Latest news with #ShafaqNews'
Shafaq News
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Basra rally celebrates end of Iran–Israel war
Shafaq News/ Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Basra on Tuesday in a celebratory procession marking the end of the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel. According to Shafaq News' correspondent, the march began in the city center and wound through major streets, with participants waving Iranian flags and chanting slogans in support of Iran and against Israel and the United States. The demonstration followed Monday's announcement by US President Donald Trump of a complete ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, effectively ending hostilities that had escalated into direct missile exchanges and regional fallout.
Shafaq News
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Suicide bombing hits Damascus church during mass
Shafaq News/ A suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt inside the Mar Elias Church in the Al-Duwailaa neighborhood of Damascus on Sunday, killing and injuring at least 30 people, according to Shafaq News' correspondent in Syria. Eyewitnesses told Russia's Novosti that the church was targeted during an evening mass. Syrian state television, Al-Ikhbariya, confirmed the attack, stating that an individual wearing an explosive vest blew himself up inside the church. Syrian Internal Security Forces quickly sealed off the area, while emergency teams launched rescue efforts to recover victims from the rubble. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of reporting. #المرصد_السوري اسـ ـتـ ـهـ ـداف هو الأول من نوعه منذ سنوات.. هـ ـجـ ـوم إرهـ ـابـ ـي على كنيسة في #دمشق يسفر عن عشرات الـ ـضـ ـحـ ـايـ ـا — المرصد السوري لحقوق الإنسان (@syriahr) June 22, 2025
Shafaq News
29-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Shafaq News recognized as TRUSTED SOURCE by xAI's Grok
Shafaq News/ Grok, the generative AI chatbot developed by xAI—an artificial intelligence company founded by Elon Musk—has officially recognized Shafaq News as a trusted source for news verification, especially regarding developments in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. According to user interactions with Grok, the chatbot consistently refers to Shafaq News when asked to fact-check stories related to the region. In its responses, Grok cites Shafaq News as an example of 'credibility,' placing it among a select group of media outlets relied upon for accurate and timely information. This designation not only underscores Shafaq News' reputation for accuracy and editorial independence but also reflects its growing influence in the digital information ecosystem—particularly as AI tools increasingly shape how news is consumed and validated. As AI platforms like Grok gain global traction, being identified as a reliable source by such technologies further enhances Shafaq's visibility and reach, positioning it as a go-to reference for regional and international updates in both Arabic and English. It also strengthens the agency's journalistic standing in an era where misinformation and unverified content often dominate online discourse.
Shafaq News
27-04-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
CCHF: Iraq's Kirkuk intensifies prevention efforts
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, health authorities in Kirkuk announced a series of preventive measures to curb the spread of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in the province. Talat Mahmoud Bakr, the Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Kirkuk, reported to Shafaq News that discussions took place with the Kirkuk Governor, the district mayor, and the Director-General of the province's Health Directorate. The outcome was a complete ban on the movement of livestock into and out of the province. Additionally, the construction of unauthorized animal pens has been prohibited, and the raising of livestock within residential areas is banned to protect public health. Unlicensed butcher shops failing to comply with health regulations will also be shut down. Following the discussions, plans were set to intensify spraying, dipping, and epidemiological surveillance campaigns across Kirkuk. Public awareness campaigns will be expanded, and residents have been urged to promptly report any suspected cases of the disease. According to Shafaq News' tracker, 27 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) have been recorded nationwide since the beginning of the year, including four fatalities. CCHF, which is transmitted by tick bites or contact with infected animal blood, is highly contagious and can be fatal in more than 40% of cases, particularly if not treated promptly.
Shafaq News
24-03-2025
- Shafaq News
Shafaq News lens at the Great Wall of China
Shafaq News/ The Great Wall of China, one of history's most formidable defensive structures, stretches over 21,000 kilometers across rugged mountains and arid deserts. Built to protect imperial China from northern invasions, it is now a national symbol and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, the Great Wall is one of the world's most visited landmarks. The Badaling section, the most popular, attracts millions of tourists annually, including prominent figures. Shafaq News' camera toured the Wall's many sections, capturing breathtaking images that showcase its grandeur across different seasons. From towering stone pathways to panoramic vistas, the photographs offer a vivid portrayal of this iconic structure's historical and architectural magnificence. A Defensive Stronghold Construction of the Wall began in the third century BC under Emperor Qin Shi Huang (221-210 BC), who unified China and ordered the consolidation of existing fortifications into a single defensive line. Tens of thousands of laborers, including soldiers, farmers, and prisoners, worked in harsh conditions, leading to significant loss of life. Despite natural decay over centuries, successive dynasties maintained and expanded the structure. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) notably reinforced the Wall with bricks and stone instead of earth and wood, making it more resilient and recognizable in its current form. More Than Just a Wall Far from being a mere barrier, the Wall functioned as a comprehensive military system, featuring watchtowers, fortresses, armories, and an early-warning network that used smoke and fire signals to relay messages across vast distances. It also played an economic role by monitoring the Silk Road, one of the ancient world's most critical trade routes. In the 13th century, Mongol forces led by Genghis Khan breached its defenses, contributing to the fall of the Song Dynasty and Mongol dominance over China. 'Visible from Space?' A long-held belief claims that the Great Wall is visible from the Moon with the naked eye. However, scientific studies refute this. NASA states that despite its length, the Wall is too narrow to be seen unaided from space, especially since its materials blend with the surrounding landscape. A Global Heritage Site Facing Modern Threats In 1987, UNESCO designated the Great Wall a World Heritage Site, calling it 'a unique architectural achievement that embodies the strength and ingenuity of Chinese civilization.' Yet, the Wall faces multiple threats, including natural erosion, urban encroachment, and the theft of bricks by some residents for construction use. A Chinese government report estimates that 30% of the Wall has been destroyed, while over 60% is in poor condition. To preserve this historic marvel, the Chinese government has launched extensive restoration projects and implemented stringent laws prohibiting the removal or damage of any section, with severe penalties for violators.
