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Int'l Business Times
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Clashes, Homes Torched In South Syria's Sweida Despite Ceasefire
Smoke rose from burning houses in south Syria's Sweida on Saturday and an Arab tribal fighter vowed to "slaughter" residents as deadly clashes with Druze fighters persisted. Just hours earlier, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa had announced an immediate ceasefire, but Bedouins and tribal fighters who are allied with the Syrian authorities pushed on in the west of the Druze-majority city. "Go forward, tribes!" said fighter Abu Jassem, addressing fellow combatants in the area, where the streets were largely deserted. "We will slaughter them in their homes," he said, referring to the Druze. The tribal fighters have converged on Sweida from other parts of Syria to support the Bedouins who have been clashing with Druze fighters since July 13. The violence has killed at least 940 people, according to a monitor. An AFP correspondent on Saturday saw dozens of torched homes and vehicles and armed men setting fire to shops after looting them. Some fighters, their faces covered, opened fire in the streets with automatic weapons while others moved around on vehicles and motorbikes. One fighter wore a black band around his head that bore the Islamic profession of faith. Another was carrying scissors, after footage in recent days showed fighters cutting the moustaches of Druze elderly and clergy, a grave insult to members of the minority community. The Druze, followers of an esoteric religion that split from Shiite Islam, are regarded at best with suspicion by more hard-line Sunni Islamists who count among the ranks of Syria's new authorities. In Sweida city, where around 150,000 people live, residents have been holed up in their homes without electricity and water. Food supplies are scarce despite repeated appeals for humanitarian assistance, and communications have largely been cut off. Near the city's main hospital, an AFP photographer said bloated bodies were being taken for burial in a nearby pit as the morgue was overflowing. A doctor had told AFP that the facility had received more than 400 bodies. Security forces on Saturday were deploying in the province with the stated aim of protecting civilians and ending the chaos. Near a village north of Sweida, an AFP correspondent saw government forces deploying at a checkpoint and seeking in vain to prevent armed tribal fighters from advancing. Interior ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba told AFP in the province's north that security forces were deploying "to protect public and private property and guarantee the security of civilians". Government forces were to "supervise the withdrawal of the tribes that were in battle with outlaw groups," he added, referring to Druze fighters. An AFP correspondent said some tribal fighters withdrew from the city on Saturday afternoon, and also reported armed men dragging bodies from a street. According to the United Nations, the fighting has displaced at least 87,000 people. One resident of the city who fled days earlier told AFP that "We have nothing left." "Most of the people we know -- our relatives and friends -- are dead," said the resident, requesting anonymity due to the security situation. "Sweida has been destroyed, and we are trying to keep our families away until this madness ends." Residents of Syria's majority-Druze city of Sweida have been holed up in their homes as the violence raged AFP Syria's security forces were deploying in Sweida province with the stated aim of protecting civilians and ending the chaos AFP
Arabian Post
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Arabian Post
Kenyans Rally One Year On from Parliament Storming
Nairobi and towns across Kenya witnessed widespread demonstrations on 25 June as Kenyans marked one year since thousands breached the national parliament—a flashpoint sparked by anger over proposed tax hikes. The gatherings, under tight security, paid tribute to those killed and called for reform amid enduring grievances on police conduct, economic hardship and shrinking civic freedoms. Protesters—many of them young—held marches, candlelit vigils and laid flowers outside key government offices and parliament, expressing frustration as over 60 civilians were shot dead during last year's unrest and dozens remain missing. The uprising had forced President William Ruto to withdraw the contentious Finance Bill and appoint opposition figures to cabinet, but public trust has failed to regrow. January's arrest and subsequent death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody reignited public fury. His murder has overshadowed commemorations; six individuals, including three officers, now face murder charges. Kenyan authorities initially suggested suicide in custody but later conceded assault was the cause after autopsy findings provoked nationwide indignation. ADVERTISEMENT Across Nairobi, roads were patrolled by riot police and checkpoints enforced around official buildings to prevent any repeat of last year's violence. Interior ministry advisories prohibited entry into protected zones and urged peaceful conduct. Meanwhile, counter-protest groups armed with clubs—self-styled 'Team Sakaja'—vowed to guard against unrest. Their links to authorities sparked concern among rights monitors. Domestic human rights bodies, including the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, denounced forceful policing and supported peaceful commemoration. International envoys from nations including the US, UK and Canada echoed this, condemning unmarked officers, hired disruptors and excessive use of force, while emphasising the legal right of Kenyans to demonstrate peacefully. The broader civic situation remains tense. A report from global watchdog CIVICUS, published to coincide with the anniversary, described a sweeping governmental clampdown. It details abuses ranging from lethal dispersals and enforced disappearances last year, to the arrest of online activists, media suppression, internet disruptions during protests, and legislative initiatives aimed at expanding government surveillance. Public anger is compounded by current economic strain. Finance legislation debated earlier this month dropped a clause allowing tax authority access to personal data, a move interpreted as an attempt to reduce social unrest from controversial policy changes. Analysts point to entrenched mistrust in institutions among younger generations who regard the state as repressive and disengaged from everyday realities. Technologically sophisticated activism among Gen Z has played a significant role in political awareness, mobilisation and continued resistance, as shown through ongoing coordination of commemoration events and the naming of 'people's public holidays'. Government defenders argue that security measures are necessary to maintain order and deter extremist elements. Yet critics contend these actions amount to state-led persecution, citing disappearance cases, systematic targeting of dissenters, suppression of journalists and educational content, and the deployment of cybercrime laws to silence civic platforms. This week's countrywide marches, held in all 47 counties, aim not only to commemorate but also to demand accountability—particularly for Ojwang's death and the unresolved fates of those who vanished during the parliament storming. With vigils scheduled and digital campaigns under way, activists say sustained civic engagement remains crucial in shaping policy and reform.
Deccan Herald
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Indian Embassy in Israel suggests those looking for exit to avail land border crossings
Jerusalem: With national emergency in Israel still in place and the airspace closed, the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv on Tuesday asked for those Indians looking to leave the country to look at availing land border crossing an updated advisory, the Embassy has asked Indian citizens staying in Israel to register with the mission..'All Indians in Israel are safe and the embassy is constantly monitoring the situation and the safety of its nationals, setting up a 24X7 helpline, and by maintaining contact with members of the community,' the advisory said..'All Indian nationals intending to exit Israel may like to avail of the land border crossing options. Such travellers are advised to verify the operational timings, obtain appropriate visas and fees applicable at these border crossings at the mission said in the fresh says US won't kill Iran's supreme leader, 'at least not for now'.Those looking to leave via Jordan can apply for eVisa on the website of their Interior ministry ( the advisory to leave through Egypt, they can apply for eVisa on the portal: it mission also cautioned them to go through How to Apply, FAQ and disclaimer sections for further information..'For those continuing to stay in Israel, the Indian mission advised them to register with the embassy at on Sunday, the mission said that the 'safety and security of Indian nationals is paramount to us', asking its citizens to stay vigilant and strictly adhere to safety advisories / protocols issued by the Israeli Home Front Command ( also told its nationals to restrict movement and avoid unnecessary travel within Israel..'The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv is in touch with members of the Indian community in Israel, including caregivers, workers, students, businessmen and tourist groups,' the mission said..'The Embassy continues to monitor the situation closely and is in regular touch with the Israeli authorities,' it had mission also stressed that the round-the-clock helpline established by it is 'functional' for 'any assistance regarding the present situation' and listed contact numbers (+972547520711 and +972543278392) and email ( to reach out to in times of region is plunged into war after Israel launched attacks on Iran on June 13, killing key military leaders, and Iran launched retaliatory attacks.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Time of India
Indian Embassy in Israel suggests those looking for exit to avail land border crossings
With national emergency in Israel still in place and the airspace closed, the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv on Tuesday asked for those Indians looking to leave the country to look at availing land border crossing options. In an updated advisory, the Embassy has asked Indian citizens staying in Israel to register with the mission. "All Indians in Israel are safe and the embassy is constantly monitoring the situation and the safety of its nationals, setting up a 24X7 helpline, and by maintaining contact with members of the community," the advisory said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo — indemtel (@indemtel) "All Indian nationals intending to exit Israel may like to avail of the land border crossing options. Such travellers are advised to verify the operational timings, obtain appropriate visas and fees applicable at these border crossings at the mission said in the fresh advisory. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Those looking to leave via Jordan can apply for eVisa on the website of their Interior ministry ( the advisory said. Live Events Similarly, to leave through Egypt, they can apply for eVisa on the portal: it said. The mission also cautioned them to go through How to Apply, FAQ and disclaimer sections for further information. "For those continuing to stay in Israel, the Indian mission advised them to register with the embassy at Earlier on Sunday, the mission said that the "safety and security of Indian nationals is paramount to us", asking its citizens to stay vigilant and strictly adhere to safety advisories / protocols issued by the Israeli Home Front Command ( It also told its nationals to restrict movement and avoid unnecessary travel within Israel. "The Embassy of India in Tel Aviv is in touch with members of the Indian community in Israel, including caregivers, workers, students, businessmen and tourist groups," the mission said. "The Embassy continues to monitor the situation closely and is in regular touch with the Israeli authorities," it had added. The mission also stressed that the round-the-clock helpline established by it is "functional" for "any assistance regarding the present situation" and listed contact numbers (+972547520711 and +972543278392) and email ( to reach out to in times of need. The region is plunged into war after Israel launched attacks on Iran on June 13, killing key military leaders, and Iran launched retaliatory attacks.
Rudaw Net
24-04-2025
- Climate
- Rudaw Net
Kurdistan Region dust storm to continue through Friday: Expert
Also in Kurdistan France praises Kurdistan Region's 'democratic' institutions French FM in Erbil for talks with Kurdish officials Calls for coexistence mark spiritual gathering in Erbil Interior ministry launches investigation into football brawl in Sulaimani A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The dust storm that has covered the Kurdistan Region is expected to continue for another day, a weather expert said on Thursday, with more frequent dust storms expected this year due to a lack of rain. 'The dust storm that has covered the region since yesterday is widespread throughout the Kurdistan Region and will continue tomorrow,' Luqman Mufti, a meteorology expert at the Kurdistan Region's agriculture ministry, told Rudaw, adding that the dust is coming from the Iraqi and Syrian deserts. According to Mufti, the number of dusty days in the Kurdistan Region 'will be more frequent than in previous years, because there has been less rainfall and the rain has been insufficient.' 'During spring, the wind direction in the Kurdistan Region is from those areas that are the source of dust storms, which is why the dust storms are more frequent in spring than in other seasons,' he added. Mufti said the dust is expected to settle after a region-wide rainfall on Saturday. Dust storms are common in Iraq but have become more frequent and intense due to prolonged drought, desertification, and rising temperatures. According to the environment ministry, the country has been experiencing 272 dusty days per year over the past two decades. That number is projected to reach 300 by 2050. Iraq is also among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Poor water management and dam construction in upstream countries have drastically reduced the flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The United Nations has called for urgent measures to address environmental degradation and mitigate the worsening climate crisis in Iraq.
