Bulleh Shah's Shrine Vandalised in Mussoorie: How The Sufi Poet Blended Religious Beliefs, Challenged Orthodoxy
New Age Islam News Bureau
29 January 2025
A view of Sufi poet Baba Bulleh Shah's shrine vandalised by unknown miscreants, at Mussoorie in Dehradun on Sunday. (ANI)
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· Bulleh Shah’s shrine vandalised in Mussoorie: How the Sufi poet blended religious beliefs, challenged orthodoxy
· ‘Unprecedented catastrophe’ unfolding in Gaza despite ceasefire, Palestinian UN envoy says
· Saudi program opens doors to historical research for local, international scholars
· Australia's Muslim community blasts ex-Premier Morrison over Islamophobic demands
· Trump warns Iran 'time is running out' for nuclear deal as US military builds up in Gulf
· Boko Haram Strikes Again, Slays Newly Promoted Lieutenant Colonel, Six Soldiers In Borno Ambush
· Malaysia Tightens Airport Health Precautions Following Nipah Virus Outbreak in India
· Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Hanafi Says Religious Scholars Are Central to Social Reform and National Unity
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India
· No security concerns for Indian diplomats or their kin: Bangladesh
· Kashmiri shawl seller brutally assaulted in Uttarakhand
· Civil courts’ jurisdiction not completely barred under Waqf Act: SC
· Delhi HC dismisses Engineer Rashid's challenge to framing of charges in terror funding case
· NIA court sentences man in Pakistan espionage case over misuse of Indian SIM cards
· Bhopal Slaughterhouse Trail: Power, Protection And Beef That Shook The System
· Man, accomplice arrested in Gurgaon for allegedly tricking woman into marriage, pressuring her to convert
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Mideast
· Gaza ceasefire fragile, UN warns, amid Israeli airstrikes, aid obstacles and spiraling West Bank violence
· How Israeli settlers are forcing Palestinian farmers off their land with near-total impunity
· UK, France, Canada condemn Israel’s demolition of UN site in Jerusalem
· Israeli forces demolish two Palestinian homes near Bethlehem, kill man
· Former Iraq PM Maliki rejects US interference after threat
· Trump weighs Iran strikes to inspire renewed protests, sources say
· Syrian authorities arrest leader of terrorist cells in Lattakia
· Yemeni border security chief reveals drug smuggling networks linked to Houthis
· Putin praises Al-Sharaa over restoring Syria’s territorial integrity
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Arab World
· Saudi crown prince receives Hillary Clinton in Riyadh
· Saudi Arabia acknowledges ‘effective cooperation’ after Lebanese authorities seize narco lab
· UAE’s Sheikh Tahnoon ‘welcome anytime’: Saudi media minister
· Saudi crown prince receives 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner Omar Yaghi
· Saudi fund provides $10m to UN to supply Sudan with drinking water
· Saudi Arabia hosts Sports Week to support SMEs
· Gulf Cooperation Council chief receives UNESCO director in Riyadh
· Group of women retrace sacred Hijrah route to Madinah
· US firm plans world’s first commercial space station
· Riyadh forum discusses sustainable water, waste strategies
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Europe
· Police issue appeal after 'disturbance' between two men outside mosque
· Europe must act urgently and stop outsourcing defence, says EU's Kallas
· Beeston mosque set to buy former mental health hub
· Watford Leavesden Road mosque conversion plan REFUSED
· Assisted dying bill 'no hope' of passing unless Lords change approach, warns peer
· Zelensky condemns Russian drone strike that killed five on passenger train
· Merz rejects Zelensky’s ‘concrete date’ for EU membership
· Trump envoys won’t attend next Russia-Ukraine talks – Rubio
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North America
· CAIR-NY Condemns Violent Antisemitic Attack on Rabbi in Queens
· CAIR Says Rasmussen Poll ‘Message Testing’ Anti-Muslim Talking Points is Latest Sign of Deliberate Effort to Stoke Islamophobia
· US cybersecurity chief leaked sensitive files to ChatGPT – Politico
· TX AG Paxton launches investigation into Texas school districts over CAIR-funded Islamic Games
· Montreal holds commemoration to honour victims of Quebec City mosque attack
· CAIR Welcomes Firing of Vermont Sheriff’s Deputy After Racist Messages Discovered
· ICE issues ‘do not engage’ order to its agents as backlash grows after Alex Pretti shooting
· Border agents involved in fatal shooting of Alex Pretti placed on leave
· US Fed holds interest rates and defends independence
· 'I don't let bullies win,' says US congresswoman Omar after substance thrown at her
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Africa
· Security Is Not Something We Discuss In The Open Market – Senate Suspends Debate On US Airstrikes In Nigeria
· Senate suspends Electoral Act debate, Shariah council demands Amupitan’s removal
· Police disperse protesters demanding compensation following mass eviction
· DRC: Kinshasa and UN launch humanitarian response plan
· Two Ex-Minister Still Free As Court Convicts Ex‑NIPC Official For Using Forged Certificates
· How Brig-Gen Musa Sadiq Became Entangled In Foiled Coup Plot Against Tinubu
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Southeast Asia
· Anwar gives enforcement chiefs one-week ultimatum: Act on corruption or step aside
· Govt Adjusts Free Nutritious Meal Program for Ramadan 2026
· Indonesia's DEN to prioritize nuclear energy development: Minister
· DPM Fadillah unveils KLIA Aeropolis solar farm and battery project as Malaysia powers up energy transition
· US deal won’t limit Malaysia’s nuclear policy, says PETRA
· Malaysia-France rare earth project advances to pilot phase
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South Asia
· Kabul, Ashgabat Discuss Bilateral Relations and Regional Cooperation
· Turkey Donates $500,000 to Afghanistan Through UN Trust Fund
· Afghan, Iranian Officials Discuss Trade, Transit Facilitation
· Coordination Meeting Held on Freight Transport Regulations
· Improved Security Enables ICRC to Deliver Aid Nationwide, Katarina Ritz Says
· Badakhshan Holds Seminar on Role of Cultural Heritage in Reflecting Society’s Identity
· Afghanistan Reconstruction Watchdog SIGAR Closing End of January After $148 Billion Report
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Bulleh Shah’s shrine vandalised in Mussoorie: How the Sufi poet blended religious beliefs, challenged orthodoxy
by: Manraj Grewal Sharma
Jan 28, 2026
A view of Sufi poet Baba Bulleh Shah's shrine vandalised by unknown miscreants, at Mussoorie in Dehradun on Sunday. (ANI)
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Last week, a shrine of the 17th-century Sufi poet Bulleh Shah was vandalised by miscreants in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, sparking widespread outrage and calls for the protection of Sufi heritage.
The reactions also underscored the continued cultural relevance of Bulleh Shah, one of Punjab’s greatest Sufi poets, who is often likened to Rumi. He preached the primacy of “ishq” (universal love) above all religions, rejecting divisions of caste, creed, religion, and gender. As Punjabi poet and writer Dr Gurbhajan Gill notes, Bulleh Shah was a secular voice whose famous kafi (a type of Sufi poetry) captures his philosophy:
“Masjid dha de, mandir dha de, dha de jo kujh dhainda. Par kisi da dil na dhavin, Rabb dilan vich rehnda.” (Break down the mosque, break down the temple, break down everything that can be broken, but do not break a human heart, for that is where God resides.)”
Dr HS Bhatia, former Dean (Languages) at Amritsar’s Guru Nanak Dev University, says his core messages were universal love, tolerance, compassion, and concern for mankind. Fluent in Persian and Arabic, he wrote in simple Punjabi. His writing was laced with cultural nuances, earning him a lasting fandom.
Roots in present-day Pakistan
Born in 1680 in Kasur in present-day Pakistan, his real name was Abdullah Shah. His ancestors hailed from Uch Gilaniyan in Bahawalpur, but scholars trace his birth to the Pandoke Bhatian village where his father, Shah Mohammed Dervish, worked as a teacher. An upper-caste Syed man, the parish preacher was well-versed in Arabic, Persian, and the Quran.
Even today, Shah Mohammed’s death anniversary is marked at his tomb in Pandoke Bhatian (such events are called “urs” in Sufi tradition). Bulleh Shah pursued higher education in Kasur, a key learning centre, under Hazrat Ghulam Murtaza, who also taught the renowned Punjabi poet Waris Shah, his contemporary. Bulleh Shah later studied in Batala under the Qadriya Silsilah (school), a branch of the Sunni Sufi order founded by Abdul Qadir Gilani in the 12th century Baghdad.
Rebellion against caste, religion, and patriarchy
Professor Sukhdev Singh Sirsa, formerly of Panjab University’s Punjabi Department, describes Bulleh Shah as a “seeker” who rebelled against caste, religion, and patriarchy.
After studying at Batala, he came to Lahore to seek the guidance of Shah Inayat Qadri, a liberal philosopher who was expelled from Kasur by the Afghan governor for his views. Along with the Chishti order, the Qadri ranked among Punjab’s most tolerant Sufi traditions, with the Qadris embracing music and interfaith followers. Despite the increasingly intolerant Mughal rule, Sufism flourished in the 17th and 18th century Punjab largely due to the Qadri order, and its fondness for vernacular devotional poetry like the kafi.
Bulleh Shah’s family, owing to their exalted Syed lineage, opposed his decision to take Shah Inayat Qadri as his teacher, since he hailed from the Arain caste of vegetable growers. Only his sister, who also chose to remain single like him, supported him. Lore has it that Shah met Qadri when he was tending vegetables in Lahore and asked him about the path to enlightenment. Qadri replied: “Bulleya, rab da ki pauna, itho putna uthe laana.” (Bulleya, seeking God is simple, it’s just a shift of consciousness from worldly to spiritual)
Bulleh Shah’s second act of rebellion targeted religion. He scorned rituals like the Hajj, fasting during Ramzan, Sharia laws, and even the daily namaz, enraging the clergy at a time when Islam had taken a conservative turn under the Mughals and Punjab was in tumult with frequent rebellion by the newly-founded Sikhs.
One kafi declares, “Tainu kafir kafir kehnde ne, Tu aaho aaho aakh.” (They call you infidel, you retort: ‘Yes, I am, I am!’)
Fearful of reprisals from the Mughals, Shah Inayat Qadri expelled Bulleh Shah temporarily, but they later reconciled.
His third act of rebellion challenged patriarchy. He learned to sing and dance, swapping traditional green Islamic attire for pink (worn by Punjabi brides). Sirsa notes his kafis use a feminine voice, urging women to reject oppression.
Bulleh Shah also drew from the Nath yogis, who incorporated both the Tantric Shaivite rituals and Tantra-inspired Buddhism. Professor Sirsa says he was drawn to them, for he believed they transcended religion, linking individuals to the Supreme Being through yogic practices. In one of his kafis, he declares: “To attain Thee, I have controlled breath.” Borrowing from the contemporary Bhakti movement, his murshid (guru) embodied the divine for him.
Calcutta University professor Amit Dey argued in an article (“Locating Bulleh Shah in the Mystical Tradition of South Asia”) that Bulleh Shah’s work shows deep Vedantic Monism. The philosophy asserts belief in Brahman, the universal, ultimate reality of everything that has ever existed and will exist. He also saw God in opposites: friends/foes, Hindu/Muslim, men/women, and even blending together distinct religious beliefs. Dey wrote, “He sees God in Krishna and Rama. Bulleh Shah adores Muhammad not as a messenger of God but as incarnation of God.”
Legacy in Punjab and beyond
No wonder then that when Bulleh Shah passed away in 1758, the clergy denied him space for burial. Dr HS Bhatia says trans persons and singers buried him outside Kasur. Today, his tomb in Pakistan draws the devout across the world, and the local elites seek burial sites close to him.
Filmmakers and singers across borders cherish his kafis. Filmmakers Mani Ratnam, Farah Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Gulzar, and numerous others have been inspired by them and have featured songs like “Bulla Ki Jana Main Kaun”, “Dama Dum Mast Kalandar”, “Mera Piya Ghar Aaya”, and “Chhaiyya Chhaiyya” in their films. A biopic on Bulleh Shah is currently under production in Pakistan.
A brief list of awards instituted in his name includes the Aalami Punjabi Ikatth’s Bulleh Shah Award (first given to late Punjabi poet and Padma Shri awardee Surjit Patar in 2007), and Pakistan’s Bulleh Shah Gold Medal, awarded to poet Azeez Belgaumi from Karnataka in 2025.
Bulleh Shah would have been unmoved by both the fandom and the vandalism. As he wrote:
“Mitti da tu mitti hona, kaahdi balle balle” (from dust you will go to dust, why this hullabaloo)
Source: indianexpress.com
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‘Unprecedented catastrophe’ unfolding in Gaza despite ceasefire, Palestinian UN envoy says
EPHREM KOSSAIFY
January 29, 2026
Palestine’s ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, condemned the punitive targeting of humanitarian organizations by Israel. (Getty Images/AFP)
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NEW YORK CITY: Palestine’s ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, said on Wednesday that the core principles upon which the UN was founded are under grave threat in the occupied Palestinian territories.
He said that although thousands of lives had been saved by the ceasefire agreement in October, at least 500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since then amid Israel’s continuing obstruction of humanitarian aid efforts, which is worsening what he described as the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the territory.
Speaking at a packed, high-level meeting of the UN Security Council, Mansour warned that if the right to self-determination, the prohibition of the acquisition of territory by force, and respect for international law are abandoned in relation to events in Palestine, it would endanger those principles worldwide.
“Asserting them there (in Palestinian territories) is upholding them everywhere; abandoning them there is jeopardizing them everywhere,” he told council members.
He welcomed the ceasefire deal agreed last year under a US-backed plan, praising the role of President Donald Trump’s administration and other international mediators, and said Palestinians have supported the truce in good faith despite repeated breaches by Israel.
While he acknowledged that thousands of lives had been saved through the resumption of humanitarian aid, and welcomed the release of all Israeli hostages and prisoners, Mansour questioned what justice would mean for Palestinian families whose relatives had been killed or remain missing under rubble, or who had suffered displacement, trauma and long-term injuries.
“The suffering of Palestinian civilians — men, women and children — must end with equal urgency,” he said, as he called for the full implementation of ceasefire obligations, an immediate end to the killing, and unrestricted humanitarian access across Gaza.
He condemned the punitive targeting of humanitarian organizations by Israel, including nongovernmental organizations and the UN’s own Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, citing in particular the seizure and destruction of their facilities and efforts to ban or expel aid groups from Palestinian territory.
Britain’s deputy ambassador to the UN, James Kariuki, echoed the concerns about humanitarian access. He condemned what he described as Israel’s “egregious attacks” against UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem, and its restrictions on the work of international nongovernmental organizations.
“These are the backbone of the humanitarian response, providing $1 billion of funding annually, and without them Palestinians will face yet more suffering,” he said, as he urged Israeli authorities to honor their humanitarian commitments under the Trump administration’s peace plan, and the wider principles of international law.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, Kariuki said, with at least nine infants having died of hypothermia so far this winter, including a 3-month-old baby last week.
“This is completely unconscionable, especially when lifesaving shelter and medical supplies remain at the border, blocked by Israeli authorities,” he added.
The decision by Israel to partially open the Rafah border crossing was insufficient; all crossings must be fully opened to allow aid to enter Gaza at scale, he said.
He also called for swift implementation of phase two of the peace plan, as set out in Security Council Resolution 2803, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the disarming of Hamas, deployment of an international stabilization force, and a clear timeline for the transfer of governance in Gaza to a reformed Palestinian Authority. Hamas must have no role in the future running of the territory, he added.
Mansour accused Israeli authorities of defying an advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice on its humanitarian obligations and violations of UN conventions, and said Israel had no sovereign rights in the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem.
Regarding the situation in the West Bank, Mansour warned of escalating Israeli military operations, settler violence and settlement expansions, including the E1 settlement project that threatens to split the West Bank. About 40,000 Palestinians have been displaced in the territory over the past two years, he added, the highest number since 1967.
Despite all this, Palestinians still see an opportunity for peace, Mansour said. He reiterated calls for a two-state solution, and for international efforts to move forward from the ceasefire deal to the end of the occupation and lasting peace under international law.
Gaza must remain an integral part of Palestinian territory and be reunified with the West Bank under the governance of the Palestinian Authority, he said, and he rejected any plan to divide or exert permanent external control over the enclave.
“Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people — nobody else,” Mansour said.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, told the council his country had achieved its first war aim by securing the return of all Israeli hostages, and was now focused on its second objective: the full disarmament of Hamas.
Progress toward the rebuilding of Gaza and implementation of the next phase of the ceasefire agreement depends on dismantling the military infrastructure of Hamas, including its weapons, command structures and tunnels, he said. No civilian future was possible while the group was still armed, he added.
Hamas continues to delay its disarmament, Danon said, and he warned of what he described as a broader regional threat posed by Iran.
He accused the regime in Tehran of funding and arming militant groups across the Middle East and repressing its own population. Israel believes the Iranian leadership must be confronted and never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, he added.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2631003/middle-east
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Saudi program opens doors to historical research for local, international scholars
HEBSHI ALSHAMMARI
January 28, 2026
Turki Alshuwaier, CEO of Darah, said the program is a strategic initiative aimed at supporting researchers from within and outside the Kingdom. (supplied)
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Riyadh: The first session of the Visiting Researcher Program for local and international researchers, organized by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as Darah, will begin in May.
According to Turki Al-Shuwaier, CEO of Darah, the program is a strategic initiative aimed at supporting researchers from within and outside the Kingdom, enabling them to conduct qualitative studies that leverage Darah’s research resources and specialized expertise.
He told Arab News: “The program contributes to strengthening cooperation with academic institutions, research centers, and archival libraries locally and internationally, as well as promoting specialized knowledge production and providing a stimulating environment for the development of research and knowledge paths.”
The program seeks to foster constructive scientific cooperation and open new horizons for documenting national history, giving researchers access to rare documents, historical manuscripts, archival photographs, and oral recordings.
Al-Shuwaier said the program aims to support methodological diversity in handling historical sources and encourage the use of modern academic approaches that contribute to developing knowledge about the history of the Kingdom, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Arab and Islamic worlds.
He added: “Darah seeks to enable researchers to make the most of their research residency at the foundation, and we are keen to provide the necessary academic support and scientific supervision by our specialists, ensuring a successful research experience for all.”
The program targets a diverse range of qualified researchers, including faculty members, graduate students, and specialists in relevant fields. It lasts between one and three months and is extendable “according to a scientific evaluation mechanism.”
Al-Shuwaier noted that Darah is leveraging its capabilities to support serious scientific research, concluding: “Through this program, we seek to contribute to enriching historical knowledge and promoting awareness of the importance of heritage and history in shaping the future.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2630936/saudi-arabia
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Australia's Muslim community blasts ex-Premier Morrison over Islamophobic demands
28.01.2026
Australia’s former Prime Minister Scott Morrison
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Australia’s Muslim community on Wednesday criticized former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, accusing him of promoting Islamophobic narratives and unfairly blaming Muslims for acts of violence.
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), the peak body representing Muslim religious leaders in Australia, said Morrison’s calls for Muslim leaders to undertake so-called “wholesale reform” and to take “accountability and responsibility” to address what he described as “political Islam" and implying that Islam or Muslims bear responsibility for the recent Bondi beach attack, were "reckless, irresponsible, and deeply ill-informed."
“This is not the first time Scott Morrison has made such reckless remarks,” ANIC said, adding that during his time in office he made similar claims following the 2018 Bourke Street attack, suggesting Muslim leaders and communities should be “more proactive” and implying they would know who was being radicalized.
The council rejected any suggestion that Islam or Muslims bear responsibility for the Bondi attacks, noting that law enforcement authorities have clearly stated the incidents were not organized, directed, or endorsed by any religious group.
Morrison made the comments at a conference in Israel and in an opinion article for The Australian, calling for nationally consistent accreditation, regulation, and oversight of imams and religious institutions, according to SBS News.
The council said it was deeply disappointing to hear such language from a former prime minister, warning that holding an entire faith community accountable for the actions of individuals undermines social cohesion and exploits public fear for political ends.
ANIC also criticized recent remarks by Senator Andrew Bragg, saying they reinforced a dangerous narrative that fuels division.
The council warned that inflammatory rhetoric contributes to a rise in Islamophobic incidents, including verbal abuse, physical attacks, and threats against mosques and community leaders.
Source: aa.com.tr
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https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/australias-muslim-community-blasts-ex-premier-morrison-over-islamophobic-demands/3813104
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Trump warns Iran 'time is running out' for nuclear deal as US military builds up in Gulf
Jan 29, 2026
Jaroslav Lukiv
The fleet is headed by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (file image)
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Donald Trump has warned Iran that "time is running out" to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme following the steady build-up of US military forces in the Gulf.
The US president said a "massive Armada" was "moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose" towards Iran, referring to a large US naval fleet.
In response, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country's armed forces were ready "with their fingers on the trigger" to "immediately and powerfully respond" to any aggression by land or sea.
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.
Trump's latest warning follows his promise that Washington will intervene to help those involved in the brutal and unprecedented crackdown on protests in the country earlier this month.
Demonstrations began after a sharp fall in the value of the Iranian currency, but swiftly evolved into a crisis of legitimacy for the country's clerical leadership.
"Help is on the way," Trump said, before later changing his tune and saying he had been told on good authority that the execution of demonstrators had stopped.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) says it has confirmed the killing of more than 6,301 people, including 5,925 protesters, since the unrest began at the end of December.
HRANA says it is 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 that the final toll could exceed 25,000.
Trump's latest comments on Iran appeared to focus more on the country's nuclear programme.
"Hopefully Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS," he wrote on Truth Social.
He said the naval force in the Gulf was larger than the one he sent to Venezuela before US forces seized the country's former leader Nicolás Maduro.
Trump added that this force was "ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary".
Referring to the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last June, which were launched during Iran's 12-day war with Israel, the US president warned: "The next attack will be far worse! Don't make that happen again."
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran's parliament, said in an interview with CNN thatTehran was ready to negotiate with the US, but only if talks were "genuine".
However, did not think that was "the kind of talk the president of the United States is after; he just wants to impose (his will on others)".
"Maybe Mr Trump can start a war, but he doesn't have control over (how it ends)," he added.
Speaking to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Iranian "regime is probably weaker than it's ever been".
"They don't have a way to address the core complaints of the protesters, which is that their economy is in collapse," Rubio said.
He added: "What you're seeing now is the ability to posture assets in the region to defend against what could be an Iranian threat against our personnel."
Responding to Trump's latest warning, Araghchi said: "Iran has always welcomed a mutually beneficial, fair and equitable NUCLEAR DEAL - on equal footing, and free from coercion, threats, and intimidation - which ensures Iran's rights to PEACEFUL nuclear technology, and guarantees NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS."
"Such weapons have no place in our security calculations and we have NEVER sought to acquire them," he added.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said that no negotiations with the US were currently under way, despite "exchanges of messages".
Using open-source tools, BBC Verify has been able to track some of the recent US deployments to the region, with satellite images showing that at least 15 fighter jets arrived at Jordan's Muwaffaq Air Force Base.
There has also been an increase in the number of aircraft arriving at bases in Jordan, Qatar, and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
BBC Verify has identified dozens of cargo planes and refuelling aircraft arriving in the Middle East, while drones and P-8 Poseidon spy planes have been seen on the FlightRadar24 tracking site operating near Iranian airspace.
A naval "armada", as Trump referred to it, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has also arrived in the Middle East, a US defence official confirmed to BBC Verify.
On Monday an Osprey aircraft's tracker was seen on FlightRadar24 landing in Oman after leaving an offshore location in the Gulf, suggesting that the Lincoln could be operating somewhere nearby.
"In the past two weeks, the US has surged naval and aerial assets to the region, significantly increasing its regional posture," Megan Sutcliffe, a principal analyst at the risk advisory firm Sibylline, said.
Satellite images show that at least two US guided missile destroyers and three combat ships have been docked in Bahrain for several months.
Meanwhile, Tehran has deployed the IRIS Shahid Bagheri - a drone carrier ship which entered service last year - just off the Iranian coast, satellite images show.
Under a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, Iran was not permitted to enrich uranium above 3.67% purity - the level required for fuel for commercial nuclear power plants - and was not allowed to carry out any enrichment at its Fordo plant for 15 years.
However, Trump abandoned the agreement during his first term in 2018, saying it did too little to stop a pathway to a bomb, and reinstated US sanctions, which crippled the Iranian economy.
Tehran retaliated by increasingly breaching restrictions under the deal, particularly those related to the production of enriched uranium, which is used to make reactor fuel but also nuclear weapons.
US officials, quoted by American media, have said Iran must stop enriching uranium, limit its missile programme and stop supporting proxy groups in the Middle East, as part of a new nuclear deal.
The last time the US took action against Iranian nuclear sites was June last year, when it targeted three uranium enrichment facilities in Iran: Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan.
US officials then said the operation - codenamed "Midnight Hammer" - had significantly set back the prospect of Tehran building a nuclear weapon.
However, Hassan Abedini, the deputy political director of Iran's state broadcaster, claimed that the country "didn't suffer a major blow because the materials had already been taken out" of the facilities.
In retaliation, Iran launched missiles on a US military base in Qatar - an attack described by Trump as "very weak" and "expected".
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly5pd459gko
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Boko Haram Strikes Again, Slays Newly Promoted Lieutenant Colonel, Six Soldiers In Borno Ambush
January 29, 2026
A newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel, alongside six others, have been reportedly murdered by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State.
According to Sahara Reporters, the Lieutenant Colonel identified as Mohammed was leading a troop of soldiers from Maiduguri to Damasak in the Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State when they came under attack by insurgents on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Military sources said the terrorists used explosives and heavy gunfire.
Apart from the dead bodies recovered, many other soldiers were seriously injured, while a yet-to-be ascertained number of personnel are also still missing.
“On January 26, 2026, troops from Maiduguri to Damasak, Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, were ambushed, leading to the death of seven soldiers, including a Lieutenant Colonel, who was recently promoted from Major.
“There was information that the terrorists were operating in the area, so the Lieutenant Colonel, who was their Commander, mobilised them for surveillance. However, they were ambushed on their way.
“Their bodies are in the 7 Division Hospital now. The terrorists took away the late commander’s phone. Senior officers later called his line, and Boko Haram terrorists picked up the call,” SaharaReporters quoted a source saying.
Boko Haram and its offshoot, Islamic State West Africa Province, have killed thousands and displaced millions in Northeastern Nigeria.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/29/boko-haram-strikes-again-slays-newly-promoted-lieutenant-colonel-six-soldiers-in-borno-ambush/
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Malaysia Tightens Airport Health Precautions Following Nipah Virus Outbreak in India
29 Jan 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 — Malaysia Airports is encouraging travellers to take extra health precautions in response to a Ministry of Health (MOH) alert regarding a recent Nipah virus outbreak in India.
In a public service announcement, the airport operator advised travellers to take extra care of their health and remain attentive to any symptoms before and after travelling.
“As a precaution, travellers are advised to wear a face mask, especially in crowded or enclosed areas, plan their journeys responsibly, and seek medical advice promptly if they feel unwell,” Malaysia Airports said.
The advisory comes as the Health Ministry has intensified surveillance and health screenings at all international entry points.
Although there are no reported Nipah virus cases in Malaysia, the measures are a precaution following two confirmed cases in West Bengal, India, since December 2025.
Health authorities are targeting travellers arriving from high-risk areas for screening, while border agencies are increasing checks on animal products.
The ministry is also collaborating with veterinary and wildlife departments under the “One Health” approach, and has confirmed that no virus has been detected in Malaysian animals to date.
Officials are advising the public, especially those travelling, to practice good hygiene, avoid contact with sick animals, and refrain from consuming suspect food products.
Malaysia’s last Nipah virus outbreak occurred in 1998-1999.
Given the virus’s high fatality rate of 40-75 per cent, which can cause severe respiratory issues and encephalitis, health facilities are on alert and prepared for infection control measures if needed.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/29/malaysia-airports-urges-travellers-to-mask-up-after-india-nipah-virus-outbreak/207232
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Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Hanafi Says Religious Scholars Are Central to Social Reform and National Unity
January 29, 2026
KABUL: Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, underscored the essential role of religious scholars in promoting Islamic values, reforming society, and safeguarding national unity, according to a statement from Arg the other day.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Andkhoy district of Faryab province, Hanafi said that religious education, especially Quran memorization and Hadith studies, carries a great responsibility and urged graduates to serve religion and society with sincerity and piety.
He also praised the efforts of teachers and administrators of religious institutions, reaffirming the Islamic Emirate’s support for educational and religious centers.
Hanafi stressed that special attention is being given to the development and strengthening of academic and religious institutions across the country.
It is worth noting that a total of 44 students, including Quran memorizers and scholars of Hadith studies, successfully graduated during this academic cycle.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/religious-scholars-key-to-social-reforms-national-unity-hanafi/
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India
No security concern for Indian diplomats or their kin: Bangladesh
Jan 29, 2026
Dhaka: Days after India advised family members of Indian diplomats and officials to return amid threat of violence against Indian establishments in Bangladesh, Dhaka on Wednesday shrugged off New Delhi’s concerns, saying it is their “choice” and “not our concern”. “If they want to take their families back, it is not our concern. There is no security concern. I do not understand what signal is being sent. It is their decision,” Bangladesh foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain said.
The advisory was issued last week following massive anti-India protests near the Indian high commission in Dhaka and assistant high commissions in other cities — angry protests had come precariously close to the diplomatic facility in Chittagong — as well as a series of attacks on minority Hindus, including killings, since the death of radical Islamist leader and India-baiter Sharif Osman Hadi on Dec 18, six days after he was shot.
“There is no situation in the country that would compel diplomats to send their family members back home or where officials or their family members are in danger,” Touhid said, adding he sees “no justification for the reported non-family posting of Indian diplomats”. He told reporters that the Bangladesh govt has not been informed of any security concerns regarding the family members of Indian diplomats.
While the Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi and its missions have suspended visa operations, the Indian high commission in Dhaka and its missions continue to remain open.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/no-security-concern-for-indian-diplomats-or-their-kin-bangladesh/articleshowprint/127749050.cms
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Kashmiri shawl seller brutally assaulted in Uttarakhand
Fayaz Wani
29 Jan 2026
SRINAGAR: In yet another assault on Kashmiri traders, a 17-year-old Kashmiri shawl seller was brutally assaulted in Uttarakhand yesterday evening. His cousin escaped with minor injuries in the assault.
According to Jammu and Kashmir Students Association national convenor Nasir Khuehami, a 17-year-old Kashmiri boy, Tabish Ahmed, who along with his cousin was selling shawls, was assaulted by fringe elements in the Vikas Nagar area of Uttarakhand on Wednesday evening.
“Both were taking tea at a local shop when the assault took place. The shopkeeper alongwith some locals assaulted the duo. Tabish was mercilessly beaten with iron rods and sticks,” Nasir said.
He sustained head injuries and a fracture to his left arm during the brutal assault.
Tabish was initially taken to a local hospital and later shifted to Doon Hospital in Dehradun for specialised treatment.
According to Nasir, Tabish has received 11 stitches and is undergoing treatment in the hospital.
“His relatives said he was questioned about his identity and upon learning that he belonged to the Muslim community and was from Kashmir, they pounced on him and his cousin, dragged them and hit them with iron rods,” JKSA national convenor said.
He added that he had spoken to the Uttarkhand DGP and informed him about the brutal assault on the Kashmiri shawl seller.
“The DGP said an FIR has been registered in connection with the incident,” he said.
The JKSA national convenor has urged the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand to intervene into the matter and book all the culprits under relevant sections of law.
The Kashmiri shawl sellers and students have also faced harassment and assaults in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and other places.
J&K Students Association has written to the Home Minister seeking urgent intervention to stop intimidation, harassment and targeted violence against Kashmiri students and shawl vendors.
The repeated incidents have created fear and uncertainty among Kashmiri students and traders pursuing education and earning their livelihood outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Jan/29/kashmiri-shawl-seller-brutally-assaulted-in-uttarakhand-2
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Civil courts’ jurisdiction not completely barred under Waqf Act: SC
Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty
29 Jan 2026
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday held that there is no absolute and all-pervasive ouster of the jurisdiction of civil courts even under Section 85 of the Waqf Act, 1995.
A bench of Justices Sanjay Kumar and K Vinod Chandran said, “Section 83 of the Act cannot be considered as a provision conferring jurisdiction on the Tribunal with respect to matters in addition to which jurisdiction has already been conferred under the other provisions of the Act.”
The bench made the observation while setting aside a judgment of the Telangana High Court pertaining to a property unregistered under the Waqf Act.
The top court stated that resolution of disputes over whether a property is a waqf or not is expressly conferred on the Waqf Tribunal only with respect to properties specified in the ‘list of auqaf’.
Referring to Section 9 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, the bench said that even if a statute accords finality to the orders of a Tribunal, courts must examine whether the Tribunal has the power to grant the reliefs that civil courts normally provide. If not, there can be no inference of exclusion of civil court jurisdiction.
Hearing an appeal filed by Habib Alladin and others, the court noted that the property in question was neither specified in the ‘list of auqaf’ published under Chapter II nor registered under Chapter V of the Act.
The bench held that the question of whether the property is a waqf property could not be decided by the Tribunal since it was not included in the ‘list of auqaf’, which is a mandatory requirement under Sections 6(1) and 7(1) of the Waqf Act, 1995, to approach the forum.
“The injunction simpliciter sought before the Tribunal does not fall within its jurisdiction and the plaint has to be rejected,” the bench said.
In its judgment authored by Justice Chandran, the court examined the scope and extent of the jurisdiction of the Tribunal constituted under the Waqf Act, 1995.
The court allowed the appeal and set aside the Tribunal’s judgment on jurisdiction as well as the High Court’s order affirming it, leaving the question of whether the scheduled property is a waqf open to be agitated in accordance with law.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Jan/28/civil-courts-jurisdiction-not-completely-barred-under-waqf-act-sc
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Delhi HC dismisses Engineer Rashid's challenge to framing of charges in terror funding case
28 Jan 2026
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday rejected a plea by jailed Lok Sabha MP from Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla, Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid, challenging the framing of charges against him in a terror funding case.
A bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Madhu Jain said the appeal by Rashid against the trial court order was not maintainable.
"The present appeal would not be maintainable and is dismissed," said the bench.
Rashid has been lodged in the Tihar jail since 2019 after he was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the 2017 terror funding case.
The Baramulla MP, who defeated Omar Abdullah in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, is facing trial in a terror funding case with allegations that he funded separatists and terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the NIA's FIR, Rashid's name cropped up during the interrogation of businessman and co-accused Zahoor Watali.
After being chargesheeted in October 2019, a special NIA court framed charges against Rashid and others in March 2022 under sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging war against the government), and 124A (sedition) of IPC and for offences relating to terrorist acts and terror funding under UAPA.
A Delhi court has allowed Rashid to attend the Budget Session of Parliament, which commenced on Wednesday, under custody parole, whereby a prisoner is escorted by armed police personnel to his place of visit.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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NIA court sentences man in Pakistan espionage case over misuse of Indian SIM cards
Imran Ahmed Siddiqui
29.01.26
A special NIA court has convicted and sentenced to five years in jail a key accused in a Pakistan-led espionage conspiracy case involving the fraudulent use of SIM cards and the misuse of social media platforms, the agency said.
The accused, identified as Altafhusen Ghanchibhai alias Shakil, had pleaded guilty during the trial in which 37 witnesses had been examined by the prosecution.
After convicting the accused of misusing unique identification features, including SIM cards, one-time passwords (OTPs), as well as social media, the NIA special court in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, pronounced the sentence on Tuesday.
Ghanchibhai has been sentenced to simple imprisonment for five years and six months with a fine of ₹5,000 under Section 18 (punishment for conspiracy, etc.) of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), and to simple imprisonment for two years and six months with a fine of ₹5,000 under Section 66C (punishment for identity theft) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The cross-border conspiracy case involved the use of Indian SIM cards belonging to fishermen arrested by the Pakistan Navy during fishing on the high seas, it said.
The mobile phones and SIM cards of these fishermen were seized by the Pakistan Navy and later activated by the accused in India to facilitate espionage activities, the probe agency said.
The NIA investigation, it said, established that the accused inserted the Indian SIM cards in his mobile handset and generated OTPs, which he shared with Pakistani intelligence operatives, enabling the use of Indian WhatsApp numbers from Pakistan.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/nia-court-jails-man-for-pakistan-espionage-plot-using-indian-sim-cards-and-whatsapp-prnt/cid/2144770
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Bhopal Slaughterhouse Trail: Power, Protection And Beef That Shook The System
Jan 28, 2026
The sealed slaughterhouse in Bhopal's Jinsi area has prompted many more unsettling questions than alleged cow slaughter alone. At the heart of the controversy now is the alleged illegal settlement of Rohingya refugees, forged identities and their use as labour in a powerful slaughterhouse network, raising serious concerns about national security, governance and systemic protection in the capital of Madhya Pradesh.
The spotlight is firmly on Aslam Qureshi alias Chamda, the operator of the Jinsi slaughterhouse. Fresh complaints allege that around 250 Rohingya refugees were illegally settled near the Mecca Mosque in Jinsi, employed in slaughtering and allied activities, and provided with fake documents prepared locally in Bhopal. Residents claim this shadow network also pushed local workers out of their livelihoods.
A complaint detailing these allegations was submitted last year at the Zone-1 DCP office in Bhopal. The police conducted an inquiry and gave Aslam a clean chit. What has now shocked investigators and rights bodies alike is that this clean chit was reportedly based largely on Aslam's own statements, not on independent verification or ground-level investigation.
When the Bhopal police submitted their report to the National Human Rights Commission, it was rejected outright. The Commission pointed out glaring contradictions. While police termed the allegations "baseless", Aslam himself admitted that labourers were brought from border states such as West Bengal, Assam and Bihar and housed on his private property.
The NHRC also noted that the investigating officer failed to verify the authenticity of identity cards produced by these labourers. In one of its sharpest observations, the Commission accused the police of diverting attention from the core issue by citing the absence of the complainant's address.
Politics Intensifies
Political reactions have been sharp and polarised. BJP leaders have demanded the harshest action, including invoking the National Security Act, while promising action against officers accused of negligence.
BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma said, "Whoever Aslam Chamda is, his skin will be peeled off, his property will be confiscated and action under the NSA will be taken. No guilty person will be spared. An investigation is also underway to determine which country's people were working there (at the slaughterhouse). Action will be taken against the officers who were negligent earlier as well."
The Congress, on the other hand, has questioned how such large-scale illegal activity could allegedly continue under what it calls a "triple-engine government", accusing the administration of selective blindness despite repeated claims of protecting cows and Sanatan values.
Former law minister PC Sharma said, "In the so-called triple-engine government of the BJP, which talks about Hindutva and Sanatan Dharma, cows were openly slaughtered. People were caught red-handed, yet no action was taken. We demanded that the cow be declared the national animal, but that has not been done. The Madhya Pradesh government must take strict action in this matter."
Tightening Grip
Aslam Qureshi's rise itself tells a story of influence. Beginning in the late 1980s by buying buffalo hides from villages across Sehore, Vidisha, Raisen and Ashta, his fortunes changed when he secured contracts to lift dead cattle. Over time, his grip over municipal systems reportedly became so strong that no competitor dared bid against him for slaughterhouse tenders. Even members of the Qureshi community had protested when the slaughterhouse was handed over to him.
Following Aslam's arrest, attention has now turned to officials of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation. Tender documents bear the signatures of senior officers, including the then additional commissioner, superintending engineer and executive engineer. Yet, despite their clear role in the approval process, no interrogation has been initiated so far, raising questions about accountability.
Cabinet Minister Vishwas Sarang called for the death penalty.
"Whoever is guilty and involved in cow slaughter should be given the death penalty. It is a matter of investigation how one individual became so powerful. Who is involved, where and how must be probed thoroughly. There can be no crime bigger than killing the cow and, after a complete investigation, such people should be awarded the death penalty."
The scale of the alleged operation became evident on the night of December 17, when police seized 26 tonnes of meat from a truck near the police headquarters. Interrogation revealed that the meat was allegedly destined for Gulf countries, while bones were reportedly routed to China. Investigators claim Aslam's network extended across the Bihar, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Maharashtra and overseas markets.
Documents accessed during the investigation by NDTV reveal that the Jinsi slaughterhouse, projected as a modern facility under a Public-Private Partnership model, was handed over in November 2025 with strict conditions. These included pollution control norms, food safety compliance, scientific waste disposal and round-the-clock CCTV surveillance. On paper, it was a model project. On the ground, questions now outnumber answers.
Just weeks after the handover, on December 17, 2025, tonnes of frozen meat was dispatched from Bhopal, officially declared as buffalo meat. The paperwork describes all the animals as buffaloes over 15 years of age, cleared through ante-mortem and post-mortem examinations, and certified fit for human consumption by municipal authorities. The logistics trail is meticulous 1,325 cartons, 26,500 kilograms, refrigerated trucks, cold storage facilities in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, matching vehicle numbers, seals and e-way bills.
Yet investigators now say forensic checks suggest the meat was beef, not buffalo. This revelation has triggered a fresh set of questions. Were the CCTV cameras functional from day one? Do the recordings of slaughter days exist, and who monitored them? Where did the animals shown as "buffaloes" actually come from, and how was their age verified? Was there any independent audit of procurement records? And, crucially, how much did the municipal corporation know about this commercial chain - who processed the meat, who sold it, and who profited?
Food safety has also emerged as a serious concern. While official documents mention an internal municipal investigation, independent laboratory test reports of the seized consignment have not been made public so far.
Source: ndtv.com
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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bhopal-slaughterhouse-trail-power-protection-and-beef-that-shook-the-system-10901000
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Man, accomplice arrested in Gurgaon for allegedly tricking woman into marriage, pressuring her to convert
Jan 29, 2026
A man, along with his associate, was arrested in Gurgaon on Wednesday for allegedly tricking a 25-year-old woman from Bihar into marrying him by concealing his identity, physically assaulting her, and pressuring her to convert, police said.
The accused, Arif Khan alias Aarav (35) and his associate, Tarif Khan (34), are both residents of Dhunela village near Sohna in Gurgaon. They were booked on the basis of a complaint filed by the victim on Tuesday.
Police said Arif, the father of three children, married the woman allegedly by posing as Aarav. He, along with his family, then pressured her to convert to Islam, police added.
The woman, who worked in the insurance department of a company, first came in contact with Tarif, when he visited her office for some work, police said. Tarif allegedly introduced her to Arif, who posed as Aarav.
“Arif built trust by purchasing an insurance policy, establishing a romantic relationship, and meeting the woman’s family while posing as a Hindu contractor from Gurgaon, who was unmarried,” a police spokesperson said.
On November 4, 2022, the two got married at a temple, police said.
“When the woman became pregnant, Arif reportedly pressured her to undergo an abortion. When they were told by doctors that it was risky to terminate a six-month pregnancy, Arif allegedly assaulted her physically,” the police spokesperson added.
Arif allegedly got the woman admitted to a private hospital in Gurgaon and left. The woman gave birth to a boy in August 2023, police said. “He, however, returned to her,” the spokesperson said.
Police said that in 2023, Arif took the woman to Dhunela village, where his mother, wife and brother, among others, allegedly assaulted her and pressured her to convert.
“Fearing for her safety, she fled to her parents’ home in Bihar. She left the child there and returned to Gurgaon city,” the officer said.
In her complaint to the police, the woman has alleged that on January 26 this year, Arif visited her rented accommodation, assaulted her, and threatened to kill her if she did not convert. She allegedly had to be hospitalized with serious injuries.
On January 27, she filed a complaint with the police, and an FIR was registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2022, popularly known as the Love Jihad Act, against the main accused and six others.
“Tarif had previously worked as Arif’s driver. In 2022, when Arif ran a transport business, they planned to lure the woman into marriage,” the spokesperson said.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/man-accomplice-arrested-in-gurgaon-for-allegedly-tricking-woman-into-marriage-pressuring-her-to-convert-10500427/
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Mideast
Gaza ceasefire fragile, UN warns, amid Israeli airstrikes, aid obstacles and spiraling West Bank violence
EPHREM KOSSAIFY
January 28, 2026
NEW YORK CITY: The fragile ceasefire in Gaza could unravel amid sweeping humanitarian shortfalls, continuing Israeli military operations and mounting restrictions on aid access, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Wednesday.
At the same time, violence and settlement expansions in the occupied West Bank are accelerating, Ramiz Alakhbarov, the UN’s deputy special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, added.
He acknowledged some improvements on the ground in Gaza, noting that deliveries of aid via Egypt, Jordan, Israel, the occupied West Bank and Cyprus had helped to increase supply volumes and improve nutrition, but he stressed that “more must be done.”
Most people in Gaza continue to be dependent on humanitarian assistance, with displaced families exposed to worsening winter conditions, he added, yet aid agencies are still unable to operate at scale despite the halt in major hostilities.
“Nearly the entire population in Gaza remains in need of humanitarian assistance,” Alakhbarov said, warning that heavy rain and cold temperatures have compounded the suffering of about 1.5 million displaced Palestinians who are living in inadequate shelters.
Restrictions on the delivery of construction materials and technical expertise have left emergency shelter sites unable to meet even minimal international standards, he warned as he described families struggling overnight to prevent tents collapsing from the wind and rain.
Humanitarian operations remain hampered by insecurity, customs delays, limited routes into Gaza, and Israeli restrictions on which organizations are allowed bring supplies into the territory, Alakhbarov told the council.
Aid entering Gaza from Jordan accounts for just 9 percent of assistance processed since Oct. 10, he said. He described the current volumes of aid “only a fraction” of what had previously been achieved.
Severe entry restrictions continue to be imposed on critical items such as mobile homes, fuel, rescue equipment and medical supplies, he added, which is endangering displaced people in general and patients in need of health care. Meanwhile, access to public infrastructure and agricultural land remains limited, and repeated displacements of the population continue amid ongoing demolitions.
Despite the ceasefire agreement in October last year, Israeli military operations have not fully ceased, Alakhbarov said, with airstrikes, shelling and gunfire continuing across Gaza.
Armed exchanges between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants also persist, he added, and attacks occur daily near or beyond the so-called “yellow line” that separates the parts of Gaza under Israeli control from the areas to which the Palestinian population is restricted.
“Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, including many women and children,” Alakhbarov told council members.
He also raised the alarm over Israel’s decision to suspend or review the registration of dozens of international nongovernmental organizations, warning that banning them would significantly undermine humanitarian response efforts across the territory. He urged Israel to immediately reverse the move.
Turning to the situation in the occupied West Bank, Alakhbarov said negative trends were “entrenched daily,” citing in particular intensified Israeli military operations, settlement expansions, settler violence, demolitions and large-scale arrests.
Israeli forces conducted expanded raids in cities including Jenin, Nablus, Hebron and Ramallah in late December and early January, he said, frequently involving live fire and raising serious concerns about the use of lethal force.
Palestinians, including minors, have been killed during the operations, and large-scale arrests, including the detention of children, have been reported alongside allegations of ill-treatment of prisoners and deaths in custody.
Palestinian attacks against Israelis have also continued, Alakhbarov noted, including deadly ramming and stabbing incidents in northern Israel in late December.
At the same time, settler violence has intensified, he said, forcing entire Palestinian communities to flee. Repeated attacks led to the displacement of people from Khirbet Yanun in Nablus governorate in December, followed this month by the forcible removal of about 80 households from Ras Ein Al-Auja in the Jordan Valley.
Demolitions and land seizures across the northern West Bank, evictions in East Jerusalem, and the destruction of parts of refugee camps have exacerbated territorial fragmentation, he said.
Meanwhile settlement expansions have been “rapid and relentless.” Israeli authorities have issued tenders for more than 4,700 housing units in Area C — which covers more than 60 percent of the West Bank — including thousands of units in the sensitive E1 zone east of Jerusalem, a move Alakhbarov warned could sever the geographic connection between the northern and southern West Bank.
He also condemned what he described as the escalating Israeli campaign against UNRWA, the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees, including legislation to seize its compounds and cut utilities, raids on its health facilities, and the demolition of its headquarters in East Jerusalem.
“These acts are flagrant violations of international law,” Alakhbarov said. He urged Israeli authorities to comply with an International Court of Justice advisory opinion requiring them to facilitate, not obstruct, UNRWA operations.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to withhold Palestinian clearance revenues, which are taxes collected by Israel on behalf of the Palestinian Authority on goods imported into Gaza and the West Bank. The amount withheld now totals nearly $2.5 billion, Alakhbarov said, and Israel’s refusal to hand it over is pushing the authority deeper into fiscal crisis, forcing cuts to public services and reduced salary payments to workers.
Unless these Israeli policies are urgently addressed, he warned, the cumulative effects might not only undermine prospects for a two-state solution but also jeopardize progress toward implementation the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2630987/middle-east
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How Israeli settlers are forcing Palestinian farmers off their land with near-total impunity
ANAN TELLO
January 28, 2026
LONDON: In a scene that Palestinian officials and rights groups say has become routine in the occupied West Bank, Israeli settlers reportedly attacked farmers from the Bisharat family in mid-January as they plowed their land in Mofiya, in the northern Jordan Valley.
Witnesses said the settlers assaulted the farmers with pepper spray before calling in Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces later detained two sons of Youssef Hussein Asmar Bisharat, Hussein and Mohammed, according to Mutaz Bisharat, a Palestinian official from Tubas.
“This is the daily reality in the Jordan Valley,” Bisharat told Arab News. “It is repeated across all Palestinian communities.”
He described a consistent pattern: “Settlers assault citizens; the occupation army intervenes in favor of the settlers; Palestinians who try to defend themselves and their land are arrested; the occupation police file complaints against Palestinians.”
In late December, Israeli settlers ambushed farmers from the Palestinian Abu Al-Tayyib family as they worked their land east of the Khirbet Yarza area. The settlers held the farmers for more than three hours, filming the encounter as it unfolded, according to Bisharat.
The incident, which took place on Dec. 26 east of the Khirbet Yarza area, escalated further when a settler pointed a weapon at Mahdi Daraghmeh, head of the Malih village council, and threatened to shoot him.
The settler confiscated Daraghmeh’s car keys and detained him for nearly an hour.
Rights groups and activists say such attacks are not isolated but part of a broader strategy to force Palestinians off their land.
“The settlers who are perpetrating the attacks explicitly say their goal is expulsion of Palestinians,” Israeli activist Aviv Tatarsky told Arab News.
“Israeli police and army give no protection to the attacked communities but rather often join the attacking settlers and arrest, assault and at times shoot their Palestinian victims.”
He said that perpetrators “enjoy almost complete impunity.” Prosecution of settler crimes in the Israeli courts “rarely happens,” he said.
“The violent settlers enjoy vocal support from prominent Israeli rabbis and government ministers along with funding and weapons which the state gives them.
“All these indicate that the goal of expelling Palestinian communities, and ultimately ethnically cleansing the West Bank (to) become an Israeli state project.”
Data collected by humanitarian organizations underscore the scale of the violence. In a June 2025 report, Insecurity Insight said Palestinian farmers were attacked or threatened at least 276 times between Oct. 7, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2024.
Those incidents, the group said, involved settlers and Israeli security forces using firearms to intimidate farmers or physically assaulting them — in some cases with crowbars — “to force them to leave their land.” More than a third occurred during the olive harvest.
The Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission reported in November that at least 259 attacks against Palestinian farmers had been recorded since the harvest season began in October, including 41 carried out by the Israeli army and 218 by settlers.
UN data indicates a wider pattern. In 2025, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, documented more than 1,800 settler attacks causing casualties or property damage across about 280 West Bank communities.
That amounts to an average of five incidents a day — the highest daily rate since OCHA began tracking such attacks in 2006, the agency said in a humanitarian update on Jan. 7.
Israeli human rights group B’Tselem said Israeli violence in the West Bank is part of a wider campaign across the occupied Palestinian territories.
In its July 2025 report, “Our Genocide,” the group said that alongside the onslaught on Gaza following the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack, a parallel campaign has unfolded in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
“The regime and the military perpetrating genocide in Gaza are the same ones bombing refugee camps, killing hundreds of civilians, and carrying out policies of forcible transfer and dispossession on an unprecedented scale across the West Bank,” the organization wrote.
Local groups have echoed those warnings. On Jan. 13, Jordan Valley Solidarity, a grassroots community network, said Palestinian villages in the northern Jordan Valley face relentless attacks by “armed settlers and occupation forces.”
“Settlers are roaming around the villages, intimidating and attacking local Palestinians, often followed by occupation forces acting on spurious allegations, coming to arrest the victims of settler attacks or to issue further threats,” the group wrote on its website.
Days earlier, the Times of Israel reported that 26 Palestinian families fled Ras Ein El-Auja, one of the last remaining Palestinian Bedouin villages in the Jordan Valley, after harassment by settlers from nearby unauthorized outposts became unbearable.
The outlet said Israel’s military and the local settlement council did not respond to requests for comment.
Israel routinely says it condemns such violence and investigates specific incidents.
On the ground, however, rights groups and media reports allege the army and police largely enable or ignore attacks on Palestinian farmers, with only limited, case-by-case disciplinary action when abuses are exposed.
The Jordan Valley makes up about 30 percent of the West Bank. About 90 percent of its lands were categorized under the Oslo Agreement as Area C — over which Israel retains control of security and land-management.
The area was intended to form a core part of a future Palestinian state. However, there are 37 Israeli settlements and dozens of settler outposts in this area, according to Rasheed Khudeiri, a farmer and activist with the Jordan Valley Solidarity campaign.
He told Amnesty International in December that the outposts are not established by the state but by settlers who take over the land and natural resources with impunity.
Around 39 percent of the Jordan Valley lands are categorized by the Israeli authorities as natural reserves and military firing zones and are off limits for Palestinians.
Khudeiri said Israeli authorities have granted sweeping powers to settlement councils, allowing them to seize land and water resources. “In the northern Jordan Valley area alone, settlers have taken over seven water springs that Palestinians depend on for livelihoods,” he said.
“Herding settlers don’t only steal our natural resources, they also appropriate our culture, heritage and lifestyle. Settlers in outposts herd cattle and sheep, build mud houses and make Palestinian dairy products.”
Recent weeks have seen an escalation in land seizures. On Jan. 4, Bisharat said, settlers drove a herd of cattle into the Humsah Basaliya community, trampling wheat fields belonging to Palestinian farmers Hail Mahmoud Bisharat and Mahmoud Hail Mahmoud Bisharat.
In late December, settler groups fenced off land near homes in the Al-Hadidiya area “to besiege residents and prevent them from cultivating their land,” Bisharat said.
Despite the pressure, Palestinian farmers have returned in recent weeks to plow the fields they say were seized by settlers, seeking to reclaim their land amid mounting restrictions.
On Dec. 26, a settler attempted to stop farmers in the Humsah Al-Fouqa area from plowing their fields, threatening to involve the Israeli army and confiscate their tractors.
The Palestinian farmers, however, refused to comply and defied the settlers’ threats. They continued working and managed to plow more than 40 hectares by evening, Bisharat said.
Earlier, on Dec. 14, about 20 hectares in the Al-Farisiya area were plowed by Palestinian landowners and residents with support from the Al-Maleh and Bedouin Communities Village Council, international solidarity activists, and lawyers.
“These lands that we were able to cultivate had been seized and fenced off by settlers a month earlier,” Bisharat said.
The following day, however, Israeli forces raided agricultural land in Ein Al-Hilweh and Wadi Al-Faw while it was being cultivated. They confiscated tractors belonging to the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, but the tractors were later released after ownership documents were presented, Bisharat said.
On Dec. 16, “as part of continued efforts to reclaim seized land, about 300 dunams (30 hectares) in Khirbet Al-Farisiya and Ein Al-Hilweh were planted and plowed,” he added, noting that funding was provided by international institutions, the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, and local officials.
International reactions have increasingly framed attacks on Palestinian farmers as part of a broader pattern of forcible displacement and de facto annexation. Concrete consequences, however, have remained limited and largely symbolic.
In an October 2025 statement, UN human rights offices in Palestine said rising settler violence, often backed by Israeli forces, is being used to “consolidate annexation” in clear violation of international law, destroying livelihoods and pushing Palestinian communities off their land.
Source: arabnews.com
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UK, France, Canada condemn Israel’s demolition of UN site in Jerusalem
January 28, 2026
LONDON: Britain and its allies, including France and Canada, on Wednesday strongly condemned the demolition last week by Israeli authorities of the UN Palestinian refugee agency’s (UNRWA) East Jerusalem compound.
The group, in a joint statement, called on the government of Israel to halt all demolitions.
The statement was published on the British government website on behalf of foreign ministers from Britain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Portugal and Spain.
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Israeli forces demolish two Palestinian homes near Bethlehem, kill man
January 28, 2026
LONDON: Israeli forces on Wednesday demolished two Palestinian homes in the town of Al-Khader, south of Bethlehem, a city in the southern half of the occupied West Bank.
Husni Issa, deputy mayor of Al-Khader, confirmed that the two homes belonged to brothers Osama and Raed Muhammad Hassan Salah. Each home was 200 sq. m and located in the Ard Al-Deir area, west of Bethlehem.
Issa added that Israeli forces closed off the area and prevented residents from approaching it before demolishing the structures on the grounds that they were built without a permit.
Al-Khader and Bethlehem territories fall within Area C where the Palestinian Authority is in charge of educational and health services, while Israel remains responsible for security and construction.
Israel restricts Palestinians from expanding in Area C, and within occupied East Jerusalem; it rarely grants building permits to the city’s residents. Both Al-Khader and Bethlehem are surrounded by several Israeli settlements, including Efrat, Neve Daniel, Shdema, and Har Homa.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health announced that Qusay Maher Ismail Halaika, 28, was killed after Israeli forces shot him near the Tunnels checkpoint in Bethlehem. Israeli forces left Halaika bleeding on the ground, according to Wafa.
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Former Iraq PM Maliki rejects US interference after threat
January 28, 2026
BAGHDAD: Iraq’s main candidate for the premiership, Nouri Al-Maliki, on Wednesday denounced Washington’s “blatant interference,” after President Donald Trump threatened to end all support to the country if Al-Maliki took the post.
The US has held significant sway over Iraqi politics since leading the 2003 invasion that ousted long-time ruler Saddam Hussein.
“We categorically reject the blatant American interference in Iraq’s internal affairs,” said Maliki, the only former Iraqi prime minister to have served two terms since the invasion.
“We consider it a violation” of Iraq’s “democratic system,” in place since 2003, he added on X.
Maliki fell out with Washington during his premiership (2006-2014) over growing ties with Iran and accusations that he pushed a sectarian agenda.
But the 75-year-old shrewd politician remained a central figure in Iraq’s politics and a powerbroker whose approval is considered indispensable to any governing coalition.
On Tuesday, Trump said that Iraq would make a “very bad choice” if Al-Maliki were selected for the top post.
He warned that because of Maliki’s “insane policies and ideologies, if elected, the United States of America will no longer help Iraq.”
Maliki was endorsed as Iraq’s next prime minister by the Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite groups with varying links to Iran that has emerged in recent years as the main ruling coalition.
‘Until the end’
Since the invasion, Iraq has long been a proxy battleground between the US and Iran, with successive governments negotiating a delicate balance between the two foes.
But Iraq’s new prime minister is set to return to power at a time of seismic changes in the Middle East, as Tehran’s regional influence wanes and as Washington threatens possible military intervention in Iran.
In his post on Wednesday, Al-Maliki said the US involvement “infringes upon the Coordination Framework’s decision to nominate” its candidate.
He added that, in line with that decision, he “will continue to work until the end, in a way that achieves the higher interests of the Iraqi people.”
Several Iraqi political sources told AFP that the coalition is set to meet soon to discuss Trump’s ultimatum.
“Efforts are underway to hold a meeting amid a complicated situation,” a source close to the Framework said.
He added that there were internal divisions within the coalition over supporting Maliki, but that a majority vote ultimately settled the issue.
Maliki’s backers are now pushing to maintain his candidacy and “not back down,” he added.
US representatives in Iraq have been lobbying against Maliki, according to Iraqi sources and diplomats in Baghdad.
Trump’s statement came days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced similar concerns in a telephone call with outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.
The US had also sent a letter to Iraqi politicians saying that Washington views Al-Maliki negatively, political sources told AFP.
Iraq’s new premier will be expected to address Washington’s longstanding demand that Baghdad disarm Tehran-backed factions, many of which are designated terrorist groups by the United States.
Last month, Iraqi officials and diplomats told AFP that Washington demanded that the incoming government exclude Iran-backed armed groups.
Before Trump’s call, an Iraqi political source said that the Coordination Framework was set on moving forward with the nomination, believing that Al-Maliki could eventually allay Washington’s concerns.
Maliki “thinks differently today,” an Iraqi politician told AFP.
After decades of conflicts and chaos, Iraq has recently regained a sense of stability.
But it is struggling with weak economic growth and cannot risk punitive measures by the US, which has already sanctioned several Iraqi entities, accusing them of helping Tehran evade sanctions.
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Trump weighs Iran strikes to inspire renewed protests, sources say
January 29, 2026
DUBAI: US President Donald Trump is weighing options against Iran that include targeted strikes on security forces and leaders to inspire protesters, multiple sources said, even as Israeli and Arab officials said air power alone would not topple the clerical rulers. Two US sources familiar with the discussions said Trump wanted to create conditions for “regime change” after a crackdown crushed a nationwide protest movement earlier this month, killing thousands of people.
To do so, he was looking at options to hit commanders and institutions Washington holds responsible for the violence, to give protesters the confidence that they could overrun government and security buildings, they said.
One of the US sources said the options being discussed by Trump’s aides also included a much larger strike intended to have lasting impact, possibly against the ballistic missiles that can reach US allies in the Middle East or its nuclear enrichment programs.
The other US source said Trump has not yet made a final decision on a course of action including whether to take the military path. The arrival of a US aircraft carrier and supporting warships in the Middle East this week has expanded Trump’s capabilities to potentially take military action, after he repeatedly threatened intervention over Iran’s crackdown.
Four Arab officials, three Western diplomats and a senior Western source whose governments were briefed on the discussions said they were concerned that instead of bringing people onto the streets, such strikes could weaken a movement already in shock after the bloodiest repression by authorities since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute, said that without large-scale military defections Iran’s protests remained “heroic but outgunned.”
The sources in this story requested anonymity to talk about sensitive matters. Iran’s foreign office, the US Department of Defense and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office declined to comment. Trump urged Iran on Wednesday to come to the table and make a deal on nuclear weapons, warning that any future US attack would be more severe than a June bombing campaign against three nuclear sites. He described the ships in the region as an “armada” sailing to Iran.
A senior Iranian official said that Iran was “preparing itself for a military confrontation, while at the same time making use of diplomatic channels.” However, Washington was not showing openness to diplomacy, the official said.
Iran, which says its nuclear program is civilian, was ready for dialogue “based on mutual respect and interests” but would defend itself “like never before” if pushed, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said in a post on X on Wednesday.
Trump has not publicly detailed what he is looking for in any deal. His administration’s previous negotiating points have included banning Iran from independently enriching uranium and restrictions on long-range ballistic missiles and on Tehran’s network of armed proxies in the Middle East.
Limits of air power
A senior Israeli official with direct knowledge of planning between Israel and the United States said Israel does not believe airstrikes alone can topple the Islamic Republic, if that is Washington’s goal.
“If you’re going to topple the regime, you have to put boots on the ground,” he said, noting that even if the United States killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran would “have a new leader that will replace him.”
Only a combination of external pressure and an organized domestic opposition could shift Iran’s political trajectory, the official said.
The Israeli official said Iran’s leadership had been weakened by the unrest but remained firmly in control despite the ongoing deep economic crisis that sparked the protests. Multiple US intelligence reports reached a similar conclusion, that the conditions that led to the protests were still in place, weakening the government, but without major fractures, two people familiar with the matter said.
The Western source said they believed Trump’s goal appeared to be to engineer a change in leadership, rather than “topple the regime,” an outcome that would be similar to Venezuela, where US intervention replaced the president without a wholesale change of government.
Khamenei has publicly acknowledged several thousand deaths during the protests. He blamed the unrest on the United States, Israel and what he called “seditionists.”
US-based rights group HRANA has put the unrest-related death toll at 5,937, including 214 security personnel, while official figures put the death toll at 3,117. Reuters has been unable to independently verify the numbers.
Khamenei retains control but less visible
At 86, Khamenei has retreated from daily governance, reduced public appearances and is believed to be residing in secure locations after Israeli strikes last year decimated many of Iran’s senior military leaders, regional officials said.
Day-to-day management has shifted to figures aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including senior adviser Ali Larijani, they said. The powerful Guards dominate Iran’s security network and big parts of the economy. However, Khamenei retains final authority over war, succession and nuclear strategy — meaning political change is very difficult until he exits the scene, they said. Iran’s foreign ministry did not respond to questions about Khamenei.
In Washington and Jerusalem, some officials have argued that a transition in Iran could break the nuclear deadlock and eventually open the door to more cooperative ties with the West, two of the Western diplomats said.
But, they cautioned, there is no clear successor to Khamenei. In that vacuum, the Arab officials and diplomats said they believe the IRGC could take over, entrenching hardline rule, deepening the nuclear standoff and regional tensions.
Any successor seen as emerging under foreign pressure would be rejected and could strengthen, not weaken the IRGC, the official said.
Across the region, from the Gulf to Turkiye, officials say they favor containment over collapse — not out of sympathy for Tehran, but out of fear that turmoil inside a nation of 90 million, riven by sectarian and ethnic fault lines, could unleash instability far beyond Iran’s borders.
A fractured Iran could spiral into civil war as happened after the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, two of the Western diplomats warned, unleashing an influx of refugees, fueling Islamist militancy and disrupting oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a global energy chokepoint.
The gravest risk, analyst Vatanka warned, is fragmentation into “early-stage Syria,” with rival units and provinces fighting for territory and resources.
Regional blowback
Gulf states — long-time US allies and hosts to major American bases – fear they would be the first targets for Iranian retaliation that could include Iranian missiles or drone attacks from the Tehran-aligned Houthis in Yemen. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Egypt have lobbied Washington against a strike on Iran. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Riyadh will not allow its airspace or territory to be used for military actions against Tehran.
“The United States may pull the trigger,” one of the Arab sources said, “but it will not live with the consequences. We will.”
Mohannad Hajj-Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center said the US deployments suggest planning has shifted from a single strike to something more sustained, driven by a belief in Washington and Jerusalem that Iran could rebuild its missile capabilities and eventually weaponize its enriched uranium.
The most likely outcome is a “grinding erosion — elite defections, economic paralysis, contested succession — that frays the system until it snaps,” analyst Vatanka said.
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Syrian authorities arrest leader of terrorist cells in Lattakia
January 28, 2026
LONDON: Syrian authorities have arrested Ali Aziz Sbeira, a prominent leader of terrorist cells responsible for attacks on internal security checkpoints, the Syrian army and civilians during the country’s uprising against the former regime of Bashar Assad.
The Internal Security Directorate announced on Wednesday the capture of Sbeira in Lattakia province, located on the Mediterranean Sea.
Authorities accuse him of leading and supplying arms to terrorist groups. Hailing from the town of Jableh, Sbeira is also accused of having links to Ghiyath Dalla and Brigadier General Nours Makhlouf, two military figures associated with the former rule of Assad.
Sbeira is accused of violating civilians’ rights during the Syrian uprising after 2011, when he joined the National Defense Militia and helped suppress peaceful demonstrations, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.
In 2014, he joined the 4th Armoured Division, which was commanded by Maher Assad, brother of the former president, from 2018 until the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024.
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Yemeni border security chief reveals drug smuggling networks linked to Houthis
ABDULHADI HABTOUR
ASHARQ AL-AWSAT
January 28, 2026
AL-WADIAH, Yemen: Most of the drug-smuggling networks from Yemen to Saudi territory are directly linked to the preventive security apparatus affiliated with the Houthi terrorist group.
This is according to Col. Osama Al-Assad, commander of Yemen’s Security and Protection Battalion at the Al-Wadiah border crossing.
Al-Assad told Asharq Al-Awsat that the battalion recently arrested a Houthi leader while he was trying to enter Saudi Arabia using a forged passport and Umrah visa, suggesting that the motives for his entry were of a security nature, and not to perform religious rites as he claimed.
Al-Assad said the battalion faced several patterns of smuggling attempts, foremost among them prohibited items, in addition to people smuggling, forgers, and persons of unknown identity.
But, he said, that the battalion’s high cumulative expertise enabled them to thwart these illegal activities.
Al-Assad added that the level of coordination with the Saudi side was conducted at the highest levels. He expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for its continuous support to Yemen in general, and to the battalion in particular, in a manner that contributed to strengthening border security between the two countries.
He said the battalion’s mission was focused on securing and protecting the crossing, and combating various forms of smuggling, whether prohibited items or people smuggling, noting that the battalion apprehended about 10 people a day in possession of forged Umrah visas.
Al-Assad said that the battalion’s security coverage extended to “the crossing and its surroundings for a distance of 30 km westward up to the borders of Al-Rayyan in Al-Jawf.”
He added that among the battalion’s tasks was to arrest wanted members of Al-Qaeda, in addition to persons fleeing the implementation of judicial rulings issued against them.
He said the majority of smuggling operations were directly linked to the preventive security apparatus of the Houthi group in Sanaa, explaining that investigations with the detainees revealed direct connections to this apparatus.
Al-Assad said that “during one operation to stop a smuggling vehicle, a network linked to the Houthis offered a sum of SR1 million ($266,650) in exchange for releasing only the smuggler, while relinquishing the vehicle and the confiscated goods.”
Investigations revealed that smugglers affiliated with the Houthi preventive security apparatus held meetings in the border areas with Oman, indicating that some secret meetings were held in the city of Al-Ghaydah in the Al-Mahra Governorate (eastern Yemen).
He said that a man called Ali Al-Harizi had strong connections to smuggling operations and was considered a leader in this network.
“Saudi security measures are strong, the level of vigilance is high, and we coordinate with them on smuggling cases that are being closely monitored,” he said
He thanked the Kingdom for the “efforts and sacrifices it is making to restore the Yemeni state, combat Persian expansionism, and sever the arms of Iran and its supporters inside Yemen.”
He added: “We particularly appreciate the Kingdom’s backing for the Al-Wadiah security battalion through the support it provides at the logistical, financial, and other levels, which positively reflects on the battalion’s performance and its security tasks.”
Al-Assad revealed that the Al-Wadiah protection battalion recently arrested a Houthi commander who was trying to enter Saudi Arabia with a forged Umrah visa, describing the arrest operation as “dramatic.”
He said: “About a month and a half ago, one of the battalion members recognized the Houthi commander, as the soldier himself was a former prisoner of the Houthis. When he saw him, he asked him: ‘Where to, Abu Assad?’ The Houthi commander was startled and replied fearfully: ‘I’m at your mercy. Watch out for me, and you can have whatever you want.’”
He added: “The soldier firmly replied: ‘You will not advance a single step,’ and he was immediately arrested.”
According to Al-Assad, the Houthi commander was a communications officer in the Central Security prison in Sanaa and was using a forged passport issued by the Houthi-controlled areas themselves.
Al-Assad said Al-Wadiah Battalion also arrested four other Houthi operatives at different times, in addition to apprehending 15 murder suspects. A suspect believed to be affiliated with the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda was also detained.
He said that the Houthi group, acting as an Iranian proxy, had moved toward establishing drug-production facilities in Sanaa and Saada following the fall of the Bashar Assad regime in Syria.
He said Yemen’s Ministry of Interior foiled, several months ago, a drug factory in Al-Mahrah Governorate.
“According to available intelligence, the factory was under the direct supervision of Al-Harizi, with a production capacity of approximately 10,000 pills per hour,” he said.
Al-Assad noted that “the facility was seized after intensive surveillance and precise intelligence operations,” and that “security agencies continue to monitor and investigate the case to uncover further details and links.”
The most significant challenges facing the unit are limited resources and capabilities, he said, underlining that operations rely primarily on manual effort and human expertise.
“Our personnel have years of accumulated experience that enable them to identify suspicion even from the way a person speaks or from subtle features of a vehicle,” he said. “We have requested the provision of heavy machinery and equipment to establish an earthen security belt and to dig trenches to curb internal smuggling activities.”
Of smuggling methods, he said that trafficking networks constantly changed and refined their techniques, yet security forces remained vigilant. “In some cases, smugglers modify the vehicle itself, hiding contraband in the dashboard, beneath seats, between the roof and interior lining, inside pillars, and even in public transport buses, where prohibited items are concealed in places one would never expect,” he said.
“On one occasion, they dismantled the vehicle’s frame, opened the metal rocker panel at the base, hid the goods inside, and then welded everything back together.”
Al-Assad emphasized that operations at the Al-Wadiah border post were characterized by a high level of integration and coordination among all relevant agencies, foremost among them the National Shield Forces, alongside passport and customs authorities, an approach that significantly enhanced the effectiveness of joint security efforts.
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Putin praises Al-Sharaa over restoring Syria’s territorial integrity
January 28, 2026
MOSCOW: Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa met Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for talks in Moscow on Wednesday, as the Kremlin seeks to secure the future of military bases vital for its operations in the Middle East.
Russia was a key ally of Al-Sharaa’s predecessor Bashar Assad during the bloody 14-year Syrian civil war.
His toppling at the hands of Al-Sharaa’s rebel forces dealt a major blow to Russia’s influence in the region and threw the status of its prized military bases in Syria into doubt.
Putin has been working to build relations with Al-Sharaa since, though Russia’s continued sheltering of Assad and his wife in Moscow remains a major obstacle to improving ties.
“Much has been accomplished in terms of restoring our interstate relations,” Putin said in a televised meeting with Al-Sharaa.
“We have closely monitored your efforts to restore Syria’s territorial integrity and I want to congratulate you on the momentum this process is gaining,” Putin said, apparently referring to Al-Sharaa’s recent offensive against Kurdish forces in Syria’s northeast.
Al-Sharaa, in his second meeting with Putin since coming to power, said Russia had a “historic role not only in Syria’s unity and stability, but in that of the entire region.”
Neither mentioned Russia’s military presence in Syria, though Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier he had “no doubt” the issue would come up in their talks.
Russia has two remaining military outposts in the country, the Hmeimim air base and Tartus naval base on Syria’s Mediterranean coast.
They are Russia’s only two official military bases outside the former Soviet Union.
The Kremlin withdrew its forces from the Qamishli airport in Kurdish-held northeast Syria earlier this week.
Syria has expressed a willingness to cooperate with Moscow, though has repeatedly demanded that Russia extradite Assad.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday praised Al-Sharaa as “highly respected” and said things there were “working out very well.”
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Arab World
Saudi crown prince receives Hillary Clinton in Riyadh
January 28, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at his office in Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Wednesday.
A friendly conversation took place during the meeting, Saudi Press Agency reported.
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Saudi Arabia acknowledges ‘effective cooperation’ after Lebanese authorities seize narco lab
January 29, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia highlighted the productive cooperation between the Kingdom and Lebanon after the seizure of a drugs facility.
The Saudi interior ministry said the lab was being used to manufacture narcotic substances and precursor materials, in addition to firearms.
The ministry statement, posted on social media early on Thursday, said the Kingdom acknowledges the effective cooperation with the Lebanese authorities in monitoring and controlling narcotic substances.
The Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to continuing efforts to combat criminal activities that threaten its security and youth through drugs, by confronting, thwarting, and apprehending those involved, the statement added.
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UAE’s Sheikh Tahnoon ‘welcome anytime’: Saudi media minister
January 28, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Media Minister Salman Al-Dossary refuted on Wednesday allegations circulating on social media that the Kingdom has denied entry to the UAE’s National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed.
“What is being circulated about the Kingdom refusing to receive His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed is incorrect. His Highness comes to the Kingdom whenever he wants without permission; it is his home and its leadership is his family,” the minister wrote on X.
Sheikh Tahnoon is the Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and brother of the UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Tuesday that while there had been a “difference of view” between the two countries over Yemen, their relationship was “critically important” for regional stability.
“The Kingdom is always keen on having a strong, positive relationship with the UAE as an important partner within the GCC,” he said.
He said the UAE’s withdrawal from Yemen served as a “building block” for the relationship with the Emirates to continue strong.
Last month, Yemen’s internationally recognized government asked the UAE to withdraw its forces from the country after the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) that it supported seized large areas in the south and east.
The Saudi-led military Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen said on December 30 that it had conducted a “limited” airstrike against shipments of smuggled weapons destined to the STC.
The UAE defense ministry said it completed a full withdrawal from Yemen on January 2.
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Saudi crown prince receives 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner Omar Yaghi
January 28, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner Professor Omar Yaghi in Riyadh on Wednesday.
The crown prince congratulated Yaghi on receiving the prize and wished him continued success, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The professor was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, sharing it with Richard Robson of the University of Melbourne, Australia, and Susumu Kitagawa of Kyoto University, Japan.
The scientists were cited for creating “molecular constructions with large spaces through which gases and other chemicals can flow. These constructions, metal-organic frameworks, can be used to harvest water from desert air, capture carbon dioxide, store toxic gases or catalyze chemical reactions.”
Yaghi expressed his gratitude to the crown prince for the meeting and the support he has received in his work.
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Saudi fund provides $10m to UN to supply Sudan with drinking water
January 28, 2026
LONDON: Saudi Arabia is providing a $10 million grant to the UN to supply conflict-stricken Sudan with fresh, sustainable water and to rehabilitate war-damaged pipeline networks.
A grant memorandum of understanding was signed on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland, by Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development; Hassan Hamid Hassan, Sudanese permanent representative to the UN; and Barham Salih, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
The memorandum focuses on rehabilitating and expanding Sudan’s main water networks, improving the Nile River water supply in the capital, Khartoum, and enhancing solar energy operations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It aims to improve access to drinking water for Sudanese communities, reduce the risks of disease and epidemics associated with contamination, and promote public health, it added.
Al-Marshad said that the MoU enhanced the water sector’s infrastructure and provided sustainable solutions to address urgent needs while supporting long-term development in Sudan.
Salih said that access to basic services, such as water, would help Sudanese communities achieve stabilization.
“This generous financial support not only meets urgent water needs, but also enhances the resilience and self-reliance of people in conflict zones, develops the vital systems on which communities depend,” he said.
The Saudi Fund for Development has financed 18 projects in collaboration with the UN in eight developing countries over the past 10 years, including Pakistan, Gaza, Lebanon and Somalia, among others. These projects have a total value of $85 million and have contributed to the well-being of communities, benefiting more than five million people.
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Saudi Arabia hosts Sports Week to support SMEs
January 28, 2026
JEDDAH: The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, in cooperation with the Ministry of Sport, is hosting Sports Week from Feb. 1 to 5.
The event is part of the authority’s initiatives to support and empower SMEs and entrepreneurs in promising sectors, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Sports Week comes amid the rapid growth of the sports sector in the Kingdom, offering opportunities for SMEs and entrepreneurs to engage in sector-related activities and support income diversification.
The event will be held at the SME support centers in Riyadh, Madinah, Jeddah and Alkhobar, featuring panel discussions and consultative sessions on sports investment, innovation, finance and operations.
Deputy Minister of Sport Bader Al-Kadi, along with senior officials and leaders from the sports sector, will attend the sessions.
Representatives from government and private entities, sports clubs and companies specializing in sports investment, innovation, financing and operations will also take part, alongside sector experts and stakeholders.
Discussions will focus on opportunities within the sports sector, the role of SMEs in related activities and services, prospects for collaboration with sports clubs and organizations, and the economic potential of major sporting events.
The authority invites SME owners and entrepreneurs to register for Sports Week via monshaat.gov.sa/ar/node/431617.
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Gulf Cooperation Council chief receives UNESCO director in Riyadh
January 28, 2026
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi received UNESCO’s director for the GCC and Yemen, Salah Khaled, on Wednesday at the General Secretariat’s headquarters in Riyadh.
During the meeting, they discussed prospects for joint cooperation in the field of education, in line with the development goals of GCC countries and their focus on investing in human capital, the General Secretariat said in a statement.
Al-Budaiwi praised the efforts of the UNESCO Office for the GCC and Yemen, noting that the discussions were part of broader efforts to strengthen joint Gulf action and enhance regional cooperation with international organizations.
The meeting also reviewed ways to facilitate the exchange of expertise and support priority educational initiatives and programs across GCC member states.
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Group of women retrace sacred Hijrah route to Madinah
SALEH FAREED
January 28, 2026
JEDDAH: Embarking on a spiritual journey, a group of women retraced the sacred steps of the Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah.
The 22 women — adventurists, managers, doctors, nurses, teachers, mothers ranging in age from their 30s to their 50s — are believed to be the first known women-only group to have performed the journey closest to the exact original route.
The women walked on foot, nearly 500 km from Makkah to Madinah, to experience what the Prophet Muhammad and his companions might have gone through more than 1400 years ago.
“Yes, it is the first ever women-only Hijrah walk and they all came from all over the world to walk together on an unforgettable journey. They completed a week-long journey, experiencing the route’s historical and spiritual significance,” Salma Abdulrahman, the director of Soul Al-Hijrah, told Arab News.
The 22 participants from around the world visited key locations along the route in an immersive experience of the historical and spiritual significance of the Hijrah.
Abdulrahman was among the first to embark on the path.
“I found my soul on this path, and felt as if I were born a new. This journey revived my heart and changed the course of my life. It was (also) the beginning of my tourism company Soul Al-Hijrah.”
She accompanied the participants from the beginning of the trip and said: “It was an honor to serve them and the guests of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, ensuring their comfort throughout the journey.
“It is an honor I cherish deeply, and my joy in it and in them is indescribable.”
She said that they have undertaken more than 20 journeys on the Hijrah route to date, all of which were carried out for groups from various countries around the world, reflecting the growing global interest in this type of spiritual and historical tourism.
“It must be said that this type of initiative would not have been possible without the supportive environment provided by the beloved Kingdom for Saudi women. It has granted them complete confidence to be at the forefront of the tourism sector,” Abdulrahman added.
Dr. Dina Altayeb, a periodontist and implantologist, and one of the members of the women-only Hijrah walk, described the journey as the most intense and profound of the walks or adventures she had completed.
“I wish more people could have this opportunity because it offers countless benefits for the soul, body and mind,” she added.
Altayeb, who is the first Saudi woman to qualify and compete in the Ironman World Championship, told Arab News that this is a totally different experience. “For me it was not as difficult as my usual adventures but spiritually was a great experience because it was an indescribable emotional experience … (and) it was also a learning experience.”
She was overjoyed to enter Madinah. “We walked through mountains, valleys and deserts just as the Prophet did. It was a great feeling when we reached Madinah after eight days.”
Ghadeer Sultan, a human resources manager, joined the group with no prior planning. “To be honest, I did not plan to join the Prophet’s migration journey; it was just a coincidence, an invitation that came my way, and a little curiosity to have the experience,” she said.
“When we entered the shaded garden in Madinah, I felt as if peace and light had penetrated the depths of my soul. I sensed the joy of the Ansar upon the arrival of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and my heart felt all those historic moments. I was experiencing the true great values that the city of the Prophet embodies: values of love and tolerance.”
Upon reaching Madinah after the challenging journey which started on Dec. 22 and ended on Dec. 29, the participants were warmly welcomed with roses and prayers.
Their first stop in Madinah was the Quba Mosque, where the Prophet stayed during his migration.
As the first mosque in Islamic history and partially built by the Prophet himself, it holds profound spiritual significance.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2630943/saudi-arabia
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US firm plans world’s first commercial space station
January 28, 2026
RIYADH: A US firm plans to launch the world’s first commercial space station for astronauts in 2027, the company’s CEO said at a Riyadh conference.
VAST Space’s CEO Max Haot outlined the company’s plans for the Haven-1 station at the Space Debris Conference 2026, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Haot explained that Haven-1 represents the first phase of a long-term vision to develop commercial space stations, which will support a sustainable human presence in low Earth orbit.
This is in line with the global transition toward commercial operating models as the International Space Station approaches the end of its operational life, expected at the end of 2030.
The ISS, a partnership between NASA and the Russian, European, Japanese and Canadian space agencies, was first launched into orbit in 1998.
Haven-1 is designed to host a crew of four astronauts on short-duration missions, while supporting scientific research, technology demonstrations and commercial applications in a microgravity environment.
Haot added that the station’s design places strong emphasis on safety and sustainability, including the integration of debris protection systems, as well as dedicated processes for safe deorbiting.
The company aims to achieve operational revenues through four crewed missions, supported by scientific and commercial payloads and strategic partnerships, from 2027 to 2030.
Haot expressed confidence in his company’s progress and testing during 2025.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2630929/saudi-arabia
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Riyadh forum discusses sustainable water, waste strategies
January 28, 2026
RIYADH: The IFAT Saudi Arabia conference and exhibition in Riyadh featured dialogue sessions and panel discussions on the future of the water and waste management economy.
The conference reviewed sector developments, trends, and strategies for sustainable growth, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The sessions explored market dynamics and growth opportunities in the water and waste value chains, highlighting innovation and localization strategies to enhance competitiveness, optimize resource use, and align infrastructure investment and regulatory frameworks with sustainability goals.
Participants examined the scale of regional challenges, noting that the region generates about 155 million tonnes of solid waste annually, a figure projected to double by 2050, alongside rising per capita waste rates and plastic leakage into oceans.
Discussions emphasized the economic potential of waste, as nearly 87 percent could be reused, recycled, or diverted, and the need for an estimated $23 billion in annual investment to modernize waste management systems.
The sessions concluded with solutions such as reducing food waste and converting it into biogas or soil amendments, in line with standards that ensure quality and collection efficiency, the SPA reported.
Experts shared regional and international experiences, quality control practices, and strategies for building reliable food waste management systems that enhance economic and environmental value.
With more than 450 exhibitors from 35 countries and 10 national pavilions, the three-day exhibition, which concluded on Jan. 28, highlighted the Kingdom’s role as a regional hub for the environmental and sustainability sectors.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2630926/saudi-arabia
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Europe
Police issue appeal after 'disturbance' between two men outside mosque
Ashlie Blakey
28 Jan 2026
Police have issued an appeal for information after a 'disturbance' outside a mosque in Stockport.
The incident unfolded following a collision at around 7.30am last Monday morning (January 19), Greater Manchester Police said. The disturbance was allegedly between two men outside the Cheadle Masjid on Wilmslow Road.
Yesterday (January 27) officers issued an appeal for any witnesses, or anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage, to come forward. The appeal posted on Facebook said: "#APPEAL | Officers are appealing for information following a disturbance between two men after a collision outside Cheadle Mosque on Wilmslow Road, #Cheadle, #Stockport.
"The incident is believed to have occurred at 7:30am on Monday 19 January 2026. We are asking anyone who was in the area at the time and may have CCTV or dashcam footage to get in touch.
"If you have any information, please contact us quoting incident number 1219 of 19 January 2026. Information can be shared via our ‘Report’ tool, by calling 101, or through the LiveChat function on our website: www.gmp.police.uk."
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/police-issue-appeal-after-disturbance-33314520
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Europe must act urgently and stop outsourcing defence, says EU's Kallas
28 Jan 2026
Malu Cursino
Europe must step up urgently to improve its defence and make Nato "more European to maintain its strength", because the US has shaken the transatlantic relationship to its foundation, the EU's foreign policy chief has warned.
The US would continue to be Europe's partner and ally, Kaja Kallas told a defence conference, but no great power had ever "outsourced its survival and survived".
Tensions with the US flared when President Donald Trump threatened to take over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Kallas's remarks came after Nato leader Mark Rutte prompted a backlash when he said European lawmakers should "keep on dreaming" if they thought Europe could defend itself without the US.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reacted to the secretary general's comments on Tuesday by saying: "No, dear Mark Rutte. Europeans can and must take control of their security. Even the United States agrees. It's the European pillar of Nato."
Kaja Kallas said that under the Trump administration Europe was "no longer Washington's primary centre of gravity", and the continent needed to change the culture away from thinking as nations, and towards acting jointly as Europeans.
Washington's transition away from Europe "has been ongoing for a while", the EU foreign policy chief said, adding that it was structural, not temporary.
The 23 nations that were members of both the EU and Nato had a special responsibility to "sync our efforts, together with Nato". Like Barrot, she highlighted the importance of showing how a "distinct European pillar" would add value.
The recent US-European rift over Greenland has highlighted the "tectonic shift" in the relationship that Kallas referred to in her speech, with Trump threatening to impose tariffs on some of his closest European allies after they opposed his plans to take over the Arctic island.
Mark Rutte was credited last week with calming tensions between Trump and European leaders, when the US president dropped his threat during talks with the Nato chief on the fringes of Davos. Trump said he was exploring a potential deal on Greenland, although no details have yet emerged.
Last year, under pressure from Trump, Nato member states promised to increase their overall spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, although part of that could go towards national infrastructure.
Rutte told the European Parliament on Monday that if Europe really wanted to "go it alone" on defence it would have to spend 10% of economic output (GDP) and create its own nuclear capability.
A move away from the US would, in Rutte's view, "lose the ultimate guarantor of our freedom, which is the US nuclear umbrella".
Addressing the same conference in Brussels as Kaja Kallas, EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said on Wednesday that the US now expected Europeans to take responsibility for their defence as the Americans were going to "diminish their presence on the continent".
Europe was "a giant, but a sleeping giant" that needed waking up. "We must very rapidly build our independence. Independence in defence: without delays and without excuses," he added.
Nato's primary purpose when it was founded in Washington in 1949 was to ensure the security and freedom of its members in the face of a hostile Soviet Union - a Russia-dominated Communist empire that collapsed in 1991.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has long accused Nato of expanding eastwards, creating a security threat to Moscow, and he framed Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 as a response to that.
However, an increasingly belligerent Russian state has prompted two more members of the EU - Sweden and Finland - to join the Nato alliance since the full-scale invasion.
The Kremlin has demanded that under a future peace deal Ukraine must be barred from joining Nato.
Although it is part of Ukraine's constitution to join the European Union and Nato, the chances of Kyiv becoming a Nato member any time soon are considered remote.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czej2z3zz9jo
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Beeston mosque set to buy former mental health hub
28 January 2026
A former mental health centre is set to be sold to a neighbouring mosque after being shut down by the council.
The Vales Circles support hub in Beeston was deemed surplus to requirements after a shake-up of community services by Leeds City Council. It was closed following a decision last April to reduce the number of centres offering the city’s Day Opportunities service from six to three.
A council report said talks over a sale of the Tunstall Road site had been held with the Al Madina Jam-E-Masjid Mosque and terms were provisionally agreed. It said:
Services provided at Vales Circles, on Tunstall Road, were moved to Laurel Bank Complex Needs Centre in Middleton as part of plans to save £500,000.
It was also announced that the former Stocks Hill hub in Armley would be auctioned. The Armley service was set to move to Calverlands Complex Needs Centre in Horsforth. A third centre in Lovell Park was moved to Wykebeck Complex Needs Centre in Gipton.
The report said ward councillors and Hilary Benn MP were consulted on the future of the Beeston hub. It said: “It is proposed that Vale Circles will be disposed of on a one-to-one basis in financial year 2024/25.”
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Source: southleedslife.com
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https://southleedslife.com/beeston-mosque-set-to-buy-former-mental-health-hub/
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Watford Leavesden Road mosque conversion plan REFUSED
28TH JANUARY
By Liam Fitzpatrick
Plans to turn a Grade II listed Watford church building into a mosque have been refused.
The borough council has given the thumbs down to an application that would have seen the vacant Leavesden Road Baptist Church converted into a Muslim place of worship.
A report published yesterday (January 27) reads: "The proposals would cause substantial harm to the significance of the listed building, as they would destroy, remove, subdivide, or obscure almost the entirety of its carefully designed and well-preserved interior.
"In addition, proposed exterior alterations are excessive and inappropriate. The substantial harm has not been demonstrated as being necessary to achieve substantial public benefits."
Plans were submitted in November for the building - which has not been in use as a church since 2021 - to become a mosque and community centre, part of which would have involved a nursery.
Later that month, applicant Shabaz Khaliq, who operates CageFit Gyms in Greycaine Road, told the Watford Observer that he wanted to bring the site back into active use to serve the community.
He said: "We recognise that many church buildings across the country have fallen out of use.
“Rather than allow this one to stand empty, our goal is to reinvigorate it as a space for service, care, and community connection.
“The centre will remain open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.”
While not operated as a church in more than four years, Mr Khaliq has been using the church since January 2024 for youth clubs, elderly circles, a library supporting literacy among children with English as an additional language, health sessions, and workshops.
It is unclear if these services will continue to operate following refusal of the mosque plan.
There were 13 public objections lodged during the consultation period.
Next Tuesday (February 3) will see the council's development management committee vote on a separate but similar plan for a church elsewhere in Watford to become a mosque.
It would see the former St Thomas' United Reform Church in Langley Road become a mosque called Masjid Al-Ummah in the summer, with the plans also including it being used as a community space and nursery.
It has been unused since its closure in 2015.
Source: watfordobserver.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/25803399.watford-leavesden-road-mosque-conversion-plan-refused/
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Assisted dying bill 'no hope' of passing unless Lords change approach, warns peer
Harry Farley
28 Jan 2026
It is now "very, very difficult" to see how the assisted dying bill could become law this year, a leading backer of the change has told BBC News.
Lord Falconer said the legislation has "absolutely no hope" of passing without a "fundamental change" in the House of Lords' approach.
The former justice secretary is threatening an unprecedented use of the Parliament Act to override peers' objections if it is not passed before the King's Speech in May.
The rarely used powers would set up a constitutional clash over what is a highly sensitive issue.
Opponents believe the assisted dying legislation is unsafe, particularly for vulnerable people, and needs extensive amending before it could become law.
A government source said many ministers now believed the bill would not pass through the Lords and hoped a compromise could be brokered.
"It seems pretty clear to us now that the House of Lords is not going to pass this bill," the government source said.
They suggested a Royal Commission could be formed to examine some of the practical questions raised by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's proposal.
The source said using the Parliament Act for a private member's bill would be deeply controversial.
"The prime minister will need to step in before it gets to that stage," the government source said.
A source close to Labour MPs and peers opposed to the Bill said the threat of using the Parliament Act "is the act of a bully who knows they are losing the argument".
They said that because the proposed legislation would have to be identical it would mean forcing a flawed bill into law with no ability to change it.
Lord Falconer insisted the Parliament Act was an "established part of our constitution" and peers should not block the bill given elected MPs had approved it.
Typically bills brought by backbench MPs, called Private Members' Bills, fall unless they are passed by both the Commons and the Lords in one parliamentary session.
A session ends when Parliament is prorogued, and a new one begins with a King's Speech – which is expected in May.
The Parliament Act allows for a bill that has been passed by the Commons but rejected by the Lords to return in a new parliamentary session.
If an identical bill passes the Commons a second time, the Lords cannot block it again and the legislation will become law at the end of that second session even without the Lords' approval.
The powers have only been used seven times since 1911.
There are also several hurdles supporters would need to overcome.
Someone willing to bring the exact same bill would need to be drawn high up in the ballot of MPs able to bring a Private Members Bill.
Asked if it was now impossible for the bill to pass, Lord Falconer told BBC News: "It's very very difficult, it's not impossible if the Lords were to change the way that they were dealing with it."
"I've seen no sign so far that there's going to be a change," he added. "But if it goes on like this it has absolutely no hope whatsoever of getting out of the Lords."
Pressed on the controversy of using the Parliament Act to prevent the Lords from blocking the bill a second time, Lord Falconer said: "The issue about assisted dying is very controversial, but ultimately somebody in our constitution has got to decide whether the country should make the change.
"The people who should decide it should be the elected representatives in the Commons. If they make up their mind but are blocked in giving effect to that decision by a small number of peers then the constitutional answer is the Parliament Act."
Lord Falconer has written to all peers on Wednesday evening setting out a number of amendments he will table, aimed at addressing concerns such as around those with eating disorders becoming eligible for an assisted death, and toughening restrictions on advertising for the service.
"It is our responsibility as a House to find a way forward," he told peers, urging them to back the changes.
However several peers believe the change is dangerous and could mean vulnerable people are pressured into ending their lives prematurely.
A source close to Labour MPs and Peers opposed to the Bill told BBC News: "Threats to use the 'nuclear option' of the Parliament Act to recklessly force through this bill, which poses such risks to the vulnerable, is the act of a bully who knows they are losing the argument on the substance...
"People need to be very clear, using the Parliament act to force this through would mean that none of the known issues with the Bill would be fixed.
"Every MP who voted to force it though would bear responsibility for the inevitable suffering and deaths of vulnerable people."
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr57j47811yo
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Zelensky condemns Russian drone strike that killed five on passenger train
Jaroslav Lukiv
28 Jan 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned as "terrorism" a Russian drone attack on a crowded passenger train that local officials say killed at least five people and injured several others.
More than 200 people were on the train, officials said, when one of the carriages was hit by a drone and two other drones exploded nearby, in Ukraine's north-eastern Kharkiv region on Tuesday.
Zelensky said 18 people were in the carriage at the time and there was no "military justification" in targeting civilians.
Russia has not commented on the strike, but it has intensified drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's energy and transport infrastructure during the harshest winter in years.
Elsewhere in Ukraine, the southern port city of Odesa was hit by dozens of drones and officials said three people were killed and dozens more wounded.
Energy officials said a local facility had suffered "enormous damage" overnight into Tuesday and Odesa city chief Serhii Lysak said attacks had continued for a second night into Wednesday.
Meanwhile, in the Kyiv region, a couple were killed and their four-year-old child was hurt when a residential block of flats was hit in a district close to the capital, police said.
Millions of people across Ukraine have been left without heating, electricity and water after the Russian assaults.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, and Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
In a post on social media late on Tuesday, Zelensky wrote: "In any country, a drone strike on a civilian train would be considered in exactly the same way - purely as terrorism."
Pictures and footage released by Ukraine's emergency services show at least one badly destroyed carriage still burning after the attack.
Kharkiv's regional prosecutor's office said the train was struck near the Yazykove village.
The office said the train was heading from the western border town of Chop to Barvinkove in the Kharkiv region via the regional capital Kharkiv.
This line runs further east to the Donetsk region, and is used by local residents and Ukrainian soldiers travelling to and from leave, as well as their wives and girlfriends travelling east to see them.
Officials in Odesa said Russia had launched more than 50 drones on the port overnight into Tuesday.
Three bodies were found in the rubble after several floors of one residential building collapsed after the strike, and a number of other buildings were damaged.
Russia's daily aerial assaults continue even though Ukraine-Russia talks last week held the latest round of talks aimed at ending the war.
The talks that also involved US negotiators took place in the United Arab Emirates, and were hailed by all sides as constructive.
However, key territorial issues remain unresolved, and further meetings are expected this weekend.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crkrpl4ngdzo
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Merz rejects Zelensky’s ‘concrete date’ for EU membership
29 Jan, 2026
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has rejected Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s demand for a 2027 accession date to the EU, stating that the process will take “several years” as Kiev must first fulfill the bloc’s membership criteria.
The comments, made during a press briefing in Berlin on Wednesday, deliver a sobering assessment of Kiev’s EU ambitions amid the conflict with Russia and mounting concerns within the bloc over the country’s governance.
“Ukraine’s accession on January 1, 2027, is out of the question. It is not possible,” Merz stated. “All candidates – including Ukraine – who wish to join the European Union must meet the Copenhagen criteria.”
The Copenhagen criteria require stable democratic institutions, a functioning market economy, and the adoption of the EU’s vast body of law.
Merz emphasized that while Ukraine has a membership perspective, integration is a “long-term process.” He added that immediate priority should be placed on ongoing peace negotiations mediated by the US in Abu Dhabi.
Zelensky has recently intensified his campaign for a swift accession track, framing it as a critical security guarantee. In a social media post following talks with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, he argued for “a concrete date – 2027.”
Merz’s stance echoes reservations held by several EU leaders, including Stocker, who recently stated he is “not a fan of the fast lane.”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been more forceful, vowing to block any accelerated accession to prevent Brussels from “importing the war” and “corruption.”
The scale of corruption in Ukraine deepened this week, after Ukrainian prosecutors revealed that 41 current members of parliament are under investigation for operating an illegal vote-rigging scheme. The scandal follows a major corruption case involving Zelensky’s close associate Timur Mindich, which led to several high-profile resignations.
Orban pointedly referenced a golden toilet allegedly found in Mindich’s apartment, stating aid money is “better off with Hungarian families than in the bathroom of a Ukrainian oligarch.”
Further complicating Ukraine’s EU bid are profound questions about its democratic health. Zelensky’s presidential term expired in May 2024, yet he continues to hold power, having repeatedly extended martial law and postponed elections. Moscow has cited Zelensky’s expired mandate to question the legitimacy of any future peace agreements he might sign. US President Donald Trump also once called Zelensky “a dictator without elections.”
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/631687-merz-zelensky-eu-membership/
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Trump envoys won’t attend next Russia-Ukraine talks – Rubio
28 Jan, 2026
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will not be present when Russian and Ukrainian officials meet in Abu Dhabi this weekend, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed.
The meeting is scheduled for Sunday, a week after the first round of three-way talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US concluded in the same location. Although the second round has been described as another trilateral meeting, Rubio said on Wednesday that the US will play a lesser role this time around.
“There might be a US presence” in Abu Dhabi, he told lawmakers in Washington, “but it won’t be Steve and Jared.”
Witkoff and Kushner have met multiple times with officials from Moscow and Kiev, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky. Witkoff described last weekend’s trilateral sit-down as “very constructive,” while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hailed the beginning of direct talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US, as a “positive” step.
All sides have acknowledged that territorial disputes remain the central obstacle to any peace agreement. Moscow says a lasting deal would require Ukraine to withdraw its forces from the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, which voted to join Russia in 2022. The Kremlin has also demanded that Kiev formally recognize the new borders, including Crimea. Zelensky has repeatedly ruled out any territorial concessions.
Territory is “the one remaining item” holding up an agreement, Rubio said on Wednesday. “I know there’s active work going on to try and see if both sides’ views on that can be reconciled,” he continued, adding “it’s still a bridge we haven’t crossed.”
Putin’s top aide Yury Ushakov, who attended last weekend’s talks, told reporters before the meeting that Russia had the battlefield initiative and would achieve its objectives militarily if a diplomatic solution is not found.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/631678-witkoff-kushner-abu-dhabi-rubio/
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North America
CAIR-NY Condemns Violent Antisemitic Attack on Rabbi in Queens
January 28, 2026
The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned an alleged antisemitic assault in Forest Hills, Queens, in which a rabbi was reportedly verbally harassed and physically attacked. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime by law enforcement.
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq., said:
“We condemn this reprehensible act of antisemitic hate. No New Yorker should be subjected to verbal abuse, intimidation, or threats because of their faith, identity, or background. Hate in all its forms erodes the safety and dignity of our communities.”
She said 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.
CAIR-NY’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ny-condemns-violent-antisemitic-attack-on-rabbi-in-queens/
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CAIR Says Rasmussen Poll ‘Message Testing’ Anti-Muslim Talking Points is Latest Sign of Deliberate Effort to Stoke Islamophobia
January 28, 2026
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, said today that a recent Rasmussen Reports survey “message-testing” anti-Muslim talking points is the latest sign of a deliberate effort to stoke anti-Muslim hysteria nationwide for political gain.
On January 15, 2026, Rasmussen Reports released the results of a three-question message-testing measure. CAIR asserts the survey used selectively framed questions to elicit a predetermined conclusion that Muslims are inherently threatening.
One question falsely declared that Muslims were establishing sharia law in America and then asked respondents for their reaction: “Some Muslims in the United States want to form separate communities governed by Islamic Sharia law. Do you support or oppose Muslims establishing their own communities in the United States?”
CAIR notes that such dehumanizing messaging can produce hateful rhetoric that targets American Muslims for political gain and harmful policies. In 2015, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump cited an already debunked poll as justification for what became his Muslim Ban.
“The apparent purpose of this dehumanizing message-testing is to find red meat for politicians who prefer to sow fear rather than offer solutions to win public favor. If we asked questions as selectively framed as those in this Rasmussen Reports survey, we would both expect to get our predetermined results and expect to be criticized for being biased,” said CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor. “Anti-Muslim hysteria is out of control and part of a deliberate, coordinated effort to both attack Muslims for political gain and silence American Muslims.”
CAIR staff noted that the poll is similar to a poll of Western nations commissioned by the Israeli Foreign Ministry last year which concluded that the best way for Israel to reverse negative views of the country was to distract Western audiences with fear of radical Muslims.
BACKGROUNDER:
In an analysis, Politico found that extreme anti-Muslim campaign rhetoric in early 2026 represents “an escalation of rhetoric the [Republican] party has long used to rally its voters.” Texas GOP consultant Vinny Minchillo told Politico, “The Muslim community is the boogeyman for this cycle. One hundred percent this message works — there’s no question about it. This has been polled up one side and down the other, and with Texas Republican primary voters, it works.”
Saylor noted he is not a public opinion and survey research design expert. Instead, he pointed to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), Standards Best Practices document. AAPOR describes itself as, “the leading association of public opinion and survey research professionals.”
According to a March 2022 version of that document accessed through AAPOR’s website, “Surveys should not be used to produce predetermined results, campaigning, fundraising, or selling.” (AAPOR Standards Best Practices, pg. 2). Later, the document’s authors advise professionals to, “Keep questions free of bias by avoiding language that pushes respondents to respond in a certain way or that presents only one side of an issue. (AAPOR Standards Best Practices, pg. 4)
Rasmussen Reports’ write-up of the message test centers only one side of an issue: an unproven allegation by “opponents” of a Muslim-led development project in Texas. It does not note that multiple investigations, including one by the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, have not substantiated the opponent’s allegations. It also does not present project supporters’ side of the issue.
The first question CAIR points to as problematic is, “How concerned are you about the influence of radical Islam in the United States?”
CAIR believes this is a leading question that encourages negative answers. There is no neutrality in it.
CAIR also argues the question’s framing is the equivalent of asking, “How concerned are you about recent developments in particle physics?” Respondents will give an answer, but what useful insight are researchers capturing?
Substantive research indicates that most Americans do not know a Muslim and most of their knowledge of Islam and Muslims comes from overwhelmingly negative media coverage of the community. Answering this question in a way that produces any insight requires the respondent to demonstrate that they have enough exposure to Islam and Muslims to form a view.
Without that insight researchers risk capturing media exposure, the respondent’s performative desire to give some form of response, or the outcome of decades of efforts to paint Islamic identity as an inherent threat.
Rasmussen Reports’ postings about the message test do not indicate that the organization made any effort to offer respondents baseline questions to establish their understanding of Islam, or to differentiate between religious extremism and the overwhelming majority of Muslims.
Searches of Rasmussen’s website for “radical” and other major world faiths returned no results. Since all ideologies have their extremists, CAIR questions why Rasmussen Reports appears to frame Islam and Muslims as uniquely problematic.
The second question CAIR identifies as problematic is, “Some Muslims in the United States want to form separate communities governed by Islamic Sharia law. Do you support or oppose Muslims establishing their own communities in the United States?”
Echoing antisemitic stereotypes such as those around the imaginary Protocols of the Elders of Zion, the false notion that Muslims seek to subvert Western nations and implement new law is common in anti-Muslim extremist circles.
As noted above, Rasmussen Reports’ release cites unproven allegations from Texas, which seems to prompt this question, in its release. Why not cite the supporters’ assertions that they find living near a place of worship from their faith-tradition to be a good thing?
There is no evidence that Rasmussen has message tested similar Christian-led community development projects such as Veritas Splendor, a proposed community for Tyler, Texas.
Muslims have established non-binding mediation and arbitration services for issues like divorce, business disputes and other civil matters that can then be referred to regular courts for adjudication. This is non-controversial and similar to other American faith traditions. The Jerusalem Post named two similar services in its coverage of Muslims in Texas, “The Institute for Christian Conciliation, which says online it resolves disputes in a ‘biblical manner,’” and “The Beth Din of America, which describes itself as a rabbinical court ‘firmly anchored in the principles of halacha (Jewish law).'” Even though similar Christian and Jewish institutions exist, Rasmussen Reports appears to adopt a stance that favors portraying Muslims uniquely dangerous or suspicious.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-says-rasmussen-poll-message-testing-anti-muslim-talking-points-is-latest-sign-of-deliberate-effort-to-stoke-islamophobia/
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US cybersecurity chief leaked sensitive files to ChatGPT – Politico
29 Jan, 2026
The acting director of the nation’s top cyber defense agency uploaded sensitive government documents into a public version of ChatGPT last summer, triggering automated security warnings and a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) damage assessment, according to a Politico investigation.
Madhu Gottumukkala, the interim head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), used a special exception he requested to access the AI tool – which was blocked for other DHS employees – to input contracting documents marked ‘For Official Use Only’. The material, while not classified, is considered sensitive and not for public release.
Four DHS officials with knowledge of the incident said cybersecurity sensors at CISA flagged the uploads in early August, prompting a DHS-led internal review to assess potential harm.
It remains unclear what the review concluded. The incident is notable because public ChatGPT uploads are shared with developer OpenAI, potentially exposing government information to the platform’s vast user base. In contrast, approved DHS AI tools are configured to prevent data from leaving federal networks.
In a statement, CISA Director of Public Affairs Marci McCarthy said Gottumukkala “was granted permission to use ChatGPT with DHS controls in place” and that his use was “short-term and limited.”
Gottumukkala has led the CISA in an acting capacity since May, while the nominee for permanent director, Sean Plankey, has yet to be confirmed.
The ChatGPT incident is the latest in a series of security and leadership controversies surrounding Gottumukkala’s brief tenure. Last July, he reportedly failed a counterintelligence polygraph test that he was pushed to take to access highly sensitive intelligence. During congressional testimony last week, Gottumukkala declined to acknowledge the failed test, telling US Representative Bennie Thompson that he does not “accept the premise of that characterization.”
The administration of US President Donald Trump has aggressively promoted the adoption of AI across the federal government. Last month, Trump signed an executive order to curb state-level AI regulations, warning that a fragmented legal landscape could hinder competitiveness against China.
The Pentagon has unveiled an ‘AI-first’ strategy to accelerate military use of AI, with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announcing plans to integrate leading AI models, including Elon Musk’s Grok, into defense networks.
Source: rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/631685-us-cybersecurity-chief-chatgpt/
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TX AG Paxton launches investigation into Texas school districts over CAIR-funded Islamic Games
January 28, 2026
The Office of the Texas Attorney General launched an investigation Wednesday into two public school districts over plans to host an Islamic Games event sponsored in part by an Islamic group the governor designated as a foreign terrorist organization.
Attorney General Ken Paxton said his office is demanding information from Cypress-Fairbanks and Grapevine-Colleyville independent school districts for their alleged involvement with the Islamic Games of North America.
The IGNA claims to be “the premier Muslim sports and athletic event in North America, dedicated to promoting physical excellence, unity, and community development.” It says more than 10,000 athletes from more than 900 teams are expected to participate at events in six states this year. Attendance is expected to exceed 50,000 nationwide.
The Dallas Islamic Games were scheduled at Colleyville Heritage High School in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD; the Houston Islamic Games were scheduled at Bridgeland High School in Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District.
IGNA listed 100 sponsors on its website for the events, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations-NJ chapter.
Last November, Gov. Greg Abbott designated CAIR as an FTO and subsequently called for investigations into it and other Islamic groups, The Center Square reported. CAIR denies the allegations and has sued.
The OAG has requested the school districts provide it with communications, contracts and related documents related to IGNA, CAIR or affiliated chapters.
“The spread of radical Islam in Texas must be stopped, and if school districts are continuing to promote or partner with an organization tied to an FTL, that ends now,” Paxton said. He made the statement after GCISD already canceled its planned event and after Abbott already directed CFISD to comply with his order and to retain all documents.
After being informed of Abbott’s FTO order, GCISD canceled hosting the event nearly immediately after state lawmakers and State Board of Education member expressed opposition and raised concerns, The Center Square reported. The district said, “Texas Government Code § 2252.152 states that, ‘[a] governmental entity may not enter into a governmental contract with a company identified as a foreign terrorist organization.’ Thus, GCISD provided notice that it is severing the negotiations for the use of District properties for the 2026 Islamic Games.”
Days later, CFISD had yet to cancel hosting the games and Abbott demanded that it do so, also chastising public schools for entertaining the idea. If it doesn’t comply, Abbott threatened legal action.
“You cannot invite such dangers through the front doors of our schools. In fact, state law requires public schools to prohibit illegal activities from taking place on school property. It is obvious, then, that you may not use taxpayer-funded public facilities to host events sponsored by a designated terror organization. To do so would violate your duty to taxpayers and the safety of students,” Abbott warned, The Center Square reported.
Paxton also said he “will ensure that taxpayers’ dollars are not materially supporting activities by Islamist terrorists in violation of Texas law,” roughly two hours after Abbott called on him to take action against CAIR in another matter.
On Wednesday morning, Abbott demanded that Paxton strip CAIR of its nonprofit status, arguing he has the legal tools to do so but hasn’t, The Center Square reported.
“The Texas Attorney General is the only elected official charged with regulating nonprofits that may be violating the law, like CAIR,” Abbott wrote Paxton. “The Texas Constitution authorizes you to investigate and seek judicial forfeiture of CAIR’s nonprofit charter.
“Our state laws empower you to inspect, examine, and copy records of nonprofits. A nonprofit that refuses to comply ‘forfeits the right … to do business in this state,’ and individuals who refuse to comply also commit a crime.
“Texas law empowers you to issue civil investigative demands to compel organizations like CAIR to produce documents, answer questions, or provide testimony regarding potential civil violations. Your office may even seek a lien against all existing property the nonprofit has in this State,” Abbott, a former Texas attorney general, told Paxton, citing the Texas Constitution, state statutes and civil procedure.
Paxton has “used these tools before,” Abbott said, urging him “to use them to combat CAIR.”
Source: justthenews.com
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https://justthenews.com/nation/states/center-square/paxton-launches-investigation-texas-isds-over-cair-funded-islamic-games
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Montreal holds commemoration to honour victims of Quebec City mosque attack
January 28, 2026
Montrealers gathered Wednesday evening to honour the victims of the 2017 Québec City mosque attack, marking nine years since one of the deadliest acts of violence against Muslims in Canadian history.
The Canadian Muslim Forum and the Muslim Association of Canada hosted the public commemoration, which brought the community together in remembrance and solidarity.
The event paid tribute to the six Muslim men who were killed when a gunman opened fire inside a mosque on Jan. 29, 2017. Several other worshippers were also injured in the attack, which occurred shortly before 8 p.m.
The gathering took place at the Canadian Institute of Islamic Civilization on Belmont Street. Montrealers came together to reflect, listen to speeches, and honour the lives lost.
“First of all, we are here to remember our brothers killed in the mosque and to denounce Islamophobia that exists in our society. We are citizens; we would like to be normal citizens, to have all the right to practice our religion and to practice our faith,” said Samer El Niz, spokesperson for MAC.
The commemoration aimed to keep the victims’ memories alive while standing united for compassion, dignity, and peace.
Posters bearing messages such as “Together we fight hate. Together we stand for peace” were displayed alongside banners listing the names of the victims.
The annual remembrance serves as both a moment of mourning and a call for unity, as communities across Canada continue to confront hate and Islamophobia.
Source: citynews.ca
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https://montreal.citynews.ca/2026/01/28/montrealers-mark-anniversary-quebec-city-mosque-attack/
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CAIR Welcomes Firing of Vermont Sheriff’s Deputy After Racist Messages Discovered
January 28, 2026
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the firing of a deputy from Vermont’s Rutland County Sheriff’s Department after racist messages he reportedly sent were discovered.
According to multiple witnesses, the former deputy posted an offensive image in a group chat that included other members of the department. The image allegedly depicted officers wearing Ku Klux Klan attire making racist remarks to individuals in custody.
“An individual who reportedly harbors hateful or bigoted views cannot be trusted with enforcing the law and upholding justice for all,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. “We welcome the dismissal of this individual and hope the swift actions of officials will send a message to the community that bigotry will not be tolerated.”
He said 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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ICE issues ‘do not engage’ order to its agents as backlash grows after Alex Pretti shooting
Jan 29, 2026
Under a new guideline, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers are now directed to "avoid engaging with the agitators" during their immigration crackdown, Reuters reported.
Following the shooting of two US citizens during the anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis, new guidance for the enforcement officers says that they shall only target immigrants with criminal charges or convictions.
"DO NOT COMMUNICATE OR ENGAGE WITH AGITATORS," read the email from a top ICE official, "It serves no purpose other than inflaming the situation. No one is going to convince the other. The only communication should be the officers issuing commands," Reuters reported.
The email further stated that the communication regarding the commands from the ICE officers to the citizens shall take place over megaphones, and they "need to verbalise every step of the arrest process."
However, the grounds of these commands or the consequences of disobedience to the command have not been stated.
Trump has expressed special interest in "de-escalating" the tensions.
He ordered his top border adviser, Tom Homan, to take charge of the crackdown. Moreover, Trump also stated that he and the Minnesota governor have been on the "same wavelength" after a phone call. He also declared "a lot of progress being made" with the mayor of Minneapolis, the city that has seen massive protests since ICE deployment for an immigration crackdown.
ICE, under the Operation Metro Surge, has been carrying out the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed during a confrontation with the ICE, who were portrayed as aggressors.
The US constitution allows law enforcement to use deadly force if the officer has a reasonable belief that a subject poses an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or others.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/ice-issues-do-not-engage-order-to-its-agents-as-backlash-grows-after-alex-pretti-shooting/articleshowprint/127760513.cms
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Border agents involved in fatal shooting of Alex Pretti placed on leave
Jan 29, 2026
Grace Eliza Goodwin
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says two agents involved in the fatal shooting of an American citizen in Minneapolis have been placed on administrative leave.
The killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, on Saturday provoked fresh protests in the state of Minnesota, public outcry across the US and calls from lawmakers in both parties to remove the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
According to a preliminary DHS report sent to Congress, two officers fired their weapons at Pretti during a scuffle. Initial official accounts had alleged Pretti brandished his gun.
It is unclear when the agents were put on leave, or how long they will stay off the job.
CBP told the BBC on Tuesday it had taken the agents off duty following standard protocol. Typically federal law-enforcement agents involved in a shooting remain on leave while the incident is investigated.
On Sunday, CBP Commander Gregory Bovino, though, had told reporters that the agents were still on the job, but working in a different city.
New footage published by the News Movement and shared with BBC News shows an altercation between Pretti and federal officers 11 days before his death.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who shot another US citizen, 37-year-old Renee Good, in Minneapolis on 7 January was also placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation.
While President Donald Trump in recent days said he intended to "de-escalate" in Minneapolis, where DHS has been carrying out its Operation Metro Surge since 1 December, he appeared to ratchet up a war of words with the city's mayor on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Frey wrote on X that his city would not change its sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and that he had told Trump's border tsar Tom Homan that "Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws".
In response, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "Could somebody in his inner sanctum please explain that this statement is a very serious violation of the Law, and that he is PLAYING WITH FIRE!"
At the same time, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Wednesday that she was "on the ground in Minneapolis" and the justice department had "arrested 16 Minnesota rioters for allegedly assaulting federal law enforcement".
"We expect more arrests to come," she added.
Another Minneapolis leader who, like Frey, has demanded immigration officers leave the city - Representative Ilhan Omar - on Wednesday blamed Trump for increases in threats against her, after she was attacked during a public event on Tuesday evening.
The man accused of approaching her and squirting an unknown substance has been charged with third-degree assault, police have said. According to Alpha News, the syringe allegedly used in the attack by the suspect, Anthony Kazmierczak, was filled with apple cider vinegar. The BBC is seeking to confirm the report.
Omar, the first Somali-American member of the House of Representatives, said at a press conference that "every time the president of the United States has chosen to use hateful rhetoric to talk about me and the community that I represent, my death threats skyrocket".
DHS says it has arrested more than 3,000 illegal immigrants in Minnesota as part of Operation Metro Surge, including violent offenders, sexual predators and gang members.
It had touted the operation as its largest to date as Trump continues working to fulfill his campaign promise to crack down on illegal immigration by sending DHS agents, as well as the National Guard, to cities throughout the US. His efforts have been met with protests and legal challenges in other Democratic-led places like Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon.
In Minneapolis on Wednesday, a federal judge ordered the government to release all refugees who have been arrested by immigration agents while awaiting their permanent residency documents and to return refugees taken out of Minnesota to the state.
In a strongly-worded ruling, Judge John Tunheim said refugees "are not committing crimes on our streets, nor did they illegally cross the border," adding that the US had been "a haven of individual liberties".
Shortly after Pretti was killed, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had accused him of "domestic terrorism" and said he was "brandishing" a gun.
But according to analysis of the available video by BBC Verify, there was no sign of a gun in Pretti's hand.
The DHS preliminary report to Congress said that Pretti and CBP agents were in a struggle when an officer yelled out that Pretti had a gun, and then two agents shot him. This differed from initial accounts from the Trump administration that an agent had fired defensive shots.
Now, Republican and Democratic lawmakers are calling for Noem and the White House's lead adviser on immigration, Stephen Miller, to be removed. On Wednesday, senior Democrats in the House threatened to begin impeachment proceedings against Noem unless she resigned or was fired.
Meanwhile, members of both parties are openly discussing removing funding for DHS in spending legislation that Congress must pass to keep the government from shutting down on 1 February.
Source: bbc.com
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US Fed holds interest rates and defends independence
Jan 29, 2026
The US Federal Reserve has voted to hold interest rates as its chair, Jerome Powell, defended the importance of central bank independence.
The Fed said it will keep its key lending rate between 3.5% to 3.75%, stating that economic activity in the US "has been expanding at a solid pace".
US President Donald Trump has frequently criticised Powell for not cutting rates quickly enough. Federal prosecutors recently opened a criminal investigation over testimony Powell gave to the Senate about renovations to Fed buildings.
On Wednesday, Powell declined to comment on the probe but he said that if a central bank lost its independence "it would be hard to restore the credibility of the institution".
Powell previously said he believed the federal investigation stemmed from Trump's anger at the pace of interest rate cuts.
On Wednesday, at his first press conference since condemning the Department of Justice (DoJ) probe, he stressed the importance of central bank independence to ensure monetary policy is not leveraged for political gain.
"It's just an institutional arrangement that has served the people well - to not have direct elected official control over the setting of monetary policy," he said.
"If you lose that, it first of all would be hard to restore the credibility of the institution," Powell said, adding that he is "strongly committed" to retaining the Fed's independence.
Trump is soon expected to announce a replacement for Powell who steps down as chair in May.
Former heads of the US central bank also strongly criticised the DoJ investigation, describing it as a bid to undermine the Fed's autonomy.
Commenting on the decision to keep rates on hold, Powell said: "The economy has once again surprised us with its strength."
There are signs the employment market is stabilising - job creation is sluggish but the unemployment rate has ticked lower. Policymakers are continuing to monitor the effect on the economy of three interest cuts last year.
Powell said: "We still have some tension between employment and inflation, but it's less than it was.
"The outlook for economic activity has clearly improved since the last meeting."
Concerns about a slowing job market outweighed inflation fears in the second half of 2025. Cutting interest rates is aimed at stimulating the job market by creating lower borrowing costs for businesses.
Jitters about a deteriorating jobs market have eased in recent weeks but inflation remains above the Fed's 2% target.
The S&P 500 stock index fluctuated ahead of Powell's remarks, briefly surpassing 7,000 points for the first time, before closing virtually unchanged.
Two Fed officials voted in favour of an interest rate cut - Stephen Miran, who is on leave from his post at the White House where he leads Trump's Council of Economic Advisers, and Christopher Waller, a Trump appointee whose name has been floated as contender to succeed Powell.
Despite those dissents, the Fed board pointed to a strengthening in recent economic data, which gave policymakers confidence to hold rates steady
"The Fed song remains the same," said Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. "Lower interest rates may be coming but investors will have to remain patient.
"While the Fed's pause may not satisfy everyone, it still leaves a path for cuts later this year," she added.
"The most important legal case"
Trump has publicly urged Powell to cut interest rates in order to reduce the US government's hefty borrowing costs and to make it easier for Americans to get mortgages and other loans.
He has also launched personal attacks against Powell - whom the president appointed as Fed chair during his first term in the White House - calling the central banker a "major loser" and "numbskull".
The president has also taken aim at Fed governor Lisa Cook, who he wants to remove. He has accused her of engaging in mortgage fraud, which she has denied. The Supreme Court is now weighing the case.
Justices from the left and right last week cited concerns about implications for central bank independence and the wider economy.
Powell attended the Supreme Court hearing and on Wednesday called it "perhaps the most important legal case in the Fed's 113-year history".
Another wild card looming over the bank is Trump's pick to replace Powell at the end of his term.
Whoever steps into the role will inevitably face credibility concerns, as Trump's pressure on the Fed has raised questions about whether the next chair will act independently.
BlackRock executive Rick Rieder has emerged in recent days as a front-runner.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9wxedz9v22o
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'I don't let bullies win,' says US congresswoman Omar after substance thrown at her
Ana Faguy
Jan 29, 2026
Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar was attacked at an event she was hosting on Tuesday, when an audience member used a syringe to spray liquid at her, Minneapolis police said.
Omar was uninjured and continued to speak. "I'm ok. I'm a survivor so this small agitator isn't going to intimidate me from doing my work. I don't let bullies win," she later wrote on X.
Authorities have not yet identified what the liquid was. According to a BBC journalist in the room, it had a sour smell similar to a chemical product.
Anthony James Kazmierczak, 55, has been charged with third-degree assault and is being held in custody, the local sheriff's office said.
Omar, a Democrat who became in 2019 the first Somali-American to serve in the US Congress, is a fierce critic of US President Donald Trump.
She has recently targeted the president's immigration crackdown in Minnesota, during which two US citizens have been shot dead.
On Tuesday, responding to the second fatal shooting, Trump said his administration was "going to de-escalate a little bit".
During her speaking event, Omar called for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is one of the main agencies tasked with carrying out the operation and has come under intense scrutiny for its tactics.
Trump has frequently clashed with Minnesota's Democratic officials, and has often singled out Omar in particular for personal attacks.
Prior to Tuesday's attack on the congresswoman, he told an audience in Iowa that immigrants to the US "have to show that they can love our country, be proud - not like Ilhan Omar".
In the wake of the attack on Omar, the president was asked by ABC News whether he had seen the footage of the incident, and responded that he had not.
"I don't think about her. I think she's a fraud," Trump told the outlet.
During Tuesday's event, Omar said Trump's key ally Kristi Noem - whose Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees ICE - should "resign or face impeachment" over recent events in her state.
In January, an immigration officer fatally shot US citizen Renee Good. And on Saturday, US citizen Alex Pretti was fatally shot after being stopped by border agents, reigniting local protests as well as a nationwide public outcry.
It was after Omar's comments about Noem that she was attacked.
As he was pushed out of the room following his use of the syringe, the attacker said that Omar was "pitting us against each other". It was not immediately clear what he was referring to.
Kazmierczak was immediately arrested and forensics were being conducted at the scene, police said.
Officials pleaded with Omar to end the event, but the congresswoman insisted that she would continue, telling her audience: "We will continue... we are Minnesota strong."
When back at the lectern, she added: "We're gonna keep talking. Just give me 10 minutes. Please don't let them have the show."
One attendee, Alfred Flowers Jr, told the BBC that he "respected her courage and strength to still stay and finish the town hall for the people".
In a post on social media, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said: "Violence and intimidation have no place in Minneapolis. We can disagree without putting people at risk... This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in our city."
Omar regularly hosts such speaking events, known in the US as town halls.
On Tuesday, about 100 people attended the gathering in the north Minneapolis basement. They were expecting to hear about the presence of federal immigration officials in their town and ask questions about the recent fatal shootings.
In 2019, Omar became the first Somali-American, first African-born American, and one of the first two Muslim American women to serve in the US Congress.
Trump's crackdown in Minneapolis was launched in December after some Somali immigrants were convicted in a massive fraud of state welfare programmes. The state is home to the largest community of Somali immigrants in the US.
The president has regularly criticised the state's Democratic officials, not least Omar, whom he has called a "radical left lunatic" and "disgusting".
Earlier this month, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Omar "should be in jail, or even a worse punishment, sent back to Somalia, considered one of the absolutely worst countries in the World. She could help to MAKE SOMALIA GREAT AGAIN!"
On the same day as the attack on Omar, US Capitol Police - which investigates incidents such as this one - reported a 50% increase in threats last year to lawmakers from both political parties, their families, aides and Congress itself.
The USCP said the number of threats it investigated had risen for the third year in a row, to 14,938.
Source: bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn9zpee3llxo
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Africa
Security Is Not Something We Discuss In The Open Market – Senate Suspends Debate On US Airstrikes In Nigeria
January 29, 2026
The Senate has suspended open discussion on the United States air attacks carried out on December 25 on suspected terrorist hideouts in Sokoto State.
Naija News reports that the decision was taken during Wednesday’s plenary after Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled that the matter should be handled privately due to security concerns.
He explained that issues linked to national safety are not usually debated in an open session of the chamber.
Akpabio stated that the Senate’s rights had not been violated, adding that lawmakers had earlier been informed that the operation was carried out with the knowledge and cooperation of Nigerian security agencies.
He noted that sensitive matters relating to security require caution and should not be widely discussed in public.
He also praised the senator who raised the issue and assured members that a full explanation would be given during a closed-door meeting.
According to him, the private briefing would help clear doubts surrounding the airstrikes and respond to concerns raised by lawmakers.
He urged senators to remain calm and avoid public statements that could affect national security.
Following his ruling, further debate on the issue was put on hold until the closed session is held.
The development followed a motion raised by Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central Senatorial District.
He drew attention to the matter under Order 9, claiming that the reported airstrikes amounted to a breach of Nigeria’s constitutional authority.
Ningi argued that the powers of the National Assembly are clearly stated in the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and the 1999 Constitution as amended.
He said the responsibility for lawmaking rests with the Senate and the House of Representatives to ensure peace, order and proper governance.
The lawmaker expressed worry over reports that the US military conducted attacks within Nigeria, describing the action as an infringement on the country’s sovereignty and a violation of international rules.
He added that the Constitution gives the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the authority to approve military actions.
According to him, even the President cannot lawfully allow a foreign force to carry out operations on Nigerian soil without proper engagement with the legislature and coordination with local security agencies.
Ningi insisted that the executive arm must be open with the National Assembly on security operations involving foreign countries.
He warned that excluding lawmakers from such decisions could weaken Nigeria’s sovereignty and create future constitutional problems.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/28/security-is-not-something-we-discuss-in-the-open-market-senate-suspends-debate-on-us-airstrikes-in-nigeria/
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Senate suspends Electoral Act debate, Shariah council demands Amupitan’s removal
January 29, 2026
The Senate on Wednesday deferred consideration of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, opting to subject the proposed amendments to further scrutiny before taking a final decision.
The decision followed deliberations on the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters during plenary, held in the absence of the committee’s chairman, Senator Simon Lalong.
Lawakers resolved to step down debate on the report to allow senators more time to study the bill, with consideration now scheduled to resume on Thursday.
In addition, the upper chamber agreed to reconvene in an executive session to enable closed-door discussions on sensitive aspects of the proposed electoral reforms, reflecting concerns over the far-reaching implications of the legislation.
Security, Health Officials Failed Anthony Joshua at Accident Scene - Uncle | Punch0:00 / 0:00
Although the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, the Senate stressed the need for a more deliberate review process.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, underscored the importance of caution, particularly as preparations for future elections intensify.
“This is a very important bill, especially as it is election time. We must take our time to ensure justice is done to all, so that we do not end up at the tribunal,” Akpabio said.
According to the Senate committee’s report, a clause-by-clause analysis of the bill indicates that its enactment would leave Nigerians with a lasting legacy of electoral integrity, enhance transparency, and boost public confidence in the electoral process.
The committee recommended that the Senate consider and pass the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025, as amended, noting that the proposed reforms aim to expand voter participation, safeguard against electoral malpractice, and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan,alleging that his continued stay in office poses “a serious threat” to the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.
The council said Muslims across the country would not recognise or legitimise any election conducted under the leadership of an INEC chairman whose integrity, it claimed, is under a cloud.
The President of the Council, Sheikh Bashir Umar, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the SCSN’s 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly.
Speaking on the theme “Nigeria’s Future: Faith, Justice, and Leadership,” Umar said the demand was anchored on what he described as the INEC chairman’s questionable antecedents.
“We are compelled by conscience and by our responsibility to the nation to insist that Prof. Amupitan should step aside.
“The credibility of elections is the foundation of democracy. When that credibility is in doubt, the entire system is at risk,” Umar said.
He pointed to a legal brief allegedly authored by the INEC chairman, which claimed the existence of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, saying the document had deepened mistrust and raised concerns about impartiality.
“An electoral umpire must not only be neutral, he must be seen to be neutral,” Umar said.
“How can Nigerians, especially Muslims, repose confidence in an INEC chairman who has been linked to such a divisive narrative,” the council’s president questioned.
Umar noted that the Federal Government had repeatedly dismissed the claim contained in the brief, but said the damage to public confidence had already been done.
“The government itself has said there is no such genocide Yet, the fact that the head of our electoral body is associated with that claim is troubling. It creates suspicion and undermines trust in the process,” he said.
According to him, the council’s position is not motivated by religious bias but by concern for national unity and justice.
“This is not about Islam versus Christianity. It is about fairness, justice and leadership. Nigeria’s future depends on leaders and institutions that unite, not divide, our people,” he said.
He warned that proceeding with elections under the current INEC leadership could worsen tensions.
The SCSN called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to act swiftly.
“We want peaceful, credible elections that all Nigerians can accept but if the leadership of INEC remains under this cloud, many Muslims will find it difficult to recognise or legitimise the outcome of such elections.
“We urge the President and relevant authorities to do what is necessary in the interest of national cohesion and democratic stability,” Umar said.
He added that Nigeria deserves an electoral commission that commands the confidence of all.
Source: punchng.com
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https://punchng.com/senate-suspends-electoral-act-debate-shariah-council-demands-amupitans-removal/
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Police disperse protesters demanding compensation following mass eviction
January 29, 2026
Police fired teargas on Wednesday to disperse protesters demanding compensation following mass evictions carried out by the Lagos State government.
The protesters, made up of displaced residents from waterfront and informal settlements, gathered near a major road in Lagos to accuse authorities of demolishing their homes without adequate notice, compensation or resettlement plans.
Chanting slogans and carrying placards, they called on the state government to take responsibility for families left homeless by the demolitions. Some said the evictions had destroyed their livelihoods.
Akintimeyin Iyadily, a displaced person, says she and her husband have lost everything.
"My house was demolished in Otumara community. My church was demolished because my husband was the pastor of the church, it was all demolished with all our belongings. We don't have anything,” said Iyadily.
Police moved in after the crowd blocked parts of the road, firing teargas canisters that sent protesters running, and scrambling for safety.
Lagos State authorities have said the demolitions are part of efforts to enforce urban planning laws, reduce environmental risks and prevent flooding in high-risk areas.
Officials insist that affected structures were illegal and posed safety concerns.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, faces intense pressure from rapid population growth, with millions living in informal settlements vulnerable to flooding and redevelopment drives.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2026/01/29/police-disperse-protesters-demanding-compensation-following-mass-eviction/
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DRC: Kinshasa and UN launch humanitarian response plan
January 29, 2026
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo is calling for $1.4 billion to provide for those in the country who are struggling, as the fighting rages on between the M23 rebels and Congolese army.
Bruno Lemarchand, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC, said, "in Congo, there are currently 5.3 million people internally displaced within their own country, mainly because of conflict. There are also 4.1 million people who have returned recently, including three million in 2025, largely due to the M23 crisis.''
''The challenges facing humanitarians are numerous. There are major financial challenges due to a drastic and sudden drop in funding. This has happened within just a few months, meaning many organisations are no longer able to operate," he added.
The UN humanitarian co ordinator also pointed out how difficult humanitarian work on the ground can be.
"There are also security challenges on the ground. The DRC is a dangerous operating environment for humanitarians. In 2025, 13 humanitarian workers lost their lives, and there were around 700 security incidents affecting aid workers. Another challenge is violations of international humanitarian law and human rights in the DRC," said Lemarchand.
As well as the fighting in the country, the DRC is facing a string of other issues as the minister of social affairs and humanitarian action explained.
"The DRC has to take care not only of internally displaced people and vulnerable populations inside the country, while dealing with three major shocks -- conflict, climate hazards and epidemics. The Congolese government must also support its citizens who are now refugees in other countries. We ourselves have gone into the field and seen NGOs packing up and shutting down because there are no longer enough resources," said Ève Bazaiba.
Since 2021, the M23 group, which the UN accuses of being backed by Rwanda, has fought with the Congolese army, claiming some 7000 lives last year alone.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2026/01/28/drc-kinshasa-and-un-launch-humanitarian-response-plan/
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Two Ex-Minister Still Free As Court Convicts Ex‑NIPC Official For Using Forged Certificates
January 29, 2026
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a former official of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) for presenting forged academic and service documents to secure employment.
Naija News reports that Muhammad Musa was convicted by Justice B. Mandy Bassi of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Asokoro, Abuja, after entering a plea bargain on a one‑count amended charge of forgery.
The ICPC disclosed the court’s ruling on Wednesday, although it did not indicate the exact date the judgment was delivered.
According to the anti‑graft agency, Musa obtained employment with the NIPC by fraudulently presenting a forged Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, said to be from the University of Maiduguri, and a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
The fraud came to light after the NIPC’s Executive Secretary requested a staff verification audit. The ICPC said independent checks confirmed that neither certificate was genuine.
In Charge No: CR/113/25, ICPC counsel O. R. Bada told the court that Musa’s actions contravened Section 25(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The prosecution explained that Musa was initially arraigned on a six‑count charge relating to forgery and false statements. However, after he sought leniency and cooperated with investigators, the charges were reduced to a single count under a plea bargain agreement.
“The plea bargain served the interest of justice,” the ICPC counsel submitted, noting that Musa showed remorse and full cooperation during the investigation and prosecution.
As part of the agreement, Musa refunded ₦36.5 million, described as proceeds earned from the false representation, into the ICPC Recovery Account.
Defence counsel Emeka Izima told the court that his client was genuinely repentant and had returned all benefits derived from the offence.
In her judgment, Justice Bassi upheld the plea bargain agreement, imposed a non‑custodial sentence on Musa, and ordered that he maintain good conduct.
She also fined him ₦50,000.
Others With Forged Certificates Still Free
While Musa was convicted, two former ministers linked to forged NYSC certificates remain free from prosecution.
A Premium Times investigation revealed that former Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun resigned in September 2018 after admitting she submitted a forged NYSC exemption certificate to secure political appointments.
In her resignation letter to former President Muhammadu Buhari, she said she did not know the certificate was forged, attributing its acquisition to associates.
A separate investigation published last year showed that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, also submitted forged credentials, including a degree certificate and NYSC discharge certificate, during his ministerial confirmation in 2023.
Mr Nnaji reportedly acknowledged that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), never issued him a valid degree certificate.
Nigerian law prescribes penalties for anyone who absconds from the NYSC scheme or forges its certificates. Under the NYSC Act, eligible Nigerians who skip the service are liable to 12 months’ imprisonment and/or ₦2,000 fine (Section 13), three‑year jail term or ₦5,000 fine for contraventions and up to three years’ imprisonment for giving false information or illegally obtaining a certificate
Forgery itself is a criminal offence under both the Criminal Code Act (applicable in southern Nigeria) and the Penal Code (applicable in the north).
Under Section 465 of the Criminal Code Act, anyone who makes a false document knowing it to be false, with the intent to deceive, may face criminal sanction. Section 467 states that forgery is a felony carrying a three‑year jail term upon conviction.
In the north, Section 364 of the Penal Code provides that “Whoever commits forgery shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 14 years.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/29/two-ex-minister-still-free-as-court-convicts-ex-nipc-official-for-using-forged-certificates/
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How Brig-Gen Musa Sadiq Became Entangled In Foiled Coup Plot Against Tinubu
January 29, 2026
Fresh details have emerged on the role of Brigadier General Musa Sadiq in the alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, as military authorities formally confirmed plans to prosecute officers indicted in the foiled attempt.
According to Premium Times, Sadiq was among the 16 military officers arrested and detained in October last year in connection with the plot, which security sources say partly informed the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the October 1, 2025 Independence Day parade.
Of the 16 initially arrested officers, 14 are from the Nigerian Army, while one each is from the Navy and the Air Force. Further arrests of additional officers and civilians were later made as investigations widened.
Military authorities initially downplayed reports of a coup plot, insisting that the officers were being investigated for “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.”
However, on January 26, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that investigations had uncovered evidence of a plot to overthrow the government, announcing that officers with cases to answer would be arraigned before military judicial panels.
“The investigation identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the Defence Headquarters said.
Sadiq’s alleged role
Although some intelligence briefs previously described Sadiq as a suspected leader of the plot, military sources familiar with the investigation told Premium Times that the core allegation against the brigadier general relates to prior knowledge of the plot and failure to report it.
According to the sources, Sadiq is not accused of directly participating in the execution of the coup plan but is alleged to have been informed about it by officers involved in its planning.
Investigators allege that instead of alerting relevant authorities, he failed to act on the information, a conduct said to constitute a serious breach of military discipline.
“This is why investigators are treating him as an accessory rather than a principal actor,” one source said.
Profile of the officer
Born on January 3, 1974, Sadiq is a serving brigadier general with service number N/10321. He trained at the Nigerian Defence Academy between August 14, 1992 and September 20, 1997 as a member of Regular Course 44.
An indigene of Nasarawa State, he is an infantry officer who rose through the ranks, attaining the rank of colonel in 2015 and brigadier general in 2019.
He has held several strategic command positions, including Commander of the 3rd Brigade in Kano and Garrison Commander of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army in Lagos.
Previous allegations
This is not the first time Sadiq has faced scrutiny. In October 2024, he was reportedly detained over allegations of gross misconduct, including the diversion of rice palliatives and the sale of military equipment such as generators and operational vehicles to scrap dealers.
Although those allegations are separate from the current coup-related investigation, they have resurfaced as part of a broader review of his service record.
Military authorities have yet to issue a formal public statement on Sadiq’s specific case. Sources say investigations are ongoing and that due process will be followed. Sadiq has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/29/how-brig-gen-musa-sadiq-became-entangled-in-foiled-coup-plot-against-tinubu/
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Southeast Asia
Anwar gives enforcement chiefs one-week ultimatum: Act on corruption or step aside
By Muhammad Yusry
28 Jan 2026
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today issued an ultimatum to the heads of departments and enforcement agencies tasked with combating financial crime: take decisive action or step aside.
In blunt remarks, Anwar said he has lost patience after three years of witnessing persistent weaknesses and a culture of tolerance towards illicit activities like smuggling, which he said sometimes occurred with the “consent of enforcement agencies.”
Speaking to agency heads at the Ministry of Finance, the Prime Minister gave them one week to communicate if they were unable to carry out their duties.
“If you have been entrusted with responsibility and feel that you are unable to carry it out due to overwhelming challenges and severe tests, I strongly suggest that this be communicated within the coming week by the heads concerned directly to me, or to the minister, or to the attorney general.
“Inform us that you are not yet prepared to take bold action, and therefore make way for others,” he said in his speech.
Anwar said this warning was necessary as he believed there were still significant weaknesses and gaps in the enforcement system that must be addressed immediately.
“I choose to state this because I have reached a point of losing patience,” he reiterated.
Anwar said the government’s push to strengthen enforcement was driven by the need to protect the country’s standing and meet public expectations for reform and justice.
“We want to save this country, and this country has a very good reputation. The people, in general, are expecting and yearning for reform and justice,” he said.
The prime minister urged those present to use the coming week to reflect seriously on their roles and responsibilities.
Anwar also said he would respect any decision by senior officials who felt they should move to positions with lesser responsibilities.
However, he stressed that those who chose to remain in their current roles must commit fully totheir roles.
“But if you choose to shoulder this responsibility, then within this one-week period, you must carry it out to the best of your ability,” he added.
Anwar also reminded senior officers that their ranks and honours carried moral obligation and should compel firm action across all areas of enforcement.
“Those who hold office, those with the gleaming stars on their shoulders, are not just anyone. You have worked for decades and received recognition over a long period from various departments,” he said.
“But those stars must drive us to do what is right and wise. We must not adopt a complacent attitude,” he added.
When asked by reporters after the event about the warning, Anwar briefly replied: “It’s a stern warning”.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar also added that “We mean business”.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/28/anwar-gives-enforcement-chiefs-one-week-ultimatum-act-on-corruption-or-step-aside/207141
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Govt Adjusts Free Nutritious Meal Program for Ramadan 2026
January 29, 2026
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan stated that the Nutritious Free Meals (MBG) program will continue throughout Ramadan with specific adjustments to the snack offerings.
"For fasting Muslims, dry food will be provided, while schools with non-fasting students will receive meals as usual," he said during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
He explained that the distribution of MBG during Ramadan will be tailored according to the type of beneficiaries. MBG distribution for public schools with Muslim students will take place during the day, consisting of dry food items. Meanwhile, the menu and distribution schedule will remain unchanged for schools with non-fasting students, as well as for pregnant women and toddlers.
For Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), MBG distribution will be carried out in the afternoon prior to the breaking of the fast. "Only the timing is adjusted; only general high schools with Muslim students will receive dry food, while the others remain the same," said the National Mandate Party politician.
The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, noted that the dry food selection includes dates, processed eggs, such as boiled, salted, or pickled varieties, fruits, milk, and shredded meat.
Regarding the timing of the MBG distribution, Dadan mentioned that it will be provided when students return home from school. "This is to be served as the menu for breaking the fast," he said.
To date, the National Nutrition Agency has recorded that the number of beneficiaries has reached 60 million people. Meanwhile, the number of nutrition service fulfillment units (SPGG) or MBG kitchens has reached 22,091 units, employing a total of 924,424 individuals.
Coordinating Minister Zulkifli stated that this comprehensive program has absorbed thousands of direct laborers. For instance, he mentioned that SPGG staff currently being processed to become government employees with work agreements (PPPK) have reached 32,000 people.
Meanwhile, there are 21,413 MBG partners and 68,551 MSME entrepreneurs serving as MBG suppliers. Zulhas, as he is commonly known, estimates that there are 30 workers employed by each MSME MBG supplier. "The supplier is an MSME; how many people are employed there? At least 20 or 30," he said, concluding that the program positively impacts employment through the absorption of direct labor.
Source: tempo.co
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https://en.tempo.co/read/2083698/govt-adjusts-free-nutritious-meal-program-for-ramadan-2026
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Indonesia's DEN to prioritize nuclear energy development: Minister
January 28, 2026
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said that nuclear energy development would be one of the National Energy Council’s (DEN) key priorities following his induction as the council’s executive chair on Wednesday.
“We have formulated the General Plan for National Energy, which will be translated into government policies. One of the priorities is the development of new and renewable energy, including nuclear energy,” Lahadalia said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta.
He did not elaborate on how the nuclear energy program would be implemented, saying the council would first hold its inaugural meeting, the results of which would be reported to President Prabowo Subianto, the DEN’s ex officio chairperson.
“The council’s first plenary session will be led by, God willing, the president,” Lahadalia said, adding that the council would also seek input from President Prabowo.
Lahadalia explained that President Prabowo’s energy policy is based on four pillars: energy sovereignty, energy resilience, energy independence, and energy self-sufficiency.
Energy sovereignty, he said, refers to ensuring that Indonesia’s energy sector is not vulnerable to intervention by external parties.
On energy resilience, Lahadalia said the council aims to increase the country’s energy reserves from the current level of around 21 days to three months, including through the construction of new energy storage facilities.
He also highlighted Indonesia’s heavy reliance on energy imports, noting fuel imports of up to 30 kiloliters, and said the DEN would work to reduce this dependence as part of efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
President Prabowo inaugurated DEN members for the 2026–2029 term at the Presidential Palace Complex on Wednesday.
In addition to Lahadalia, seven other ministers were inducted into the council: Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, National Development Planning Minister Rachmat Pambudy, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, and Higher Education, Science, and Technology Minister Brian Yuliarto.
The president also inducted eight representatives from public interest groups. They include Jonatan Numberi and Mohammad Fadhil Hasan from the academic community; Satya Widya Yudha and Sripeni Inten Cahyani from the industry sector; Unggul Priyanto representing the technology sector; Saleh Abdurrahman representing the environmental sector; and Muhammad Kholid Syeirazi and Surono representing consumers.
President Prabowo serves as DEN chairperson, with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka as deputy chairperson and Minister Lahadalia as executive chair responsible for the council’s day-to-day operations.
Source: antaranews.com
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https://en.antaranews.com/news/402031/indonesias-den-to-prioritize-nuclear-energy-development-minister
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DPM Fadillah unveils KLIA Aeropolis solar farm and battery project as Malaysia powers up energy transition
29 Jan 2026
SEPANG, Jan 29 — The Photovoltaic Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at KLIA Aeropolis, developed exclusively for the use of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), is a crucial step in ensuring that Malaysia’s energy transition takes place in a practical, stable and large-scale manner.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the initiative also supports Malaysia’s target of achieving 70 per cent renewable energy usage by 2050.
He said that as the nation’s main transportation hub and Malaysia’s economic gateway, KLIA is a critical infrastructure that requires a stable, secure and high-quality energy supply to ensure the continuity of large-scale operations.
“When fully completed, this project is expected to generate around 46 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of green electricity annually for KLIA’s use.
“In terms of environmental impact, the project is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 35,000 tonnes per year, equivalent to removing approximately 8,000 vehicles from the roads,” he said at the Solar Farm and BESS launch ceremony here today.
Fadillah said the initiative would also position KLIA as a more competitive international airport in achieving a favourable standing under the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA).
He said the implementation of the KLIA Aeropolis project should be viewed as a strategic initiative that supports Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) aspiration to achieve a renewable energy mix target of 20 per cent by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with MAHB’s Net Zero Decarbonisation Roadmap.
“This project reflects a new approach in the energy sector, moving beyond merely adding generation capacity towards building a more flexible, intelligent and resilient energy system,” he said.
Fadillah said he noted that a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), Cenergi Aeropolis Renewable Energy Sdn Bhd (CARE), had been established through a strategic collaboration between MAHB and Cenergi SEA to manage the implementation of the project in a more structured and focused manner.
He said solar energy is a clean and competitive energy source, but its intermittent nature depends on weather conditions and time.
Therefore, he said that within the context of managing the national electricity supply system, components that can enhance system reliability and flexibility are required.
“This is where the role of BESS becomes a game changer. With energy storage systems in place, excess solar energy generated during the day can be stored and utilised during peak demand periods, while KLIA’s load operations can be managed more efficiently to reduce peak demand, which has cost implications through network and capacity charges,” he said.
Fadillah said projects such as this assist the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) and implementing agencies in accelerating the transition of the national energy landscape towards a more stable grid system, smarter demand and energy management, and higher integration of renewable energy sources, without compromising energy security.
He stressed that the nation’s energy transition must progress in tandem with the need for reliable electricity supply, cost efficiency and Malaysia’s economic competitiveness. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/29/dpm-fadillah-unveils-klia-aeropolis-solar-farm-and-battery-project-as-malaysia-powers-up-energy-transition/207242
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US deal won’t limit Malaysia’s nuclear policy, says PETRA
29 Jan 2026
The government clarifies the US-Malaysia trade agreement does not limit nuclear partnerships or national energy policy decisions
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation has clarified that the Malaysia-United States Agreement on Reciprocal Trade does not alter the nation’s nuclear policy direction.
PETRA stated the government remains committed to ensuring all nuclear cooperation aligns with Malaysia’s national interests, security, and international commitments.
It emphasised this does not compromise the government’s sovereignty or autonomy in decision-making.
Based on input from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Article 5.3 of the ART does not bind Malaysia to rely exclusively on US technology.
Malaysia can acquire nuclear reactors, fuel, or materials from other countries if their offers are more competitive.
“Malaysia’s energy and nuclear policy sovereignty remains preserved,” the ministry said in a parliamentary reply.
The nation is free to evaluate partners like Russia, China, France, and South Korea based on technology, cost, safety, and compliance with standards.
PETRA explained that Article 5.3 should be read comprehensively. While its opening sentence appears restrictive, the closing clause allows Malaysia to decide based on commercial, technical, and security considerations aligned with national interest.
“Therefore, this article does not state any obstacles for Malaysia to establish relations and cooperation with technology supplier countries,” it added.
This includes cooperation on training, research, capacity development, and nuclear safety.
The government will continue a balanced, neutral, and national interest-based approach to nuclear technology development.
This approach will adhere to international legal commitments and requirements.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/us-deal-wont-limit-malaysias-nuclear-policy-says-petra/
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Malaysia-France rare earth project advances to pilot phase
28 Jan 2026
Malaysia-France rare earth mining and refining project enters pilot plant stage, with potential to boost downstream magnet manufacturing in Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR: A strategic mining project between Malaysia and France has progressed to the pilot plant phase for mining and refining rare earth elements.
The collaboration between Malaco Mining Sdn Bhd and French specialist Carester aims to expand Malaysia’s industrial capacity in the critical minerals sector.
French Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals, Benjamin Gallezot, said Malaysia has the opportunity to develop domestic technology to refine both light and heavy rare earths.
He stated this refined material could then be utilised downstream in the magnetic sector, which is crucial for electric vehicles and electronics.
“This is a key project,” Gallezot told a press conference, adding that his visit aimed to engage Malaysian authorities to ensure the agreement’s success.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed last July in the presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former French Prime Minister François Bayrou.
Gallezot expressed confidence in the project’s success due to the quality of Malaysia’s rare earth resources and the developing midstream refining capabilities.
He noted the downstream magnet manufacturing sector is expected to grow significantly within the country as a result.
While a French company is involved in upstream and refining stages, the downstream magnet sector may attract other international partners.
“Japan is also very interested in the project here in Malaysia, and we are having discussions with the Japanese government,” Gallezot revealed.
He added that several European companies have also expressed interest in the downstream opportunities in Malaysia.
Gallezot emphasised that Malaysia possesses the necessary technical experience and industrial base to scale up operations in this market.
France’s interest extends beyond rare earths, with proposals for collaboration in other fields to diversify supply chains.
“Malaysia is, and can continue to be, a very important strategic partner for Europe and France,” Gallezot stated.
France remains one of Malaysia’s top five trading partners within the European Union, with bilateral trade reaching RM15.95 billion in 2024.
Source: thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/people-issues/malaysia-france-rare-earth-project-advances-to-pilot-phase/
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South Asia
Kabul, Ashgabat Discuss Bilateral Relations and Regional Cooperation
January 29, 2026
KABUL: Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the country’s Foreign Minister, in a video conference with Rashid Meredov, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan, discussed bilateral relations and regional cooperation, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
Muttaqi praised the progress in Afghanistan-Turkmenistan relations, noting that meaningful cooperation has expanded.
He highlighted the commencement of the TAPI gas pipeline project in Herat and the readiness of the railway and TAPI pipeline projects for implementation.
Minister Meredov recalled the historic and friendly ties between the two nations and welcomed the strengthening of relations across multiple sectors.
He emphasized the importance of coordinated work on joint economic projects, official visits, and upcoming programs to benefit both countries.
Both ministers concluded the discussion by stressing the significance of regional dialogue and cooperation, particularly between Afghanistan and Central Asian states, in fostering stability and shared development.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/kabul-ashgabat-discuss-bilateral-relations-and-regional-cooperation/
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Turkey Donates $500,000 to Afghanistan Through UN Trust Fund
By Fidel Rahmati
January 28, 2026
The UN Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan has announced a $500,000 donation from Turkey to support humanitarian assistance and development programs in the country.
The fund expressed gratitude for the contribution on Wednesday, stating it will increase delivery of essential services and strengthen economic and climate resilience for returnees and internally displaced persons.
Afghanistan faces one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises with over 23 million people requiring assistance amid economic collapse, drought, and severe funding shortages. The situation has worsened dramatically since August 2021, with millions facing acute food insecurity and limited access to basic healthcare, education, and clean water.
The donation follows a $2.3 million contribution from Luxembourg announced earlier by the UN Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan.
International aid has become increasingly critical as Afghanistan struggles with mass forced returns of refugees from neighboring countries, widespread unemployment, and harsh winter conditions. Despite the urgent needs, humanitarian funding remains far below requirements, with aid organizations warning of catastrophic consequences if the gap is not addressed.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs also reported nearly $1 million in aid from Norway on Tuesday for Afghanistan’s humanitarian response.
OCHA estimates approximately $1.7 billion is needed in 2026 to address the humanitarian needs of vulnerable Afghans, significantly more than current funding levels.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/turkey-donates-500000-to-afghanistan-through-un-trust-fund/
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Afghan, Iranian Officials Discuss Trade, Transit Facilitation
January 29, 2026
HERAT: A delegation led by Shaikh Noor Ahmad Islamjar, Governor of Herat, met with the Governor of Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province at the zero point border to discuss strengthening trade and transit cooperation, the provincial Governor’s Press Office said in a statement on Wednesday.
Both sides exchanged views on expanding trade facilities, increasing the movement of transport vehicles, accelerating the transfer of goods, and addressing existing challenges at border crossings.
The discussions also focused on improving coordination to ensure smoother cross-border transit operations.
The talks come as the distribution of international license plates for Afghan transit vehicles has recently begun, a move expected to ease cross-border transportation.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/afghan-iranian-officials-discuss-trade-transit-facilitation/
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Coordination Meeting Held on Freight Transport Regulations
January 29, 2026
KABUL: A coordination meeting was held with representatives of industrialists, traders, and freight transport unions to discuss the implementation of vehicle scheduling regulations, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday.
Led by Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Mullah Abdul Mannan Omari, and attended by senior officials from the Finance and Transport Ministries, the meeting addressed balancing interests between old and new transport vehicles, preventing fare increases, and ensuring timely delivery of commercial goods from all national ports.
Omari emphasized that trade decisions should consider public interest alongside business concerns, and that transport vehicles should be used appropriately by commercial companies.
Previously, a special commission had been established to resolve long-standing disputes among traders and transport unions under the guidance of the Amir al-Mu’minin, aiming for fair and effective regulation of freight transportation.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/coordination-meeting-held-on-freight-transport-regulations/
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Improved Security Enables ICRC to Deliver Aid Nationwide, Katarina Ritz Says
January 29, 2026
KABUL: Katarina Ritz, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Afghanistan, in a meeting with Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor, said that improved security has enabled the organization to expand its humanitarian operations to all villages, districts, and cities.
She said the improved situation allows ICRC teams to reach vulnerable communities without restriction and respond more effectively to urgent needs, according to a statement from the ministry the other day.
“The organization is currently providing assistance in key sectors including healthcare, education, water supply, and other essential services,” Ritz said, adding that these efforts are aimed at supporting communities affected by years of conflict, economic hardship, and natural challenges.
Meanwhile, Minister Mansoor welcomed the delegation and praised ICRC’s ongoing support for disadvantaged Afghans.
He emphasized the need to link humanitarian assistance with infrastructure development projects to address long-term needs.
Both sides agreed to maintain and strengthen their cooperative efforts to benefit communities nationwide.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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https://thekabultimes.com/improved-security-enables-icrc-to-deliver-aid-nationwide-katarina-ritz-says/
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Badakhshan Holds Seminar on Role of Cultural Heritage in Reflecting Society’s Identity
January 29, 2026
KABUL: The Department of Information and Culture of Badakhshan organized a one-day seminar titled “Cultural Heritage and Its Role in Reflecting the Identity and Material and Spiritual Values of Society” with participation from educators, students, and youth from across the province.
The seminar aimed to raise public awareness, especially among the youth generation, about the preservation of cultural heritage, Islamic values, and national identity, the Ministry of Information and Culture said in a statement the other day.
Participants engaged in discussions on the importance of historical and cultural sites in shaping the nation’s identity, the statement added.
Officials emphasized the vital role of youth in safeguarding societal values, stating that just as freedom fighters defended the country against NATO and U.S. occupation over the past two decades, today’s youth are responsible for protecting Islamic, material, and spiritual values.
Speakers also highlighted that language, customs, traditional attire, and other ancestral heritage are inseparable from national identity, stressing that protecting these cultural assets is a shared responsibility of educators and the younger generation.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Afghanistan Reconstruction Watchdog SIGAR Closing End of January After $148 Billion Report
By Fidel Rahmati
January 29, 2026
The US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, which monitored corruption and financial waste during America’s two-decade presence in Afghanistan, will shut down by month’s end.
The Washington Times reported Wednesday that SIGAR, established by Congress in 2008, examined over $148 billion spent on Afghanistan reconstruction projects throughout the war.
SIGAR was created to provide independent oversight of US reconstruction spending in Afghanistan following concerns about corruption, waste, and mismanagement. The agency conducted hundreds of audits and investigations, documenting systemic problems including ghost soldiers on Afghanistan military payrolls, unfinished infrastructure projects, and widespread fraud involving American contractors and Afghan officials.
SIGAR’s final December 2025 report stated America spent more money attempting to build a democratic Afghanistan than it did rebuilding European countries under the Marshall Plan after World War II.
The US reconstruction effort in Afghanistan has been widely criticized as one of the most expensive failed nation-building experiments in American history. Despite the massive investment, Afghanistan’s government collapsed within weeks of the August 2021 US withdrawal, with the Taliban rapidly seizing control of the country and reversing many development gains, particularly in women’s rights, education, and governance reforms.
Approximately $7.1 billion worth of military equipment and US-funded weapons remained in Afghanistan when American forces withdrew in 2021 and fell into Taliban hands.
Additionally, $24 billion in civilian and military infrastructure investments funded by American taxpayers was lost following the collapse of the Afghanistan government.
The SIGAR website has been taken offline, with its archived version now preserved in the “Cyber Cemetery” at the University of North Texas.
Source: khaama.com
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