Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma Welcomes Muslim Organisations' Call On No Cow Slaughter On Eid
New Age Islam News Bureau
24 May 2026
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
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• Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomes Muslim organisations' call on no cow slaughter on Eid
• Pakistan’s foreign minister says ‘meaningful progress’ achieved in US-Iran negotiations
• Amir Saeed Iravani, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations: • Those who participated in attack on Iran must compensate for damages
• 'Nobody Can Outdo Us In Violence': Students' Party To Bangladesh PM After Supporters Clash
• No restrictions yet on non‑Islamic houses of worship in commercial areas, says Selangor State Executive Councillor
• Despite Middle East war, foreign pilgrims flock to Mecca for hajj
• Almost 30 Injured, Including Seven Children: Russia Attacks Four Regions of Ukraine
• Trump Declares Iran Peace Deal ‘Will Be Announced Shortly’ After Talks With Muslim Leaders and Israel
• Mali’s security crisis holds warnings for Nigeria: here’s why
India
• Akshaye Khanna’s Chhaava triumph came after Randeep Hooda refused Aurangzeb over 'So much Hindu-Muslim...' chaos!
• 97% votes to BJP: The Muslim-majority booth that flipped a Bengal seat
• Hindutva finds a new target – ‘gym jihad’
• Refrain From Cow Slaughter: Assam Eid Committees Ahead Of Bakri Eid
• News regulator censures ‘Zee News’ for programmes allegedly stigmatising Muslims
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Pakistan
• Pakistan welcomes Trump's 'extraordinary efforts' to reach peace with Iran: Premier
• Explosion derails cargo train in southwest Pakistan, injures at least 27
• Fidayeen attack on Pakistan train injures 20, Baloch Army claims responsibility
• 'Positive stride' taking place towards peace deal between Iran and the U.S., says Iran's envoy to Pakistan
• 13 militants, mostly from banned outfit TTP, arrested in Pakistan
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Mideast
• Araghchi reaffirms Iran's support for Lebanese Hezbollah
• Pezeshkian: History of negotiating with Americans dictate we exercise utmost caution
• Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, the splitter and spreader of sciences
• Iran’s Armed Forces ready for sacrifice
• Qalibaf: We will not compromise Iranian nation's rights
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South Asia
• Sher-e-Bangla was pioneer of education, social emancipation of Bengali Muslims: Swapon
• Afghans Ignore Pakistan’s Decades Of Hospitality, Says Balochistan Chief Minister
• Natural Disasters in Afghanistan Leave 28 Dead and 10 Injured
• IEA Supreme Leader urges unity, preservation of Islamic system in Eid al-Adha message
• India fielding coach T Dilip prays at Tirumala temple before Afghanistan series
• Afghan Private Sector Delegation Visits Uzbekistan To Boost Trade
• UNICEF raises alarm over rising violence against children in Bangladesh
• I will return to Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina
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Southeast Asia
• Body of 11-year-old boy reported missing near NKVE found at Sungai Buloh riverbank
• Victims in online sexual harassment cases urged to prioritise safety, preserve digital evidence, says former Selangor Bar chief
• Man suspected of stabbing woman in neck near Alor Setar remanded four more days
• Korban at 4 mosques disrupted by Australian export permit issues; alternatives offered
• ‘We need the president’: Perak PKR urges Anwar to defend Tambun in next general election
• Minister proposes gazetting Dayak miring as National Heritage, paving way for Unesco bid
• PM hails national regu team after Malaysia win 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup
• Pakatan Penang establishes manifesto, information and mobilisation committees for GE16
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Arab world
• Free verse and modern calligraphy part of Al Burda Award's growing art family in UAE and beyond
• Islamic Affairs Ministry Launches Exhibition Documenting Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj
• The ‘Al-Mukabariyah’ in the Grand Mosque: A Resonant Voice Echoing Through the Holy Kaaba
• Digital Platforms and Instant Translation Deliver Global Message of the Two Holy Mosques
• Turkish Vice President Visits Prophet’s Mosque
• Qatar Charity Inaugurates Multi-Service Center in Nouakchott
• From ancient manuscripts to AI: DIBF explores Islamic heritage
• Sana’a.. Summer activities conclude at Imam Ali Center in Al-Haymah Al-Dakhiliyah
• Former SLIC president Siyaldeen passes away
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Europe
• Russia claims Ukraine is preparing drone attacks on Russian territory from Latvia, alleges Latvian involvement
• Prime Time Plumbing wins at the British Muslim Awards
• The Muslim modernisers
• Russia Hits Bila Tserkva With Oreshnik Medium-Range Ballistic Missile in Massive Strike
• Zelenskyy says intelligence indicates Russia might be preparing to use Oreshnik hypersonic missile
• Russia fires Oreshnik IRBM at Kyiv region in mass attack
• Ukraine confirms Oreshnik launch in massive Russian overnight strike on Kyiv
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North America
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• 'Muslims Are Treated as Second-Class Citizens': Mehdi Tells Piers Morgan about Rising Islamophobia in the Wake of the Mosque Attack
• Dublin vigil honors San Diego mosque shooting victims, denounces hate
• Letters: Did size of police response to attack put other areas at risk?
• Trump drops major announcement from Oval Office after day of D.C. chaos
• B-N leaders join Muslim neighbors in prayer after San Diego shooting
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Africa
• The unbroken spirit of Zahedan: How 54 years of sacrifice defies the mullahs’ execution machine
• You Can’t Visit El-Rufai — ICPC Tells ADC Leaders, Gives Reasons
• Kaduna APC Affirms Tinubu As Presidential Candidate
• Benjamin Kalu and Otti’s relief
• ‘It’s a shame’ – OK Movement coordinator slams Onanuga over comment against Obi
• Uzodinma warns democracy suffers without strong opposition
• APC primary: Tinubu floors lone challenger in Abia, scores 161,005 votes
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomes Muslim organisations' call on no cow slaughter on Eid
Bikash Singh
May 23, 2026
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
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Guwahati: With several Muslim organisations announcing to refrain from cow slaughter during the upcoming Bakrid celebrations, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday welcomed appeals by several Eidgah committees in the state.
He said refraining from cow slaughter during the upcoming Bakrid celebrations, saying such "voluntary actions" would strengthen communal harmony in the state.
"Several Eidgah and Kabristan committees in Hojai, Dhubri, Bongaigaon, Udharbond and other places have given an appeal to refrain from cow slaughter during Bakrid, and have also explained the legal and religious reasons behind it," Sarma said in a post on X.
The Dhubri district administration said no cattle slaughter would be permitted anywhere in the district during the upcoming Bakrid celebrations, pointing to the absence of certified slaughterhouses under the provisions of the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021.
Bakrid is on May 28. Chairing the meeting, District Commissioner Megha Nidhi Dahal directed all departments concerned to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of the festivities across the district.
Explaining the legal provisions under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, Dahal said the slaughter, sale and transportation of cattle without valid permits are strictly prohibited under the law.
He further stated that beef sale is illegal in areas predominantly inhabited by Hindu, Jain or Sikh communities, as well as within a five-kilometre radius of any temple or satra. The District Commissioner noted that cattle, including cows, bulls, bullocks, calves and buffaloes, can only be slaughtered if the animal is above 14 years of age and permanently incapacitated from work or breeding due to accidental injury or deformity.
He, however, clarified that any such slaughter is legally permitted only at certified slaughterhouses. “Since there are no certified slaughterhouses in Dhubri district, no cattle slaughter will be permitted within the district,” a statement read.
The District Commissioner directed the Health Department to station ambulances at crowded Idgah venues and ensure doctors, nurses and medical personnel remain on duty at government healthcare facilities throughout the day. The meeting was attended by officials from various government departments, representatives of the Dhubri Bar Association, mosque committees and Idgah management bodies from different parts of the district.
Last year post Bakrid celebration law and order situation deteriorated in Dhubri. The town had repeatedly witnessed recovery of beef near a temple. On June 9 last year, the Dhubri district administration-imposed prohibition under BNSS 2023 in Dhubri town following the likelihood of breach of peace and public tranquillity in areas falling under Dhubri police station due to communal tension.
The area witnessed tension following recovery of banned meat including a severed cow head from the premises of a Hanuman temple in the town's Ward no 3.
Source: economictimes.com
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Pakistan’s foreign minister says ‘meaningful progress’ achieved in US-Iran negotiations
May 24, 2026
Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar praises Donald Trump. (File Photo)
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Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Sunday “meaningful progress” had been achieved in US and Iran negotiations, offering grounds for optimism that a positive and durable outcome is within reach.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated US President Donald Trump for what he described as “extraordinary efforts” to pursue peace, adding that Pakistan remained committed to continuing talks and hoped to host the next round soon.
Source: indianexpress.com
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Amir Saeed Iravani, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations: Those who participated in attack on Iran must compensate for damages
May 23, 2026
Amir Saeed Iravani, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UN
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Pars Today – Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, referring to the U.S. acknowledgment of the participation of Persian Gulf countries in the attack on Iran, stated that the governments of these countries are obligated to fully compensate for the damages caused to the Islamic Republic of Iran.
According to Pars Today, citing IRIB News Agency, Amir Saeed Iravani, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, in a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council on Friday, referred to recent public statements by U.S. officials that openly confirmed the participation of countries on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf and Jordan during the aggressive war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. These officials declared that these countries "practically shoulder to shoulder with the United States" participated in this aggression, including by providing military bases and facilities, logistical and operational support, intelligence sharing, air defense coordination, and granting access to airspace in the aggressive war against Iran.
In this letter, Iravani raised the international responsibility of the governments on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, along with Jordan, for their participation in and facilitation of the aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. He emphasized that these governments, as responsible states, are obliged to provide full compensation for the damages inflicted upon the Islamic Republic of Iran, including all material and moral damages resulting from their internationally wrongful acts.
Source: parstoday.ir
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'Nobody Can Outdo Us In Violence': Students' Party To Bangladesh PM After Supporters Clash
by: Saurabh Gupta
May 23, 2026
The National Citizen Party emerged from the protests of 2024
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Kolkata:The students' party behind the violent protests in 2024 that ousted the Sheikh Hasina-led government in Bangladesh amidst discontent in the country over a quota announcement have now said, nobody can outdo us in violence.
The statement was made by National Citizen Party spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, who served as an adviser to the post-uprising interim government under Muhammad Yunus, whose 18-month tenure saw mobs on the streets of Bangladesh and targeted attacks towards minorities, especially Hindus.
The National Citizen Party emerged from the protests of 2024 that led to the setting up of an interim government until the elections of 2026. It set the stage for the return of a democratically elected government in Bangladesh with a proper political mandate derived from free and fair elections. Elections held earlier were questioned as there were allegations that the Sheikh Hasina government had not allowed free and fair elections and stifled the Opposition.
The National Citizen Party participated in the election but could not win as the people of Bangladesh elected the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman who then became the Prime Minister.
Since the elections, despite Tarique Rahman making attempts to reach out to the Opposition, there have been run-ins between the supporters of the BNP and National Citizen Party with many accusing the latter of not accepting defeat in the elections despite a movement fronted by its leaders leading to proper elections in the country.
Warning the government against confrontation, Asif Mahmud said, "If you wish to inflict this upon us, this battle will not be fought against any single political party, specific ideology, or doctrine; this battle will be waged against an entire generation. Sheikh Hasina made the mistake of fighting this generation. I hope Tarique Rahman will not repeat that mistake."
The comments by the National Citizen Party leader came in the backdrop of a scuffle and confrontation between BNP supporters and their supporters, where the National Citizen Party's chief was allegedly attacked in Jhenaidah.
"If the ruling party desires violence and wishes to adopt it as their sole political weapon, we proved during the 2024 mass uprising that nobody can outdo us in that regard," Asif Mahmud said while demanding the arrest of those involved in the attack.
According to locals in Jhenaidah, an egg was thrown at National Citizen Party chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, leading to clashes in Jhenaidah town between two groups. Police forces have been deployed in the area after the incident.
Source: www.ndtv.com
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No restrictions yet on non‑Islamic houses of worship in commercial areas, says Selangor State Executive Councillor
24 May 2026
The Selangor State Government has not enforced nor implemented planning guidelines that bar non-Islamic houses of worship from being built in commercial areas, said State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade and Mobility Ng Sze Han. — Picture by Hari Anggara
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SHAH ALAM, May 24 — The Selangor State Government has not enforced nor implemented planning guidelines that bar non-Islamic houses of worship from being built in commercial areas, said State Executive Councillor (Exco) for Investment, Trade and Mobility Ng Sze Han.
Ng, who is also the state Special Committee For Non-Islamic Affairs (LIMAS) Co-Chairman, said the review of said guidelines will be carried out by the state government in consultation with religious associations, with a meeting on the matter to be arranged early next month.
“The state government is dedicated to resolving this administrative and technical alignment through constructive dialogue, ensuring that Selangor remains a progressive, fair, and inclusive state for all,” he said in a statement yesterday.
The clarifications were made to address recent concerns regarding PLANMalaysia Selangor’s guidelines on non-Muslim places of worship, specifically concerning the approval of future applications for non-Muslim places of worship in commercial shoplots.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Despite Middle East war, foreign pilgrims flock to Mecca for hajj
24/05/2026
Over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the kingdom for the upcoming hajj, according to a Saudi official, exceeding the number of international visitors last year despite the war in the Middle East.
The conflict triggered by the US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February saw Tehran order waves of strikes on targets in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf, prompting widespread air traffic disruptions and causing travel costs to surge.
Major Gulf airlines in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain have worked to quickly restore much of their operational capacity after weeks of airspace closures and flight cancellations.
“The total number of pilgrims arriving from abroad has reached 1,518,153,” Saleh Al-Murabba, the commander of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Passport Forces, told a press conference late Friday.
These figures are expected to rise further over the next two days as pilgrims continue to arrive from abroad ahead of the formal rituals that mark the beginning of the hajj on Monday.
Source: www.france24.com
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Almost 30 Injured, Including Seven Children: Russia Attacks Four Regions of Ukraine
24-05-2026
Russian occupiers carried out massive strikes on four regions of Ukraine. The enemy attacked civilian infrastructure with missiles, artillery, and UAVs. More than two dozen people were injured, including an infant and six other children, UATV English reports.
In Cherkasy, 11 people were injured as a result of a Russian UAV attack, including two children. Due to the strike, fires broke out in apartments from the 5th to the 9th floors of a 9-story apartment building.
“The enemy once again carried out a treacherous strike precisely when people were resting. Nine people were rescued at the scene. Psychologists provided assistance to 34 people. Pyrotechnic specialists inspected the area for explosive objects. Despite repeated threats of enemy strikes, rescuers extinguished a fire covering 400 square meters,” the State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported.
Another seven people were injured as a result of the Russian attack on Dnipropetrovsk region. Two of them are children. The enemy attacked the Nikopol district with artillery and drones.
“Nikopol and the Marhanets communities were under attack. Apartment buildings were damaged. Two men aged 39 and 46 are in serious condition. Women aged 32 and 37, as well as a 3-month-old and a 4-year-old child, were hospitalized in moderate condition. A 34-year-old man will receive outpatient treatment,” said head of the regional military administration Oleksandr Hanzha.
“According to preliminary data, nine people were injured as a result of the strike, including three children aged 8 to 12. Seven victims were taken to hospitals. Doctors assess one adult’s condition as serious, while the children are in moderate condition,” said head of the regional military administration Oleh Kiper.
“According to updated data, 16 residential houses were damaged in the Velyka Vyska community of the Novoukrainka district due to an enemy drone attack. A fire broke out on the territory of one household. Rescuers quickly extinguished it. Most importantly, there were no casualties,” noted head of the regional military administration Andrii Raikovych.
As previously reported, during the night of May 24, the Russian army struck Kyiv with ballistic missiles and attack drones. Numerous hits on civilian infrastructure were recorded in all districts of the city.
Source: uatv.ua
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Trump Declares Iran Peace Deal ‘Will Be Announced Shortly’ After Talks With Muslim Leaders and Israel
Sean James
May 23rd, 2026
President Donald Trump announced a “PEACE” deal with Iran has been “largely negotiated” and is on the verge of being signed after he talked to a number of leaders from the Muslim world and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday.
“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump posted. “In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
We just had a very good call with President Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, of The United Arab Emirates, Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, and Minister Ali al-Thawadi, of Qatar, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, of Pakistan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of Türkiye, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, of Egypt, King Abdullah II, of Jordan, and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, of Bahrain, concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran, and all things related to a Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE.
An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed.
The president’s announcement comes a few hours after Secretary of State Marco Rubio teased a deal was on the verge of being agreed to.
“I don’t have news for you at this very moment, but there might be some news a little later today,” Rubio told reporters in India. “There may not be. I hope there will be, but I’m not sure yet.”
Trump’s announcement also comes 84 days after the Iran war started on February 28, when joint U.S. and Israeli strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The war — dubbed Operation Epic Fury by the president — has officially been paused since early April when Trump announced a ceasefire, although that has been violated several times by Iran; the U.S. has responded with its own strikes, largely in an effort to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
Source: www.mediaite.com
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Mali’s security crisis holds warnings for Nigeria: here’s why
May 24, 2026
Mali and Nigeria, two of the countries in the Sahel region of west Africa, are separated by approximately 1,000 kilometres, with the Niger Republic between them. They differ in population size and government, but they face some of the same threats.
Mali has a population of about 22.4 million, while Nigeria has about 223.8 million. While Nigeria has been a democracy since 1999, Mali has had a military government since 2020.
Three armed groups – Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP/ISGS), Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) – are shaping the conflict in Mali.
This reached a new high in April 2026 when Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin and the Azawad Liberation Front carried out coordinated attacks across Mali.
The northern cities of Kidal and Mopti, as well as military bases in Sevare and Gao, were captured. The heart of Bamako, the capital city of Mali, was also struck, leading to the death of the defence minister, Sadio Camara.
Nigeria too has been threatened by jihadist insurgence and banditry in the north as well as secessionists and militancy in the south. Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad (JAS) and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are active in the north.
The weakness of the state plays a significant role in the vulnerability of both countries to attacks. As a scholar who has followed the unfolding events in the Sahel, I draw lessons for Nigeria from the April attacks in Mali.
Those lessons include the possibility of alignment among armed groups, the danger of the jihadists advancing to other Sahelian countries, the audacity of the groups, and the possibility that gains of JNIM in Mali could incite rival groups in Nigeria.
The first lesson concerns armed groups teaming up to fight the state. The April attackers were a combined force of FLA and JNIM. These groups share a common aim: securing enclaves within Mali. They joined efforts to carry out the attacks, each focusing on the areas they wished to control.
In the same vein, Nigeria has battled many armed groups. Competition, rather than cooperation, has defined the relationship between these groups, especially in northern Nigeria. This has always been to the advantage of the Nigerian state. The erstwhile charismatic leader of terror group Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, survived for more than a decade but died during clashes between his group, JAS and ISWAP members.
However, there is evidence of an unfolding alliance between terrorists in the north-east and bandits in the north-central and north-west areas of Nigeria. Such alliance have often been in terms of tactical cooperation as well as exchange of members and arms.
There is also a possibility of closing ranks and joining forces between Boko Haram and ISWAP, especially if leaders who favour working together with ISWAP take over Boko Haram from Bakura Doro, the current leader of JAS, after the death of Abukakar Shekau. If this happens, it may escalate terrorist activities that may be difficult for Nigeria to manage.
The second lesson is that the audacity of the JNIM/FLA coalition and the results achieved can motivate related groups to act in other parts of the Sahel. The al-Qaeda-linked and ISIS-linked terrorist groups have been involved in a competition for control of the Sahel for a long period.
This comes in the form of direct armed attacks against each other, competition over territory and recruiting, and attempting to demonstrate the ability to cause more violence than the other. This has led to an increase in jihadist attacks.
JNIM’s takeover of some cities in Mali may encourage its ISIS-affiliated rivals in the Greater Sahara and Lake Chad to also increase their violence.
In the Lake Chad Region, ISWAP has intensified attacks against military formations while also building parallel states in many areas of the Lake Chad basin, with Nigeria being the most affected.
Lastly, with the capture of Kidal and attacks near Bamako, JNIM may be close to capturing Mali. If Mali falls, it could be a training ground for terrorists in the Sahel. This fear was the reason Nigeria mobilised its forces for a peacekeeping mission in Mali in 2012. And if Mali falls, Burkina Faso and Niger will be threatened.
The threat to Niger is a significant problem because it is a buffer zone for Nigeria. Meanwhile Nigeria is a major target of the jihadist insurgents in their move to extend towards coastal west Africa.
Mali’s experience could turn the lens on Nigeria. Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have opted out of the Economic Community of West African States, Ecowas. But Nigeria and other countries in the region should not abandon the breakaway states at this stage. Necessary regional support should be galvanised and Nigeria can still play a leading role in this.
In my view, Nigeria also needs to rejig its counter-terrorism to be more responsive. Rather than its current defensive posture, which gives jihadists the opportunity to plan, Nigeria ought to adopt sophisticated and strategic offensive counter-terrorism that takes the war to the jihadists.
Source: theconversation.com
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https://theconversation.com/malis-security-crisis-holds-warnings-for-nigeria-heres-why-282180
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India
Akshaye Khanna’s Chhaava triumph came after Randeep Hooda refused Aurangzeb over 'So much Hindu-Muslim...' chaos!
Nitesh Kumar Sahoo
23 May 2026
There was a time when Akshaye Khanna quietly disappeared from mainstream conversations. But with one haunting performance in Chhaava, the actor stormed back into the spotlight and reminded audiences why he remains one of Hindi cinema’s finest performers. His portrayal of Aurangzeb — restrained, cruel and psychologically intimidating — became one of the most discussed elements of the film.
Even after the buzz around Dhurandhar took over social media, fans continued praising the sheer menace Akshaye brought to the historical drama.
In a recent interaction with Zoom, Randeep revealed that he was initially approached to play Aurangzeb in director Laxman Utekar’s ambitious period epic. However, the timing could not have been worse for him.
The actor was already deeply invested in Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, for which he had undergone a dramatic physical transformation. Randeep admitted he did not think he could physically fit the part of Aurangzeb after changing himself so drastically for Savarkar.
At the same time, another storm was unfolding in his personal and professional life. The actor was caught in a bitter intellectual property dispute surrounding Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, and the political discourse around the film had already become emotionally exhausting for him.
Source: odishatv.in
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97% votes to BJP: The Muslim-majority booth that flipped a Bengal seat
May 23, 2026
By: Abhishek De
Despite the BJP's thumping win in the Bengal elections, the battle was undoubtedly intense. Nearly 20 constituencies witnessed nail-biting contests, with victory margins of less than 5,000 votes. But none was as close as the election in Rajarhat New Town seat, whose result flipped to the BJP after a Muslim-majority booth in Musalman Para voted en masse for the saffron party. The BJP received an unprecedented 97% of the votes in the booth, overturning the lead for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) after an additional round of counting was held on May 5, according to a report in Scroll.
In the end, BJP's Piyush Kanodia won by a very slim margin of 316 votes against Trinamool's Tapash Chatterjee. Overall, the BJP won 207 seats. The twist in Rajarhat has led to the TMC, which was upstaged by the BJP after 15 years, to question the credibility of the election results. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose asserted that it showed that the elections were stolen.
Source: www.indiatoday.in
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Hindutva finds a new target – ‘gym jihad’
24-05-2026
As sections of the media have reported, a new “jihad” has been unearthed.
Earlier this week, the Uttar Pradesh Police invoked the Gangsters Act and the Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act against 10 gym owners in Mirzapur, accusing them of waging “gym jihad”.
Source: scroll.in
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https://scroll.in/article/1093042/gym-jihad-enters-the-hindutva-lexicon
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Refrain From Cow Slaughter: Assam Eid Committees Ahead Of Bakri Eid
by: Ratnadip Choudhury
May 23, 2026
Guwahati: Days ahead of Eid-Ul-Adha, several Eid committees in Assam have urged people to refrain from cow slaughter and maintain communal harmony during the celebrations.
The appeal from the committees in Assam, which has 35 per cent Muslim population, came following an appeal by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Dhubri Town Eidgah Committee urged residents to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha peacefully, lawfully and with social responsibility. Dhubri is Muslim majority district in Assam.
In its statement, the committee requested Muslim devotees to strictly adhere to the legal provisions laid down by the Assam government regarding animal sacrifice during Eid-ul-Adha, commonly known as Bakri Eid.
It stated that cow slaughter remains prohibited under the Assam Cattle Preservation Act and warned that violations could invite strict legal action, including imprisonment and financial penalties.
Source: www.ndtv.com
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News regulator censures ‘Zee News’ for programmes allegedly stigmatising Muslims
May 23, 2026
The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority has censured Zee News for broadcasting allegedly misleading and communally sensitive content that relied on unverified material to falsely implicate Muslims, Bar and Bench reported.
Retired Justice AK Sikri, the chairperson of the news regulator, held in two May 19 orders that the broadcasts on the TV channel violated core principles of accuracy, verification and communal harmony.
In one matter, a complainant highlighted a show on Zee News about an incident during the Kanwar Yatra in Delhi where broken glass was found scattered on a road.
Source: scroll.in
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Pakistan
Pakistan welcomes Trump's 'extraordinary efforts' to reach peace with Iran: Premier
24 May 2026
Pakistan early Sunday welcomed President Donald Trump’s “extraordinary efforts” to pursue peace, following a call with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Pakistan.
"I congratulate President Donald Trump on his extraordinary efforts to pursue peace and for holding a very useful and productive telephone call earlier today, with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, the UAE, Jordan and Pakistan," said Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
Sharif said the discussion provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on how to move the process forward and achieve lasting peace in the region.
Source: www.aa.com.tr
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Explosion derails cargo train in southwest Pakistan, injures at least 27
Aamir Latif
24 May 2026
At least 27 people were injured after a powerful explosion derailed a cargo train in southwest Pakistan on Sunday, officials and local media said.
The explosion occurred along a railway track in Quetta, the capital of southwestern Balochistan province, which targeted the train headed to the city's cantonment area, according to 24 News.
Babar Yousafzai, a special assistant for the provincial home department, told reporters that security forces and rescue teams reached the site as police tried to ascertain the nature of the blast.
Source: www.aa.com.tr
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Fidayeen attack on Pakistan train injures 20, Baloch Army claims responsibility
May 24, 2026
By: Sahil Sinha
At least 20 people were injured and many suspected dead in an explosion near a railway track in Pakistan's Quetta on Sunday, according to local media reports.
Shortly after the blast, the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for what it described as a 'fidayee' or suicide attack targetting Pakistani military personnel.
Pakistani broadcaster ARY News, citing local police, reported that the explosion took place near Chaman Phatak in Quetta. The blast triggered a fire close to the railway track, prompting locals, emergency teams and fire brigade personnel to rush to the spot.
Police officials said the explosion caused extensive damage in the surrounding area, shattering windows and glass panes of nearby buildings. Several houses and vehicles parked close to the railway line were also damaged in the impact.
Source: www.indiatoday.in
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'Positive stride' taking place towards peace deal between Iran and the U.S., says Iran's envoy to Pakistan
May 24, 2026
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said on Sunday (May 24, 2026) that a “positive stride” was taking place, apparently towards a peace deal between his country and the U.S., following the latest mediatory efforts by Pakistan. Iran-Israel war
He said in a social media statement that Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, after returning from Tehran, “congratulated me on the achievements of the negotiations with the officials of my country”.
Source: www.thehindu.com
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13 militants, mostly from banned outfit TTP, arrested in Pakistan
May 23, 2026
A major terror attack has been foiled by police in Pakistan’s Punjab province and 13 militants, mostly belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have been arrested, a spokesperson for the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said on Saturday (May 22, 2026).
“The CTD conducted 58 intelligence-based operations in different cities of the province during the last week and arrested 13 terrorists along with weapons, explosives and other prohibited materials,” the spokesperson said.
Source: www.thehindu.com
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Mideast
Araghchi reaffirms Iran's support for Lebanese Hezbollah
May 24, 2026
In a message addressed to Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem on Saturday, Araghchi emphasized that Iran will unequivocally continue supporting justice- and freedom-seeking movements, particularly Hezbollah.
"This is our pledge to the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei," the top Iranian diplomat stated, according to Press TV.
Araghchi added, "From the very first moment that some regional states emerged as mediators to defuse tensions between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, Iran has underscored that any future agreement is tied to a ceasefire in Lebanon."
The Iranian foreign minister noted that this significant issue is non-negotiable and is among the legitimate demands of the Islamic Republic and its heroic nation.
Source: en.mehrnews.com
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Pezeshkian: History of negotiating with Americans dictate we exercise utmost caution
May 23, 2026
Pars Today – The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasizing that Tehran has demonstrated its commitment to international legal frameworks in practice, said: "The history and experience of negotiating with the Americans dictate that we exercise the utmost caution."
According to Pars Today, citing IRIB News Agency, Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, during his meeting with Asim Munir, the Commander of the Pakistani Army, while expressing gratitude for his and his government's efforts for regional stability and security, stated: "The people and officials of Pakistan are our brothers, and we have sincere affection for you. We Muslims are one single body, and we have no choice but unity, and we must strive through cooperation to improve our own situation and that of all Muslims around the world."
He added: "My sincere belief is that we must pursue the unity and cohesion of the Islamic world with practical solutions and further strengthen and expand economic, social, political, and cultural interactions between us. Increasing the level of cooperation among the peoples of Islamic countries is the most important factor in achieving and strengthening practical unity and eliminating any grounds for discord and conflict among them."
Source: parstoday.ir
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Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, the splitter and spreader of sciences
May 24, 2026
Imam Muhammad Baqir (AS) was born in the year 57 Hijri, in the city of Medina. He was 39 years old at the time of the death of his father, Imam Zayn al-Abedin (AS) (who passed away in 94 Hijri). His name was Muhammad, while his kunya was Abu Jafar, and his agnomens were Baqir and Baqir al-olum. His mother was Umm Yabdullah, the daughter of Imam Hassan Mujtaba (Ýa).
Although he lived in unfavorable and restrictive times, Imam Baqir (AS) engaged in disseminating the reality of Islam. He is famously known for analyzing and explaining various intellectual issues. He brought about an extensive movement in learning and science and laid the foundations for an Islamic university, which reached its zenith in the time of his son Imam Sadiq (AS). Great learned men benefited from his knowledge and science, and used to ask him to solve their problems.
Baqir is a derivative of the word "Baqara," which means to open up or to expand. Imam Muhammad Baqir (PBUH) was named as such since he introduced and spread the knowledge and teachings of various dimensions and implemented the knowledge streams in a manner that had never been seen earlier. Imam Muhammad Baqir (PBUH) instructed people in the principles of religion, taught exegesis of the Quran, taught them the ethics of life, and used to strive very hard to educate culture and guide the people. During the course of his life, he taught the people thousands of theological and religious principles, as well as scientific subjects, and his teachings have been handed down to us.
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (PBUH) was about two and a half years old when he had to accompany Imam Hosein (PBUH) and the rest of his family members on the journey to Karbala. After the tiring journey from Medina to Karbala, he witnessed the shocking and tragic events of Karbala and then the heart-rupturing events in Syria and Iraq. After one year of detention in Damascus, he returned in 62 A.H. to Medina when he was 4 years.
He was the only Imam who was Alawiite from both the side of the Mother and the Father. Imam Sajjad (PBUH), according to the command of Allah and the decree of the Prophet (PBUH), appointed his son, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (PBUH), to Imamate and leadership of the people in the 95 A.H. He remained Imam for the rest of his life until 114 A.H., and the total period of his Imamate is 19 years.
Source: en.mehrnews.com
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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/244746/Imam-Muhammad-al-Baqir-the-splitter-and-spreader-of-sciences
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Iran’s Armed Forces ready for sacrifice
May 24, 2026
Pars Today – Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff and the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said in a message marking the anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr from the occupation of Iraq’s Baathist regime that Iran’s armed forces, with the support of the brave and ever-present Iranian people, are fully prepared to sacrifice themselves for the liberation of the “Khorramshahrs” ahead without the slightest hesitation.
According to Pars Today, citing IRNA, Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff and the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters wrote in a message commemorating the epic of the 3rd of Khordad, the anniversary of the liberation of Khorramshahr:
“The liberation of Khorramshahr, as a symbol of the victory of the front of truth over falsehood, disbelief, and global arrogance, paved the way for the subsequent achievements of the Islamic Revolution and for Iran’s path toward progress and strength. It also presented a new model of hope-inspiring governance to Muslims and freedom-seeking people around the world.”
“This victory showed that resistance against any enemy, at any level, can lead to success. The enduring key phrase, ‘Khorramshahr was liberated by God,’ became the foundation for a nation that, relying on trust in God, is capable of passing through the enemy’s strongest fortresses and overcoming the global system of domination, pushing it into helplessness.”
Source: parstoday.ir
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Qalibaf: We will not compromise Iranian nation's rights
May 23, 2026
Pars Today – The Commander of the Pakistani Army has met in Tehran with Iran's Majlis (parliament) Speaker and discussed the latest status of negotiations to end the imposed war.
According to Pars Today, citing IRIB News Agency, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, during his meeting with General Asim Munir, the Commander of the Pakistani Army, expressed gratitude for the support and actions of the Pakistani nation and government in various periods, including during the recent imposed war and the subsequent negotiations. He described these interactions as an example of good cooperation between Islamic nations and governments that can serve as a model for other Islamic countries.
Qalibaf, referring to Pakistan's efforts in negotiations with the U.S. government, stated: "We will not compromise the rights of the Iranian nation, especially with a party that has never been honest and in whom there is no trust. Just as the Islamic Republic of Iran defended the nation's dignity with courage and authority on the battlefield, it will also strive in the arena of diplomacy with intelligence and strength to secure Iran's legitimate rights and protect the national interests."
The Iranian Parliament Speaker addressed the Pakistani Army Commander, saying: "Military personnel understand the value of peace more than anyone else and better than others, but the same military personnel will never allow Iran's honor and rights to be trampled upon."
Source: parstoday.ir
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South Asia
Sher-e-Bangla was pioneer of education, social emancipation of Bengali Muslims: Swapon
23 May 2026
DHAKA, May 23, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq was not just a politician but a true pioneer of education, rights and social emancipation of Bengali Muslims.
"With the help of Sher-e-Bangla, the farmers of this region were freed from the exploitation and debt trap of the zamindars (landlords)," he said.
The information minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a function organised by the ‘Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq Foundation’ to provide financial assistance to underprivileged children as Eid gifts.
Referring to his family memories, Swapon said: "I personally have deep feelings associated with the name of Sher-e-Bangla. My grandfather was the general secretary of the North Barishal Krishak Praja Party and a close disciple of Sher-e-Bangla."
"Since my childhood, I was inspired to become a political activist by hearing stories of Sher-e-Bangla's heroism and social reforms from my grandfather," he said.
Source: www.bssnews.net
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https://www.bssnews.net/news-flash/389721
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Afghans Ignore Pakistan’s Decades Of Hospitality, Says Balochistan Chief Minister
24-05-2026
Sarfraz Bugti, Chief Minister of Pakistan's Balochistan province, says Afghanistan has forgotten Pakistan’s hospitality towards Afghan refugees over the past four decades.
Pakistani officials have repeatedly claimed that insecurity in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa originates from Afghanistan, accusing the Taliban of sheltering and supporting Baloch separatists and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The Taliban deny the allegations.
The chief minister of Balochistan claimed that Pakistan had hosted Afghan refugees with an open heart for more than 40 years, but said countries including the United States, Russia, United Kingdom and China now regard them as a security and terrorism threat.
Source: www.afintl.com
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https://www.afintl.com/en/202605238275
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Natural Disasters in Afghanistan Leave 28 Dead and 10 Injured
24-05-2026
The Taliban have announced that heavy rainfall, floods, thunderstorms, and storms over the past 48 hours have killed 28 people and injured 10 others in several provinces across Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s National Disaster Management Authority said on Saturday, May 23, that around 100 families have been affected by the natural disasters.
The Taliban stated that since March 26, a total of 285 people across Afghanistan have lost their lives due to natural disasters, while another 354 people have been injured.
Source: 8am.media
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IEA Supreme Leader urges unity, preservation of Islamic system in Eid al-Adha message
May 24, 2026
By Ariana News
Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate, in a message on the occasion on Eid al-Adha, congratulated the people of Afghanistan and Muslims around the world and emphasized the protection of the Islamic system, implementation of Sharia law, and support for returning migrants.
He urged Afghans to value the country’s security, stability, prosperity, and Islamic system, calling on the public to unite in strengthening and preserving it.
The Islamic Emirate leader said that under the Islamic system, the Sharia rights of citizens are protected and oppression and injustice are being prevented. He also described the activities of Sharia courts and the enforcement of the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice as part of broader efforts to reform society.
Source: www.ariananews.af
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India fielding coach T Dilip prays at Tirumala temple before Afghanistan series
May 24, 2026
Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) – Team India’s fielding coach T Dilip visited the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala in Tirupati district on Sunday and offered prayers.
Dilip will be involved when India faces Afghanistan in a one-off Test starting June 6, followed by a three-match ODI series from June 14 to June 20.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the series on May 19. Shubman Gill will captain the team in both formats, with KL Rahul appointed vice-captain for the Test side, replacing Rishabh Pant. Shreyas Iyer has been named vice-captain for the ODI team.
The Men’s Selection Committee, led by chairman Ajit Agarkar along with Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra, R. P. Singh, and Pragyan Ojha, named the squad in the presence of BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.
Batting stars Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul will feature at the top order in the ODI team, with Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper. The side includes three all-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar. Kuldeep Yadav will lead the spin attack, while the pace bowlers comprise Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, and Gurnoor Brar.
Source: thenewsmill.com
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Afghan Private Sector Delegation Visits Uzbekistan To Boost Trade
24-05-2026
A100-member Afghan delegation of traders, exporters and private sector representatives travelled to Uzbekistan on Saturday to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The main objectives of the visit were described as expanding bilateral trade ties, exploring joint investment opportunities and increasing exports and imports between the private sectors of both countries.
The visit comes as Afghanistan’s trade relations with Central Asian countries, particularly Uzbekistan, have expanded significantly in recent months.
Source: www.afintl.com
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https://www.afintl.com/en/202605233629
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UNICEF raises alarm over rising violence against children in Bangladesh
May 23, 2026
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) expressed grave concern over the recent surge in brutal violence against children reported across Bangladesh, including the rape and killing of girls and boys in places meant to ensure their safety.
Stressing that “brutality against children must stop”, Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, said that the growing number of reports of brutal and sexual violence against women and children across the country in 2026 underscored the urgent need to strengthen child and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention measures nationwide.
Source: www.thehindu.com
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I will return to Bangladesh: Sheikh Hasina
May 24, 2026
“As for returning by 2027, I do not see it as a matter tied to a specific timeline. The larger issue is the restoration of democracy, political rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law in Bangladesh. Those conditions are essential not only for my return, but for the future of the country itself”
In an exclusive and wide-ranging interview with The Pioneer, exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivers a firm and unambiguous message about her political future and the direction of Bangladesh’s ongoing crisis. Addressing questions on her possible return, the state of democracy, the future of the Awami League, and the country’s mounting economic and political challenges, she asserts that her connection with Bangladesh remains unbroken despite her absence.
Responding to speculation over timelines, Hasina emphasises that her return is not a matter of personal scheduling but of restoring democratic order, constitutional rights, and political stability in the country. Recalling her long political journey, exile, and survival through repeated violence, she reiterates her commitment to what she describes as the unfinished mission of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
From the future of opposition politics to concerns over governance, health systems, foreign policy shifts, and allegations of repression, the interview presents Hasina’s perspective on a deeply polarised Bangladesh—while underscoring her central claim: that she remains politically active, globally engaged, and determined to return when conditions allow.
Source: dailypioneer.com
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https://dailypioneer.com/news/slug-lite/i-will-return-to-bangladesh-sheikh-hasina?year=2026
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Southeast Asia
Body of 11-year-old boy reported missing near NKVE found at Sungai Buloh riverbank
24 May 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — An 11-year-old boy reported missing near a river by the NKVE close to Menara Finas in Damansara Damai, Petaling Jaya, was found dead this morning.
SHAH ALAM, May 23 — The father of one of the three victims who died in a crash involving a cement lorry at Kilometre 34 of the Karak Highway heading towards Kuala Lumpur earlier...
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar said the boy’s body was found by the riverbank at Jalan Welfare, Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Victims in online sexual harassment cases urged to prioritise safety, preserve digital evidence, says former Selangor Bar chief
24 May 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — Online sexual harassment is becoming an increasingly serious concern, with victims urged to act quickly to preserve digital evidence as crucial material can easily be deleted or altered, said former Selangor Bar chairman Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo.
The lawyer said the rapid growth of social media, messaging applications and other digital platforms has created new avenues for sexual harassment, ranging from obscene messages and cyberstalking to unsolicited explicit images and sexual intimidation.
SHAH ALAM, May 23 — The father of one of the three victims who died in a crash involving a cement lorry at Kilometre 34 of the Karak Highway heading towards Kuala Lumpur earlier...
“The sooner evidence is preserved, the stronger the legal position becomes because digital material can easily be deleted or altered,” she said during the ‘Paarvai’ talk show episode titled Sexual Harassment: Courage to Break the Silence, which will air on Bernama TV today at 7.30 pm.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Man suspected of stabbing woman in neck near Alor Setar remanded four more days
By Malay Mail
24 May 2026
ALOR SETAR, May 24 — A 32-year-old man suspected of stabbing a woman he knew in the neck inside a car in Titi Gajah, Kepala Batas, near here, has reportedly been remanded for another four days.
According to a report in Berita Harian, Magistrate Nur Syifa Mohd Hamzah issued the extension order at the Alor Setar Magistrates’ Court today, after the suspect’s initial seven-day remand expired.
SIBU, May 22 — The Sessions Court here sentenced a 23-year-old man to a total of 30 years’ jail and nine strokes of the cane for committing incest with his 14-year-old...
Kota Setar police chief Assistant Commissioner Syed Basri Syed Ali reportedly said the remand had been extended until Wednesday to assist investigations.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Korban at 4 mosques disrupted by Australian export permit issues; alternatives offered
BY Sean Ler
May 24, 2026
Korban arrangements at four mosques in Singapore have been disrupted as export approval from Australian authorities was not obtained in time, said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) on Saturday (May 23).
In an earlier statement on Thursday, Muis said four mosques may face delayed arrival of live sheep as their licensed local korban operator, The Meat Brothers, was still pending export permit approval under Australia's Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System.
The operator is responsible for about 400 live sheep meant for Al-Firdaus Mosque in Choa Chu Kang, Petempatan Melayu Sembawang Mosque and Pusara Aman Mosque in Lim Chu Kang. It is also responsible for a portion of the livestock for Jamae Chulia Mosque in Chinatown.
Source: www.asiaone.com
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https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/korban-livestock-four-mosques-affected-the-meat-brothers-muis
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‘We need the president’: Perak PKR urges Anwar to defend Tambun in next general election
By Malay Mail
24 May 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — Perak PKR has reportedly asked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to defend Tambun in the next general election, saying his presence remains important to the party’s campaign in the state.
However, Perak PKR chairman Mohamad Hairul Amir Sabri said there had been no discussion so far on whether Anwar would switch seats, according to a report in The Star.
SIBU, May 22 — The Sessions Court here sentenced a 23-year-old man to a total of 30 years’ jail and nine strokes of the cane for committing incest with his 14-year-old...
“We in Perak very much need the president to remain in Perak to help us win more parliamentary and state seats in the next election,” he was quoted as saying.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Minister proposes gazetting Dayak miring as National Heritage, paving way for Unesco bid
24 May 2026
SIBU, May 24 — The National Unity Ministry has proposed that the traditional Dayak ceremony, namely ‘miring’, be gazetted as National Heritage.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang, when proposing it, said the ceremony has great potential to be recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage at the national level and subsequently considered under Unesco.
Therefore, he said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through the National Heritage Department, needs to gazette the ceremony as a national heritage first so that it can be documented, preserved and promoted more comprehensively.
“Based on its cultural, historical and authentic values, the miring ceremony is a traditional ritual rich in spiritual meaning, gratitude, respect for nature and prayers for well-being.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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PM hails national regu team after Malaysia win 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup
24 May 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Malaysia’s national team regu for winning the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup at Stadium Titiwangsa last night.
Anwar, in a Facebook post today, said the achievement not only made the country’s sports scene proud but also proved that strong fighting spirit, discipline, and unity can elevate Malaysia onto the world stage.
“This victory is a meaningful gift for all Malaysians and proof that our people possess extraordinary ability, resilience, and spirit when carrying the nation’s challenge.
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Pakatan Penang establishes manifesto, information and mobilisation committees for GE16
24 May 2026
GEORGE TOWN, May 24 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) Penang has set up three new committees in preparation for the 16th General Election (GE16) as an early move to strengthen the coalition’s readiness at the state level.
Penang PH chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the three committees are the Election Manifesto Committee led by Zairil Khir Johari from DAP, the Information Committee headed by Lee Boon Heng (PKR) and the Mobilisation Committee chaired by Zahar Zainul (Amanah).
“The establishment of these committees will focus on issues such as the low voter turnout rate, ways to increase voter turnout and raising awareness on the importance of the upcoming general election,” he told a press conference after the 2026 Penang PH Annual General Meeting here today.
He said the committees were established at the meeting, which also decided to maintain him as the chairman of the state PH Leadership Council for the 2024/2026 term, while the three deputy chairmen are Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid from PKR, Steven Sim Chee Keong (DAP) and Muhammad Faiz Fadzil (Amanah).
Source: www.malaymail.com
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Arab world
Free verse and modern calligraphy part of Al Burda Award's growing art family in UAE and beyond
Faisal Al Zaabi
May 24, 2026
The Aga Khan Museum in Canada was founded to highlight the contributions of Muslim civilisations and their deep connections with the wider world. That mission came into focus from June 2025 until February this year, when the Toronto institution hosted As the Sun Appears from Beyond: Twenty Years of the Al Burda Award – an exhibition bringing together 60 winning works from the UAE-based initiative.
Al Burda Award has evolved from a poetry-focused initiative in the UAE into a major platform for Islamic art and culture. Organisers are now placing greater emphasis on emerging artists, international collaboration and contemporary interpretations of traditional art forms.
Launched in 2004 by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture initiative has honoured more than 420 creatives from around the world across poetry, Arabic calligraphy and ornamentation.
Shatha Al Mulla, assistant undersecretary for the national identity and arts sector at the Ministry of Culture, says the award has evolved significantly over the past two decades, and organisers have also introduced contemporary subcategories aimed at encouraging younger artists to participate.
Source: www.thenationalnews.com
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Islamic Affairs Ministry Launches Exhibition Documenting Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj
May 23, 2026
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has launched an exhibition at the Makkah headquarters of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit to showcase Saudi Arabia's leadership in serving Islam, promoting moderation, and caring for pilgrims.
Utilizing interactive digital screens, the pavilion displays historical documentaries, tracking guest data and global origins alongside the Kingdom's continuous development of the holy sites.
International visitors praised the high-quality services and advanced technologies on display, expressing gratitude to the Saudi leadership for providing integrated logistical support that enables pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.
Source: www.alriyadhdaily.com
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https://www.alriyadhdaily.com/article/4d7983de76b24c32bcb03f7a6154ea51
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The ‘Al-Mukabariyah’ in the Grand Mosque: A Resonant Voice Echoing Through the Holy Kaaba
May 23, 2026
The “Al-Mukabariyah” microphone area in the Grand Mosque is regarded as a symbol associated with the history of the Two Holy Mosques. From it, the takbir, tahlil, and tasbih are recited, creating a spiritual atmosphere that deeply resonates with visitors to the Holy Kaaba and reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s care for all matters related to religious rituals.
The Al-Mukabariyah is a designated location within the Grand Mosque for the call to prayer and for repeating the imam’s recitations during takbir, bowing, prostration, and greetings, in addition to various calls linked to several religious rituals.
Historically, it was associated with transmitting the imam’s voice to worshippers before the emergence of modern sound systems. It continues to retain its spiritual and symbolic presence within the system of the call to prayer and takbir in the Grand Mosque.
Source: www.alriyadhdaily.com
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https://www.alriyadhdaily.com/article/01250cd022fc49f29a5f5a38849a3c01
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Digital Platforms and Instant Translation Deliver Global Message of the Two Holy Mosques
May 23, 2026
The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has amplified the global reach of the Islamic message through a sophisticated digital framework that transitions religious content beyond the physical confines of the Two Holy Mosques into a highly accessible multilingual digital space, utilizing advanced technologies to deliver the message of moderate Islam to Muslims worldwide.
A cornerstone of this transformation is an expansive translation network. The presidency has launched specialized programs delivering religious and guidance content in over 60 languages, alongside instant translation devices deployed through the "In Their Languages" initiative. To further expand this global impact, the presidency has also rolled out smart digital broadcasting platforms for live lectures and sermons.
This technological integration extends directly to the physical spaces of the Two Holy Mosques, where multilingual smart robots now provide visitors with on-site religious and navigational guidance.
Source: www.alriyadhdaily.com
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https://www.alriyadhdaily.com/article/19bd7747d02548c3aacf2fbb05b900a3
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Turkish Vice President Visits Prophet’s Mosque
May 23, 2026
Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye Cevdet Yılmaz and his accompanying delegation visited the Prophet’s Mosque today, where they performed prayers and paid respects to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his two companions.
Upon arrival at the Prophet’s Mosque, he was received by Deputy Executive President for the Affairs of the Prophet’s Mosque Engineer Turki Al-Benyan and several officials.
Source: www.alriyadhdaily.com
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https://www.alriyadhdaily.com/article/c6ff9e48b81046fd994cd327261ef88c
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Qatar Charity Inaugurates Multi-Service Center in Nouakchott
May 24, 2026
Qatar Charity (QC) has officially inaugurated a new multi-service center in the Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott. Funded by Qatar’s benefactors, the facility is designed to strengthen social development, upgrade basic services, and provide an integrated package of educational, health, Islamic, and economic services to the local population.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. Beitellah Ould Ahmed Laswed, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and His Excellency Mr. Shaheen bin Ali Al-Kaabi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Mauritania, as well as several government officials and local representatives.
During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Omer Abdelaziz Mohamed, Country Director of Qatar Charity’s Mauritania Branch, stated that the establishment of this integrated development facility in Toujounine, in the Nouakchott North Region, reflects the organization’s approach of implementing projects that bring together multiple essential services in one location to maximize development impact.
He added that the center features a mosque to promote Islamic values, a school to educate future generations, and a clinic to provide healthcare in the district. It also includes social spaces and endowment-based commercial shops that will contribute to the sustainability and operation of the facility.
Source: www.gulf-times.com
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From ancient manuscripts to AI: DIBF explores Islamic heritage
24/05/2026
The 35th edition of the Doha International Book Fair (DIBF) has emerged as a major platform for debating the future of Islamic heritage, Arabic manuscripts, and artificial intelligence, as scholars and researchers highlighted the growing intersection between classical knowledge traditions and modern digital technologies.
Through a series of seminars held within the exhibition’s cultural programme, academics explored how artificial intelligence is transforming the preservation, restoration, and study of Arabic manuscripts, while stressing that human scholarship remains the decisive force in safeguarding the authenticity of Islamic intellectual heritage.
One of the central seminars, organised by the Qatar Authors Forum under the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, carried the title “The Arabic Manuscript Between Heritage Preservation and the Possibilities of Artificial Intelligence.”
Participants described artificial intelligence as an increasingly influential technical and cognitive tool in manuscript verification and heritage preservation, though they stressed that scholarly expertise remains essential in understanding historical contexts, doctrinal terminology, and linguistic structures embedded within classical Islamic texts.
Dr Yahya Mohammed Al Haj, a computer science expert, told Qatar Tribune that Arabic manuscripts represent a “civilisational vessel” documenting the sciences and intellectual achievements of the Arab and Islamic world across centuries.
Source: www.qatar-tribune.com
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Sana’a.. Summer activities conclude at Imam Ali Center in Al-Haymah Al-Dakhiliyah
23 May 2026
Sana'a - Saba: The Imam Ali Center in Bahkah village, Bani Al-Nimri district, Al-Haymah Al-Dakhiliyah directorate in Sana’a governorate, concluded its 1447 AH summer courses with a speech and honoring ceremony for outstanding and talented students.
During the event, the governorate’s education sector official and head of the subcommittee for summer activities and courses, Talib Dahhan, highlighted the educational and cultural value of the summer programs, which are organized in line with the Quranic vision and educational methodology derived from the Prophetic household.
He explained that the summer curriculum focused on learning the Holy Quran, strengthening reading skills according to the Yemeni spelling method, in addition to jurisprudential , cultural sciences, alongside purposeful and beneficial activities.
Source: www.saba.ye
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Former SLIC president Siyaldeen passes away
23/05/2026
DOHA: Former president and current advisor of the Sri Lanka Islamic Community (SLIC) in Qatar Sheikh Siyaldeen (Madani), has passed away in Qatar.
Fifty-eight-year-old Siyaldeen, who hailed from Nikaweratiya, Sri Lanka, was working as a Da’ee (preacher) in Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayd Islamic Cultural Center (Al Fanar).
Siyaldeen was a prominent religious scholar. He was primarily known for his leadership and educational initiatives with the Islamic Studies for Children (ISC) organization in Doha.
Source: www.qatar-tribune.com
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Europe
Russia claims Ukraine is preparing drone attacks on Russian territory from Latvia, alleges Latvian involvement
May 23, 2026
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has alleged that Ukraine is preparing to launch attacks on Russian territory from Latvia, with Moscow claiming that Kyiv has secured permission from Latvian authorities to carry out such operations and has already deployed Ukrainian servicemen specializing in drone operations to the country.
These claims, reported by Russian state news agency TASS, suggest that Ukraine is planning to use drones to strike Russia from the territory of the Baltic states, according to the Russian side. Russian intelligence claims President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking to demonstrate to European allies that Ukraine's military retains the capability to strike Russia’s economy.
The SVR also alleges that Kyiv has convinced Riga to support operations against Russia, insisting that drones launched from Baltic states could be used for the attacks.
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service further claims that Ukrainian drone forces have already arrived in Latvia. Moscow warned it is aware of “decision-making centers” in Latvia and threatened that NATO membership would not shield Latvia in the event of such actions.
Source: uawire.org
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Prime Time Plumbing wins at the British Muslim Awards
By Freya Thomson
24/05/2026
A BRADFORD district company has been named SME Business of the Year at the 2026 British Muslim Awards - its founder gives us the lowdown on what it means to be recognised.
Prime Time Plumbing received the honour at the awards ceremony held on May 7, 2026, at the Grand Station in Wolverhampton. Prime Time Plumbing is also the principal partner of Bradford City AFC.
He told the T&A: "Winning this award means a great deal to me personally and professionally. Prime Time Plumbing started with a vision to build a trusted business that people could rely on, not just for quality workmanship, but for honesty, professionalism and genuine customer care. To now be recognised on a national stage is an incredible feeling and a proud moment for everyone who has supported the journey.
"As a British Muslim business owner from Batley, I also feel a huge sense of pride in representing both the Muslim community and the wider district. There are so many hardworking people from our communities building businesses, creating opportunities and making a positive impact every day. I hope this recognition inspires younger people to believe that with consistency, hard work and faith in what you do, anything is possible.
"This year has been especially memorable for Prime Time Plumbing. Alongside winning SME Business of the Year, we were also named winners of the Sage Behind the Badge competition and became Principal Partner of Bradford City AFC — something that felt surreal considering the club’s importance to the local community. For me, these achievements are about more than business success; they represent community, resilience and showing that local businesses from West Yorkshire can compete and succeed on a national level.
"Source: www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
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The Muslim modernisers
By Samuel Rubinstein
24 May, 2026
Recently, fans of The Rest Is History podcast were treated to a rare peek behind the curtain. Pressed to comment on his co-host Tom Holland’s view that Islam is “uniquely indigestible for a secular mindset”, Dominic Sandbrook described it as “total tosh”, adding “I think he’s completely bananas about his Islam stuff, frankly.”
It was a classic expression of the playful antagonism that we have come to know and love. There is something there of Plato and Aristotle: Holland points upwards, at ideas and “the sacral”; Sandbrook points downwards, at a profane world full of people who simply “get on with it”. The debate, however, is about more than one’s philosophical orientation. It gets at the great Orientalist Bernard Lewis’ famous question about Islam and modernity: “What Went Wrong?”
Its stakes in Britain today could hardly be higher. Can our secular mindset digest Islam? If not, can our society accommodate it? Not yet, used to be a common refrain; not until the Muslims catch up with us, perhaps by having their own “Reformation”. The Western media has anointed various characters over the years as “the Muslim Martin Luther”: Fethullah Gülen in Foreign Affairs; Tariq Ramadan (now imprisoned for rape) in Salon; Egypt’s strongman el-Sisi in the Financial Times. It’s not the most propitious analogy: Luther was hardly enlightened by our standards.
Still less auspiciously, Islam, as the commentator Mehdi Hasan often likes to point out, did have a “Reformation” — one which sought, no less ardently than Luther and Calvin, to “purify” the faith and return it to its early, pristine state. It was called Wahhabism, and it produced the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Source: thecritic.co.uk
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https://thecritic.co.uk/issues/may-2026/the-muslim-modernisers/
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Russia Hits Bila Tserkva With Oreshnik Medium-Range Ballistic Missile in Massive Strike
by Tymur Dubovyk
May 24, 2026
Russian forces executed a high-profile hypersonic escalation early Sunday morning, May 24, deploying an RS-26 Rubezh medium-range ballistic missile – publicized by Moscow as the “Oreshnik” – to strike the city of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region.
The implementation of the strategic system was officially confirmed by Colonel Yurii Ihnat, head of the Communications Department for the Ukrainian Air Force Command. The launch originated from the Kapustin Yar military test range in Russia’s southwestern Astrakhan region. The impact in the Bila Tserkva district was captured on localized surveillance feeds, showing multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles separating in the upper atmosphere to cause a rapid succession of ground-level explosions.
Investigative teams from the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office and specialized military forensic units deployed to the impact site early Sunday morning to recover material fragments and assess structural damage.
Source: www.kyivpost.com
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https://www.kyivpost.com/post/76743
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Zelenskyy says intelligence indicates Russia might be preparing to use Oreshnik hypersonic missile
By Natalia Kushnir
May 24, 2026
Ukraine is working to verify intelligence from the United States and others that suggests Russia is preparing to use a hypersonic ballistic missile system, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday.
"Our intelligence services reported receiving data, including from American and European partners, about Russia preparing a strike with the Oreshnik missile. We are verifying this information," Zelenskyy said in a post on X.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv issued a security alert on Saturday warning of a "potentially significant" air attack on Ukraine within the next 24 hours.
Source: abcnews.com
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Russia fires Oreshnik IRBM at Kyiv region in mass attack
By Dylan Malyasov
May 24, 2026
Russia fired a nuclear-capable ballistic missile at the Kyiv region for the first time on the night of May 23-24, 2026, striking an industrial zone near Bila Tserkva, a city of 200,000 people sitting just 80 kilometers south of the Ukrainian capital. The launch was confirmed by Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for the Ukrainian Air Force, in a statement to RBC-Ukraine.
The missile was the Oreshnik, Russia’s intermediate-range ballistic missile that travels at over Mach 10 and cannot be intercepted by any air defense system currently fielded in Ukraine or across NATO, and like the two previous Oreshnik strikes, the warhead carried concrete simulators rather than explosives, killing nobody and destroying little, because destroying things was never the actual purpose of this launch.
This is now the third time Russia has fired the Oreshnik under the cover of a combat strike while using an inert payload, and the target has moved closer to Kyiv with each successive launch. Dnipro took the first hit in November 2024, marking the first operational use of this class of weapon anywhere in the world. Lviv came next in January 2026, bringing the missile to within striking distance of NATO’s eastern border in Poland and drawing immediate attention from alliance planners across Europe. Now Bila Tserkva, deep in Kyiv Oblast, has absorbed the third strike, extending the demonstration zone to the doorstep of the Ukrainian capital. Each launch with a concrete warhead is simultaneously a weapons test and a message to every NATO defense ministry watching: the missile works, it is accurate, it reaches its target, and the choice of what goes inside the warhead next time belongs entirely to Moscow.
Source: defence-blog.com
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https://defence-blog.com/russia-fires-oreshnik-irbm-at-kyiv-region-in-mass-attack/
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Ukraine confirms Oreshnik launch in massive Russian overnight strike on Kyiv
By Clement Charpentreau
24-05-2026
Russia fired an RS-26 Rubizh “Oreshnik” intermediate-range ballistic missile at the Bila Tserkva area in Kyiv Oblast during a large overnight combined strike on Ukraine, the Ukrainian Air Force confirmed on May 24, 2026. The launch was carried out from the Kapustin Yar range in Russia’s Astrakhan Oblast. It marks the third confirmed combat use of the system.
The Ukrainian Air Force said it tracked 690 weapons between 18:00 on May 23 and the morning of May 24, with Kyiv designated as the main direction of attack.
Alongside the Oreshnik, the package included two Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, three 3M22 Zircon anti-ship missiles, 30 Iskander-M and S-400 ballistic missiles, 54 Kh-101, Iskander-K and Kalibr cruise missiles, and 600 attack drones combining Shahed, Gerbera and Italmas types with “Banderol” loitering munitions and “Parodiya” decoys.
As seen from the published footages this time Oreshnik deployed six submunition clusters, each carrying six kinetic rods, for a total of 36 rods. https://t.co/lfQ12uwcNX pic.twitter.com/S0bowsv5mz— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) May 23, 2026
The Ukrainian military said its air defenses shot down or suppressed 604 targets, including 55 missiles and 549 drones. Eleven Iskander-M and S-400 ballistic missiles were intercepted, alongside 44 cruise missiles. A further 19 missiles were assessed as having failed to reach their targets. Sixteen missiles and 51 drones impacted 54 locations across the country.
Source: www.aerotime.aero
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North America
'Muslims Are Treated as Second-Class Citizens': Mehdi Tells Piers Morgan about Rising Islamophobia in the Wake of the Mosque Attack
May 24, 2026
Zeteo’s editor-in-chief is back on ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored’ — this time, to talk about Islamophobia in the wake of the horrific shooting at San Diego’s largest Islamic center.
“Muslims are treated as second-class citizens in this country,” Mehdi tells Piers, arguing that the rise in political and extremist violence has gotten worse since Donald Trump was first elected to office.
The San Diego incident is being investigated as a hate crime after a 75-page manifesto, allegedly written by the shooters, surfaced online, containing Islamophobic, antisemitic, and homophobic statements, among other extremist views.
While Muslims and Jews are often pitted against each other, Mehdi notes the anti-Jewish bigotry in the shooters’ alleged manifesto and tells Morgan that Islamophobia and antisemitism are “two sides of the same coin.”
Source: zeteo.com
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https://zeteo.com/p/muslims-are-treated-as-second-class
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Dublin vigil honors San Diego mosque shooting victims, denounces hate
by Kierstin Lindkvist
May 23, 2026
DUBLIN, Ohio (WSYX) — Dozens of faith leaders and community members gathered Saturday evening at Bridge Park in Dublin to mourn three men killed in a shooting at a mosque in San Diego and to stand together against hate.
The three killed in Monday's shooting were Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha and Nadir Awad. Two teenage suspects were also found dead nearby with self-inflicted wounds.
The Islamic Center is the largest mosque in San Diego County, according to its website. The campus includes the Al Rashid School, which the website says offers courses in Arabic language, Islamic studies and the Quran.
The website says its mission is to not only serve the Muslim population but also “work with the larger community to serve the less fortunate, to educate, and to better our nation.” Five daily prayers are held there, and the mosque works with other organizations and people of all faiths on social causes.
Source: abc6onyourside.com
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Letters: Did size of police response to attack put other areas at risk?
By U T Readers
May 23, 2026
Re “Three victims killed in Islamic center attack identified” (May 19): The police response to the San Diego mosque shootings was overwhelming. Video of the event looked like there were hundreds of law enforcement officers from every county agency at the scene with more continuously arriving. It was certainly a tragedy, but one must ask the question: How many officers are enough to handle the situation, and how did it impact police coverage in the rest of the city and county with so many officers deployed to the mosque?
Source: www.sandiegouniontribune.com
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Trump drops major announcement from Oval Office after day of D.C. chaos
David McAfee
May 23, 2026
President Donald Trump confirmed Friday afternoon what set off hours of online speculation, posting to Truth Social with an Oval Office statement about a major foreign policy development.
In the post, Trump said he had spoken with a long list of Arab and Muslim world leaders about a possible peace agreement involving Iran.
"I am in the Oval Office at the White House where we just had a very good call with President Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, of Saudi Arabia," Trump wrote, going on to name the leaders of the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain. The call concerned "the Islamic Republic of Iran, and all things related to a Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE."
Source: wwww.rawstory.com
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https://www.rawstory.com/trump-iran-2676935555/
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B-N leaders join Muslim neighbors in prayer after San Diego shooting
Mateusz Janik
BLOOMINGTON — Days after a deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, Not In Our Town Bloomington-Normal organized a gathering in support of their Muslim neighbors during Friday afternoon prayer.
The solidarity event at the Islamic Center of McLean County, 421 Olympia Drive, Bloomington, drew faith leaders and local elected and law enforcement officials. Among them were Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady, McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston, Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington and members of the Bloomington and Normal police departments.
Almost 100 people, including worshipers and supporters, gathered. As Muslims worshipped, others showed support by observing in silence in the sacred space.
According to Reuters, two teenage gunmen killed three people at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, May 18, before dying by suicide. The FBI has said the attack is being investigated as a hate crime.
"We are a welcoming community," said Mike Matejka, co-chair of Not In Our Town Bloomington-Normal. "We want everyone to feel welcome and wanted in our community. And when there's a tragedy like this, it just breaks your heart."
Source: pantagraph.com
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/article_008e0205-ea6d-44e4-bf21-93e64d219d6c.html
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Africa
The unbroken spirit of Zahedan: How 54 years of sacrifice defies the mullahs’ execution machine
By Matin Karim
May 23, 2026
In southeast Iran, PMOI/MEK Resistance Units in Zahedan continued their weekly activities on May 22, fiercely defying the regime’s relentless wave of executions. As the regime desperately attempts to maintain its grip on power through the gallows, these activists reiterated their rejection of all forms of dictatorship and their steadfast commitment to establishing a democratic republic.
Taking to the streets in public places, they held placards with messages of defiance, such as, “Salutation to death-row prisoners, who with their steadfastness and strength inspire the youth of Iran to fight against the regime.” In a direct warning to the ruling clerics, another placard read, “The regime’s executioners must know that this ruthless bloodshed will not go unpunished.”
The Resistance Units made it clear that their struggle is a fight against any form of tyranny, blocking any attempt to hijack the Iranian revolution. In public spaces across Zahedan, activists displayed signs reading, “A dictator is a dictator, whether with a turban or a crown,” and “No to shah no to mullahs. The people of Iran desire a democratic republic.”
Source: english.mojahedin.org
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You Can’t Visit El-Rufai — ICPC Tells ADC Leaders, Gives Reasons
Esther Chinenye
May 23, 2026
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has informed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that its leaders cannot be granted access to visit former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is currently in its custody.
This follows an earlier report that three ADC leaders, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the party’s national secretary; Malam Bolaji Abdulahi, the party’s spokesperson; and Mallam Salihu Lukman, secretary of the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, were denied access to El-Rufai on Friday.
In a strongly worded statement, the party had earlier written to the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), requesting visitation rights, citing concerns raised by El-Rufai’s family over alleged denial of access to doctors and food.
Source: politicsnigeria.com
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https://politicsnigeria.com/2026/05/23/you-cant-visit-el-rufai-icpc-tells-adc-leaders-gives-reasons/
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Kaduna APC Affirms Tinubu As Presidential Candidate
by Aza Msue
May 23, 2026
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Kaduna State have affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s Presidential Candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Uba Sani, who monitored the exercise commended party leaders, stakeholders, and members for the turnout and orderly conduct witnessed during the affirmation process.
The Governor described the exercise as a strong demonstration of unity, loyalty, and confidence in the leadership of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Source: leadership.ng
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https://leadership.ng/kaduna-apc-affirms-tinubu-as-presidential-candidate/
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Benjamin Kalu and Otti’s relief
By Arinze Igboeli
May 24, 2026
In the riveting theatre of Nigerian politics, few spectacles are as exciting as the chess match between an incumbent desperate to hold power and a challenger confident enough to rattle such a board. In Abia State, that match has been playing out for months, with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu and Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party are the principal actors. The stakes have been enormous, the tension palpable, and the relief when it finally came unmistakable.
Since Kalu’s stature began its steady, undeniable ascent on the national political stage, the Otti administration has watched with growing unease. A Deputy Speaker who commands federal loyalty, controls patronage networks, has largely performed well within his constituency, and enjoys the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu is not a figure any state government can afford to dismiss. For the Labour Party hierarchy in Abia, Benjamin Kalu was not merely a political figure; he was an existential threat dressed in legislative robes. The fear was not abstract. It was the fear of a man whose organisational genius could unravel years of painstaking electoral architecture in a single campaign season.
To contain the threat, the Otti government, according to well-placed sources, did not sit idle. What followed was a calculated, covert operation of political attrition. Unscrupulous groups were allegedly armed with narratives designed to dent Kalu’s reputation. Today’s cashtivists, the mercenary social media warriors who peddle outrage for a fee, were reportedly mobilised, flooding digital spaces with orchestrated attacks. The goal was simple: if you cannot outrun a man, trip him before the race begins. Yet, Kalu, a veteran of political wars, appeared unfazed. Indeed, the attacks seemed to embolden rather than diminish him.
Like Caesar before the Rubicon, Kalu surveyed the terrain and chose audacity over caution. He began laying structures, building alliances, and positioning the All Progressives Congress as a credible alternative to the Labour Party’s grip on Abia. Some called it hubris. After all, Alex Otti had earned a reputation, within certain circles, as a governor whose performance defied easy criticism. But Kalu and those who understood the full picture knew better. Behind Otti’s polished image lay several chinks in the armour: unresolved infrastructure deficits in key constituencies, governance gaps that statistics could not fully conceal, the feathering of private business interests and a Labour Party machinery that, outside its urban strongholds, remained structurally thin. Kalu, the consummate strategist, saw opportunity where others saw an impenetrable wall.
Source: thenationonlineng.net
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https://thenationonlineng.net/benjamin-kalu-and-ottis-relief/
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‘It’s a shame’ – OK Movement coordinator slams Onanuga over comment against Obi
By Ochogwu Sunda
May 24, 2026
The Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the OK Movement, Adefolaseye Adebayo has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga over his recent comment against the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Mr Peter Obi.
DAILY POST reports that Onanuga on Saturday night shared a post on his X handle, indicating that a presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Osifo Stanley Osayamen, who contested the party’s ticket against Tinubu “possesses the courage that certain aspiring presidents, such as Peter Obi, lack”.
The post insinuated Obi’s lack of confidence to contest primary elections following his recent defection from the African Democratic Congress, ADC to the NDC.
Source: dailypost.ng
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Uzodinma warns democracy suffers without strong opposition
By Goli Innocent
24 May 2026
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma has raised concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the political system could weaken if opposition parties fail to build structures capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
Uzodinma spoke on Saturday during the APC presidential primary, where President Bola Tinubu emerged as the party’s candidate for a second term with little resistance.
“It is no longer democracy if there is no opposition. I encourage opposition parties to work hard, do what the ruling party has done, and when, by the grace of God, it becomes their turn, they will elect their own president,” the governor said.
The APC governor, however, argued that the ruling party’s strength at the grassroots had already positioned it strongly for the next presidential contest.
Source: thesun.ng
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https://thesun.ng/uzodinma-warns-democracy-suffers-without-strong-opposition/
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APC primary: Tinubu floors lone challenger in Abia, scores 161,005 votes
May 24, 2026
By Daniel Chibuike
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential primary election conducted in Abia State after polling 161,005 votes across the 17 local government areas of the State.
Announcing the result at the APC secretariat in Umuahia, the APC presidential election Returning Officer for Abia State, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, said the exercise was peacefully conducted across the State.
“At the end of the voting exercise, aspirant Stanley Osifo scored 1,007 votes, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu scored 161,005 votes in Abia State,” Kalu declared.
Source: dailypost.ng
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/assam-cm-himanta-biswa-welcomes-muslims-calling-no-baqrid-cow-slaughter/d/140148