Latest news with #Syrian
Nahar Net
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Syria says seized 3 million captagon pills coming from Lebanon
Syria said Friday that authorities had seized some three million pills of the illicit stimulant captagon after clashes with a drug trafficking network near the Lebanese border. Authorities observed the network "coming from Lebanon into Syrian territory" via illegal border crossings in the Jarajir area in the northern Damascus countryside, said a statement released by the interior ministry. Syrian forces set up a roadside ambush that "led to clashes between the security forces and members of the cell", some of whom abandoned their vehicle and fled, the statement said. "Around three million pills of the drug captagon were seized in addition to 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of hashish," the statement said, adding that authorities would not allow Syrian territory "to be a passage or haven for drug smuggling". Lebanon and Syria share a porous, 330-kilometer (205-mile) border that is notorious for smuggling. Captagon, which is also produced in Lebanon, became Syria's largest export during Syria's civil war which erupted in 2011. It was also a key source of illicit funding for the government of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. Since his overthrow in December, the new Islamist authorities have sought to crack down on the drug trade and have announced the discovery of millions of captagon pills and said they have thwarted smuggling attempts. Earlier this month, Interior Minister Anas Khattab said authorities had seized all captagon production facilities in Syria.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Teen charged in targeting Taylor Swift's Vienna concert as boyfriend Travis Kelce boosts her security mindset
A terror plot targeting Taylor Swift's Vienna shows in August 2024 was foiled (Getty Images) As Taylor Swift continues to dazzle fans around the globe on her record-breaking Eras Tour, shocking details have emerged about a foiled terror plot targeting her sold-out Vienna shows in August 2024. The suspected mastermind, a juvenile Syrian national identified only as Mohammad A., has now been formally charged in a Berlin court—reigniting debates across Europe about terrorism, youth radicalization, and concert safety. Meanwhile, Swift's partner, NFL star Travis Kelce , has reportedly stepped up his involvement in her security planning as a precautionary measure. Foiled Vienna attack shows growing risks for global music superstars According to German prosecutors, the teenage suspect faces charges of supporting a foreign terrorist group and helping plan the thwarted attack. Authorities say Mohammad A. embraced ISIS ideology as early as April 2024, translating bomb-making instructions from Arabic into German and establishing encrypted communications between Austrian operatives and the Islamic State. The Vienna dates—August 8-10, 2024—were swiftly canceled by Swift's team after intelligence operations uncovered the threat. The plot's discovery prompted tighter security across Swift's tour, especially in major European cities. Though she resumed shows in London, local law enforcement presence was visibly increased. For millions of Swifties, the event was a jarring reminder of how even pop culture can become a target in global conflicts. Travis Kelce stands by Taylor Swift amid rising concerns over safety While Taylor Swift has not made a direct public statement about the foiled plot, her boyfriend Travis Kelce has reportedly taken a more proactive role behind the scenes. A source close to the Chiefs tight end told Marca, 'Taylor Swift steps into a new world with Travis Kelce and doesn't seem to want to leave.' The quote suggests the bond between the two is stronger than ever, even as the challenges surrounding her fame become more complex. Swift and Kelce have been seen navigating their high-profile relationship with increasing confidence, but sources say this latest incident prompted deep discussions about personal safety, tour protocols, and long-term planning. Kelce, known for his commanding presence on the football field, is said to be encouraging Swift to remain vigilant while still connecting with fans in a meaningful way. With the trial now headed to a juvenile court in Berlin, legal experts note that the case could set a precedent. While Germany places a strong emphasis on rehabilitating young offenders, terrorism charges carry serious weight—even for minors. Authorities must also decide whether Mohammad A., who is currently not in custody, poses an ongoing threat. Also Read: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's NFL flex pose sparks political controversy over Donald Trump comparison Meanwhile, Swift's global tour continues, now under a more watchful eye. The Vienna scare serves as a stark reminder that fame, even when wrapped in glitter and music, doesn't shield one from the world's darker realities. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who is Mohamed A? Syrian teenager charged over plot to attack Taylor Swift's Vienna concert
A Syrian national living in Germany was charged with supporting a foreign terror group in connection with a foiled plot to attack pop sensation Taylor Swift's concert in Vienna in August 2024. A Syrian teenager has been charged over plot to attack Taylor Swift's Vienna concert.(Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP) Identified as Mohamed A, the German authorities have described him as a juvenile, while he has not been taken into custody. Accused of following Islamic State (IS) ideology, he allegedly helped another key suspect in preparation for the attack, BBC reported. In an official statement, Germany's federal public prosecutor informed that Mohamed A "adhered to the ideology" of Islamic State since April last year. He remained in contact with a young adult from Austria between "mid-July and August 2024" as there were plans for a bomb attack at a scheduled concert of Taylor Swift in Vienna. As per The New York Times, charges against the "Syrian teenager" were filed last week, but were only made public on Friday, June 27. So far, his exact age has not been made public by the authorities. Some of the charges include supporting a foreign terrorism organisation as well as helping prepare a "serious act of violence endangering the state.' The German investigators have accused him of keeping with privacy rules. He allegedly helped in translating bomb-building instructions from Arabic as well as providing text for an oath of allegiance to the key suspect for joining the terrorist organisation. Taylor Swift's concerts As part of her historic Eras Tour, the 35-year-old was expected to perform three concerts at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna between August 8 and 10 last year. When government officials got to know about a planned terrorist attack, the shows were later canceled. Later on, two people were taken into custody. These included a 19-year-old with alleged links to ISIS as well as a 17-year-old, who was also said to be inspired by the terrorist group and al-Qaeda. Thereafter, another person was arrested on August 9 last year, who was identified as an 18-year-old coming from the "social environment" of the main suspect, The Associated Press reported. According to BBC, the main suspect in the case is Beran A, who is believed to be part of an IS cell in eastern Austria. He is now 20 years old and was arrested after a tip-off by the CIA. FAQs 1. How many people were expected at Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna? As per reports, 65,000 fans of the singer bought tickets for the three shows on August 8–10. 2. What was Taylor Swift's reaction? In an Instagram post, she said the cancellation due to the threat filled her with a "new sense of fear." She added that she felt "a tremendous amount of guilt" as a large number of people made plans to take part in her shows. 3. What was the schedule for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour? It kickstarted in Arizona in March 2023, while the final show was held in Vancouver, British Columbia in December last year.
USA Today
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Syrian teen charged in Germany over foiled Taylor Swift concert attack
A Syrian teen has been charged with helping to plan the foiled terrorist attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna last summer, according to a statement by the prosecutor general. German authorities on June 27 identified the suspect as Mohammad A., saying he helped the intended attacker by translating Arabic instructions for making bombs and connecting him online with a member of the Islamic State militia. "Mohammad A. has adhered to the ideology of the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS) since April 2024 at the latest," a government statement said. "Between mid-July and August 2024, he was in contact with a young Austrian who was planning a bomb attack on a concert by singer Taylor Swift in Vienna." Swifties rallied in streets following concert cancellations Swift was set to perform three nights of the Eras Tour in the Austrian capital on Aug. 8-10, 2024. Her promoter, Barricuda Music, posted a cancellation message to social media on Aug. 7. Tickets were refunded and extra safety procedures were put in place for Swift's final shows in London, Miami, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Toronto and Vancouver. Police made multiple arrests over a suspected plot to attack a Swift concert in the Austrian capital's Ernst Happel Stadium, prompting the cancellation of all three of her shows there. The Vienna Federal Ministry of the Interior officials confirmed the arrest of two individuals "suspected of having planned attacks at major events." Swift acknowledged the terrorist threat in a statement following the conclusion of her European shows in August. "Having our Vienna shows cancelled was devastating," the singer wrote in a statement posted to her Instagram story. "The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows. But I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives." After the concerts were canceled, tens of thousands of fans -- already in the Austrian capital -- flooded the streets to sing Swift songs. "Going out to the streets of Vienna this morning was initially scary, but it was a great surprise to see Swifties gathering in the streets," Maria Luís Monteiro, 24, of Portugal told USA TODAY at the time. "The resilience and sense of community displayed was very inspiring and healing." Contributing: Reuters Follow Bryan West, the USA TODAY Network's Taylor Swift reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @BryanWestTV.
Shafaq News
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Israeli forces stage new incursion near Damascus
Shafaq News – Damascus An Israeli ground unit reportedly entered Syrian territory near the town of Beit Jinn in western Damascus countryside on Friday, marking the second such incursion in the area this month, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported. Second operation in Rif Dimashq | Israeli forces advance into outskirts of Beit Jinn town #SOHR — المرصد السوري لحقوق الإنسان (@syriahr) June 27, 2025 The Israeli force moved from its positions on Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh) and advanced into Syrian land adjacent to Beit Jinn, located near the border with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. No clashes or direct engagement were reported during the incursion. SOHR noted a complete lack of official comment from the Syrian government or military, deepening uncertainty over the motives behind the operation. The June 12 operation, also in Beit Jinn, reportedly resulted in the killing of one civilian and the arrest of seven others by Israeli forces.
