Anti-Terrorism Squad Arrests Bachelor of Dental Surgery Student For Links With Banned Terrorist Organisation ISIS
New Age Islam News Bureau
17 March 2026
· Anti-Terrorism Squad arrests BDS student for links with banned terrorist organisation ISIS
· Arab countries are not part of US-Israeli war against Iran, Jordan’s king and UAE’s president say
· Islamophobia fosters extremist tendencies, says The Muslim World League
· Milton Keynes Mayor joins special Islamic event promoting peace and community
· CAIR Welcomes U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Call for Sanctions on India’s Anti-Muslim RSS Militia
· Senseless Terrorism – Kwankwaso Condemns Latest Maiduguri Bombings
· Four to face court over provocative racial, religious statements
· Islamic System Built on People’s Sacrifices, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs in Afghanistan Hanafi Says
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India
· Uttam Nagar Delhi case: Threats emerge against Muslims ahead of Eid
· 'Principles of Dravidian ideology and Islam are fundamentally the same': Udhayanidhi Stalin
· Most encroachments on waqf land by Muslims: Zameer
· Madhya Pradesh high court bench to inspect Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque site ahead of April 2 hearing
· Huge protest in Ladakh, shutdown in Kargil over statehood & 6th Schedule
· Viral video shows cinema hall crowd in Maharashtra's Vasai pledging Muslim boycott, draws flak
· Authorities bar Shab-e-Qadr prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid
· Ladakh protests for statehood grow as Omar Abdullah courts tourists in Kashmir
· ‘9th from Muslim community’: State govt after organ donation of 51-yr-old woman who died in road accident
· Zakaria St Ramzan bazaar turns heritage walk zone
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Mideast
· Israel strikes Tehran, Beirut as Iraq pulled deeper into Mideast war
· Israel president says Europe should back fight against Hezbollah as troops operate in Lebanon
· Bahrain calls for stronger collective security after Iranian attacks on Gulf states
· Syria’s Damascus city restricts sale of alcohol
· Migrant workers bear brunt of Iran attacks in Gulf
· ‘Significant’ Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon ‘must be averted’: Western leaders’ statement
· Tunisia judge issues detention orders for Gaza flotilla activists
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Arab World
· Saudi Arabia calls at UN for global action to combat Islamophobia
· Saudi source denies NYT report which claimed Kingdom pushing for prolonged Iran war
· Saudi crown prince discusses regional military escalation with Egyptian president
· Fire breaks out in UAE’s Fujairah Oil Industry Zone after drone attack
· Saudi ambassador to Singapore meets Jordanian ambassador
· A closer look at the Grand Mosque’s sound system
· King Faisal University wins medals in Geneva
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Europe
· EU ‘completely discredited itself’ in Ukraine peace process – Lavrov
· Members of Azerbaijan's Coordination Headquarters visit Hadrut mosque
· Community spirit shines at Bexhill Mosque gathering
· Bolton's largest mosque hosts interfaith iftar event
· Village hall in Huddersfield to become a mosque after £322k sale
· EU losing credibility – ex-foreign policy chief
· How an antifa street killing exposed a deep national crisis in France
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North America
· Anti-Muslim politicians should crawl back in the sewer
· Muslim civil rights group: Congressman's fraud bill 'discriminatory and deeply irresponsible'
· CAIR Letters to Congress Commend Democratic Lawmakers for Rebuking Anti-Muslim Fascism, Call on GOP Leaders to Defend Religious Freedom for All
· Trump border patrol chief Greg Bovino to retire
· BBC asks US court to drop Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit
· Hamas meets Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for first time – Reuters
· Cuba suffers nationwide power outage amid US blockade
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Africa
· Christian Genocide: Tinubu’s Top Aide Tackles UK Over Silence
· Update: Police Confirm 23 Dead, 108 Injured In Maiduguri Bomb Blasts
· Sudan paramilitary launches two-pronged attack on Kordofan
· Ramadan: Jigawa distributes 600 rice bags to Islamic scholars
· Insecurity fuelled by poor governance, not Sharia – Ex-Reps member
· Northern Nigeria: after years of calm, jihadists attacked Maiduguri city
· FG Moves To Evacuate Nigerians From Middle-East Crisis Zones
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Southeast Asia
· Rising flight costs spark talks with Tabung Haji on Malaysian haj pilgrims’ welfare
· Malaysia’s stability hinges on national unity, says PM Anwar
· Mosque Explosion in Jember Triggers Panic During Tarawih Prayer
· Activist Arun Dorasamy pleads not guilty to Instagram video calling for protest against preacher Zamri Vinoth
· Federal Territory Mosque launches ‘Barakah Pit Stop’ for riders
· Anwar says Intel boss Tan Lip Bu has outlined Malaysia investment, advanced complex to start later this year
· PKR MPs urge govt to clarify status of US agreement
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South Asia
· Islamic Emirate’s Forces Response to Pakistani Military Regime Defines Solemn Eid for the Nation
· Beijing Calls for Dialogue Between Kabul and Islamabad to Ease Conflict
· UN Calls for Reduction of Tensions Between Kabul and Islamabad
· MoIC Holds Quran’s Revelation Celebration, Islamic Art Exhibition in Kabul
· Four Civilians Martyred, Nine Injured in Pak Military Regime’s Artillery Strikes
· Congratulatory Message of Shaikh-ul-Quran wal-Hadith, Mawlavi Hibatullah Akhundzada (May Allah Protect Him), on the Arrival of the Auspicious Eid al-Fitr
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Anti-Terrorism Squad arrests BDS student for links with banned terrorist organisation ISIS
Mar 17, 2026
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Monday claimed to have arrested a 19-year-old BDS student allegedly linked to an online module of the banned terrorist organisation ISIS, known for radicalising youth and recruiting members through social media and encrypted platforms.
The accused, who is from Saharanpur, was arrested in Moradabad on Monday. He is a second-year BDS student, ATS officials said.
"Preliminary interrogation revealed that the accused was in contact with handlers of an ISIS online module as well as other extremist associates described as ‘mujahideen'. He was part of a conspiracy aimed at overthrowing the democratically elected govt and establishing a Caliphate governed by Sharia law," ATS said.
It was found that he operated multiple anonymous accounts on Instagram and encrypted applications using VPN services to conceal his identity and circulate ISIS propaganda magazines, ideological literature, videos and audio clips glorifying slain militants, as well as speeches by extremist preachers associated with the organisation.
ATS officials also said the accused maintained contacts with ISIS-linked handlers in Pakistan and other foreign locations.
To expand the online propaganda network in India, the accused also formed a separate group titled "Al Ittihad Media Foundation", which allegedly served as a platform to disseminate ISIS propaganda content.
Investigators further revealed that the accused closely followed ISIS media outlets, including the organisation's news channel Al-Naba and its infamous propaganda magazine Dabiq, and regularly shared their content with members of his groups.
He also reportedly encouraged members in his online groups to carry out "fidayeen" (suicide) attacks in pursuit of jihad, ATS officials said.
The arrested accused was produced before a competent court, and further legal proceedings are under way.
ATS officials said the investigation is continuing to identify other individuals connected to the network.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/ats-arrests-bds-student-for-links-with-banned-terrorist-organisation/articleshowprint/129618426.cms
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Arab countries are not part of US-Israeli war against Iran, Jordan’s king and UAE’s president say
March 17, 2026
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the UAE, and King Abdullah of Jordan discussed the regional developments during a meeting in Abu Dhabi. (WAM)
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LONDON: The leaders of Jordan and the UAE condemned recent Iranian attacks on their countries, and reiterated that Arab nations did not start and had not participated in the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran that began on Feb. 28.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the UAE, and King Abdullah of Jordan said that Gulf Cooperation Council and other Arab nations have instead been working to contain the crisis and prevent regional escalation, the Jordan News Agency reported.
Their comments came as they met in Abu Dhabi on Monday to discuss the escalating military action in the region and the serious implications for security and stability.
They said the ongoing Iranian aggression in the region violates the sovereignty of nations, international law and other norms, and poses a threat to global peace and security, the Emirates News Agency reported.
The leaders emphasized the urgent need to halt the military escalation, and to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy in an effort to ensure security and ease tensions.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636626/middle-east
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Islamophobia fosters extremist tendencies, says The Muslim World League
March 16, 2026
MAKKAH: The Muslim World League has praised the global participation, messages, and expressions of solidarity from countries and organizations on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed annually on March 15.
In a statement, MWL Secretary-General Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, highlighted the importance of global engagement with the occasion and its coverage across national and media platforms, noting the appreciation expressed by Muslim communities worldwide.
He said that Islamophobia’s impact goes beyond affecting Muslims directly, as it also fosters extremist tendencies and exacerbates divisions within multicultural and multi-religious societies.
Al-Issa urged religious and political leaders to promote dialogue, highlighting the vital role of religious, educational, and cultural institutions in promoting awareness and a culture of mutual understanding and respect.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636587/saudi-arabia
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Milton Keynes Mayor joins special Islamic event promoting peace and community
By Shannon Weir
16th Mar 2026
Around 160 residents - including the City Mayor - gathered in Milton Keynes for an Islamic event promoting peace and understanding. Photo: Ahmadiyya Muslim Association
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More than 160 residents from across Milton Keynes gathered at Monkston Park Community Centre on Friday, 14 March, for a big Iftar event.
Iftar is the name of the meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Residents, community representatives, teachers, police officers, councillors, the Mayor, and families came together for an evening focused on promoting peace, dialogue, and stronger community relations.
The gathering was hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Milton Keynes. Guests were given an opportunity to experience and better understand how Muslims observe fasting during Ramadan and the significance of breaking the fast together at sunset.
The evening included discussions and presentations explaining Islamic traditions. Copies of the Holy Qur’an translated into more than 50 languages were exhibited at the event, along with other books about Islam.
The display allowed visitors to learn more about the faith in an open and welcoming environment. Regional Imam Zafar Ahmad highlighted the community’s guiding principle of “Love for All, Hatred for None.”
He said: “These words are simple, but their meaning is profound. They reflect the belief that every human being deserves dignity, respect, and kindness - regardless of their religion, race, nationality, or background.
“As members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, we believe strongly that loyalty to one’s country and service to humanity are essential parts of faith. Whether through charitable initiatives, community service, blood donation drives, or disaster relief efforts, we strive to live out the Islamic teaching that serving humanity is serving God.”
At sunset, guests shared dates and water before enjoying the iftar meal together, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for people of all backgrounds.
Saeed Nazir, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK Milton Keynes chapter, said the event helps strengthen local relationships.
Saeed added: “The Big Iftar is an opportunity to bring people together and strengthen the bonds within our community. Ramadan is a special time for Muslims, and sharing the experience of breaking the fast with our friends and neighbours helps build understanding and friendship.
“There are many questions people have about Islam, and through events like this they can ask questions, address misconceptions, and learn that Islam truly is a religion of peace.”
The Big Iftar is part of a nationwide initiative that encourages Muslims to open their mosques and homes to neighbours, promoting neighbourliness, dialogue and community cohesion across the UK.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a global Islamic movement founded in 1889 that emphasises peace, interfaith dialogue and service to humanity.
Source: miltonkeynes.co.uk
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https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/news/people/milton-keynes-mayor-joins-special-islamic-event-promoting-peace-and-community-5951341
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CAIR Welcomes U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Call for Sanctions on India’s Anti-Muslim RSS Militia
March 16, 2026
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a call by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for the U.S. government to place sanctions on India’s anti-Muslim, fascist, Nazi-inspired RSS militia and designate India a country of particular concern over its oppression of religious minorities.
In its report, the USCIRF recommended the U.S. government “designate India as a ‘country of particular concern,’ or CPC, for engaging in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations, as defined by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).”
The USCIRF also called on the government to “impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities, such as India’s Research and Analysis Wing and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), for their responsibility and tolerance of severe violations of religious freedom by freezing those individuals’ or entities’ assets and/or barring their entry into the United States.” The RSS has inspired decades of mob violence on Muslims, including lynchings, the destruction of mosques and other crimes.
“We welcome this report that highlights the severe violations of religious freedom by the Indian government and the Nazi-inspired, fascist and violently anti-Muslim RSS movement,” said CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor. “India should be designated a country of particular concern and all those who have engaged in sectarian violence against Indian Muslims, Christians and other religious minorities should face accountability for their crimes.”
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-welcomes-u-s-commission-on-international-religious-freedom-uscirf-call-for-sanctions-on-indias-anti-muslim-rss-militia/
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Senseless Terrorism – Kwankwaso Condemns Latest Maiduguri Bombings
March 17, 2026
Former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the recent bombings which happened on Monday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The former Minister of Defence, in a statement on Tuesday morning, said he is saddened by the bombings, which resulted in the death of innocent Nigerians.
Naija News recalls that several explosions were reported on Monday evening in Maiduguri, between about 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., with loud sounds heard in multiple locations, raising fears of a possible security incident.
Subsequently, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Borno State confirmed that 23 persons were killed and 108 others injured following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening.
Authorities described the incident as coordinated suicide attacks carried out in different parts of the state capital.
Reacting, Kwankwaso called on the government and security forces to take decisive action against the criminals behind such acts.
While sending condolences to the families of the victims, he appealed to the government to provide necessary resources to help the troops defeat the terrorists.
“I am deeply saddened by the horrific multiple suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed the lives of 23 innocent people and injured over 100 others, as confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force.
“These latest attacks, following other recent incidents in Borno signal a disturbing resurgence of senseless terrorism that threatens the peace our communities have struggled so hard to rebuild after years of relative calm. This cannot be tolerated.
“Now is not the time for defensiveness or complacency. Our gallant armed forces must be fully empowered to take decisive, proactive action against these enemies of Nigeria. The Federal and State governments must leave no stone unturned in providing all necessary resources and support to enable our troops to decisively defeat these terrorist networks.
“My heart goes out to the bereaved families, the injured, and all the people of Borno State. I extend my deepest condolences to the government, and the citizens of Borno during this difficult time,” Kwankwaso wrote on his 𝕏 account.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/17/kwankwaso-maiduguri-bombings/
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Four to face court over provocative racial, religious statements
16 Mar 2026
Four individuals to be charged for making provocative racial and religious statements, with cases involving temple damage and illegal mosque claims.
PUTRAJAYA: Four individuals will be charged in court for making statements that sparked provocative debates on religious and racial issues. Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed the charges will be filed at separate courts.
The cases involve GARAH rally coordinator Zamri Vinoth in Kuala Lumpur, Tamim Dahri in Langkawi, P. Mahendra Bhoopaty in Seremban, and activist D. Arumugam in Penang. Mohd Khalid stated that investigations into all four individuals have been completed.
He said the investigation papers were separately referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the State Public Prosecutor. The charges follow Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution.
Investigations into Zamri Vinoth relate to his statements regarding a gathering at the Sogo Complex on February 7. He will be charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for statements conducing to public mischief.
Tamim Dahri will be charged under Section 295 of the Penal Code for damaging a sacred Hindu symbol. The incident occurred at the old Sri Maha Muniswarar Temple site in Langkawi.
Mahendra Bhoopathy and Arun face similar charges under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code. Mahendra’s case involves a post accusing a Seremban mosque of being illegal.
Arun’s investigation relates to his statement urging street protests if no action was taken against Zamri Vinoth. Mohd Khalid provided updates on the suspects’ whereabouts.
He said intelligence indicates Tamim is believed to have left the country for Thailand. Police are still uncertain of his exact location and are gathering further information.
Regarding Zamri Vinoth, Mohd Khalid said police have preliminary information on his movements. He believes Zamri may still be within the country and has received good cooperation from him.
Mohd Khalid emphasised that police will not compromise with any party threatening public order. He reiterated the force’s commitment to maintaining national safety and harmony.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/people-issues/four-to-face-court-over-provocative-racial-religious-statements/
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Islamic System Built on People’s Sacrifices, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs in Afghanistan Hanafi Says
March 17, 2026
KABUL: Mawlavi Abdulsalam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, highlighted that the current Islamic system is the result of the sacrifices of its people, and all segments of society remain united in its defense, according to a statement from Arg on Monday.
Speaking during an Iftar gathering with political analysts and media representatives at the Arg Palace, Hanafi emphasized that the unity of the Afghan nation is crucial for protecting the system and responding effectively to any threats against national sovereignty.
Hanafi reaffirmed that while Afghanistan seeks peaceful relations with neighboring and regional countries based on mutual respect, it will firmly defend its people and Islamic governance if sovereignty is challenged.
He also expressed regret over civilian casualties in the Pakistani Military Regime’s attacks , noting that these attacks are imposed on Afghanistan and that the government continues to address threats with the support and counsel of the people.
The Deputy PM praised the role of political analysts and media figures in supporting national policies and providing guidance on matters of security and governance.
He added that the Islamic Emirate remains committed to strengthening positive initiatives and achieving the country’s priorities through cooperation and consultation.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/islamic-system-built-on-peoples-sacrifices-hanafi-says/
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India
Uttam Nagar Delhi case: Threats emerge against Muslims ahead of Eid
Mar 17, 2026
Jignasa Sinha
Days after a 26-year-old man was killed in a clash between two families during Holi celebrations in Uttam Nagar’s Hastsal Village, videos have surfaced on social media showing individuals making provocative speeches and issuing threats of violence against Muslims in the locality, including warnings ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr next week.
Delhi Police have barricaded the entire Hastsal Village area, with each lane “covered” by temporary barricades guarded by a policeman. However, as of Monday, no FIR has been lodged against those issuing threats, and police officials are yet to take action against any video creators.
Deputy commissioner of police (Dwarka) Kushal Pal Singh did not respond to queries seeking comment on the multiple protests, videos, and threats.
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, told HT: “We have barricaded the area and protesters are removed if they try to enter the village or raise communal slogans. As of now, we are verifying these videos. Some of the people in the videos are not from Delhi.”
Locals said groups of protesters have visited the locality nearly every day chanting slogans such as “Desh ke gaddaro ko…goli maaro saalo ko (Shoot those who are traitors)” and “Jihadi murdabad.”
At a protest staged outside the JJ colony in Uttam Nagar on Sunday, posts on X showed people shouting slogans. Delhi Police officials confirmed that the protest took place outside Swami Ayyappa Park in Uttam Nagar. In a 54-second video from the protest, shared on X on Monday, a protester can be heard saying: “I just need 5 minutes. If police remove these barricades, we will show what we can do. Everything will be over.”
In another 35-second video posted on Sunday, another man (from the same protest) says: “During Eid, we will cut pigs and throw them in front of their houses. We will ensure they chant Jai Shri Ram. All 25 of them should be ‘encountered’.”
On Monday, a social media user, holding a knife, posted a 30-second video on Instagram. “If you want to save yourselves, give Tarun justice. Otherwise, neither Delhi Police nor Delhi CM Rekha Gupta will survive. And keep in mind, Haryana CM wants surgical strike… We will slaughter them.”.
None of these posts have been removed as of late Monday evening.
Meanwhile, in west Delhi’s Tilak Nagar, Bajrang Dal held a protest Sunday demanding hanging of all accused. Member Atul Arora told HT: “We want them to be hanged. They can freely kill our children but it is not fair that nothing will happen to them. If they continue to ruin our festivals, we will also retaliate.”
In Pul Prahladpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest Monday. VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal said: “In Delhi, there’s a rise of Islamic Jihadis… They have to be stopped now. I have seen records from past 10 years. More than 64 innocent people have been killed by jihadis in Delhi itself.”
Vishnu Gupta of Hindu Sena said: “If police takes no action, they will keep attacking innocent Hindus. All their houses need to be demolished.”
A local resident of Hastsal Village told HT: “They keep chanting inflammatory slogans outside our houses. We can’t even leave our lane. Police are here but these men come and threaten us every day. Will they not allow us to celebrate Eid? The fight was between two families. What have we done?”
The initial clashes occurred March 4 when an 11-year-old girl threw a water balloon that hit a Muslim woman, triggering an altercation. Tarun Kumar, 26, succumbed to injuries four days later. Police have arrested 14 people and apprehended two minors in connection with the case.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/aiimsdelhi-begins-process-for-first-ever-passive-euthanasia-forms-specialised-team-for-harish-rana-101773669710809.html
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'Principles of Dravidian ideology and Islam are fundamentally the same': Udhayanidhi Stalin
Mar 17, 2026
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday said the Dravidian ideology practised by his party, the DMK, and the principles of Islam are "fundamentally the same", as both teach "equality, love, and generosity"."The religion that teaches equality, love, and generosity is our Islam. The principles of Dravidian ideology and the principles of Islam are fundamentally the same," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.
Stalin junior, who aslo happens to be the son of chief minister MK Stalin, said no "conspiracies" can break the relationship between the urling DMK and the Muslim coummunity.
"As long as brotherhood and unity exist, no matter how many attempts or conspiracies take place, no one will be able to break the relationship between the DMK and the Muslim community," said Stalin, who is DMK's heir apparent.
Addressing a DMK Minorities Welfare Rights Wing Iftar function in the poll-bound state, Stalin highlighted the works chief minister MK Stalin has done, including the laying of a foundation stone to build the Tamil Nadu Haj House at a cost of Rs 39 crore.
He also targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is grinding hard to make inroads in Tamil Nadu, saying the national party "spreads hatred against minorities every day" which helps it to grow.
"A BJP chief minister himself released a video targeting Muslims. I don’t need to explain to you about the BJP and others. The Union BJP government spreads hatred against minorities every day. It is through this hatred campaign that the BJP is growing," Stalin said in a veiled attack on Assam chief minister Himanta Sarma.
He further said: "No matter how much the BJP tries or how much trouble they create, the DMK will always stand firmly with you as your protector".
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/principles-of-dravidian-ideology-and-islam-are-fundamentally-the-same-udhayanidhi-stalin/articleshowprint/129622618.cms
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Most encroachments on waqf land by Muslims: Zameer
Mar 16, 2026
Bengaluru: Waqf minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan Monday said most encroachments on waqf properties in the state are by Muslims and insisted the Waqf Board will not interfere with properties attached to temples, schools or educational institutions.
Replying to a question from MY Patil in the assembly, Zameer said the govt's focus is only on removing encroachments by private parties.
"Waqf properties are spread over a total 1,12,860 acres," he said. "These were not given by the govt but were donated by private individuals for the welfare of the community. Of this, 17,969 acres have been encroached upon. The encroachments were not by temple managements; most are by the Muslim community."
Zameer went on to say only 24,054 acres of waqf land remains with the board. He said 17,580 acres have been encroached upon, 47,263 acres went under Inam abolition, and 23,627 acres came under the Land Reforms Act.
He said the govt constituted waqf Lok Adalats in 2023 to identify and recover encroached properties. The move triggered controversy after BJP alleged the Waqf Board had issued notices to farmers claiming thousands of acres of farmland was waqf property.
Raising the issue, Patil said several properties in and around Afzalpur in Kalaburagi district are recorded as waqf land but are in private possession. "We cannot launch govt projects on this land and have to look for private land," Patil said. "But private parties currently possess these properties. They are not under the control of either the Waqf Board or govt."
Opposition leader R Ashoka said BJP's objection was not about Muslims encroaching waqf land but the board claiming public and temple properties as waqf.
"Earlier, temple and waqf land was donated to farmers and they have been tilling the land for generations. If farmers are in possession of the land, it should be left to them irrespective of whether they are Hindu or Muslim," Ashoka said.
Ashoka also called for a probe into waqf property allegedly encroached in Bengaluru: "Let there also be an investigation into the famous Windsor Manor hotel. Mr Zameer, you did not mention this case and instead talked of other issues. You never ever mention it, perhaps because you go there to eat," he said.
Zameer said the dispute relating to the hotel property is currently before the Supreme Court.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/most-encroachments-on-waqf-land-by-muslims-zameer/articleshowprint/129614976.cms
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Madhya Pradesh high court bench to inspect Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque site ahead of April 2 hearing
Mar 16, 2026
INDORE: A division bench of the Madhya Pradesh high court, comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi, will visit the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque in Dhar district to inspect the site before the next hearing, which is scheduled to examine suggestions and objections to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report and a number of intervening applications on the disputed monument.
The HC on Monday proposed the visit to the site without the presence of the respondents or the petitioners ahead of the next hearing on April 2.
“Before the next date, this court will visit the site. But only the court will visit. And parties are not allowed. Just that we would like to see the site, looking into this all disputes etc. We will fix a date. But neither the petitioner nor the respondent will be present; it will be visited by the court,” Justice Shukla said.
Keeping in view the order of the Supreme Court dated January 22, the parties are directed to file their objections and suggestions to the ASI report on the 98-day survey conducted at the monument before the next hearing, the court said.
The court allowed a ‘right to audience’ for a number of intervening applications and said the interveners will be heard during the next hearing and will be allowed to submit documents and affidavits.
Source: indiatimes.com
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Huge protest in Ladakh, shutdown in Kargil over statehood & 6th Schedule
Fayaz Wani
17 Mar 2026
SRINAGAR: In the biggest power show and mobilisation after the September 24 violence, peaceful protests were held in Leh and Kargil districts on Monday. Kargil observed shutdown on the call of Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), to press for statehood and 6th schedule for Union Territory of Ladakh.
Hundreds of locals wearing traditional attire marched from Singay Namgyal Chowk to Leh Polo Ground in Leh. They carried banners and chanted slogans, “We Want 6th Schedule,” “We Want Statehood” and that a UT status was unacceptable.
LAB leader Glenphunchok said about 7000-8000 people participated in the rally. It was the first major rally in Ladakh after violence broke out during a protest for statehood and 6th Schedule in Leh on September 24, 2025, in which four persons were killed and 80 others were injured in police firing.
“The rally also demanded early outcome of the Judicial Commission inquiry on Leh violence and welcomed release of Wangchuk and demanded release of two other detainees” Glenphunchok said. The rally dispersed peacefully after leaders addressed the gathering.
LAB co chairman Chering Dorjey said that people supported the 4-points demands. “The centre should respect the public sentiments and resume talks,” he said.
In Kargil district, a rally was taken out to demand statehood and protection for the UT under the 6th Schedule.
The KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbali, MP Ladakh Haji Haneefa Jan and KDA leader Sajjad Kargili addressed the rally. They welcomed release of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and demanded release of ex MLA Deldan Namgyal and ex councillor Smanla Dorjey. They also demanded withdrawal of charge against those detained after the Leh violence last year.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Mar/17/huge-protest-in-ladakh-shutdown-in-kargil-over-statehood-6th-schedule
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Viral video shows cinema hall crowd in Maharashtra's Vasai pledging Muslim boycott, draws flak
17 Mar 2026
VASAI (MAHARASHTRA): A video, purportedly from Maharashtra's Palghar district, showing people in a cinema hall chanting slogans and pledging to boycott Muslims socially and economically has triggered strong reactions.
Reacting to claims by a Congress MP that the viral video was shot in a cinema hall in Vasai on March 10, a senior police official from the Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Police Commissionerate told PTI on Tuesday that the veracity of the video is yet to be ascertained.
"We are not sure where it was shot and believe it could be mischief by some unscrupulous elements," the police official said.
The MP claimed that the video shows a group of people taking the oath to boycott Muslims after watching the controversial film The Kerala Story 2.
Syed Naseer Hussain, a Rajya Sabha member of the Congress, shared the video on X.
"In Vasai, Palghar, after a free screening of the film The Kerala Story on March 10, participants reportedly took a collective oath calling for the economic and social boycott of Muslims.
"The continued encouragement of propaganda-driven narratives under the BJP government has increasingly targeted Muslims and deepened communal polarisation. When cinema is deployed as a political instrument to stigmatise an entire community, it risks turning prejudice into organised discrimination and further emboldening anti-Muslim sentiment," he said on X.
"India's democratic ethos rests firmly on secularism, equality and fraternity. Calls for economic or social boycotts of any community strike at the very spirit of the Constitution of India and must be firmly rejected to preserve the plural and inclusive character of our Republic," the MP said.
Another user @Nher_who posted on X: "In Vasai, Hindus took an oath to boycott Muslims economically & socially after watching Kerala Story. This was the only motive of the movie which it has achieved." He said fuel and oil come from Muslim countries.
Even maths has a Muslim contribution, he added.
"Will they boycott petrol, diesel, and maths now?" he asked.
Since its release in 2023, The Kerala Story, and its sequel released in February this year, have been at the centre of intense political and cultural debate.
Supporters claim the films expose uncomfortable truths, while critics argue that they exaggerate and promote divisive narratives.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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Authorities bar Shab-e-Qadr prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid
Fayaz Wani
16 Mar 2026
SRINAGAR: Authorities have prohibited night-long Shab-e-Qadr prayers at Kashmir’s grand mosque, Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, for the seventh consecutive year.
A member of the Jamia Masjid Auqaf Committee stated that officials informed the mosque management on Sunday evening that overnight Shab-e-Qadr prayers would not be permitted.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who delivers Friday sermons at the Jamia Masjid, has also been placed under house arrest at his Nageen residence.
Shab-e-Qadr, observed on the 27th night of Ramadan, is considered the holiest night in the Islamic calendar. Devotees traditionally spend the entire night in prayer and supplication, seeking Allah’s mercy and blessings.
In a post on X, Hurriyat Conference chairman and cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said: “On the most sacred night of Laylatul Qadr, when prayers and supplications resound in mosques, the central Jamia Masjid Srinagar has once again been closed to worshippers, and I have been placed under house arrest. That the rulers fear prayers in a house of God speaks volumes about their insecurity and the shrinking space for religious practices.”
Authorities had also barred Jumat-ul-Vida (the last Friday prayers of Ramadan) at the historic mosque earlier in the week, locking all gates to prevent worshippers from entering.
Mehbooba Mufti, PDP chief and former Chief Minister, condemned the action, stating on X: “For the seventh year in a row, on the blessed night of Shab-e-Qadr, the gates of Jama Masjid have been locked and Mirwaiz Sahab placed under house arrest. Kashmiris are deprived of the fundamental right to worship. How callous and cruel to forbid this on a night eagerly awaited by all.”
Tanvir Sadiq, NC MLA, added: “On the blessed night of Laylatul Qadr, when believers worldwide turn to prayer seeking Allah’s mercy, it is painful that worshippers in Srinagar cannot pray at the historic Jama Masjid. Sacred nights are meant for reflection, humility, and collective supplication. Spaces for peaceful religious practice must remain open, especially on nights so significant to the faithful.”
Source: newindianexpress.com
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Ladakh protests for statehood grow as Omar Abdullah courts tourists in Kashmir
Muzaffar Raina
17.03.26
Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday presented a stunning contrast as the Valley leadership led by chief minister Omar Abdullah was busy courting tourists at the famed Tulip Garden in Srinagar while the Ladakhi leadership pressed for greater rights, a pointer to the shifting priorities of the leaders of the erstwhile state.
Thousands of Ladakhis held rallies in Leh and Kargil towns where leaders delivered fiery speeches in support of statehood and special rights under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
These were the first major rallies in Ladakh since September’s anti- government protests turned violent, leaving four civilians dead and dozens injured in firing by the security forces.
The fresh protests came two days after the Centre released climate activist Sonam Wangchuk after six months of detention under the National Security Act. Wangchuk has not yet returned
to Ladakh.
The Leh rally was led by Leh Apex Body co-chairman Chering Dorjay Lakrook. The march started from Singay Namgyal Chowk and proceeded towards Polo Ground. The protesters chanted slogans in support of their demands, while some carried pictures of the four persons killed in protests last year.
Lakrook said the rally was a rebuff to those who claim the leadership does not enjoy the support of the masses. He thanked Ladakhis for turning up at the event in large numbers.
A big rally was also held in Kargil, with both Muslims and Buddhists participating.
In Srinagar, Omar wooed tourists as he opened the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden for visitors. Thousands of tourists, almost all non-locals, visited the garden, reflecting a riot of colours against the backdrop of Sunday night’s fresh snowfall on the mountains
behind.
The tourism industry had collapsed last year following the April attack on tourists in Pahalgam, but Valley tourism has had a dazzling start this year following snowfall at many places.
The chief minister was accompanied by his cabinet colleagues and National Conference MLAs at the garden. He hoped the tulips would help further boost
footfall.
“They (people associated with tourism) had to go through a very tough phase. The situation, however, keeps changing and we hope that it improves so that people from outside can come and enjoy the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir,” Omar told
reporters.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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‘9th from Muslim community’: State govt after organ donation of 51-yr-old woman who died in road accident
Mar 17, 2026
THE FAMILY of a road accident victim – belonging to the Muslim community – has donated her organs at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, the state government said on Monday.
Jebunben, 51, was declared brain-dead after an accident near Keshod in Junagadh, a government statement said. The woman had been admitted to the civil hospital for treatment. Jebunben’s organ donation on Sunday yielded two kidneys and a liver, it added.
The statement said that the hospital, which has seen a total of 221 cadaver organ donations since 2020, “received the ninth organ donation from the Muslim community”.
“While the entire Muslim community is immersed in the worship of God during the holy month of Ramzan, the Chavda family of Junagadh has provided the highest example of ‘Khidmat-e-Khalq’ (service to humanity) by donating the organs of their beloved relative, Jebunben.”
The statement added that All India Muslim Welfare Association leader Yasminben Vora counselled the family.
Meanwhile, the hospital received two organ donations in a span of 14 hours. The family of a 25-year-old woman, who was also undergoing treatment at the hospital and was declared brain-dead on March 15, donated her organs.
The move resulted in the donation of two kidneys and one liver, which will be used for transplantation at the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC).
The statement said, “In 14 hours, two organ donations were carried out at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. In total, six patients received new organs.”
Since 2020, 231 individuals have donated 995 organs and tissues to 742 people at the hospital.
Source: indianexpress.com
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Zakaria St Ramzan bazaar turns heritage walk zone
Mar 17, 2026
Kolkata: During Ramzan, Zakaria Street off Rabindra Sarani and its surrounding lanes draw large crowds — not only for their landmarks and food stalls but also for a growing number of heritage walks that are becoming a seasonal attraction in this pocket of the city.
Organised around sehri, the pre-dawn meal, and iftar, when devotees break their fast, these walks bring together foodies, history enthusiasts, and first-time visitors for a broader cultural experience. This year, the trend has become more prominent, with several organisers, even from other cities, conducting heritage walks through Zakaria Street. These community-led walks offer participants a chance to experience the traditional delicacies, as well as the layered social and cultural life of one of central Kolkata's busiest Ramzan destinations.
For Aritra Sen (29), visiting Zakaria Street is "more than a food walk". "The entire neighbourhood changes during Ramzan. From food to history to conversations, there is something for everybody. The place has its own rhythm. I have been coming here every year for the past five years," the south Kolkata resident said. He was part of a heritage walk on Sunday.
Among the biggest attractions on these routes are the iconic Nakhoda Mosque, rows of ittar shops, bakeries dishing out seasonal favourites, and stalls selling traditional sweets and vermicelli, traditionally available during Ramzan. Many visitors also spend time simply soaking in the atmosphere by navigating the packed lanes, watching families shop late into the night, or breaking bread with the devotees inside Nakhoda Mosque.
For others, the appeal lies in the social exchange the walks encourage. "I came with friends because we wanted to experience the area and learn more," said Nandita Roy, a PG student who attended an iftar walk last week. "The person conducting the walk spoke about fasting, tradition, and the significance of this month. It felt more like sharing space than tourism."
Walk organisers say the interest has steadily increased in recent years. "Zakaria Street during Ramzan is not just a food destination. It is a living cultural corridor," said heritage walk curator Sohail Khan, who led evening groups this season. "People want to understand the history of the mosque, the old trading links, the seasonal food culture, and the spirit of the month. We are seeing participants from diverse backgrounds, and that makes the experience richer."
Locals welcome the development. "This is a very good trend," said Mohammed Aslam, who owns an ittar shop on Rabindra Sarani. "It helps people understand each other's culture and starts conversations that usually do not happen in daily life."
Source: indiatimes.com
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Mideast
Israel strikes Tehran, Beirut as Iraq pulled deeper into Mideast war
March 17, 2026
Tehran: Israel launched a wave of strikes on Tehran and Beirut on Tuesday while attacks in Baghdad drew neighboring Iraq deeper into the Middle East war that has sparked economic turmoil across the globe.
The Iranian capital, under near-daily bombardment since a joint US-Israeli attack started the war on February 28, was hit by what the Israeli military said were strikes on “terror regime infrastructure.”
The war, now in its third week, has killed hundreds and quickly spread to include Iranian strikes on Gulf nations as well Israeli bombardment of Lebanon.
Lebanese state media reported Tuesday that Israeli strikes at dawn hit a residential building in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of the pro-Iranian armed group Hezbollah.
Authorities in Lebanon said more than one million people have registered as displaced since March 2, with more than 130,000 people staying in upwards of 600 collective shelters.
The nation was drawn into the war when Tehran-backed Hezbollah militants struck Israel over the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the conflict.
The regional war has also steadily pulled Iraq further into the fighting, after the country has long been a proxy battleground between the United States and Iran.
A drone and rocket attack targeted the US embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday, while a strike killed four people at a house reportedly hosting Iranian advisers.
The strikes on the complex came hours after air defenses thwarted a rocket attack at the embassy and a drone sparked a fire at a luxury hotel frequented by foreign diplomats in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone.
War in the Mideast has sent oil costs soaring, and prices resumed their climb on Tuesday as several countries pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s demand that they help secure the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran continued to target crude-producing neighbors.
Traffic in the Gulf waterway through which a fifth of global crude oil passes has been severely disrupted by the war.
Repeated attacks on oil infrastructure — including strikes on major fields in the United Arab Emirates and southern Iraq — have contributed to the unrest in the markets.
Global oil prices have surged more than 40 percent since the US and Israel began their strike abd the impact has been felt globally.
Australia’s central bank hiked its key interest rate Tuesday, pointing to “sharply higher fuel prices” driven by the US-Israel war on Iran.
Armada to Hormuz
Trump demanded allies join with “great enthusiasm” an armada to escort tankers through the strait.
“We strongly encourage the other nations to get involved with us and get involved quickly,” Trump told reporters at a White House event.
Trump has warned that it would be “very bad” for the future of NATO if the allies refused to help and suggested he could delay a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping by a month or so over the issue.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said London was working with allies to craft a “viable” plan to reopen the strait, but ruled out a NATO mission.
Berlin also said it “has been clear at all times that this war is not a matter for NATO.”
Japan, Australia, Poland, Spain, Greece and Sweden also distanced themselves from any military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz.
EU foreign ministers discussed the war in Brussels on Monday but showed “no appetite” for extending their Red Sea naval mission to help reopen Hormuz, the bloc’s top diplomat said.
Western allies Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom also urged Israel to show restraint in Lebanon, where it has announced “limited ground operations” against Hezbollah.
But Israel’s President Isaac Herzog told AFP that Europe should support “any effort to eradicate Hezbollah now.”
Defiant tone
The war has now engulfed the region, with Iran striking at least 10 countries that host US forces and its Revolutionary Guards saying it had fired around 700 missiles and 3,600 drones.
More than 1,200 Iranians have been killed by US and Israeli strikes, according to the last toll from Iran’s health ministry on March 8, which could not be independently verified.
But Tehran’s foreign minister struck a defiant tone on Monday.
“By now they have... understood what kind of nation they are dealing with,” Abbas Araghchi told reporters in Tehran.
Iran, he said, “does not hesitate to defend itself and is ready to continue the war wherever it may lead, and take it as far as necessary.”
Despite the violence and more than two weeks of Internet blackout, some Iranians have sought to restore a sense of normalcy, with cafes and restaurants reopening and the popular Tajrish bazaar in Tehran busy over the weekend ahead of the coming Persian new year.
There is little sign of a popular uprising within Iran, where security forces killed thousands during protests in January.
The UN refugee agency says up to 3.2 million people have been displaced in Iran.
Source: arabnews.com
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Israel president says Europe should back fight against Hezbollah as troops operate in Lebanon
March 17, 2026
JERUSALEM: Israel’s President Isaac Herzog said on Monday that Europe should back his country’s fight against Hezbollah, as Israeli forces carried out ground operations in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s government said more than one million people have been displaced in two weeks of fighting, while Israel’s defense minister warned that those who left their homes in Lebanon could not return until northern Israel was secure.
Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2 when Tehran-backed Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.
Israel has responded with broad air raids on its northern neighbor and troop incursions into border areas.
In an exclusive interview, Herzog told AFP that “Europe should support any effort, any effort, to eradicate Hezbollah now.”
The head of state, whose role is mainly ceremonial, however welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s offer to host direct talks between Lebanon and Israel.
“Talks are very important, because it’s about time we have an opportunity of moving forward with Lebanon.”
His statements came after the Israeli military said that in recent days its troops “have begun limited and targeted ground operations against key Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon.”
“This activity is part of broader defensive efforts” and includes “the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure and the elimination of terrorists... in order to remove threats and create an additional layer of security for residents of northern Israel,” it said.
The ground operations were preceded by air and artillery strikes, it added.
The announcement echoes similar statements issued in 2024, when Israel and Hezbollah fought a major war in Lebanon, and in 2023, when the military launched a ground assault in Gaza in response to Hamas’s October 7 attacks.
In a later statement, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir said his army killed “more than 400 terrorists” in their latest war with Hezbollah.
- Nahariya -
Hezbollah said it launched rockets and attack drones at the northern Israeli city of Nahariya on Monday.
Israel’s Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency responders said paramedics were treating a man “in mild to moderate condition suffering from blast injuries” and six other people for smoke inhalation.
Military sources quoted by Israel’s public broadcaster KAN said the impact was caused by a rocket, while MDA paramedic Yonatan Avilea said the strike hit between two buildings, sparking a blaze.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported strikes on Lebanon’s south, while Beirut said Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 886 people, including 111 children.
More than one million people have registered as displaced, with 132,000 of them staying in collective shelters.
Turkiye condemned the Israeli ground operation, saying it was “worsening instability in the region” and warning of “another humanitarian catastrophe” in the Middle East.
In a joint statement, the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom warned that “a significant Israeli ground offensive would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a protracted conflict.”
Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said Hezbollah was “intending to expand their operations... and firing hundreds of rockets a day” toward Israel.
“They have also sent hundreds of Radwan terrorists to the south (of Lebanon),” he added, referring to Hezbollah’s elite unit.
“Those are new locations that our troops were not operating in yesterday,” he said, adding that “we’ll operate for as much as we need.”
- No north Israel evacuations -
In recent days, Hezbollah and Iran have launched coordinated rocket and missile attacks against Israel.
Hezbollah has also reported targeting Israeli forces on the border with Lebanon and in several frontier towns, including “direct clashes” in Khiam, located across from north Israel’s Metula.
Hezbollah has repeatedly announced targeting Israeli forces and vehicles inside Khiam, which was the first point into which Israeli forces advanced after the war began.
In separate statements on Monday, Hezbollah said that it targeted Israeli troops and vehicles in several Lebanese border towns, including Khiam.
An AFP photographer on Monday saw smoke billowing from the town after Israeli bombardment.
Israel preceded its ground operations with strikes on some bridges and roads connecting south Lebanon to the rest of the country.
Since the war began, the Israeli military has issued sweeping evacuation warnings for southern Lebanon, extending more than 40 kilometers (around 25 miles) from its border.
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that displaced Lebanese should not return home “south of the Litani area until the safety of residents in the north (of Israel) is guaranteed.”
The Israeli military has repeatedly said it would not evacuate people from its north, unlike the previous hostilities with Hezbollah which a November 2024 ceasefire sought to end.
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Bahrain calls for stronger collective security after Iranian attacks on Gulf states
EPHREM KOSSAIFY
March 16, 2026
NEW YORK CITY: Bahrain is working with international partners to strengthen collective security while defending its sovereignty, its deputy ambassador to the UN told the Security Council on Monday.
Nancy Abdulla Jamal condemned Iranian attacks on Gulf states, warned against the use of drones, and called for a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East.
Her remarks came during a Security Council meeting on the implementation of Resolution 1540, which was adopted in 2004 with the aim of preventing nonstate actors from obtaining nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their delivery systems.
“This meeting comes at a very sensitive time, as our region is seeing a dangerous escalation owing to Iranian aggression … ongoing since the 26th of February,” she told council members.
Attacks by Iran continue to target Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Bahrain and Jordan, even amid international condemnation, she added.
“The international community has condemned these attacks through Security Council resolution 2817, adopted very recently, a resolution which condemns these attacks targeting critical and civilian infrastructure, which constitutes a direct threat to regional and international peace and security,” Jamal said.
She also warned that increasing drone attacks pose a growing threat to regional stability.
“The use of drones reflects a very dangerous aspect of these activities undertaken by Iran,” she told the council.
Jamal reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to the implementation of Resolution 1540 and welcomed the work of the committee overseeing it, including a comprehensive review planned for next year.
She also called for renewed momentum for the establishment of a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Middle East, which she described as a key step toward strengthening regional and international security.
Source: arabnews.com
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Syria’s Damascus city restricts sale of alcohol
March 17, 2026
DAMASCUS: Syria’s capital on Monday restricted the sale of alcoholic beverages to select Christian neighborhoods, the latest incident hinting at increasing social conservatism under Islamist authorities.
In a decree, Damascus city said that “the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in restaurants and nightclubs throughout Damascus” citing “numerous complaints and at the request of the local community, and with the aim of eliminating practices that violate public morals.”
“The sale of sealed alcoholic beverages is restricted to the Bab Touma, Qassaa, and Bab Sharqi districts, and only in establishments designated for this purpose as per the commercial building permit.”
Additionally, businesses selling alcohol must be at least 75 meters away from mosques, churches, schools and cemeteries and at least 20 meters away from police stations and government offices.
Businesses currently selling alcohol have three months to comply with the new rules.
Syria’s new Islamist authorities have not officially imposed restrictions on public behavior since longtime ruler Bashar Assad was overthrown in December 2024.
But some incidents have sparked concern about creeping social conservatism.
A January makeup ban for female public sector employees drew controversy.
Last year, authorities enforced full body swimwear in public beaches, and a deadly attack on a Damascus nightclub in May further exacerbated people’s concerns.
Source: arabnews.com
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Migrant workers bear brunt of Iran attacks in Gulf
March 16, 2026
ABU DHABI: Bangladeshi migrant Ahmad Ali, 55, was doing his regular round delivering drinking water to residents in the United Arab Emirates when Iran launched its first retaliatory attacks against Gulf countries.
Debris from a missile strike tore through his delivery van, killing him instantly and ending his three decades spent in the Emirates.
“My dad told my cousin he would be back soon,” Ali’s son Abdul Hoque said from Barlekha in eastern Bangladesh. “But those were his last words. He died instantly when his van was hit.”
Since February 28, Tehran has launched wave after wave of missile and drone attacks against the Gulf states in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
In a region home to more than 35 million migrant workers, mostly from South Asia, many of those killed have been foreign laborers filling the lowest-paid roles in Gulf economies.
Among fourteen civilians killed in the Gulf since the conflict began, according to an AFP tally, eight were foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and India.
And while some wealthy residents have been able to leave the Gulf, migrant workers remain among the most vulnerable during the conflict.
For many workers, leaving is not an option having borrowed to pay recruitment agents for visas and jobs abroad and with families at home dependent on the remittances they send.
- ‘Don’t know why’ -
“My father was a hard-working man doing a respectable job,” Hoque said. “We don’t know why he had to die.”
After nearly three decades in the UAE, Ali had recently begun building a house in Bangladesh, a dream shared by many migrant workers in the Gulf.
“That dream has ended with his death,” Hoque said. “My mother and my three siblings are still in shock.”
Pakistani migrant Murib Zaman Nizar, 44, was another victim in the UAE, killed on February 28 in Abu Dhabi when debris from an intercepted drone fell on his car.
A father of five children aged between four and 12, Nizar worked as a driver for a family in the Emirati capital.
“My brother was washing the car inside the compound when the accident happened,” Murib’s brother Muhammad Khan told AFP by phone from their hometown of Bannu in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
“He was a family man who wanted to give the best life to his five children. And now he is gone,” said Khan, who also works in the UAE as a construction worker.
- ‘Emotionally shut’ -
With no immediate sign of de-escalation, several Gulf countries have shifted to remote work and online schooling as repeated alerts and the sounds of air defense interceptions fuel anxiety among residents but migrant workers continue their daily lives outside.
“We are trying to stay calm and continue working as usual,” said Binoy, an Indian engineer in Dubai who asked that his full name not be used.
A resident of Mohammed Bin Zayed City on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, Binoy said the frequent explosions from interceptions are unsettling.
“We know they are interceptions, but it is still worrying,” he said.
A Filipino nurse in Dubai who asked to be identified as Jane said she continues to report to work while trying to “emotionally shut out” the constant noise.
“Two days ago, I was walking home early in the morning after my night shift when I heard loud booms,” she said. “I kept walking. What else can we do?“
Jane, who has lived in the UAE for seven years, said her two children aged seven and ten call her frequently.
“They are scared after watching the news on TV. I keep reassuring them that everything is safe here.”\
Source: arabnews.com
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‘Significant’ Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon ‘must be averted’: Western leaders’ statement
March 16, 2026
BERLIN: The leaders of five Western countries said in a joint statement Monday that a large-scale Israeli ground operation in Lebanon “must be averted.”
“A significant Israeli ground offensive would have devastating humanitarian consequences and could lead to a protracted conflict,” said the joint statement from the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
The statement said that the leaders were “gravely concerned by the escalating violence in Lebanon” and called for “meaningful engagement by Israeli and Lebanese representatives to negotiate a sustainable political solution.”
Earlier on Monday Israel’s military said it had launched “limited” ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The leaders’ statement said that “the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, including ongoing mass displacement, is already deeply alarming.”
“We condemn Hezbollah’s decision to join Iran in hostilities,” the statement said, adding: “We stand in solidarity with the Lebanese government and people, who have been unwillingly drawn into conflict.”
“Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel and the targeting of civilians must cease and they must disarm,” they said.
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Tunisia judge issues detention orders for Gaza flotilla activists
March 16, 2026
TUNIS: A Tunisian judge issued detention orders Monday for seven pro-Palestinian activists accused of money laundering in relation to efforts to sail a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza, their lawyer told AFP.
The case is linked to fundraising for the Global Sumud Flotilla group that took place in September of last year, attorney Sami Ben Ghazi said.
At least five of the accused had already spent 10 days in custody before Monday’s hearing, which ended with a judge from the judiciary’s financial unit ordering them to remain in detention until trial on accusations of “forming an agreement to launder money,” Ben Ghazi said.
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the financial unit on Monday to denounce the detention of the seven Tunisians.
“The regime represses all political and social activism, including support for the Palestinian cause,” said activist Mahdi Elleuch, who was attending the protest.
“It’s always the same process, using baseless charges, particularly money laundering, relying on a judiciary that’s under orders.”
Global Sumud earlier this month had strongly condemned the arrest of its campaigners, saying it marked a “troubling departure from Tunisia’s long history of public solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
The group had sought to break an Israeli blockade by delivering aid to Gaza by sea in October. In February, they announced a new mission to the besieged territory from countries including Tunisia.
The campaigners said last year’s flotilla was attacked by two drones while anchored at the Sidi Bou Said port.
Before reaching Gaza, the flotilla was intercepted by Israel, which seized their boats and detained and deported the activists.
Global Sumud describes its actions as a “non-violent response to genocide, siege, mass starvation, and the destruction of civilian life in Gaza.”
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Arab World
Saudi Arabia calls at UN for global action to combat Islamophobia
EPHREM KOSSAIFY
March 16, 2026
NEW YORK CITY: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UN, Abulaziz Alwasil, on Monday called on the international community to take decisive steps to tackle Islamophobia, emphasizing in particular the importance of legal protections, education and international cooperation.
He described Islamophobia as “a serious and growing challenge,” and warned of its broader social effects.
“When Muslims face harassment in public spaces, when mosques are vandalized and when harmful stereotypes spread through public discourse and digital platforms, the consequences reach far beyond a single community,” he said.
“They create division, deepen mistrust and undermine efforts to build inclusive and stable societies.”
Alwasil urged governments, education authorities and digital platforms to take action on the issue.
“Governments must strengthen legal protections against discrimination and ensure accountability for hate crimes that target Muslims and mosques and Islamic institutions,” he said.
“Efforts must also address the spread of hate speech on digital platforms, where misinformation and hostile narratives can rapidly influence perceptions and fuel intolerance.”
The Saudi envoy emphasized the importance of international cooperation and Riyadh’s commitment to the issue.
“Saudi Arabia reaffirms that addressing Islamophobia is an indispensable part of promoting respect for religious diversity,” he said.
“When nations work together to promote tolerance and mutual respect, they strengthen the foundation of a global, peaceful coexistence.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains firmly committed to advancing international efforts to confront Islamophobia, to counter narratives that incite hostility and discrimination against Muslims through strengthening cooperation, continued engagement with the United Nations, and support for initiatives that promote understanding and dialog.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi source denies NYT report which claimed Kingdom pushing for prolonged Iran war
March 16, 2026
RIYADH: A Saudi source on Monday told Al Arabiya a report by The New York Times claiming the Kingdom’s leadership had encouraged a prolonged conflict with Iran was false.
The report, published on Sunday, said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had advised US President Donald Trump to “keep hitting the Iranians hard.”
The source said this claim was incorrect.
Earlier this month, the Saudi embassy in Washington also denied a report by The Washington Post, which alleged that the Kingdom had privately lobbied Trump to launch strikes against Iran.
Saudi Arabia has been among the Gulf states seeking to prevent a wider military confrontation in the region and has publicly said it would not participate in any potential war.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi crown prince discusses regional military escalation with Egyptian president
March 16, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the call, the two leaders reviewed current developments and discussed the dangerous military escalation taking place in the region.
El-Sisi also affirmed Egypt’s condemnation of repeated Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and its support and solidarity with it against any threat to Saudi sovereignty and security.
Source: arabnews.com
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Fire breaks out in UAE’s Fujairah Oil Industry Zone after drone attack
March 17, 2026
DUBAI: A fire broke out in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone in the United Arab Emirates following a drone attack, the emirate’s media office said on Tuesday citing authorities, adding that no injuries had been reported.
Civil defense crews were working to bring the fire under control, the media office said in a statement.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636642/middle-east
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Saudi ambassador to Singapore meets Jordanian ambassador
March 16, 2026
SINGAPORE: Saudi Ambassador to Singapore Mohammad Al-Ghamdi recently met Jordanian Ambassador to Singapore Saeed Radaideh.
During the meeting, they exchanged views on developments in the region and discussed issues of mutual interest, “in the spirit of continued consultation and coordination between the two sides,” the Saudi Embassy in Singapore wrote in a post on X on Monday.
Al-Ghamdi also met Shahzad Nassim, chairman of the Saudi-Singapore Business Council, to discuss ways to advance economic and investment cooperation.
“The meeting reflects the embassy’s outreach efforts and the council’s role in strengthening business ties,” the statement said.
Source: arabnews.com
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A closer look at the Grand Mosque’s sound system
TAREQ AL-THAQAFI
March 16, 2026
MAKKAH: The call to prayer from the Grand Mosque in Makkah reaches thousands of worshippers inside the mosque and its courtyards each day, and many more around the world through broadcast media.
At the center of this system is the mosque’s loudspeaker infrastructure, which transmits the adhan and the iqama (second call indicating that the prayer is about to start) across the vast complex.
One of the main operational sites is the southern loudspeaker chamber located within the mataf building near the Kaaba. The facility functions as a central point for managing sound across the Grand Mosque and its courtyards.
The chamber includes nine domes and 16 spaces arranged across the basement and ground floor, covering an area of about 500 square meters.
The system relies on approximately 8,000 loudspeakers distributed throughout the mosque and surrounding plazas to ensure the voice of the imam and the muezzin reaches worshippers clearly.
The infrastructure has been upgraded with digital technology and backup systems designed to maintain continuous sound transmission. The facility also includes an air-conditioning system with a capacity of 117 refrigeration tonnes, of which 85 tonnes are allocated for the imam’s prayer area and 32 tonnes for the service rooms, to support the stability of the equipment.
Minutes before each prayer, the system is activated as the call to prayer approaches.
Dr. Mansour Al-Daajani, a researcher in the history of Makkah, said the adhan in the Grand Mosque was first delivered from the roof of the Kaaba during the Conquest of Makkah in the eighth year after the Hijra, when the Prophet Muhammad instructed Bilal bin Rabah to give the call to the noon prayer.
At that time the Grand Mosque consisted mainly of the mataf area and had no surrounding walls, minarets or pulpit.
Al-Daajani said: “When minarets first appeared in 754 during the era of the Abbasid Caliph Abu Jaafar Al-Mansour, who built the first minaret in the Grand Mosque — the Bab Al-Umrah minaret at the western corner on the northern side of the mosque — this minaret and those built after it began to serve as places from which the adhan was raised.”
Al-Daajani said the chief muezzin would give the call to prayer from that minaret, followed by other muezzins on the remaining minarets. In later periods the call was delivered from the Bab Al-Salam minaret and later from the Dome of Zamzam.
Before the use of modern amplification, the Hanafi Maqam served as a location where muezzins repeated the imam’s takbirs to help convey the sound of the prayer to worshippers.
According to Al-Daajani, loudspeakers were first introduced in the Grand Mosque in 1947 during the reign of King Abdulaziz.
The historian Mohammed Tahir Al-Kurdi, in his book “The Upright History of Makkah and the Noble House of God,” recorded the introduction of loudspeakers in 1949.
However, local historian Ahmed Ali Asad Allah Al-Kadhimi wrote in his memoir “Diaries in Makkah” that loudspeakers were proposed in 1947 by Sheikh Abdul Zahir Abu Al-Samah, the imam and khatib of the Grand Mosque.
He requested their installation from the then finance minister, Abdullah bin Suleiman Al-Hamdan, who instructed the Wireless Department to provide the equipment.
The devices were first used at Namirah Mosque during the Day of Arafah sermon, delivered by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hassan Al Al-Sheikh.
Later that year, on Oct. 31, 1947, Sheikh Abu Al-Samah delivered the Friday sermon in the Grand Mosque using a microphone, allowing worshippers to hear the sermon clearly.
The loudspeakers were initially placed at the Hanafi Maqam on the northern side of the mosque. During the first Saudi expansion of the mataf in 1957, most prayer stations were removed and the speakers were relocated to the Shafi’i Maqam above the Zamzam well.
After that structure was removed in 1963, the speakers were installed in a dedicated chamber south of the mataf courtyard near the southern arcade.
This marked the first time the muezzins used a dedicated, independent building for performing the adhan and repeating the takbirs with the imam.
Dr. Nada Al-Qurashi, a Saudi scholarship student in Ohio, said the call to prayer from the Grand Mosque carries special significance for Muslims around the world.
She said the clarity of the sound inside the mosque helps worshippers maintain focus during prayer and allows the imam’s voice to be heard across the complex.
Al-Qurashi stated that all Muslims across every continent yearn to hear the sound of the adhan and prayers within the precincts of the Two Holy Mosques, due to the special status they hold for Muslims, especially during the holy month.
Today the loudspeaker chamber functions as a key operational point in transmitting the adhan and the imam’s voice throughout the Grand Mosque and its courtyards.
Source: arabnews.com
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King Faisal University wins medals in Geneva
March 16, 2026
GENEVA: King Faisal University secured five medals for innovative patents at the 51st Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, which concluded on Sunday. The university’s entries competed against more than 1,000 inventions from 40 countries, showcasing its commitment to translating research into practical technical solutions.
The awards included a gold medal for a self-healing oil pipe coating and three silver medals for projects involving methanol-to-energy conversion, biodegradable medical bandages made from palm fronds, and plastic bottle recycling for flexible products.
A bronze medal was awarded for a smart sensor used to predict mold growth in produce.
The accomplishments reflect the university’s global standing after the institution ranked among the top 100 universities for patent registrations in 2024 and 2025.
Source: arabnews.com
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Europe
EU ‘completely discredited itself’ in Ukraine peace process – Lavrov
16 Mar, 2026
The EU has “completely discredited itself” as a mediator in the Ukraine peace process, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday.
Kiev’s European backers have demanded to be admitted to the trilateral Russia-US-Ukraine peace talks, yet they have consistently failed to uphold previous agreements, according to the diplomat.
In 2014, France and Germany were the guarantors of an agreement between then Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich and the opposition, but did nothing when nationalist groups seized power, he said.
The EU failed in its role a second time under the 2015 Minsk Agreements, which were intended to reconcile the new nationalist government in Kiev with anti-coup forces in east Ukraine, Lavrov added.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former French President Francois Hollande, who acted as guarantors to the deal, later admitted “they never intended to fulfill anything” and just wanted to buy time to arm Ukraine, he said.
After the conflict’s escalation in 2022, “a settlement could have been reached as early as April” of that year, if not for interference by then UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and “EU officials,” the top diplomat explained.
The Russian foreign minister accused European leaders of wanting to “preserve the presence of a Nazi regime in Kiev,” which he called a “root cause” of the Ukraine conflict. If allowed, he said the “[Kiev] regime will continue its hostile anti-Russian activities.”
Lavrov rejected plans by France and the UK to deploy troops in Ukraine as part of security guarantees for Kiev, calling it “an occupation force that will pose a threat to the Russian Federation.”
Moscow views the Ukraine conflict as a NATO proxy war against Russia, and has long warned that it would never accept the presence of the US-led military bloc’s soldiers on Ukrainian territory. Russian officials have long warned that any foreign troops in Ukraine would become legitimate military targets.
European nations make demands they know are “utterly unacceptable to Russia” to “sabotage” US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in December. “They have no peace agenda; they are on the side of war,” he added.
Source: rt.com
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Members of Azerbaijan's Coordination Headquarters visit Hadrut mosque
16 March 2026
BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 16. Members of the Coordination Headquarters for the centralized resolution of issues in the liberated territories and the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan visited the Hadrut mosque on March 16, Trend reports.
The regular meeting of the Coordination Headquarters was held in the Khojavend district under the chairmanship of the chief of the headquarters, Samir Nuriyev, today.
Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Source: trend.az
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Community spirit shines at Bexhill Mosque gathering
By Andy Hemsley
16 Mar 2026
An evening of togetherness was shared at Bexhill Mosque as members of the local community gathered to mark the breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramadan
The mosque welcomed friends, families, and neighbours for a special Iftar event that highlighted the values of unity, compassion, and gratitude that define the sacred time.
Organisers expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who attended the gathering, which saw guests from diverse backgrounds came together to share food, conversation, and reflection, creating an atmosphere of warmth and mutual respect, said a spokesperson.
Iftar—the evening meal that marks the end of a day’s fasting during Ramadan—holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims around the world. Beyond the act of eating, it represents a time for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance of those less fortunate. It is also a moment when communities strengthen their bonds and reaffirm their commitment to charity, kindness, and supporting those in need.
Speaking after the event, Chairman Cllr Abul Azad said: “I would like to thank everyone who joined us for Iftar at Bexhill Mosque. Your presence made the evening special and meaningful. Ramadan is not only about fasting; it is about reflection, compassion, and strengthening our bonds as a community.”
He also highlighted the importance of bringing people together during the holy month.
“Coming together for Iftar reminds us that our community is strongest when we support one another,” he added. “In a world that can sometimes feel divided, these moments of unity and friendship are incredibly important. Sharing this meal with people from different backgrounds reinforces the values of respect, inclusivity, and understanding that we all cherish.”
Many local residents attended to learn more about the traditions of Ramadan and to experience the hospitality of the Muslim community.
Cllr Abul Azad added: “Our volunteers deserve special recognition. They gave their time and effort to prepare the delicious food and desserts that everyone enjoyed tonight. Their generosity and dedication embody the true spirit of Ramadan, and we are deeply grateful for everything they have done.
"The Iftar at Bexhill Mosque served as a reminder that community gatherings like these play an important role in building bridges and fostering understanding among people of all backgrounds.”
Source: sussexexpress.co.uk
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https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/people/community-spirit-shines-at-bexhill-mosque-gathering-5946018
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Bolton's largest mosque hosts interfaith iftar event
16 MARCH 2026
By Dan Dougherty
Bolton's largest mosque hosted an interfaith iftar event on Saturday with more than 100 guests.
Zakariyya Jaa’me Mosque hosted the event with the Bolton Council of Mosques, where 130 guests and hundreds of worshippers were invited to break their Ramadan fasts together.
The event was designed to promote interfaith dialogue and promote togetherness across the wide and diverse community of Bolton.
Imteyaz Ali, from the Bolton Council of Mosques, said: "It is a way of inviting people from different faiths and people of no faith to get a good understanding of mosque settings.
"It's good to show our partners how we promote togetherness.
"We also want to give thanks to the hidden gems of the community - people who give without expecting anything in return."
The event began with a tour of the mosque by one of the volunteers.
This took visitors upstairs to see the recently-renovated main prayer room, which featured a large central dome inscribed with Arabic prayers.
At the far end of the room lay the Mimbar, an alcove from where the Imam leads worshippers in prayer.
The downstairs prayer room had also recently been renovated.
The light fixtures were inscribed in Arabic - one was inscribed with the 99 names of Allah, the other was inscribed with words forming part of a traditional Muslim prayer.
Entering the lowest level, the guide took guests to the ablution room, where worshippers ritually cleanse themselves before praying, and the mortuary, where bodies are washed before burial.
In Islamic culture, bodies must be buried shortly after the person has died - a shorter period than in many Christian cultures.
The mosque has an agreement with local hospitals to facilitate this - the bodies are taken to the mortuary room in the mosque, washed, and put into a casket ready for burial.
After the tour, guests returned to the first-floor prayer room to listen to a talk from a Canadian Imam called Sheikh Imran Ullah, who spoke on the value of fasting for contemplation, and the importance of community cohesion.
Many prominent Bolton figures were in attendance, including council leader Nick Peel, who gave a short speech praising the community for fostering togetherness, Cllr Rabiya Jiva, and Mayor David Chadwick.
Mayor Chadwick said: "It's important to me to come to these events, as it is for any mayor anywhere.
"You have to give respect to get respect back."
Representatives from the NHS, the police force, and businesses were also in attendance.
As the talk went on, volunteers came round with water for the guests and dates - traditionally eaten at break of fast.
After the talk, guests headed downstairs for a meal courtesy of Zakariyya Mosque and Bolton Council of Mosques.
Source: theboltonnews.co.uk
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Village hall in Huddersfield to become a mosque after £322k sale
Abigail Marlow
17 Mar 2026
Plans to transform a former Huddersfield village hall into a mosque have been approved by Kirklees Council.
The former Fartown Village Hall at Ballroyd Road, which has been vacant since 2017, was offloaded by Kirklees Council by auction in a bid to raise some extra cash. It was listed with a guide price between £175,000 and £200,000 but was purchased for £322,000.
Following the sale, a planning application was put in by The Peace Hall Ltd, seeking permission to repurpose the building as a mosque. The applicant says this won’t involve any external alterations to the building.
Twenty-nine comments were made by members of the public, the vast majority of which were in support of the plans. One person commented: “This is great news for me as I have to travel a lot further away to pray and attend a local mosque which can take a lot longer due to traffic in Birkby. For myself and my children, we are looking forward to this new mosque, as it’s been long overdue in the local area.”
Another said: “I am writing to express my full support for the proposed change of use from a village hall to a mosque in Fartown. I have been a resident of the area since 1988 and have witnessed the community evolve into a vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood with growing needs for local, inclusive spaces.”
Planning policy says that proposals involving the loss of a community facility, such as a pub, village hall, and shops, can only be allowed when it is demonstrated that there is no longer a need for it and all options, including the scope for alternative community users, have been considered.
A supporting document on behalf of the applicant explains that the hall being sold off by the council after becoming ‘surplus to requirements’ demonstrates that there is no longer a need for the facility. It also states that the proposed use will “benefit much of the local population”, with the site therefore continuing to have a community usage.
Permission was granted subject to several conditions including: that development begin within the next three years; the submission and approval of a vehicle and parking management plan; and that the development is in line with the noise management plan submitted as part of the application.
Source: examinerlive.co.uk
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https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/village-hall-huddersfield-become-mosque-33598562
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EU losing credibility – ex-foreign policy chief
16 Mar, 2026
The European Union is losing credibility because it is not pushing back against the US, former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said. He criticized the bloc’s passive stance on the Iran war and a trade deal with Washington, according to Politico.
In comments to the outlet on Monday, Borrell accused EU leaders of weak and selective policies that let Washington act with impunity and damage Europe’s interests.
Borrell, who has long criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, has increasingly targeted the European Commission since leaving office. He said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has “continued to overstep her powers” in foreign policy, which the bloc’s founding treaties “clearly state” is not within her competence.
He also accused her of being “systematically biased in favor of the US and Israel,” adding that Europe is “suffering from the consequences” in terms of high energy prices, while US President Donald Trump openly “gloats” that the situation benefits the US “because they are oil exporters.”
Turning to the EU-US trade deal, Borrell said the bloc should not ratify the agreement struck by von der Leyen and Trump last summer. “The deal was unfair from the beginning,” he said. “They imposed 15% tariffs on us and we reduced ours on them.”
Relations between Washington and Brussels have been strained since Trump returned to office last year, with recurring disputes over trade, defense, digital regulation, and the Ukraine conflict. The new US National Security Strategy criticizes the EU as strategically unreliable and warns of “civilizational erasure.”
Borrell’s commentary comes amid a rift within the EU, as socialists in Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s party, a key part of von der Leyen’s European Parliament coalition, push back. Earlier this month, European Parliament critics said von der Leyen could face questioning from her own allies over her stance on the Middle East conflict, with some lawmakers asking whether she has abandoned the rules‑based international order.
Senior lawmakers last week slammed her remark that “Europe can no longer be a custodian for the old-world order,” which was interpreted by some as an endorsement of Trump’s hardline approach.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/635230-borrell-eu-losing-credibility/
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How an antifa street killing exposed a deep national crisis in France
By Tarik Cyril Amar
16 Mar, 2026
On 12 February in the French city of Lyon, a young man was killed in a political street brawl that escalated very badly. While terrible every time it happens, his death was, unfortunately, not unprecedented. Usually, it would result in grief among the victim’s family and friends as well as a criminal investigation to punish the killers, but not a national crisis.
Everything is different, however, in this case: Since Quentin Deranque, a 23-year old data science student, committed traditionalist Roman Catholic, and New-Right (generically speaking) activist (or militant – take your pick) was beaten and kicked to death by a gang of self-appointed ‘antifascists,’ France has gone through a “drama” as a “national community” (in the words of French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot).
Thoroughly mainstream media and the experts they select have repeatedly invoked the specter of “civil war.” One has warned of entering a spiral of tit-for-tat retaliation, which is, she believes, how such fratricidal slaughters start. The podcast of Le Figaro, still France’s leading conservative newspaper, has dedicated a whole show to the question if France “is moving toward civil war.” In reality, actual civil war is not around the corner, of course, as bad as things are. But the excited and anxious references to it betray just how miserable the mood now is.
Not every detail of what exactly happened before the fatal attack on Quentin Deranque is clear yet. Some of Deranque’s friends and supporters claim that his group of male activists – present to protect a small protest by Némésis, a nationalist-identitarian women’s organization – was initially passive and remained on the defensive throughout. According to Al Jazeera, there seems to be video evidence that contradicts this account, showing the New-Right activists also on the attack some time before Deranque was savaged by masked and hooded “antifascists” from the – officially dissolved but de facto persisting ‘Young Guard’ group.
What is incontestable is that, in the end, three New-Right activists – Deranque among them – were separated from the others and cornered by their “antifascist” opponents. It is equally certain that Deranque was then beaten and kicked viciously, including when he was already lying on the ground and absolutely defenseless, hardly moving at all. Hospitalized the same day, he died two days later.
A high-profile criminal investigation has involved a lead public prosecutor, three dedicated investigative judges, the local police, and the national anti-terrorist office of the Interior Ministry. By now, the French authorities have declared that all key suspects are under arrest. Charges include “criminal association,” “aggravated violence,” “voluntary homicide,” and “complicity in voluntary homicide.”
One of the accused, Jacques-Elie Favrot – called “Jef” – is suspected of having played a leading role in the crime and faces a charge of “complicity in murder by instigation.” His case is special also in one other, crucial regard: When he isn’t busy in the streets, “Jef” serves as an official assistant to a deputy of France’s parliament, the National Assembly. And that deputy, Raphaël Arnault, is a prominent representative of France’s New-Left party La France Insoumise (France Unbowed), LFI. In addition, another suspect, Robin Chalendard, who is thought to have taken part directly in the deadly assault on Deranque, has also worked for Arnault.
These associations lead right into the center of a ballooning mushroom cloud of toxic political fallout that has overshadowed French politics. Reduced to essentials, the grim picture is this: France is a country in typical Euro-decline, with an electorally crumbling yet obstinate cartel of establishment parties in the self-declared “Center” which, for now, still dominates the state, the mainstream media, and many of the official institutions of the public sphere, such as universities and think tanks. And then there are the rising challengers from the New Right – the Rassemblement National, RN – and the New Left – the LFI. For now at least, they are bitter enemies, both keen to inherit power once the rotting Center finally implodes, or to at least force its remnants into a deal.
Add the fact that important municipal elections are scheduled for this month and that everyone is also already jockeying for pole position in the presidential elections to be held in little more than a year – et voilà: the perfect storm.
Shit storms very much included: Because that is what is happening to the New-Left LFI now, due not even so much to the compromising link between one of its star deputies and two suspects in an exceedingly repulsive homicide and murder case, but to the LFI’s leadership’s amazingly cack-handed and callous response to Deranque’s killing and the political challenge it constitutes.
Instead of genuine shock, a sincere willingness to reflect on Arnault’s very bad company, and, beyond that, on the relationship between violent rhetoric and lethal violence, party leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon has set a tone of crude forward defense: He has sentimentally reaffirmed the LFI’s rather insane fealty toward the minuscule but very toxic ‘Young Guard.’ In general, he and his surrogates have presented the ‘Young Guard’ and the LFI as victims of unfair demonization.
And, of course, in some way, the LFI really is: Inevitably, the New-Right Rassemblement National has spotted and zealously seized an opportunity to cripple its “populist” competitors with a guilt-by-association assault. RN wunderkind, leader, and likely presidential candidate Jordan Bardella has let it rip: Invoking the bad old days of the violent 1930s and speaking of “terrorist organizations,” he has warned that France has reached an “extremely dire tipping point” and demanded that all other parties subject the LFI – “the extreme Left [which] has killed” – to a regime of total ostracism and exclusion.
And yes, that ‘cordon sanitaire’ is precisely what the Germans call a ‘Brandmauer’ (firewall) and apply against their New-Right insurgents, the Alternative for Germany (AfD). It is also what the French establishment parties have long practiced against the RN itself.
This is a moment, where the New-Right RN – so long maligned as crazy radicals themselves and working hard to shed and bury precisely that image – is riding a genuine wave of public anger: According to a poll, 61 percent of French voters are ready to help “firewall” the LFI at the upcoming municipal elections. We have to hand it to you, Jordan, very, very slick – Way to turn the tables, with a little help from the clumsy folks at the LFI, of course.
At the same time, the moment is already generally auspicious for the RN, but not so much for the LFI. Consider two other recent poll results: Even before the killing of Quentin Deranque, 70 percent of French citizens agreed when the Interior Ministry officially classified the LFI as extremist, to be precise “extreme Left.”
Regarding the better prospects of the competition from the RN, according to another poll, almost a quarter (24 percent) of French citizens want a political system that is “more centralized and more authoritarian,” that is just what the RN, in effect, promises. This is a sizable number by any standards; it is also high by comparison with other European countries, such as Italy (16 percent), Poland (13 percent), Spain (10 percent), and Germany (7 percent).
So, yes, there is brass-knuckle politics in the widespread, harsh attacks on the LFI and the attempts to hold the whole party responsible for a killing committed by one street gang. Defenders of the LFI can also point to the fact that its ‘Young Guard’ friends-from-hell that have now made themselves a millstone around its neck, are, in reality, a very small group. According to French expert Christophe Bourseiller, the ‘Young Guard’ has 100 to 200 members, active in only three cities, Paris, Strasbourg, and Lyons. Finally, according to another expert, 90 percent of ideologically motivated killings in France are committed by the extreme Right, not the Left.
And yet, the LFI has no reason to expect pity. It is being treated unfairly. Frankly, duh – that is simply politics 101 among adults. Yet that makes no difference to the fact that the real question that the LFI and its supporters and sympathizers – and I, for one, at least used to be one – have to face is not about what others are doing to it. Instead – and entirely independently from the demagoguery deployed by its critics and opponents – the LFI must focus on itself and its own severe mistakes.
And not only mistakes but elementary moral failures. Brawls happen, but it is a fascist – not an “antifascist” – thing to beat and kick the political opponent already prone on the ground to death. Indeed, one of the West’s de facto most clearly fascist – and demented – politicians has just reminded us of how dear to fascist hearts such tactics are: US Secretary of Defense (or war, as he prefers) Pete Hegseth has let the world know how proud he is of hitting them – here, Iran – while they are down in a fight meant to be unfair (In reality, Iran is, fortunately, far from down, but that’s a different matter).
Those who praise and do such swinish things, defend them, or equivocate by pointing at others and their crimes and hypocrisy should not be tolerated on the Left. A Left that wants to claim elementary decency and public support must purge – yes, purge – itself of them. If the LFI and its head Mélenchon are not prepared to do so and prefer to instead circle the wagons with Hegsethian goons pretending to be ‘anti’-fascists, then the LFI will only have itself to blame for decline and defeat. And they’ll deserve it, too.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/635234-quentin-deranque-france-crisis/
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North America
Anti-Muslim politicians should crawl back in the sewer
By Betsey Piette
March 16, 2026
While anti-Muslim rhetoric is not new in the United States, the recent slew of bigoted comments by foulmouthed, racist politicians claiming that Muslims “don’t belong” in the U.S., along with calls for their “mass expulsion,” must be soundly denounced.
Various statements coming from Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL), Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas), Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and others are all the more dangerous, because they align with pro-war, anti-Islamic rhetoric from Donald Trump who unleashed bombing attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.
Ogles, an ultraconservative member of the so-called “Freedom Caucus” in the U.S. House of Representatives, first made his comments on March 7 at the House Republicans annual weeklong policy retreat in Doral, Florida, while Muslims around the world were observing their annual holy month of Ramadan and as the U.S. war against Iran was intensifying. He posted the comments on X on March 9 after a “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” rally organized by conservative influencer Jake Lang outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s home, which had just been the target of an attempted bombing.
Ogles had previously called for Mamdani, New York’s first Muslim mayor, to be stripped of his citizenship and deported. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), in condemning Ogles’ remarks, noted that had “any member of Congress declared that ‘Jews do not belong in America,’ that politician would rightfully face condemnation, censure and even possibly expulsion” in a statement to USA Today. (March 9)
But Ogles, who openly calls for the U.S. to become a “Christian Nation,” is not the only Islamophobic GOP politician in Congress. Tuberville claimed, “Muslim immigrants are bringing WWIII to American soil.” Tuberville said this despite the fact that it is Trump who launched this potential war, not Muslim immigrants. Tuberville has also repeatedly attacked Mamdani on X.
Also calling for the mass expulsion of Muslims, Fine posted on social media in December 2025: “It is time for a Muslim travel ban, radical deportations of all mainstream Muslim legal and illegal immigrants, and citizenship revocations wherever possible.”
While Muslim members of Congress, including Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) have faced censorship motions and other threats for daring to criticize Israel’s genocide in Gaza, Fine and Ogles have faced no such consequences for their openly anti-Muslim bigotry.
And then there was Gill, who posted on X in November that Islam is “incompatible with our culture and our governing system” and that “not all cultures are morally equal.” The “Freedom Caucus” endorsed Gill’s remarks.
Gill and others might want to bother to read the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion. While denying full access to the document’s protections to Native Americans, to enslaved people of African descent, to women and to propertyless men, the U.S. claimed to be founded on secular ideals, including separation of church and state.
These politicians might also bother to study the history of Muslims who have been in the Americas for over 400 years, some arriving in 1527 with Spanish colonists. However, barring Muslims from entering the U.S. was a major platform of Trump’s 2015 presidential campaign, and in 2017 he put a travel ban in place against seven Muslim-majority countries. In 2025, he implemented a similar travel ban that included several non-Muslim majority countries, including Laos and Cuba. Trump has repeatedly made racist comments against Somali immigrants, most of whom are Muslim.
Over the past 250 years of the history of the United States, it has been propertied white men of European heritage who have been responsible for launching the hundreds of military conflicts, interventions, invasions and wars the U.S. has been involved in. But increasingly over the last two decades, it has been majority Muslim countries that have valiantly resisted U.S. military aggression.
Source: workers.org
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https://www.workers.org/2026/03/91535/
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Muslim civil rights group: Congressman's fraud bill 'discriminatory and deeply irresponsible'
March 16, 2026
It's been three months since a YouTuber's viral video claimed to show fraudulent activity at Somali-American run daycares in Minnesota.
No evidence of fraud has yet been confirmed at any of those sites.
But the fallout led to reports of harassment of Somali-Minnesotans, a surge of federal immigration officers in Minnesota and, now, a handful of federal bills aimed at stopping fraud that calls out Somali-Americans by name.
Republican Congressman Pete Stauber from Minnesota on Thursday introduced "The Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act," which would increase penalties against fraudulent childcare providers.
In a statement, Stauber said, "Taxpayers in Minnesota and across the country deserve to know their hard-earned dollars are supporting legitimate services and not lining the pockets of Somali fraudsters."
The Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota calls that framing of the issue "discriminatory and deeply irresponsible."
MPR News host Clay Masters spoke with CAIR Executive Director Jaylani Hussein about the bill.
Source: mprnews.org
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https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/03/16/muslim-civil-rights-group-calls-stauber-fraud-bill-discriminatory
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CAIR Letters to Congress Commend Democratic Lawmakers for Rebuking Anti-Muslim Fascism, Call on GOP Leaders to Defend Religious Freedom for All
March 16, 2026
• CAIR’s letter to Democratic offices thanks members who have spoken out against anti-Muslim hate and urges concrete action to address it.
• CAIR’s letter to Republican offices urges party leaders to support religious freedom for all Americans, including American Muslims
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced that it has sent two separate letters to every office in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate addressing the recent rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric from elected officials.
In a statement, CAIR Government Affairs Department Director Robert S. McCaw, who authored the letters, said:
“We thank the many Democratic members of Congress who have spoken out against anti-Muslim hate and defended the First Amendment rights of American Muslims. Republican leaders must now show the same commitment to the Constitution by standing up and clearly rebuking anti-Muslim bigotry, even when it comes from members of their own caucus.
“When elected officials claim that Muslims do not belong in American society or that mainstream Muslims should be destroyed, they are not just targeting one community; they are endangering religious freedom for all Americans.”
On Friday, CAIR sent a letter to Democratic congressional offices, thanking those members who have publicly spoken out against anti-Muslim bigotry and defended the equal citizenship of American Muslims.
The other letter sent to Republican congressional offices, urged party leaders and members to reaffirm their commitment to religious freedom and clearly reject anti-Muslim hate speech and conspiracy theories promoted by some GOP members of Congress.
The letters were distributed to Chiefs of Staff, Legislative Directors, and Communications Directors for every House and Senate office.
In recent weeks, several members of Congress have made inflammatory statements targeting Muslims. Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) declared that “Muslims don’t belong in American society” and that “pluralism is a lie,” while Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) has called for the destruction of “mainstream Muslims.” Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) also amplified anti-Muslim rhetoric by sharing a post portraying New York City’s first Muslim mayor as an internal “enemy” by pairing imagery of the Sept. 11 attacks with a photograph of the mayor hosting a Ramadan iftar at City Hall.
Rather than clearly condemning such rhetoric, House Speaker Mike Johnson justified it by arguing that Rep. Ogles and others have legitimate concerns about the (imaginary) “imposition of sharia law” in America.
Last week, Speaker Johnson himself dabbled in anti-Muslim hate when he attempted to frame the U.S.-Israel war on Iran as a religious war, claiming that Iranians follow a “misguided religion.”
CAIR also noted that the House’s so-called 50+ Republican member “Sharia-Free America Caucus,” which the organization formally designated an anti-Muslim hate group, has promoted legislation and conspiracy theories portraying Islam as incompatible with American society.
CAIR’s recently released 2026 Civil Rights Report, “The Right to Be Different,” documented 8,683 reports of anti-Muslim bias incidents in 2025, the highest number recorded in a single year since CAIR began tracking complaints in 1996.
In its letters, CAIR also encouraged support for upcoming congressional Ramadan and Eid resolutions, which reaffirm the place of Muslim Americans within the religious and civic fabric of the United States.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-letters-to-congress-commend-democratic-lawmakers-for-rebuking-anti-muslim-fascism-call-on-gop-leaders-to-defend-religious-freedom-for-all/
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Trump border patrol chief Greg Bovino to retire
March 17, 2026
Brandon Drenon
US Border Patrol leader Greg Bovino, who became the leading public face of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, has announced he is retiring.
He told Breitbart News he would retire at the end of March, although he has not yet submitted the required paperwork.
ovino led operations in Democratic-led cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis, where federal agents shot and killed two US citizens during confrontations.
He was relieved of his role in Minnesota shortly after January's fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti drew bipartisan condemnation and widespread protests.
Kristi Noem, head of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border patrol, was replaced in her job this month as part of Trump's shake-up of the agency that is seeking to implement his election promise for mass deportations.
Bovino told Breitbart News: "The greatest honour of my entire life was to work alongside Border Patrol agents on the border and in the interior of the United States in some of the most challenging conditions the agency has ever faced."
He added that watching agents "giving it their all in some of the most dangerous of environments we have ever faced was humbling". His departure would cap a nearly 30-year career in immigration enforcement.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told the BBC on Monday that Bovino "has not submitted any retirement paperwork".
He is eligible for retirement and one year away from the mandatory US Customs and Border Protection retirement age of 57, reports NBC News.
Bovino joined Customs and Border Patrol - the largest law enforcement agency in the Department of Homeland Security - in 1996.
He was stationed mainly near the California-Mexico border before joining the Trump administration to lead Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota.
Following the deaths of Good and Pretti, the Trump administration removed Bovino from his commander-at-large role and he returned to California. He was replaced by border tsar Tom Homan.
According to the BBC's US media partner CBS, Bovino also drew criticism back in January for using language offensive to Jewish federal officials on a call.
He made disparaging remarks after being told on the call that Minnesota prosecutor Daniel Rosen, an Orthodox Jew, could not attend the meeting because he was observing the Sabbath, CBS reported.
Public opinion on Trump's drive for mass deportations has been mixed.
A majority of Americans (61%) still support deporting illegal immigrants, but most (58%) disapprove of how the Republican president has handled the issue, a recent poll by Reuters/Ipsos indicates.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c75e24grnv3o
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BBC asks US court to drop Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit
16 Mar, 2026
The BBC has asked an American court to throw out a lawsuit filed against it by US President Donald Trump. The British state broadcaster argued that its documentary featuring an edited speech Trump delivered during the Capitol Hill riots in 2021 did not harm his reputation enough to warrant a $10 billion defamation case.
The documentary, aired just before the US election in November 2024, spliced excerpts from Trump’s speech to create the impression that he was inciting the January 6 riot by telling supporters he would join them to “fight like hell” at the Capitol. The BBC says it did not tarnish Trump’s reputation enough since he was reelected.
The US president “cannot plausibly claim that the documentary harmed his reputation” as he won the election after its release, the broadcaster’s lawyers argued in a 34-page document submitted to the federal court for the Southern District of Florida. They also maintained that the case should be thrown out since the documentary never aired in the US on the BBC.
“In fact, no third-party distributor aired the documentary in the US,” the court submission said. Blue Ant Media, which purchased licensing rights to distribute the documentary in North America, also said its version did not include the edited speech because it was “cut down.”
The BBC argued that Trump’s side failed to prove that it “knowingly intended to create a false impression” and that the case thus “falls well short of the high bar of actual malice.”
Trump filed the lawsuit in December 2025. He is seeking $5 billion in damages for defamation and an additional $5 billion under Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. His legal team argued that the selective editing “could never have occurred by accident.”
The scandal regarding the documentary led to the resignations of two top BBC executives, director general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness, amid concerns about the corporation’s impartiality. The broadcaster apologized to Trump in November.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/635265-bbc-wants-trump-lawsuit-dropped/
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Hamas meets Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for first time – Reuters
16 Mar, 2026
Hamas has held its first talks with the newly established US‑led Board of Peace, as the postwar Gaza reconstruction plan comes under strain from the Iran war and continued Israeli strikes on the enclave, Reuters has reported.
The Board of Peace – an international body formally established in mid‑January as part of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace roadmap – includes business figures and officials from multiple countries. Critics have questioned its mandate and the absence of Palestinian political representation. The board’s activities have largely been put on hold in recent weeks, as Muslim member states voiced anger over the US‑Israeli bombardment of Iran and debated whether to remain involved.
According to Reuters, citing its sources on Monday, the meeting took place late last week at an undisclosed location in the region and focused on salvaging elements of Trump’s initiative, including a long‑term ceasefire and a reconstruction program overseen by the board. The talks were described as preliminary, with no concrete breakthrough announced.
Hamas officials reportedly used the encounter to demand the reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing with Egypt, which Israel shut following its airstrikes on Iran. The militant group reportedly warned that if Rafah remains closed and humanitarian access is not restored, it could walk away from the ceasefire agreements.
Despite the formal truce that ended Israel’s two‑year war in Gaza last October, the IDF has continued to carry out strikes. At least 12 people, including children, were reportedly killed in attacks on Sunday, adding to a post-ceasefire death toll of more than 600. The overall figures exceed 72,000, according to the enclave’s health officials.
The Gaza war erupted after Hamas‑led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Israel responded with a massive air and ground campaign and a blockade that severely restricted food, fuel and medical supplies, prompting accusations of genocide.
At its inaugural meeting last month, the board pledged more than $7 billion for rebuilding Gaza and promised to deploy thousands of personnel to international stabilization and police forces in the territory. While over two dozen countries have formally joined, major Western powers have mostly declined full membership. Russia has not formally joined but said it had received an invitation and was studying the proposal.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/635218-hamas-gaza-trump-peace-board/
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Cuba suffers nationwide power outage amid US blockade
16 Mar, 2026
Cuba suffered a nationwide power outage on Monday, the Cuban Energy Ministry says, amid a US oil blockade. The blackout left nearly 11 million people without electricity as the blockade strains the country’s aging power stations.
Officials said emergency protocols were activated and that power has since been restored in several areas, including the Faustino Perez Hospital in Matanzas. The Energy Ministry said the cause of the outage is under investigation.
Cuba has experienced prolonged power cuts and fuel shortages since the US threatened to impose sanctions on countries importing oil to the island. US President Donald Trump cited Cuba’s ties with Russia, China, Iran, and pro‑Palestinian armed groups as justification.
In early January, the US launched a commando raid in Venezuela, Cuba’s top oil supplier, capturing President Nicolas Maduro, who Trump accused of running drug cartels. Maduro denied the charges when he was brought before a New York court.
On Friday, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the country is open to dialogue with Washington “without renouncing our principles or sovereignty.” He added that Cuba has not received oil shipments for the past three months due to the “wicked” blockade, which has impacted many, including children in need of medical help.
Russia, China, and the UN have condemned the US blockade as “inhumane,” warning that outages and power cuts disproportionately hurt civilians.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/635264-cuba-blackout-us-blockade/
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Africa
Christian Genocide: Tinubu’s Top Aide Tackles UK Over Silence
March 16, 2026
A senior aide to Bola Ahmed Tinubu has criticised the United Kingdom for what he described as its silence during recent global debates about alleged religious persecution in Nigeria.
The criticism came from Sunday Dare, who made the remarks in an opinion article published ahead of Tinubu’s forthcoming state visit to the UK – the first by a Nigerian president in 37 years.
In the article, Dare suggested that Britain had at times appeared distant when contentious narratives about Nigeria surfaced in international discussions.
“For too long, London has sometimes appeared a detached observer when contentious narratives about Nigeria surface in global discourse – despite possessing perhaps the deepest institutional understanding of the country among Western partners,” Dare wrote.
He argued that Britain could have played a moderating role during recent international debates surrounding allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria.
He said: “Moments such as the recent international debate around allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria illustrate how a measured and informed voice from the United Kingdom could have helped calm tensions at the time, rather than allow speculation to shape perception.”
President Tinubu is expected to arrive in London this week for the state visit.
During the trip, Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, will attend a state banquet hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
The president is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street.
Ahead of the visit, some British lawmakers reportedly urged Prime Minister Starmer to confront Tinubu over concerns about attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief called on the UK government to press Nigeria on religious freedom and human rights issues.
The group’s chairman, Jim Shannon, said Nigeria must take concrete steps to stop the killing of Christians and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
The lawmakers also referenced the case of Leah Sharibu, who was kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2018 and is believed to still be in captivity after reportedly refusing to renounce her Christian faith.
Dare Calls For Diplomatic Reset
Despite the criticism, Dare called for a renewed diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the UK.
“A renewed partnership should therefore mean something more than trade statistics and diplomatic visits,” he wrote.
He described the visit as one of the most significant diplomatic engagements of Tinubu’s presidency.
“This is the first time a Nigerian leader will be berthing on the banks of the Thames on a state visit in nearly four decades.”
According to him, discussions during the trip are expected to focus on investment, security cooperation, technology partnerships and diaspora engagement.
Dare also noted that bilateral trade between Nigeria and the United Kingdom currently stands at approximately £8 billion.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/16/christian-genocide-tinubus-aide-tackles-uk-silence/
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Update: Police Confirm 23 Dead, 108 Injured In Maiduguri Bomb Blasts
March 17, 2026
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Borno State has confirmed that 23 persons were killed and 108 others injured following multiple explosions that rocked Maiduguri on Monday evening.
Authorities described the incident as coordinated suicide attacks carried out in different parts of the state capital.
According to police, the blasts occurred at about 7:24 p.m. and targeted crowded and strategic locations within the metropolis.
The affected areas include the Monday Market Maiduguri, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, preliminary investigations indicated that the attacks were carried out by suspected suicide bombers using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Security authorities said the near-simultaneous explosions across multiple locations raised concerns about evolving tactics by insurgent groups operating in the North-East.
The choice of targets – a major market, a hospital environment and a busy flyover – suggested an attempt to cause mass casualties, create panic and disrupt socio-economic activities in the city.
Following the explosions, a joint team comprising police tactical units, military personnel and other security operatives was deployed to the affected locations.
The areas were quickly secured and cordoned off while the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit conducted sweep operations to ensure no additional explosive devices were left behind.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Abdulmajid, led a high-level assessment visit to the affected sites.
During the visit, he commiserated with victims and their families and assured residents that the police command remained committed to protecting lives and property.
The police chief also announced that enhanced security measures had been activated across the state.
Emergency response teams, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA), worked alongside medical personnel to evacuate victims.
The injured were transported to hospitals in Maiduguri, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Despite the scale of the attacks, authorities said efforts were ongoing to restore normalcy across the city.
Security presence has been significantly increased in Maiduguri and surrounding communities.
Residents have been urged to remain calm but vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements or objects to security agencies.
The police command also commended residents for their cooperation and resilience while reiterating its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the state.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/17/update-police-confirm-23-dead-108-injured-in-maiduguri-bomb-blasts/
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Sudan paramilitary launches two-pronged attack on Kordofan
March 16, 2026
KHARTOUM: Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces launched coordinated attacks on Monday in the Kordofan region in a bid to isolate a strategic city, while also carrying out assaults on towns along the border with Chad, paramilitary and army sources said.
Paramilitary fighters simultaneously hit the North Kordofan city of Bara, according to a paramilitary source, as well as the South Kordofan city of Dilling, according to another from the army, striking two stepping stones on the way to the major hub of El-Obeid.
Kordofan is currently the fiercest battlefield in the three-year war between the army and the paramilitary that has killed tens of thousands and created the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises.
Near-daily drone strikes kill dozens at a time across the region, where hundreds of thousands are threatened by mass starvation.
The paramilitary source said “our forces have recaptured Bara,” which lies on a key highway linking the army-held capital Khartoum with El-Obeid, Kordofan’s biggest city.
Bara — a key staging post for attacks on El-Obeid — has repeatedly changed hands, most recently falling to the army earlier this month.
Some 200 kilometers south, the paramilitary and their local allies attacked the South Kordofan city of Dilling “from three axes,” an army source said.
The army broke a years-long paramilitary siege on Dilling in January, and the paramilitary has launched artillery and drone strikes on it since.
“Our forces repelled the attack launched by the paramilitary and Abdelaziz Al-Hilu’s forces,” the army source said, referring to a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North.
Halfway between Bara and Dilling lies El-Obeid, which the paramilitary has been trying to encircle again ever since the army broke a siege there last year.
Its capture would secure Sudan’s central east-west axis, linking paramilitary strongholds in the Darfur region to the army-controlled east and bringing the paramilitary closer to Khartoum.
Last year, the paramilitary consolidated its hold on the west by seizing North Darfur state capital El-Fasher, going on to commit what a UN probe determined were “acts of genocide” there.
It has since pushed west to the Chadian border, through enclaves controlled by the Joint Forces, a group of pro-army militias.
Paramilitary fighters again attacked the border town of Al-Tina and nearby Kernoi on Monday, a source from the Joint Forces said.
Tens of thousands have already fled across the border, and the UN’s famine experts have warned thresholds for acute malnutrition have been surpassed in Kernoi and surrounding areas.
The two militias have repeatedly wrestled for control of Al-Tina, the twin town of Tine in Chad, which closed the border last month.
In successive border clashes, 15 Chadian soldiers and eight civilians have been killed since December, according to an AFP count.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636611/middle-east
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Ramadan: Jigawa distributes 600 rice bags to Islamic scholars
March 17, 2026
The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education has distributed 600 bags of rice to Islamic scholars and Tsangaya schools in Jigawa State as part of Ramadan palliatives.
Arewa PUNCH gathered that the distribution, facilitated through the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, took place at the NUJ Secretariat, Dutse, the Jigawa State capital as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at easing hardship during the fasting period.
Speaking during the distribution which held on Monday, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sani Idris said, “The gesture underscores the present administration’s dedication to supporting those who dedicate their lives to Islamic education.”
The Executive Secretary, represented at the event by the Jigawa State Coordinator, Abubakar Elleman, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the welfare of Tsangaya teachers and out-of-school children.
He stated that the gesture underscores the present administration’s dedication to supporting those who dedicate their lives to Islamic education.
In her remarks, Ambassador (Dr) Fatima Mohammed Goni, the founder of the Grassroots Mobiliser for Better Nigeria Initiative expressed profound satisfaction within the Commission’s efforts.
Represented by the North-West Zonal Coordinator of the Initiative Abbas Wangara, Dr. Goni commended the focused approach of Dr. Mohammed Sani Idris in addressing the challenges facing Tsangaya schools and out-of-school children education in Nigeria.
He explained that the leadership of Dr. Mohammed Sani Idris has brought a new lease of life to the Almajiri education system.
“This palliative distribution during Ramadan is a testament to his compassion and the commitment of the Commission to the well-being of Islamic scholars,” he added.
The beneficiaries, who included Alarammas and representatives from various Tsangaya schools across the state, prayed for the continued success of the President and the leadership of the Commission.
Mallam Ahmed Musa, a 61-year-old Islamic scholar and a beneficiary of the gesture, while speaking with our correspondent, said, “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for this generous gift from the government. As an Alaramma, I’ve dedicated my life to teaching the Quran, and this rice will go a long way in helping me and my students during this Ramadan period.
“May Allah bless President Tinubu and the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education.”
Another beneficiary, Alaramma Fatihu Umar, declared, “This is a timely relief for me and my fellow students at the Tsangaya school. We’ve been struggling to make ends meet, especially during Ramadan.”
He maintained, “We’re grateful to the government for thinking of us and praying that Allah rewards them abundantly. The Commission’s effort is a beacon of hope for us.”
Source: punchng.com
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https://punchng.com/ramadan-jigawa-distributes-600-rice-bags-to-islamic-scholars/
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Insecurity fuelled by poor governance, not Sharia – Ex-Reps member
March 17, 2026
Umar Sani
A former member of the House of Representatives from Bauchi State, Muhammad Danmaliki, has faulted a recent report by a United States lawmaker alleging genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
Danmaliki, while trying to set the records straight, said in his estimation, the country’s insecurity stems from the government’s failure to tackle criminality rather than the application of Sharia law.
Danmaliki made the remarks during a press briefing on Thursday while reacting to a report presented by U.S. Congressman Riley Moore to former U.S. President Donald Trump, which called for the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws in Nigeria under the banner of protecting Christians.
According to the former lawmaker, the claim that Christians are facing genocide in Northern Nigeria is “false and misleading,” stressing that the country is confronting a broader security breakdown that affects both Muslims and Christians.
“I hereby condemn the report and all claims of genocide against Christians in Northern Nigeria. Nigeria is not experiencing any Christian genocide in any part of the country,” Danmaliki said.
He noted that several religious and political leaders had also rejected the genocide narrative, including Islamic scholar Ahmad Gumi, the Vatican under Pope Francis, and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah.
Danmaliki added that the Federal Government of Nigeria, the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, as well as traditional rulers across the country, had also dismissed the genocide label.
He explained that the country’s insecurity is largely driven by insurgency, banditry, kidnapping networks, governance challenges, and the proliferation of weapons across the Sahel region.
“The whole world knows the reality on the ground. It is a security breakdown, not religious extermination,” he said.
While listing insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province among the drivers of violence in the country, the former lawmaker argued that both Muslims and Christians have suffered significant casualties from the ongoing crisis, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions.
Danmaliki also defended the operation of Sharia law in Northern Nigeria, noting that it applies only to Muslims and operates within the framework of the Nigerian Constitution through Sharia courts established by state governments.
According to him, non-Muslims are not subject to Sharia criminal law and retain full access to conventional courts.
“Sharia in Nigeria applies only to Muslims. It exists within the Nigerian Constitution and does not bind Christians,” he said.
He further argued that Sharia courts often provide faster and less expensive adjudication in civil matters, which sometimes attracts voluntary participation from non-Muslims in disputes involving Muslim parties.
As a result, Danmaliki cautioned foreign governments against interfering in Nigeria’s legal and religious systems, stressing that the country’s sovereignty must be respected.
“The call to abolish Sharia law in Nigeria crosses from advocacy into interference. No foreign government has the mandate to redesign Nigeria’s religious framework,” he cautioned.
While acknowledging that Nigeria faces a serious security crisis, the former lawmaker warned that framing the violence as a Christian-Muslim war could deepen sectarian tensions and undermine peacebuilding efforts.
He urged international partners to focus on practical measures such as security reforms, counter-terror financing, border control cooperation, and intelligence sharing to address the root causes of the crisis.
“Nigeria’s tragedy is real, and the victims are real, but the genocide narrative is false. Justice must be universal, and diplomacy must be balanced,” he insisted.
Source: punchng.com
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https://punchng.com/insecurity-fuelled-by-poor-governance-not-sharia-ex-reps-member/
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Northern Nigeria: after years of calm, jihadists attacked Maiduguri city
March 17, 2026
Suspected jihadists launched an overnight attack on a Nigerian military post on the outskirts of Maiduguri, a key northeastern city that had not seen such violence in years, police, emergency services and residents said Monday.
"At about 12:15 am this morning, we started hearing gunshots coming from the military base. Later, we realised it was an attack by insurgents believed to be Boko Haram," Ajilari Cross resident Mustapha Aminu told AFP.
The attack occurred around midnight in the Ajilari Cross district, a southwestern suburb of Maiduguri and just a few kilometres (miles) from the city's airport. Residents and emergency services said the military quickly repelled the attackers. The neighbourhood was calm on Monday morning, AFP journalists saw. Another attack was reported in Damboa local government area, south of Maiduguri.
Police said the incidents followed "widespread reports of sporadic gunshots and explosions" and were a result of "attempted infiltrations by suspected" Boko Haram/ISWAP militants.
"In a swift and coordinated response, joint security operatives who were already on heightened alert engaged the insurgents and successfully repelled the attacks, forcing the terrorists to retreat," police spokesman Nahum Kenneth Daso said in a statement.
He said no casualties were recorded among the military or civilians, adding the insurgents were believed to have suffered casualties.
An emergency services spokesman in Borno state, whose capital is Maiduguri, told AFP they had received "reports of attacks" by non-state armed groups and that these had been "repelled by the military", with no civilian casualties reported. Residents reported four deaths on the attackers' side.
"We counted four corpses of the attackers," he said. Another resident, Yakaka Ali Gana, said: "This is the first time attackers have stormed our community and attacked the military base." The military has yet to comment.
Fragile calm ruptured
Maiduguri, once the scene of shootings and bombings, had been relatively calm in recent years, with attacks peaking in the mid-2010s. The last major attack dates back to 2021, when Boko Haram jihadists fired mortars at the city, killing 10 people.
In December, an unclaimed bombing killed at least seven people in a city mosque. But in the countryside surrounding Maiduguri, violence has continued.
Fighters from Boko Haram and rival jihadist group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have recently stepped up attacks on military bases in northeastern Nigeria.
Their 16-year campaign to establish a caliphate in the country has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million.
Last week, the army confirmed "coordinated attacks" on several military bases in the northeast, which killed at least 14 people, including 10 soldiers, according to local civilian and military sources.
Last month, the United States began deploying troops to Nigeria to provide technical and training support to the country's soldiers in fighting jihadist groups.
The US Africa Command said 200 troops were expected to join the deployment overall.
The deployment came after US President Donald Trump said the violence amounted to the "persecution" of Christians - a framing long used by the US religious and political right wing.
Nigeria's government and many independent experts say Christians and Muslims alike are the victims of the country's violence.
Source: africanews.com
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FG Moves To Evacuate Nigerians From Middle-East Crisis Zones
March 17, 2026
The Federal Government has said it is working on administrative procedures and the release of funds to evacuate Nigerians affected by the ongoing crisis in parts of the Middle East.
The move follows rising tensions in the region triggered by missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, which have heightened security concerns across several Gulf countries.
The hostilities intensified after coordinated military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that preparations were underway.
He told journalists that the government was finalising the necessary administrative processes and funding arrangements before commencing evacuation.
“The government is working out the necessary administrative details and the release of funds to commence evacuation,” Ebienfa told The PUNCH.
Concerns had earlier been raised about the safety of Nigerians stranded in countries including Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar after regional hostilities disrupted flights and travel plans.
Officials said the evacuation of Nigerians from Iran presents complex logistical challenges.
According to the ministry, the process involves transporting stranded Nigerian students from various universities to the Armenian border while meeting entry conditions set by the Armenia.
The government is also exploring different evacuation options, including deploying aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force, although the volatile security situation has made flight arrangements difficult.
Ebienfa also disclosed that many Nigerians stranded in Qatar were mainly transit passengers whose flights had been disrupted by the crisis.
He explained that most of them were being supported by their airlines and were gradually returning home.
“Qatar Airways has started operating flights to Nigeria. There was a flight to Lagos today (Monday) from Doha,” he said.
“So, in a few days, the category of Nigerians stranded due to transit flights that were affected by the crisis will all be in Nigeria.”
He added that some affected Nigerians had already travelled through flights to Cairo and Nairobi.
Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones launched from Iran.
The ministry said the defence systems engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones on March 14 as part of a wave of attacks since the start of what it described as Iranian aggression.
Authorities confirmed that six people were killed and more than 140 others injured during the attacks, including residents and foreign workers from multiple countries.
Ebienfa confirmed that a Nigerian injured in the attacks had already received treatment.
“The Nigerian who was injured has been treated and discharged,” he said.
Officials said the casualties involved individuals from several countries, including Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.
Iran Offers Support To Evacuate Nigerians
The Iran government has expressed willingness to assist Nigerian authorities in facilitating the safe departure of Nigerians who may wish to leave the country.
The Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, said Tehran remained committed to protecting foreign nationals, including Nigerians living in the country.
He said the Embassy of Nigeria Tehran had already begun assisting Nigerians and remained in contact with members of the Nigerian community.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to cooperate in facilitating the departure of Nigerian nationals if they wish to leave the country,” Raja said.
The ambassador noted that Iran’s land borders with neighbouring countries remained open and were already being used by foreign nationals to exit the country.
According to Raja, several hundred Nigerians currently reside in Iran, many of them students studying in universities under scholarship programmes.
Others are engaged in small-scale commercial activities.
He explained that the exact number of Nigerians in Iran remains uncertain because not all citizens formally register with the Nigerian embassy.
Emirates Suspends Flights To Dubai
Meanwhile, Emirates Airline has again announced the temporary suspension of all flights to and from Dubai International Airport.
The airline advised passengers not to travel to the airport until further notice as authorities continue to assess the security situation.
The suspension followed guidance from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, which grounded flights amid rising regional tensions.
“Customers are reminded not to travel to the airport at this time and to continue checking this page for the latest updates,” the airline said.
The disruption has created uncertainty for thousands of travellers who rely on Dubai as a major transit hub, including many Nigerians travelling to international destinations.
Several conferences, business meetings and tourism activities linked to travel to Dubai have also been affected, with some events cancelled or relocated to other destinations.
Travel agents said many Nigerian passengers who purchased tickets earlier were still awaiting refunds or new travel arrangements following the prolonged disruption.
Source: naijanews.com
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Southeast Asia
Rising flight costs spark talks with Tabung Haji on Malaysian haj pilgrims’ welfare
16 Mar 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 — The government will hold talks with Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) today to review the rising cost of flights and the safety of Malaysian haj pilgrims this year, following the conflict in West Asia.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Zulkifli Hasan, said the talks will also involve a special committee previously set up by TH to assess all implications, including costs, pricing, and safety.
“Yesterday, I mentioned that Tabung Haji had already set up a special committee to investigate this matter. Today, I will meet with them. Insya-Allah, Tabung Haji has done the necessary calculations, and we will ensure the best for our haj pilgrims,” he said.
He made the remarks after launching the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council’s (MAIWP) Rahmah Madani Ramadan 2026/1447H shopping programme for Raya clothes and essentials today.
He added that the issue will also be referred to the Cabinet special committee to secure the best possible outcome for Malaysian pilgrims.
Commenting on Malaysia’s haj quota, Zulkifli said it remains unchanged, as set by the Malaysian and Saudi Arabian governments.
“Therefore, the public is encouraged to check with us or Tabung Haji, and we will keep them updated as developments unfold,” he said.
On Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said TH is negotiating with airlines to ensure flight ticket costs for Malaysian haj pilgrims are not affected by global fuel price uncertainties caused by geopolitical tensions in West Asia. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Malaysia’s stability hinges on national unity, says PM Anwar
17 Mar 2026
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasises that Malaysia’s true stability is built on people’s unity and a shared commitment to prosperity amid challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia’s genuine stability is founded on the unity of its people.
He said this shared commitment is crucial for building a prosperous and resilient nation facing both domestic and global challenges.
Anwar made these remarks in a Facebook post reflecting on his recent working visit to Sabah.
He described meeting people from all walks of life, including local leaders, civil servants, small traders, and young people.
“The youth are the driving hope for the state and the nation,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that Sabah serves as a reminder of Malaysia’s core strength.
“Sabah reminds us that Malaysia’s strength lies not only in its resources but also in the harmony of its people,” he stated.
He highlighted that this harmony exists within a spirit of consensus and mutual respect.
Anwar also reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s ongoing commitment to fulfilling the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
He said this commitment is for the well-being of all people in the nation.
During his visit, the Prime Minister attended several official events.
These included the opening of the 2026 National Consumer Day Celebration and the Mini Keadilan Convention.
He also officiated the Sabah State-Level Branch Annual General Meeting.
His itinerary concluded with a visit to a Ramadan Bazaar at the University Apartments in Sepanggar.
The trip ended with his attendance at the MADANI Iftar Ceremony with the people of Sabah.
Source: thesun.my
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Mosque Explosion in Jember Triggers Panic During Tarawih Prayer
March 17, 2026
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Residents of Pesona Regency Husing Complex in the Patrang District, Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia, were shocked by an explosion that occurred in the mosque during the tarawih prayer. The explosion caused panic among the congregation and residents.
"The explosion was quite loud and could be heard in the neighboring village," said the mosque caretaker, Muhammad Fadil, early Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as quoted from Antara.
According to Fadil, the explosion occurred around 7:30 PM local time during the tarawih prayer. It happened near the men's ablution area, causing damage to the ceiling and bookshelves in the mosque. As a result of the explosion, the congregation panicked and rushed outside the mosque.
Fadil mentioned that there were no casualties from the explosion, but one worshipper was taken to the hospital due to hearing impairment. "One person was taken to the Emergency Unit at RSUD dr. Soebandi because of suspected hearing loss," he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Jember Police Commissioner, Angga Riatma, stated that they immediately went to the location after receiving information from the public. "The police immediately secured the location and conducted an investigation into the cause of the explosion," he said early Tuesday.
Angga mentioned that they established a perimeter at the mosque and advised the public not to approach as the Jember Police brought in a bomb disposal unit. "We cannot yet conclude the cause of the explosion and are still processing the crime scene," he added.
The police set up a cordon at the mosque and asked the mosque authorities to temporarily suspend activities in the interest of safety.
The Chief of the East Java Regional Police Inspector General Nanang Avianto arrived at the scene early Tuesday around 3:00 AM local time. Accompanied by the Chief of Jember Police, Senior Commissioner Bobby Adimas Condroputra, they observed the area around the mosque, which was being investigated by the Bomb Squad (Jibom) Gegana of the East Java Regional Police. However, there was no statement from Nanang about the explosion.
Source: tempo.co
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Activist Arun Dorasamy pleads not guilty to Instagram video calling for protest against preacher Zamri Vinoth
17 Mar 2026
NIBONG TEBAL, March 17 — Activist Arun Dorasamy, whose real name is Arumugam Dorasamy, pleaded not guilty at the Jawi Magistrate’s Court here today to a charge of making statements with the intent to cause public alarm via his Instagram account last year.
The 56-year-old is accused of making a statement that was seen and heard by an individual, with the intention of inciting public alarm and potentially prompting offences against public order.
The alleged incident took place at a shopping centre in Batu Kawan, South Seberang Perai, at 3.45 pm on March 12, 2025.
The video in question reportedly called on a Hindu religious association, Pertubuhan Hindu Agamam Ani Malaysia, to organise a street protest if no action was taken against independent preacher Zamri Vinoth over a controversial video involving three local radio presenters accused of mocking a religious festival.
The charge was framed under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.
The prosecution was led by Penang Director of Prosecutions Nazran Mohd Sham, alongside Deputy Public Prosecutor Airina Syazreen Zainurin. They proposed bail at RM5,000 with one surety, a sum agreed upon by the defence team comprising lawyers T. Gunaselaan, Balwant Singh Purba and Dickson Ng.
Magistrate Nurul Aina Ahmad granted bail at RM5,000 with one surety and fixed June 22 for mention.
Arun posted the bail. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Federal Territory Mosque launches ‘Barakah Pit Stop’ for riders
17 Mar 2026
The Federal Territory Mosque in Kuala Lumpur offers a dedicated rest stop for motorcyclists and p-hailing riders, providing free refreshments and phone charging during Ramadan
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territory Mosque here has launched a special initiative called the “Barakah Pit Stop” to provide a dedicated resting facility for motorcyclists and p-hailing delivery riders.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the initiative offers free phone charging as well as complimentary food and drinks during Ramadan.
“I understand their hardship because I once rode a motorcycle to work myself,” he said in a Facebook post today.
“That is why the mosque is seen as the best place for them to stop by, rest their bodies, calm their souls, and draw closer to Allah SWT.”
He also extended his gratitude to the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), the mosque’s management, and the Pertubuhan Kebajikan Prihatin Insan Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor (Pekerti) for their commitment to the initiative.
Zulkifli added that MAIWP also presented a cheque for RM105,000 to Pekerti to ensure the programme’s success and that zakat benefits reach those in need directly.
“God willing, this effort will be expanded to other mosques so that more people will stop by the house of Allah and reap its blessings,” he said.
Source: thesun.my
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Anwar says Intel boss Tan Lip Bu has outlined Malaysia investment, advanced complex to start later this year
17 Mar 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 — Intel’s investment in Malaysia is set to expand, with its advanced packaging complex and assembly manufacturing expected to be operational later this year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I received a briefing yesterday from Intel Corporation chief executive officer, Tan Lip Bu, and his team on the latest developments regarding Intel’s investment expansion in Malaysia,” Anwar said in his social media post.
The discussion focused on efforts to support the development of the advanced packaging complex, and assembly and test manufacturing, key components of Intel’s investment expansion in Malaysia, the Prime Minister said.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said Intel Foundry executive vice president and general manager, Naga Chandrasekaran, outlined plans to begin the first phase of the complex with assembly and testing for advanced packaging.
“I welcome Intel’s decision to start operations at the complex later this year,” Anwar said.
Emphasis was also placed on continuous training and upskilling of local talent across the value chain, which is important in the government’s efforts to generate high-value jobs in line with the aspirations of the Madani Economy.
“The Madani Government machinery will continue to be a partner and facilitator for investments that clearly provide long-term benefits, as targeted in the plans that have been launched, including the National Semiconductor Strategy,” the post said. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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PKR MPs urge govt to clarify status of US agreement
17 Mar 2026
PKR backbenchers urge government to clarify the ART trade agreement’s status, warning that uncertainty poses legal and political risks for Malaysia.
PETALING JAYA: PKR backbenchers have called on the government to urgently clarify the status of the Malaysia-United States Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), adding that uncertainty could expose the country to legal and political risks.
In a joint statement yesterday, the MPs said the entire process must be transparent.
“As we have previously urged (including in our media statement dated Feb 23), the ART process must be handled transparently,” they said, reiterating their call to suspend ratification until US tariff challenges are resolved.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry said the agreement became null and void following legal developments in the United States, rather than being formally terminated.
The MPs also said minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani’s latest announcement failed to address key questions, including whether Malaysia has formally written to Washington and if the United States has responded.
They urged Putrajaya to clarify both governments’ positions, adding that unresolved issues could invite differing interpretations, especially under a future US administration.
The MPs called on the ministry to issue a clearer statement reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to active neutrality and free, fair trade.
The statement was signed by Subang MP Wong Chen, Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Sungai Siput MP Kesavan Subramaniam, Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail and Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan.
Source: thesun.my
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South Asia
Islamic Emirate’s Forces Response to Pakistani Military Regime Defines Solemn Eid for the Nation
March 17, 2026
Abdul Samad Rohani, a resident of Uruzgan, while condemning the Pakistani attacks, added that while Muslims around the world are engaged in Ramadan worship, the Pakistani regime has launched attacks on Afghan civilians, yet its government still considers itself Islamic.
According to him, there are Afghans fighting against Pakistan whose experience in warfare is as old as the creation of Pakistan itself.
He stated that this year, the Pakistani regime has stolen the joy of Eid al-Fitr from both themselves and the Afghans.
He added, “While Muslims worldwide are observing Ramadan, Pakistani forces are attacking civilian areas. This has wounded the hearts of Afghans and enraged the people.”
The Afghan Defense Minister stated that they have held face-to-face talks with Pakistan multiple times, but they are not a people of dialogue; instead, they want to target Afghan civilians to complete their agenda.
Mawlavi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid remarked that the only benefit of Pakistan’s war for us was that it united all Afghans.
He further added that the people of Pakistan must understand that our war is not against them. He stated, “As an Afghan, I do not advocate for war, nor did I start it; rather, it has been imposed upon us.”
He noted that Pakistan has two choices: the option of dialogue or the option of a prolonged war.
The recent escalation of violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan has once again put the relations between the two countries to a severe test.
Although Afghan officials assert that the war has been imposed on them and that they have launched retaliatory operations to defend their territory, they simultaneously emphasize that the door to dialogue remains open to resolve the issue.
On the other hand, the reactions of ordinary Afghans indicate that anti-Pakistan sentiments have intensified significantly, with public support for the government being expressed across various provinces.
Analysts believe that if political and diplomatic channels are not utilized between the two countries, this crisis could become prolonged and have a profound impact on the security and stability of the region.
Overall, Pakistan’s actions suggest that it aims to act as a proxy army for America, similar to Israel, and thereby destabilize the region.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/islamic-emirates-forces-response-to-pakistani-military-regime-defines-solemn-eid-for-the-nation/
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Beijing Calls for Dialogue Between Kabul and Islamabad to Ease Conflict
By Fidel Rahmati
March 17, 2026
China’s Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the Taliban and Pakistan will engage in face-to-face talks as soon as possible to de-escalate ongoing tensions.
Pakistani airstrikes over the past two weeks have targeted multiple provinces in Afghanistan, including Nangarhar and Kabul. Taliban officials claim the strikes on Kabul’s addiction hospital killed around 400 and injured 250, while Pakistan says it targeted militant depots.
The Taliban have responded with drone attacks and assaults on Pakistani border posts, escalating cross-border conflict and raising fears of wider instability in the region.
China has actively sought to mediate the dispute, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi engaging with both Taliban and Pakistani counterparts, and special envoys visiting Kabul and Islamabad.
Humanitarian concerns are mounting as civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, faces risks from the ongoing airstrikes, with international organizations urging restraint.
China reiterated its commitment to facilitating dialogue and an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing that the conflict should be resolved through negotiation to protect civilians and regional security.
Pakistani airstrikes hit Kabul on Monday night, with Taliban officials claiming a rehabilitation hospital for addicts was struck, causing heavy civilian casualties. They said around 400 people were killed and 250 injured in the attack.
In eastern Afghanistan, Pakistani strikes also targeted Nangarhar province, including areas around Jalalabad and nearby districts. Pakistan said the operations focused on militant hideouts and ammunition depots.
Source: khaama.com
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UN Calls for Reduction of Tensions Between Kabul and Islamabad
By Fidel Rahmati
March 17, 2026
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, called on both the Taliban and Pakistan to reduce tensions following recent airstrikes in Afghanistan that resulted in civilian casualties.
In a post on X, Bennett expressed his distress over reports of the Pakistani airstrike in Kabul on Monday night, which reportedly killed and injured several civilians. He also conveyed his condolences to the victims and their families.
Bennett emphasized that all parties must respect international law and avoid actions that endanger civilian lives.
The UN official further highlighted the importance of protecting non-military infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and other civilian facilities, during any military operations.
Reports indicate that Pakistan conducted multiple airstrikes in Kabul and surrounding areas in recent days, claiming they targeted militant hideouts, but local authorities confirmed civilian casualties. These developments have heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and drawn concern from international organizations.
The Taliban claimed the strike killed around 400 people and injured 250, raising serious concerns about civilian safety. Bennett expressed distress over the reported casualties and called for adherence to international law.
Bennett’s call reflects growing international concern over cross-border strikes and their humanitarian impact. The UN urges both sides to engage in dialogue, uphold international norms, and ensure the safety of Afghan civilians.
Source: khaama.com
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MoIC Holds Quran’s Revelation Celebration, Islamic Art Exhibition in Kabul
March 17, 2026
KABUL: The Deputy Ministry of Culture and Arts of the Ministry of Information and Culture organized a grand celebration of the Quran’s revelation along with an Islamic art exhibition at the Queen’s Palace of Bagh-e-Baber.
The event was attended by Mawlavi Atiqullah Azizi, Deputy of Culture and Arts, Mufti Mohammad Taher Kohbandi, Director General of Preserving Jihadi Heritage, Dr. Rafiullah Samim, head of public libraries, educators, cultural figures, writers, journalists, and media representatives, the ministry said in a statement on Monday.
The program aimed to honor the Quran, strengthen Muslims’ connection with the holy book, promote Quranic culture, and familiarize the public with its teachings for personal and social guidance, the statement said.
Mawlavi Atiqullah Azizi spoke about the spiritual significance of the Quran, the holy month of Ramadan, and the Night of Qadr, highlighting that one night of Ramadan is equal in reward to a thousand months.
Meanwhile, Mufti Mohammad Taher Kohbandi described the Quran as a book free of doubt and a guide for the pious, revealed during the blessed month of Ramadan on the Night of Qadr.
He added that programs like these help raise public awareness and strengthen religious knowledge among Muslims.
Dr. Rafiullah Samim, head of public libraries, shared detailed insights about Quranic interpretations and noted that at the time of the Quran’s revelation, poetry, eloquence, and rhetoric reached their peak, yet no one could produce a text comparable to the Quran.
The ceremony also featured soul-stirring recitations by Quran memorization experts, which captivated the audience. Attendees further enjoyed a display of Islamic artworks, showcasing the richness of Afghanistan’s artistic and religious heritage.
The event reflected ongoing efforts to promote Islamic knowledge, cultural awareness, and appreciation for the Quran among the Afghan population.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/moic-holds-qurans-revelation-celebration-islamic-art-exhibition-in-kabul/
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Four Civilians Martyred, Nine Injured in Pak Military Regime’s Artillery Strikes
March 17, 2026
KABUL: At least four civilians were martyred and nine others injured following fresh artillery and mortar attacks by Pakistani military regime’s forces targeting the country’s several provinces along the hypothetical Durand Line in the past day.
Hamdullah Fitrat, the Deputy Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, said in a statement on Monday that the Pakistani military regime’s shelling struck residential areas in Nuristan, Khost, Kunar, and Paktika Provinces.
The areas reportedly affected include Kamdesh district in Nuristan, Ali Sher and Zazi Maidan districts in Khost, Nari district in Kunar, and Barmal and Shkin districts in Paktika.
“In the Afghan Dubi area of Spera district in Khost, mortar and artillery fire hit civilian homes late at night, killing two children and injuring two other people. Several houses were also damaged in the attack. In another incident in the ninth security zone of Ali Sher–Terezai district, artillery shells struck the Landro and Qadmo areas, injuring two women and another local resident,” Fitrat said.
He also said that Zazi Maidan district’s market, a nearby central clinic, and the village of Atakhel were struck by artillery fire in the evening. Four people, including two women and two men, were wounded, with two of them reportedly in critical condition.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Congratulatory Message of Shaikh-ul-Quran wal-Hadith, Mawlavi Hibatullah Akhundzada (May Allah Protect Him), on the Arrival of the Auspicious Eid al-Fitr
March 17, 2026
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Allah Almighty says: Indeed, successful is the one who purifies himself, remembers the name of his Lord (Rabb), and performs the prayer. (Tafsir-e Kabuli).
It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Every action of a person is multiplied tenfold, up to seven hundred times, Allah Almighty says: Except for fasting, which is for Me, and I shall reward it. The fasting person leaves his desires and food for My sake. Fasting brings two joys: one at the time of breaking the fast, and another upon meeting the Lord (Rabb). The smell of the fasting person’s mouth is more fragrant to Allah than the scent of musk. Fasting is a shield. On the day one of you fasts, he should neither speak obscenely nor act ignorantly. If someone insults him or fights with him, let him say: ‘I am fasting.’
To the Faithful and Mujahid Nation of Afghanistan, and to Muslims around the world!
On the occasion of the arrival of the auspicious Eid-ul Fitr, I extend my congratulations to you; the Mujahid and devout people of Afghanistan; and to all Muslims around the world. I pray to Allah Almighty to accept our and your fasts, prayers, and other acts of worship and services performed during the blessed month of Ramadan. May Allah Almighty, keep all of us steadfast on the path of piety, sincerity, and perseverance, and grant us success and happiness in both this world and the Hereafter.
Respected Muslim Brothers!
Allah Almighty has made the blessed month of Ramadan a month of patience, piety, and social compassion. Allah Almighty says: “O you who have believed! Fasting has been made obligatory upon you just as it was made obligatory upon those before you (the previous nations and prophets), so that you may protect yourselves from wrongdoing (sins), indeed, fasting weakens the power of desires.”
It is narrated from Salman Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him) that on the last day of Shaban, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) delivered a sermon to us and said:“O people! A great and blessed month has come over you, a month in which there is a night better than a thousand months. Allah Almighty has made fasting during this month obligatory, while the worship performed in it has been made as (Nafl). Whoever seeks closeness to Allah by performing a good deed in this month will receive a reward like that of performing an obligatory act in other months. And whoever performs an obligatory act in this month will receive a reward equal to that of seventy obligatory acts performed in other months.
It is the month of patience, and the reward for patience is Paradise. It is the month of compassion and sympathy. It is a month in which the provision of the believer is increased. Whoever provides a fasting person with food for breaking his fast will have his sins forgiven and will be saved from the Hellfire, and he will receive the same reward as the fasting person without decreasing the fasting person’s reward in the least.
We asked: O Messenger of Allah! Not all of us have enough to offer food to a fasting person for breaking the fast.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) replied: Allah grants this reward to the one who provides a fasting person with even a sip of milk, a date, or a drink of water. Whoever satisfies a fasting person in this way, Allah will grant them a drink from My Basin (Hawd), such that they will never feel thirst again until they enter Paradise.
This month’s beginning is mercy, its middle is forgiveness, and its end is liberation from the Hellfire. Whoever eases the burden of their servant during this month, Allah will forgive them and free them from the Hellfire.
With the completion of the sacred month of Ramadan, today is the blessed day on which Muslims give Zakat-ul Fitr (Sarsaya) and perform the Eid-ul Fitr prayer, as Allah Almighty says:
Indeed, successful is the one who purifies himself, remembers the name of his Lord (Rabb), and performs the prayer. (Tafsir-e Kabuli)
Here, “Tazkiyah” (purification) refers to Zakat-ul Fitr (charity), “Zikr” (remembrance) refers to the Takbirs of Eid, and “prayer” refers to the Eid prayer. Thus, on the day of Eid, first give the Zakat-ul Fitr, then recite the takbirs, and perform the Eid prayer. (Tafsir-e Kabuli) and on this day, Muslims also express joy and happiness. Therefore, you should strive to pay Zakat-ul Fitr, and wealthy Muslims should assist widows, orphans, and needy families; especially poor neighbors; through charity and financial help, so that they too may celebrate the blessed nights and days of Eid with joy and happiness.
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: When the Prophet (peace be upon him) arrived in Madinah, the people of Madinah had two days during which they used to celebrate (The festivals, which were called Nawruz and Mehrjan). The Prophet asked: What are these two days? They replied: We used to celebrate them during the time of ignorance. The Messenger of Allah said: Allah has replaced them with two better days for you: the Day of Sacrifice (Eid-ul Adha) and the Day of Breaking the Fast (Eid-ul Fitr). (Narrated by Abu Dawud). Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) made Zakat-ul Fitr obligatory as a purification for fasting from useless and indecent speech and as food for the needy people. (Narrated by Abu Dawud)
Respected Muslim Brothers!
Today we are in a day when Allah forgives people’s sins and accepts their supplications. Therefore, you should pray for the protection and steadfastness of your Muslim brothers, especially the Supreme Leader, the Mujahideen, and the officials, and for the continuity of the Islamic Sharia system. In honor of the blessed days and nights of Eid, remove hatred, resentment, and grudges from your hearts. Forgive one another and exchange Eid greetings. As Allah Almighty says: “Those who spend (in the way of Allah); whether in prosperity or in hardship; and who restrain their anger (even though they have the power to act) and pardon others, Allah loves the doers of good. (Tafsir-e Kabuli).”
Dear Compatriots!
Under the umbrella of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the Ministry of Vice and Virtue and Complaints Handling is striving to prevent all forms of corruption, as Allah Almighty says: “O nation of Muhammad! You are the best nation brought forth for mankind: you enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah. (Tafsir-e Kabuli)
The inspectors of the Ministry of Vice and Virtue and Complaints Handling, through their efforts and dedication, are working to reform people and society. As a result, the level of wrongdoing has decreased. One of the major objectives of the Islamic system is to prevent corruption in society. When corruption is eliminated, our lives become prosperous, our dignity remains protected, our honor preserved, and people experience the beauty of Islam and the mercy of Allah. All organizations of the Islamic Emirate, as well as the general public, should cooperate with and support the Ministry of Vice and Virtue and Complaints Handling, so that we should have a society free from corruption and sedition, and so that our future generations are not victims of false beliefs, harmful customs, and immoral behavior.
In preventing the aforementioned corruptions, it becomes the responsibility of all respected scholars to fully cooperate in correcting the beliefs of the youth and in preventing sinful acts, and to fulfill their religious duties, so that all decrees and laws of the Islamic Emirate, and particularly the law of enjoining good and forbidding evil, are explained to more people and implemented in practice.
Dear Muslim Brothers!
Praise be to Allah that through His grace and the sacrifices of the Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate, the people of Afghanistan today live in greater security than ever before. Security is a great divine blessing, and we must constantly thank Allah for it. As Allah Almighty says: “And [remember, O Muhammad!] when Ibrahim said: My Lord (Rabb), make this a secure city (the city in which I built the Kabah) and provide its people with fruits; those among them who believe in Allah and the Last Day (Qiyamah).”
Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) first prayed for the security of Makkah before asking for its prosperity. This shows that security is a fundamental divine blessing that precedes other blessings.
Therefore, you should strongly support and stand by your security forces and Mujahideen, because the peace we enjoy today is the result of their day-and-night sacrifices and efforts.
Dear Mujahid Brothers!
After nearly four decades of severe wars; and especially after the adversities caused by the Western World led by the United States; with the grace and support of Allah, and through the Jihad, sacrifices, patience, and perseverance of the Afghan people, we have reached the stage of victory, general security, and stability.
Allah Almighty has blessed us with an Islamic Sharia system and security instead of a corrupt and un-Islamic system. We must express great gratitude for this blessing. Just as you sacrificed to establish the Islamic system, you must now strive to preserve it, obey the responsible authorities, strengthen the Islamic system, and avoid all forms of division. As Allah Almighty says: “And remember the time when your Lord (Rabb) informed you, saying: Indeed, if you are grateful, I will surely increase My favors upon you; but if you are ungrateful, indeed, my punishment is severe. (Tafsir-e Kabuli)
Allah Almighty says:
Translation: And hold firmly (O believers!) to the rope of Allah (which is the Quran) all together, and do not become divided. (Tafsir-e Kabuli)
Allah Almighty also says: “And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute among yourselves, otherwise, your support, strength, and power will depart from you.
Brave and Mujahid Nation!
The honor, prosperity, and dignity of Muslims are founded upon their unity, brotherhood, and solidarity. On this auspicious day of Eid, let us strengthen our bonds of cohesion and stand resolutely against all forms of ethnic, linguistic, and regional prejudice.
With the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate, Allah has granted Afghans a valuable opportunity for unity after many years of conflict and war. Let us make the best use of this opportunity, strengthen our unity and solidarity, which are the key to our collective success and honor, remain vigilant against the plots of enemies, firmly defend our Islamic and Sharia-based system and governance in every arena, and live under this system with dignity and freedom.
Gatherings during Eid and other prayers convey a powerful message of unity, solidarity, and brotherhood. They remind us to rejoice in the happiness of our fellow Muslims and to share in their sorrows. Wherever Muslims around the world face oppression, suffering, or hardship, it is our duty to empathize with them and support them in their grief and pain. As Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says: “The example of the Muslims in their mutual kindness and compassion is like that of a single body: if one part of the body suffers, the entire body suffers from sleeplessness and fever along with it.”
Respected Muslim Brothers!
Just as you have obeyed before, continue to obey your Supreme Leader, because obedience to those in authority is obligatory upon every Muslim according to the clear verse of the Quran:
In this regard, Allah Almighty says: “O you who have believed (O believers)! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger of Allah, and those in authority among you (i.e., the Muslim rulers and leaders!).”
Dear Muslim Brothers!
Alongside religious advancement, construction, development, and the cultivation of land are also responsibilities of the Islamic system. Those in authority and the general population should strive to pay attention to developmental services alongside religious services.
Allah Almighty says: “It is He (Allah) who created you from the earth and granted you long lives upon it.” (Tafsir-e Kabuli)
Mujahideen and Devout People!
Make every effort in the field of education and training. Give full attention to enlighten the minds of the youth, the general public, and the Mujahideen. Authorities should establish training circles and reform gatherings for this purpose. In areas where there are no mosques, build mosques, and let the scholars provide religious education to people, youth, and children within them. All Afghans should support and cooperate with their brothers returning from other countries.
Respected Muslims!
The Islamic Emirate seeks to maintain strong and positive relations with the Islamic world based on Islamic brotherhood. As Allah Almighty says: “Indeed, all believers are brothers in faith. (Tafsir-e Kabuli)
Likewise, it wishes to maintain good and beneficial relations with other countries based on Islamic principles. We call on all sides to respect the beliefs and values of the people of Afghanistan and to refrain from interfering in our internal affairs.
The Islamic Emirate condemns in the strongest terms all injustices and violations of the rights of Muslims anywhere in the world.
In conclusion, once again on the occasion of the blessed days and nights of Eid-ul Fitr, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Afghans and Muslims around the world. May Allah protect us and the entire Muslim Ummah from all calamities and hardships, grant high ranks to the martyrs and speedy recovery to the wounded and the sick, as well as grant all Muslims honor, unity, and success.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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