Sambhal Imam Slapped With Rs 6.94 Crore Penalty For Building Mosque, Dargah On Gram Sabha Land
New Age Islam News Bureau
12 March 2026
The order was passed on a report submitted by the area lekhpal (revenue official), which stated that the land measuring 0.1340 hectares at Saif Khan Sarai village is recorded in the revenue records as property of the Gram Sabha.
----------
· Sambhal imam slapped with Rs 6.94 crore penalty for building mosque, dargah on gram sabha land
· Iran’s military warns not ‘a single liter of oil’ will pass Hormuz Strait
· Saudi Arabia welcomes UNSC resolution condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf states
· Ukraine attacking Russian gas pipeline to stop deliveries to Europe – Defence Ministry
· Iran 'sleeper cells' in US: What Trump said when asked how many there could be
· Sudan drone strike on road kills 40 people: medical source
· Indonesia Prepares 6,859 Mosques as Rest Stops for Eid Homecoming Travelers
· WHO Delivers 25 Tons of Cancer Medicines to Hospitals in Afghanistan
------
India
· SC grants bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah in terror funding case
· Uttar Pradesh ATS arrests Indian Naval officer from Agra for spying for Pakistan’s ISI
· Red Fort blast probe stalled by J&K protests against killing of Ayatollah: NIA
· 'Close shave': J&K CM reacts to assassination attempt on Farooq Abdullah
· Iran Embassy in Delhi turns focal point for Kashmir’s political leadership
· Terrorist killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri identified as LeT operative from PoK
· VHP welcomes Chhattisgarh anti-conversion bill, entry ban on non-Hindus at Kedarnath, Badrinath
· Gujarat HC dismisses ‘dubious’ PIL, imposes Rs 10 lakh cost on petitioner who alleged encroachment of protected mosque
· Taste of Life: Flavours and faith: Pune’s timeless Ramazan
------
Mideast
· Bahrain arrests four for spying for Iran’s IRGC as Gulf attacks intensify
· ‘Where can we go?’: Israel strikes Gaza tent camp
· Israel holds 9,500 Palestinian prisoners as of March
· UN Security Council adopts resolution demanding end to Iran strikes on Gulf states, Jordan
· One killed in attack on oil tankers off Iraq, rescue operation ongoing: authorities
· Targeting mistake led to US missile strike on Iranian school: report
· Syrian government, Kurdish-led SDF exchange prisoners in Hasakah
------
Arab World
· Saudi foreign minister and EU’s top diplomat discuss latest developments amid conflict in region
· Saudi Arabia leads Arab and Islamic condemnation of continuing Israeli closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque
· Saudi crown prince discusses regional military escalation with Iraqi PM
· Saudi Arabia celebrates Flag Day with displays, special events
· Ramadan spending lifts small Saudi businesses in Diriyah’s Samhaniya
· Hajj minister inspects Makkah development projects
------
Europe
· Bishop of Bradford welcomes government definition of hostility to Muslims
· Women and children flee for safety after attack on Scottish mosque
· Three brothers arrested after explosion at US embassy in Oslo
· Fire service praises Ramadan iftar at Blenheim Palace
· Police investigate vandalism at Ayr mosque
· WATCH German athletes snub Russian Paralympic champions
· Poland launches human trafficking probe linked to Epstein network
-------
North America
· FBI warns California of possible surprise drone attack from Iran: Targets unspecified
· Pro-Iran hackers hit US medical device giant Stryker in shocking cyberattack after Israel strikes
· East Texas lawmaker explains goals of caucus addressing Islam, draws pushback
· Fire outside Palm Beach County mosque leaves worshippers asking: Was this a message?
· Washington Intensifies Pressure on Muslim Brotherhood Networks
· Pete Hegseth brings combative style as face of Trump's war in Iran
· Probe finds US fault in deadly Iran school strike – NYT
-----
Africa
· Burkina Faso: Islamist Armed Group Commits New Atrocities
· Al-Sunni meets with US Ambassador to the UN
· Lagos begins first online pre-marital course for pastors, imams, counsellors
· French aid worker among three killed in DR Congo air strike
· Troops Recapture Borno Military Base After Boko Haram Attack
· Defence Minister Summons Service Chiefs Over Rising Attacks
-----
Southeast Asia
· Indonesia Disburses $3.3 Billion Ramadan Bonus for State Employees
· Sultan of Pahang urges SMEs to seize halal certification to boost market confidence
· Dr Wan Azizah says Ramadan should inspire compassion and support for the needy
· HLB Islamic unveils new brand identity, launches ‘Hayat’ wealth stewardship proposition
· Jakim to hold ‘solat hajat’ for global peace after Friday prayers amid Gulf turmoil
· Sultan Pahang urges Muslims to return to Quranic teachings
· Palestine fund surpasses RM113mil with new corporate donations
-------
South Asia
· Two Martyred, Scores of Houses Destroyed in Pak Military Regime’s Attacks in Khost, Fitrat Says
· Afghanistan Offers Secure, Favorable Environment for Foreign Investment, Azizi Says
· Uzbekistan Approves Preferential Trade Agreement with Afghanistan
· Japan Provides $2 Million Aid for Returning Afghan Migrants
· Kabul, Muscat Emphasize Diplomacy as Key to Solving Regional Issues
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
-----
Sambhal imam slapped with Rs 6.94 crore penalty for building mosque, dargah on gram sabha land
Manish Sahu
Mar 11, 2026
The order was passed on a report submitted by the area lekhpal (revenue official), which stated that the land measuring 0.1340 hectares at Saif Khan Sarai village is recorded in the revenue records as property of the Gram Sabha.
----------
A tehsildar court in Sambhal has imposed a penalty of Rs 6.94 crore on an imam and his brother for constructing a house, mosque and a dargah on gram sabha land, and directed them to vacate the plot.
The court observed that the family had been occupying the land in an unauthorised manner since 1972.
The order was passed on a report submitted by the area lekhpal (revenue official), which stated that the land measuring 0.1340 hectares at Saif Khan Sarai village is recorded in revenue records as property of the Gram Sabha.
The report claimed that Aftab Hussain, imam of Jama Masjid, encroached on the land by constructing permanent structures around 20 years ago, including a house, a mosque and a dargah.
“After hearing both parties, the court passed an order directing the respondents to vacate the land, which is recorded in revenue records as gram sabha property,” said Sambhal Tehsildar Dhirendra Singh.
He said the Rs 6.94-crore penalty was determined on the basis of the applicable circle rate of the area, calculated from 1972, the period from which their possession over the land was found to exist. The proceedings for eviction from the land and recovery of the imposed penalty will be initiated soon, the Tehsildar added.
Acting on the lekhpal’s report, proceedings were initiated and a notice was issued to Aftab Hussain on June 24 last year, Singh said. During the proceedings, a reply was filed stating that Aftab Hussain and Mehtab Hussain were jointly acting as mutawallis (caretakers) of the religious site and were in possession of the property, he added.
The brothers submitted the mosque and shrine are registered as Waqf properties with the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board, and have been recognised as such for a long time. An annual Urs (religious congregation) is held at the site every year, they stated.
They submitted that their father, Khursheed Hussain, earlier served as the mutawalli (caretaker) of the site, Singh said.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/sambhal-imam-imposed-rs-6-94-crore-penalty-for-building-mosque-dargah-on-gram-sabha-land-10576368/
------
Iran’s military warns not ‘a single liter of oil’ will pass Hormuz Strait
March 11, 2026
An LPG gas tanker at anchor near Shinas, Oman. (Reuters)
----------
TEHRAN: Iran's military on Wednesday said any ships belonging to the United States, Israel or their allies passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz will be targeted.
"Any vessel whose oil cargo or the vessel itself belongs to the United States, the Zionist regime or their hostile allies will be considered legitimate targets," said the military's central operational command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, in a statement carried by state TV.
It reiterated that Iran's armed forces "will not allow a single liter of oil to transit" through the strait, adding that the "closure of this strait is the result of conditions imposed by the US and the Zionist regime," referring to Israel.
On February 28, Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran, killing its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggering war which spread across the Middle East.
Iran responded by targeting Israel, US interests across the region, and Gulf Arab countries.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636100/middle-east
-----
Saudi Arabia welcomes UNSC resolution condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf states
March 12, 2026
RIYADH: The Saudi Foreign Ministry welcomed the adoption by the Security Council of Resolution No. 2817, submitted by the Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Jordan, which condemns in the strongest terms the heinous attacks launched by Iran on Gulf states and Jordan, and determines that these acts constitute a violation of international law and a serious threat to international peace and security.
“The Kingdom welcomes the contents of the resolution, including condemning the attack on residential areas and the targeting of civilian objects, and the resulting civilian casualties, damage to civilian buildings, and solidarity with these countries and their people,” it said in a statement.
The ministry referred to the international support and condemnation of Iran’s attacks and demanded they be stopped immediately and unconditionally, and to stop any provocation or threat to neighboring countries.
“The Kingdom affirms the contents of the resolution and its full right to take measures to ensure the protection of its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity and to deter aggression, as recognized in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations,” she said.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636111/saudi-arabia
-----
Ukraine attacking Russian gas pipeline to stop deliveries to Europe – Defense Ministry
11 Mar, 2026
FILE PHOTO. Russkaya compressor station, part of the gas pipeline system that supplies gas to the Turkish Stream. Krasnodar Region, Russia. © Getty Images / Vitaly Timkiv; RIA Novosti
--------------
Kiev has been deliberately attacking the infrastructure of the TurkStream gas pipeline in an attempt to halt deliveries to European consumers, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
The statement comes after pipeline operator Gazprom reported on Wednesday that the Russkaya compressor station in southern Krasnodar Region, which serves as the starting point for supplies through the TurkStream, came under attack overnight.
The company said the Beregovaya and Kazachya compressor stations were also targeted the day before, adding that its facilities in southern Russia were attacked 12 times in the past two weeks.
On Wednesday, the Defense Ministry confirmed the attacks, saying: “the Kiev regime, in order to stop gas supplies to European consumers, launched another attack using strike aircraft-type UAVs on the infrastructure of the Russkaya compressor station.”
The ministry stated that four Ukrainian drones were shot down by Russian air defense systems in the airspace adjacent to the station, two more were intercepted by fighter aircraft, and three were destroyed by mobile fire teams.
The TurkStream transports Russian gas to Türkiye via the Black Sea, with one line dedicated to the Turkish market and another supplying countries in Southern and Southeastern Europe.
Last month, President Vladimir Putin said Russia has become aware of plans to attack the TurkStream and Blue Stream trans-Black sea gas pipelines, adding that the goal is to jeopardize the peace process to end the Ukraine conflict.
Putin did not publicly attribute the alleged plot to a specific party, saying it would be discussed behind closed doors with the Federal Security Service (FSB) board.
In October, FSB chief Aleksandr Bortnikov warned that Ukraine and the UK were jointly preparing an attack on TurkStream.
Gas and oil infrastructure in the Black Sea has repeatedly come under Ukrainian attacks amid the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The attacks involved long-range drone strikes against various facilities ashore, as well as repeated attempts to target Russian naval vessels patrolling the pipelines with sea drones.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to the attack, saying it highlights the “true nature and essence of the Kiev regime,” describing the strikes as “especially irresponsible against the backdrop of a global energy crisis that is brewing day by day."
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/634521-ukraine-attacking-russian-gas-pipeline/
-----
Iran 'sleeper cells' in US: What Trump said when asked how many there could be
Mar 12, 2026
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States was aware of Iranian sleeper cells inside the country, as American and Israeli forces continued their military operation against Iran. The operation, which has entered its second week, killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and has since led to retaliatory actions by Iran on US assets and allies.
Asked by a Fox News reporter if he had been briefed about how many Iranian sleeper cells could be inside the US, Trump replied, "I have been, and a lot of people came in through Biden with his stupid open border, but we know where most of them are. We've got our eye on all of them, I think."
Further blaming former President Joe Biden’s alleged open-border policies for allowing potential threats to enter, Trump said, “A lot of people came in through Biden with his stupid open border, but we know where most of them are. We’ve got our eye on all of them,” he said, calling Biden “one of the worst presidents in the history of our country.”
Trump added that the military campaign against Iran was being carried out “at a level that nobody’s seen before,” calling it “pretty amazing to watch.”
Earlier, reports from ABC News said US authorities intercepted encrypted communications believed to come from Iran, intended for clandestine recipients. A federal alert said the contents could not yet be determined but asked law enforcement to increase monitoring of suspicious radio-frequency activity.
"While the exact contents of these transmissions cannot currently be determined, the sudden appearance of a new station with international rebroadcast characteristics warrants heightened situational awareness," the alert said.
The warnings followed incidents in the US since Khamenei’s death. A Senegalese man opened fire at a bar in Austin, Texas, killing three, while two men were charged with attempting to support ISIS during protests outside New York City’s Gracie Mansion, the official residence of NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Customs and Border Protection had previously warned about the risk of sleeper cells after more than 700 Iranian nationals stayed in the US despite crossing the border illegally in the past four years.
FBI Director Kash Patel also said counterterrorism teams were on high alert and working 24/7 to prevent threats on US soil.
“Last night, I instructed our counterterrorism and intelligence teams to be on high alert and mobilise all assisting security assets needed,” Patel wrote on X, soon after the US operation began.
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/iran-sleeper-cells-in-us-what-trump-said-when-asked-how-many-there-could-be/articleshowprint/129488104.cms
------
Sudan drone strike on road kills 40 people: medical source
March 11, 2026
KHARTOUM: A pick-up truck carrying dozens of people to a funeral in Sudan’s southern Kordofan region was hit by a drone strike, killing 40, a medical source at the local hospital told AFP on Wednesday.
Sudan has for nearly three years been gripped by a war between its regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, killing tens of thousands and displacing millions more.
Kordofan is currently the fiercest battlefield, where near-daily drone strikes kill dozens at a time.
“Yesterday, 40 people, mostly women, were killed when their pick-up truck was hit by a drone strike on the road between Abu Zabad and El-Fula,” two towns in Sudan’s West Kordofan state, a medical source at Abu Zabad Hospital said, requesting anonymity for his safety.
“They were on their way to El-Fula for a funeral, which is why several members of the same family died,” Abu Zabad resident Hamad Abdallah added, saying they had all been “buried in the same place.”
Abdallah had on Sunday helped bury 20 people, including four relatives, after another drone strike blamed on the army hit the local market.
Neither Abdallah nor the medical source was able to say who launched the latest strike, which came just hours after another killed seven people including three children in the South Kordofan city of Dilling.
- Deadly drones -
The Kordofan region, home to oil deposits, arable land and the RSF’s most powerful paramilitary allies, connects the RSF’s strongholds in the Darfur region with the country’s army-controlled east.
The RSF controls West Kordofan and has for months pushed eastwards, in an attempt to recapture Sudan’s central corridor.
The army has pushed back, breaking paramilitary sieges on two key cities and attempting to cut off the RSF’s supply link with Darfur.
In their battle for territory, both sides have relied on advanced drone warfare, drawing frequent condemnation from the United Nations and suggesting healthy supply routes from their foreign backers.
An army drone strike on Sunday on the South Darfur state capital Nyala killed 11 people and wounded 20, according to Doctors Without Borders (MSF).
The local RSF-allied administration said the army attack had struck a market in the city, where the paramilitary has declared a parallel government.
MSF said “drone strikes are being carried out in all areas of Sudan, by all warring parties, with civilians being killed and injured.”
Since the war broke out in April 2023, both sides have been accused of war crimes including targeting civilians and indiscriminately shelling residential areas.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636082/middle-east
------
Indonesia Prepares 6,859 Mosques as Rest Stops for Eid Homecoming Travelers
Hendrik Yaputra
March 12, 2026
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Romo Muhammad Syafii stated that a total of 6,859 mosques are prepared to provide services for travelers during Eid al-Fitr 1447 H, better known as the period of Eid Homecoming. These mosques can serve as resting points for travelers in need of a place to take a break during their journey.
"Certainly, mosques are places of service," said Romo Muhammad Syafii in an official statement from the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
The mosque service is part of the Ministry of Religious Affairs' program called the Indonesian Mosque Expedition. These thousands of mosques will serve as rest stops, providing various facilities for people traveling.
The services offered include keeping the mosque and prayer rooms open 24 hours a day, ensuring the security of the mosque and prayer rooms, parking areas, healthcare services, maintaining cleanliness especially in the toilet facilities, and providing clean water.
In addition, the mosques provide phone charging facilities, resting areas, information centers, and food.
In the implementation, the Ministry of Religious Affairs is collaborating with Radio Elshinta to provide information about the locations of the service mosques and travel conditions to the travelers.
The Indonesian Mosque Expedition program through Radio Elshinta will be broadcasted from 8 days before Eid to 8 days after Eid. Meanwhile, the mosque services for travelers will be available starting 7 days before Eid until 7 days after Eid.
"Elshinta will be on air from minus 8 days to plus 8 days, while the mosque services will start from minus 7 days before Eid until plus 7 days after Eid," he said.
Source: en.tempo.co
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://en.tempo.co/read/2092109/indonesia-prepares-6859-mosques-as-rest-stops-for-eid-homecoming-travelers
----
WHO Delivers 25 Tons of Cancer Medicines to Hospitals in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
March 11, 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) says it has delivered 25 tons of anti-cancer medicines to the National Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Hospital in Kabul and several other health centers across Afghanistan.
In a statement on Wednesday, the organization said the shipment also included essential medical supplies distributed to Ali Abad Hospital and cancer treatment units in Nangarhar, Balkh, and Herat provinces.
According to WHO, the assistance includes vital chemotherapy medicines and kits used to treat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are increasingly affecting patients across the country.
The agency said the support is expected to benefit around 16,000 people, while cancer medicines alone could help treat about 13,130 patients over the next six months.
WHO noted that the medical assistance has been funded by the European Union as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare services and improve treatment access for patients in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s health system has faced significant challenges in recent years, including shortages of medicines, limited diagnostic facilities, and financial constraints affecting hospitals and clinics.
Health experts say cancer cases are rising in Afghanistan, while specialized treatment centers and access to chemotherapy drugs remain limited in many parts of the country.
Officials say the opening of a new cancer diagnosis and treatment hospital in Kabul about a month ago marked an important step toward expanding cancer care services.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/who-delivers-25-tons-of-cancer-medicines-to-hospitals-in-afghanistan/
-----
India
SC grants bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah in terror funding case
12 Mar 2026
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah in a terror funding case, in which he was arrested by the National Investigation Agency on June 4, 2019.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said a detailed order will follow with some stringent bail conditions on Shah.
The bench passed the order after hearing rejoinder arguments on behalf of Shah, represented by senior advocate Colin Gonsalves.
Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra appeared on behalf of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
During the hearing, the bench pointed out several anomalies in the trial and flagged the long incarceration of Shah.
On September 4 last year, the apex court refused to grant interim bail to Shah in the case and issued notice to the NIA, seeking its response on his plea challenging a Delhi High Court order dated June 12, 2025, that denied him relief.
The high court refused to grant bail to Shah, observing that the possibility of his carrying out similar unlawful activities and influencing witnesses could not be ruled out.
In 2017, the NIA booked 12 people on allegations of conspiracy for raising funds to disrupt peace by way of pelting stones, damaging public property and conspiring to wage war against the central government.
Shah was alleged to have played a "substantial role" in facilitating a separatist movement in Jammu and Kashmir by inciting the general public to raise slogans in support of Jammu and Kashmir's secession, paying tributes to the family of slain terrorists by eulogising them as "martyrs", receiving money through hawala transactions and raising funds via cross-LoC trade, which were allegedly used to fuel subversive and militant activities.
Source: newindianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Mar/12/sc-grants-bail-to-kashmiri-separatist-leader-shabir-ahmed-shah-in-terror-funding-case-2
------
Uttar Pradesh ATS arrests Indian Naval officer from Agra for spying for Pakistan’s ISI
Namita Bajpai
11 Mar 2026
LUCKNOW: The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of the Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested an Indian Navy personnel from Agra on charges of spying for Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
The accused, identified as Adarsh Kumar alias Lucky, a Lance Naik in the Indian Navy posted at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, was arrested from Chitpur village under the Kagaraul police station area in Agra on Tuesday.
According to ATS sources, Kumar allegedly shared photographs and details of strategically sensitive naval assets, including warships, with his ISI handlers across the border. Documents recovered from his possession are said to confirm the transfer of such information.
Investigators also found that the accused had transferred money to an ISI agent from his bank account. Following his arrest, ATS officials examined electronic gadgets seized from him, which reportedly confirmed his alleged role in espionage.
Kumar was produced before a court on Tuesday and was subsequently sent to judicial custody. Agencies are now investigating whether other individuals are involved in the espionage network.
ATS sources said the agency had been receiving inputs for some time about Kumar’s alleged anti-national activities, including passing sensitive information about India to the ISI. The investigation gathered momentum after technical and physical surveillance pointed to his involvement.
The accused had married a woman from Mathura just 22 days ago and had travelled to Dubai for his honeymoon. He returned to India three days ago before being arrested.
Kumar’s father, Balveer, who works at a liquor shop, lives in a joint family in Chitpur village along with his brothers.
Officials also suspect that the accused may have fallen victim to a honeytrap, a tactic often used by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies to lure individuals with access to sensitive information.
ATS sources noted that such espionage activities frequently begin through contact on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, with honeytraps or financial incentives used to target defence personnel.
In a similar case last year, the ATS arrested Ravindra Kumar from Agra on charges of espionage after he allegedly came into contact with a woman named Neha Sharma on Facebook.
He was accused of sending confidential documents from the Ordnance Factory, including letters from a screening committee related to drones, the Gaganyaan project and other classified information, to the woman who was reportedly working for the ISI.
Source: newindianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Mar/11/uttar-pradesh-ats-arrests-indian-naval-officer-from-agra-for-spying-for-pakistans-isi
------
Red Fort blast probe stalled by J&K protests against killing of Ayatollah: NIA
Mar 12, 2026
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has told a court in Delhi that the progress of its investigation in the Red Fort blast case has been stalled by the protests that took place in Jammu and Kashmir following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader in the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Iran’s government announced the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Israeli and American airstrikes on March 1. Soon afterward, thousands of people in J&K came out in the streets in protest and mourning. The Ayatollah, who was the leader of Iranian Shi’ism, had a sizable following in J&K.
“To carry out pointing out of places in J&K where they (accused) have dealt with arms & ammunition and kept it for safe places for furtherance of terror act, facts have been revealed by them during police remand. Such pointing out could not be conducted…on account of the prevailing law and order situation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and protests following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,” the NIA said in remand papers submitted before a judge in the Patiala House Court recently.
The NIA is investigating the November 10, 2025 incident near Red Fort, in which a Hyundai i20 car exploded at a traffic signal, killing at least 13 people. The car was suspected to have been driven by Umar Nabi, a doctor from Pulwama, and the key figure in an alleged Kashmiri terrorist module.
In its earlier remand papers, the NIA had told the court that it wanted to “carry out crime simulation” and “point out remaining places in J&K (among other places)” which had allegedly been revealed by witnesses.
These submissions had been made while requesting extension of police custody of accused persons Tufail Ahmad Bhat and Zameer Ahmad Ahangar. The NIA also said that it wanted to extract social media accounts of the accused persons.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/red-fort-blast-probe-stalled-by-jk-protests-against-killing-of-ayatollah-nia-10577352/
------
'Close shave': J&K CM reacts to assassination attempt on Farooq Abdullah
Mar 12, 2026
Danita Yadav
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday night reacted to an assassination attempt on National Conference president and father Farooq Abdullah.
"Allah is kind. My father had a very close shave. The details are sketchy at the moment but what is known is that a man with a loaded pistol was able to get within point blank range & discharge a shot," the Jammu and Kashmir CM wrote on X.
He added that it was the close protection team that deflected the shot & ensured that the assassination attempt failed.
"There are more questions than answers at the moment including but not limited to how someone was able to get this close to a Z+ NSG protected former CM," he added further.
Farooq Abdullah escapes assassination attempt
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary escaped unhurt after an assassination attempt on Wednesday night.
As per officials, the attack took place when Abdullah and the deputy chief minister were coming out of a wedding function and had come to greet party leader B S Chouhan on the marriage of his son.
The accused, Kamal Singh Jamwal, was detained at the venue after he was overpowered by two police personnel – an inspector and a sub-inspector. Despite this, the man managed to fire one shot before he was disarmed and detained.
As per Tanvir Sadiq, who is the spokesperson for the National Conference both Farooq Abdullah and Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary are "safe and fine".
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/farooq-abdullah-assassination-attempt-jk-cm-omar-abdullah-reacts-questions-security-after-attack-on-father-101773254310138.html
-----
Iran Embassy in Delhi turns focal point for Kashmir’s political leadership
March 11, 2026
SP Sharma
Amid widespread reactions in Jammu and Kashmir and Kargil (Ladakh) following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the ongoing tensions, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi has, in recent days, emerged as a must-visit destination for several political leaders from the region seeking to convey condolences and express solidarity with the people of Iran.
Over the past few days, several prominent leaders from Kashmir and Ladakh, including Members of Parliament, have called on the Iranian mission, signed the condolence book and held meetings with diplomats to pay tribute to the late leader and convey sympathies on behalf of the people of their respective regions. The visits reflect the strong emotional and political resonance that developments in Iran have generated across parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
On Tuesday, Dr Farooq Abdullah, President of the ruling National Conference and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, visited the Iranian Embassy, where he signed the condolence book and conveyed sympathies on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah was accompanied by Members of Parliament Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo and Gurwinder Singh Oberoi. The delegation also met the Deputy Ambassador of Iran to India and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people during what they described as a moment of profound grief.
A day earlier, Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party, visited the Iranian Embassy and the Iranian Cultural Centre in New Delhi to pay tributes to Ayatollah Khamenei. She met Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, along with Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi.
Mufti said she conveyed her condolences to the people of Iran and prayed for peace for the departed leader. She also raised the issue of Kashmiri students currently stranded in Iran and sought assistance from the ambassador in ensuring their safety.
Earlier last week, the Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, also visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi to sign the condolence book and pay tribute to the Iranian leader. Akhoon described Khamenei as a “towering pillar of the Muslim Ummah” and said the people of Ladakh, particularly Kargil, share the grief of the Iranian nation. He later met Iranian representatives, along with Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa Jan, to convey solidarity with the people of Iran.
The developments come in the backdrop of protests and mourning gatherings across parts of Jammu and Kashmir following the Iranian leader’s killing. Demonstrations were reported in several areas of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Budgam and Bandipora, where protesters carried portraits of Khamenei and raised slogans condemning the attack. Security forces used tear gas at some locations to disperse crowds, and authorities imposed restrictions and security curbs to maintain law and order.
Reports said dozens of people were detained during the protests, with political leaders calling for restraint and appealing for the release of those arrested.
Over the years, Iran has become a major destination for students from Kashmir and Kargil, especially for medical and religious studies. As such, anxiety is growing among parents and relatives whose wards are stranded in Iran and the neighbouring countries. Kashmir and Ladakh’s Kargil district have significant Shia populations, particularly in Budgam, Srinagar’s old city and Kargil.
Source: thestatesman.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thestatesman.com/india/iran-embassy-in-delhi-turns-focal-point-for-kashmirs-political-leadership-1503569071.html
------
Terrorist killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri identified as LeT operative from PoK
11.03.26
The terrorist who was killed along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district during a failed infiltration attempt has been identified as a launching operative of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit, officials said on Wednesday.
According to the army, the terrorist was killed in the general area of Jhangar, in the Nowshera sector around 3 pm on Tuesday, while he, along with another associate, was trying to sneak in from across the border.
Based on the documents and intelligence inputs, the deceased has been identified as Hamza Yousaf, a resident of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Yousaf was a senior operative of LeT's launchpad module assigned to facilitate the infiltration of armed terrorists into the Indian side, officials said, describing his killing as a major setback for the proscribed outfit.
A huge quantity of arms and ammunition, including an AK-type rifle with two magazines, two pistols with four magazines, 58 rounds, three hand grenades, one mobile set, two SIM cards and some Pakistani currency were recovered from the possession of the slain terrorist.
However, his associate managed to escape and cross back to the Pakistani side during the encounter, officials added.
This was the second infiltration bid foiled by the army in the Rajouri sector this month. On March 4, army troops opened fire on infiltrating terrorists in the Turkandi area, forcing them to retreat.
Earlier, the army foiled an infiltration bid in the Sunderbani area of Rajouri during the intervening night of February 19-20, recovering some arms and ammunition.
"A robust operational posture and heightened alert continue across the sector. The wall stands vigilant – every infiltration bid will fail," the army had said.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/terrorist-killed-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-rajouri-identified-as-let-operative-from-pok/cid/2150855
-----
VHP welcomes Chhattisgarh anti-conversion bill, entry ban on non-Hindus at Kedarnath, Badrinath
11.03.26
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday welcomed the Chhattisgarh government's decision to approve an anti-conversion law and also supported a move to bar non-Hindus from entering temples managed by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee.
The Vishnu Deo Sai-led cabinet on Tuesday approved the draft of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 to prevent religious conversion through force, inducement, fraudulent means or misrepresentation.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting at the premises of the legislative assembly, where the budget session is currently underway.
VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal thanked the Chhattisgarh government for clearing the legislation and expressed hope that the law would provide strict punishment for the perpetrators.
"Due to the increasing incidents of religious conversion and 'love jihad', governments have decided to enact constitutionally valid laws in their respective state legislatures to prevent such conversions...the number of states (including Chhattisgarh) will now exceed 12, where strict punishment will be given against religious conversion and 'love jihad'," he said.
He added that the proposed legislation would help protect Hindus in the state from illegal activities of "conversion gangs" attempting to convert them and trap them in "love jihad".
"At the same time, those running gangs involved in love jihad, as well as anti-national elements, will now have to remain cautious. They will have to refrain from such a mindset," he warned.
Bansal also welcomed a decision by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee to ban non-Hindus from entering the shrines of Kedarnath Temple and Badrinath Temple, and other temples managed by it.
A proposal to ban non-Hindus from entering the Badrinath Temple, Kedarnath Temple and Gangotri Temple was mooted by the committee in January this year.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/vhp-welcomes-chhattisgarh-anti-conversion-bill-entry-ban-on-non-hindus-at-kedarnath-badrinath/cid/2150854
------
Gujarat HC dismisses ‘dubious’ PIL, imposes Rs 10 lakh cost on petitioner who alleged encroachment of protected mosque
Aditi Raja
Mar 11, 2026
STATING THAT the court had “been made a party in a nefarious design” by a “dubious” petitioner of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking removal of alleged “illegal construction” around a protected monument – the Bawa Ali Shah mosque in Ahmedabad – the Gujarat High Court dismissed the PIL and imposed a cost of Rs 10 lakh on the petitioner for “misuse and abuse” of the process of the court.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice DN Ray of the Gujarat High Court dismissed the PIL with exemplary costs on February 27 and granted the petitioner two months time to deposit the cost of Rs 10 lakh with the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority.
The case of the petitioner was that construction was being undertaken on a land located 65 metres from a protected monument – the ‘Bawa Ali Shah’s mosque’ or ‘Rani’s masjid’, located in Kochrab village on the southern bank of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad.
The court judgment, made available on March 9, notes that the petitioner submitted that the monument, also called the ‘small stone masjid’ is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010, which has barred construction activity in an area up to 100 metres from the protected monuments. The judgment notes that the petitioner also submitted that as per the Act the area from 100 metres up to 300 metres from the protected monument is classified as Regulated Area, within which construction is permissible only upon prior approval and issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the competent archaeological authority.
The court also noted the submissions made through the affidavit of the developer of the project, stating that the PIL petitioner was a “habitual offender having a criminal background and has systematically targeted the project launched… to harass and blackmail the (developer) … with an ulterior motive.” The affidavit also enlisted the number of cases that the petitioner was involved in and “not disclosed” while filing the PIL and drew the attention of the court to a PIL filed by the same petitioner in 2012, which was adjourned 17 times as it was not pursued, leading the High Court to pass an order in September 2013, dismissing the PIL for default.
The court considered the submissions of the developer and noted in the judgment, “(In a rejoinder)… the PIL petitioner has admitted to virtually every allegation levelled against the petitioner by the respondent No. 6 and has even prayed for an unconditional apology for not disclosing details of filing earlier PIL in violation of Chapter II of the High Court of Gujarat (Practice and Procedure for Public Interest Litigation) Rules, 2010…”
The judgment adds that the PIL petitioner has not denied raising issues against another project of the same petitioner and justified that “some of the criminal cases against him have been withdrawn-settled.” The judgment states that the court is of the “firm view” that the PIL filed by the petitioner is “nothing but a device to misuse and abuse the process of the Court by unscrupulous elements… to further his own devious purpose.”
The judgment states that it was “shocking” that the court “has been made a party in the nefarious design of the PIL petitioner and it is evident that the petition has been filed in complete desecration of the PIL norms and the rules of this Court.”
Stating that it would be “in the fitness of things to dismiss the present petition with costs”, the court imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakhs on the petitioner. The judgment states, “It is, therefore, a fit case to not only dismiss the PIL on merits but also to impose exemplary costs on the dubious PIL petitioner. The failure, so to do, would itself be a travesty of justice… to dismiss the present petition with costs of Rs 10 lakhs, which shall be deposited by the petitioner within a period of two months from today.”
The judgment states that the amount to be deposited by the petitioner shall be transmitted to the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority and shall be “spent in the welfare project for orphan children”. The judgment also states that the “failure to do so will entail recovery of the same from the petitioner as arrears of land revenue”.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-hc-dubious-pil-imposes-cost-petitioner-encroachment-protected-mosque-10577156/
-------
Taste of Life: Flavours and faith: Pune’s timeless Ramazan
Mar 12, 2026
As the sun dips below the horizon during the holy month of Ramazan, Pune’s streets undergo a vibrant, aromatic transformation, most notably in the bustling culinary havens of Poona Cantonment, Kausarbagh, and Mominpura. Celebrated for their electric atmosphere and mouth-watering iftar delicacies, from smoky charcoal-grilled kebabs and rich “haleem” to sweet “malpua”, these epicenters draw massive, enthusiastic crowds every evening. More than just a religious observance, the irresistible food and festive spirit attract people of all faiths, turning these neighbourhoods into a beautiful, cross-cultural celebration of the city’s shared heritage.
The lunar month of Ramazan is an important time period for Muslims around the world. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran and has long been associated with reflection, charity, and moral renewal. As the Islamic year is lunar, Ramazan makes the round of the seasons. Its observance is certainly very punctilious and is evidently meant to constitute a severe mortification to the flesh.
Fasting during the month is one of the five pillars of Islam. The strictest fast is enjoined all through the hours of daylight, from dawn, when a white thread can be distinguished from a black one, to sunset.
Several Muslim communities settled in the city and cantonment of Poona since the beginning of British rule. Language, ethnicity, occupation, wealth, and places of origin divided Poona’s Muslims. A Bombay newspaper explained to its readers in 1908 that ‘the most essential fact to be learnt about the Mahomedan community of Bombay Presidency is that there is no such community; there are various communities in this city which profess this religion’.
The Gazetteer of Bombay for Bombay, Poona, and the districts of Gujarat indicate some variation in practices associated with cooking and commensality, especially during Ramazan. However, reports and articles published in newspapers and journals of the nineteenth century, both English and Marathi, have rarely mentioned the distinctions, indicating a strong homogenization of rituals.
In growing colonial cities, the observance of the fast created a shared rhythm of life that united a diverse Muslim population. In Poona, as elsewhere, each fasting day was framed by two important meals. “Sehri”, taken before daybreak, marked the beginning of the fast. Families rose in the early hours to eat food that would sustain them through the day before the call to prayer. The practice required careful attention to time and routine, shaping the daily life of households throughout the month. At sunset came “iftar”, the meal that ended the fast. Traditionally, the fast opened with dates and water, followed by a more substantial meal prepared in the home.
In 1864, the Marathi newspaper “Dnyanodaya” published an anonymous article describing the rituals observed during the month of Ramazan in the Bombay Presidency. It noted that in Bombay and Poona, people broke their fast with an abundant spread of dishes that included “malpua”, “kheer”, and “jalebi”. The meal also featured various kinds of meat pulaos, breads, and fruits such as fine oranges and dates from Afghanistan, along with a wide assortment of kebabs.
“Dnyanodaya” described the month of Ramazan as the “month of milk.” The reason was simple and rooted in everyday food culture. During the month and on Ramazan Id, vermicelli were cooked in milk, a dish that later became widely known as “seviyan”.
In nineteenth century Poona, the month transformed the life of the streets. Markets grew lively in the evening as vendors sold fruit, sweets, and cooked dishes for “iftar”. An article in “The Bombay Chronicle” in March 1912 noted that Persian vendors, who otherwise sold sweets like “sohan halwa” on the streets of Bombay, shifted to Poona for business.
Mosques and neighbourhood courtyards filled with people gathering for prayer and meals. “Iftar” was more than a meal; it was a moment of fellowship. Families invited relatives, neighbours and travellers to share the table, and acts of charity formed an important part of the evening.
The giving of “jakat”, the obligatory alms, and “sadqah”, voluntary charity, often increased during this month. Food and money were distributed to the poor so that they, too, could break their fast with dignity. Such practices strengthened bonds within the community and affirmed the moral ideals associated with Ramazan.
A Bombay newspaper reported on February 21, 1898, that a wealthy Muslim businessman from Bombay, who had a “fine” bungalow near Sassoon Hospital, had donated a “jakat” of ₹2,000 to open a charitable eatery for the poor near the Poona Railway Station.
Meetings of the Poona Municipality were scheduled earlier during the month of Ramazan because many members observed the fast. Reports published in the Marathi newspaper “Dnyanaprakash” after 1920 note that, for several years, these meetings were held at eight in the morning or after breaking the fast in the evening to accommodate Muslim councillors.
At the end of the Ramazan fast, that is, on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month, came the fast-breaking festival Eid-ul-Fitr, more commonly known in the Bombay Presidency as Ramazan Eid. Men, women, and children wore new clothes and perfumed themselves. It was a day of whole-hearted rejoicing and feasting. Children were taken by their parents and relatives to the markets and stalls and presented with toys and sweetmeats known as “Idi”.
On the day of Ramazan Eid, people gathered at the Eidgah for prayers. The Eidgah on Shankarsheth Road in the Poona Cantonment drew large crowds. In the 1930s, nearly ten thousand Muslim men assembled there on the day of Eid to offer prayers. The Qazi Sahib of Pune Cantonment led the namaz and delivered the “khutba”.
Before leaving for prayers, people distributed the charity among the fakirs and the poor. Those who could afford it gave about two and a half seers of wheat or other grains. Dried dates and raisins were often included as well.
The Qazi Sahib was taken in a procession to the place of prayer. Many people joined the procession, quietly praising the greatness of God in their hearts as they walked. Once everyone gathered, the prayers were offered. After the prayers concluded, the Qazi Sahib was escorted back to his home in another procession. The rest of the day was spent feasting, exchanging gifts, and visiting one another.
Poona had several Muslim clubs. They often organised theatrical performances to raise funds for charitable causes. These plays featured humour and music. The New Light Muslim Club was especially known for the plays it staged on the day of Ramadan Eid. The club had a branch in Ahmednagar as well, where similar performances were held. These clubs also hosted community dinners during Ramazan.
At the Muslim Boarding in Pune, students gathered for prayers on Ramazan Eid and shared a communal meal. Invitations for such programmes in cities like Pune and Kolhapur were often written in Urdu but printed in the Devanagari script.
In a period of social change under British rule, the observance of Ramazan, along with the customs of “sehri”, “iftar”, “jakat”, and “sadqah”, helped sustain a strong sense of cultural identity and community among Muslims in the region.
The lively iftar gatherings of Pune today, therefore, echo a long historical tradition, reminding us that Ramazan in the city has always been about more than fasting. It has been a season of generosity, fellowship, and shared urban life across the city’s diverse communities.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/pune-news/tatse-of-life-flavours-and-faith-pune-s-timeless-ramadan-101773258559134.html
-----
Mideast
Bahrain arrests four for spying for Iran’s IRGC as Gulf attacks intensify
March 12, 2026
MANAMA: Bahrain has detained four citizens suspected of spying for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf states show no signs of letting up.
Bahrain’s General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science identified the four detainees as Murtadha Hussain Awal, 25; Ahmed Isa Al Haiki, 34; Sarah Abdulnabi Marhoon, 36; and Elias Salman Mirza, 22. A fifth suspect, Ali Mohammed Hassan Al Shaikh, 25, remains at large abroad.
Investigators said Murtadha Hussain and his cohorts, acting on IRGC instructions, used high-resolution equipment to photograph and record coordinates of vital locations in Bahrain, transmitting the data to the IRGC via encrypted software.
The arrests come as Iran escalates attacks across the Gulf. Bahrain’s Interior Ministry issued an advisory urging residents in Hidd, Arad, Qalali and Samaheej to stay indoors and seal windows against smoke from fires sparked by Iranian strikes. Fuel tanks at a facility in Muharraq Governorate, northeast of Manama, were among the targets. Oman’s Port of Salalah also battled blazes at fuel storage tanks following separate Iranian drone strikes.
Elsewhere in the region, two Iranian drones struck near Dubai International Airport, wounding four people, though flights continued uninterrupted. A fire broke out at a luxury apartment tower in Dubai Creek Harbour after another drone hit — extinguished by Thursday morning.
Iran also targeted commercial ships and struck what officials described as the world’s busiest international airport on Wednesday, as US and Israeli strikes continued to pound Tehran.
A war now 12 days old — and costly
The conflict began on February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes on Iran. Tehran has since retaliated by targeting Gulf states, US and Israeli assets, and critical energy infrastructure.
Iran has declared a blockade on energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil and gas flows, sending commodity prices surging and rattling international markets.
The Pentagon told Congress this week that the first week of war cost the United States $11.3 billion — including $5 billion in munitions in the conflict’s opening weekend alone.
The UN Security Council on Wednesday voted to approve a resolution demanding a halt to Iran’s attacks on its Gulf neighbors. Bahrain’s UN Ambassador Jamal Alrowaiei welcomed the move.
“The international community is resolute in rejecting these Iranian attacks against sovereign countries that are threatening the stability of the peoples, especially in a region of strategic importance to global economy, energy security and global trade,” he said.
Despite the resolution, there were no immediate signs the conflict was easing.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636120/middle-east
-----
‘Where can we go?’: Israel strikes Gaza tent camp
March 12, 2026
Shortly after ending their daily fast for Ramadan, displaced Palestinians sheltering west of Gaza City said they received phone calls from apparent Israeli military personnel ordering them to get out of the area within five minutes.
“They called us and told us to evacuate. We cannot breathe. And now they set our tents on fire. Where can we go?” said Ibtessal al-Shanbary, who escaped with a backpack and whatever small belongings she could hastily grab from her tent.
Anssar camp was struck three times Wednesday evening, witnesses said; the first two were warning strikes, and the last one was a major strike that sparked a huge fire and sent plumes of smoke into the sky.
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636114/middle-east
-----
Israel holds 9,500 Palestinian prisoners as of March
March 11, 2026
LONDON: Israeli prison authorities held 9,500 prisoners and detainees as of the first week of March, indicating a 2.15 percent increase from February, according to reports from Palestinian prisoners’ organizations.
Currently, there are 73 female prisoners and 350 individuals under the age of 18 detained in the notorious prisons of Megiddo and Ofer.
The number of administrative detainees is 3,442, the highest percentage among those sentenced, arrested, or classified as “unlawful combatants.” They represent 36 percent of all Palestinians in Israeli prisons, where individuals can be indefinitely detained without charge in military detention centers.
There are also 1,249 “unlawful combatants” detained from inside the Gaza Strip after Oct. 7, 2023, as well as those who were detained from Lebanon and Syria.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636083/middle-east
------
UN Security Council adopts resolution demanding end to Iran strikes on Gulf states, Jordan
EPHREM KOSSAIFY
March 11, 2026
NEW YORK CITY: The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution condemning Iranian missile and drone attacks against Gulf states and Jordan. Thirteen members of the council voted in favor, while Russia and China abstained.
Resolution 2817, tabled by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, was co-sponsored by 135 countries, representing one of the largest shows of support for a Security Council resolution in recent years.
It “condemns unequivocally, in the strongest terms” Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting the territories of Gulf countries and Jordan, describing the attacks a breach of international law and a serious threat to international peace and security.
It demands that Tehran “immediately and unconditionally” halts its attacks and provocations against neighboring states, including through proxy forces, and calls for an immediate end to all strikes. It expresses strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Gulf states and Jordan, and reaffirms their right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
The resolution deplores what it describes as Iran’s deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including airports, energy installations, food-production and distribution facilities, and other critical infrastructure.
It also references Security Council Resolution 552 (which was adopted in 1984 and condemned Iranian attacks on shipping in the Gulf), thereby reaffirming the importance of freedom of navigation in international waters and shipping lanes amid concerns over threats to maritime traffic in the region.
It warns against any threats to maritime navigation, particularly in the strategically important waterways of the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab Strait, and highlights the importance of the region to global energy supplies and the flow of international trade.
Speaking after the vote, Bahrain’s ambassador to the UN, Jamal Alrowaiei, said the broad backing for the resolution reflected global concern about the recent attacks against regional states.
“The fact that 135 countries co-sponsored this resolution bears witness to a collective conscience of just how dangerous Iran’s attacks are against the GCC and Jordan,” he said.
The Iranian strikes have targeted civilian infrastructure, residential areas and critical facilities across the region, causing casualties among civilians, he added.
“Our region is an essential pillar for regional and global stability, for energy security and the safety of trade,” he continued.
“Protecting our region is not only a regional matter, it is a common international responsibility closely linked to the stability of the global economy and international supply chains.”
Jerome Bonnafont, France’s permanent representative to the UN, said the resolution sends a clear signal in condemning the “indiscriminate strikes waged by Iran against its regional neighbors.”
He added: “For some 12 days now, the Middle East has yet again been plunged into war. This war poses grave risks to regional security and must stop now.”
Iran bears major responsibility for the escalation, Bonnafont said, citing the nation’s missile program, its support for regional militias, and threats linked to its nuclear activities.
James Kariuki, the charge d’affaires at the UK’s mission to the UN, said the council was right to condemn attacks that “pose a serious threat to our partners in the Gulf and to Jordan, and risk further regional and global conflagration.”
The UK is participating in coordinated regional defensive operations and will continue to support the Gulf states and Jordan, he added.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said Tehran was attacking states in the region out of desperation as international patience with its actions was wearing thin.
“The regime in Tehran is trying to export terror and destruction but even the Security Council is running out of patience with Iranian aggression,” he added.
The US ambassador, Mike Waltz, said: “Iran’s strategy of sowing chaos, of trying to hold their neighbors hostage, trying to shake the resolve of the region has clearly backfired, and that was shown by this vote today.”
China’s ambassador to the UN, Fu Cong, said Beijing condemns attacks on civilians and nonmilitary targets, and supports the security concerns of Gulf states, but abstained from the vote because it believed the resolution did not adequately reflect the broader causes of the conflict.
“The fundamental way to prevent further deterioration of the situation is for the United States and Israel to cease their military operations,” he said.
While China does not support the Iranian attacks on Gulf Arab states, it believes the resolution lacked balance and did not sufficiently address the overall context of the conflict, he added.
Fu called on all parties to halt their military operations and return to dialogue and negotiations.
Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said Moscow abstained from the vote because it, too, viewed the resolution as “extremely unbalanced.”
He told the council: “Talking about attacks against countries in the region in isolation from the root causes of the current escalation, specifically the aggression by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, is impossible and unfair.”
The resolution “muddles up cause and effect” and fails to mention the attacks against Iran itself, Nebenzia said, arguing that the text could give the impression Tehran had carried out unprovoked strikes against Arab states.
But he added: “Strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure are not acceptable under any circumstances — not in Iran, not in Bahrain, not in Jordan, not in Qatar, not in Kuwait, not in Oman, not in Saudi Arabia, not in the United Arab Emirates, not in Israel.”
Many diplomats said the strong level of international support for the resolution underscored a growing sense of alarm over the effects the attacks were having on regional stability, global energy markets and international trade routes.
Pakistan’s ambassador to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said Islamabad voted in favor of the resolution to show solidarity with the Gulf states and Jordan, while also calling for a broader diplomatic solution to the conflict.
He condemned attacks that target civilians and civilian infrastructure and reaffirmed his country’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the affected states.
He called for an immediate end to hostilities and a return to the negotiating table, warning that the conflict had already resulted in serious regional consequences, including civilian casualties and economic disruption.
Pakistan was also concerned about instability in Iran, Ahmad said, and he reiterated Islamabad’s support for Iranian sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Millions of Pakistani nationals living in Gulf countries have been exposed to the fallout from the conflict, he added, while disruptions to energy supplies and air travel were already affecting Pakistan’s economy.
Ahmad called for “maximum restraint” on all sides and a swift return to diplomacy to achieve a negotiated and lasting resolution to the crisis.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636098/middle-east
------
One killed in attack on oil tankers off Iraq, rescue operation ongoing: authorities
March 12, 2026
BAGHDAD: An attack on two oil tankers near Iraq killed at least one crew member, authorities said on Thursday, as Iran carries out a campaign to disrupt global energy markets.
Farhan Al-Fartousi, from Iraq’s General Company for Ports, told state television that one crew member had been killed and 38 rescued while the “search continues for the missing.”
He did not specify the crew members’ nationalities or provide details on who was behind the attack, which occurred roughly 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the coast.
The Iraqi government’s media cell told national news agency INA that “two tankers were subject to sabotage.”
Iraq’s oil ministry said in a statement on Thursday it had “deep concern” about incidents involving oil tankers in the Gulf, without providing details.
“The safety of navigation in international maritime corridors and energy supply routes must remain free from regional conflicts,” the ministry added.
The Strait of Hormuz — the waterway carrying a fifth of the world’s oil — remains closed to almost all oil tankers, and Iran has vowed that not one liter of oil would be exported from the Gulf while its war with the United States and Israel continues.
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that US forces have struck 28 Iranian mine-laying vessels more than a week into the Middle East war.
Images of a ship at sea with plumes of smoke rising from a huge fire, were broadcast by state television channel Al-Ikhbariya. AFP could not verify the images.
An employee at Iraq’s Basra oil terminal told AFP that it was unclear “whether it was a drone attack or explosive-laden boats.”
The Iraqi State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO) confirmed in a statement that two oil tankers were attacked, without providing details on how.
Maltese-flagged oil tanker ZEFYROS was attacked as it was preparing to enter the port of Khor Al-Zoubair, where it would have taken on board an additional 30,000 tons of liquid naphtha — primarily used in petrochemicals, SOMO said.
The second targeted vessel, SAFESEA VISHNU, was sailing under the Marshall Islands flag and was chartered by an Iraqi company, according to SOMO.
The incidents come just hours after the US embassy in Baghdad warned that Iran and Tehran-backed Iraqi armed groups might target US-owned oil facilities in Iraq.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636119/middle-east
-----
Targeting mistake led to US missile strike on Iranian school: report
March 11, 2026
WASHINGTON: A US military investigation has determined that a US Tomahawk missile struck an Iranian elementary school because of a targeting mistake, The New York Times reported on Wednesday.
The newspaper, citing US officials, said the investigation into the February 28 attack was ongoing but preliminary findings were that the United States was responsible.
CNN, citing unidentified sources briefed on the probe, also reported that the US military accidentally struck the school in the southern city of Minab.
The Times said the US military was bombing an adjacent Iranian base of which the school building was formerly a part and target coordinates were set using outdated data.
President Donald Trump initially suggested that Iran itself may have been responsible — despite Iran not having Tomahawk missiles.
He later said he could “live with” whatever the investigation reveals but when asked about the Times report Wednesday he told reporters: “I don’t know about it.”
Iranian media report that funerals were held for at least 165 people, including children, at the school. The toll has not been verified independently.
The Times said US Central Command officers created the target coordinates for the strike using outdated data provided by the Defense Intelligence Agency.
It said investigators were still looking at why outdated information was used in planning the strike and who failed to verify the data.
The newspaper said the school is on the same block as buildings used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard’s navy and the site of the school was originally part of the base.
It said the building housing the school had been fenced off from the base between 2013 and 2016.
AFP has been unable to access the location of the strike to independently verify details reported by Iranian media.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed the United States and Israel.
Israel has consistently denied any involvement in or knowledge of the strike and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week that the United States would not intentionally target a school.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636102/middle-east
----
Syrian government, Kurdish-led SDF exchange prisoners in Hasakah
March 11, 2026
LONDON: The Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces exchanged prisoners as part of an agreement to end their conflict and integrate the Kurdish-led group into state institutions in Damascus.
The operation resulted in the release of 100 detainees from prisons operated by the government and 100 from SDF-run prisons in Hasakah, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.
The prisoners released by the SDF were met at the Panorama roundabout in Hasakah by a presidential team and members of the Internal Security Forces.
Brig. Gen. Ziad al-Ayesh is the presidential envoy overseeing the implementation of the Jan. 29 agreement with the SDF, which stipulates the Syrian government’s control over the northeastern region, including Hasakah and Qamishli.
The agreement helped bring an end to the conflict between the two sides and established a phased process to integrate the SDF’s military and administrative capabilities into central government institutions, with civilian and security affairs controlled from Damascus.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636090/middle-east
------
Arab World
Saudi foreign minister and EU’s top diplomat discuss latest developments amid conflict in region
March 12, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, held talks about the latest developments in the region with Kaja Kallas, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and vice-president of the European Commission.
During their telephone conversation on Wednesday, they discussed the efforts being made to address the situation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Earlier this week, Prince Faisal joined EU chiefs and the leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council member states, as well as Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Turkiye and Armenia, to discuss the ongoing conflict and attacks across the region following the US and Israeli strikes against Iran that began on Feb. 28.
The EU officials expressed their full support for countries affected by Iranian missile and drone attacks, including Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636109/saudi-arabia
-----
Saudi Arabia leads Arab and Islamic condemnation of continuing Israeli closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque
March 11, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia led Arab and Islamic countries in condemning Israel over the continuing closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque, which worshippers were prevented from entering for a 12th straight day on Wednesday.
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye denounced the Israeli decision to block access to the mosque in the walled city of occupied East Jerusalem, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, which will end in just over a week.
They said in a joint statement: “Security restrictions on access to the Old City of Jerusalem and its places of worship, along with discriminatory and arbitrary restrictions on access to other places of worship in the Old City, constitute a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, the existing historical and legal status, and the principle of unrestricted free access to places of worship.”
Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites, they added, and the entirety of the area around Al-Aqsa, also known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, is a sacred site exclusively for Muslim worship. It is managed by Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf, which holds the legal authority to oversee the compound and regulate access.
The ministers urged the occupying power, Israel, to immediately stop closing the gates of Al-Aqsa, the Saudi Press Agency reported. They called for an end to all obstructions preventing worshippers from accessing the mosque, and the removal of restrictions on entry to the Old City of Jerusalem.
They also urged the international community to firmly demand that Israeli authorities halt their violations of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.
Israel has announced a state of emergency across the country as a result of its conflict with Iran. In conjunction with the US, it has been carrying out airstrikes on Iranian territory since Feb. 28. In response, Iran has continued to strike Israel and several other countries in the region with missiles and armed drones.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636094/saudi-arabia
-----
Saudi crown prince discusses regional military escalation with Iraqi PM
March 11, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the military escalation in the region and its repercussions on security and stability with Iraq’s prime minister on Wednesday.
During a phone call with the crown prince, Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani stressed the need to stop the attacks that pose a threat to regional and international peace and security, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636088/saudi-arabia
------
Saudi Arabia celebrates Flag Day with displays, special events
March 11, 2026
RIYADH: A new art exhibition has opened at King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh, as the country celebrates Flag Day, which fell on Wednesday.
The event, titled “In Love with Green,” is being held in collaboration with the Saudi Art Association and features 20 fine art paintings inspired by the Saudi flag, as well as other cultural and contemporary images and landmarks.
The current design of the flag, which represents unity and sovereignty, was adopted in 1937. It features the Shahada and a sword symbolizing justice and safety, representing the unification of the Kingdom during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
The exhibition, at the library’s services branch and reading halls on Khurais Road, was opened by the library’s Director General Bandar Al-Mubarak and the association’s board chair Hanaa Al-Shibly.
Visitors can attend from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Elsewhere in the country, public spaces and buildings have become a sea of green for Flag Day.
In Al-Baha, government buildings, squares and main roads were decorated with green lighting and national flags were hoisted in public squares.
It was a similar picture in Makkah, where people celebrated the annual show of pride and belonging against a green backdrop.
In Tabuk, authorities installed more than 7,000 flags along roads, squares and bridges, while the region’s landmarks and tunnels were illuminated with green and white lights.
More than 10,000 Saudi flags were also hoisted in Jazan, where Souk Al-Awalin in Jazan City is set to host a range of events and performances to mark the special occasion.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636076/saudi-arabia
------
Ramadan spending lifts small Saudi businesses in Diriyah’s Samhaniya
GHADI JOUDAH
March 11, 2026
RIYADH: In the Samhaniya neighborhood, a pocket of Diriyah, old mud-brick houses have been restored and repurposed into small shops and studios.
Throughout Ramadan, the neighborhood sees a familiar surge: longer nights, busier walkways, and more spending tied to hosting, gifting, and evening gatherings.
At Artisana, a Saudi brand specializing in handmade crafts, that shift is reflected in customer interest and purchasing.
Inside the shop, shelves and tables are arranged like a gift gallery, with handcrafted ceramics including cups, bowls and lidded containers.
Alongside are ready-to-carry items including subha or prayer beads, scarves, and handbags with traditional embellishments of different regions of the Kingdom.
Operator Ghalia Al‑Mutairi told Arab News: “Artisana is a leading Saudi brand in handmade crafts, known for transforming skilled craftsmanship into timeless gifts that carry cultural meaning and emotional value.”
The store’s focus is on presenting Saudi handcrafted products through pieces that celebrate heritage and inspire pride, she said.
The brand has developed four main product lines to cover a range of gifting needs, from simple souvenirs to luxury items, curated to highlight each product’s cultural and aesthetic value.
Ramadan brings a noticeable rise in demand, Al‑Mutairi said, driven by a mix of social habits and the month’s reflective atmosphere.
“Gift-giving culture increases in Ramadan, and Artisana’s heritage character makes it an ideal option that expresses authenticity and Saudi generosity.”
A few doors down, the same Ramadan rhythm plays out in scent.
“Ramadan is known as a season, and naturally sales are higher then,” Suleiman Al‑Durayhim, who co‑founded Oud AlDurayhim with his brother, told Arab News.
The month, he added, pushes brands to highlight what they have and stand out in the market.
Oud AlDurayhim’s setting matches its stock: textured mud walls, carved wooden display towers filled with oud chips, and gift boxes arranged beside small burners.
Glass decanters and mixing vessels sit behind the counter, holding amber-toned oils prepared for customers who want a specific profile.
“We’ve had strong demand, especially here in Diriyah, not only across the Kingdom but across the Gulf as well,” Al‑Durayhim said.
The brand began as a small venture and later took on the family name. Among the scents on the shelf, one is kept especially close: Saad, a perfume named after his late father, carrying family memory into something customers can wear and share.
Nearby is Suweik, a restored building that operates like an indoor strip of local labels, which has become another Ramadan stop for shoppers.
Nour Ahmed, a sales associate at Ghain Abaya, told Arab News that the brand built its online audience before opening its first brick-and-mortar shop in Diriyah.
“The brand has been on Instagram since 2017, and this is its first physical shop, where there’s been a great turnout.”
She added that prices range from SR170 ($45) to SR550.
This Ramadan has brought a much stronger flow of visitors. “Last year there weren’t that many people, but this period there’s a lot of turnout, especially from foreigners too,” she said.
“A lot of Europeans come because they want to see the abayas, and they even want the hijab, and they kind of feel a sense of spirituality with Muslims.”
Samhaniya itself has grown over the last few years, Ahmed said. “At first it was only cafes and the guesthouse, but now it’s extended to the end of the street. It’s all Saudi brands.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636072/saudi-arabia
------
Hajj minister inspects Makkah development projects
March 12, 2026
MAKKAH: Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah has inspected several development projects currently underway at the holy sites in Makkah in preparation for this year’s pilgrimage.
The tour covered several key projects being implemented by the Kidana Development Co., the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites.
The minister also reviewed progress on the construction of the 400-bed Emergency Hospital Project, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The developments also focus on creating a more spacious and flexible urban environment, and providing comfortable public spaces for pilgrims.
The minister’s tour included pilgrim rest areas that provide facilities along pedestrian routes. Improvements will include seating, shade, cooling fans, and improvements to pathways and services across 36,000 sq. meters.
The minister also reviewed a cooling project surrounding Jabal Al-Rahmah (Mount Arafat), which aims to reduce the impact of high temperatures.
During the tour, the minister visited several sites offering cultural content highlighting the history of the holy sites.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636104/saudi-arabia
------
Europe
Bishop of Bradford welcomes government definition of hostility to Muslims
byJAMES MACINTYRE
11 MARCH 2026
A NEW, non-statutory, government definition of hostility to Muslims has been welcomed by the Bishop of Bradford, Dr Toby Howarth, who said that it would help people to love their neighbours.
The new definition, which does not mention “Islamophobia”, is aimed at tackling record levels of hate crime against Muslim people themselves while allowing for criticism of the religion of Islam.
“I’m glad that, after years of debate and delay, we finally have this official definition of anti-Muslim hostility,” Dr Howarth said; he has an MA in Islamic studies from the University of Birmingham and researched Islamic preaching for a Ph.D. from the Free University of Amsterdam.
“It is seeking to protect people — Muslims and those targeted because they are perceived to be Muslims — rather than trying to close down debate or criticism of Islam as a religion,” he told the Church Times. “We need to remember that this is not just an academic discussion. Muslims are being attacked, vilified, and intimidated simply for being part of a religious community. The focus now needs to be on delivery. Jesus called us to love our neighbours. This definition helps us to do just that.”
The Communities Secretary, Steve Reed, unveiled the three-paragraph definition on Monday. The Government set up a working group last year, chaired by the former Conservative minister Dominic Grieve, to establish a definition of anti-Muslim hatred or Islamophobia.
The initial consultation closed last July. It asked for: advice on terminology; the need for a definition; whether racism should be a component of any new definition; and examples of anti-Muslim hatred or Islamophobia.
The Church of England’s response to the consultation was written by the Bishop of Willesden, the Rt Revd Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy, who chairs the Church’s Presence and Engagement Task Group.
“I agree that a clear and thoughtful definition of anti-Muslim hatred would be helpful in addressing the very real and persistent hostility experienced by many in our communities,” he wrote.
“However, such a definition must be crafted with great care. But what must never be tolerated is the incitement of hatred or hostility against individuals or communities because they are, or are perceived to be, Muslim. . . For this reason, the term Islamophobia can be problematic, as it risks conflating the legitimate critique of religion with the unacceptable targeting of people.”
Mr Reed told MPs this week that the Government had a duty to act against record levels of hate crime against Muslims, and that “you can’t tackle a problem if you can’t describe it.”
According to official figures, hate crimes against Muslims reported to police in England and Wales rose by almost one fifth in the year ending March 2025, to 3199 offences. This does not include incidents reported to the Metropolitan Police amid changes in its recording system.
But Jews experienced the highest rate of hate crime, according to the official figures: 106 incidents per 10,000 of the population. Muslims were subject to the second-highest level: 12 per 10,000.
The new definition comes alongside a wider government strategy for social cohesion, and an accompanying text says that freedom of speech and expression are protected by law. This allows for the criticising or ridiculing of a belief, including an Islamic one. “Portraying it in a manner that some of its adherents might find disrespectful or scandalous,” is legal, the document says.
The new definition states: “Anti-Muslim hostility is intentionally engaging in, assisting or encouraging criminal acts — including acts of violence, vandalism, harassment, or intimidation, whether physical, verbal, written or electronically communicated — that are directed at Muslims because of their religion or at those who are perceived to be Muslim, including where that perception is based on assumptions about ethnicity, race or appearance.
“It is also the prejudicial stereotyping of Muslims, or people perceived to be Muslim including because of their ethnic or racial backgrounds or their appearance, and treating them as a collective group defined by fixed and negative characteristics, with the intention of encouraging hatred against them, irrespective of their actual opinions, beliefs or actions as individuals.
“It is engaging in unlawful discrimination where the relevant conduct— including the creation or use of practices and biases within institutions — is intended to disadvantage Muslims in public and economic life.”
The Shadow Communities Minister, Paul Holmes, said that the definition risked “hindering legitimate criticism”.
Mr Reed responded: “We will not do what [the Conservatives] did and stand by and simply watch while Muslim communities face targeted abuse in ways that any decent country would consider to be absolutely intolerable.”
The word “Islamophobia” was first used in the UK in the 1997 Runnymede Trust report Islamophobia: A challenge for us all, which defined it as “an outlook or worldview involving an unfounded dread and dislike of Muslims, which results in practices of exclusion and discrimination”.
In 2018, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims defined Islamophobia as “rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness”.
Source: churchtimes.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2026/13-march/news/uk/bishop-of-bradford-welcomes-government-definition-of-hostility-to-muslims
------
Women and children flee for safety after attack on Scottish mosque
11TH MARCH
By Adam Lyon
WOMEN and children were forced to flee for safety after an attack on a mosque in Ayr.
The incident took place at the Al-Farooq Education and Community Centre (AFECC) Masjid in the town's James Street on Saturday, March 7.
Leaders at the centre, based in the former Railway Club premises, say that an individual struck a window with a weapon, forcing families inside to move to another part of the building to safety.
A spokesperson added that it follows a number of other "concerning acts" towards the mosque.
They said: "An individual approached the mosque carrying what appeared to be a large spanner and repeatedly struck a window, causing damage to the building. The incident has been captured on the mosque’s CCTV system.
"At the time, women and children were gathered in that area to break their fast (iftar) during the holy month of Ramadan.
"The attack caused significant distress, forcing mothers and children to move to another part of the building for safety.
"This incident follows a number of concerning acts directed towards the mosque and contributes to a growing sense of vulnerability within the local Muslim community."
Officials at the centre say they were "extremely disappointed" by the police response, and spoke with senior officers about the issue.
They said: "We are extremely disappointed by the police response, having been informed that officers would not attend until Wednesday or Thursday.
"An attack on a place of worship, particularly during Ramadan when families and children are present, must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
"AFECC’s management reassures our community that appropriate security measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of congregational members."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 7.20pm on Saturday, March 7, we received a report of vandalism at a community centre in James Street, Ayr.
"Enquiries are at an early stage."
The centre says it has now received a response from the force's Chief Inspector, who "expressed disappointment regarding the initial handling of the report".
A spokesperson added: "Officers met with AFECC’s management yesterday and additional patrols will be carried out for the safety of the community.
"We appreciate this response and the commitment from Police Scotland to take the matter seriously.
"We would also like to sincerely thank everyone who has reached out with messages of support and solidarity.
"The response from the public has been greatly appreciated. We are also grateful to organisations and representatives, including the Muslim Council of Scotland, Dr Zubair Ahmed MP and Elaine Stewart MSP, for their help and support.
"AFECC remains committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community and will continue working closely with the relevant authorities."
AFECC is a Glasgow-based charity which looks to spread and preserve the original teachings of Islam as known by the Salaf-as-Salih, and become a "pillar of the community".
It aims to be a leading, welcoming and inspirational hub while simultaneously educating and encouraging people to "strive in their pursuit of acquiring the sweetness of faith" via their various activities and programmes in accordance with the Quran and the Sunnah.
Source: thenational.scot
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenational.scot/news/25928125.police-investigating-shocking-attack-mosque-ayr/
------
Three brothers arrested after explosion at US embassy in Oslo
Olivia Ireland
March 12, 2026
Three brothers have been arrested in Norway linked to an explosion outside the US embassy in the capital, Oslo, on Sunday.
The authorities believe the blast was caused by an improvised device that was placed at the building's entrance. It caused minor damage and no injuries were reported.
The brothers, all in their 20s, are Norwegian citizens with links to Iraq, Norway's police attorney Christian Hatlo told a press conference on Wednesday.
Among them is thought to be a suspect police had previously had released images of, broadcaster NRK reported.
"They are suspected of a terror bombing," Hatlo said. None of the brothers, who have not been named, were previously known to police.
The authorities are investigating several theories about the motivation for the attack, including whether a foreign state actor was involved.
"The most important thing is to get them [the suspects] questioned, then we'll see what happens," Hatlo said.
As well as the images released earlier this week, investigators have also been examining a video published on Google Maps around the time of the incident.
The now-deleted video featured Iran's former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, local media reported. He was killed last month during joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran.
Dogs, drones and helicopters were used to carry out investigations as the scene of the explosion as police said the investigation into the embassy was being treated as high priority.
Emergency services were dispatched to the embassy, on Morgedalsvegen Street in the Ullern district of Oslo, at about 02:00 local time (01:00 GMT) on Sunday.
Following the incident, photos posted on social media showed shattered glass in the snow outside the entrance to the embassy's consular section, cracks in a glass door and dark marks on a tiled floor.
Norwegian authorities described the incident as "unacceptable", with Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stressing that "the security of diplomatic missions is very important to us".
A US State Department spokesperson said it was investigating the incident too.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2grl7lrrmo
------
Fire service praises Ramadan iftar at Blenheim Palace
March 12, 2026
By Meg Jenkins
A fire service has praised a community Ramadan iftar.
Staff from Woodstock Fire Station attended the event at Blenheim Palace, organised by The Dialogue Society in partnership with The Oxford Foundation, and in collaboration with the Thames Valley Civic, Community and Faith Leaders Group.
The evening brought together a diverse mix of faith leaders, volunteers, and civic representatives to share food and discussions.
In a post on social media, Woodstock Fire Station said: "It was an honour to be part of such an inspiring and inclusive gathering."
Conversations during the iftar centred around the theme of “Building Community Trust Together.”
The evening offered a wonderful opportunity to share delicious food and engage in meaningful conversations.
Source: witneygazette.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.witneygazette.co.uk/news/25927193.fire-service-praises-ramadan-iftar-blenheim-palace/
-----
Police investigate vandalism at Ayr mosque
March 12, 2026
Women and children were forced to flee for safety after an attack on a mosque in Ayr.
The incident took place at the Al-Farooq Education and Community Centre (AFECC) Masjid in the town's James Street on Saturday, March 7.
Leaders at the centre, based in the former Railway Club premises, said an individual struck a window with a weapon, forcing families inside to move to another part of the building to safety.
A spokesperson for the mosque said: "An individual approached the mosque carrying what appeared to be a large spanner and repeatedly struck a window, causing damage to the building. The incident has been captured on the mosque’s CCTV system.
"At the time, women and children were gathered in that area to break their fast (iftar) during the holy month of Ramadan.
"The attack caused significant distress, forcing mothers and children to move to another part of the building for safety.
"This incident follows a number of concerning acts directed towards the mosque and contributes to a growing sense of vulnerability within the local Muslim community."
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 7.20pm on Saturday, March 7, we received a report of vandalism at a community centre in James Street, Ayr.
"Enquiries are at an early stage."
Source: heraldscotland.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25929202.police-investigating-shocking-attack-mosque-ayr/
------
WATCH German athletes snub Russian Paralympic champions
11 Mar, 2026
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is investigating German skiers Linn Kazmaier and Florian Baumann after they turned their backs on Russian gold medalists during a ceremony on Tuesday.
Kazmaier, who is visually impaired, and Baumann, her guide, finished in second place to Russia’s Anastasia Bagiyan and guide Sergey Sinyakin in the women’s sprint race at the Milano Cortina Paralympics.
Kazmaier and Baumann left their hats on and turned their backs to Bagiyan and Sinyakin as the Russian anthem played on the podium. They then kept their distance from the Russians and refused to join them in posting for a photo with China’s Jihong Cong and Jiaxuan Liu, who finished in third place.
“With Germany, we are aware of the situation, gathering evidence and analyzing it,” IPC spokesman Craig Spence said on Wednesday.
Speaking to German media, Kazmaier and Baumann insisted that they did nothing wrong. “I don’t know these people: maybe they don’t support the system in Russia either. Maybe they are really nice people who we could actually be friends with. But it’s such a shame that politics overshadows everything,” Kazmaier told German broadcaster ARD.
This year’s games mark the first time that Russian and Belarusian athletes have been allowed to compete in the Paralympics since the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022, and the first time that they have competed under their own flags since 2014.
The IPC’s decision to readmit Russian and Belarusian athletes has angered Ukraine and its supporters. Ukraine and ten other countries, including Germany, boycotted the games’ opening ceremony on Friday in response.
“I simply do not think it is right that the IPC has decided that Russia can compete here under its own flag, with its own anthem and with a full band, while the Ukrainians are also here,” Baumann told Germany’s ZDF on Wednesday.
Kiev also lashed out at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during last month’s winter Olympics, after several Ukrainian athletes were ordered to remove clothing and flags bearing political symbols. These included skeleton pilot Vladislav Geraskevich, who was disqualified for refusing to remove a helmet adorned with images of Ukrainian athletes killed during the conflict with Russia.
Even though Russian athletes competed under a neutral flag and broke no rules at the games, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky insisted that “they are the ones who deserve disqualification.”
Russia’s six athletes have so far won four gold medals and two bronze at this year’s Paralympics. Bagiyan has taken two golds, and in a letter to the skier, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised her “strength of spirit and character,” and her “worthy contribution to the development of domestic and world Paralympism.”
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/634553-germany-russia-paralympic-snub/
------
Poland launches human trafficking probe linked to Epstein network
11 Mar, 2026
Polish prosecutors have launched an investigation into suspected human trafficking linked to late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after documents released by the US Justice Department indicated victims were allegedly recruited in the country.
The National Prosecutor’s Office said on Wednesday it was probing whether women – including minors and Polish citizens – were recruited in Poland “by misleading them as to the true nature of prospective employment abroad,” before being transported across borders and handed over to others for sexual exploitation. The suspected trafficking occurred between 2009 and 2019.
Warsaw will request information and evidence from two European countries under a European Investigation Order, prosecutors said, as cited by local media. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters the requests will go to France and Sweden.
The Polish probe is part of a widening international fallout from the latest release of millions of Epstein documents, which have triggered criminal investigations, arrests, and resignations across politics, business, and royalty.
In the UK, former trade envoy Peter Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over alleged leaks to Epstein. Ex-Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was also briefly arrested on similar suspicions and later released under investigation. He was stripped of his royal titles last year over his past friendship with Epstein. An anonymous allegation in the recently released Epstein files claimed Andrew took part in torturing a six-year-old.
Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland was hospitalized last month after a reported suicide attempt, days after being charged with gross corruption over accepting Epstein’s hospitality.
World Economic Forum CEO Borge Brende stepped down over dinners and communications with the pedophile.
In the US, the Epstein files have placed renewed scrutiny on former President Bill Clinton – who regularly traveled on Epstein’s private jet – and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Both have been questioned about their associations with Epstein, but have denied knowledge of his trafficking operation.
Moscow has described the revelations in the Epstein scandal as exposing the “pure Satanism” at the heart of the collective West, with Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accusing Western elites of fabricating threats from Russia for years to distract from their own “monstrous crimes.”
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/634539-poland-epstein-trafficking-probe/
-----
North America
FBI warns California of possible surprise drone attack from Iran: Targets unspecified
Mar 12, 2026
The FBI warned the police departments in California of possible surprise drone attacks from Iran, ABC News reported. The alert was sent at the end of February as the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. The alert said they had no information on what the target could possibly be, or the timing or anything else. “We recently acquired information that as of early February 2026, Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a surprise attack using unmanned aerial vehicles from an unidentified vessel off the coast of the United State Homeland, specifically against unspecified targets in California, in the event that the US conducted strikes against Iran,” the alert said. “We have no additional information on the timing, method, target, or perpetrators of this alleged attack.”
FBI and the White House did not comment on the alert.
ABC News contributor John Cohen, the former head of intelligence for the Department of Homeland Security did not rule out a drone attack by Iran from Mexico. “We know Iran has an extensive presence in Mexico and South America, they have relationships, they have the drones and now they have the incentive to conduct attacks,” Cohen said. “The FBI is smart for putting this warning out so that state and locals can be better able to prepare and respond to these types of threats. Information like this is critically important for law enforcement."
California law enforcement says alert is cautionary
Los Angeles Times reported that the local authorities deemed the alert as cautionary and not suggestive of any impending attack. A source with knowledge of the memo but not authorized to discuss it publicly told LA Times that the warning was issued based on intelligence received by the US Coast Guard; and was not deemed credible at this time. the warning was cautionary in nature and there was no indication Iran was planning an attack or if it could successfully launch one, they said adding that they did not downplay it and the warning played into security strategies.
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/fbi-warns-california-of-possible-surprise-drone-attack-from-iran-targets-unspecified/articleshowprint/129477582.cms
------
Pro-Iran hackers hit US medical device giant Stryker in shocking cyberattack after Israel strikes
Mar 12, 2026
A suspected cyberattack linked to pro-Iranian hackers has shaken the global healthcare technology sector after targeting Stryker Corporation, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medical devices used in hospitals and operating rooms. A company statement reported the attack on the major US medical device maker, as it disrupted the company’s internal systems and wiped access to thousands of corporate devices worldwide.
Investigators believe the intrusion may be connected to escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States, raising concerns that cyber warfare is becoming an increasingly common tool in modern conflicts. Cybersecurity experts warn the incident could represent a worrying shift: healthcare companies and critical medical supply chains may now be strategic targets in global cyber conflicts.
What happened in the Stryker cyberattack?
The cyberattack triggered a global systems outage across Stryker’s network infrastructure, disrupting access to internal systems for employees and contractors. Reports indicate that remote devices running Microsoft Windows, such as laptops and smartphones connected to company networks, were suddenly wiped or disabled.
BREAKING: Stryker $SYK systems hit by a suspected Iranian-linked cyberattack, causing a global network disruption. Employee accounts compromised & internal login pages defaced by hacktivist group Handala. Still working to restore systems and operations. https://t.co/rKF1Nzk27I
Employees reportedly noticed the emblem of “Handala,” a pro-Palestinian hacker group believed by several cybersecurity firms to have links to Iran, appearing on login pages across affected systems. While Stryker said it found no evidence of ransomware or malware, the company confirmed it was dealing with a “global network disruption” linked to the cyberattack and was working with cybersecurity specialists to assess the damage.
The company, headquartered in Michigan, employs about 56,000 people worldwide and reported more than $25 billion in revenue in 2025, producing equipment ranging from orthopedic implants to robotic surgical systems. Since its technologies are widely used in hospitals and surgical centers around the world, the attack immediately raised alarms across the healthcare industry.
Why would pro-Iranian hackers target a medical device company?
Experts say healthcare manufacturers represent an extremely sensitive point in the global health system. According to cybersecurity analysts, disrupting companies that supply hospitals with surgical tools, implants and critical equipment can have ripple effects across healthcare systems worldwide.
Stryker cyber attack: Has Iran added a new dimension to the US-Iran war? Why Iran-linked hackers targeted $100 billion medical giant Stryker Corp as stock crashed 4.5%
Dr Jeff Tully, a medical cybersecurity specialist and Associate Clinical Professor, University of California San Diego School of Medicine; Co-Director, UC San Diego Center for Healthcare Cybersecurity, has repeatedly warned that healthcare infrastructure is becoming increasingly attractive to cyber attackers. He has argued that modern hospitals rely heavily on interconnected technology and medical devices, creating new vulnerabilities if security systems fail.
“Healthcare networks and medical devices are part of critical infrastructure,” Tully has said in discussions on medical cybersecurity. When compromised, disruptions can quickly affect patient care. Dr Tully is a leading researcher in medical cybersecurity and hospital infrastructure protection. His work focuses on vulnerabilities in connected healthcare systems and the risks posed by cyberattacks on medical devices and emergency services.
Another reason healthcare companies are attractive targets is the value of healthcare data. Patient records and medical systems contain sensitive personal and financial information, making them highly valuable on black markets.
A new front in the Iran vs US–Israel conflict?
Many analysts see the cyberattack as a part of a broader cyber dimension of the geopolitical confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Experts have long warned that military conflict often spills into cyberspace. According to cybersecurity researchers, Iranian-aligned hacking groups frequently operate through proxy “hacktivist” networks rather than directly claiming responsibility for attacks.
These groups target organisations linked to countries perceived as adversaries or supporters of opposing geopolitical blocs. The suspected involvement of the Handala hacker group fits this pattern. The group has previously claimed cyberattacks against Israeli organisations and entities across the Gulf region.
Hospitals on Alert as Iran-Linked Hackers Launch Cyberattack on US Medical Device Maker
Cybersecurity analysts say that such attacks allow governments or affiliated actors to send political messages without escalating to direct military confrontation.
The rise of cyber warfare
The attack highlights the growing role of cyber operations in modern geopolitics. Cyber warfare is no longer limited to espionage or data theft. Increasingly, it involves disruptive attacks on infrastructure, including energy systems, transportation networks and healthcare services.
Iran has previously been accused of large-scale cyber operations targeting global infrastructure. One notable example was Operation Cleaver, a campaign that reportedly targeted dozens of critical infrastructure organizations worldwide, including hospitals, airports, and energy companies.
The hackers say they targeted Stryker in retaliation for US bombing of all-girls school in Iran. They say they have wiped more that 200,000 Stryker systems, servers, and mobile devices and stole 50 terabytes of critical data, forcing Stryker offices in 79 countries to shut down https://t.co/aDqT7DNwg9
Meanwhile, cyber operations have also been used by Western governments. The famous Stuxnet malware, believed to have been developed by the United States and Israel, was used to sabotage Iran’s nuclear program more than a decade ago. These incidents demonstrate how cyber operations have become an established tool of geopolitical competition.
Why healthcare systems are vulnerable to cyber attacks
Healthcare infrastructure presents unique cybersecurity challenges. Modern hospitals rely on thousands of interconnected devices, from imaging machines and robotic surgical tools to wearable monitors and smart infusion pumps. Researchers warn that these Internet-connected medical devices create new security vulnerabilities.
One study on medical device cybersecurity found that attackers can manipulate connected healthcare systems by injecting false data, altering device settings, or disrupting their operation entirely. Another analysis of medical imaging equipment found that cyber intrusions could potentially tamper with diagnostic machines or disable them during critical medical procedures.
Cybersecurity specialists refer to these attacks as “medical device hijacking” or “medjack” in which hackers exploit vulnerabilities in connected hospital devices to gain access to broader networks. Such attacks could theoretically affect everything from hospital imaging systems to life-support equipment.
Hospitals are already under cyber threat
Cyberattacks on healthcare institutions are not new. In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack crippled hospitals and healthcare systems around the world, including Britain’s National Health Service. Hospitals were forced to cancel surgeries, divert ambulances, and revert to paper records after computer systems became inaccessible.
Another example occurred in 2021 when a ransomware attack shut down IT systems across New Zealand’s Waikato District Health Board, severely disrupting hospital operations for weeks. These incidents demonstrate the real-world consequences of cyberattacks on healthcare infrastructure.
Could patient care be affected by cyber attacks?
So far, there is no evidence that the Stryker cyberattack directly disrupted hospital operations. However, experts warn that attacks on medical technology manufacturers can still have major downstream effects. Since companies like Stryker supply equipment used in surgeries, orthopedics and medical imaging, disruptions to their operations could potentially affect:
Device maintenance and updates
Software patches and cybersecurity fixes
Supply chains for surgical tools and implants
Technical support for hospitals
Cybersecurity researchers say that such disruptions could ultimately affect patient care if not quickly resolved.
Experts warn of growing cyber risk
Cybersecurity experts believe the attack may signal a broader shift toward cyber conflict targeting healthcare infrastructure. Analysts warn that geopolitical tensions could encourage hackers to target industries that are both economically significant and symbolically powerful. Healthcare fits both categories.
John Hultquist, Chief Analyst, Google Threat Intelligence Group (formerly Mandiant Intelligence) had said, “State-aligned cyber actors often operate through proxy groups and hacktivists to conduct disruptive attacks while maintaining plausible deniability.” His statement comes from recent threat intelligence analyses by the Google Threat Intelligence Group on state-aligned cyber actors. Hultquist is one of the world’s most cited analysts on nation-state cyber operations, particularly those linked to Iran, Russia and China.
His research frequently examines how geopolitical conflicts spill into cyberspace. His observations about state-aligned hackers operating through proxy or hacktivist groups are based on ongoing intelligence assessments published by cybersecurity firms and government reports over the past decade, especially 2018–2025 threat intelligence briefings on Iranian cyber operations. Threat intelligence analyses consistently describe how nation-state actors use loosely affiliated hacktivist groups to maintain plausible deniability, a strategy widely documented in cyber conflict research.
As per Kevin Fu, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Director of the Archimedes Center for Medical Device Security
Organisation: Northeastern University, “Medical devices and hospital technology are part of critical infrastructure, and vulnerabilities in these systems could have serious safety implications for patients.” This attributes to the ongoing research and regulatory discussions on medical device cybersecurity during the late 2010s and early 2020s.
Fu is one of the most prominent experts on medical device cybersecurity, advising governments and regulators on how to protect connected healthcare technology from cyber threats. He has made similar warnings repeatedly in policy discussions, FDA advisory roles and academic work since roughly 2018 onward, especially regarding medical device cybersecurity risks. His research and policy commentary emphasise that medical devices are part of critical infrastructure and must be protected from cyber threats, a concern echoed in healthcare cybersecurity research and regulatory discussions.
Experts also warn that medical device manufacturers may not always prioritise cybersecurity to the same degree as other sectors such as finance or defence. Connected medical technologies are often designed primarily for clinical performance rather than cybersecurity resilience, leaving potential vulnerabilities.
The future of cybersecurity in healthcare
The attack on Stryker could accelerate efforts to strengthen cybersecurity across the healthcare sector. Governments and regulatory bodies have increasingly pushed medical device manufacturers to incorporate stronger security measures.
These include:
Mandatory cybersecurity testing for medical devices
Continuous software updates and patching
Segmentation of hospital networks
Real-time threat monitoring systems
Experts say that protecting healthcare infrastructure requires cooperation between governments, technology companies, hospitals and cybersecurity firms.
Cyber conflict is becoming the “invisible battlefield”
Perhaps the most important takeaway from the incident is how cyber warfare is reshaping modern conflict. Unlike traditional military attacks, cyber operations can strike targets thousands of miles away, often without clear attribution. This makes them a powerful tool for states and politically motivated groups seeking to disrupt adversaries without triggering full-scale war.
In the case of the suspected Iranian-linked cyberattack on Stryker, experts say the incident illustrates how critical civilian industries, especially healthcare, are increasingly caught in the crossfire of geopolitical cyber conflict. As tensions continue to simmer across the Middle East and beyond, cybersecurity analysts warn that incidents like this may become more common.
For the healthcare industry, the clear message is that protecting hospitals and medical technology from cyber threats is no longer just a technical challenge, it is now a matter of global security.
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/pro-iran-hackers-hit-us-medical-device-giant-stryker-in-shocking-cyberattack-after-israel-strikes/articleshowprint/129475165.cms
------
East Texas lawmaker explains goals of caucus addressing Islam, draws pushback
Mar. 12, 2026
Michael Richardson
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - A new Texas House caucus created to stop Sharia Law is facing pushback.
Over 30 state lawmakers have joined the Sharia Free Texas Caucus. In a statement posted on X (Formerly Twitter), one of the group’s founders, State Rep. Brent Money (R-Greenville), said the caucus is looking to address the teachings of Islam in part by advancing legislation to prohibit Sharia practices they say oppress women or incite violence against non-believers. The caucus also wants to reinforce what they view as the Biblical foundations of Texas.
“We’re just saying, hey, in Texas, we want to be welcoming to people, but you got to be a Texan when you get here,” said Money. He expressed concern over what he said is a growing Islamic influence in the state and wants to ensure there is no parallel legal system in Texas that treats people differently.
“I would say that Islam, the Quran, and the books that they are teaching their children specifically say that the Quran and Islam is the constitution, it is superior to any other constitution,” Money replied when asked if there were two parallel legal systems in Texas.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R-TX) has asked senators to look at ways to prevent Sharia Law in Texas before the next legislative session, which starts in 2027.
Anwar Khalifa, a member of the East Texas Muslim community, said he viewed the caucus as a way to promote hatred against Muslims.
“That means to me Muslim-free Texas is what they want to be,” Khalifa said. “Sharia and Islam and Muslims go hand-in-hand.”
Khalifa added that Sharia Law constitutes religious rules Muslims live by, including taking care of one’s family and electing representatives. That set of rules, he mentioned, does not include oppressing women.
“Part of Sharia Law is you have to follow the rules of the country that you’re in,” Khalifa said. “So, for me to follow Sharia, there is no parallel systems. I’ve got to follow the rules and the laws of this country.”
Money said while the government should protect individuals’ ability to privately worship, he feels “not all religions are created equal.”
“If we’re going to give the religious protections and privileges, then we need to ensure that they’re adding those same things, those same values that are good for our society,” Money added.
Khalifa said the new caucus, as well as current immigration enforcement, creates a concerning environment for Muslims.
“All of this is scary to immigrants, and the Muslim community is primarily an immigrant community,” Khalifa said. “There’s plenty of Muslim hate right now, and it’s just scary.”
According to a Pew Research Center study conducted in 2023-24, about two-thirds of adults in Texas identify as Christians, while two percent are Muslim.
Source: kltv.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.kltv.com/2026/03/12/east-texas-lawmaker-explains-goals-caucus-addressing-islam-draws-pushback/
------
Fire outside Palm Beach County mosque leaves worshippers asking: Was this a message?
Mar.12, 2026
An undocumented man from Honduras is facing an arson charge and an immigration hold after Palm Beach County deputies say he intentionally set a motorbike on fire in the middle of an intersection outside a mosque, as worshippers were arriving for Ramadan prayers.
WATCH: Fire set just as worshippers arrived for Ramadan prayers
Kenneth Espinal Villatoro is charged with second-degree arson in connection with the fire at the intersection of Haven Road and Purdy Lane in unincorporated Palm Beach County, near the Muslim Community of Palm Beach County. He was transported to Palm Beach County Main Jail and is currently on an ICE hold.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office told WPTV's Kayla McDermott that Villatoro has not said he set the fire to send a message to the mosque, but investigators say the case remains open.
PBSO dispatch received a 911 call at approximately 7 p.m. on Monday, reporting that an unknown subject had intentionally lit a bicycle on fire. Deputies responded and observed what appeared to be a fully engulfed motorbike in the middle of the intersection. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue responded and put out the flames.
Noah Tin was among the hundreds of people who showed up Monday to pray during Ramadan when the fire broke out.
"It was raging. It was like it might explode," Tin said.
Tin called 911, and he told McDermott the fire shut down the street in front of the Muslim Community of Palm Beach County.
"Why would you do it in front of a mosque?" Tin said. "I feel like that could be a message, like, you know, a threat to us," Tin said.
Tin said the fire happened at a significant moment for those gathered.
"It happened right before we started breaking our fast," Tin said.
The arrest report notes, when deputies made contact with Villatoro, he had a lighter in his possession. The report also notes that Villatoro displayed no concern for the safety of others, evidenced by the fact that he walked away from his fully engulfed motorbike, endangering the health and safety of other motorists and pedestrians.
Speaking with Reza Tajaliawal, who came to the United States from Iran in 1996, he told McDermott threats to his community are possible, especially given the climate overseas.
"These individuals, we cannot help them. There have been always racist, Islamophobia," Tajaliawal said. "They take actions, which brings nothing by divisions and hate," Tajaliawal said.
Tajaliawal said he wants to make his community's position clear.
"Our fight is for a peaceful world. These actions, has no justification whatsoever, and it's actually hurt for our journey," Tajaliawal said.
McDermott also received a call from CAIR Florida, a civil rights organization, which said it is monitoring the situation. A large burn mark remains on the ground across from the mosque where deputies say the fire was set.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Source: wflx.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.wflx.com/2026/03/11/fire-outside-palm-beach-county-mosque-leaves-worshippers-asking-was-this-message/
------
Washington Intensifies Pressure on Muslim Brotherhood Networks
March 11, 2026
It has become clear that the White House intends to sustain pressure on violent islamist networks operating across the Middle East and beyond.
On March 9, the United States Department of State announced the designation of the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), making it the fourth regional brotherhood chapter to be targeted. The department further declared its intent to designate the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
In January, U.S. State and Treasury departments designated the Lebanese Muslim Brotherhood, also known as the Islamic Group, as both an FTO and a SDGT, while the Egyptian and Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood branches were designated as SDGTs.
These designations decisions follow a November 24, 2025, executive order directing the State Department and the Treasury Department to consider “certain chapters or other subdivisions of the Muslim Brotherhood” for designation.
Sudan’s Muslim Brotherhood Operates a Political and an Armed Wing
The Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood (SMB) consists primarily of the Sudanese Islamic Movement (SIM) and its armed wing, the al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade (BBMB).
SIM arrived in Khartoum in the 1940s as an offshoot of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood before formally organizing in 1954. Under former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, SIM captured key state institutions and embedded itself throughout the officer corps.
In April 2022, several Islamist factions formed the Broad Islamic Current, with SIM reigning as the dominant ideological and organizational force.
The movement’s paramilitary arm, the al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade, traces its lineage to earlier Islamist security structures, including a paramilitary group called the Popular Defense Forces. The brigade emerged as a distinct entity in January 2020, following a 2019 coup that brought down al-Bashir. The United States sanctioned the brigade in September 2025 in an effort to “limit Islamist influence in Sudan and curtail Iran’s regional activities.”
SMB Has Infiltrated the Sudanese Armed Forces
The Sudanese Armed Forces have a long and complicated history with Islamist movements.
Under the 30-year rule of al-Bashir, the regime deliberately integrated Islamist networks into the security apparatus, empowering bodies such as the Popular Defense Forces to defend the government and suppress opposition. While technically separate from the SAF, the al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade has operated alongside government forces and maintains ties to officers linked to the Sudanese Islamic Movement.
When civil war erupted in April 2023 between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the military turned to Islamist-aligned fighters to bolster its ranks. In fact, militants connected to al-Bashir’s political party and other Islamist networks helped break RSF sieges around Khartoum in January 2025.
Washington Needs To Pressure the SAF To Purge Its Ranks of the SMB.
The designation of the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood marks another step in Washington’s broader effort to confront the movement’s global network.
To properly enforce these sanctions, Washington must address the movement’s influence within Sudan’s military. The recent arrest of a Sudanese Armed Forces commander connected to the Muslim Brotherhood is a step in the right direction, but it underscores how deeply these networks remain embedded. The United States should use these designations to press the SAF to continue removing officers and units with documented ties to Islamist movements.
Properly enforced, these designations will help dismantle violent Islamist networks in Sudan and beyond.
Source: fdd.org
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2026/03/11/washington-intensifies-pressure-on-muslim-brotherhood-networks/
-----
Pete Hegseth brings combative style as face of Trump's war in Iran
Mar 12, 2026
Lisa Lambert
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, a military veteran and former Fox News host, has brought a combative style to his moment in the spotlight as de facto spokesman for the war in Iran.
He speaks of how Operation Epic Fury is "crushing the enemy", whom he labels "terrorist cowards".
"We have only just begun to hunt," Hegseth, 45, told one news conference of the US-Israeli strikes, which killed several leaders of the Islamic republic.
"We are punching them while they're down, which is exactly how it should be," he said.
The second-youngest defence secretary in US history, Hegseth has weathered controversies, including revelations he inadvertently divulged details of air strikes in Yemen to a reporter on an app chat, and claims of misconduct aired during his confirmation hearings.
But as the public face of President Donald Trump's largest military action yet in the Middle East, the former morning show host's media skills have come to the fore.
Whereas his predecessors spoke in more measured, technocratic language, Hegseth presents himself as an unapologetic frontman for the world's most powerful military.
Occupying a cabinet position last year rebranded as secretary of war, he projects a sense of invincible American might and what he calls the "warrior ethos".
Hegseth sometimes quotes Christian scripture and refers to the military as "my American brothers".
Matthew Walling, chief executive of the American Security Project, a think tank, told the BBC: "There's a degree of machismo to how he speaks, and that's part of the public image that he presents of himself."
Hegseth's confidence and conviction may appeal to Americans "who are looking for certainty", he said.
The Minneapolis-born, Princeton and Harvard graduate served as an infantry platoon leader in Guantanamo Bay and Iraq, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
He later deployed to Afghanistan as a counterinsurgency instructor in Kabul.
Hegseth's political experience was previously limited to an unsuccessful 2012 run for the Republican Senate nomination in Minnesota. After his military service ended, he returned home and briefly led two veterans' charities.
But it was as co-host of the Fox & Friends weekend show for eight years that he caught the eye of one regular viewer: Donald Trump.
He praised Hegseth's 2024 book, The War on Warriors, for exposing "the leftwing betrayal" of America's military.
Yet he barely won confirmation as defence secretary, even though the Senate is controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans.
The thrice-married father-of-four was grilled about allegations of sexual misconduct, infidelity and heavy drinking, which he cast as a smear campaign.
Critics sought to link his tattoos of symbols from the Crusades with far-right extremism. Hegseth said the body ink merely reflected his Christian faith.
Some also questioned if he had the experience to run a department with a nearly $1tn budget - the largest in the US government – and three million employees.
During Operation Epic Fury, Trump and some members of his administration have been accused of failing to articulate a cohesive rationale for military action in Iran.
Hegseth, though, has repeatedly laid out the operation's objectives: to eliminate Iran's weapons, to destroy Iran's navy and to ensure Iran cannot make nuclear weapons.
But some accused him of insensitivity when he took issue with reporting on US casualties, saying: "When a few drones get through or tragic things happen, it's front-page news. I get it. The press only wants to make the president look bad."
Recent polls indicate many Republican voters approve of Hegseth. Not everyone is impressed, though.
Brett Bruen, president of the Global Situation Room, a crisis communications agency, and a former diplomat with the Obama administration, acknowledged the defence secretary is a skilled communicator.
But he criticised Hegseth's "brashness, the bravado, the bulldozing of questions" in briefings.
"We're at war and we need a leader at the Pentagon who tells us what is happening and why it is happening and what we should be doing to prepare for what comes next," Bruen told the BBC.
"And he seems incapable of providing that basic information."
Hegseth faced his first controversy soon after being sworn in, when a journalist was mistakenly added by another official to a Signal messaging group in which the defence secretary posted details of plans for an attack on the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen.
Members of Congress and others called for him to be fired, saying he had endangered US military members and flouted protocols.
Hegseth, however, clung to his job.
A personal bugbear of his has been ending what he calls "woke garbage" in the military.
During confirmation hearings, the culture warrior was lambasted by Democrats for arguing that diversity policies had degraded the military's fighting capability.
Hegseth has renamed bases and severed defence ties with universities over diversity programmes, including his alma mater, Harvard.
He again drew scrutiny over US raids on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific.
The Pentagon chief rejected claims he gave an order to "kill them all" during a follow-up military strike on a vessel.
In a video, Democratic lawmaker veterans urged the military to refuse any illegal orders.
Hegseth called the clip treasonous and took steps to demote retired Navy Captain and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.
The legal battle over Kelly – one of several lawsuits against Hegseth's defence department – grinds on.
His Pentagon has also rewritten its rules of engagement with the media, imposing new reporting restrictions and banning photojournalists for pictures of Hegseth deemed "unflattering".
But the defence secretary appears intent on showing that he – like his vision for the US military – is not the type to back down from a fight.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2g4e5z0d3o
------
Probe finds US fault in deadly Iran school strike – NYT
11 Mar, 2026
An ongoing military inquiry has found the US preliminarily responsible for a deadly Tomahawk missile strike on an Iranian elementary school that killed at least 175 people, most of them children, the New York Times has reported.
The February 28 strike on the Shajarah Tayyebeh girls’ school came on the first day of the US-Israeli attack on Iran that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian commanders, as well as hundreds of civilians. It is the deadliest single strike in the ongoing campaign so far.
According to the NYT report on Wednesday, citing US military officials familiar with the initial findings, the strike was part of the opening wave of US attacks on facilities used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy in the area.
Investigators believe officers at US Central Command relied on outdated targeting data from the Defense Intelligence Agency that still classified the school building as part of a military compound, even though it had been converted into a school over a decade ago. The site bore clear signs of civilian use, including a sports field, children’s murals and brightly painted walls.
Preliminary findings into why the outdated information was not rechecked suggested it was “unlikely” that the use of new artificial intelligence tools such as Anthropic’s Claude was the primary cause, the paper wrote.
Military targeting typically involves multiple intelligence and operational agencies, with several layers of review intended to confirm each objective, the NYT wrote, citing investigators who say such safeguards can break down in the early stages of a conflict, when large numbers of targets are processed under time pressure.
Investigations by AP, CNN, and the Washington Post have also concluded the US was likely behind the attack. Visual analysis cited by the NYT, including satellite imagery and videos from the scene, indicates the blast was consistent with a Tomahawk impact.
President Donald Trump has denied US responsibility and offered shifting explanations, first suggesting “very inaccurate” Iranian munitions were to blame, then claiming without evidence that Tehran also “has some Tomahawks.” Washington is the only party to the conflict that possesses such weapons. US officials have confirmed the use of Tomahawks – which have a range of up to 1,600km – in strikes on Iran.
The attack has drawn sharp condemnation globally. The UN described the bombing as “a grave assault on children, on education, and on the future of an entire community.” The Russian Foreign Ministry said it “resolutely condemns” the strike, and UNESCO called it “a grave violation” of international humanitarian law. The UN human rights office has urged a full investigation.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/news/634541-us-strike-iran-school/
-----
Africa
Burkina Faso: Islamist Armed Group Commits New Atrocities
March 12, 2026
(Paris) – An Islamist armed group has killed at least 38 civilians, abducted 9 women, and burned property in 3 separate incidents in northeastern Burkina Faso since late January 2026, Human Rights Watch said today. The atrocities by the Al Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimeen, or JNIM) are apparent war crimes.
On January 29, JNIM fighters abducted nine women near Sollé village, North region, and threatened them with rape and death, releasing them the next day. On February 14, JNIM fighters executed at least 34 civilians, burned property, and destroyed telecommunications infrastructure during an attack on a military base in Titao city, North region. On February 22, JNIM fighters executed four shopkeepers and burned their shops after attacking a gendarmerie post in Manni town, East region.
“JNIM brutality against civilians in Burkina Faso has been unrelenting,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The current wave of abuses, targeting communities with perceived ties to militias, reflects blatant contempt for the distinction between combatants and civilians.”
Human Rights Watch remotely interviewed 20 people, including 10 witnesses to the 3 attacks, journalists, civil society members, and villagers.
The attacks appear to have targeted communities perceived to support or have ties with militias that assist the military in counterinsurgency operations, the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (Volontaires pour la Défense de la Patrie, or VDPs).
Since the start of their insurgency in Burkina Faso in 2016, JNIM and other Islamist armed groups have repeatedly attacked civilians and forcibly displaced tens of thousands. The Burkinabè military junta, which took power in 2022, has also targeted civilians during counterinsurgency operations.
The women kidnapped on January 29, ages 29 to 51, had ventured outside the village of Sollé to fetch firewood. Sollé has been under JNIM siege for four years and combustible material has become scarce.
Two survivors said JNIM fighters took the women to an abandoned settlement about five kilometers from Sollé, questioned them over their alleged ties with VDPs, and threatened to rape them. “Two fighters told their commander: ‘These women said they were fetching firewood, but they could be wives of VDPs who came to spy on us,’” said a 42-year-old woman. “They wanted to treat us as war booty.” The women said that the commander intervened saying such acts would require authorization from higher leadership.
The next day, another senior JNIM commander questioned the women about the VDPs in Sollè, including their numbers and positions. A third commander finally authorized their release, but ordered the women to wear veils and warned they would be killed if caught again.
In February, JNIM carried out a large-scale, coordinated campaign against government forces and allied militias across the central Sahel and into Benin, with Burkina Faso as the main focus. The nongovernmental group Armed Conflict Location and Event Data reported that JNIM’s offensive in Burkina Faso included more than 30 attacks with over 120 soldiers, forest guards, and militia members killed.
On February 14, shortly before 7 a.m., hundreds of JNIM fighters entered Titao on motorbikes and pickup trucks. Witnesses said that some attacked the military base, while others moved through the market firing at civilians and burning shops, destroyed telecommunications infrastructure, and blocked the city’s exits.
Residents said that about 200 soldiers from the Rapid Intervention Battallion 21 (Bataillons d’Intervention Rapide 21, or BIR 21) which is involved in counterinsurgency operations, and several hundred militia members are based in Titao.
“I heard the jihadists saying in Mooré language: ‘Didn’t we warn you not to join the VDPs?’” said a 39-year-old man. “‘We are here and we have accessed the heart of Titao!”
Witnesses said JNIM fighters opened fire on all men they found at the market area, but spared women and children. “I hid behind a wall, as men who attempted to run were gunned down before my eyes,” a 37-year-old farmer said. “I lost my uncle – I found his body with his face disfigured from multiple bullet wounds.”
A 37-year-old trader said that he was at the market when he heard gunfire. “I jumped off a wall while the jihadists were shooting behind me,” he said. “I saw my friend and two other men falling under the fire, while I got shot in the leg.”
Human Rights Watch reviewed a list compiled by witnesses of 27 victims, ages 25 to 50. International media reported that 7 Ghanian nationals also died in the attack. Ghana’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that on February 14 saying, “a truck carrying tomato traders from Ghana … was caught in a terrorist attack in Titao.”
The attack also resulted in significant infrastructure damage. Human Rights Watch geolocated a video shared online on February 14, showing a demolished telecommunications tower, in the center of Titao. Human Rights Watch also analyzed satellite imagery from February 14 captured at 11:32 a.m. showing burn marks in the Titao market area and the collapsed telecommunications tower.
“I noticed many men in military uniform near the telecommunications tower, and I thought they were our soldiers until they shouted ‘Allah Akbar’ and began shooting,” said a 40-year-old farmer who hid in his home. “When they left, I saw 15 shops, 3 trucks and 3 buses burned, and the tower down.” Witnesses said some of the shops burned belonged to militia members.
On February 15, Burkina Faso’s state broadcaster reported that the military carried out airstrikes in response to the attack in Titao, with BIR21 soldiers responding on the ground. A week later, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana visited Titao and said authorities were supporting residents with medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
A 43-year-old trader said that on February 22 at about 1 p.m., fighters surrounded the market in Manni, trapping everyone inside. As gunfire erupted at close range, he hid in his shop. “When the attack was over, we discovered the bodies of our friends, each in front of his burned shop with bullet wounds in the heads and chests,” he said. “We covered the bodies with cloth and waited until the night to bury them to the cemetery in four different graves.”
JNIM fighters executed four shopkeepers and burned their stores and attacked the gendarmerie and militia positions. “I heard a jihadist saying over the walkie-talkie, in the Gourmantché language: ‘Do what we were asked to do quickly and we will withdraw fast,’” a 43-year-old nurse said. “A few seconds later, gunshots rang out towards the market.”
Witnesses said JNIM targeted the four men, ages 47 to 61, because their sons had joined the VDPs.
In statements on February 14 and 26, JNIM claimed responsibility for the Titao and Manni attacks, but provided no further information.
All parties to the armed conflict in Burkina Faso are bound by international humanitarian law, notably Common Article 3 to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and customary laws of war. The laws of war prohibit summary executions, attacks on civilians and civilian property, rape and other sexual violence, and looting, among other violations. Serious violations of international humanitarian law committed with criminal intent are war crimes.
“Burkinabé authorities have an obligation to impartially investigate and appropriately prosecute those implicated in war crimes,” Allegrozzi said. “They should seek appropriate international and regional support for this effort.”
Source: hrw.org
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/03/12/burkina-faso-islamist-armed-group-commits-new-atrocities
------
Al-Sunni meets with US Ambassador to the UN
2026-03-11
New York – March 11, 2026 (LANA) – Libya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Taher al-Sunni, discussed the latest developments in Libya and the challenges facing the political process with the US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, during what he described as a constructive meeting. This meeting coincided with the United States assuming the presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of March.
During the meeting, al-Sunni emphasized the importance of continued US engagement in supporting efforts to unify Libyan institutions, which would contribute to advancing the political process and enhancing the prospects for stability in the country.
According to a tweet posted by al-Sunni on his X account on Wednesday, the two sides also discussed recent investment plans in the economic and energy sectors, stressing the importance of these steps as a path that can contribute to achieving peace and stability in Libya.
The two sides also exchanged views on current regional crises and their global repercussions, emphasizing that stability in Libya is a pivotal element in promoting peace and security at both the regional and international levels.
This meeting comes within the framework of ongoing diplomatic consultations regarding the Libyan issue, amid continued international interest in supporting political stability and strengthening the process of building state institutions in the country.
Source: lana.gov.ly
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://lana.gov.ly/post.php?id=352551&lang=en
------
Lagos begins first online pre-marital course for pastors, imams, counsellors
March 11, 2026
Christabel Ndoeche
The Lagos State Government has launched a Religious Pre-Marital Counselling Online Course for pastors, imams and faith-based marriage counsellors to equip them with practical tools to guide couples toward healthier, violence-free marriages.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency announced the initiative in a statement on Wednesday, describing it as part of the state’s commitment to preventing domestic violence by strengthening family foundations before marriages begin.
Marriage preparation in many communities across Lagos often takes place within churches and mosques, making faith leaders key sources of guidance for intending couples.
“Recognising this influence, the programme has been designed to provide counsellors with structured knowledge that combines faith-based perspectives with modern relationship education, helping couples build strong partnerships rooted in communication, respect and accountability,” the agency said.
The course, DSVA added, is delivered through a flexible digital platform featuring self-paced modules, case studies and assessments.
“Delivered through a flexible digital platform, the course enables counsellors to apply practical knowledge to real-life counselling scenarios,” the statement said.
Participants who complete the training will receive certification, aimed at “strengthening professionalism and accountability in faith-based counselling across the state,” DSVA noted.
The curriculum also introduces counsellors to key concepts in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) prevention, including “how to recognise early warning signs of abusive relationships and provide responsible guidance to couples.”
The launch event featured representation from faith and government stakeholders, including “The Anglican Diocese of Lagos, the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society and the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs,” the agency stated.
DSVA said the initiative complements the recently introduced Relationship Health Clinic, “another innovative initiative by the Agency that provides professional psychological support for individuals and couples using the evidence-based RELATE Protocol. This diagnostic framework evaluates key relationship dynamics and helps guide early interventions.”
The Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, highlighted the preventive focus of the programme.
“Domestic violence does not begin in the courtroom. In many cases, it begins long before marriage. By strengthening the quality of pre-marital counselling within our faith institutions, we are helping couples build marriages founded on respect, safety and shared responsibility,” she said.
She further emphasised the importance of partnership in tackling domestic violence: “Preventing domestic violence requires collective responsibility.
“By partnering with faith institutions, we are strengthening marriages at their foundation and building communities where homes remain safe and supportive for everyone.”
Through these initiatives, the Lagos State Government said it is reinforcing its “Zero Tolerance policy for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, while promoting healthy marriages and stable families” across the state.
Source: punchng.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://punchng.com/lagos-begins-first-online-pre-marital-course-for-pastors-imams-counsellors/
-----
French aid worker among three killed in DR Congo air strike
March 11, 2026
A French aid worker for the UN children's agency has been killed in an air strike in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in a city controlled by the Rwanda-backed M23 militia.
Since taking up arms again in 2021, the M23 has seized swathes of the mineral-rich Congolese east with Rwanda's backing, unleashing a fresh spiral of violence in a region long plagued by fighting.
Despite Rwanda and the DRC signing a peace deal at US President Donald Trump's urging in early December, in the latest attempt to end the conflict, clashes between the M23 and Congolese army have continued.
Humanitarian sources reported that several buildings had been targeted in overnight drone strikes, which UN peacekeeping force MONUSCO said also killed two civilians.
The strikes' origin remained unclear.
The Congolese army, stationed some several hundred kilometres from Goma, regularly launches long-range drone strikes on the M23's positions in the east.
According to security sources, the M23 likewise makes use of explosive drones at the front.
The sound of bomb blasts and buzzing drones rang out in several residential neighbourhoods of Goma, a large provincial capital near the border with Rwanda which the M23 seized in a lightning offensive in early 2025, witnesses said.
European Union crisis management commissioner Hadja Lahbib said on X that "a drone strike hit a residential building in Goma" where aid workers and EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid staff live.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that "a French UNICEF humanitarian worker has been killed in Goma. I extend the nation's support and sympathy to her family, loved ones and colleagues".
He urged "respect for humanitarian law and for the personnel who are on the ground and committed to saving lives".
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said the agency was "devastated and outraged by the killing of our colleague Karine Buisset in a reported drone attack".
"Civilians, including aid workers, must never be targeted," she said on X.
- House hit -
Humanitarian sources and rescuers at the site told AFP Buisset was killed during an overnight strike on a house where she was staying.
The building is in Himbi, a residential neighbourhood of Goma on the shores of Lake Kivu where many expatriates, staff members and headquarters of humanitarian organisations are based.
Large residences in the area were requisitioned by M23 leaders after they seized the city.
Security sources contacted by AFP said they believed the strikes were targeting officials or allies of the armed group and that the house where the aid worker was staying was hit by mistake.
The sources said former president Joseph Kabila, whom Kinshasa has sentenced to death in absentia for his alleged M23 support, has a residence nearby.
One humanitarian worker told AFP he heard two explosions: the first was preceded by the sound of drones, then a second one, followed by the sound of a drone moving away from the site.
Firefighters, United Nations employees and officials from the M23 were present at the severely damaged and partially burnt-out site early Wednesday.
No debris of a drone or projectile has yet been identified, emergency teams said.
An M23 spokesman on X accused Kinshasa of carrying out the strike. Congolese authorities have yet to make a statement.
- Key minerals -
For three decades, the mineral-rich Congolese east has been riven by fighting between dozens of armed groups, with foreign armies wading in from time to time.
A half-dozen ceasefires hoping to end the M23 conflict have been brokered before being broken in short order.
In early March, the M23 announced the death of one of its spokesmen, Willy Ngoma, in a drone strike near the Rubaya mine in North Kivu province.
The mine is under the M23's control and a key source of revenue for the armed group.
UN experts believe Rwanda uses the M23 to help control the Congolese east's rich veins of critical minerals, notably the coltan key to the manufacture of mobile phones and electric car batteries.
In early March, the United States announced sanctions against the Rwandan army as a result of its support for the M23.
Rwanda denies backing the group but says it faces an existential threat from the presence in the eastern DRC of armed groups linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide of the Tutsis.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2026/03/11/french-aid-worker-among-three-killed-in-dr-congo-air-strike/
------
Troops Recapture Borno Military Base After Boko Haram Attack
March 12, 2026
The Nigerian military has successfully recaptured its Forward Operating Base in Ngoshe town, located in Gwoza, Borno State, following a renewed offensive against insurgents.
The operation was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), as well as local vigilantes and hunters.
The development comes days after Boko Haram terrorists attacked the town last week, killing 14 soldiers and several civilians.
During the assault, the insurgents also reportedly abducted more than 100 women and children, raising fresh concerns about the security situation in the North-East.
A military source revealed to Daily Trust that troops initially mobilised to secure the area were forced to temporarily withdraw after detecting preparations for a large-scale counterattack by insurgents.
According to the source, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) had earlier visited Pulka, from where about 200 troops were mobilised into Ngoshe to assess the security situation.
The source said: “At least 60 soldiers were left behind, but they later retreated to Pulka when they noticed the movement of a large number of terrorists planning a counterattack.”
He added that the brigade commander in Gwoza later reassured the troops of additional support, leading to a renewed offensive.
“Today we were able to recapture Ngoshe after engaging the remaining insurgents in a gun battle,” the source said.
According to him, the town is now fully under the control of the military.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd) on Wednesday summoned Nigeria’s service chiefs to Abuja following the resurgence of terrorist attacks in Borno State.
During the meeting, the defence minister said the military leadership had agreed to review operational strategies in order to intensify the fight against insurgents.
“We know we have recorded some casualties but it is more on the side of terrorists,” the retired four-star general stated before the meeting went into a closed-door session.
Security sources also disclosed that no fewer than three commanding officers with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel were recently killed during attacks by terrorists in Borno.
Apart from the senior officers, scores of soldiers were also killed, while hundreds of civilians abducted during recent raids remain in captivity.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/12/troops-recapture-borno-military-base-after-boko-haram-attack/
------
Defence Minister Summons Service Chiefs Over Rising Attacks
March 11, 2026
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has summoned all Service Chiefs to an urgent meeting.
Naija News reports that the summon follows fresh attacks on military bases in the North-East.
The meeting is currently taking place at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja, where top military leaders gathered to discuss the security situation and review the military’s response to the growing threat from terrorists in the region.
Among those present are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. Also in attendance are the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass.
Representatives of the National Intelligence Agency and other security officials are also part of the meeting.
The gathering follows recent deadly attacks carried out by terrorists in Borno State, where at least three commanding officers with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel lost their lives.
Several soldiers were also killed during the assaults on military formations in the area.
In addition to the military casualties, many civilians were abducted during the attacks and are still being held by the insurgents.
Before the meeting continued behind closed doors, the Defence Minister told the gathering that the military leadership had agreed to review its current operational plans in order to deal with the terrorists more effectively.
He admitted that the armed forces had suffered losses during recent operations but maintained that the terrorists had also taken heavy casualties.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2026/03/11/defence-minister-summons-servi
-----
Southeast Asia
Indonesia Disburses $3.3 Billion Ramadan Bonus for State Employees
Addin Anugrah Siwi
March 11, 2026
Jakarta. The Indonesian government has disbursed nearly half of its Rp 55 trillion ($3.3 billion) Ramadan bonus for civil servants, police officers, and military personnel, Deputy Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara said on Wednesday.
The annual bonus — equivalent to one month’s salary — is intended to help government employees prepare for Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. The benefit is provided to all government workers and retirees, including non-Muslims.
“As of March 10, Rp 24.7 trillion, or about 45% of the total Rp 55 trillion allocation, has been distributed as the holiday allowance,” Suahasil said during a press conference in Jakarta.
The payments will reach more than 10 million recipients, including both current and retired employees from central and regional government institutions.
Suahasil urged all government agencies to ensure that the bonuses are paid to their employees before Eid al-Fitr.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said this year’s budget for the bonus increased by around 10% compared with Rp 49 trillion allocated last year.
The disbursement began on Feb. 26 and will continue in stages until no later than one week before Eid al-Fitr, which is expected to fall on March 21.
Airlangga said around 2.4 million central government employees, including civil servants, police officers, and military personnel, will receive bonuses totaling Rp 22.2 trillion. About 4.3 million regional government employees will receive Rp 20.2 trillion, while roughly 3.8 million retirees nationwide will receive payments totaling Rp 12.7 trillion.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://jakartaglobe.id/business/indonesia-disburses-33-billion-ramadan-bonus-for-state-employees
-----
Sultan of Pahang urges SMEs to seize halal certification to boost market confidence
12 Mar 2026
KUANTAN, March 12 — The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has called on small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity to obtain halal certification to strengthen consumer confidence and expand their market reach.
His Royal Highness said halal certification should not be seen as a burden but as a long-term investment that ensures quality, integrity and broader market opportunities at both national and international levels.
“The initiative to speed up the halal certification approval process, which can now be completed in about 30 days compared with 90 days previously, is a positive step in facilitating applications and empowering the halal industry in the state,” he said in a post on the Sultanate of Pahang Facebook page yesterday.
According to the post, the Sultan said this in his speech when proclaiming the Kampung Simpang Tebing Tinggi Mosque in Jerantut as the Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Mosque.
The Sultan also said the Pahang Islamic Religious Department is ready to guide traders seeking halal certification.
Meanwhile, His Royal Highness also reminded Muslims to always observe the boundaries of halal and haram in all aspects of life to ensure blessings and well-being in society.
He stressed that the concept of halal extends beyond food and has evolved into a broader ecosystem encompassing various sectors, including business, finance, medicine, logistics and lifestyle.
“Halal is not just about a logo or stamp on a product. Halal is about trust, integrity and the blessings of life,” he said.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also called on traders, manufacturers, restaurant operators and all parties in the halal industry chain to uphold this trust responsibly and not exploit the sensitivities of Muslims.
He expressed hope that the authorities would continue strengthening enforcement against violations in the halal certification system and take firm action against those who attempt to manipulate it for personal gain.
In another message, the Sultan advised women in the state not to rush into marriage, particularly when it involves foreign spouses.
His Royal Highness said there has recently been an increasing trend of marriages between local women and foreign nationals.
While such unions are permissible under Islamic law if conducted legally, he stressed the importance of ensuring they are built on faith, honesty and responsibility.
The Sultan said choosing the wrong partner can have lasting consequences on family life, urging women to thoroughly examine the background, occupation and capabilities of their prospective partners before making such a major decision.
Al-Sultan Abdullah added that families should serve as a source of advice and guidance, as important decisions such as marriage require careful and mature consideration.
“Marriage should be the door to happiness, not a path to hardship. Choose a life partner with sound judgment and strong faith so that the household built will bring peace and blessings,” said His Royal Highness. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/03/12/sultan-of-pahang-urges-smes-to-seize-halal-certification-to-boost-market-confidence/212320
------
Dr Wan Azizah says Ramadan should inspire compassion and support for the needy
12 Mar 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 — The month of Ramadan should serve as a platform to deepen compassion and extend support to the less fortunate, said Prime Minister’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
She said Ramadan was not merely a time to endure hunger and thirst, but also an opportunity to cleanse the heart, deepen faith and cultivate empathy for those facing difficulties.
“Ramadan teaches us to be more patient, more pious, and show greater concern for the hardships faced by others, while helping us appreciate every blessing bestowed by Allah SWT,” she said at the Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia’s (AIM) Nur Ramadan and Iftar Jamaie programme here yesterday.
Also present were Political Secretary to the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Datuk Rizalman Mokhtar, chairman of the AIM Board of Trustees, Datuk Seri Syed Hussian Syed Junid and AIM chief executive officer Noor Aeiza Hassan.
Meanwhile, Dr Wan Azizah, who is also the Bandar Tun Razak MP, highlighted the responsibilities of a leader, stressing that leadership was not merely about governing, but about shouldering the trust of the people with full responsibility and compassion.
She said that leaders today must always reach out to the people and find ways to improve the lives of those in need, particularly low-income families.
Dr Wan Azizah also expressed her appreciation to AIM for their efforts in helping hundreds of thousands of low-income families improve their living standards through micro-financing and entrepreneurship development programmes.
According to her, with the assistance, many women who had previously faced hardships were now able to start small businesses, support their families, and provide a better future for their children.
“This effort is very much in line with the spirit of Islam, which emphasises both economic development and support for those in need,” she said.
At the event, Dr Wan Azizah also presented contributions of RM100 each to 520 recipients, including orphans, members of the asnaf group from the Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary constituency, as well as Sahabat Usahawan AIM. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/03/12/dr-wan-azizah-says-ramadan-should-inspire-compassion-and-support-for-the-needy/212299
------
HLB Islamic unveils new brand identity, launches ‘Hayat’ wealth stewardship proposition
11 Mar 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 — Hong Leong Islamic Bank has refreshed its consumer-facing brand identity as HLB Islamic, alongside a strengthened core proposition that encourages customers to manage wealth through a Shariah-guided lifecycle approach.
The move marks a new chapter for the bank, anchored by the philosophy ‘Timeless Principles Guiding Tomorrow’s Wealth’, introduced during its 20th anniversary last December.
HLB Islamic’s Hayat @ HLB Islamic proposition reframes financial services as a holistic journey rather than a series of individual products, integrating all offerings into a single vision of wealth stewardship guided by Shariah principles.
According to Kevin Lam, Group Managing Director & CEO of Hong Leong Bank (HLB), the transition aims to scale HLB Islamic’s Shariah-compliant franchise as a primary growth engine while serving as a unified gateway for customers within the broader Hong Leong Financial Group ecosystem.
“Our transition to HLB Islamic is a deliberate step to foster deeper brand affinity with our diverse clientele and a clear declaration of our intent to scale our Shariah-compliant franchise into a primary engine of growth for HLB,” Lam said.
“By aligning our Islamic banking identity more closely with the core HLB brand, we are making our Shariah-compliant solutions more intuitive, accessible, and digitally integrated.
“Looking ahead, our goal is for HLB Islamic to be the preferred gateway for wealth stewardship in Malaysia, demonstrating that value-based solutions that are truly customer-centric can lead the market in both innovation and resonance,” he added.
The Hayat @ HLB Islamic framework integrates the bank’s full suite of products along five pillars of Islamic Wealth Stewardship, supporting customers across their financial lifecycle.
The journey begins with Wealth Creation and Accumulation, helping customers generate purpose-driven wealth from their first paycheck and invest in Shariah-compliant assets.
It is secured by Wealth Protection, which safeguards against financial uncertainty, and enriched by Wealth Purification, which encourages ethical stewardship through giving.
The final pillar, Wealth Distribution, focuses on legacy planning, allowing customers to pass on both financial assets and values to future generations.
Dafinah Ahmed Hilmi, CEO of HLB Islamic, said the initiative reflects the bank’s responsibility to help customers manage wealth responsibly throughout different life stages.
“We understand that our customers entrust us with the fruits of their success and the security of their family’s future. It is a responsibility that requires us to be incredibly thoughtful, and this realization is what led us to launch Hayat @ HLB Islamic,” Dafinah said.
“We believe that financial planning should be grounded in a long-term wealth stewardship mindset; by building our solutions around the various life stages of our customers, we ensure that this journey is simple, seamless, and intuitive,” she added.
She also highlighted the holistic principles of Islamic banking: “There is an inherent beauty in Islamic banking. Its principles offer a holistic and dignified view of wealth, connecting every financial decision with a balanced responsibility toward society.
“Grounded in Maqasid al-Shariah foundations, Hayat @ HLB Islamic integrates the full arc of a life journey, from a child’s first savings to legacy planning, ensuring the path is not only profitable but purposeful.”
In line with this commitment, customers can now access Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf services directly through the HLB Connect app, removing the need to navigate external platforms and enabling contributions as part of everyday banking.
To celebrate the launch, HLB Islamic is offering an exclusive promotion for customers to embark on their Hayat journey with a chance to visit their “Destinasi Impian” (“dream destination”) in Japan, China, or Vietnam by engaging with eligible products across any of the five Hayat @ HLB Islamic pillars.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2026/03/11/hlb-islamic-unveils-new-brand-identity-launches-hayat-wealth-stewardship-proposition/212248
-----
Jakim to hold ‘solat hajat’ for global peace after Friday prayers amid Gulf turmoil
11 Mar 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 — The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) will hold Solat Hajat (special prayer of needs) for global peace, after Friday prayers (March 13) at the National Mosque, here, as well as at Putra Mosque and Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque in Putrajaya.
Its director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, in a statement today, said that Solat Hajat is being held in response to a call by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan, for Muslims to perform the prayers to seek peace and well-being.
He added that Solat Hajat is being organised following the escalating conflict situation in West Asia, which calls for the concern and solidarity of Muslims worldwide, to continue praying for global peace and well-being.
He said this is particularly significant as Muslims are now entering the last 10 nights of Ramadan.
“May the prayers and supplications offered by Muslims during this blessed month of Ramadan be accepted by Allah SWT, and become a means for the preservation of peace, security and global well-being,” Sirajuddin said. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/03/11/jakim-to-hold-solat-hajat-for-global-peace-after-friday-prayers-amid-gulf-turmoil/212238
------
Sultan Pahang urges Muslims to return to Quranic teachings
11 Mar 2026
Sultan of Pahang calls for a return to the Quran and Prophet’s guidance to address global challenges and strengthen unity within the Muslim community.
KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has called on Muslims in the country to return to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad in facing today’s global challenges.
His Royal Highness emphasised that at a time when parts of the world are shaken by conflict and war, Muslims everywhere feel the pain and suffering of the Ummah.
“At such a juncture, the most appropriate response for us as believers is to return to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet,” he said in his address at the World #QuranHour programme held at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
The Sultan also reminded Muslims to seek Allah’s guidance and protection for Muslims wherever they may be while striving to strengthen unity within the Ummah.
Commenting on the World #QuranHour initiative, Al-Sultan Abdullah said the hope is not merely for people to recite the Quran but also to strive to understand the message of the greatest miracle bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad.
His Royal Highness added that the Quran was revealed in Arabic, a language that unites Muslims across nations, cultures and races.
“Regardless of our background, it binds us together as one Ummah,” he said.
The organiser of the programme and founder of the Warisan Ummah Ikhlas Foundation (WUIF), Datuk Hussamuddin Yaacub, said the Sultan’s statement was in line with the theme of this year’s World #QuranHour Programme, which is ‘Shaping Humanity Before Building the World’.
He said the conflicts currently taking place in West Asia showed the failure of leaders in the region to uphold Islamic values as emphasised in the teachings of the Quran.
Also present at the programme were Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, Deputy Minister of Economy Datuk Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah, IIUM President Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Hussain and IIUM Rector Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Osman Bakar.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/sultan-pahang-urges-muslims-to-return-to-quranic-teachings/
------
Palestine fund surpasses RM113mil with new corporate donations
11 Mar 2026
Malaysia’s humanitarian fund for Palestine receives RM10.35 million from GLCs, bringing total to RM113 million, with RM86 million already spent on aid.
PUTRAJAYA: The Humanitarian Trust Fund for the People of Palestine (AAKRP) has received an additional RM10.35 million in contributions from several government-linked and corporate entities.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced that this latest injection brings the total funds collected so far to RM113 million.
He confirmed that RM86 million of the total has already been spent to deliver humanitarian aid directly to the Palestinian people without any operational cost deductions.
“The fund is managed by a committee chaired by the ministry’s secretary-general, and is also audited with periodic reports submitted to the Cabinet,” Mohamad told a press conference.
The latest contributors include Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Media Prima Bhd, Telekom Malaysia, Berjaya Corporation, Kuala Lumpur Kepong and Pelaburan Hartanah Berhad.
Mohamad stated that the funds are channelled to various international organisations and NGOs involved in humanitarian aid operations in Palestine.
Among the recipient organisations are the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Malaysian NGOs under the Ops Ihsan initiative.
The government has also recently approved a separate allocation of RM9.6 million to Ops Ihsan to be channelled to various NGOs carrying out humanitarian operations in Gaza and elsewhere.
Mohamad reiterated that the AAKRP remains open to receive contributions from the public through the account details listed on the Foreign Ministry’s website.
He stressed that Malaysia will continue to voice its principled stand in supporting the Palestinian cause at the international level.
This advocacy includes promoting the two-state solution to ensure Palestinians have their own sovereign state and government.
Malaysia also condemns the crimes against humanity taking place in Gaza and the West Bank.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim himself has been very vocal in expressing Malaysia’s principled stand,” Mohamad added.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/palestine-fund-surpasses-rm113-million-with-new-corporate-donations/
-------
South Asia
Two Martyred, Scores of Houses Destroyed in Pak Military Regime’s Attacks in Khost, Fitrat Says
March 12, 2026
KABUL: Two civilians have been martyred and dozens of houses destroyed after the Pakistani military regime carried out attacks in Khost province.
Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, said in a statement the other day that Pakistani forces launched artillery and mortar strikes targeting residential areas in Machai, Atakhail, Manzai, Hozai, Swaki, Tiaki, and Qabaylo Ghund areas of the Zazi Maidan district of Khost province.
He condemned the attacks as a violation of Afghan territory and said such actions harm civilians and escalate tensions along the border.
Meanwhile, authorities called for an end to attacks on civilian areas and urged respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/two-martyred-scores-of-houses-destroyed-in-pak-military-regimes-attacks-in-khost-fitrat-says/
------
Afghanistan Offers Secure, Favorable Environment for Foreign Investment, Azizi Says
March 12, 2026
KABUL: Nooruddin Azizi, the Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate, in a meeting with Yuxiao Yong, the Special Representative of China for Afghanistan, discussed expanding trade ties and exploring new investment opportunities in the country.
Azizi emphasized that Afghanistan currently offers a secure and favorable environment for foreign investment and encouraged Chinese investors to take advantage of opportunities across various sectors of the Afghan economy for the mutual benefit of both countries, according to a statement from the ministry on Wednesday.
The minister also called for increased facilitation of Afghan exports to China, particularly products such as cotton, pomegranates, pine nuts, and precious and semi-precious stones.
He further stressed the need for improved customs, transit, and transportation arrangements between the two countries to strengthen bilateral trade.
Meanwhile, Yong noted the growing interest of Chinese traders and investors in entering the Afghan market.
He described Afghanistan, within China’s strategic outlook, as a country with abundant untapped investment potential.
The two sides also highlighted the important role of relevant institutions in both countries in supporting the private sector and advancing economic cooperation.
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/afghanistan-offers-secure-favorable-environment-for-foreign-investment-azizi-says/
-----
Uzbekistan Approves Preferential Trade Agreement with Afghanistan
March 12, 2026
KABUL: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a preferential trade agreement with Afghanistan, Radio Television of Afghanistan reported on Wednesday.
Under the agreement, Uzbekistan will facilitate trade for Afghan merchants and remove customs tariffs on 14 categories of Afghan export goods, the TV said.
Bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan reached $1.6 billion in 2025, marking a 45.5 percent increase compared to 2024.
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/uzbekistan-approves-preferential-trade-agreement-with-afghanistan/
-----
Japan Provides $2 Million Aid for Returning Afghan Migrants
March 12, 2026
KABUL: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a statement the other day that Japan has contributed $2 million to support Afghan migrants returning from Iran and Pakistan.
UNHCR said more than 116,000 people will benefit from the assistance. About 23,000 individuals will receive cash aid to cover food, rent, and other urgent living expenses.
The announcement comes as the return of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan has risen significantly in the past two years, and in 2025 alone, more than 2.8 million Afghans returned to the country.
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/japan-provides-2-million-aid-for-returning-afghan-migrants/
-----
Kabul, Muscat Emphasize Diplomacy as Key to Solving Regional Issues
March 12, 2026
KABUL: The country’s Foreign Minister, Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, discussed bilateral relations and regional developments.
The two sides emphasize diplomacy as key to solving regional issues, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the two ministers described the latest tensions in the Middle East as concerning and condemned and called aggression by the United States and the Israeli Regime against Iran and the expansion of conflict in the region.
They also discussed the recent situation between Afghanistan and the Pakistani military regime, the statement said.
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/kabul-muscat-emphasize-diplomacy-as-key-to-solving-regional-issues/
-----