'India Will Decide In Line With International Law': Palestine FM On Gaza Peace Board Invitation For New Delhi
New Age Islam News Bureau
31 January 2025
'India will decide in line with international law': Palestine FM on Gaza Peace Board invitation for New Delhi
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· 'India will decide in line with international law': Palestine FM on Gaza Peace Board invitation for New Delhi
· Syrian army declares Daesh-linked camp ‘closed security zone’
· Prince Turki Al-Faisal reaffirms strong Saudi-UAE ties, urges reliance on official sources
· UN at risk of ‘imminent financial collapse’ – secretary general
· Iran wants to make deal rather than face military action, Trump says
· Boko Haram Kills 20 In Borno, Including Soldiers And Civilians
· Malaysian PM Anwar calls for strict action against foreigners abusing social visit passes
· Mujahid: Laws of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Are Based on Islamic Sharia
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India
· Tribunal can’t adjudicate dispute on mosque if not on wakf land: SC
· Shab-e-Barat to be observed in Coimbatore on February 3
· Magh Mela row: Seer ups the ante; asks CM Yogi to prove he is 'Hindu sympathiser'
· J&K court rules PoK integral part of India, illegally occupied by Pakistan
· Delhi riots case: Court grants interim bail to Khalid Saifi, bars him from using social media
· Northern Army chief reviews Kishtwar counter-terror grid as firefight continues against JeM militants
· Suspected Pakistan drone spotted briefly over IB in Jmmu and Kashmir’s Samba district
· BJP slams Ansari’s Ghazni comment, says Congress ecosystem takes anti-Hindu stance
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Mideast
· Gaza teen’s chances of walking again depends on Rafah reopening
· MSF says it will not share staff details demanded by Israel to access Gaza
· Foreign women linked to Daesh group in Syrian camp hope for amnesty after government offensive
· Tunisia’s famed blue-and-white village threatened after record rains
· UN says Yemen’s Houthis seized telecoms equipment, vehicles
· Lebanon’s government approves a deal to transfer Syrian prisoners back to Syria
· Israel to partially reopen Gaza’s Rafah crossing on Sunday
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Arab World
· Saudi and Omani naval forces stage live-fire missile drills
· ZATCA thwarts massive captagon smuggling attempt at Al-Haditha border
· Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire between Syrian government, SDF
· National Water Company plants 2 million trees in Madinah to boost Saudi Green Initiative
· Rare exhibits on display at King Abdulaziz Palace
· SDAIA launches national data, AI curriculum
· Saudi project Masam removes arsenal from Mukalla
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Europe
· Fadi Itani: Muslim charities’ treatment highlights a broader threat to the sector
· NATO creating bank to prepare for war with Russia – media
· Zelensky’s rhetoric suggests Kiev plans to attack nuclear plant – Kremlin
· Remembering Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh, pioneer of Azerbaijan’s independence
· £7m budget set aside for new Muslim burial site in Bradford
· Glasgow to officially recognise Ramadan by holding open Iftar in city first
· New Muslim cemetery planned to meet rising demand
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North America
· CAIR Expresses Solidarity with Muslim Community in the Netherlands After Police Attacks on Muslim Women
· Texas lieutenant governor announces priorities for state Senate, starting with Sharia law ban
· Toronto man accused of threatening mosque in Pickering
· CAIR Welcomes Resignation of Kentucky Police Officer Over Racist Video
· CAIR-Florida to Hold Annual Muslim Day at the Capitol
· Trump’s ‘armada’ issues warning to Tehran
· Dmitry Trenin: America First goes global
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Africa
· Osun Imam, 3 others arrested as family disrupt Jumu’ah prayer after worshippers lynch car painter
· Stop politicizing religion with payments of allowance to Imams, Pastors – Bauchi PRP warns state govt
· CAN, Shari’ah Council, MURIC Clash Over Call to Remove INEC Chairman
· Terror Kingpin Declares In New Video He’s Alive, DHQ Vows To Investigate Video
· Police detain four over death of Mosque worshipper in Osun
· Bauchi Govt okays monthly stipends for Imams and Pastors
· Nigerian Army Storms Terrorists Enclaves In Kwara, Neutralises Bandits
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Southeast Asia
· PM Anwar rejects opposition claims of land cession to Indonesia
· Ringgit falls on US Fed leadership speculation and dollar strength
· Early year one entry: Melaka govt, education dept to hold stakeholder engagement
· Azalina: Cabinet agrees to 10-year prime minister limit, constitutional amendments to follow
· King graces completion of Phase I of Sultan Abdul Samad building conservation
· Army Western Field Commander Malek Razak is new Malaysian Armed Forces chief
· Singapore Food Agency pulls two more Dumex Dulac infant formulas over cereulide contamination
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South Asia
· Defense Ministry Delegation in Russia for Talks on Regional Security
· UK Envoy Says a Peaceful Afghanistan Requires Respect for All Rights
· Beradar Chaires Meeting of Commission on Collecting Beggars, Preventing Begging
· Establishment of Agricultural, Industrial Complex for Cotton Cultivation and Processing Discussed
· Administrative Commission Reviews Draft of New Municipalities Law
· Turkish Company Seeking Investment in Country’s Hydropower Sector
· India Promises to Activate Radiotherapy Department at Cancer Hospital, Official
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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'India will decide in line with international law': Palestine FM on Gaza Peace Board invitation for New Delhi
Jan 30, 2026
'India will decide in line with international law': Palestine FM on Gaza Peace Board invitation for New Delhi
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Palestine’s foreign minister Varsen Aghabekian on Friday said that India would decide on joining the proposed Gaza “Board of Peace” in line with its own understanding of peace. She further stressed that any genuine effort to end the conflict should be welcomed.
Speaking on the US-backed initiative announced by President Donald Trump, Aghabekian said, “India will decide in line with its understanding of peace, international law. Each country can decide on its own, and each country would look at its interests”.
Aghabekian underlined that the participation in the proposed body should be guided by national priorities and respect for international norms.
Welcoming diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza war, the Palestinian minister said that any attempt to forge peace was positive. At the same time, she cautioned against external pressure shaping global responses to the conflict.
Commenting on Pakistan’s reported inclusion in the proposed body, Aghabekian said that Israel must stop dictating what is acceptable to the international community.
She also flagged broader regional risks, observing that continued instability, including tensions between the United States and Iran, was a concern for all countries and had direct implications for Gaza and the wider West Asian region.
The remarks come after Trump announced the formation of a “Board of Peace” to oversee post-war governance and reconstruction in Gaza, calling it a key step in the second phase of a US-backed plan to end the conflict.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the body as the “greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled”.
According to the White House, the Board of Peace will function as a new international organisation and transitional governing authority for Gaza, focusing on governance reform, reconstruction, economic investment and long-term stability.
India has been formally invited to join the proposed board. In a letter shared by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, Trump said the initiative was part of a broader 20-point “Comprehensive Plan” to end the Gaza conflict, first announced in September last year and later endorsed by the UN Security Council through Resolution 2803 in November.
New Delhi had received an invitation to join the initiative but has not officially accepted or rejected the offer.
Alongside the Board of Peace, Washington has announced the formation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic body—the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza—which will manage day-to-day governance once the war ends.
The committee is expected to operate under the supervision of the proposed board. The plan also includes deploying an international stabilisation force and training selected Palestinian police units.
Confirmed members of the Board of Peace include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special negotiator Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former UK prime minister Tony Blair, US financier Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga and senior US National Security Council aide Robert Gabriel.
A separate Gaza Executive Board will support implementation on the ground, with participation from international diplomats and regional representatives, including from Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
Apart from India, countries such as Argentina, Canada, Egypt, Turkey, Albania and Cyprus have been invited. Pakistan has also confirmed receiving an invitation, with its foreign office saying that Islamabad would continue supporting international efforts for peace and security in Gaza.
According to a Bloomberg report, a draft charter of the Trump-led Board of Peace proposes that countries contribute $1 billion to secure long-term membership, with the US president retaining authority over membership and final decision-making.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-will-decide-in-line-with-international-law-palestine-fm-on-gaza-peace-board-invitation-for-new-delhi/articleshowprint/127799883.cms
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Syrian army declares Daesh-linked camp ‘closed security zone’
January 30, 2026
Syria’s army announced Friday that a camp housing suspected relatives of Daesh group fighters was closed to the public, a measure a military source said was meant to bolster security around the facility. (AFP/File)
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DAMASCUS: Syria’s army announced Friday that a camp housing suspected relatives of Daesh group fighters was closed to the public, a measure a military source said was meant to bolster security around the facility.
Earlier this month, the army entered the vast Al-Hol camp after the withdrawal of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
In a statement Friday, it said the area was a “closed security zone.”
Located in a desert region of Hasakah province, Al-Hol is the largest camp for suspected Daesh relatives and is home to some 24,000 people, mostly women and children, including 6,200 foreigners.
A military source told AFP the army’s measure aimed to control security around the camp and maintain order within it.
Some camp residents fled during the “security vacuum” between when the SDF withdrew and the army took control, two former employees of organizations working at the site told AFP last week.
In recent days, new reports emerged of attempts to flee the camp.
In the latest issue of its official Al-Naba publication — translated by the SITE monitoring group — Daesh called on supporters to free women held captive in Al-Hol.
In 2014, Daesh swept across Syria and Iraq, committing massacres and forcing women and girls into sexual slavery, but backed by a US-led coalition, the Kurdish-led SDF ultimately defeated the militants in Syria five years later.
The SDF went on to jail thousands of suspected militants and detain tens of thousands of their relatives in camps.
When the Syrian army took control of the camp, most humanitarian organizations withdrew, and aid has only been trickling in since.
The Save the Children charity warned on Friday that the humanitarian situation in the camp was “rapidly deteriorating as food, water and medicines run dangerously low.”
After Syrian government forces advanced against Kurdish forces, Washington said it would transfer 7,000 Daesh suspects, previously held by Syrian Kurdish fighters, to Iraq.
The transfer is still underway.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2631202/middle-east
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Prince Turki Al-Faisal reaffirms strong Saudi-UAE ties, urges reliance on official sources
January 30, 2026
SHURA ISLAND, RED SEA: Prince Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies and former ambassador to both the UK and the US affirmed Saudi Arabia’s ‘brotherly relations’ with the UAE on Friday and urged people to “refer to official news sources from Saudi entities,” as opposed to posts on social media.
“As we saw, Saudi officials reaffirmed the brotherly relations with the UAE. These ties are not only political but rooted in affection, family connections, and shared history,” he said.
Speaking at the opening session during The Family Office’s “Investing Is a Sea” summit, Al-Faisal said despite the noise on social media regarding the political disagreement between the UAE and Saudi Arabia on Yemen, the relationship between the countries is still strong, he told Arab News Editor-in-Chief, Faisal J. Abbas, who moderated the session.
“Our relationship with the UAE is based on integration, not collision, and this principle applies across the GCC,” explained Al-Faisal.
“Differences in opinion are natural, even within the European Union, but we hope social media users refrain from immorality in the dispute,” Abbas responded addressing those who resort to spreading hate and lies over social media platforms.
Tensions between the two Gulf countries have escalated in December when the UAE backed and supplied the Yemeni Southern Transitional Council (STC) acted unilaterally in a secession bid by the Saudi border. The Saudi-led coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen acted decisively, targeted what it says was an unauthorized military shipment to the STC, and demanded Abu Dhabi to withdraw all assets and personnel from Yemen. Shortly, after the UAE Defense Ministry issued a statement that it would comply, and that it supports Saudi security and stability.
However, a social media war continued to be waged by commentators and social media users on both sides, leading many pundits to question whether there was any intention in either capital to end the rift.
Speaking from Warsaw on Monday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said despite the “difference of view” between the two countries over Yemen, he insisted that their relationship was “critically important” but emphasized “that indeed is the case and the UAE has completely left the issue of Yemen.”
“It is an important element of regional stability and therefore the Kingdom is always keen on having a strong, positive relationship with the UAE as an important partner within the GCC,” Prince Faisal told a press conference during his visit to Poland.
Two days later, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Media Salman Al-Dossary denied in a social media post claims circulating online that the Kingdom had refused to receive Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser.
“Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed comes to the Kingdom whenever he wishes without the need for permission. Saudi Arabia is his home, and its leadership is his family,” Al-Dossary wrote.
The Family Office opening panel also discussed recent global developments. Prince Turki said he is hopeful the Board of Peace formed by US President Donald Trump will bring change.
“Saudi Arabia’s role in the Peace Council is continued support for Palestine, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s statements in Washington all aim to convince the US that peace must be based on justice not selective principles,” said Al-Faisal.
Al-Faisal said one cannot grant Israel a “right to self-defense” while denying Palestinians the same right, when they are the ones under attack.
He added that Saudi Arabia’s position has always been establishing a Palestinian state before any normalization with Israel happens.
Referring to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House in November of last year, Al- Faisal said the Kingdom’s position is grounded in justice and in the principles upon which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is founded.
On Israel, Prince Turki reiterated his views that Israel practices double standards both in its actions and rhetoric.
Asked by Abbas to comment on a Times of Israel article, written by senior political correspondent Tal Schneider and published on 8 October 2023 which argued that Israel has paid the price on 7 October for Netanyahu’s 16 year policy of supporting Hamas and undermining the Palestinian Authority.
“Don’t you think it is ironic that Israel publicly and hugely supports terrorism and then accuses others of doing the same?,” Abbas asked the former intelligence chief.
Al-Faisal said there is a clear double standard portrayed by Israel when it accuses others of supporting Hamas and extremism as it is widely known to be one of Hamas’s biggest supporters.
“There is a saying in the Hijaz, where I was raised which says “He hit me, then cried and complained before I did.” Israeli leaders have mastered this tactic. Since Israel’s creation, it has portrayed itself as the victim whose rights were stolen. This propaganda machine has operated for eighty years,” he explained.
“I am not surprised when Netanyahu or his supporters claim today that Saudi Arabia is adopting an extremist stance toward Judaism or Israel. In reality, it is Israel’s actions, under Netanyahu’s leadership, that have led us to the current situation, where we witness genocide against Palestinians not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank,” said Al-Faisal.
“Netanyahu recently stated that anyone wishing to normalize relations with Israel must acknowledge its “right to self-defense,” effectively granting Israel a license to sell out the Palestinians,” he added.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2631166/saudi-arabia
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UN at risk of ‘imminent financial collapse’ – secretary general
30 Jan, 2026
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. © Getty Images / Anadolu / Contributor
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The United Nations is at risk of running out of cash as unpaid dues and funding shortfalls by member states threaten to disrupt key operations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned.
Guterres issued the warning in a letter to all 193 member states this week, as cited by multiple media outlets. He urged either honoring the mandatory payments or overhauling the organization’s financial rules to avoid an “imminent financial collapse.” The secretary-general said the UN faced a financial crisis that was “deepening, threatening program delivery,” with cash potentially running out by July.
The letter described a “double blow” created by a rule that forces the UN to return unspent funds on particular programs to member states, even when contributions were never paid, trapping the organization in what Guterres called a “Kafkaesque cycle.”
Outstanding dues reached a record $1.568 billion at the end of 2025, with collections covering only 76.7% of assessed contributions, leaving the organization dangerously exposed. Unless collections “drastically improve,” the UN will not be able to fully implement its 2026 budget, Guterres said.
The warnings come as US, the world body’s largest contributor, cut voluntary funding to multiple UN programs and slashed aid spending in 2025. President Donald Trump said the move was intended to “end American taxpayer funding and involvement in entities that advance globalist agendas over US priorities.” Last week, the US officially withdrew from the UN's World Health Organization.
In late December, the US pledged $2 billion for UN humanitarian programs, warning the international organization must “adapt or die.” UN statistics show that total US humanitarian contributions fell to $3.38 billion last year, about 14.8% of the global sum, down sharply from $14.1 billion in 2024 and a peak of $17.2 billion in 2022. Other leading Western donors, including Germany and the UK, also reduced assistance as they shifted resources to military spending, creating a severe funding crunch.
Trump has also been accused of seeking to replace some UN functions with his own Board of Peace to oversee Gaza rebuilding.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/631792-un-financial-crisis-funding/
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Iran wants to make deal rather than face military action, Trump says
January 31, 2026
Maia Davies
Trump declined to say whether there was a timeline for withdrawing a large US naval fleet from waters near Iran
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President Donald Trump has said Iran wants to make a deal rather than face US military action, despite Tehran's insistence that its missile and defence systems will "never" be up for negotiation.
"I can say this, they do want to make a deal," Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday when asked about a build-up of US military forces in the Gulf, without providing details.
He had warned Tehran on Wednesday that time was "running out" to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme after a large US naval fleet had gathered near the country.
Iran's foreign minister said there were no talks planned with the US at present but that Tehran was open to negotiations based on "mutual respect" and trust.
Also on Friday, the Kremlin said the head of the Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani had met Russian President Vladimir Putin.
They discussed "Middle Eastern and international issues" among other matters, state news agency Ria-Novosoti reported.
Iran insists its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and has repeatedly denied accusations by the US and its allies that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
Asked on Friday whether he had given Tehran a deadline by which to strike a deal, Trump said that "only they know for sure".
He told reporters: "Hopefully we'll make a deal. If we do make a deal, that's good. If we don't make a deal, we'll see what happens."
He said a large "Armada" was on its way to the region and declined to give a timeline for its withdrawal: "We'll see how it all works out. They have to float someplace, so they might as well float near Iran."
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had said earlier that the country's missile defence systems would "never" be on the negotiating table, and repeated the government's position that its nuclear programme was peaceful.
At a press conference with his Turkish counterpart after talks in Istanbul to avert US action, he said preparations were needed for "fair and just negotiations".
Trump's warning regarding a nuclear deal on Wednesday came after he had promised Washington would intervene to help those involved in a brutal crackdown on protests in the country earlier this month.
He had said help was "on the way", before saying he had been told the execution of demonstrators had stopped.
On Thursday, he said he had told Iran that it had to do two things to avoid military action: "Number one, no nuclear. And number two, stop killing protesters."
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it had confirmed the killing of more than 6,300 people, including more than 5,900 protesters, since the unrest began at the end of December.
It said it was also investigating another 17,000 reported deaths received despite an internet shutdown after nearly three weeks.
Another group, the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR), has warned the final toll could exceed 25,000.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd9ew2kwj0lo
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Boko Haram Kills 20 In Borno, Including Soldiers And Civilians
January 31, 2026
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
At least 20 people were killed on Thursday when Boko Haram terrorists ambushed soldiers, civilian volunteers and workers in the Wajirko community along the Biu–Damboa Road in Borno State, security sources and community leaders have said.
Naija News reports that the attack, which occurred around 12 noon, also left numerous others injured, according to Punch findings.
A top security source who spoke with Punch said that five soldiers and three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were among those killed.
“The civilians were engaged in construction work at a bridge site on Thursday before the terrorists attacked them. In the process, five soldiers were killed; three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were also killed, as well as many civilians who were working there,” the source told Saturday Punch.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Friday, Bukar Tashkalma, National Secretary of the Biu Forum, expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of lives.
“The Biu Forum is shocked and saddened by the recent attack by Boko Haram terrorists on soldiers and civilians at Wajirko along the Biu–Damboa Road in Borno State, where over 20 people from Biu lost their lives, and many others sustained various degrees of injuries,” he said.
Tashkalma said the victims were buried in accordance with Islamic rites following funeral prayers led by the Chief Imam of Biu Central Mosque.
“We extend heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and associates of the victims and urge them to find solace in Allah’s will. The Jana’iza prayers were performed… and the deceased were buried in accordance with Islamic injunctions in Biu,” he added.
He commended the bravery of security forces and urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle the insurgency and ensure safety in Borno and the North‑East region.
Boko Haram Killings Continue In Borno
The Wajirko attack is the latest in a string of deadly assaults by Boko Haram in the state. On January 24, the group reportedly killed a pastor and four residents in Tarfa village, Hawul LGA, after attacking the community on January 22, displacing residents and burning homes.
The persistent violence underscores ongoing security challenges in northeast Nigeria more than a decade after the insurgency began.
Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised several bandits and destroyed hideouts in a coordinated offensive across Kwara State, as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks terrorising local communities.
The operations, carried out between January 23 and 29, were led by the 22 Armoured Brigade, supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
Confirming the development in Ilorin on Friday, Capt. Maureen Ogbuka, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations (2 Division), said the offensive recorded “significant successes” in degrading bandit activities.
Troops Storm Bandit Camps, Disrupt Logistics
Ogbuka stated that troops conducted aggressive patrols and coordinated assaults on multiple bandits’ enclaves, resulting in the neutralisation of some suspects, while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds.
“Troops, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, conducted coordinated fighting patrols in several bandits’ enclaves. They successfully neutralised some terrorists, while others escaped into the forest with gunshot injuries,” she said.
She added that the Army had destroyed hideouts and camps, dislodging bandits from their bases, including clearing Garin Dandi, a notorious enclave in Ifelodun LGA.
“Troops also stormed remote camps hitherto inaccessible to security forces, destroying abandoned camps and logistics enablers, thereby significantly degrading the terrorists’ sustainment capability,” Ogbuka said.
The Army also raised concerns over the involvement of some local residents in aiding bandits, citing intelligence gathered during the operations. Authorities warned that community collaboration with criminals undermines security efforts and must be addressed to sustain gains.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/31/boko-haram-kills-20-in-borno-including-soldiers-and-civilians/
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Malaysian PM Anwar calls for strict action against foreigners abusing social visit passes
30 Jan 2026
PM Anwar urges strict action against foreign nationals misusing Social Visit Passes for work, with 54,791 cases recorded since 2025
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for strict enforcement action against foreign nationals who abuse Social Visit Passes or visa relaxation to work in Malaysia.
MADANI Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Prime Minister emphasised the matter during the Cabinet meeting today, following reports and the latest briefing on actions and arrests related to the misuse of Social Visit Passes for employment in the country.
“Even though their entry is for social reasons, whether to visit or travel, it turns out that elements of employment have been detected,” he said at his weekly press conference here today.
Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said that at the meeting, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail reported that 54,791 foreign nationals had been subjected to enforcement action in 2025 and until mid-January this year.
He added that of this total, 51,100 individuals were recorded last year, while 3,691 were recorded up to mid-January.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/pm-anwar-calls-for-strict-action-against-foreigners-abusing-social-visit-passes/
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Mujahid: Laws of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Are Based on Islamic Sharia
January 31, 2026
KABUL: Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, has said in an interview with the BBC that the laws of the Islamic Emirate are drafted based on Islamic Sharia.
He stated that critics of these laws lack proper information.
Mujahid added that the rulebook of the Islamic Emirate is prepared according to the teachings of Islam and that its implementation poses no issue from a Sharia perspective.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/mujahid-laws-of-the-islamic-emirate-are-based-on-islamic-sharia/
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India
Tribunal can’t adjudicate dispute on mosque if not on wakf land: SC
Jan 31, 2026
New Delhi: Supreme Court has said offering of prayers by Muslims on a premises, which is not included in the list of auqaf, cannot give it the character of a mosque and ruled that the Wakf tribunal cannot entertain a suit for declaring the place as a mosque if it is not standing on a wakf land.
The order came in a case where ground floor of an apartment on prime land in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, was claimed to be functioning as a mosque since 2008 but the owner of the land and the builder of the apartments stopped access to it in 2021. This led to the dispute.
One Mohammed Ahmed had filed a suit before the Wakf tribunal seeking to restrain Habib Alladin and others from interfering with and causing hindrance to him and other musallies visiting the Mahmood Habib Masjid and Islamic Centre situated on ground floor of Mahmood Habib Apartments, Banjara Hills.
When the tribunal entertained the suit, the owner of the plot over which the apartment stood moved the Telangana HC claiming that the building plan made no mention of the area in dispute as mosque and hence the tribunal could not have entertained the suit. The HC had rejected the plea.
The issue of mosques on non-wakf land had engaged the attention of the SC in over a dozen cases for the past three decades and divergent views had been taken by the court.
After analysing the spectrum of judgments, a bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and K Vinod Chandran said, "A reading of Section 6 and 7 (of Wakf Act, 1995) makes it clear that the jurisdiction, to determine whether or not a property is a wakf property, or whether a wakf is a Shia wakf or a Sunni wakf, inheres in the tribunal only if the particular property is specified as wakf property in the ‘list of auqaf'."
Considering the facts of the case in hand, the bench said, "A bare reading of the plaint would indicate that neither is the property specified in the ‘list of auqaf' as published in Chapter II nor registered under Chapter V and hence the decision as to whether the property is a wakf property or not cannot be decided by the Tribunal since the property is not one specified in the ‘list of auqaf', which is the mandatory requirement under Section 6(1) and Section 7(1) of the Wakf Act of 1995 to approach the Tribunal."
Since the ‘wakf by user' provision under the Wakf (Amendment) Act, 2025 is under adjudication of the SC, the bench said, "We will not consider the issue as to whether the property can be deemed to be a ‘wakf by user' since the question is still at large." It set aside the tribunal's order assuming jurisdiction and the HC order affirming it.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/tribunal-cant-adjudicate-dispute-on-mosque-if-not-on-wakf-land-sc/articleshowprint/127809421.cms
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Shab-e-Barat to be observed in Coimbatore on February 3
January 30, 2026
The Coimbatore District United Jamaath has announced that the holy Shab-e-Barat will be observed on the night of February 3, 2026 (Tuesday).
In a release, Haji M.I. Muhammad Ali, General Secretary, Coimbatore District All Jamaath, said that the observance falls on the 15th night of the Islamic month of Sha’ban. The Tamil Nadu State Chief Kazi has confirmed that the first crescent of Sha’ban was sighted on January 21, based on which the Shab-e-Barat night begins on February 3 evening.
All Sunnat Jamaath mosques across the district will recite Surah Yaseen three times after the Maghrib prayer, followed by special prayers. Religious discourses will be held after the Isha prayer, focusing on ethical conduct, unity, and adherence to Islamic teachings.
Fasting will be observed on Wednesday, February 4. Fasting on the preceding and following days is also considered meritorious, the release added.
Source: thehindu.com
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/shab-e-barat-to-be-observed-in-coimbatore-on-february-3/article70570011.ece
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Magh Mela row: Seer ups the ante; asks CM Yogi to prove he is 'Hindu sympathiser'
Jan 30, 2026
NEW DELHI: Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Friday asked Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath to stop beef exports from the state and declare the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’. He stated that such steps would prove the chief minister’s commitment as a “Hindu sympathiser”.
The remarks come amid an ongoing controversy after the seer was allegedly prevented from taking a holy dip at the Sangam during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj earlier this month.
Speaking to reporters in Varanasi, Swami Avimukteshwaranand said that he had staged a sit-in protest for 11 days after the incident but left the Magh Mela ground last Wednesday “with a heavy heart”.
“When I sat there for 11 days, no official asked me to take a dip. Now it is too late. I will go to the Magh Mela next year and take a respectful bath,” he said.
Challenging the UP government, the seer said that stopping cow slaughter and beef exports should be the first step in demonstrating commitment to Hindu values.
“Our credentials were asked for, and we submitted them. Now you have to give proof of being a Hindu sympathiser. The first step of being a Hindu is love for cows. Declare the cow as ‘Rashtra Mata’ and stop the export of cow meat from Uttar Pradesh,” he said.
The controversy dates back to January 18, when Swami Avimukteshwaranand was travelling in a palanquin to the Sangam on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.
A dispute broke out after police and administrative officials asked him to dismount and proceed on foot, citing heavy crowds. The Mela administration later alleged that his supporters broke a barricade on a pontoon bridge, creating difficulties in crowd management.
Following the incident, the seer began a sit-in protest outside the Shankaracharya camp, demanding an apology and a dignified escort for the ritual bath. He later announced that he would not take a dip until the administration apologised for misbehaviour towards him and his followers.
Amid the row, the Mela administration issued a notice seeking an explanation on his use of the title of Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth, citing a civil appeal pending before the Supreme Court. The seer hit back, questioning how camps of two Shankaracharyas from Puri were allowed at the same mela.
The issue has since triggered political and administrative reactions. Prashant Kumar Singh, a deputy commissioner in the Uttar Pradesh GST department posted in Ayodhya, resigned from service citing moral reasons and said that he was hurt by baseless allegations against the chief minister and the prime minister by the seer.
Bareilly city magistrate Alankar Agnihotri also resigned, citing concerns over the alleged insult to Swami Avimukteshwaranand and broader social issues.
The Congress has announced an awareness campaign against the insult of the Shankaracharya. Party leaders have accused the state administration of insensitivity and demanded that the governor take suo motu cognisance of the matter and initiate action.
Source: indiatimes.com
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J&K court rules PoK integral part of India, illegally occupied by Pakistan
Fayaz Wani
30 Jan 2026
SRINAGAR: In a significant judgement, a court in Jammu and Kashmir has ruled that PoK is not part of Pakistan but an integral part of India that has been illegally occupied by another country and the provisions of the Foreigners Act cannot be attracted to persons allegedly coming from that region.
The ruling was delivered by Syed Tayoub Bukhari, Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMIC), Chadoora in central Kashmir’s Budgam district while acquitting a man and his wife in a decade-old case registered by the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK), Srinagar.
The case pertained to Mohammad Maqbool Rather alias Ajmal Shahzad of Kralpora, Chadoora, and his wife Parveena Akhtar, a resident of Bora Colony, Mirpur, PoK. They were charged under Sections 2/3 of the Enemy Agents Ordinance / E&IMCO and Section 14 of the Foreigners Act on allegations that Rather had crossed over to PoK around 21 years earlier, received arms training, married there, and later returned to India with his wife and children without valid documents.
According to the prosecution, the matter came to light on August 8, 2012, following an intelligence input about a suspicious individual. After investigation, a charge sheet was filed in May 2018, and charges were framed the following month.
During the trial, the prosecution cited eight witnesses but only two were examined while the remaining witnesses including the Investigating Officer were never produced.
In the ruling, the court observed that both examined witnesses failed to establish the prosecution case. “One witness admitted having no personal knowledge of the alleged border crossing, while the other resiled from his earlier statement and termed the allegations false and baseless”.
The court held that the testimonies were either hearsay or unreliable and could not sustain a conviction.
The court observed that the prosecution has failed to produce any documentary evidence like travel records, border crossing details, recovery memos, intelligence inputs, or any material to establish illegal entry, arms training, or violation of the Foreigners Act.
While dealing with the applicability of the Foreigners Act, the court ruled that PoK is not a part of Pakistan, it is an integral part of India, and has been illegally occupied by the other country. Therefore the Foreigners Act has not been attracted to the accused persons.
Holding that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt and evidence on record is insufficient, unreliable, and incapable of sustaining a conviction, the court acquitted both accused persons, granting them the benefit of doubt.
The bail bonds were discharged, and the court directed that any seized property, if lying on record, shall be released after the period of appeal is over.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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Delhi riots case: Court grants interim bail to Khalid Saifi, bars him from using social media
30 Jan 2026
NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has granted 13-day interim bail to 2020 Northeast Delhi riots larger conspiracy case accused Khalid Saifi, on several conditions, including refraining from social media.
Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai was hearing the interim bail application filed by 'United Against Hate' founder, Saifi, to attend the wedding of his nephews and observe Ramzan with his family.
In an order dated January 29, the court said, "The applicant (Saifi), upon his release, shall not get in touch with any of the witnesses. Further, the applicant shall not leave the territory of Delhi, NCR, during the period of his interim bail. Further, the applicant shall not contact the Media and will not do any activity or put any material on social media at any cost".
The court granted him the relief from February 6 to February 13, 2026, on furnishing a personal bond of Rs 20,000 along with two sureties of the like amount.
"Considering all the facts and circumstances of the case, the court deems it just and appropriate to grant the desired relief to the applicant (Saifi)," the judge said.
Communal clashes had broken out in northeast Delhi on February 24, 2020, after violence between citizenship law supporters and protesters spiralled out of control, leaving at least 53 people dead and around 700 injured.
According to the FIR registered at Jagat Puri police station, a mob had assembled in Masjidwali Gali in Khureji Khas area of northeast Delhi on February 26, 2020.
The crowd refused to obey the police’s order to disperse, threw stones and assaulted police personnel, the FIR said, adding someone also fired a gunshot at head constable Yograj.
According to the prosecution, Saifi and former Congress councillor Ishrat Jahan had instigated the "unlawful assembly".
Source: newindianexpress.com
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Northern Army chief reviews Kishtwar counter-terror grid as firefight continues against JeM militants
31.01.26
Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Saturday to review the counter-terrorism grid, as security forces continued a firefight to neutralise three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists holed up in the mountainous region.
The visit comes amid an ongoing anti-terror operation in the district and follows a high-level security review earlier this week that focused on the evolving security situation in the Jammu region and measures to strengthen the counter-terrorism grid, officials said.
“A firefight is underway to neutralise a group of three holed-up Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists in the district,” an official said.
During his visit, Lt Gen Sharma interacted with ground commanders and troops deployed in the area and reviewed operational preparedness in the challenging terrain.
“Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Army Commander, Northern Command, visited Kishtwar today to review the counter-terrorism grid and operational preparedness,” the Northern Command Headquarters said in a post on X.
The Army commander commended the troops for their unwavering resolve and professionalism in the ongoing operation, the statement said.
On Thursday, the Northern Army commander chaired a high-level security meeting in Jammu and reviewed the evolving security dynamics in the Jammu region, with a focus on strengthening the counter-terrorism grid, officials said.
The ongoing anti-terror operation in the snowbound Chatroo belt to track down and neutralise a group of three holed-up Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists is underway.
Mobile internet services remained temporarily suspended within a radius of 6 km covering Singhpora, Chingam and Chatroo to avoid misuse by anti-national elements during the ongoing operation on Friday.
The operation in the area was launched on January 18, leading to a fierce gunbattle in the Sonnar forest near Mandral-Singhpora, resulting in the killing of a paratrooper and injuries to seven soldiers.
Although the terrorists managed to escape by taking advantage of thick vegetation and challenging terrain, security forces continued their hunt despite more than 2 ft of snowfall.
Two more encounters took place between the Army and the terrorists at Mali Dana Top on January 22 and Janseer-Kandiwar on January 25, but the terrorists once again slipped deep into the forest area.
Kishtwar has seen six encounters in the past seven months as forces continue their crackdown on Pakistan-based terrorists operating in the region, which shares borders with Doda and Udhampur districts.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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Suspected Pakistan drone spotted briefly over IB in Jmmu and Kashmir’s Samba district
30.01.26
A drone, suspected to have originated in Pakistan, briefly hovered over Indian territory along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district on Friday, officials said.
The drone was spotted over Ratanpur village in Ramgarh sector around 7.40 pm, they said, adding that the suspicious flying object returned towards the direction of Pakistan after hovering for couple of minutes.
Subsequently, a search operation was conducted in the village and nearby areas to ensure there were no airdrops of weapons or narcotics, officials said.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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BJP slams Ansari’s Ghazni comment, says Congress ecosystem takes anti-Hindu stance
Rajesh Kumar Thakur
31 Jan 2026
NEW DELHI: Former Vice-President M Hamid Ansari’s remarks on Mahmud of Ghazni during an interview triggered a sharp political backlash from the ruling BJP on Friday.
Senior BJP leaders, including party spokespersons, launched a coordinated attack on Ansari over his statement describing Mahmud of Ghazni as an “Indian dacoit”. The BJP accused the Congress and its wider ideological ecosystem of glorifying and romanticising foreign invaders, alleging that they have consistently defended and celebrated anti-Hindu tyrants.
Leading the charge, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, speaking at a media briefing at the party headquarters, accused Ansari of harbouring sympathy for historical plunderers. He said Ansari’s comments reflected a “sick mindset.”
Continuing the criticism, Trivedi said, “Just as all the (British) viceroys ruled on behalf of the king or queen, all the Mughal emperors ruled as representatives of the Khalipha of Baghdad.”
The BJP’s response followed Ansari’s interview in which he suggested that figures commonly portrayed in history books as foreign invaders, including Mahmud of Ghazni, were in fact “Indian looteras”.
“I have always said that the people we portray as foreign invaders in our history books are that there is one Lodi, someone is Ghazi and someone is that. They were all Indian looteras. They didn’t come from outside. Politically, it’s convenient to say that they destroyed this and that. But they were all Indians,” the former vice president had said.
Sharing video footage of the remarks on X, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticised Ansari for what he described as “eulogising” Mahmud of Ghazni, who he said had destroyed and desecrated the Somnath temple.
“After calling Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid as ‘Yuva’ (youths), now the Congress ecosystem and Hamid Ansari eulogise Ghazni who destroyed and desecrated the Somnath Mandir. The Congress ecosystem eulogises Mahmud of Ghazni -- they oppose Somnath Swabhiman Parv... they whitewash crimes of Aurangzeb and those who did atrocities on Hindus,” Poonawalla wrote on X.
Another BJP national spokesperson, Pradeep Bhandari, launched a broader attack on the Congress, which he labelled the “Modern India Muslim League”.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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Mideast
Gaza teen’s chances of walking again depends on Rafah reopening
January 31, 2026
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip: Rimas Abu Lehia was wounded five months ago when Israeli troops opened fired toward a crowd of hungry people mobbing an aid truck for food in Gaza and a bullet shattered the 15-year-old Palestinian girl’s left knee.
Now her best chance of walking again is surgery abroad. She is on a long list of more than 20,000 Palestinians, including 4,500 children, who have been waiting — some more than a year — for evacuation to get treatment for war wounds or chronic medical conditions, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Their hopes hinge on the reopening of the crucial Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, a key point under the nearly 4-month-old ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israel has announced the crossing would open in both directions on Sunday.
The Israeli military body in charge of coordinating aid to Gaza said Friday that “limited movement of people only” would be allowed. Earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said Israel will allow 50 patients a day to leave; others have spoken of up to 150 a day.
That’s a large jump from about 25 patients a week allowed to leave since the ceasefire began, according to UN figures. But it would still take anywhere from 130 to 400 days of crossings to get everyone in need out.
Abu Lehia said her life depends on the crossing opening.
“I wish I didn’t have to sit in this chair,” she said, crying as she pointed at the wheelchair she relies on to move. “I need help to stand, to dress, to go to the bathroom.”
Evacuations are critical as Gaza hospitals are decimated
Israel’s campaign in Gaza after the Hamas October 2023 attack on southern Israel that triggered the war has decimated the territory’s health sector — the few hospitals still working were overwhelmed by casualties. There are shortages of medical supplies and Israel has restricted aid entry.
Hospitals are unable to perform complicated surgeries for many of the wounded, including thousands of amputees, or treat many chronic conditions. Gaza’s single specialized cancer hospital shut down early in the war, and Israeli troops blew it up in early 2025. Without giving evidence, the military said Hamas militants were using it, though it was located in an area under Israeli control for most of the war.
More than 10,000 patients have left Gaza for treatment abroad since the war began, according to the World Health Organization.
After Israeli troops seized and closed the Rafah crossing in May 2024 and until the ceasefire, only around 17 patients a week were evacuated from Gaza, except for a brief surge of more than 200 patients a week during a two-month ceasefire in early 2025, according to WHO figures.
About 440 of those seeking evacuation have life-threatening injuries or diseases, according to the Health Ministry. More than 1,200 patients have died while waiting for evacuation, the ministry said Tuesday.
A UN official said one reason for the slow pace of evacuations has been that many countries are reluctant to accept the patients because Israel would not guarantee they would be allowed to return to the Gaza Strip. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the issue. The majority of evacuees have gone to Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Turkiye.
He said it wasn’t clear if that would change with Rafah’s opening. Even with “daily or almost daily evacuations,” he said, the number is not very high. Also, Israel has said it will only allow around 50 Palestinians a day to enter Gaza while tens of thousands of Palestinians hope to go back.
Israel has also banned sending patients to hospitals in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem since the war began, the official said — a move that cut off what was previously the main outlet for Palestinians needing treatment unavailable in Gaza.
Five human rights groups have petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice to remove the ban. The court has not ruled. Still, one cancer patient in Gaza was allowed to travel to the West Bank for treatment on Jan. 11, after the Jerusalem District Court accepted a petition in his case by the Israeli rights group Gisha.
Thousands of cancer patients need evacuation
Gaza has more than 11,000 cancer patients and some 75 percent of the necessary chemotherapy drugs are not available, the Health Ministry said. At least 4,000 cancer patients need urgent treatment abroad, it added.
Ahmed Barham, a 22-year-old university student, has been battling leukemia. He underwent two lymph node removal surgeries in June but the disease is continuing to spread “at an alarming rate,” his father, Mohamed Barham, said.
“There is no treatment available here,” the elder Barham said.
His son, who has lost 35 kilograms (77 pounds), got on the urgent list for referral abroad this past week but still doesn’t have a confirmation of travel.
“My son is dying before my eyes,” the father said.
Desperate for Rafah to open
Mahmoud Abu Ishaq, a 14-year-old, has been waiting for more than a year on the referral list for treatment abroad.
The roof of his family home collapsed when an Israeli strike hit nearby in the southern town of Beni Suhaila. The boy was injured and suffered a retinal detachment.
“Now he is completely blind,” his father, Fawaz Abu Ishaq said. “We are waiting for the crossing to open.”
Abu Lehia was wounded in August, when she went out from her family tent in the southern city of Khan Younis, looking for her younger brother, Muhannad, she said. The boy had gone out earlier that morning, hoping to get some food off entering aid trucks.
At the time, when Gaza was near famine, large crowds regularly waited for trucks and pulled food boxes off them, and Israeli troops often opened fire on the crowds. The Israeli military said its forces were firing warning shots, but hundreds were killed over the course of several months, according to Gaza health officials.
When Abu Lehia arrived at the edge of a military-held zone from which the trucks were passing, dozens of people were fleeing as Israeli troops fired. A bullet hit Abu Lehia in the knee, and she fell to the ground screaming, she said.
At the nearby Nasser Hospital, she underwent multiple surgeries, but they were unable to repair her knee. Doctors told her she needs knee replacement surgery outside Gaza.
Officials told the family last month that she would be evacuated in January. But so far nothing has happened, said her father, Sarhan Abu Lehia.
“Her condition is getting worse day by day,” he said. “She sits alone and cries.”
Source: arabnews.com
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MSF says it will not share staff details demanded by Israel to access Gaza
January 30, 2026
GENEVA: Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres said on Friday it will not submit lists of staff demanded by Israel to maintain access to Gaza and the West Bank, saying it had not been able to obtain assurances over the safety of its teams.
MSF, which supports and helps staff hospitals in Gaza, is one of 37 international organizations that Israel ordered this month to stop work in the Palestinian territories unless they meet new rules including providing employee details.
The aid groups say sharing such staff information could pose a safety risk, pointing to the hundreds of aid workers who were killed or injured during the two-year Gaza war.
Israel’s diaspora ministry, which manages the registration process, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israel has previously said the registrations were meant to prevent diversions of aid by Palestinian armed groups. Aid agencies dispute that substantial aid has been diverted.
MSF had said last week it would be prepared to share a partial list of Palestinian and international staff who had agreed to release that information, provided the list be used only for administrative purposes and not put its team at risk. It also said it wanted to retain control over the management of medical humanitarian supplies.
“However, despite repeated efforts, it became evident in recent days that we were unable to build engagement with Israeli authorities on the concrete assurances required,” MSF said in a statement.
It said there could be a devastating impact on humanitarian services if it is banned from operating in Gaza and the West Bank, amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Source: arabnews.com
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Foreign women linked to Daesh group in Syrian camp hope for amnesty after government offensive
January 30, 2026
ROJ CAMP, Syria: Foreign women linked to the Daesh group and living in a Syrian camp housing more than 2,000 people near the border with Iraq are hoping that an amnesty may be on the horizon after a government offensive weakened the Kurdish-led force that guards the camp.
The women spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday in northeast Syria’s Roj camp, where hundreds of mostly women and children linked to Daesh have been held for nearly a decade.
The camp remains under control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which until recently controlled much of northeastern Syria. A government offensive this month captured most of the territory the group previously held, including the much larger Al-Hol camp, which is holding nearly 24,000 mostly women and children linked to Daesh.
Many of the women are either wives or widows of Daesh fighters who were defeated in Syria in March 2019, marking the end of what was once a self-declared caliphate in large parts of Iraq and Syria.
The most well-known resident of the Roj camp, Shamima Begum, was 15 when she and two other girls fled from London in 2015 to marry Daesh fighters in Syria. Begum married a Dutch man fighting for Daesh and had three children, who all died.
Last month, Begum lost her appeal against the British government’s decision to revoke her UK citizenship. Begum refused to speak to AP journalists at the camp.
The director of the Roj camp, Hakmiyeh Ibrahim, said that the government’s offensive on northeast Syria has emboldened the camp residents, who now tell guards that soon they will be free and Kurdish guards will be jailed in the camp instead.
“There were changes in the behavior of children and women. They became more hostile,” the camp’s director said. “It gave them hope that the Daesh group is coming back strongly.”
Since former Syrian President Bashar Assad was toppled in a lightning rebel offensive in December 2024, the country’s new army is made up of a patchwork of former insurgent groups, many of them with Islamist ideologies.
The group led by now-interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa was once linked to Al-Qaeda although Al-Sharaa’s group and Daesh were rivals and fought for years. Since becoming president, Al-Sharaa — formerly known by the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed Al-Golani — has joined the global coalition against Daesh.
Camp residents hope for amnesty
One woman from Tunisia who identified herself only as Buthaina, pointed out that Al-Sharaa was removed from the UN and US lists of terrorists.
“People used to say that Al-Golani was the biggest terrorist. What happened to him later? He became the president of Syria. He is not a terrorist any more,” she said. “The international community gave Al-Golani amnesty. I should be given amnesty too.”
She added, “I did not kill anyone or do anything.”
The camp director said more than 2,300 people are housed in the Roj camp. They include a small number of Syrians and Iraqis, but the vast majority of them — 742 families — come from nearly 50 other countries, the bulk of them from states in the former Soviet Union.
That is in contrast to Al-Hol camp, where most residents are Syrians and Iraqis who can be more easily repatriated. Other countries have largely been unwilling to take back their citizens. Human rights groups have for years cited poor living conditions and pervasive violence in the camps.
The US military has begun moving male Daesh detainees from Syrian prisons to detention centers in Iraq, but there is no clear plan for the repatriation of women and children at the Roj Camp.
“What is happening now is exactly what we have been warning about for years. It is the foreseeable result of international inaction,” said Beatrice Eriksson, the cofounder of the children rights organization Repatriate the Children in Sweden. “The continued existence of these camps is not an unfortunate by-product of conflict, it is a political decision.”
Some women don’t want to go home
Some of the women interviewed by the AP said they want to go back home, while others want to stay in Syria.
“I did not come for tourism. Syria is a Muslim country. Germany is all infidels,” said a German woman who identified herself only as Aysha, saying that she plans to stay.
Another woman, a Belgian who identified herself as Cassandra, said she wants to get out of the camp but would like to stay in the Kurdish-controlled area of Syria.
She said that her French husband was an Daesh fighter killed in the northern city of Raqqa, once considered the de facto capital by Daesh. She said Belgium has only repatriated women who had children, unlike her. She was 18 when she came to Syria, she said.
Cassandra added that when fighting broke out between government forces and Kurdish fighters, she started receiving threats from other camp residents because she had good relations with the Kurdish guards.
Future of the camps in limbo
The government push into northeast Syria led to chaos in some of the more than a dozen detention centers where nearly 9,000 members of Daesh have been held for years.
Syrian government forces are now in control of Al-Aqtan prison near Raqqa as well as the Shaddadeh prison near the border with Iraq, where more than 120 detainees managed to flee amid the chaos before most of them were captured again.
Part of an initial ceasefire agreement between Damascus and the SDF included the Kurdish-led group handing over management of the camps and detention centers to the Syrian government.
Buthaina, the Tunisian citizen, said her husband and her son are held in a prison. She said her husband worked in cleaning and did not fight, while her son fought with the extremists.
She has been in Roj for nine years and saw her other children grow up without proper education or a childhood like other children.
“All we want is freedom. Find a solution for us,” Buthaina said.
She said the Tunisian government never checked on them, but now she hopes that “if Al-Golani takes us there will be a solution.”
She said those accused of crimes should stand trial and others should be set free.
“I am not a terrorist. The mistake I made is that I left my country and came here,” she said. “We were punished for nine years that were more like 90 years.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Tunisia’s famed blue-and-white village threatened after record rains
January 31, 2026
SIDI BOU SAID, Tunisia: Perched on a hill overlooking Carthage, Tunisia’s famed blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said now faces the threat of landslides, after record rainfall tore through parts of its slopes.
Last week, Tunisia saw its heaviest downpour in more than 70 years. The storm killed at least five people, with others still missing.
Narrow streets of this village north of Tunis — famed for its pink bougainvillea and studded wooden doors — were cut off by fallen trees, rocks and thick clay. Even more worryingly for residents, parts of the hillside have broken loose.
“The situation is delicate” and “requires urgent intervention,” Mounir Riabi, the regional director of civil defense in Tunis, recently told AFP.
“Some homes are threatened by imminent danger,” he said.
Authorities have banned heavy vehicles from driving into the village and ordered some businesses and institutions to close, such as the Ennejma Ezzahra museum.
- Scared -
Fifty-year-old Maya, who did not give her full name, said she was forced to leave her century-old family villa after the storm.
“Everything happened very fast,” she recalled. “I was with my mother and, suddenly, extremely violent torrents poured down.”
“I saw a mass of mud rushing toward the house, then the electricity cut off. I was really scared.”
Her Moorish-style villa sustained significant damage.
One worker on site, Said Ben Farhat, said waterlogged earth sliding from the hillside destroyed part of a kitchen wall.
“Another rainstorm and it will be a catastrophe,” he said.
Shop owners said the ban on heavy vehicles was another blow to their businesses, as they usually rely on tourist buses to bring in traffic.
When President Kais Saied visited the village on Wednesday, vendors were heard shouting: “We want to work.”
One trader, Mohamed Fedi, told AFP afterwards there were “no more customers.”
“We have closed shop,” he said, adding that the shops provide a livelihood to some 200 families.
- Highly unstable -
Beyond its famous architecture, the village also bears historical and spiritual significance.
The village was named after a 12th-century Sufi saint, Abu Said Al-Baji, who had established a religious center there. His shrine still sits atop the hill.
The one-time home of French philosopher Michel Foucault and writer Andre Gide, the village is protected under Tunisian preservation law, pending a UNESCO decision on its bid for World Heritage status.
Experts say solutions to help preserve Sidi Bou Said could include restricting new development, building more retaining walls and improving drainage to prevent runoff from accumulating.
Chokri Yaich, a geologist speaking to Tunisian radio Mosaique FM, said climate change has made protecting the hill increasingly urgent, warning of more storms like last week’s.
The hill’s clay-rich soil loses up to two thirds of its cohesion when saturated with water, making it highly unstable, Yaich explained.
He also pointed to marine erosion and the growing weight of urbanization, saying that construction had increased by about 40 percent over the past three decades.
For now, authorities have yet to announce a protection plan, leaving home and shop owners anxious, as the weather remains unpredictable.
Source: arabnews.com
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UN says Yemen’s Houthis seized telecoms equipment, vehicles
January 30, 2026
SANAA: Yemen’s Houthi militants have confiscated telecommunications equipment and vehicles from unstaffed United Nations offices in Sanaa, the world body said in a statement Friday, decrying potential disruptions to its humanitarian work.
The Houthis have repeatedly targeted UN agencies and detained dozens of its staff as part of a crackdown on alleged Israeli espionage rings since the start of the war in Gaza.
The actions threaten to worsen access to humanitarian services and aid in Houthi-controlled areas, where most of Yemen’s impoverished population lives.
On Thursday, the Houthis “entered at least six UN offices in Sanaa, all of which are currently unstaffed, and removed to an unknown location most of the telecommunication equipment in these offices and several UN vehicles,” the office of the resident and humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, Julien Harneis, said in a statement on X.
The Iran-backed group did not inform the UN why it had taken the assets, the statement said.
The development came a day after a UN official told AFP that the World Food Programme was ending the contracts of all 365 staff in Houthi-controlled Yemen, citing funding challenges and an unsafe environment for employees.
The statement said the militants had also prevented the UN Humanitarian Air Service from flying to Sanaa for more than a month, and to a government-held area not far from the capital for even longer.
“This decision further constrains the delivery of humanitarian assistance in these areas,” it said.
Around 19.5 million people in Yemen — more than half the population — were in need of humanitarian assistance in 2025, according to UN figures.
In November, the WFP and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization named Yemen as one of the countries with populations at “imminent risk of catastrophic hunger.”
“This confiscation of UN assets and the blocking of UNHAS flights... comes at a time when humanitarian needs in Yemen, particularly in areas under their (Houthi) control, are increasing. This will make the humanitarian situation worse in those parts of Yemen,” the resident coordinator’s office said.
It added the actions were taken “without discussions with the UN, and therefore without any opportunity to find mutually acceptable arrangements for the delivery of assistance.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Lebanon’s government approves a deal to transfer Syrian prisoners back to Syria
January 30, 2026
BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Cabinet on Friday approved an agreement to transfer Syrian prisoners serving their sentences in Lebanon back to their home country.
The issue of prisoners has been a sore point as the neighboring countries seek to recalibrate their relations following the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in a lightning offensive by Islamist-led insurgents in December 2024. Former insurgent leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa is now Syria’s interim president.
Lebanon and Syria have a complicated history with grievances on both sides. Many Lebanese resent the decades-long occupation of their country by Syrian forces that ended in 2005. Many Syrians resent the role played by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah when it entered Syria’s civil war in defense of Assad’s government.
A key obstacle to warming relations has been the fate of about 2,000 Syrians in Lebanese prisons, including some 800 held over attacks and shootings, many without trial. Damascus had asked Beirut to hand them over to continue their prison terms in Syria, but Lebanese judicial officials said Beirut would not release any attackers and that each must be studied and resolved separately.
The deal approved Friday appeared to resolve that tension. Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos said other issues remain to be resolved between the two countries, including the fate of Lebanese believed to have been disappeared into Syrian prisons during Assad’s rule and the demarcation of the border between the two countries.
Lebanon’s Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri told reporters after the Cabinet meeting that about 300 prisoners would be transferred as a result of the agreement.
Protesters gathered in a square below the government palace in downtown Beirut ahead of the Cabinet vote to call for amnesty for Lebanese prisoners, including some who joined militant groups fighting against Assad in Syria. Some of the protesters called for the release of Sunni cleric Ahmad Al-Assir, imprisoned for his role in 2013 clashes that killed 18 Lebanese army soldiers.
“The state found solutions for the Syrian youth who are heroes and belong to the Syrian revolution who have been imprisoned for 12 years,” said protester Khaled Al- Bobbo. “But in the same files there are also Lebanese detainees. ... We demand that just as they found solutions for the Syrians, they must also find solutions for the people of this country.”
Source: arabnews.com
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Israel to partially reopen Gaza’s Rafah crossing on Sunday
January 30, 2026
JERUSALEM: Israel announced it would reopen the crucial Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Sunday after months of urging from the UN, humanitarian organizations and ordinary Palestinians — but only for the “limited movement of people.”
Earlier on Friday, the Islamist movement Hamas had called for the “immediate transition to the second phase” of the ongoing US-brokered truce in Gaza, namely its provision for the reopening of Rafah, as well as the entry of a technocratic Palestinian committee to administer the territory.
Israel had previously expressed its unwillingness to reopen the gateway until getting back the remains of Ran Gvili, the last hostage to be held in Gaza, who was recovered earlier this week and laid to rest in Israel on Wednesday.
“The Rafah Crossing will open this coming Sunday (February 1st) in both directions, for limited movement of people only,” COGAT, an Israeli defense ministry body overseeing civil affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories, said in a statement on Friday.
Entry and exit “will be permitted in coordination with Egypt, following prior security clearance of individuals by Israel, and under the supervision of the European Union mission,” it added.
The crossing, situated on the territory’s southern border with Egypt, is the only route in and out of Gaza that does not pass through Israel.
It lies in territory held by Israeli forces since their pull-back behind the so-called “Yellow Line” under the terms of the ceasefire deal. Israeli troops still control more than half of Gaza.
The gateway is a vital entry point for aid, but has been closed since Israeli forces took control of it in May 2024 — except for a limited reopening in early 2025 — and past bids to reopen it have failed to materialize.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s Spokesperson Farhan Haq cautiously welcomed the planned reopening at his daily news briefing.
“We certainly hope to see Rafah also enabled for the movement of cargo,” he said.
“Reinstating the movement of cargo through the Rafah crossing is critical to increase the volume of humanitarian supplies entering Gaza, and that in turn would expand the scaling up of the humanitarian response.
“As for those departing, we’ve made it clear repeatedly that those who choose to leave or return must be able to do so voluntarily and safely.”
The fragile Gaza ceasefire has been in force since October 10.
The plan, outlined by US president Donald Trump to put an end to the war, calls for the crossing to be reopened now that all hostages held by Palestinian militants have been released or returned to Israel.
Prior to Israel’s announcement, Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, had urged the international community to “harness the momentum generated by the first phase of the agreement between Israel and Hamas to urgently improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza.”
Spoljaric said this included Israel easing entry restrictions on so-called dual-use material and equipment, such as water pipes and generators, to restore basic infrastructure.
The humanitarian situation in the territory of more than two million people remains grave, with most of the population displaced and many living in tents with little or no sanitation amid harsh winter weather.
Source: arabnews.com
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Arab World
Saudi and Omani naval forces stage live-fire missile drills
January 30, 2026
RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the Royal Navy of Oman conducted live-fire missile and ammunition drills on Friday as part of the “Winds of Peace 2026” joint naval exercise, which began earlier this week in Oman.
Ten combat ships, a number of helicopters, and two platoons of Special Naval Security Units are taking part in the exercises.
Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Gharibi, the chief of staff of the Saudi forces, and Rear Adm. Saif Al-Rahbi, commander of Oman’s navy, attended the drills, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They featured a series of advanced operational scenarios that simulated modern naval warfare, the protection of shipping lanes and the enhancement of maritime security, with the aim of supporting regional security and prosperity, the agency added.
Source: arabnews.com
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ZATCA thwarts massive captagon smuggling attempt at Al-Haditha border
January 30, 2026
RIYADH: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority at the Al-Haditha border crossing intercepted an attempt to smuggle 269,411 captagon pills hidden in a commercial food consignment during a routine inspection.
The authority thwarted the attempt to smuggle the contraband using advanced security technologies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Following the seizure, ZATCA coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, leading to the arrest of two individuals intended to receive the shipment in the Kingdom.
ZATCA spokesperson Hamoud Al-Harbi reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to tightening border security as a core strategic pillar to protect society from the prohibited goods.
The authority encourages the public to support national security by reporting smuggling activities via the confidential number 1910 or email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa.
Through these channels, the authority receives information related to smuggling crimes and violations of the Unified Customs Law with complete confidentiality, and a financial reward is granted to those providing the tip-off if the information is accurate.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi Arabia welcomes ceasefire between Syrian government, SDF
January 30, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and the SDF, via a statement on X on Friday.
The ministry said the Kingdom hopes the comprehensive agreement will support the Syrian Arab Republic’s path toward peace, security and stability, in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people and enhances national unity.
It also renewed its full support for all efforts exerted by the Syrian government in safeguarding the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of its lands.
“We appreciate the responsiveness of the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces to the Kingdom’s endeavors and the efforts made by the US in consolidating the deescalation and reaching this agreement.”
The Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said on Friday they had agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire and a phased integration of military and administrative bodies into the Syrian state under a broad deal.
Under the agreement, forces that had amassed on front lines in the country’s north would pull back and Interior Ministry security forces will deploy to the centers of the cities of Hasakah and Qamishli in the northeast, both held by the SDF. Local security forces will be merged.
The two sides announced the deal after Syrian government forces under President Ahmad Al-Sharaa captured swathes of northern and eastern Syria from the SDF this month, forcing the Kurdish forces to retreat into a shrinking enclave.
The agreement includes the formation of a military division that will include three SDF brigades, in addition to the formation of a brigade for forces in the SDF-held town of Kobani, also known as Ain Al-Arab, which will be affiliated to the governorate of Aleppo.
Source: arabnews.com
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National Water Company plants 2 million trees in Madinah to boost Saudi Green Initiative
January 30, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company, through its northwest sector, has planted more than 2.1 million trees in the Madinah region as part of its commitment to the Saudi Green Initiative.
NWC’s efforts also reflects the company’s efforts to expand vegetation cover, combat desertification and enhance environmental sustainability by using tertiary-treated wastewater from its treatment plants, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
NWC says it is uniting all sustainability efforts in the country to rapidly scale up the Kingdom’s climate action.
In 2025, NWC planted more than 472,000 trees, ensuring that the project remains on track with strategic plans to optimize water resources and improve quality of life.
NWC confirmed that more than 200,000 of these trees — roughly 10 percent of the total — have already reached a level of maturity that allows them to thrive independently without further irrigation or specialized care.
Working in close integration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, NWC plans to scale its afforestation projects during upcoming agricultural seasons.
These efforts are designed to improve air quality and increase oxygen levels, reduce harmful environmental emissions, support local biodiversity, and raise overall vegetation rates, SPA reported.
By transforming treated water into a vital resource for greening, the NWC continues to play a pivotal role in achieving the Kingdom’s ambitious climate and sustainability objectives.
SGI is an ambitious national initiative that is focused on combating climate change, improving quality of life, and protecting the environment for future generations.
Launched in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, SGI supports Saudi Arabia’s ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2060 through the Circular Carbon Economy approach and is also accelerating the country’s transition to a green economy. Three overarching targets guide the Saudi Green Initiative’s work — emissions reduction, afforestation, and land and sea protection.
Source: arabnews.com
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Rare exhibits on display at King Abdulaziz Palace
January 30, 2026
RIYADH: Exhibits on display at the King Abdulaziz Palace in the historic village of Laynah highlight rich aspects of human history and environmental change in the Arabian Peninsula as part of a series of palace activation events organized by the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority during the Darb Zubaida Winter Season.
The exhibits feature rare historical artifacts carrying cultural and scientific significance that document different lifestyles and environmental shifts in the region over the centuries.
Among the most notable pieces is a traditional rifle crafted from natural wood and fitted with a handwoven leather strap, historically used for hunting and protection.
The piece reflects the precision of traditional craftsmanship and its social symbolism tied to strength and horsemanship.
The authority stated that the palace welcomes visitors daily until Feb. 15, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., as part of unified tourism programs aimed at organizing visitor flow and providing opportunities to explore historical sites in a safe and engaging environment.
Source: arabnews.com
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SDAIA launches national data, AI curriculum
January 30, 2026
RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has launched the National Cross-Disciplinary Curriculum for University Students in Data and AI.
It provides university students with practical fundamentals for understanding data and using AI tools responsibly to support learning, work and decision-making.
The launch took place during the International Conference on Data and AI Capacity Building, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The SDAIA organized the conference, which took place from Jan. 28-29, in academic partnership with King Saud University, knowledge partnership with the Human Capability Development Program, and strategic partnership with Elm.
The curriculum targets all undergraduates across disciplines at Saudi universities. It enables universities to develop a mandatory course in data and AI for all academic programs and ensures a minimum level of core knowledge and skills for every student.
It also enables non-specialists to use AI in their fields through tools, applications, and use cases instead of limiting it to computer science disciplines.
The curriculum helps provide the skills needed for application and practice in the labor market.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi project Masam removes arsenal from Mukalla
January 30, 2026
AL-MUKALLA: The Masam project for landmine clearance in Yemen has carried out its third arsenal removal operation in the city of Mukalla, in Hadhramaut governorate, which included 1,531 land mines and remnants of war.
According to the project’s media center, the operation was carried out by the emergency teams affiliated with Masam and the Mukalla branch of the Executive Center for Mine Action.
The center said that the operation came within the framework of the project’s work in Mukalla, aimed at clearing it of land mines and all forms of remnants of war to ensure the safety of the city’s residents and to provide the highest levels of security for all civilian facilities and key access routes.
The list of materials that were destroyed included: 10 anti-tank mines, six anti-personnel mines, four guided missiles (N72), 23 82mm mortar rounds, 183 37mm shells, 150 23mm shells, 15 hand grenades, 720 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, and 420 rounds of 14.7mm ammunition.
With this latest operation, the total number of mines, improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance destroyed by Project Masam teams in Mukalla since Saturday has reached 7,921.
Source: arabnews.com
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Europe
Fadi Itani: Muslim charities’ treatment highlights a broader threat to the sector
30 Jan 2026
Civic space in the UK is narrowing, and not only through legislation, policing powers, or restrictions on protest. Increasingly, it is being shaped by something far less visible but equally corrosive: the systematic delegitimisation of racialised communities, driven by media narratives, political rhetoric, and selective scrutiny.
Hostile actors are not always trying to ban voices outright. Instead, they work upstream, influencing the environment so that certain individuals and organisations are treated as inherently suspect before they have even entered the conversation.
As a network representing British Muslim charities, the Muslim Charities Forum sees these patterns across organisations of every size, from local grassroots groups to international NGOs.
This process does not silence communities by force. It does so by framing them as extreme, untrustworthy, or foreign, making their perspectives easier to dismiss, their credibility easier to undermine, and their participation easier to marginalise. It works by implying that their values are incompatible with the norms of public life, positioning them as outside the mainstream and therefore undeserving of equal civic legitimacy.
Delegitimisation
For migrant, refugee, and British Muslim communities, this delegitimisation is often racialised and securitised. Their civic engagement is rarely assessed on merit. Instead, the labels applied to them are pre established.
If a Muslim runs for office, they may be labelled an Islamist. If a charity delivers humanitarian assistance, it may be accused, without evidence, of supporting terrorism.
If organisations mobilise communities, they can be portrayed as politically subversive. If they highlight the need to address anti-Muslim hatred, they are framed as advocating for blasphemy laws.
These labels are not descriptive. They are exclusionary. They function as tools to narrow who is considered a legitimate civic actor.
Material impacts
The consequences reach far beyond public discourse. A hostile digital footprint follows organisations into funding decisions, compliance assessments, banking relationships, regulatory interactions, and partnerships. The result is material as well as reputational:
Funding is lost.
Bank accounts are closed.
Fundraising platforms shut organisations out.
Organisations are categorised as “high risk”.
Communities are excluded from shaping the policies that directly affect their lives.
This is how disinformation and delegitimisation translate into economic harm and political exclusion.
Unbalanced coverage
These dynamics have been felt first-hand by many Muslim-led organisations. In recent years, numerous groups have been targeted by misleading and unbalanced media coverage that relies on insinuation, selective sourcing, and guilt by association.
Rather than engaging with their work or contributions to the sector, such reporting tends to serve a different purpose: it signals to regulators, funders, and partners that Muslim-led organisations should be subject to increased scrutiny.
The harm extends beyond the immediate target. It sends a message to the wider civil society sector: engaging with Muslim-led organisations carries reputational risk.
This is not random. And it is not the work of a few bad actors. It is a coordinated movement. Far right networks have mastered this playbook, moving claims from report to headline to parliamentary soundbite until suspicion hardens into policy and practice.
There is an identifiable pattern. Some actors generate claims, often through “think tanks” producing reports built on weak or unverifiable evidence. Others disseminate these narratives through media platforms without adequate scrutiny.
Political figures then deploy parliamentary privilege or public statements to legitimise these claims.
Threats to the wider sector
The strategy remains consistent even as the targets evolve. While Muslim civil society has long borne the brunt of this process, it increasingly extends to climate organisations, racial justice groups, and others advocating for systemic change.
The challenges faced by Muslim civil society serve as an early warning for the charity sector. Tactics that undermine Muslim organisations are often later used against other groups seen as inconvenient. Recognising these patterns is vital not just for defending Muslim civil society, but for protecting the voluntary sector’s independence and future.
Delegitimisation curtails civic participation without overt restrictions, affecting the entire sector. Civic space depends not just on the right to protest, but on which voices are recognised as credible in public life.
When legitimacy is selective, civic space becomes inherently unequal, deepening power imbalances and silencing underrepresented groups.
Civil society faces a dual challenge: defending groups facing discrimination and safeguarding the inclusiveness of the civic sphere. This is fundamental to the UK’s democracy. Systematic exclusion weakens civic engagement and decision making legitimacy for all.
To truly protect civic space, society must recognise every community, including those most often delegitimised, as a valued and legitimate contributor to our future.
Source: civilsociety.co.uk
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https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/voices/fadi-itani-muslim-charities-treatment-highlights-a-broader-threat-to-the-sector.html
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NATO creating bank to prepare for war with Russia – media
30 Jan, 2026
A group of NATO countries is working to set up a new bank by 2027 to help fund military spending and prepare for a potential conflict with Russia, Izvestia reports, citing sources.
Western officials and media outlets have speculated that Russia could be in a position to attack NATO within several years, with the bloc’s chief, Mark Rutte, designating the country as an “enemy.” Moscow has dismissed claims that it plans to attack NATO states as “nonsense.”
Amid the stand-off over Ukraine, European NATO members have embarked on a military buildup, with US President Donald Trump also pushing member states to take more responsibility for defense and raise spending to 5% of GDP.
Izevstia reported that the Defense, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) would be designed to help countries reach the 5% threshold by counting paid-in capital toward the target and by using private funding, lending, and bond mechanics. According to the paper and the DSRB website, the framework would allow some national budget limits to be sidestepped and make the defense sector more attractive for private investment.
The paper’s sources said the bank’s backers aim to finalize its charter in the first quarter of 2026, with an inaugural bond issue expected in the third or fourth quarter of 2026, and a full launch in 2027.
The report said the project would be spearheaded by British officials and aims to fundraise as much as $135 billion, with Ottawa and Toronto mulled as potential locations for the headquarters.
Another facet of the framework is that it provides an incentive for centralized procurement of standardized weapons, the article said.
The framework is also supported by banks such as ING, JPMorgan, Commerzbank, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, and RBC Capital Markets.
Izvestia added that, given what it called NATO leaders’ “aggressive” rhetoric, the structure would likely end up “funding offense rather than defense.”
However, not all NATO members are on board with the plan. In December, the German Finance Ministry rejected the idea of creating new defense financing mechanisms, saying it would like to focus “on the rapid implementation of existing instruments.” According to Izvestia, France and several Eastern European nations are prioritizing their own frameworks.
Source: rt.com
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Zelensky’s rhetoric suggests Kiev plans to attack nuclear plant – Kremlin
30 Jan, 2026
Moscow has raised concerns over Kiev’s apparent intent to attack the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) after Vladimir Zelensky said Ukraine would not give up on its attempts to take back the facility and former Ukrainian territories.
Speaking to reporters on Friday ahead of the second round of US-mediated Russia-Ukraine talks, Zelensky stated that Kiev “will not surrender Donbass and the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant without a fight.”
Responding to the remarks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov questioned Zelensky’s intentions regarding the ZNPP – Europe’s largest nuclear facility, which has been under Russian control since 2022.
“Does this mean the Kiev regime plans to try to seize this plant by force? Does it plan to attack the nuclear power plant?” Peskov said.
Earlier this month, the International Atomic Energy Agency announced that Russia and Ukraine reached a localized ceasefire agreement near the ZNPP to allow repairs to be made. Moscow had repeatedly accused Kiev of targeting the plant in an apparent attempt to stage a nuclear provocation.
Peskov also told journalists that “the battlefield dynamics speak for themselves” regarding Donbass, referring to Russia’s continued advances in the region throughout the past year.
Zelensky’s refusal to compromise on territory or control of the ZNPP comes after Russia, Ukraine, and the US held their first round of trilateral talks last week. The second is set to take place in Abu Dhabi later this week.
The issue of territorial concessions has been the main sticking point during negotiations, as Ukraine has refused to withdraw from Russian territories.
Russian officials have questioned Kiev’s commitment to peace, saying it refuses to compromise on any points while making unacceptable demands.
Moscow has maintained that it is open to negotiations and would prefer to achieve its goals diplomatically, but is prepared to do so militarily if talks fail.
Following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, four Ukrainian regions – the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics in Donbass, and the regions of Kherson and Zaporozhye – officially seceded from Ukraine and joined Russia as a result of referendums. Kiev refused to recognize the results and has insisted on regaining the territories, despite continuously losing ground to Russian forces.
Source: rt.com
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Remembering Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh, pioneer of Azerbaijan’s independence
31 January 2026
Today marks the 142nd anniversary of the birth of Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh, a prominent statesman and public figure, politician, journalist, and one of the founders of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which existed from 1918 to 1920.
According to Caliber.Az, Rasulzadeh was born on January 31, 1884, in the village of Novkhani near Baku. His father enrolled him in the Second Russian-Muslim School, headed by the well-known educator Sultan Majid Ganizadeh. After completing his studies there, Rasulzadeh continued his education in Russian at the Baku Technical School.
In 1902, at just 17 years old, Rasulzadeh established the Muslim Youth Organisation, marking the beginning of his political and social activism.
In the autumn of 1917, he was elected as a deputy to the Russian parliament, representing Azerbaijan and Turkestan. On May 26, 1918, the Transcaucasian Sejm was dissolved due to internal disputes among its factions. The following day, May 27, the National Council of Azerbaijan was formed from members of the Sejm’s Muslim faction representing various political parties. Rasulzadeh was elected chairman of the National Council by a majority vote.
On May 28, 1918, the declaration of Azerbaijan’s independence was announced worldwide through radio broadcasts and newspapers. This historic event signified that the Azerbaijani people had declared their existence to the international community and established their own national state. Under the leadership of Fatali Khan Khoyski, the government of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was formed. As a result, Azerbaijan became the first independent republic not only among Turkic peoples but throughout the entire East.
The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, however, lasted only 23 months. Following the occupation of Azerbaijan by Soviet Russia on April 28, 1920, Rasulzadeh was forced to leave the country. He spent many years abroad continuing the struggle for Azerbaijan’s independence and freedom.
Mammad Amin Rasulzade died in Ankara on March 6, 1955, from diabetes.
In recognition of his legacy, on December 29, 1993, President Heydar Aliyev signed a decree on commemorating the 110th anniversary of Rasulzadeh, a prominent socio-political figure of Azerbaijan. Later, on December 30, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev issued an order on holding events to mark the 140th anniversary of Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh.
Source: caliber.az
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https://caliber.az/en/post/remembering-mammad-amin-rasulzadeh-pioneer-of-azerbaijan-s-independence
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£7m budget set aside for new Muslim burial site in Bradford
31st Jan 2026
The search is on for a new cemetery in Bradford to help meet burial demand until 2050, and a £7m budget has been set aside for the programme.
Bradford Council’s Executive agreed to move forward with the next stage of the district’s bereavement strategy, which will involve the creation of a new Muslim cemetery for the city.
A report to members heard that although there has recently been work to create more spaces at the Muslim burial site in Scholemoor and at Bowling Cemetery, there will need to be an entirely new cemetery created to meet the district’s needs in the coming years.
It said that while demand for non-Muslim burials is “manageable” due to more people opting for cremation, “Muslim burial capacity in the south of the district is more in demand given it is the only form of bereavement service possible for the Muslim community.”
On Tuesday the council executive approved an additional £3.4m to help find and purchase land for a new cemetery that will provide burial capacity until at least 2050.
That is on top of £3.6m already set aside for the works.
The report to members said there is a requirement for around 420 Muslim burials a year in the South of the district. But by the mid 2030s this is expected to have risen to 450 a year.
The council’s bereavement strategy was updated in 2016 and has so far seen a new crematorium built in Heaton to replace the ageing facility at Nab Wood, the upgrade of Oakworth Crematorium and work is underway on a new crematorium in Bierley that will eventually replace the facility at Scholemoor.
The existing Muslim cemetery at Scholemoor has been expanded, and new cemetery space has been created at Bowling Cemetery.
A report to members says: “Work is ongoing to identify suitable locations for additional burial capacity.
“Once potential sites have been identified detailed investigations, including groundwater assessments, will need to be commissioned in order to confirm suitability and address any constraints before any development can proceed.
“It likely to be a requirement to use statutory powers such as entry notices and compulsory purchase orders where required together with delegated authority to acquire suitable land for new cemeteries by private treaty within the existing capital budget.
“Bearing in mind the land potentially involved would need to be acquired and intrusive ground investigations will take 18-months, experience suggests that development of any potential site to become operational from the current starting point is likely to take several years.”
After the funding was approved at a meeting on January 27, Bradford Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “When people come to this service it is the most tragic time in their lives, so we need to make sure it is the best possible service.”
Source: yorkshirepost.co.uk
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https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/people/ps7m-budget-set-aside-for-new-muslim-burial-site-in-bradford-5496525
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Glasgow to officially recognise Ramadan by holding open Iftar in city first
Rachel Cronin
30 Jan 2026
Glasgow will officially recognise Ramadan this year by hosting its first ever open Iftar at the City Chambers in March. Lord Provost Jacqueline Mclaren will welcome more than 250 people to the Iftar- the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan- on Saturday March 7.
The event is being brought to Glasgow by the Ramadan Tent Project, which has organised 'Open Iftars' in 30 cities across the UK since 2014.
Glasgow has the largest population of Muslim people in any part of Scotland, and Ramadan is observed by many Glaswegian families in homes, mosques, and community venues.
But this upcoming open Iftar is the first of its kind in Glasgow as the city officially recognises the Islamic tradition. The event comes after city charity Glasgow Life held consultations with Muslim communities to ensure that the many Glaswegians partaking in Ramadan are recognised.
Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, said: “As a city that is enriched by many cultures, faiths and traditions, marking religious observances is an important reflection of who we are. This Open Iftar is recognition of how important Ramadan and Islam is to many Glaswegians.”
Omar Salha, Founder and CEO of Ramadan Tent Project, said: “ Welcoming the return of Ramadan Festival in 2026 fills me with an immensely profound sense of hope - our chosen theme for this year, and a value that sits at the very heart of Ramadan.
“Entering our 13th year, it is remarkable to witness the incredible growth of the festival across exciting new spaces, venues and landmarks that reflect the diversity and dynamism of our nation.
"Allowing us to bring more people together, create deeper cultural experiences, and celebrate the spirit of Ramadan in ways that are more accessible, more vibrant, and more inclusive than ever before. A powerful symbol of how Ramadan is part of Britain’s rich cultural ecology."
Tickets for Glasgow's Open Iftar will be available from the Ramadan Tent Project on a first come, first served basis. You can sign up for their newsletter at www.ramadantentproject.com
Source: glasgowlive.co.uk
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https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-officially-recognise-ramadan-holding-33336909
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New Muslim cemetery planned to meet rising demand
31 Jan 2026
Chris Young
A new Muslim cemetery is to be created in Bradford to meet growing demand for burial space.
Despite recent work to increase capacity at sites in Scholemoor and Bowling, the council said an additional area was needed to ensure there was enough space through to 2050.
A report said the south of the district currently required around 420 Muslim burials a year, with this due to rise to about 450 annually by the mid‑2030s.
At a meeting on Tuesday, the authority approved funding of £3.4m to identify and buy land for the site in addition to the £3.6m already set aside for the works.
The new cemetery forms part of the next phase of the council's overhaul of bereavement services, first announced in 2016, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
So far, the programme has delivered a new crematorium in Heaton to replace the ageing Nab Wood facility, along with upgrades to Oakworth Crematorium.
Work is also progressing on a new crematorium in Bierley, which will replace the current site at Scholemoor.
In addition, the existing Muslim burial area at Scholemoor has been expanded, and further cemetery space has been created at Bowling Cemetery.
The report stated it was "likely to take several years" until the new cemetery was operational because of the detailed work involved in such developments.
Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: "When people come to this service it is the most tragic time in their lives, so we need to make sure it is the best possible service."
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2e1ye31l7mo
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North America
CAIR Expresses Solidarity with Muslim Community in the Netherlands After Police Attacks on Muslim Women
January 30, 2026
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed solidarity with the Muslim community in the Netherlands after protests the Dutch city of Utrecht over alleged racist police violence targeting two Muslim women.
In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
“We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in the Netherlands as they seek justice, transparency and accountability following these disturbing reports of police violence against Muslim women. No one should be targeted, abused or humiliated because of their faith, ethnicity or appearance. Allegations of racist policing must be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by independent authorities.”
CAIR said Muslim women are disproportionately impacted by Islamophobia, racial profiling and violence in many parts of the world.
Earlier this week, CAIR welcomed a report published by Spain’s Institute of Women, an agency under the Ministry of Equality, that raised concerns about discrimination against Muslim girls who wear an Islamic headscarf, or hijab, in Spanish educational institutions.
Last month, CAIR said a vote in Austria to ban Islamic headscarves, or hijab, in schools for girls under the age of 14 violated religious freedom and will only serve to marginalize the Muslim community in that nation.
Earlier this month, CAIR expressed solidarity with the Muslim community in Scotland after a mosque was targeted with hate graffiti.
Last year, CAIR express similar solidarity with Muslims in Scotland and the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Ireland after hate incidents targeting those communities.
Also last year, CAIR said that Islamophobia is “spinning out of control” in Europe.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-expresses-solidarity-with-muslim-community-in-the-netherlands-after-police-attacks-on-muslim-women/
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Texas lieutenant governor announces priorities for state Senate, starting with Sharia law ban
January 30, 2026
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued an initial list of interim charges for Texas Senate committees to pursue ahead of the next legislative session next year.
At the top of the list is “preventing Sharia law in Texas.” Anti-Sharia law and targeting Islamic political ideology affiliated with terrorism is a common theme among Texas Republicans in the last few months, led by Gov. Greg Abbott and other lawmakers, The Center Square reported.
The Texas legislature convenes every other year in odd years for roughly 140 days. Patrick, who leads the Texas Senate, directs its agenda. Interim charges are issued when the legislature is out of session; legislative priorities are issued at the beginning of the legislative session. Last year, Patrick identified 40 legislative priorities, The Center Square reported. The majority passed and became law.
Patrick asked senators to provide him with interim charge recommendations by Feb. 20. Upon review, he plans to announce a full list of interim charges by March, he said.
“As always, Texans can rest assured the Senate will hit the ground running on day one of the 90th Texas Legislature to ensure the priorities of the conservative majority of Texans are accomplished including, but not limited to, continued property tax relief via ‘Operation Double Nickel,’ eliminating fraud and abuse in state government, strengthening the power grid, and promoting a Texas-first agenda across the board,” he said.
Patrick’s interim charges include:
Preventing Sharia Law
The State Affairs Committee has been tasked with evaluating Sharia Law in Texas, including examining entities like the proposed East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC City) development in Hunt and Collin counties to identify any violations of state or federal law; to evaluate large real estate acquisitions by entities like “Community Capital Partners,” among others. “Only state and federal laws apply in Texas and ‘Sharia law’ or other secondary judicial systems have no place in Texas,” Patrick says.
He did so after Abbott directed law enforcement to investigate a Sharia tribunal in north Texas, among other actions, The Center Square reported. State Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, earlier this month called on House Speaker Dustin Burrow to hold interim legislative hearings “to combat Sharia law” in Texas.
Property tax cuts
Patrick is again pushing to reduce the Homestead Exemption to reduce property taxes, a move critics argue doesn’t work as home prices increase.
“Homestead Exemption has proven overwhelmingly popular with voters,” Patrick said. “It has eliminated school property taxes for the average senior and reduced school taxes in half for those under 65.” The charges direct the Finance Committee to study and report on the effect of increasing the exemption and dropping the eligible age to 55 from 65.
Patrick proposed a property tax relief plan that competes with the governor’s, The Center Square reported. Both are running for reelection and their property tax plans are key to their campaigns.
In the last several sessions, the state legislature has passed property tax reform bills that both Abbott and Patrick claimed were “historic” and homeowners would see the “largest property tax decrease ever.” Yet property taxes only increased every year.
Texas has the seventh-highest property taxes in the country, based on 2023 data, according to an analysis by the Tax Foundation.
Securing critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity
Patrick has tasked the Business and Commerce Committee with securing critical infrastructure, evaluating the supply chain and Texas electric grid for any foreign threats and make recommendations for improvements.
Protecting taxpayer funds, preventing fraud and abuse
After a national spotlight on Medicaid and other fraud in Minnesota, Patrick tasked the Health and Human Services Committee with identifying fraud and abuse in Texas human services programs. This includes Medicaid and childcare services, in line with executive orders Abbott issued this month addressing the same issue, The Center Square reported.
Promoting American and Texas first in public schools
Patrick tasked the Education Committee with evaluating public schools “promoting events, partnerships, or associations with federal or state-designated hostile agents or their surrogates.” He did so after Gov. Abbott lambasted two public schools for planning to host an Islamic event partially sponsored by an organization with alleged ties to terrorism in conflict with a foreign terrorist designation he issued last November.
Patrick tasked the committee with providing recommendations “to strengthen laws stopping hostile countries or related entities from infiltrating our classrooms.”
Source: justthenews.com
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https://justthenews.com/nation/states/center-square/patrick-announces-first-round-interim-charges-texas-senate
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Toronto man accused of threatening mosque in Pickering
By Bryann Aguilar
January 30, 2026
A Toronto man is accused of making online threats towards a mosque in Pickering.
Durham Regional Police said the RCMP shared information on Wednesday about threats made to the Ahmadiyya Durham Mosque Baitul Mahdi located on Salem Road, south of Highway 7.
Following an investigation, police identified a suspect and on Thursday, he was arrested without incident.
He has been identified as 65-year-old Ivan John Mujan. He has been charged with uttering threats.
Police said Mujan was released on an undertaking.
“We recognize the significant impact these types of incidents have on our community, particularly among members of the Muslim communities. Acts that target or instill fear in any group are unacceptable and we remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in our community,” police said in a statement on Friday.
“We are working closely with community leaders to provide support and reassurance, and we stand firmly against hate, discrimination, and intolerance in all forms.”
Source: ctvnews.ca
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https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/toronto-man-accused-of-threatening-mosque-in-pickering/
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CAIR Welcomes Resignation of Kentucky Police Officer Over Racist Video
January 30, 2026
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the resignation of a Kentucky police officer after an internal investigation revealed that he shared racist AI-generated videos, including one depicting George Floyd in a “racially charged scenario.”
Earlier this week, CAIR welcomed the firing of a deputy from Vermont’s Rutland County Sheriff’s Department after racist messages he reportedly sent were discovered.
In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
“The resignation of this officer is a necessary step toward accountability, but it must not be the final one. Law enforcement agencies across the country must recognize that racist behavior undermines public trust and endangers minority communities. The use of emerging technologies to amplify racism is especially disturbing and demands clear policies, strong oversight and meaningful consequences. We urge all police departments to proactively identify and address bias within their ranks and to recommit themselves to equal justice and respect for all.”
CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-welcomes-resignation-of-kentucky-police-officer-over-racist-video/
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CAIR-Florida to Hold Annual Muslim Day at the Capitol
January 30, 2026
On Monday, February 2, the Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Florida (CAIR-FL), the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, will host the 2026 Muslim Day at the Capitol (MDAC) event.
CAIR-Florida has hosted or co-sponsored similar events in previous years on more than six different occasions.
Participants arrive in Tallahassee on February 2nd and will hold meetings with Florida senators and representatives.
The delegation will address key policy priorities affecting the First Amendment rights of speech, assembly, and petition. The legislative agenda includes:
HB 1471: Systems of Law and Terrorist Organizations / SB 1632: Ideologies Inconsistent with American Principles
HB 1473: Public Records/Terrorist Organizations / SB 1634: Public Records and Meetings/Chief of Domestic Security
CS/HB 31/ CS/SB 1106: Recognizing Judea & Samaria Act
HB 111 / SB 1072: Antisemitism Task Force
In addition, the delegation’s agenda includes the recognition of Muslim American heritage.
The 2026 MDAC brings together a coalition of interfaith organizations, institutions, mosques, schools, community centers, immigrant advocacy groups, professionals, and individuals committed to civic engagement.
“We are at the Capitol today because our fundamental right to exist as a community is being debated in these halls,” said Hiba Rahim, Interim Executive Director at CAIR-FL. “Bills like HB 1471 and HB 1473 are a direct assault on the First Amendment. They create a dangerous system where the state can label our mosques and charities as ‘terrorist organizations’ using secret evidence that we are barred from seeing or challenging in court. By targeting beliefs and ideologies rather than criminal conduct, these bills don’t make Florida safer – they simply dismantle the constitutional protections that belong to every Floridian. We will not stand by while our institutions are targeted, and our rights are stripped away.”
Opportunities for Media and Elected Officials and Press Conference:
Monday, February 2, 11:15-11:45 a.m. – Press Conference
Press Conference venue will be provided to media contacts upon request.
Press Conference will be streamed live via IG channels @CAIRFlorida https://www.instagram.com/cairflorida/ @CAIR_National https://www.instagram.com/cair_national/
Participants include Representative Anna V. Eskamani, Representative Angie Nixon, Hiba Rahim, CAIR-Florida Interim Executive Director, and a family representative of Mohammed Ibrahim.
CAIR-FL is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.
About CAIR-Florida:
CAIR-Florida is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, foster dialogue, safeguard civil liberties for all, empower American Muslims, and form coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR-Florida es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-florida-to-hold-annual-muslim-day-at-the-capitol/
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Trump’s ‘armada’ issues warning to Tehran
30 Jan, 2026
The US military has issued a formal warning to Iran over its planned live-fire naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, while simultaneously conducting major “readiness exercises” of its own across the Middle East.
In a statement released on Friday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) urged Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy to conduct its two-day drill beginning Sunday “in a manner that is safe, professional and avoids unnecessary risk.”
“We will not tolerate unsafe IRGC actions including overflight of US military vessels engaged in flight operations, low-altitude or armed overflight of US military assets when intentions are unclear, highspeed boat approaches on a collision course with US military vessels, or weapons trained at US forces,” the command stated.
The warning comes as the US itself is executing large-scale, multi-day military drills across the region. US Air Forces Central (AFCENT) announced the exercises this week, designed to practice the rapid deployment and sustainment of combat aircraft to various “contingency locations.”
The air drills complement the naval buildup that US President Donald Trump has publicly championed. “There’s another beautiful armada floating beautifully towards Iran right now,” Trump said earlier this week, referencing a carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln.
“We have a lot of very big, very powerful ships sailing to Iran right now, and it would be great if we didn’t have to use them,” Trump told reporters on Thursday, adding that he prefers to resolve the tensions diplomatically. He reiterated two core demands: “Number one, no nuclear. And number two, stop killing protesters.”
Iranian state media announced the exercises following Trump’s social media post warning that the “next attack will be far worse” than previous strikes, urging Iran to “MAKE A DEAL.”
Iran responded to the threats with defiance. Its UN mission posted a warning on social media stating that it stands “ready for dialogue,” but if pushed, it will “defend itself and respond like never before.”
A deputy foreign minister said the country is “200 percent ready” and would deliver an “appropriate response, not a proportionate one,” potentially targeting US bases.
The Strait of Hormuz, where Iran plans to conduct exercises, is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, with around 100 merchant vessels transiting daily. CENTCOM’s statement acknowledged Iran’s right to “operate professionally” in international airspace and waters.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/631794-iran-drills-centcom-warning/
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Dmitry Trenin: America First goes global
30 Jan, 2026
By Dmitry Trenin
The United States has now published two of the three pillars of its main strategic doctrine: the National Security Strategy at the end of 2025 and, in January, the National Defense Strategy. Only the Nuclear Posture Review remains. Many observers described US President Donald Trump’s security strategy as revolutionary. In Russia, it drew cautious and in some cases even approving reactions. The defense strategy develops many of the same ideas, although it softens the language on certain issues, including Russia. What stands out in both texts is their blunt, almost cynical tone. The usual moral packaging has largely disappeared. That clarity, uncomfortable as it may be, is useful.
The new Pentagon strategy openly breaks with the philosophy that guided US policy for decades. The language of a “rules-based world order” and the missionary liberalism of “nation-building” through regime change are effectively discarded. These doctrines, associated with Trump’s political opponents, are treated as failures that led to endless, exhausting wars such as Afghanistan. In this sense, Washington is not repenting, but drawing a pragmatic conclusion: attempts to remake other societies in America’s image have proven too costly and too unreliable.
This rejection leads to a more fundamental shift. The US implicitly acknowledges that it can no longer exercise universal control in a multipolar world. Resources must be concentrated. Commitments must be prioritized. Allies are no longer to be indulged as dependents. They are expected to pay more, do more, and demand less political autonomy in return. In effect, Washington is rationalizing its empire.
At the same time, the strategy is anything but pacifist. Its underlying philosophy is the preservation of American military superiority. Peace, in this view, is possible only “from a position of strength.” The text largely avoids ideological terms such as “democracy” or “the West,” replacing them with the language of power, interests and coercion. The US is not retreating into isolationism. Its interventionism is simply evolving. Large-scale occupations and long stabilization missions are out; short, technologically intensive strikes are in. Economic strangulation and sanctions remain legitimate tools. Not to mention selective force. “Regime change” may be rhetorically abandoned, but the forcible weakening or overthrow of unfriendly governments is still practiced.
Trump’s America accepts the existence of other power centers, including China and Russia. But this is not recognition of equality. It is a demand that these powers accept US superiority and behave “responsibly.” That is, within limits defined in Washington. This is Trump’s version of multipolarity: coexistence, but on American terms.
The strategy places homeland defense and control of the Western Hemisphere above all else. The security of the American continent is treated as inseparable from US national survival. Trump’s updated interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine envisions the restoration of near-absolute US military dominance in the Americas. The presence of non-regional powers, above all China, is to be restricted. Strategic assets such as the Panama Canal, the Gulf of Mexico, and Greenland are treated as critical nodes. US pressure on Denmark and the European Union to secure strategic control over Greenland, linked to missile defense and Arctic positioning, fits this logic.
The second priority is the Indo-Pacific and the containment of China. Washington seeks to prevent Beijing from achieving dominance in the region, especially through control over Taiwan and access to the so-called first island chain. The US speaks of avoiding direct confrontation but insists that negotiations with China can occur only from a position of overwhelming strength. Military build-up, allied rearmament, and “intimidation” are presented as the main tools of deterrence.
The third priority is the restructuring of relations with allies. Western Europe, seen as declining in relative importance, is expected to carry a far heavier share of defense costs, potentially up to 5% of GDP. In return, allies do not gain strategic autonomy; they are expected to follow US policy, especially toward China, and to purchase American weapons. NATO remains, but its exclusive role in US strategy is diluted. Washington wants a more transactional alliance system.
Russia still appears in the strategy, but its role is downgraded compared to earlier eras. It is no longer portrayed as a direct, immediate threat to the US itself. Rather, it is described as a “persistent” challenge, primarily for NATO’s eastern members. The implication is that European allies should deal with Russia largely at their own expense, with the US in a supporting role. Washington’s main adversary is clearly the People’s Republic of China.
The strategy barely addresses strategic stability with Russia. With the New START Treaty expiring, the future of arms control is uncertain. The US appears to prefer freedom of action in developing its strategic arsenal. This is a significant signal. The architecture that underpinned nuclear stability for decades is eroding.
For Russia, several conclusions follow. First, the US under Trump will remain a geopolitical adversary for the foreseeable future, regardless of any tactical agreements, including on Ukraine. Hopes for a grand bargain or a “new Yalta” are unrealistic. Cooperation may be possible on specific issues, but rivalry will remain the structural norm.
Second, American decline should not be exaggerated. The US retains enormous military, technological, and financial power. Trump’s strategy is an attempt to halt and reverse relative decline by consolidating control over its core sphere and concentrating resources against its main competitor, China. Whether this attempt succeeds is another question. Domestic resistance and political polarization could undermine continuity. Meanwhile, future electoral shifts will also come into play.
Third, nuclear deterrence remains the foundation of Russian security policy. If arms control regimes weaken, the credibility and survivability of Russia’s deterrent must be strengthened. At the same time, Russia’s security depends not only on external balances but also on internal stability and cohesion. Periods of political transition create vulnerabilities that adversaries may exploit.
US “distancing” from Europe does not reduce confrontation on the continent. Western Europe today is more hostile toward Russia than at any time in recent decades. Moscow must maintain a strategy of military and geopolitical deterrence toward NATO’s European members, including nuclear deterrence. Integration with Belarus in the security sphere becomes even more important.
In the Arctic, American ambitions could clash directly with Russian interests. Moscow will need to reinforce its northern defense infrastructure and protect the Northern Sea Route. Globally, military-technical partnership with China becomes increasingly central to Russia’s strategic position in Eurasia. In the Middle East, coordination with Beijing to support Iran’s capabilities contributes to a counterbalance against US pressure. Political and economic support for states like Cuba also fits this logic.
The overarching picture is clear. The new US defense strategy is not about withdrawal, but about consolidation and reprioritization. It outlines a more selective, more openly force-based version of American hegemony. For Russia, this means a prolonged period of structured rivalry and limited pragmatic cooperation. It also will translate to a continued reliance on deterrence. Resilience at home and deeper partnerships outside the Western bloc will be essential in responding to this new phase of American strategy.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/news/631769-dmitry-trenin-trumps-nds-2026/
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Africa
Osun Imam, 3 others arrested as family disrupt Jumu’ah prayer after worshippers lynch car painter
31 Jan, 2026
by Toba Adedeji, Osogbo
The Chief Imam of Ummu Hanni Adigun Memorial Central Mosque, Ogo-Oluwa area, Osogbo and three others have been arrested by the Osun State Police Command after worshippers lynched a car painter, Najeem Hammed to death.
Following the incident, family members of the deceased disrupted the Jumu’ah prayer at the mosque on Friday.
It was learnt that Najeem, a car painter whose workshop is located at the Jaye area of Osogbo, had gone to the mosque along Ogo-Oluwa area to pray around 6 am on Friday when the incident happened.
A source around the mosque who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that after the early morning prayer, the Imam was preaching when Najeem felt irritated by the words, hence he threatened to attack the clergyman.
“Najeem attempted to use the microphone rod to hit the Imam, but he dodged it. The worshippers took him up, which he resisted. He was dragged outside the mosque, mobbed and left inside the gutter in front of the premises, bleeding.
“Some members of the mosque notified the police at Ataoja Police Division, and they came to carry him from the scene to the police station. He died along the way as a result of the assault.”
When our correspondent visited the mosque around 1 pm, the family members of the deceased were protesting in front of the mosque while the Imam was preaching ahead of Jumah’at prayer, stating that the service can not be held after Najeem was killed in the premises a few hours ago.
Subsequently, Police operative stormed the mosque and whisked the Imam away to the Ataoja Divisional Police Division, as the family members and sympathisers later took over the mosque’s entrance, preventing worshippers from gaining access.
They equally threatened to burn the mosque if any prayer is rendered or any attempt is made to open the mosque.
A family member simply identified himself as Nurudeen, disclosed that “Najeem was beaten to death at the mosque by the worshippers after an altercation ensued in the mosque. He was going to Ibadan this morning, but visited the mosque for Subuhi prayer when he was mobbed to death.
“When we called to ask about his journey, a policeman picked up the call and told us that he had an altercation with some people and was held at Ataoja police station. When we got there, that was when we realised that he was dead.”
Bloodstains were sighted on the fence of the mosque and the plank of wood in front of the mosque.
When contacted, the Osun State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident.
He clarified that the victim was not attacked inside the Mosque but around it. We have arrested the Imam and three others connected to the incident. Further investigation has been launched to unravel the actual cause of the incident.
According to him, the incident happened this morning around 6 am. No suspect has been arrested, but information is on high gear to get those who perpetrated this evil act arrested. The DPO and other Tactical Teams have been deployed to maintain law and order. The corpse has been deposited at the Osun State Teaching Hospital.”
Ojelabi insisted that the deceased was mobbed around the Mosque and not actually inside the Mosque.
Source: thenationonlineng.net
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https://thenationonlineng.net/osun-imam-3-others-arrested-as-family-disrupt-jumuah-prayer-after-worshippers-lynch-car-painter/
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Stop politicizing religion with payments of allowance to Imams, Pastors – Bauchi PRP warns state govt
January 30, 2026
The Bauchi State chapter of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has warned the state government against politicizing religion by paying monthly allowance to Imams and Pastors in the state.
In a statement signed on Friday by the State Secretary of the party, Hon. Wada Abdullahi, the PRP strongly condemned a recent announcement by the state’s Head of Civil Service, Barr. Mohammed Sani Umar, which revealed plans by the government to commence the payment of allowances to Imams and Pastors across the state.
The opposition party noted that though it appreciates and acknowledges the vital roles being played by religious leaders in the state in promoting string moral values, it is however against the state government using them as a yardstick to rate its performance, urging the Gov. Bala Mohammed-led administration to prioritize its constitutional responsibilities to citizens instead of engaging in frivolities.
“The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) Bauchi State Chapter wishes to address the recent announcement by the State Head of Civil Service, Barr. Mohammed Sani Umar, regarding the government’s plan to commence the payment of allowances to Imams and Pastors across Bauchi State,” Abdullahi said in the statement.
“While we acknowledge and appreciate the vital roles that religious leaders play in promoting peace, and moral values, we strongly urge the Bauchi State Government to desist from politicizing religion.
“It is imperative that the government prioritizes its constitutional responsibilities, which include providing quality education, accessible healthcare, clean water, and other essential social amenities that are fundamental to the well-being of our citizens—many of which are currently in short supply in Bauchi State.
“It is disheartening to observe that the Bauchi State Government appears to be engaging in political window dressing at a time when the state faces pressing developmental challenges. Allocating funds to pay allowances to religious leaders—an act that is neither statutory nor constitutionally mandated—diverts precious resources away from core governance priorities. Instead, public funds should be invested in addressing infrastructural deficits in our schools and hospitals, and in improving the living conditions of our communities.
“Such misplaced priorities undermine good governance and risk politicizing and mercantilizing religion, thereby threatening social cohesion and sustainable development. If those advising the government cannot counsel against such unproductive expenditures, then the moral conscience and sense of responsibility bestowed by God should serve as guiding principles for all leaders.
“Furthermore, it is evident that this move is driven by political motives, especially as Nigeria approaches an election cycle with just a year remaining. The attempt to garner political favour and conceal governance failures through the distribution of “allowances” to religious clerics is both inappropriate and unjustifiable.
“We call on the people of Bauchi State to remain vigilant and reject any government or political party that seeks to buy support through such insubstantial and unsustainable incentives.
“These payments do not translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens and should not be weaponized as tools for influence or manipulation. It is unjust to misgovern for seven years and expect to win support just a year before elections by offering “peanuts” in allowances to religious clerics.
“The PRP cautions the Bauchi State Government against using public resources as a tool for electoral gain. Public funds are meant to serve the welfare of all citizens, not short-term political interests or acts of appeasement aimed at religious figures.
“We call on the Bauchi State Government to redirect its focus toward genuine development initiatives that will uplift the lives of ordinary citizens. Let us refrain from politicizing religion and misusing public resources. Our collective effort should be directed toward building a just, equitable, and prosperous Bauchi State for all,” the party said.
Source: ripplesnigeria.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/stop-politicizing-religion-with-payments-of-allowance-to-imams-pastors-bauchi-prp-warns-state-govt/
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CAN, Shari’ah Council, MURIC Clash Over Call to Remove INEC Chairman
January 30, 2026
A fierce debate has erupted over the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) clash over calls for the removal of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan.
The controversy began when the SCSN, during its 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly in Abuja, demanded Amupitan’s immediate removal and prosecution. The council accused him of compromised integrity, citing a 2020 legal brief in which he allegedly acknowledged claims of persecution and genocide against Christians in Nigeria. The SCSN warned that Amupitan’s continued stay in office posed a “serious threat” to the credibility of Nigeria’s elections and claimed that Muslims would not recognise any vote conducted under his leadership.
MURIC, through its Kano State Chairman, Mallam Hassan Indabawa, aligned fully with the SCSN, calling the demand “noble, consistent, justifiable and objective.” The group cited Amupitan’s involvement in the 2023 presidential election petition as part of the ruling party’s legal team and alleged bias in his 80-page legal brief Legal Brief: Genocide in Nigeria: The Implications for the International Community, which described attacks by Boko Haram and armed herders as a “coordinated anti-Christian campaign.” MURIC warned that retaining Amupitan could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
In response, Northern CAN strongly rejected the call for removal, describing it as dangerous, unjustified, and a politicisation of religion. In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and Secretary General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the association urged that competence and integrity, not religious affiliation, should determine eligibility for public office. They also questioned the motives behind the sustained campaign, asking who was using religious platforms to advance political interests.
Hayab emphasized that Amupitan, like any Nigerian, has the constitutional right to practice his faith, stressing that concern over challenges faced by one’s religious community does not equate to bias or disqualification. The association also highlighted that previous INEC chairmen, including Professors Attahiru Jega and Mahmood Yakubu, were Muslims from northern Nigeria, and no religious objections were raised.
“The key question should be whether Professor Amupitan is competent, not his religion,” Northern CAN stated, commending President Bola Tinubu for appointing a Christian to the post, describing it as an inclusive and statesmanlike decision. The statement likened the move to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to retain a northern Muslim INEC chairman despite pressure.
Other Christian groups have also entered the fray. The Youth Wing of CAN (YOWICAN) and the Christian Media Forum (CMF) condemned the SCSN and MURIC stance, warning that it risks inflaming religious tensions and undermining national unity. Evangelist Dedan Clifford, YOWICAN’s Chairman for the northern states and Abuja, described the call as “politically motivated and unwarranted,” emphasizing that the Shari’ah Council had no constitutional authority to demand Amupitan’s removal.
Clifford further noted that Christian youths would resist any attempt to politicize the issue along religious lines, praising President Tinubu for promoting inclusivity in national appointments. Northern CAN warned that turning politics into a religious contest could threaten national cohesion and urged Amupitan to focus on his constitutional responsibility of conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
Source: hallmarknews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://hallmarknews.com/can-shariah-council-muric-clash-over-call-to-remove-inec-chairman/
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Terror Kingpin Declares In New Video He’s Alive, DHQ Vows To Investigate Video
January 31, 2026
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced plans to investigate a viral video showing a notorious terror suspect, Ifeanyi Eze, also known as Gentle De Yahoo, who the Nigerian military had earlier declared “captured.”
The terror kingpin, a native of Imo State in the South‑East, was reportedly apprehended by troops of Operation Udo Ka during an operation in the region between October 8 and 13, 2025, the military had said.
However, on January 28, 2026, a video clip began circulating widely on social media showing Eze apparently alive, dancing and threatening those he accused of betrayal.
The footage suggested he had travelled to Akwa Ibom State in the South‑South for medical treatment after he and his militants were poisoned.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the clip might have been digitally generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
“What I can say is that in this current dispensation of AI, it is possible to create anything just to destabilise and cause panic within society,” Onoja said.
The general told journalists that the military would work with other security agencies to verify the authenticity of the footage.
“Notwithstanding, we will initiate necessary action with relevant security agencies to confirm if it is that he (Mr Eze) is back,” he added.
He also assured that if the military confirms Eze’s return to active status, authorities would take immediate action to contain him and his group.
Gentle De Yahoo’s Profile And Activities
Eze, who claims to be a Biafran agitator, has been linked to several deadly attacks in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, where he was said to have led fighters in violent assaults.
He is described as a commander of the Biafra Liberation Army, a faction established by Simon Ekpa, a controversial Biafra agitator who formerly led a section of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) known as Autopilot.
IPOB is an organisation agitating for the creation of a sovereign Biafran state from parts of the South‑East and South‑South.
Earlier reporting by Premium Times in September 2025 suggested that Eze and several members of his group were feared killed when Nigerian troops raided their hideout in Aku‑Ihube, Okigwe LGA.
At the time, military sources told the newspaper that it was unclear whether Eze was among those killed.
Security across the South‑East has deteriorated in recent years, with frequent attacks by armed groups claiming to agitate for Biafra and other criminal elements. The Nigerian government has repeatedly accused IPOB of responsibility for many deadly attacks in the region.
However, the faction of IPOB loyal to Nnamdi Kanu has consistently denied involvement. Kanu was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism in November 2025, while Simon Ekpa was also jailed on terrorism charges in Finland earlier this year.
Source: naijanews.com
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Police detain four over death of Mosque worshipper in Osun
30 Jan, 2026
The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four persons in connection with the death of a mosque worshipper, Hameed Najeem, in Osogbo, the state capital.
The deceased, identified as a car painter, reportedly died following an altercation that occurred after the early morning (Fajr) prayer at the Ummu Haani Adigun Memorial Central Mosque in the Ogo Oluwa area of the city.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the development during a telephone interview with DAILY POST on Friday.
“I can confirm that four suspects are currently in police custody in connection with the incident,” Ojelabi said.
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Gotan, had ordered a discreet and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
“The Commissioner of Police has taken interest in the case and directed that a high-level, discreet investigation be carried out,” the police spokesman added.
Ojelabi further stated that the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further handling.
“The case has been transferred to the State CID. The suspects took the law into their hands,” he said.
According to earlier accounts, Najeem had taken part in the morning congregational prayer before an argument reportedly ensued between him and the mosque’s Imam during a sermon.
An eyewitness said the Imam left the prayer ground as the situation became tense, while other worshippers attempted to restrain the deceased.
Another source explained that the confrontation later moved outside the mosque premises, where Najeem was reportedly overpowered during the struggle.
The situation reportedly became tense later in the day when individuals identified as relatives of the deceased visited the mosque, accusing the Imam and some worshippers of involvement in Najeem’s death.
Source: dailypost.ng
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Bauchi Govt okays monthly stipends for Imams and Pastors
January 30, 2026
By Charly Agwam
The Bauchi state government has approved monthly stipends for religious leaders in the State following the savings recovered from ghost workers on the State’s payroll.
The Bauchi State Head of Civil Service, Mohammed Sani Umar and the Governor’s Chief Economic Adviser, Yahuza Haruna, briefed government correspondents in Bauchi after a closed-door session with the governor.
The Head of Service said the Economic Council approved monthly stipends for imams of various JUMA’AT Mosques across the state and for pastors in various churches.
“The issues of allowances for Imams and Pastors are irrespective of sects and denominations. The last step that we are going to take is to get the economic and financial implications for the implementations,’ Umar noted.
He further revealed that the economic council meeting deliberated extensively on the commencement of payment of salaries to the newly created EMIRS AND DISTRICT HEADS across the state and that the government has made adequate cash flow for their sustenance.
Source: vanguardngr.com
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Nigerian Army Storms Terrorists Enclaves In Kwara, Neutralises Bandits
January 31, 2026
The troops of 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army have sustained coordinated offensive operations against terrorist elements within the Joint Operations Area (JOA) in Kwara State.
Captain Maureen Ogbuka disclosed the development on Friday evening in a statement she signed on behalf of the acting deputy director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operations FANSAN YAMMA.
She disclosed that the feat was achieved with the massive support from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
She said, “These operations were conducted under the leadership of Major General Chinedu Nnebife, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), alongside Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, the Commander 22 Brigade. Their efforts reflect high operational responsiveness and determination to dismantle terrorist networks.
”In the engagements, troops, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), conducted fighting patrols in several bandits enclaves. They successfully neutralised a terrorists, while others managed to escape into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds. Their hideouts and camps were completely destroyed, leaving the brigands dislodged.
”Similarly, troops cleared Garin Dandi, a known enclave of bandits in the Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State leading to the decimation of the bandits logistics bases and supply system.
“Troops also stormed remote camps hitherto inaccessible to security forces where several abandoned camps and logistics enablers were destroyed significantly degrading the terrorists’ sustainment capability.
”Despite the difficult and restrictive terrain, troops maintained an aggressive posture throughout the forested areas, effectively denying the bandits freedom of movement. Furthermore, troops intercepted fleeing elements at various blocking positions, leading to the arrest of suspected bandits. The operations also resulted in the rescue of numerous kidnap victims from different camps in the state.
“Observations from the operations indicate that bandits receive support from collaborators within nearby communities, who provide intelligence on troop movements, enabling early withdrawal from targeted locations. The successes recorded underscore the resolve and operational effectiveness of the Divison in degrading terrorist elements and restoring security across Kwara State.
”The GOC 2 Division Nigerian Army has called on members of the public to continue to provide credible and timely information on bandits and their collaborators to enhance ongoing operations. The operation is ongoing to deal decisively with all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/31/nigerian-army-storms-terrorists-enclaves-in-kwara-neutralises-bandits/
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Southeast Asia
PM Anwar rejects opposition claims of land cession to Indonesia
30 Jan 2026
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim dismisses claims Malaysia gave land to Indonesia as baseless, accusing the opposition of spreading lies and misinformation
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has again rejected opposition claims that Malaysia handed over more than 5,000 hectares of land along the Sabah-Kalimantan border to Indonesia.
Describing the allegation as baseless and irresponsible, Anwar said it amounted to an abuse of freedom of speech, and that the opposition is spreading false information, distorting facts and exploiting religious sentiments to mislead the public.
“This is the opposition misusing freedom of speech to talk nonsense, lie, misuse Islam and deceive the people with false information.
“If they want clarification, they can ask the Prime Minister. Instead, they pass judgment and continue lying. I cannot accept this. This is not the conduct expected of a responsible opposition,” he said.
Anwar was responding to the Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s statement yesterday, reiterating the claim that Malaysia had ceded 5,207 hectares of land to Indonesia as compensation for three villages in the Nunukan area near the Sabah-Kalimantan border, and called for the matter to be debated in Parliament.
Asked whether the government would provide further clarification in Parliament, Anwar said it was unnecessary as the allegation was clearly false and made in bad faith.
“There is no need for clarification. Those who make accusations, lie and slander continuously must be held accountable. We cannot accept such dirty and destructive political practices,” he said.
Earlier, the Prime Minister joined more than 2,000 congregants in performing Friday prayers at Masjid Ar-Rahimah in Taman Greenwood, Gombak. Also present was Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/pm-anwar-rejects-opposition-claims-of-land-cession-to-indonesia/
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Ringgit falls on US Fed leadership speculation and dollar strength
30 Jan 2026
The ringgit closed lower against the US dollar amid speculation about a potential hawkish Fed chair, though it gained against other major currencies
KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit closed lower against the US dollar on the last trading day of the week, pressured by renewed demand for the greenback amid speculations surrounding the future leadership of the United States Federal Reserve (Fed).
At 6 pm, the ringgit depreciated to 3.9440/9500 versus the US dollar from 3.9275/9315 at Thursday’s close.
Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the US dollar strengthened as investors reassessed US interest rate expectations following reports that former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh is being mentioned as a potential Fed chairman.
“Warsh, who served at the Fed from 2006 to 2011, was known as an inflation hawk, prompting markets to anticipate a more cautious stance on interest rate cuts should he assume the role,” he told Bernama.
Mohd Afzanizam said the market appeared to believe that the incoming Fed chairman may not immediately align with the White House’s push for substantial interest rate reductions, given the central bank’s long-standing mandate of ensuring price stability and maximum employment.
“Whoever takes on the Fed chairman role will continue to follow the same policy playbook, as these objectives are embedded in law and preserving the institution’s credibility remains the Fed’s top priority,” he said, adding that the news likely provided an opportunity for traders to lock in gains.
At the close, the ringgit traded mostly higher against a basket of major currencies.
It appreciated vis-a-vis the British pound to 5.4163/4245 from yesterday’s close of 5.4207/4263, climbed against the Japanese yen to 2.5562/5603 from 2.5616/5644, but edged lower against the euro to 4.6957/7029 from 4.6953/7001.
As for its performance against ASEAN peers, the ringgit strengthened vis-a-vis the Thai baht to 12.5250/5544 from 12.5930/6119 previously.
However, it slid against the Singapore dollar to 3.1077/1127 from 3.1065/1099, slipped versus the Philippine peso to 6.69/6.71 from 6.66/6.67, and weakened against the Indonesian rupiah to 234.9/235.4 from 234.4/234.7 yesterday.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/ringgit-falls-on-us-fed-leadership-speculation-and-dollar-strength/
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Early year one entry: Melaka govt, education dept to hold stakeholder engagement
31 Jan 2026
MELAKA, Jan 31 — The Melaka State Government and the State Education Department will carry out engagement sessions with various stakeholders on the implementation of voluntary admission of pupils into Year One at the age of six beginning next year.
Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman said that while there is currently no compulsion for parents to enrol six-year-olds in Year One, preparations need to begin as early as possible to avoid potential issues.
"Although it is not mandatory, some parents may wish for their six-year-old children to enter school earlier, and the state government and Education Department need to be ready to accommodate them.
"Personally, I agree with this approach as children can progress faster and complete their education sooner, particularly since some have already received early education as young as four,” he told reporters after launching the Kampung Kita programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bendahara Seri Maharaja in Kandang today.
On Jan 20, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the launch of the National Education Blueprint (RPN) 2026-2035, announced that beginning next year, six-year-old children may enter Year One, although it will not be compulsory and will depend on parents’ decision. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Azalina: Cabinet agrees to 10-year prime minister limit, constitutional amendments to follow
31 Jan 2026
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 31 — The government has decided to introduce a 10-year limit on the tenure of the Prime Minister, in a move aimed at strengthening accountability, checks and balances, and constitutional governance.
The decision follows extensive review of public feedback, policy inputs, and recommendations gathered through engagement sessions involving various stakeholders, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, in charge of law and institutional reform, said in a press statement today.
“The government has agreed to the policy proposal to limit the tenure of the prime minister to 10 years as a key measure to strengthen the principles of accountability, checks and balances, and constitutional governance under the Madani government institutional reform agenda, during yesterday’s weekly Cabinet meeting,” she said.
She said the policy is intended to prevent excessive concentration of power, promote democratic principles, and boost public confidence in the nation’s leadership.
The reform aligns Malaysia with mature democratic practices internationally, where fixed leadership terms are commonly used to ensure transparency and prevent over-centralisation of power.
“The government will proceed with the necessary amendments to the Federal Constitution, which are expected to be tabled in Parliament during the current session,” Azalina added.
The move forms part of the broader Madani government agenda to strengthen institutions, enhance governance, and uphold the rule of law.
The proposed constitutional amendments, once approved, would formally cap the prime minister’s term and could mark a significant step in Malaysia’s institutional reforms.
Source: malaymail.com
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King graces completion of Phase I of Sultan Abdul Samad building conservation
31 Jan 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today graced the completion of Phase 1 of the conservation of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building (BSAS) along Jalan Raja here.
His Majesty arrived at about 10 am and was welcomed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
The ceremony commenced with a performance by the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, followed by a doa selamat and the Prime Minister’s speech.
The historic ceremony marked the opening of Block 1 of the iconic BSAS Complex, following the completion of 11 months of conservation and preservation works carried out under the Warisan Khazanah Fund programme, an initiative of Warisan Kuala Lumpur (Warisan KL).
The building was originally known as the Secretariat Building and served as the administrative centre of the nation before being renamed the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in honour of the late Sultan Abdul Samad ibni Almarhum Raja Abdullah, the Sultan of Selangor during the era of its construction.
The BSAS has borne witness to many significant moments in the nation’s history, including the lowering of the Union Jack and the first hoisting of the Federation of Malaya flag in 1957 at the area now known as Dataran Merdeka.
The building also witnessed the proclamation of Kuala Lumpur as a city in 1972 and later as a Federal Territory in 1974, following the consent of the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah for the transfer of Kuala Lumpur from Selangor to the federal government.
The conservation of BSAS Block 1 marks the first completed phase of a comprehensive effort to preserve the complex, with conservation works maintaining its status as a Category 1 National Heritage Site while enhancing safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience.
Visitors are able to enjoy a range of facilities at BSAS, including exhibition spaces and interactive galleries, a one-stop visitor information centre, experiential retail and craft-making spaces, halls and rentable event venues, as well as food and beverage services.
BSAS Block 1 will be open to the public on Feb 2, exactly one year after conservation works began last year, with the galleries open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
To commemorate the opening, admission to the Kuala Lumpur Gallery at Dataran Merdeka will be free for the first month. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Army Western Field Commander Malek Razak is new Malaysian Armed Forces chief
31 Jan 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31 — Army Western Field Commander Lieutenant-General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman has been appointed as the new Chief of the Defence Force, effective tomorrow (Feb 1).
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, had consented to Malek Razak being promoted to the rank of General and then appointed as the Chief of Defence Force.
“This appointment is made in line with the recommendation of the 633rd (Special) Armed Forces Council meeting held on Jan 29, and subsequently received the consent of His Majesty on Jan 30,” he said in a statement today.
Mohamed Khaled said that Malek Razak holds a Diploma in Strategic and Security Studies from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College London and a Master of Social Science (Defence Studies) from UKM.
Malek Razak began his military career in 1985 as an Overseas Cadet Officer at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, United Kingdom, and was commissioned on Dec 11, 1987, with the rank of Second Lieutenant.
Mohamed Khaled said that Malek Razak began his career as a platoon commander with the 21st Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment and served in various units, holding numerous command and staff appointments.
“His last post before this appointment was Western Field Commander of the Army,” he said.
He added that over nearly 40 years of service, Malek has demonstrated exceptional capability, leadership and excellence.
“Based on his extensive experience and proven credibility, the Ministry of Defence is confident this appointment will strengthen the leadership and capabilities of the Armed Forces in addressing national defence challenges.
“It will also help restore and reinforce the Armed Forces’ prestige through leadership founded on integrity and professionalism, in addition to maintaining the public’s confidence in the country’s defence institution,” he added. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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Singapore Food Agency pulls two more Dumex Dulac infant formulas over cereulide contamination
31 Jan 2026
SINGAPORE, Jan 31 — The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has ordered two additional Dumex Dulac infant formula products to be withdrawn from sale after detecting the cereulide toxin in recent tests.
SFA and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said in a joint statement, reported by the Straits Times, that two more children who consumed the implicated batches developed mild symptoms linked to cereulide exposure.
The agencies said “all the cases have since recovered,” bringing the total number of affected children to three.
They said the latest recall follows the completion of SFA’s testing of all infant formula products available at major retailers in Singapore.
According to the statement, both newly identified batches may have used the same raw ingredient associated with earlier contaminated products.
Cereulide is a toxin produced by the Bacillus cereus bacterium and is known for its resistance to heat, alkalinity and standard filtration processes.
The toxin can trigger nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
The agencies said there are currently no definitive laboratory tests that can confirm cereulide poisoning in patients.
CDA said it is working with SFA and medical practitioners to monitor for possible cases among children.
SFA said it directed the recall as a precautionary step.
The affected items are Dumex Dulac Stage 1 and Dumex Dulac Stage 2, both in 800g tins with batch numbers 101575737 and 101570779 and expiry dates of September 5, 2027.
Both products were manufactured in Thailand.
The agencies said nine batches of imported infant formula have now been flagged, representing about 5 per cent of Singapore’s imported supply.
They added that the implicated batches form only a small portion of the overall infant formula available locally.
Consumers who purchased the affected tins are advised not to feed them to children.
Parents whose children consumed the products and feel unwell should seek medical attention promptly.
SFA and CDA first recalled two products on January 17 — Nestle NAN HA1 SupremePro and Dumex Dulac 1 — after detecting cereulide.
Nestle had earlier announced a recall on January 5 in several European markets due to a “quality issue” involving an ingredient from one of its suppliers.
The recall expanded on January 8 to Africa, the Americas and Asia, with at least 37 countries issuing health alerts linked to the contamination.
Source: malaymail.com
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South Asia
Defense Ministry Delegation in Russia for Talks on Regional Security
January 31, 2026
KABUL: A high-level delegation from the Ministry of National Defence, led by Mawlavi Mohammad Qasim “Farid,” Deputy Minister for Strategy and Policy, visited the Russian Federation to discuss regional security.
In a meeting with their Russian counterpart, Vasily Osmakov, the delegation exchanged views on several important topics, including mutual cooperation and ways to prevent security challenges, the ministry said in a statement the other day.
The two sides also emphasised the importance of maintaining relations, expanding official interactions, and sustaining long-term cooperation.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/defense-ministry-delegation-in-russia-for-talks-on-regional-security/
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UK Envoy Says a Peaceful Afghanistan Requires Respect for All Rights
By Fidel Rahmati
January 31, 2026
Britain’s envoy for Afghanistan warned that new court rules threaten justice and peace by discriminating against women, ethnics and dissenting citizens.
Richard Lindsay, the UK’s representative for Afghanistan, said a just and peaceful Afghanistan requires respect for the rights of all citizens.
He said the Taliban’s newly approved criminal code for their courts shows the opposite, institutionalising discrimination against women, minorities and those defying imposed social norms.
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada recently endorsed the group’s “criminal code for courts,” making it binding across the country.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have steadily imposed strict legal and social restrictions, particularly targeting women’s rights and religious freedoms.
The code has triggered widespread criticism from political groups and rights advocates, who warn it could deepen repression and erode basic protections.
Under the code, violence against women and children is narrowly defined as severe physical harm, while psychological and sexual abuse are not explicitly prohibited.
The Taliban justice ministry has rejected criticism, saying opposition to its laws is a religious crime and that all legislation is derived from Hanafi jurisprudence, the Quran and Sunnah.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/uk-envoy-says-a-peaceful-afghanistan-requires-respect-for-all-rights/
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Beradar Chaires Meeting of Commission on Collecting Beggars, Preventing Begging
January 31, 2026
KABUL: The meeting of the Commission on Collecting Beggars and Preventing Begging was held, with Mullah Abdul Ghani Beradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, on the chair, his office said in a statement the other day.
The Deputy PM explained the main objective of creating the commission and highlighted the importance of the beggar-collection process carried out in Kabul over the past three years.
He stated that as a result of efforts by member institutions, a large number of beggars have been collected from Kabul city, and eligible beggars have received monthly cash assistance and food items from the Islamic Emirate.
According to the report, 74,968 beggars have been collected in Kabul since the start of the initiative.
After careful assessment, 37,947 were identified as eligible and 37,021 as professional beggars.
“Eligible beggars were referred to the Afghan Red Crescent Society, where they receive monthly bank transfers. Some were referred to the Ministry of Public Health for treatment, and others to Kabul Municipality for employment opportunities,” the statement said.
The Deputy PM instructed all ministries and member institutions to strictly implement the approved procedures of the Commission, as endorsed by the Amir-ul-Mu’minin.
He noted that although the number of beggars had significantly decreased at the beginning, there has been a recent increase that requires serious follow-up.
It was also decided that the commission will meet monthly under the leadership of the Ministry of Interior’s Counter-Narcotics Directorate, and will submit activity reports to the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/beradar-chaires-meeting-of-commission-on-collecting-beggars-preventing-begging/
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Establishment of Agricultural, Industrial Complex for Cotton Cultivation and Processing Discussed
January 31, 2026
KABUL: The meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Investment Committee was held the other day at the Marmarin Palace, discussing the establishment of an agricultural and industrial complex for cotton cultivation and processing.
After discussions, a committee composed of representatives from relevant ministries was tasked with identifying suitable land in various provinces for the implementing company, and to present its report to the Inter-Ministerial Investment Committee within the set timeframe.
Additionally, a proposal for investment on the Kolola Pushta hill in Kabul Province was also discussed, the Office of Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs said in a statement.
The meeting emphasized that, while preserving the historical and cultural value of the Kolola Pushta Fortress and considering the importance of its sensitive tunnels, the creation of green spaces, public and recreational areas, and the provision of all necessary facilities must also be taken into account.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/establishment-of-agricultural-industrial-complex-for-cotton-cultivation-and-processing-discussed/
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Administrative Commission Reviews Draft of New Municipalities Law
January 31, 2026
KABUL: The meeting of the Administrative Commission was held under the chairmanship of Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, to review a draft of the new municipalities law, Arg said in a statement on Friday.
The draft law highlights the importance of maintaining cleanliness and greenery in cities, protecting green areas, and strengthening the role of municipalities in improving the urban environment.
At the end of the meeting, specific tasks were assigned to separate committees for further review of other agenda items.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/administrative-commission-reviews-draft-of-new-municipalities-law/
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Turkish Company Seeking Investment in Country’s Hydropower Sector
January 31, 2026
KABUL: Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) said in a statement on Friday that representatives of a Turkish company met with Mullah Abdulhaq Hamkar, CEO of DABS, expressing interest in investing in the hydropower turbine sector.
According to the statement, the company Marbeyaz intends to install new high-capacity turbines at Afghanistan’s hydropower plants and assist in building the technical and professional capacity of Afghan personnel.
The CEO of DABS emphasized that all necessary facilities for attracting investment in this sector have been provided and assured full cooperation with the company.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/turkish-company-seeking-investment-in-countrys-hydropower-sector/
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India Promises to Activate Radiotherapy Department at Cancer Hospital, Official
January 31, 2026
KABUL: Mawlavi Noor Jalal Jalali, Minister of Public Health, said that India has pledged to activate the radiotherapy department at the cancer treatment hospital, according to a statement from the ministry on Friday.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the country’s first cancer diagnosis and treatment hospital, he said that once this section becomes operational, cancer patients will have access to standard and specialized treatment inside the country, reducing the need for travel abroad.
He described this step as an important measure in strengthening the health system and expanding advanced medical services in the country.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/india-promises-to-activate-radiotherapy-department-at-cancer-hospital-official/