearby villages, including al-Thawra and a significant oil field in the region.

    The military escalation occurs alongside a potentially transformative political development: Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa issued a decree formally recognizing the legal status and cultural rights of Syrian Kurdish citizens. This unprecedented acknowledgment of Kurdish national rights since Syria’s 1946 independence has been met with skepticism by Kurdish parties, who view it as symbolic rather than a substantive solution to their longstanding demands.