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Mint
3 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Niger: Two Indians killed, one abducted in terror attack; Indian Mission says, ‘stay vigilant'
In a brutal terror attack in Niger's Dosso region, two Indian nationals were killed and one was abducted, according to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Niamey. The embassy is coordinating with local authorities to arrange the repatriation of the victims' bodies and to secure the safe release of the abducted individual. Indian nationals in Niger have been advised to remain alert and exercise heightened caution. In a post on X, it said, 'In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Niger's Dosso region, two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives and one was abducted. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Mission in Niamey is in touch with local authorities to repatriate mortal remains and ensure safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant.' (WiW(Arab News reported citing local sources that unidentified armed attackers ambushed a Nigerien army unit providing security at a construction site for an electrical line in the Dosso region, around 100 kilometres (63 miles) from the capital city of Niamey. Previously in March, Niger had seen a terrorist attack by the Islamic State in Great Sahara in Kokorou, which had resulted in the deaths of at least 44 civilians and had left 13 severely injured, as reported by UN Security Council Press. The members had issued a statement condemning the attack in the strongest terms and had underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice. Significantly, the members had underscored the importance for all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate with the authorities of Niger as well as all other relevant authorities in this regard. The statement further highlighted, "The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts." US State Department's 2023 Country Report on Terrorism for Niger had observed that terrorist organisations exploited Niger's extensive borderlands and sparsely populated regions to attack and recruit among populations where access to government services was weak and economic opportunity negligible. Due to the small size of its "defence force, ineffective coordination among security services, budget shortfalls, and instability in Burkina Faso, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, and the Lake Chad Basin", Niger's efforts to fight terrorism were hampered. Niger is in the midst of a political upheaval as a military coup has taken control, ousting the democratically elected President. In July, 2023 President Mohamed Bazoum was detained by the Presidential Guard and General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared himself the new leader. This event led to widespread international condemnation. The Niger coup is the seventh such event in West and Central Africa since 2020, highlighting a concerning trend of military interventions in the region.
Biz Bahrain
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Biz Bahrain
Foreign Minister participates in 49th GCC Extraordinary Ministerial Council meeting in Doha
Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the 49th Extraordinary Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council to discuss the Iranian missile attacks that targeted the State of Qatar. A statement was issued by the Ministerial Council expressing its deep regret and strong condemnation of the missile attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran, which targeted a military base in the State of Qatar. The Council considered this a clear, unacceptable, and dangerous violation by Iran of the sovereignty and airspace of the State of Qatar and the principles of good neighbourliness, as well as a blatant breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, regardless of any justifications or pretexts. The Council expressed its full solidarity with Qatar and its complete support for any measures it takes to preserve its security and stability. The Ministerial Council commended the capabilities of the Qatari Armed Forces in responding to the attack, affirming that the security and stability of Qatar are an integral part of the security and stability of all GCC states, and that any threat to any member state is a direct threat to all Council states. The Council underscored its categorical rejection of any infringement on the sovereignty of the State of Qatar or any threat to its security and stability. The Ministerial Council welcomed the announcement by His Excellency President Donald Trump of the United States of America, regarding the ceasefire, emphasising the necessity of an immediate halt to all military actions. The Council commended the efforts of Qatar to mediate and achieve the ceasefire, to maintain the security and stability of the region, and called on all parties to make joint efforts to seize the opportunity presented by the ceasefire for de-escalation and to adopt diplomacy as an effective means of resolving disputes. The Ministerial Council commended the success of HE President Trump in achieving a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, and called upon HE President Trump to exert efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The Ministerial Council commended the role of the Sultanate of Oman in the US-Iranian negotiations regarding the nuclear file, and appreciated the role of Qatar, the United States, and other countries that contributed to the de-escalation, stressing the importance of continuing effective mediation efforts. The Ministerial Council stressed the importance of maintaining the security of airspace, maritime routes, and waterways in the region and countering activities that threaten the security and stability of the region and the world. The delegation of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the meeting included Ambassador Mohammed bin Ali Al Ghatam, Ambassador of Bahrain to Qatar; Ambassador Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director General of Bilateral Relations; and Ambassador Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Haidan, Head of the Legal Affairs Sector and Acting Head of the GCC Affairs Sector. BNA(R)
Sharjah 24
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
UAE FM attends Extraordinary Meeting of GCC Ministerial Council
The meeting was attended by foreign ministers of the GCC member states, as well as Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The council discussed the latest developments following the Iranian attack targeting the State of Qatar. The convening of the meeting reaffirmed the unity of the Gulf states in standing with Qatar and underscored that the security and stability of Qatar are an integral part of the security and stability of the GCC. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan strongly condemned and denounced the Iranian attack on Qatari territory, describing it as a blatant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and airspace and a clear breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. His Highness affirmed the UAE's full solidarity with the State of Qatar, praising the country's efficient and professional response to the attack to safeguard the safety of its citizens and residents. His Highness also commended Qatar's commitment to restraint and wise handling of the current situation. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah noted that the ministerial meeting reflects the unity of the Gulf ranks and the depth of solidarity among GCC countries in facing the challenges and threats targeting their security and stability. His Highness stressed that the Arab Gulf states stand together to protect their sovereignty and the interests of their peoples, based on their brotherly ties and shared destiny, and will continue their developmental journey with confidence to ensure long-term security, prosperity and well-being. His Highness added that adopting dialogue and diplomatic means remains the best approach to resolving regional crises, contributing to the restoration of peace and stability, and safeguarding regional and international security.
Saudi Gazette
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states strongly condemn Iranian aggression on Qatar
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states strongly condemned the aggression launched by Iran against the State of Qatar. "Saudi Arabia views this act as a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, while asserting that it is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances. Saudi Arabia affirmed its solidarity and full support for Qatar, stating that it is deploying all its capabilities to support Qatar in all measures it deems necessary, according to the statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) strongly condemned the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's targeting of Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, describing the act as a blatant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and airspace, as well as a clear breach of international law and the United Nations Charter. The UAE reaffirmed its unequivocal rejection of any aggression that endangers Qatar's security and undermines regional stability, according to a statement issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry expressed the UAE's full solidarity with Qatar and its unwavering support for all measures aimed at safeguarding the safety and security of its citizens and residents. The ministry also emphasized the urgent need to de-escalate militarily, warning that continued provocative actions risk destabilizing regional security and could lead the region down a dangerous path with potentially catastrophic consequences for international peace and stability. Oman's Foreign Ministry has condemned the ongoing regional escalation in the region, which was caused by Israel with the attack on Iran on June 13 and the continuous exchange of missile attacks since then, including the recent Iranian missile attack on sovereign sites in Qatar. The Sultanate of Oman has condemned the act that violates the sovereignty of a member state of the Gulf Cooperation Council, contradicts the policy of good neighborliness, and threatens to expand the scope of the conflict, which has no benefit except more damage and destruction and undermines the foundations of security, stability, and the safety of the peoples of the region. The foreign ministry spokesman expressed Oman's solidarity with the State of Qatar and the measures it is taking to preserve its security and stability. The spokesman also called for an immediate cessation of all military and missile operations, the adoption of wisdom in resorting to peaceful negotiations, and adherence to international law in addressing the causes of the conflict and achieving a just settlement through legitimate means. Bahrain strongly condemned the attack carried out by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps targeting the sovereignty of the State of Qatar and considered it a blatant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and airspace, as well as a breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. In an official statement, Bahrain affirmed its full support and solidarity with Qatar following the Iranian attack on Qatari territory. Bahrain expressed its unwavering support of Qatar, emphasizing that this solidarity stems from the deep-rooted bonds among the GCC states. The Kingdom underscored the importance of collective unity during this critical period, calling for concerted efforts to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and resolve disputes through peaceful means. Kuwait strongly condemned Iran's missile attack on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday, calling the strike a 'flagrant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and airspace.' The attack represents a violation of international law and UN Charter, and poses a major threat to regional peace, security and stability, the ministry said. Kuwait stands fully with Qatar and fully supports all measures it may take in order to protect its sovereignty, security and stability, including its right to retaliate in the way it deems fit, the ministry said, reiterating Kuwait's readiness to provide all capabilities in helping Qatar. GCC Secretary General Jassim Albudaiwi condemned in the strongest terms the missile attack launched by Iran against Qatar. "This attack constitutes a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of Qatar and a direct threat to the security of all GCC states," he said while reiterating that the security of the GCC states is indivisible, and that the council stands united with the State of Qatar in confronting any threat to its security and territorial integrity. "While the State of Qatar and the GCC states strongly condemn the Israeli attacks on Iranian territory and are making every effort to achieve a ceasefire and mediation, they are surprised by this Iranian missile attack, which constitutes a violation of all international and UN norms, treaties, and laws," Albudaiwi said while calling on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibilities in condemning this aggressive act. He also urged to take effective steps to deter Iran's irresponsible actions, as well as to work to restore stability and prevent further escalation in the region, and adopt dialogue and diplomacy to preserve the security of the region and the peace of its people. Kuwait temporarily closes airspace The Directorate General of Kuwait's Civil Aviation announced the temporary closure of Kuwaiti airspace as a precautionary measure to ensure the security and safety of the country in light of the precautionary measures taken in a number of neighboring countries. "The relevant authorities confirm that this decision comes within the framework of maintaining the highest levels of safety and security in light of regional developments," the directorate said while noting that there has been constant coordination with the relevant authorities locally and internationally to monitor developments and take the necessary measures." The directorate called on all travelers and airlines to follow official updates as soon as possible and cooperate with the relevant authorities in implementing this decision for the public interest.
Qatar Tribune
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
US bombs Iran nuclear sites
Agencies Tehran/Washington Iran has said the United States will be 'solely and fully responsible for the dangerous consequences' of its attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, adding that US President Donald Trump has 'betrayed' American voters by submitting to Israel's wishes. During an address to a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul on Sunday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US crossed 'a very big red line' by attacking Iran's three nuclear facilities. Speaking just hours after Trump announced that US warplanes had 'obliterated' the nuclear sites, Araghchi condemned the strikes and called on the United Nations Security Council to act. 'It is an outrageous, grave and unprecedented violation of the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law,' he said, adding that the 'warmongering and lawless' US administration will be 'solely and fully responsible for the dangerous consequences and far-reaching implications of its act of aggression'. 'The US military attack on the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of a UN member state carried out in collusion with the genocidal Israeli regime has once again revealed the extent of the United States' hostility towards the peace-seeking people of Iran. We will never compromise on their independence and sovereignty,' he said. 'The Islamic Republic of Iran continues to defend Iran's territory, sovereignty, and people by all means necessary against not just US military aggression, but also the reckless and unlawful actions of the Israeli regime.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who escalated the Middle East conflict by launching strikes on Iran on June 13, praised Trump's 'bold decision' to hit Iran's nuclear sites, and said Israel and the US acted in 'full coordination'. After the strikes, Trump said Iran 'must now agree to end this war' and that under no circumstances could Iran possess a nuclear weapon. But Araghchi said any demand to return to negotiations on the country's nuclear programme was 'irrelevant'. The US and Iran were engaged in nuclear talks before Israel launched a surprise strike on Iran – publicly backed by the US – earlier this month. Iran denies its uranium enrichment programme is for anything other than civilian purposes, rejecting Israeli allegations that it is secretly developing nuclear weapons. Netanyahu has pledged to continue the attacks for 'as many days as it takes' to stop Iran from developing a 'nuclear threat'. 'The world must not forget that it was the United States which – in the midst of a process to forge a diplomatic outcome – betrayed diplomacy by supporting the genocidal Israeli regime's launch of an illegal war of aggression on the Iranian nation,' Araghchi said. 'So we were in diplomacy, but we were attacked. They gave a green light to Israelis, if not instructed them, to attack Iran's nuclear facilities. They have proved that they are not men of diplomacy, and they only understand the language of threat and force.' US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday said he still hopes Iran will return to the negotiating table. 'I can only confirm that there are both public and private messages being delivered to the Iranians in multiple channels, giving them every opportunity to come to the table,' he told reporters. Araghchi also accused Trump of betraying not only Iran, but his own supporters as well. He said Trump was elected on a platform of putting an end to 'America's costly involvement in 'forever wars''. 'He has betrayed not only Iran by abusing our commitment to diplomacy, but also deceived his own voters by submitting to the wishes of a wanted war criminal who has grown accustomed to exploiting the lives and wealth of American citizens to further the Israeli regime's objectives,' said Araghchi, referring to Netanyahu. Iran says more than 400 people have been killed and at least 3,056 others wounded since Israel launched its attacks on June 13. In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed in Iranian strikes. Araghchi said he would head to Moscow later on Sunday and hold 'serious consultations' with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday morning in the wake of the unprecedented US strikes. 'Russia is a friend of Iran and we enjoy a strategic partnership,' he said in Istanbul. 'We always consult with each other and coordinate our positions.' Meanwhile, Iran's delegation to the UN also formally called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Sunday to discuss the US strikes. In a letter submitted to the council carried by Fars News Agency, the Iranian delegation urged 'immediate action and the adoption of necessary measures under the framework of the United Nations Charter'. 'Silence in the face of such blatant aggression will plunge the world into an unprecedented level of danger and chaos,' Araghchi said in Istanbul. 'Humanity has come too far as a species to allow a lawless bully to take us back to the law of the jungle.' Iran and Israel have exchanged a barrage of missiles after the United States bombed key Iranian nuclear sites, dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East. Iran on Sunday launched two volleys of 27 missiles, targeting Israel's main Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, research facilities, and command centres, an Iranian state news agency reported. Air raid sirens were sounded across most of Israel, sending millions of people to safe rooms and bomb shelters as explosions and missile interceptions were seen above the commercial hub of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the port city of Haifa, and other parts of the country. At least 20 people were wounded, according to Israeli emergency workers. 'This is certainly the first time that we have seen two volleys coming in such close succession. Usually, there are hours between each volley of missiles. This time, it was less than half an hour,' said Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, Jordan. The targeted areas spanned the occupied Golan Heights in Syria to the Upper Galilee to northern and central Israel, affecting 10 separate sites either directly by missiles or by large shrapnel, Odeh said. 'There is extensive damage in those sites, especially in the Tel Aviv area and Haifa,' Odeh said. Videos from Tel Aviv and Haifa towards the north showed rescue teams combing through debris, apartments reduced to rubble, mangled cars along a street filled with debris, and medics evacuating injured people from a row of blown-out houses.
