Yogi Adityanath Warns Of 'Love Jihad, Land Jihad' In Assam, Says Only Nda Can Stop Demographic Shift
New Age Islam News Bureau
04 April 2026
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath (File photo)
--------
· Yogi Adityanath warns of ‘love jihad, land jihad’ in Assam, says only NDA can stop demographic shift
· US intelligence warns Iran unlikely to ease Hormuz Strait chokehold soon, sources say
· Saudi king issues decree appointing 218 judges to strengthen judiciary
· Caucasus Muslims Office chair offers condolences for civilian losses in Iran
· Trump’s ‘just for fun’ strikes on Iran could be ‘war crime’ – experts
· Yusufu Turaki: Nigeria won’t have peace as long as some states practise Sharia
· Anwar open to discussion with opposition, others on global energy crisis
· Islamic Emirate Condemns Israeli Law on Palestinian Prisoners’ Execution
------
India
· Muslim youth beaten up, high drama before police station over allegations of ‘love jihad’ in Hubballi
· Trinamool, BJP in war of words over political links of Malda ‘mastermind’
· ‘No safety for women in Kerala’: BJP candidate alleges govt turned a blind eye to love jihad
· ‘Muslim organisations want to make India an Islamic country’: Giriraj Singh amid BJP’s UCC push in Assam
· Will challenge Gujarat UCC in court: AIMPLB
· ‘Painful memories of such encounters got revived’: Mirwaiz on Kashmiri man’s death during Army action
· LG Manoj Sinha orders probe into Ganderbal 'encounter' after family cries foul
· Uttar Pradesh ATS busts Pakistan-linked terror module, four arrested over plot to hit railway network
------
Mideast
· UN: Three Indonesian peacekeepers wounded in Lebanon
· Bahrain postpones vote on UN resolution aimed at reopening Strait of Hormuz
· Israel medics report one wounded after Iranian missile attack
· Israel says striking Hezbollah sites in Beirut after destroying bridge
· Iran, US race to find crew member of crashed American fighter jet
· Iranian engineers mourn their tallest bridge, bombed by Trump
· Syria says Israeli tank fire kills man in country’s south
------
Arab World
· The rise of the ‘side-hustle’ generation in Saudi Arabia
· Saudi ambassador to UK attends Saudi-British joint business council
· Saudi crown prince meets FIFA chief to advance sports cooperation
· Saudi Arabia’s Mawhiba math contest to boost students’ skills
· KSrelief mobile clinics in Abs serve 185 Yemenis
· Italian PM Meloni meets crown prince on Saudi visit
· Saudi ambassador meets AGFUND delegation in Tunis
-----
Europe
· France's Muslim gathering ban overturned by courts
· Muslim graves wrecked by flooding in Glasgow cemetery
· Kingstanding Islamic centre attacked again - 48 hours after racist graffiti daubed on walls
· South Lakes Islamic Centre gives tour of building in video
· Azerbaijan dispatches another humanitarian aid shipment to Iran
· Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires
· Russia chose 'Easter escalation' over ceasefire, says Zelensky
-----
North America
· CAIR Condemns Illegal Israeli Settler Attack on Palestinian Shop, Raid with Dogs on Mosque in
· West Bank, Forcing Kidnapped Palestinian to Advertise Jewelry Business
· Albuquerque man faces battery charge after viral video of anti-Islam outburst
· A Wisconsin mosque president was detained by ICE agents. Supporters say he was targeted for speaking out against Israel
· US pilot rescued after fighter jet downed over Iran, US media report
· Rescue team in Iran face 'harrowing and dangerous' search for US crew member
· Trump seeks $1.5tn for defence alongside domestic spending cuts
· US state toughens ‘conversion therapy’ ban despite Supreme Court ruling
-------
Africa
· Islamist rebels kill at least 43 in overnight raid in DR Congo
· Alaafin donates hospital beds, equipment to Oyo Muslim community
· Libya’s grand mufti accuses authorities over mosque destruction
· Gaddafi family demands swift justice over Saif al-Islam killing
· South Sudanese Christians hold Good Friday march for peace
· Burkina Faso’s Traoré rejects democracy, extends military rule
· Troops Neutralise Three Terrorists, Arrest Suspected Arsonists In Plateau
-------
Southeast Asia
· King, Queen convey condolences on passing of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik
· JAKIM: No compromise on violations of halal certification conditions
· Anwar urges Malaysians to stay grateful, united amid economic growth and global pressures
· Malaysia to pilot AI learning in Islamic and higher education institutions
· Malaysia’s 2026 haj preparations on track, says minister
· From S$1,000 runner to S$1m kingpin: Singaporean loan shark boss jailed over China-based empire
· Anwar: State leaders entitled to salaries, my decision not to take pay is personal choice
-----
South Asia
· True freedom means restoring people’s right to livelihood: – Chief Whip of Jatiya Sangsad Nurul Islam, Bangladesh
· Bangladesh–US ties matter more than ever: Paul Kapur
· UNICEF to Increase, Accelerate Aid for Displaced Families
· IEA Delegation in China for Talks with Pakistani Officials
· IEA Calls for Urgent Support as Over 27,000 Families Displaced
· Dropped ordinances: Hard-earned reforms at risk
· WHO Airlifts 78 Tonnes of Medical Supplies to Afghanistan From Dubai
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
------
Yogi Adityanath warns of ‘love jihad, land jihad’ in Assam, says only NDA can stop demographic shift
Apr 4, 2026
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath (File photo)
------------
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that only the BJP-led NDA can free Assam from infiltrators and prevent demographic change.
Asserting that BJP governments deliver what is promised, he said it would ensure “Virasat-Vikash” (heritage and development) stay together.
Addressing back-to-back rallies in Barpeta and Barchalla, the BJP leader alleged that the Congress had failed to protect the state and its people during its long tenure in power.
“The Congress had been in power for 60 years in Assam. But it only encouraged infiltration, violence and riots. It put the local culture and heritage under threat,” he said, campaigning for Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) candidate Dipak Kumar Das in Barpeta.
He also targeted the AIUDF, charging it with encouraging infiltrators and aiming to come to power with their support.
“The Congress and AIUDF are working together to compromise the culture and heritage of the state,” he said.
The UP chief minister asserted that the NDA government would ensure peace and protection in the state.
“Each infiltrator will be identified and driven out. BJP-led NDA will not allow love jihad and land jihad and any change in the demography,” he said.
Adityanath said the NDA would ensure “virasat-vikash” (heritage and development) stay together, as it has done in states where it is in power.
“Assam has witnessed a massive transformation in the last 10 years, and I urge your sustained support for the NDA in this election,” he said.
Citing the example of his state, Adityanath claimed that there have been no riots or curfew in the northern state in the last nine years of BJP regime.
“No one can read namaz on the roads. No one can shout out from any place of worship in Uttar Pradesh anymore,” he said.
The construction of the Ram temple is another instance of the BJP delivering on its promise, the UP CM added.
Taking a swipe at the Congress over the cancellation of its Barpeta candidate’s nomination, he said the party had “fled the battlefield even before the election”.
In another rally in support of the BJP’s Ritubaran Sarma in Barchalla of Sonitpur district, Adityanath maintained that it was only the saffron party-led governments that keep their promises to the people.
He said the NDA government in Assam has restored peace and ensured development, while also taking decisive steps against infiltration.
“Earlier, rations meant for the poor were eaten up by the infiltrators. But now, people are getting free food grains, LPG cylinders and electricity, health insurance and jobs. All these have been possible due to the ‘double engine’ government of PM Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma,” he maintained.
Connectivity has received a major boost with improved and expanded roads, railways, air and inland waterways, he said.
Women’s empowerment and employment for youths have been secured in the last 10 years, he added.
Adityanath also emphasised that the BJP has ensured recognition and respect for the luminaries of the state, from legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan to musical maestro Bhupen Hazarika.
It also worked to protect and enhance the spiritual and religious heritage of Assam, from developing the birthplace of Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardev to starting work on a direct corridor to the Kamakhya temple, he said.
From a state popular globally for its tea, Assam will now also be known for the chips from the upcoming semiconductor unit here, the UP chief minister said.
“For security, jobs, women empowerment, good governance and prosperity, I urge the people of the state to once again vote for a BJP-led NDA government,” he added.
Elections to the 126-member Assembly will be held on April 9, and votes counted on May 4.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/yogi-adityanath-love-jihad-land-jihad-in-assam-elections-10618347/
-----
US intelligence warns Iran unlikely to ease Hormuz Strait chokehold soon, sources say
April 03, 2026
Experts warn that military action to reopen strait carries high risks and may not succeed. (REUTERS)
-----------
WASHINGTON: Recent US intelligence reports warn that Iran is unlikely to open the Strait of Hormuz any time soon because its grip on the world’s most vital oil artery provides the only real leverage it has over the United States, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
The finding suggests that Tehran could continue to throttle the strait to keep energy prices high as a means of pressuring US President Donald Trump to find a quick off-ramp to the nearly five-week-long war that remains unpopular with US voters. The reports also provide the latest indication that the war, intended to eradicate Iran’s military strength, may actually increase its regional sway by showing Tehran’s ability to threaten the key waterway. Trump has sought to downplay the difficulty of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which carries a fifth of the world’s oil trade. On Friday, he appeared to suggest that he could order US forces to reopen the passage.
“With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE,” he posted on his Truth Social platform.
But analysts have long warned that trying to use force against Iran, which controls one side of the strait, could prove costly and draw the US into a protracted ground war.
“In the attempt to try to prevent Iran from developing a weapon of mass destruction, the US handed Iran a weapon of mass disruption,” said Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, a conflict-prevention organization.
Tehran, Vaez said, understands its ability to drive world energy markets through its chokehold on the strait “is much more potent than even a nuclear weapon.”
Trump’s stance on potential US involvement in reopening the strait has shifted. On one hand, he has made ending Iran’s chokehold a ceasefire precondition, but then he called on Gulf oil-dependent countries and NATO allies to take the lead in reopening it.
A White House official, who requested anonymity, said Trump is “confident that the strait will be open very soon” and has been clear that Iran would not be allowed to regulate waterway traffic after the war.
But the official noted that Trump also has said that other countries “have far more at stake in preventing this outcome” than the US
The CIA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Iran’s out-gunned Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has used various tactics to make commercial transit through the waterway too dangerous or uninsurable since Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched their war on February 28. From attacking civilian vessels and releasing mines to demanding passage fees, Iran has effectively blocked traffic through the strait, sending world oil prices soaring to multi-year highs and causing fuel shortages in countries reliant on Gulf oil and gas. Rising energy costs risk fueling inflation in the US, posing a political liability for Trump as he faces dismal poll numbers and his Republican Party girds for mid-term congressional elections in November.
Iran, the recent intelligence reports warn, is unlikely to surrender that leverage any time soon, according to the three sources. They declined to elaborate on which agencies produced the assessments.
“It is certainly the case that now that Iran has tasted its power and leverage over the strait, it won’t soon give it up,” said one of the sources. All three requested anonymity to discuss the intelligence reports.
Many experts say that a military operation to reopen the waterway involves considerable risks. The waterway separates Iran and Oman. It is 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point, but the shipping lane is only 2 miles (3 km) wide in both directions, making ships and troops easy targets.
Even if US forces seize the southern Iranian coast and islands, the IRGC could attack them and maintain control of the waterway with drones and missiles launched from deep inside Iran, experts say.
“All it takes to disrupt traffic and deter vessels from passing through is one or two drones,” said Vaez.
Some experts said that even after the war, Iran is unlikely to give up its ability to regulate traffic through the strait because it will need to rebuild, and charging commercial shipping passage fees would be one means of raising reconstruction funds. Tehran “is going to look to maintain the leverage that they have rediscovered by disrupting traffic” through the strait, former CIA Director Bill Burns said in a Foreign Affairs magazine podcast on Thursday.
Iran, he said, will look to use its ability to throttle the waterway to win “long-term deterrence and security guarantees” in any peace deal with the US and to gain “some direct material benefits” like charging passage fees to fund its post-war recovery.
“That,” he said, “sets up a really difficult negotiation right now.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638728/middle-east
------
Saudi king issues decree appointing 218 judges to strengthen judiciary
April 03, 2026
King Salman on Friday issued a royal decree promoting and appointing 218 judges across various levels of Saudi Arabia’s judiciary, the Ministry of Justice announced. (SPA)
----------
RIYADH: King Salman on Friday issued a royal decree promoting and appointing 218 judges across various levels of Saudi Arabia’s judiciary, the Ministry of Justice announced.
The move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s judicial system and enhance the efficiency and quality of its rulings, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani, minister of justice and acting president of the Supreme Judicial Council, said the decree reflected the leadership’s continued support for the judiciary, including that of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Al-Samaani said the appointments would contribute to improving judicial performance, raising the quality of judgments, and enhancing services provided to court users.
He added that the step would help accelerate litigation processes and improve the overall experience for beneficiaries, ultimately increasing public satisfaction and reinforcing the delivery of swift justice.
The minister expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom’s leadership for its continued backing of judicial reforms and wished the newly appointed judges success in carrying out their duties in a way that upholds justice.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638683/saudi-arabia
------
Caucasus Muslims Office chair offers condolences for civilian losses in Iran
03 April 2026
Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, met with Iran’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Demirchilou, to express condolences for the recent civilian casualties in Iran.
Allahshukur Pashazade also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Office.
The Sheikhulislam reiterated President Ilham Aliyev’s consistent position that Azerbaijan will not allow its territory to be used for actions against neighboring countries, including Iran. He highlighted that the strong personal relations between Aliyev and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian contribute to the sustainable development of Azerbaijan-Iran ties and the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.
Ambassador Demirchilou expressed gratitude for the condolences and moral support offered by the Azerbaijani state and people, as well as for the humanitarian aid provided. He also thanked President Aliyev for his firm stance promoting regional peace and stability.
Source: caliber.az
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://caliber.az/en/post/caucasus-muslims-office-chair-offers-condolences-for-civilian-losses-in-iran
-----
Trump’s ‘just for fun’ strikes on Iran could be ‘war crime’ – experts
3 Apr, 2026
US President Donald Trump. © Getty Images / Chip Somodevilla
-----------
More than 100 US-based international law experts have warned that American strikes on Iran may amount to war crimes, citing violations of the UN Charter, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and alarming rhetoric from senior officials.
In an open letter published on Thursday by the Just Security policy journal, scholars from Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and other institutions stated that the unprovoked US-Israeli campaign against Iran which began in late February is “a clear violation of the United Nations Charter.”
They also stated that the conduct of US forces and statements by officials “raise serious concerns about violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes.”
The experts specifically highlighted President Donald Trump’s remarks last month that the US may conduct strikes on Iran “just for fun.” They also cited War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s March 2 statement that the US does not fight with “stupid rules of engagement,” and his declaration of “no quarter, no mercy for our enemies” – a phrase that, under international law, can constitute a war crime.
The letter expressed particular concern over the February 28 strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls’ school in Minab, which killed at least 175 people, mostly children. The Pentagon has reportedly determined that US forces carried out the strike based on outdated intelligence but has yet to apologize.
The same day, a US missile struck a school and sports hall in the city of Lamerd, killing at least 21 people. The New York Times reported that the weapon used was the previously untested Precision Strike Missile, which disperses small tungsten pellets.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said over 600 schools and educational facilities have been targeted, calling the Minab massacre part of “a systematic and brutal pattern of illegal warfare.” Iran has accused the US and Israel of committing genocide.
Separately, John Mecklin, editor-in-chief of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, which sets the Doomsday Clock, described the war as “absolutely idiotic,” warning that “accidents, miscalculations, crazy stuff” happen in wars and a nuclear accident “can’t be ruled out” until the fighting stops.
Both the legal experts and Mecklin called for a return to diplomacy while noting that Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal has made a negotiated settlement extremely difficult.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/news/637188-us-iran-war-crimes/
------
Yusufu Turaki: Nigeria won’t have peace as long as some states practise Sharia
04 April 2026
Elder statesman, Prof Yusufu Turaki, has said that the backwardness, crises, conflicts and many other human vices in the north are because of wrong political geography, ethnic, religious and regional differences that have inundated the entire region.
Turaki, Middle Belt leader, further stated that Nigeria is not an Islamic state, noting that liberal democracy and Islamic theocracy cannot mix. In his words, religious rights exist, but not theocratic rights.
In an interview with VINCENT KALU, the Professor of Theology and Social Ethic, also identified the practice of preferential and differential treatments as one of the reasons for the lack of cohesion in the country. According to him, social justice is given to some but denied others. This, he pointed out is a serious ethical problem, where some Nigerians are denied social justice
The 2027 election is around the corner. What are your expectations?
Historically, Nigerian political philosophy and political practice are founded upon three primal social factors, namely: Ethnicity, religion and region. These pillars are seriously undergoing permutations. Generally, politicians are hopelessly hopeful of a political success in the 2027 elections, but the whole atmosphere is now filled with opinionated politicians, who have filled the mass media with their abstract and subjective postulations, speculations and imaginations to the neglect of the raw facts and physical realities on ground.
Politicians who pursue and get political facts and realities in the muddy waters of the Nigerian politics may be successful to the neglect of political day-dreamers. My expectations cannot be met with this crude political atmosphere.
Some are saying Nigeria is gravitating towards a one-party state. What is your opinion on this?
On ground, there is no political ideology. Instead, they watch how the political winds are blowing and they simply follow where the political winds take them to – ‘which political party should I join that can guarantee for me a political success?’ It is for this reason that many politicians have jumped ship for the winning party. Politics of influential personality determines which political party to join with bedfellows. No issue-based politics, but personal self interests and so they follow the tide of politics and are swept ashore the party by the moving boat of politics.
The core north is still opposed to the appointment of INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan because of his earlier position on Christian genocide in the north. What is your take on this?
Your question assumes that the north has two polarities – the core north and the non-core north. One polarity may be speaking out of arrogance and may assume to be speaking for the whole north. This is the fallacy of human political dominant spirit, being hegemonic.
You would have seen that the said ‘core north’ has first of all, rejected the one who appointed Prof Amupitan, before rejecting him. Secondly, didn’t they say that they would not accept the outcome of the elections and would even ask their followers to do the same?
The insinuations are very clear. The president knows Prof Amupitan better than anyone of them, who met his qualification and quality. I hope that Mr. President knows their political and religious antics and so needs to deal decisively with their hypocrisy and self-centredness. This ‘clique’ has assumed that they sit in authority over Mr. President to obey their diction. In a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural Nigeria, you still have such political primitivism being thrown at Nigerians. The best thing to do is for the president to ignore their chagrin to their fate.
Where do you stand on reintegration of repentant terrorists – Boko Haram and bandits into society?
Deradicalisation as a concept and practice may be used successfully elsewhere, but not in Nigeria, where there is no common-ground values to checkmate sub-national values. The sponsors of such a social theory in Nigeria are using it as a Trojan horse. This is a sure way of integrating hardened criminals, Islamists and jihadists into both the Nigerian Armed Forces and the society.
Practically, we have seen its devastating default. We all know how this corrupt project has been made superior to the plight and neglect of the IDPs. The case of the IDPs should be made a priority to replace this Trojan horse of deception of taking inherent fanatical and historically ingrained religious beliefs out of the religiously-minded criminals and sociopaths.
Talking about the reintegration of repentant Boko Haram and bandits into the society, why didn’t the government extend the same programme to agitators of Biafra, instead of jailing them?
In the first place, such a social theory is a delusional fallacy, despite incontrovertible evidence to the contrary. Secondly, knowing the Nigerian state of ethnocentrism, if the state machinery were controlled by the Igbo, advocates for the reintegration of Biafrans would perhaps be like what is being done to Boko Haram in the North? Boko Haram has destroyed the peace of the North-East Region, yet, its leaders and killers are at large, but Nigeria hunts for the leaders of Biafra in the wider world, beyond Nigeria. This is the irony of being a Nigerian leader. We practise preferential and differential treatment of ourselves. Social justice is given to some, but denied to others. This is a serious ethical problem, where some Nigerians can be denied social justice.
One has thought that the coming of US troops into Nigeria would reduce the killings going on the north, but it has escalated. Why?
Do not look elsewhere for the causes, but examine the major root and cause of insecurity in the north, which is Sharia. There are other minor causes. Nigerians have deliberately refused to address the question of Sharia, where Islamic jahiliyyas have misinterpreted and misapplied it in Nigeria being a non-Islamic state. Nigerians will never have peace, nor be united as long as Sharia is in vogue.
Historically, the issue of Sharia had been fully settled amicably with its common-ground values and institutions for both Muslims and Non-Muslims in the late 1950s. The controversial Nigeria 1999 Constitution has added more to the injury. In this confused Nigerian social environment, Nigerians need to come to their senses and resolve two fundamental issues plaguing Nigeria, namely, Sharia and the 1999 constitution. What we see and experience today as Nigerians are the by-products of Nigerians refusing to address these two pending issues. There is a great need for a Nigerian roundtable discussion on these salient matters.
Videos of where state governments entered into Peace Accord with non state actors- bandits/terrorists have been trending. What do you make of it?
Those state governments that do that, to them, the bandits and the terrorists are considered deprived brothers who needed to be compensated and appeased. But, we all know that such practice can be abused grossly. As it has been seen, it has failed woefully in such states riddle with insecurity.
It could be a means of arming the bandits and terrorists through the State. The principles of collusion as alluded to by Lt. General T.Y. Danjuma (Retd) and many others, have been surreptitiously been a means of empowering the bandits and terrorists. The Islamic factor in this is glaring and well entrenched, as the major actors of both sides are mainly Muslims. The Nigerian Islamic states are in worst state of insecurity. While in the Middle Belt states, the sponsors and actors of insecurity are invaders from mainly Hausa land and Kanuri land. These two lands are where homegrown acts of banditry, terrorism, jihadism and Fulani militias are exported into the Middle Belt and the rest of Nigeria.
In a sovereign state like Nigeria, how do you describe a government that watches as its citizens are forced to pay monetary tributes to non-state actors – bandits, Lakaruwa and Boko Haram, before they are allowed access to their farms or continue to live in their villages?
‘Things Fall Apart, the centre cannot hold’, says Professor Chinua Achebe. What is going on is the actual implementation of Sharia and Islamisation. You may choose to ignore this fact, but it doesn’t change its reality. It is the state government that implanted Sharia, how can it not allow the ‘true’ Muslims who are the bandits, the terrorists, the jihadists and the Fulani militias to do exactly the tenets of Sharia? Don’t you know that we are practising the philosophy of a state within the state?
Sheik Gumi recently said that the government knows all the financiers of terrorism in the country. What should a responsive government do with these revelations?
Are you not aware of the fact that the president or the state does not have all powers? Are you not aware of the great powers of the hidden cabals? This is where the problem is? Who will bell the cat? This issue is a political cul-de-sac. The answer to question of this nature is simply, mum it’s the answer.
From the way things are going in this country, do you see the IDPs being closed down and the people returning to their ancestral homes, especially in the Middle Belt?
If there is the political will, it can be done. What is the worth, the dignity and the sanctity of a human life in Nigeria? The answers to these human values determine how the IDPs are being treated in Nigeria.
Which zone should produce the presidency in 2027?
This is political geography and mapping. It has bearing on the question of political participation and political representation in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-regional setting as Nigeria is a one-geo-political entity. This question can be said to be of a political-toss. But all depends upon the coalescing of social and political dynamics and social formations at a given time. Whichever zone you prefer, it ultimately depends on the fact of this political coalesce.
How?
The rationale of equity, fairness, justice, participation and representation, can be thrown overboard, regardless of any preference. This is the power of social dynamism and social formation, regardless. But men of good conscience and goodwill can renounce their political rights for the sake of unity, peace, harmony, participation and representation over politics of clientelism, dominance and authoritarian.
Anytime political power rotates to the north, where should it berth – North-West, North-East or North Central?
First of all, let it be stated clearly, that political geography of the north into three zones ignored the reality of ethnicity, religion and region. The social, ethnic, religious and cultural chaos in the north is this misnomer of political geography. The current political geography of the north needs to be restructured. Iron and clay do not mix. Look, backwardness, the crises, conflicts and many other human vices in the north, are all as a result of wrong political geography, ethnic, religious and regional differences that have inundated the entire region. Settle these internal unresolved issues and do not white-wash them with the caveat of the politics of inequality in the north.
The level of patriotism for the country seems to be low. Why?
It is a result of the long-term socio-political consequences of the Nigeria 1999 Constitution and the Sharia. Nigeria as a state had institutionalized perpetual instability by combining two contradictory ideologies: Liberal democracy and Islamic theocracy. Nigeria is not an Islamic state. Religious rights exist, but not theocratic rights. You can never operate these two ideologies successfully under one roof called Nigeria. How can there be Nigerian patriotism, where two ideologies orient its citizenry towards two opposing destinies?
What should be done to boost citizens’ love for the nation?
Nigerians, you have settled the questions of both the Nigeria 1999 Constitution and the Sharia.
Source: thesun.ng
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.ng/yusufu-turaki-nigeria-wont-have-peace-as-long-as-some-states-practise-sharia/
-----
Anwar open to discussion with opposition, others on global energy crisis
4 Apr 2026
He stressed that any criticism or comments regarding the country’s economic management, especially those involving rising global oil prices, should be based on knowledge and accurate facts.
KUALA KANGSAR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he is open to discussions with the opposition and any parties willing to help the government find solutions to address the current global energy crisis.
He stressed that any criticism or comments regarding the country’s economic management, especially those involving rising global oil prices, should be based on knowledge and accurate facts, rather than mere empty criticism.
“The economic crisis is is beyond our control, although at times the opposition’s rhetoric may sound sophisticated. The entire world is affected by the crisis – not only the oil and gas crisis, but also the broader economic crisis. It is not just about the Strait of Hormuz; overall oil production has also been impacted.
“When oil prices rise, the government and I are criticised. Yet, we are doing our utmost – RON95 remains among the lowest in the world… For farmers, fishermen, and public transport, subsidies are provided, amounting to RM6 billion a month. So, this is the time for us to engage in constructive discussions, involving both the government and opposition parties,” he said.
He said this at a meet-and-greet session with students and alumni of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Clifford Kuala Kangsar here today.
Also present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, her deputy Wong Kah Woh, political secretary to the Finance Minister Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, and Dewan Negara member as well as the Old Cliffordians’ Association president, Senator Datuk Salehuddin Saidin.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said that in neighbouring countries, including within ASEAN, rationing has already taken place due to fuel shortages, and Malaysia is not exempt from being affected.
He stressed that the government is taking the best possible measures to address the situation while ensuring the people’s burden is not overlooked.
“In one ASEAN country, 400 petrol stations have been closed. Reflect on this – we are not immune to these challenges.
“That is why I urge all parties to focus on what we can do. I have cancelled all overseas visits by leaders and ministers as transportation costs have risen,” he said.
On April 2, Anwar chaired a special meeting with menteris besar and chief ministers to comprehensively review developments in the global energy crisis following the conflict in West Asia.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/people-issues/anwar-open-to-discussion-on-global-energy-crisis/
-----
Islamic Emirate Condemns Israeli Law on Palestinian Prisoners’ Execution
April 4, 2026
KABUL: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has strongly condemned a controversial law passed by the Knesset that permits the execution of Palestinian prisoners, calling it a grave violation of human rights, a discriminatory measure against a vulnerable population, and a move that further escalates tensions in the region.
The ministry’s spokesman, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, stated that the law paves the way for the execution of Palestinian prisoners and targets an oppressed nation in a discriminatory manner.
He described the move as a continuation of oppression against the Palestinian people and a clear violation of human rights, adding that the law contradicts justice and fundamental humanitarian principles.
Balkhi called on the international community and relevant organizations to take immediate and necessary steps to prevent such actions.
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/islamic-emirate-condemns-israeli-law-on-palestinian-prisoners-execution/
------
India
Muslim youth beaten up, high drama before police station over allegations of ‘love jihad’ in Hubballi
April 04, 2026
A Muslim youth was beaten up over allegations of “love jihad” and handed over to the police, while his family members and that of the girl allegedly attacked each other. Subsequently, members of Hindutva outfits staged a protest in Hubballi until late evening on Friday (April 3).
Sameer Mulla, a gym trainer from Vijayanagar in Hubballi, has been accused of exploiting a young Hindu girl and was beaten up by members of SSK Samaj (Pattegar community), to which the girl belongs, on Friday.
However, the youth’s family members claimed that both Mulla and the girl were in relationship for the last three years and her parents were well aware of the matter.
On Friday, Sameer was reportedly taken out from his home by a group of people belonging to the SSK community along with members of Hindutva organisations, beaten up, and then handed over to the police. They also subsequently staged a protest seeking his arrest. As the youth has sustained injuries, he has been admitted to KMCRI Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, a video clip has surfaced, in which the girl has accused the youth of exploiting her after giving her a sedative drug. The accused, however, has alleged that the girl is innocent, but her family and others had forced her to make the accusation against him.
The development resulted in tension around Old Hubballi Police Station, where a large number of people, including Hindutva activists, staged a protest demanding stringent action to curb the “menace of love jihad”, an allegation which has been ruled out by the youth’s family members, who claim they celebrate all Hindu festivals.
At least three complaints are likely to be filed in the case: one by the girl’s family, another by SSK community members, and the third by the youth’s family. The process of filing the complaints was on until late evening, with senior officials, including Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar, personally monitoring the situation.
Source: thehindu.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/muslim-youth-beaten-up-high-drama-before-police-station-over-allegations-of-love-jihad/article70820402.ece
-----
Trinamool, BJP in war of words over political links of Malda ‘mastermind’
Apr 4, 2026
KOLKATA: The arrest of Mofakkerul Islam — an AIMIM candidate in the 2021 polls — for allegedly masterminding the Kaliachak violence set off a sharp political confrontation between Trinamool and BJP on Friday.
Trinamool, in a post on X, named three people it claimed had "orchestrated the unrest in Malda": a Bihar police observer posted in Malda who was removed after the party complained he was married to a BJP senior from Bihar; ISF Mothabari candidate Maulana Shahjahan Ali Qadri, arrested for organising the agitation; and Islam himself.
"BJP is running a full-scale operation to destabilise Bengal through their multi-layered agents. Bengal has identified every player. Bengal has connected every dot," the party said.
AIMIM distanced itself from the arrests. Bengal AIMIM chief Imran Solanki said those involved were "not linked to any political party but were citizens whose names were removed from the voter list."
BJP hit back through Union minister of state Sukanta Majumdar, who questioned the CID's swift arrest of Islam and displayed photographs of him sharing a stage with CM Mamata Banerjee. "Whether someone else is behind this or not, Trinamool is definitely involved," he said.
On reports of Islam going live on Facebook while in CID custody, Majumdar said: "If true, it supports my allegation that the CID was directed to arrest him so that he could live peacefully. If the NIA arrests him, their treatment will be harsh."
Trinamool's Sujapur candidate Sabina Yeasmin, accused by BJP of participating in the Kaliachak protests, distanced herself from the violence. "What happened there was wrong. Judicial officers are like guests to us and should have been allowed to do their work. Whatever fight there is, we will fight for our rights — but not by breaking the law," she said.
Source: indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/trinamool-bjp-in-war-of-words-over-political-links-of-malda-mastermind/articleshowprint/130008671.cms
------
‘No safety for women in Kerala’: BJP candidate alleges govt turned a blind eye to love jihad
April 3, 2026
BJP candidate in Vattiyoorkavu and Kerala’s first female IPS officer to reach the rank of DGP on Friday alleged that the government ignored instances of love jihad in the state.
Speaking at a “Brunch with Sreelekha” event at Sasthamangalam here, the former IPS officer alleged that the Kerala government has ignored critical issues like “love jihad” leading to a decline in safety for women.
She claimed that even as a senior police officer, she faced distressing situations without receiving support from the department or the DGP. “When I, as a police officer, had a bad experience, even the DGP did not stand by me. Because the DGP can stand by me only if he has political permission, “ Sreelekha said.
“It is estimated that crime against women has increased fivefold between 2021 and 2026. This is happening because it is encouraged in Kerala. There is a society here that thinks that it is okay to commit crimes against women,” she added.
“We have a government here that does not believe in God and is ruled by ministers who have no faith in God. They do not attach any importance to the crimes committed against women,” she said.
She also questioned what action the government took when a minister’s wife recently faced a similar situation. “It is only because political influence in the police is so strong that women are not safe. Recently, when a minister’s wife was locked up and unable to leave, she called 112 but did not get any help from the police. This is because the minister is on the other side. Politics is the price here, nothing more than that,” Sreelekha said.
Her remarks come as the BJP positions Sreelekha as a “dark horse” to flip the Vattiyurkavu seat in the 2026 Assembly elections, following her successful run as a councilor in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Her statements have intensified the political debate in Kerala, blending her professional legacy in law enforcement with the BJP’s campaign narrative on gender-based security.
Source: thestatesman.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thestatesman.com/india/no-safety-for-women-in-kerala-bjp-candidate-alleges-govt-turned-a-blind-eye-to-love-jihad-1503577456.html
------
‘Muslim organisations want to make India an Islamic country’: Giriraj Singh amid BJP’s UCC push in Assam
04 Apr 2026
Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Saturday alleged that certain Muslim organisations aim to turn India into an Islamic country, and said the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and “One Nation, One Law” would be implemented during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
Speaking to reporters, Singh said, “Muslim organisations want to make India an Islamic country. This is not possible. One Nation, One Law, UCC will be implemented in the country during the tenure of PM Narendra Modi's government...”
His remarks come amid the BJP’s reiteration of its UCC promise in poll-bound Assam, where the party has said it will implement the law if voted back to power.
Releasing the party’s manifesto, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier on Wednesday said the proposed UCC in the state would exclude areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and tribal communities.
“We want to make Assam the brightest state. We don't want to be a dependent state; we want to take part in nation building of the country. In the Sankalp Patra, we have made 31 promises. We will implement UCC in Assam, excluding Sixth Schedule, ST areas. We will take strong steps against Love Jihad. We will try to make flood-free Assam, and in the first two years, we will spend Rs 18,000 crore,” Sarma said.
Polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.
The BJP is contesting the elections along with its allies, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), and is seeking a third consecutive term, while the Congress is aiming to return to power.
Source: newindianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Apr/04/muslim-organisations-want-to-make-india-an-islamic-country-giriraj-singh-amid-bjps-ucc-push-in-assam
-----
Will challenge Gujarat UCC in court: AIMPLB
Lalmani Verma
Apr 3, 2026
THE ALL India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Friday opposed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill recently passed by the Gujarat Assembly, describing it as constitutionally flawed, legally untenable, and fundamentally violative of religious freedom and civil liberties.
Asserting that it would challenge legislation in the Gujarat High Court, the AIMPLB demanded an immediate halt to the implementation of the UCC in both Uttarakhand and Gujarat, and called for a comprehensive constitutional review. It also urged that any future reforms in family laws must be undertaken only through broad-based consultation with all stakeholders, within the framework of constitutional guarantees and legal due process.
The AIMPLB also expressed concern over the timing of the legislation and said the move appears to be politically motivated, particularly in view of upcoming elections in several states and municipal polls in Gujarat.
Addressing reporters in New Delhi, senior representatives of the AIMPLB said that the Gujarat UCC Bill, currently awaiting the Governor’s assent, has raised grave constitutional, legal, and democratic concerns. The Board office-bearers stated that the legislation, despite being labeled as a “Uniform Civil Code”, does not conform to the constitutional spirit and directly infringes upon the fundamental rights guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution, including the rights to religious freedom, equality, and personal liberty.
The AIMPLB said that the UCC is mentioned under Article 44 in Part IV of the Constitution as a Directive Principle of State Policy, which is not directly enforceable like fundamental rights. It stressed that any such code, in its true constitutional sense, must be uniformly applicable to all citizens throughout the country. However, the Gujarat law, it pointed out, neither applies nationwide nor uniformly within the state itself, as Scheduled Tribes and other constitutionally protected communities have been exempted.
“This legislation cannot be described as a genuine Uniform Civil Code. The nomenclature itself is misleading and deceptive,” said SQR Ilyas, AIMPLB spokesperson.
Ilyas said that the Uttarakhand UCC has already been challenged before the High Court by the AIMPLB and several religious organisations, and the Board will challenge the Gujarat UCC too.
Expressing concern over the consultative process undertaken by the Gujarat Government, the AIMPLB stated that although a committee was constituted to seek public feedback, the report has not been made public, despite widespread opposition to the proposal.
“This raises serious questions about transparency and suggests that the consultative exercise was merely a procedural formality rather than a genuine democratic process,” it said in a statement.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/aimplb-challenge-gujarat-ucc-bill-high-court-constitutionally-flawed-10617804/
------
‘Painful memories of such encounters got revived’: Mirwaiz on Kashmiri man’s death during Army action
Naveed Iqbal
Apr 4, 2026
As prayers were allowed at Jamia Masjid after the end of Ramzan, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq drew attention to the death of Ganderbal resident Raashid Ahmed Mughal during an encounter on Wednesday.
Expressing “deep distress”, Mirwaiz told the gathering at the Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta: “His (Mughal’s) family had said that he was a part-time computer operator with no links to militancy who was picked up and killed in cold blood; painful memories of such encounters got revived.”
He said that while his family is seeking justice through an impartial probe, “we can only hope that justice is done as past experiences do not inspire confidence”.
“But let us hope that as news comes that LG sahib himself has ordered an inquiry, this time justice gets done and those responsible are held to account and punished,” he said, saying the body not being returned to the family for burial was “inhuman and condemnable”.
Mirwaiz also expressed concern over the repeated closure of Jamia Masjid. “Access to this central place of worship for the Muslims of Kashmir is repeatedly curtailed at the will of authorities. Eid prayer was denied, as were many Fridays during Ramzan. Such repeated restrictions are not just about closing a mosque, they speak of the larger reality, when normalcy is tomtomed by curbing people’s fundamental rights through bans, bars and censorship. Unfortunately, the harassment of Kashmiris is unceasing,” he said.
He asserted in his sermon that “almost daily”, there are reports in newspapers of cases, chargesheets and arrests of Kashmiris by the multiple agencies operating in J&K, including the SIA, CIK, cyber cell, ACB and the NIA on one ground or another.
“Besides, frequent extrajudicial dismissals of Kashmiri government employees with no recourse to judicial remedy are also pursued,” he said.
He said that this creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation and reinforces the narrative that portrays an entire people as “dangerous and suspects to be ruled by imposing checks and control.” Terming this policy “coercive”, he added that this cannot build viable peace or lead to progress if that is what the authorities seek, as they claim.
The Indian Army had said in a statement on April 1 that a militant was killed after suspicious movement was observed in the area. However, the identity of the deceased was not released.
On Thursday, the family of the man, Rashid Ahmad Mughal, claimed that he had no links to militancy. His brother, Ajaz Ahmad Mughal, had told The Indian Express that Rashid was an M.Com degree holder who helped villagers with documentation work for a nominal fee. Two former panchayat members from the village had confirmed this.
The Jammu and Kashmir Home Department, which falls under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has now ordered a magisterial inquiry into the encounter.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mirwaiz-flags-civilian-killing-curbs-on-jamia-masjid-killed-in-cold-blood-10617729/
------
LG Manoj Sinha orders probe into Ganderbal 'encounter' after family cries foul
Muzaffar Raina
04.04.26
Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Friday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the alleged fake encounter in Ganderbal, promising justice.
The army has run into a controversy after a family in Ganderbal alleged that a
member, Raashid Ahmad Mughal, 28, a commerce postgraduate, had been killed in a staged gunfight.
Although the army said it had killed an unidentified militant during an operation in Arhama village of Ganderbal, the family said Raashid had no links with militancy. Top politicians, including chief minister Omar Abdullah, have called for a probe.
Following the outcry, LG Sinha on Friday said he had ordered “a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry into the Arhama, Ganderbal incident”.
“The inquiry will examine all aspects related to the incident and ensure that justice is served,” he said on X.
The LG shared an order from the home department asking the deputy commissioner of Ganderbal to probe the incident.
“The issue has been examined and accordingly, you are requested to get a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry conducted into the matter to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death of Raashid Ahmad Mughal S/O late Gull Zaman Mughal. The inquiry may be completed with seven (07) days and the report be submitted to the home department,” the order reads.
The issue has triggered outrage in the Valley. Hurriyat chief and Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq told a large crowd at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar that the incident had revived “painful memories of such encounters” in the past.
“His family is saying that he was a part-time computer operator with no links to militancy who was picked up and killed in cold blood.
“We can only hope that justice is done, as past experiences do not inspire confidence. But let us hope that, as news has come that LG sahib himself has ordered an inquiry, this time justice is delivered and those responsible are held to account and punished. That his body was also not given to the family for burial is inhuman and condemnable,” the Mirwaiz said.
He said there were near-daily reports in “newspapers of cases, chargesheets and arrests of Kashmiris by the multiple agencies operating here — the SIA, CIK, cyber cell, ACB, the NIA, on one ground or another”.
“This creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation and reinforces the narrative that portrays an entire people as dangerous and suspect who need to be kept under check. This coercive policy cannot build viable peace or lead to progress if that is what the authorities seek, as they claim,” he said.
The last time the army faced outrage on a similar issue was in 2023, when three Muslim tribal Gujjar men were allegedly tortured to death.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/lg-manoj-sinha-orders-probe-into-ganderbal-encounter-after-family-cries-foul-prnt/cid/2154539
-----
Uttar Pradesh ATS busts Pakistan-linked terror module, four arrested over plot to hit railway network
03.04.26
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested four men it says were part of a suspected terror module operating on instructions from Pakistan-based handlers.
Officials claim the group was planning attacks on key installations, including railway infrastructure, to spread fear and cause economic damage. The arrests follow intelligence inputs about a network active across several districts.
Investigators say the accused were in touch with handlers through social media and encrypted platforms and were drawn into anti-national activities. Saqib alias “Devil” (25), from Meerut, has been identified as the main operative.
ATS officials say he was in contact with handlers via Telegram, Signal and Instagram. His phone also had foreign numbers, including from Afghanistan, raising suspicion of wider links.
According to the probe, the group was asked to carry out reconnaissance of important institutions and political figures. They shared videos and Google location details of potential targets.
Cities such as Ghaziabad, Aligarh and Lucknow were part of this activity. Officials say the accused had already carried out minor arson incidents at a few locations. Videos of these acts were sent to handlers, and money was received through QR codes.
The ATS claims handlers used provocative identifiers and narratives online to push the accused to target vehicles and public property on religious grounds. The aim, officials say, was to create panic and disturb public order.
The investigation also points to a plan set for April 2. The group had allegedly planned an arson or explosive attack near Lucknow railway station, focusing on signalling systems and related infrastructure.
The ATS team intercepted and arrested them before the plan could be carried out.
The four arrested are Saqib, Vikas Gehlawat alias Raunak (27), Lokesh alias Papla Pandit alias Babu alias Sanju (19), both from Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Arbaab (20) from Meerut.
A case has been registered at the ATS police station in Lucknow under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The accused have been produced before a court and further proceedings are on. Officials say initial interrogation suggests the group was working with the intent to harm India’s sovereignty, unity and integrity.
Source: telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/uttar-pradesh-ats-busts-pakistan-linked-terror-module-four-arrested-over-plot-to-hit-railway-network/cid/2154515
------
Mideast
UN: Three Indonesian peacekeepers wounded in Lebanon
April 04, 2026
JAKARTA: The three United Nations peacekeepers wounded in a blast in southern Lebanon on Friday were from Indonesia, UN officials said, just days after three other Indonesians were killed in separate explosions.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said the blast occurred inside a UN facility near El Adeisse on Friday afternoon, injuring three peacekeepers who were rushed to a hospital.
Two were seriously wounded.
UN Information Center (UNIC) in Jakarta said the “origin of the explosion” was unknown but identified the wounded peacekeepers as Indonesian.
Friday’s incident came just days after an Indonesian peacekeeper died when a projectile exploded on March 29 in southern Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah have been fighting since Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2.
A UN security source told AFP on condition of anonymity Tuesday that fire from an Israeli tank was responsible.
A day later, two more Indonesian peacekeepers died after an explosion struck a UNIFIL logistics convoy, also in Southern Lebanon.
The bodies of the three fallen peacekeepers are scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on Saturday evening, according to the military.
The peacekeeping mission reminded Israel, Hezbollah and other actors of their obligation to ensure the peacekeepers’ safety, including by avoiding combat near their facilities and positions.
“This has been a difficult week for peacekeepers working near the central part of UNIFIL’s area of operations,” UNIFIL said.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638724/middle-east
-------
Israel medics report one wounded after Iranian missile attack
April 04, 2026
JERUSALEM: The Israeli army said Saturday its air defenses were working to down missiles fired from Iran, which medics reported wounded one person.
Israel and Iran have been trading missile salvos since a US-Israeli bombing campaign began in late February, killing Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and mushrooming into a wider regional war.
“Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the military said on Telegram.
Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency services said a 45-year-old man was treated for minor injuries from glass shrapnel in the central city of Bnei Brak and taken to hospital.
The army later said civilians were permitted to leave protected spaces nationwide, while search and rescue forces were “on their way to sites in central Israel where reports of impact have been received.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638720/middle-east
-------
Israel says striking Hezbollah sites in Beirut after destroying bridge
April 04, 2026
BEIRUT: The Israeli military said Saturday it had begun striking “Hezbollah infrastructure” in Beirut after it destroyed a bridge in eastern Lebanon to prevent the Iran-backed group’s reinforcements from crossing.
An AFP journalist heard two loud explosions in the capital within half an hour early Saturday and saw smoke billowing from one of them.
Local media reported two strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, a locality that has been a target of Israeli strikes in recent days as the military presses on with its ground invasion in the country’s south.
Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2 when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel to avenge the US-Israeli attack that killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
On Friday, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said a blast at one of its positions in the country’s south near the border wounded three peacekeepers, the third similar incident in days.
Israel’s military had warned that it would target two adjacent bridges over the Litani River in the area “to prevent the transfer of reinforcements and military equipment.”
The Lebanese state-run National News Agency (NNA) said: “Israeli warplanes targeted the bridge that links Sohmor with Mashghara, leading to its destruction.”
Lebanese local media reported that a second bridge was also hit.
The strikes in Sohmor continued into early Saturday, with the NNA reporting the town’s center being hit twice as warplanes roared in the skies.
Israel has previously struck five other bridges over the Litani in the country’s south, including most of the main routes crossing the waterway.
The river runs around 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the Israeli border, an area where Israel has said it wants to maintain “security control.”
Also in Sohmor, two people were killed and 15 wounded in an Israeli strike that hit “as worshippers were leaving the town’s mosque” after Friday prayers, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Lebanese authorities say more than 1,300 people have been killed in a month of hostilities.
‘No longer afraid’
UNIFIL spokesperson Kandice Ardiel said an explosion inside a UN position injured three peacekeepers, adding that the origin was unknown.
Israel’s army accused Hezbollah of launching a rocket that hit the post.
On the edge of the southern suburbs of Beirut, Christians marked Good Friday in Shiyah with a procession around Saint Maroun Church.
Resident Hala Farah, 62, said she had never before missed the religious rites, even during repeated conflicts in the country.
“We’re always here, we have to hold on for the future of our children,” she told AFP at the entrance to the overflowing church.
Another worshipper, Patricia Haddad, 32, said she was no longer afraid of the bombardments.
“We got used to it, unfortunately,” she said.
Israel’s army has said it has struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon since last month, while Hezbollah said it had carried out 1,309 operations against Israeli targets.
On Sunday, an Indonesian peacekeeper was killed when a projectile exploded in a UNIFIL position, while another blast the following day killed two more Indonesian troops.
According to the UN, 97 force members have been killed in violence since UNIFIL was first established to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces after they invaded Lebanon in 1978.
The force’s mandate expires at the end of this year.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638721/middle-east
-----
Iran, US race to find crew member of crashed American fighter jet
April 04, 2026
TEHRAN: Iranian and American forces raced each other Saturday to recover a crew member of the first US fighter jet to go down inside Iran since the start of the war.
Tehran said it had shot down the F-15 warplane, while US media reported United States special forces had rescued one of its two crew members, with the other still missing.
Iran’s military also said it downed a US A-10 ground attack aircraft in the Gulf, with US media saying the pilot was rescued.
US Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the loss of the F-15, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “The president has been briefed.”
President Donald Trump told NBC the F-15 loss would not affect negotiations with Iran, saying: “No, not at all. No, it’s war.”
The war erupted more than a month ago with US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed supreme leader Ali Khamenei, triggering retaliation that spread the conflict throughout the Middle East, convulsing the global economy and impacting millions of people worldwide.
‘Valuable reward’
A spokesperson for the Iranian military’s central operational command said “an American hostile fighter jet in central Iranian airspace was struck and destroyed by the IRGC Aerospace Force’s advanced air defense system.”
“The jet was completely obliterated, and further searches are ongoing.”
An Iranian television reporter on a local official channel said anyone who captured a crew member alive would “receive a valuable reward.”
The US military has announced the loss of several aircraft during Iran operations, including one tanker that crashed in Iraq and three F-15s shot down by Kuwaiti friendly fire.
Retired US brigadier general Houston Cantwell — who has 400 hours of combat flight experience — said key goals for downed pilots include determining their location and figuring out how to communicate.
“My priority would be, first of all, concealment, because I don’t want to be captured,” he told AFP.
Shoulder-fired missile likely used, experts say
US Central Command said in a statement Wednesday that American forces have flown more than 13,000 missions in the Iran war while striking more than 12,300 targets.
After more than a month of punishing US-Israeli airstrikes, a degraded Iranian military nonetheless remains a stubborn foe. Its steady stream of strikes against Israel and Gulf Arab neighbors have been causing regional upheaval and global economic shock.
When it comes to American dominance over Iran’s airspace, there’s still a distinction between air superiority and air supremacy, said Behnam Ben Taleblu, Iran program senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a hawkish Washington think tank.
“A disabled air defense system is not a destroyed air defense system,” he said. “We shouldn’t be shocked that they’re still fighting.”
American planes have been flying missions at lower altitudes, which makes them more vulnerable to Iran’s missiles, Taleblu said. It’s possible that Iran fired at the F-15 with a surface-to-air missile, but it’s more likely that a portable, shoulder-fired missile was used, he said. Those are much harder to detect and reflect how Iran is “weak but still lethal.”
“This is a regime that is fighting for its life,” he said.
Mark Cancian, a retired Marine colonel and a senior defense adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, agreed that a shoulder-fired missile was likely used against the fighter jet.
Nonetheless, the American air war against Iran has been a “tremendous success” so far, he said.
To put things in perspective, he said the loss rate for American warplanes flying over Germany during World War II was 3 percent at one point, which would equal about 350 warplanes in the US war against Iran.
“But then there’s the political side — you have a American public that is accustomed to fighting bloodless wars,” Cancian said. “Then a large part of the country doesn’t support the war. So to them, any loss is unacceptable.”
Pilots are trained on what to do if their plane is hit
The last US jet shot down in combat was struck by an Iraqi surface-to-air missile over Baghdad on April 8, 2003. The pilot safely ejected and was rescued, according to the Air Force.
In high-threat environments like missions over Iran, Cantwell, the retired general, said an aviator’s blood pressure goes up and they become highly alert to incoming missiles. Those are typically either infrared- or radar-guided missiles, he said, requiring different evasive tactics.
If they are hit and need to eject from their aircraft, they are trained on what to do next, he said.
Pilots learn to check for wounds after a violent ejection and the shock of a missile explosion and, most crucially, how they are going to communicate their location so rescuers can find them.
At the same time, he said, the enemy is likely working to intercept the communications or even spoof the location.
Helicopters are more at risk than other aircraft
The planes that went down Friday were not the first crewed American aircraft to be lost overall in Iran.
A military helicopter and airplane exploded in 1980 during an aborted mission to rescue several dozen American hostages at the US embassy in Tehran, according to the Air Force Historical Support Division.
After a series of setbacks, including severe dust storms and mechanical failures, the mission was called off. As the aircraft took off, the rotor blades of one of the RH-53 helicopters collided with an EC-130 aircraft full of fuel and both exploded, killing eight.
More US helicopters have been shot down in recent decades, including a MH-47 Army Chinook helicopter that was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in Afghanistan in 2005, killing 16. Helicopters are more dangerous because “the lower and the slower, the more susceptible you are,” Cantwell said.
That’s why those who went out on this week’s rescue missions, likely in helicopters, he said, did “such a brave and honorable act.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638671/middle-east
------
Iranian engineers mourn their tallest bridge, bombed by Trump
April 03, 2026
KARAJ, Iran: Iranian engineer Roozbeh Yazdi stood amid the wreckage of the Middle East’s tallest bridge, severed by strikes proudly claimed by US President Donald Trump.
“This bridge was like our child,” he said, fighting back tears.
AFP visited the site on Friday during a press tour organized by Iranian authorities in Karaj, a city west of the capital Tehran.
An official said 12 bombs had been dropped in the previous day’s attack.
The two main pillars are still standing. The word “Iran” in elegant calligraphy still crowns the structure.
But the force of the blasts had sliced the bridge in half at its midpoint.
Further strikes then destroyed the ends of the bridge deck, and twisted steel beams and chunks of concrete now dangle over the void.
Experts say they do not know if the bridge can ever be repaired.
“We worked hard to assemble these parts. We cried, we sweated buckets,” Yazdi said at the site, where the bridge had been due to open this summer.
Two cranes were still standing nearby show the work, which began more than two years ago, was unfinished.
The bridge had not yet officially been named and was known simply as B1.
“We considered this bridge our child and we were very proud to see it grow,” said Yazdi.
In the valley below the bridge, families had been picnicking on the grass when the blast struck.
AFP journalists saw a villa and residential buildings with blown-out windows — but no military installations.
According to the latest toll from the martyrs foundation of Alborz province which includes Karaj, cited by the official IRNA agency, the attack killed 13 civilians and wounded dozens.
“They (US and Israel) are attacking only the country’s and people’s infrastructure,” said Hamed Zekri, a 41-year-old engineer.
“We worked on this bridge for two years... morning and night... In the end, our efforts were destroyed in three hours.”
He told AFP he was “so saddened” by the bridge’s destruction that he was at a loss for words.
‘Tumbling down’
Trump has bragged about bombing the B1 bridge, without explaining why it had been targeted.
“The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform alongside video footage of the wreckage.
“IT IS TIME FOR IRAN TO MAKE A DEAL BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, AND THERE IS NOTHING LEFT OF WHAT STILL COULD BECOME A GREAT COUNTRY!“
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X: “Striking civilian structures, including unfinished bridges, will not compel Iranians to surrender.”
According to Iran’s ISNA news agency, B1 was Iran’s most complex engineering project, built using an “extradosed” system that supports the deck through both suspension cables and arches.
Its highest point rises 176 meters above the ground and stretches 1,050 meters in length.
The bridge’s construction was part of a major motorway project aimed at reducing travel time between Tehran and northern Iran — a popular destination, especially for weekend trips to the Caspian Sea.
In another post, Trump said the US military “hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran.”
“Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants!” he declared
The Fars news agency published a list of the region’s key bridges that could be “potential targets of Iranian retaliation.”
Heading the list was the 36-kilometer-long Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway in Kuwait, followed by the King Fahd Causeway linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638719/middle-east
----
Syria says Israeli tank fire kills man in country’s south
April 04, 2026
DAMASCUS: Syrian state media said Israeli fire killed a man in the Qunietra province in the country’s south near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
State news agency SANA said that the man was killed in an attack by “an Israeli tank,” while state television said a car was targeted.
Earlier, SANA reported that Israeli forces in Quneitra province had closed several roads “leading to new military positions that they have established in the area,” restricting the movement of local residents and farmers.
It also said several Israeli vehicles had set up a temporary checkpoint in a village where they searched passersby.
After the December 2024 overthrow of Syria’s longtime ruler Bashar Assad, Israel sent troops into a UN-patrolled buffer zone that separated Israeli and Syrian forces on the Golan Heights.
Israel has also carried out repeated incursions into Syrian territory since then, as well as bombings, and has said it wants a demilitarised zone in the country’s south.
State media regularly reports Israeli incursions and sometimes the detention of individuals in southern Syria.
Last month, Israel’s military said it had struck Syrian army camps in response to what it called attacks against the Druze community in the southern Sweida province, with the Syrian foreign ministry calling it “an outrageous assault.”
The Israeli strikes came as war roils the Middle East after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.
Israel captured most of the plateau from Syria in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and later annexed the areas under its control, in a move not recognized by most of the international community.
Israel and Syria’s new authorities have held several rounds of direct talks and have agreed to establish an intelligence-sharing mechanism as they edge toward a security agreement.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638706/middle-east
------
Arab World
The rise of the ‘side-hustle’ generation in Saudi Arabia
WAAD HUSSAIN
April 03, 2026
ALKHOBAR: A growing number of young professionals in Saudi Arabia are no longer relying on a single career path. Instead, they are building parallel roles alongside their full-time jobs, from freelance design and small e-commerce brands to part-time cafe work and creative production.
The shift reflects a broader change in how work, identity and income are being defined among younger Saudis, particularly those in their 20s and early 30s.
In previous decades, career stability was tied to a single employer. Today, diversification is becoming the norm. For many, a secondary income stream is not driven by financial necessity alone, but by a desire for autonomy, skill development and personal fulfillment.
According to data from the Saudi General Authority for Statistics, self-employment and freelance activity among young Saudis have grown in recent years, supported by the expansion of digital platforms. A 2023 report by McKinsey & Company also notes that younger workers in the region are increasingly combining multiple roles rather than relying on a single professional identity.
For 28-year-old Riyadh-based marketing executive Faisal Al-Harbi, the decision to start a side business was not about replacing his main job, but about building something of his own.
“I realized early that my job would give me structure, but not necessarily ownership,” he said. “My side project started as a small online store, but over time it became the space where I experiment, take risks and actually feel creative. It’s not just extra income; it’s where I feel most like myself.”
While corporate roles offer stability, side hustles provide control, flexibility and identity beyond job titles.
Platforms have played a critical role in enabling this shift. E-commerce tools, freelance marketplaces and social media have lowered the barrier to entry. A designer no longer needs an agency. A baker does not need a storefront. A photographer can build a client base entirely online.
Research published in Harvard Business Review has found that younger professionals increasingly prioritize autonomy and meaningful work over traditional career stability. Individuals engaged in side projects often report higher levels of engagement and perceived purpose.
In Saudi Arabia, this is reinforced by Vision 2030’s focus on entrepreneurship and private sector growth. Government-backed initiatives have expanded support for small and medium enterprises, while freelance licensing systems have formalized previously informal work.
Yet the rise of the side hustle comes with pressure.
Balancing two roles requires time, discipline and boundaries. For some, the line between work and personal life becomes blurred. Evenings and weekends are often absorbed by production, client work or business management.
For Jeddah-based architect and part-time ceramic artist Layan Al-Qahtani, maintaining that balance is an ongoing challenge.
“There are days when I finish my full-time job and immediately switch into my second role,” she said. “It can be exhausting, but at the same time, I chose this. The difference is that the fatigue feels purposeful, not imposed.”
Her experience reflects a shift in how effort is perceived. Work tied to personal goals is often experienced differently from work driven solely by obligation.
Economists caution that the normalization of side hustles should not obscure structural realities. A 2022 study by the International Labour Organization found that gig and freelance work increase flexibility but can also introduce income instability and reduce access to long-term benefits.
In Saudi Arabia, however, most side hustles complement full-time employment rather than replace it. This reduces financial risk while expanding opportunity.
The cultural perception of work is also evolving. What was once seen as lack of focus is now viewed as ambition.
For 24-year-old Dammam-based barista and graphic designer Mohammed Al-Dossary, the dual path is intentional.
“I don’t see it as two jobs. I see it as two parts of my identity,” he said. “My main job pays the bills, but my creative work builds something for the future. I don’t want to choose between stability and passion.”
This mindset is increasingly visible across social media, where young Saudis document their projects, share progress and build communities. Side hustles have become a form of personal branding, reinforcing the idea that careers are no longer linear.
The economic impact is beginning to surface. Small-scale ventures contribute to local commerce, support niche markets and create new forms of value. What starts as a side project can evolve into a scalable business.
The question is no longer whether the side-hustle generation will grow, but how it will reshape the Saudi workforce.
As the Kingdom continues to expand its private sector under Vision 2030, a workforce built on adaptability, multiple income streams and self-driven growth may prove to be one of its strongest assets.
For many young Saudis, the nine-to-five is no longer the full story. It is just the starting point in a workforce being reshaped under Vision 2030.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638680/saudi-arabia
-----
Saudi ambassador to UK attends Saudi-British joint business council
April 03, 2026
LONDON: Prince Abdullah bin Khalid bin Sultan, the Saudi ambassador to the UK, took part in a discussion at the Saudi British Joint Business Council’s education roundtable.
The event was hosted by the Saudi Embassy in London and attended by private sector representatives interested in investing in the education sector.
Discussions centered on investment opportunities, ways to strengthen cooperation, and the development of educational partnerships in line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
Speaking at the event, the ambassador stressed the importance of expanding cooperation with the international private sector in education and training. He said the Kingdom offered promising opportunities in this sector, contributing to developing human capabilities and improving the quality of educational outcomes.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638697/saudi-arabia
------
Saudi crown prince meets FIFA chief to advance sports cooperation
April 04, 2026
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Jeddah on Saturday, with discussions focusing on strengthening cooperation and expanding opportunities in football development.
The meeting reviewed ongoing collaboration between the Kingdom and FIFA, as well as prospects to further grow the sport at both grassroots and professional levels, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Saudi Arabia has in recent years deepened its engagement with FIFA as part of a broader push to position itself as a global sports hub, investing heavily in infrastructure, talent development and major international events under its Vision 2030 reform agenda.
The Kingdom has hosted a series of regional and international tournaments and has worked closely with FIFA on initiatives aimed at expanding football participation and commercial growth in the Middle East. Riyadh is also widely seen as pursuing an expanded role in global football, including potential future hosting ambitions.
The meeting was attended by Sports Minister Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal and Yasser Al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638713/saudi-arabia
----
Saudi Arabia’s Mawhiba math contest to boost students’ skills
April 03, 2026
RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, or Mawhilba, is focusing on boosting students’ maths skills.
In partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Education, Mawhiba has opened registration for the Kangaroo Mawhiba Math Competition through April 7 via its official website and app, with the main event scheduled for April 17 and 18.
The initiative aims to enhance problem-solving skills and demonstrate the practical applications of mathematical concepts in a competitive and enjoyable learning environment.
Open to students from the third grade of elementary school through the third grade of high school, the annual event uses a multiple-choice format tailored to specific grade levels to challenge and inspire young mathematicians.
Originally founded in Australia in 1980, the Kangaroo competition is now one of the world’s largest scientific contests, involving around 6 million students across 70 countries.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638690/saudi-arabia
----
KSrelief mobile clinics in Abs serve 185 Yemenis
April 03, 2026
HAJJAH: The mobile clinics of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in the Abs region of Yemen have continued to provide treatment services to beneficiaries.
A total of 185 individuals visited the clinics from March 4 to 10.
Of these, 117 were treated in the epidemiology clinic, 15 in the emergency clinic, and 32 in the internal medicine clinic.
One case was seen in the reproductive health clinic, while 20 individuals visited the awareness and health education department.
Supporting services included care for 111 patients in the nursing services clinic, the implementation of two waste disposal activities, and the dispensing of medications to 178 patients.
Elsewhere, the Saudi aid agency recently distributed 51 food baskets in Burkina Faso, benefiting 306 individuals, as part of a project to support food security for 2026.
This comes as part of the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations worldwide.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638689/saudi-arabia
-----
Italian PM Meloni meets crown prince on Saudi visit
April 03, 2026
JEDDAH: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as she arrived in Jeddah on Friday.
During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and opportunities for further development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They also discussed the latest regional developments, the repercussions of the ongoing military escalation on freedom of international navigation and energy security, its impact on the global economy, and the coordination of joint efforts to enhance regional security and stability, the report said
After her arrival earlier in the day at King Abdulaziz International Airport, she was received by senior Saudi officials, including Makkah Region Governor Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, along with local authorities and the Italian ambassador to the Kingdom, the SPA said.
Italian government sources said that the previously unannounced trip would also include meetings in Qatar and the UAE.
The sources said that the visit would reaffirm Italy’s support for the three nations in the face of Iranian attacks on their territories.
It is the first trip to the region by a leader from the EU since the conflict was launched by the US and Israel at the end of February.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638685/saudi-arabia
------
Saudi ambassador meets AGFUND delegation in Tunis
April 03, 2026
TUNIS: Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr on Friday received a delegation from the Arab Gulf Programme for Development at the embassy in Tunis.
The visit came on the sidelines of the 26th meeting of the board of trustees of the Center of Arab Women for Training and Research, held in the Tunisian capital.
The meeting was chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, chairman of AGFUND’s board of trustees and board of directors.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638694/saudi-arabia
-----
Europe
France's Muslim gathering ban overturned by courts
04 April 2026
Hugh Schofield
A major gathering of Muslims in northern Paris is going ahead as planned after a French court overturned a government bid to ban it.
The Paris police department argued that the four-day Annual Encounter of Muslims of France was a security threat because it could be a target of terrorism.
But the organisers – the Muslims of France (MF) association – sought an emergency injunction to let the event go ahead, arguing that a ban would be a breach of basic liberties.
The administrative court agreed and overturned the government decree, just two hours before the planned 14:00 (13:00 BST) opening.
The court said in its ruling that elements provided by police "did not establish the risk of counter-demonstrations, or that the gathering would be targeted by far-right groups".
It also dismissed the argument that the event would pose an unacceptable strain on police resources, noting that the organisers had themselves assured extra security.
Part cultural and religious conference, part trade fair, the gathering used to be an annual event, but has not been held since 2019. Before that it regularly drew tens of thousands of people from across Europe.
The Muslims of France association - France's biggest Muslim body - is said by critics to be close to the international Muslim Brotherhood, though it denies that.
Earlier, in justifying the ban, the Paris police department said that in "an international and national context which is particularly tense", the gathering was "exposed to an important terrorist risk toward the Muslim community".
"In a context of political agitation and a heavy polarisation of debate" it was possible that "small far-right groups could mobilise with a view to disrupting the event", it said.
It also claimed that actions against the gathering could be "conducted remotely by foreign influences".
France has regularly accused Russia, as well as Iran, of stirring up dissension by paying proxies to carry out small-scale acts of provocation or sabotage.
The ban came as France announced plans for a new "anti-separatism" law, aimed mainly at Muslim structures promoting ideas deemed contrary to the principles of the republic.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the aim was to complement a previous similar law, passed five years ago, which allowed the government to close associations accused of promoting Islamic separatism.
"There are still some structures which we have been unable to reach," he told a radio station. "One issue is how we control collective childcare. We need to be able to control it, but right now we can't.
"More generally, we want to be able to ban publications which carry appeals to hate, violence or discrimination."
The MF's lawyer Sefen Guez Guez told the injunction hearing that banning the event was a "manifest breach of the right to assemble" and clearly aimed at "promoting the [government's] new law".
But a police lawyer said the sole reason was to preserve public order. "This is not an anti-Muslim or anti-Islam decree," he said.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyjekvwww0o
-----
Muslim graves wrecked by flooding in Glasgow cemetery
By Hamish Morrison
04 April 2026
MUSLIM graves at a Scottish cemetery have been flooded leaving grieving families unable to put up headstones to commemorate their loved ones.
The bereaved have been unable to set up lasting memorials to their deceased family members because the ground at the new extension on the Muslim section of Linn Cemetery in Glasgow is so water-logged, The National has learned.
Tracy Hakeem, whose husband Andy was buried in the cemetery on December 17 last year, is among those affected and told this paper: “They’re just sticking people willy nilly wherever they can find a space. You’re paying the council about £3200 to put your loved one into a puddle, it’s disgusting.”
She added: “We can’t get a gravestone.”
READ MORE: Scottish brewery shuts down £1m city centre bar that 'can no longer pay bills'
Works have been carried out at the site by East Kilbride-based engineering firm Covanburn.
Conditions were “even worse” on the day she put to rest her husband, said Hakeem. “I went to go put some flowers down and my shoe got stuck in the mud and I nearly fell in.”
She added: “How would they feel if that was one of their loved ones?”
Hakeem, of Langbank, Renfrewshire, said that other burial sites were in even worse condition than where her husband had been laid to rest.
“There’s worse. If you go past his on the right hand side, there’s one there you wouldn’t even know it’s a grave, it’s just a big puddle,” she said.
“There’s people that are buried that don’t have loved ones to go up, they’ve just got a wee stick to say [number of the plot].”
A Glasgow City Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of difficulties with ground conditions in the Muslim section of Linn Cemetery and we are sorry for any upset that’s been caused.
“Plans are being put in place to address the current issues with drainage but we are also working on improving paths and the landscape around the site.
READ MORE: Plans for 100 homes on edge of Scottish village approved despite council objection
“Heavy rainfall over the winter period has saturated the clay-based ground in the cemetery and excavations for graves can also impact on the ability of the soil to drain efficiently for some time afterwards.
“However, we will continue to work with our contractor to bring the site up to the required standard.
“Graves are laid out in line with faith requirements and we have also been identifying locations within the cemetery to minimise the impact of current ground conditions.”
Covanburn was unavailable for comment when approached by The National.
The firm has previously advertised its work at the cemetery on social media and in an Instagram post from February said: “When our work takes us to these places of grief, reflection and comfort we carry it out with the utmost respect and care for our surroundings.”
Source: thenational.scot
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thenational.scot/news/25994854.disgusting-muslim-graves-wrecked-flooding-scottish-cemetery/
------
Kingstanding Islamic centre attacked again - 48 hours after racist graffiti daubed on walls
birminghammail.co.uk
03 Apr 2026
Racist thugs targeted an Islamic centre in Birmingham again today - 48 hours after it was covered with hateful graffiti.
Worshippers discovered "England First" and other offensive graffiti at the Jami Community and Education Centre, just off the Kingstanding Circle on Kettlehouse Road, in the early hours of Good Friday.
It came after a lone figure sprayed 'no-one wants you here' and 'undercover mosque' early on Wednesday, April 1.
It was the fourth time the facility had been targeted since owners took over the building seven months ago.
During Friday prayers today, April 3, the Imam and the Board of Trustees urged all worshippers to "respond with dignity and calm" and maintain vigilance.
A spokesperson from West Midlands Police said: "We are again appealing for information after racist graffiti was sprayed onto an Islamic community and education centre in Kingstanding."Officers have further stepped up patrols in the area around the Jami Centre on Kettlehouse Road after the incident earlier today, April 3."It follows a similar incident in the early hours of Wednesday, April 1, and due to the nature of the graffiti, we are continuing to treat this as racially/religiously aggravated criminal damage."As investigators continue work to identify and trace the offenders, neighbourhood officers are patrolling the area regularly."We understand how upsetting these incidents are and the concern being caused, and we remain in close contact with leaders and worshippers at the mosque to offer reassurance."
Chief Insp Vicki Stott, from Birmingham Police, said: “Any type of racist or harmful graffiti will not be tolerated and we are committed to identifying and detaining whoever is responsible."Investigators are trawling CCTV from the area and we are speaking to people door-to-door as our enquiries and patrols continue."We would urge anyone who can help, with information or footage from doorbell cameras or CCTV, to contact us."
The centre said: "While the community remains resilient, there is a growing and justified frustration among worshippers regarding the repetitive nature of these crimes.
"The question being asked is simple: How are these perpetrators continuing to operate with such apparent impunity?"
MP Paulette Hamilton said: "Birmingham Erdington, including Kingstanding, is a very diverse area that I've called home for over 38 years.
"The recent attacks on the Islamic education gates of the Jami Community and Education centre is mindless vandalism and is unacceptable.
"This does not reflect how our residents treat each other. Such behaviour, especially racial hate and vandalism, cannot be tolerated in our community."Good Friday is a special day for Christians, and all residents must feel safe to worship in their local community. We will do everything to ensure these culprits are caught and brought to justice."“Let's stand together for a safe and respectful community."
Anyone with information should call 101, or Live Chat on our website quoting crime reference number 20/198964/26.
Source: birminghammail.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/kingstanding-islamic-centre-attacked-again-33713323
------
South Lakes Islamic Centre gives tour of building in video
3RD APRIL
By Tom Cockburn
THE South Lakes Islamic Centre in Dalton has been taking its social media followers on a virtual tour around the site.
The mosque is still under construction but has been showing off its progress in recent days.
In a video posted to its social media channels, a spokesperson is seen in multiple locations within the new mosque, including its café and its prayer room.
The spokesperson said: “This will be completed very very soon, and this will be an amazing prayer room.
“But one special, unique feature that I have not seen in any mosque here in the UK, and you would probably only see this in an exotic, tropical country abroad, is this mihrab.
“Right now, it is boarded up, but when the mosque is finished, when the building has been completed, this [the mihrab] will be open, and this will lead to an amazing panoramic view of the hills and the lakes.”
A mihrab is a feature in a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca.
The spokesperson went onto show followers the view from the third floor of the mosque, and told people about the terrace that is planned, which will give the community more views of the surrounding area.
“This area will be open for families, for people who just want to relax, [for] people who want to admire the beauty of Allah,” the spokesperson said.
“As well as being open for the local community, for them to also enjoy the amazing scenic views.”
Described as a ‘one-of-a-kind mosque’, the centre is still looking for donations, even though Ramadan - which was the deadline for when £300,000 needed to be raised to help complete the building - is now over.
Last week, Nick Tenconi, the leader of UKIP, led protestors who are against the mosque plans in a demonstration outside the site - though Mr Tenconi and his supporters were outnumbered by counter demonstrators on the day.
The mosque secured planning approval for the site at Crooklands Brow in Dalton in 2022.
Source: asianimage.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.asianimage.co.uk/news/25992983.south-lakes-islamic-centre-gives-tour-building-video/
-------
Azerbaijan dispatches another humanitarian aid shipment to Iran
4 April 2026
In accordance with the instructions of Azerbaijan's President, Ilham Aliyev, another humanitarian aid consignment was sent to the Islamic Republic of Iran on April 4.
AzerNEWS reports, citing Azertag, that the aid was dispatched in line with the telephone conversation held between Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Masoud Pezeshkian on March 8, 2026. The aim is to support meeting the existing needs of the friendly and neighbouring people of Iran.
The humanitarian aid sent to the Islamic Republic of Iran includes various types of food products, medicines and medical supplies with a total volume of 200 tonnes. This includes 190 tonnes of food products, 7 tonnes of medicines and 3 tonnes of medical supplies.
The humanitarian cargo was sent via 10 freight vehicles (TIR).
It should be noted that, in connection with accompanying and delivering another humanitarian aid sent by Azerbaijan to Iran, officials from Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and State Agency for Material Reserves have departed for the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Source: azernews.az
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.azernews.az/nation/256580.html
------
Three charged over Jewish charity ambulance fires
4 April 2026
Lucy Manning
Three people have been charged after four Jewish charity-owned ambulances were set on fire in north London last week.
The Hatzola ambulances were set alight in the car park of a synagogue in Golders Green in the early hours of 23 March.
Two British men - Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19 - and a 17-year-old boy who is a dual British-Pakistani national, have all been charged with arson with intent to damage property and being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.
They were arrested on Wednesday at three different east London properties in connection with an investigation into the suspected attack, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.
Iqbal and Khan, both from Leyton, and the 17-year-old from Walthamstow, who cannot be named for legal reasons, are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday.
Counter-terror police are leading the investigation, but the incident "has not been declared as terrorism" at this stage, the Met said.
Frank Ferguson, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's special crime and counter terrorism division, issued a reminder that the "criminal proceedings against these defendants are active" and that they have the right to a fair trial.
Last week, two men aged 45 and 47 were arrested in connection with the case and released on bail until late April.
Cdr Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: "Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible."
She said the support from the local community since the attack took place had been "incredible".
The ambulances were run by Hatzola, a Jewish volunteer-led group which treats patients regardless of faith.
Police patrols have been stepped up in areas with large Jewish populations since the attack.
"We know that local community concerns continue to remain high – particularly for our Jewish communities in the Passover festival period," Det Ch Sup Luke Williams, who is in charge of North West London policing, said.
He emphasised that the presence of additional officers were "precautionary measures and not in response to any specific threat".
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz0ey7z2jx3o
------
Russia chose 'Easter escalation' over ceasefire, says Zelensky
4 April 2026
Sarah Rainsford
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Moscow of choosing "Easter escalation" over an Easter ceasefire after Russia carried out another deadly large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine.
Six civilians were killed and 40 others injured as Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles across the country.
Major daytime attacks, which were once rare, have been increasing.
It's happening as efforts to end the war, led by the US, have stalled since US President Donald Trump and his team shifted focus to the conflict in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Zelensky agreed with a British intelligence assessment that the situation on the frontline in the east was the "most favourable" for Ukraine in 10 months, as the advance of Russian troops appears to have slowed.
But there has been no let-up in the air raids.
In the Zhytomyr region, west of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, rescuers had to search for survivors beneath the rubble of their homes as a whole line of houses was destroyed.
In the Kyiv region, a drone was filmed careering towards a block of flats, then slamming into its side, starting a fire.
In Kharkiv, in north-eastern Ukraine, a woman was killed and other people were critically injured in a day of strikes the mayor called "one of the biggest" on the city so far.
Zelensky described the barrage as Russia's response to his proposal of a temporary truce for the holidays: Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter next weekend both in Ukraine and in Russia.
"The Russians have only intensified their strikes, turning what should have been silence in the skies into an Easter escalation," he wrote on X.
In recent days, Ukraine has launched multiple deep strikes of its own, targeting energy facilities on the northern coast of Russia in particular. One port, in Ust-Luga, has been hit by drones multiple times, forcing Russia to suspend exports.
Zelensky said the offer of a holiday truce was still on the table if Moscow agreed, and that message had been passed on in a call to Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Plans for further in-person talks with Russia, mediated by the US, have now been postponed twice. Moscow says they are "on hold".
Zelensky said Trump's team were welcome to come to Kyiv, then shuttle to Moscow, to keep the peace process alive.
But there are doubts over whether Moscow is really looking for a deal as the global context has shifted in its favour.
For Ukraine, the potential scarcity of fuel and surge in prices caused by the war on Iran is a worry: its own frontline troops need large amounts of diesel for their tanks and vehicles.
Conversely, it's good news for Russia, which can make more money on energy exports to fund its weapons production and pay for soldiers.
There are also concerns here about a potential shortage of US defensive missiles to shoot down the ballistic missiles that Russia keeps firing at Ukraine, since so many US Patriot systems are now being used in the war with Iran.
"The longer the war in the Middle East continues, the greater the risk that we will receive less weaponry," Zelensky told journalists in Kyiv in recorded messages. "This is extremely difficult – perhaps one of the most challenging tasks."
He did describe the situation on the frontline as "stable", with small territorial gains in places and losses elsewhere, and suggested the threat of a major Russian breakthrough had receded.
Even so, Ukraine's focus appears to be on holding the line now, not major advances of its own.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cew70wjvv9do
-----
North America
CAIR Condemns Illegal Israeli Settler Attack on Palestinian Shop, Raid with Dogs on Mosque in West Bank, Forcing Kidnapped Palestinian to Advertise Jewelry Business
April 3, 2026
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/3/2026) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned an attack on a Palestinian-owned shop by illegal Israeli settlers and a raid on a West Bank mosque by soldiers using attack dogs.
CAIR also condemned the reported kidnapping of a Palestinian man who was forced to advertise an Israeli jewelry store.
CCTV video shows a group of masked Israeli settlers smashing up a Palestinian-owned shop in the West Bank.
CCTV from Imam al-Shafi’i Mosque shows Israeli soldiers releasing an attack dog that bites a man in a green jacket as they enter at dawn.
An Israeli reservist used a kidnapped Palestinian man to advertise his jewelry business. He posted a photo of the man blindfolded and holding a sign for the store after he was abducted from his home during an occupation raid in the West Bank.
In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
“The sheer level of cruelty displayed by illegal Israeli settlers and soldiers shocks the conscience of anyone who believe in human and religious rights. These injustices will forever stain everyone who enabled them, including those in our own government who continue to support Israel’s genocidal actions and policies.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.
You are receiving this email due to your interest selection from commercial media databases. If you would like to join CAIR’s media list,
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-illegal-israeli-settler-attack-on-palestinian-shop-raid-with-dogs-on-mosque-in-west-bank-forcing-kidnapped-palestinian-to-advertise-jewelry-business/
-----
Albuquerque man faces battery charge after viral video of anti-Islam outburst
Trevor Thompson
April 4, 2026
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A viral video that appears to show a man insulting a woman over her Islamic faith in Old Town on Monday could land him in legal trouble.
The Albuquerque Police Dept.’s incident report states Daniel Bernal, 70, has been summoned to appear in court at a later date on a battery charge after he allegedly spit on Sana Ali while she was with her children.
He could also be heard on the recording saying Ali will “burn in hell.” APD noted in the incident report that religion was believed to be a motivating factor.
That alleged spitting incident is not included in the viral video now circulating that lasts just under a minute.
However, Ali told KOB 4 in a statement that she had stopped recording to photograph Bernal’s license plate after the verbal exchange in which Bernal appears to make insulting comments about her children and her faith.
“I noticed someone was staring at me the whole time. I eventually had to pass this person, and that’s when he approached me by asking me if I was Christian. I said ‘No, you already know I’m not.’ His response was, ‘Right, you’re Muslim. I hope you burn in hell,’” wrote Ali in a statement to KOB 4.
Our team reached out to Bernal as well for his comments, but he declined our request for an interview, saying we should reach out to his attorney. It’s not clear who that is at this time, and he hung up on our team when he was asked whom he has selected to represent him.
A wider trend?
The Council on Islamic-American Relations (CAIR) says instances such as this alleged case are part of a troubling trend in recent years.
“Islamophobia remains at all-time highs,” said Corey Saylor, CAIR’s Research and Advocacy Director. “Our numbers last year were the highest we’ve ever recorded in the 30 years that we’ve been keeping numbers.”
He stated 2025 was a particularly troubling year and noted the current political climate is partially to blame.
“We count the number of cases that are called into us in any given year,” he said. “And that was 8,684 last year, 2025.”
Tracking cases is one thing. But figuring out what would cause someone to lash reportedly out at someone in public, and in front of children, is still somewhat of a mystery, he noted.
“And, you know, the research shows we never know what sort of kicks people over from holding that in their heart to actually physically acting it out against their neighbors,” said Saylor.
Source: kob.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/albuquerque-man-faces-battery-charge-after-viral-video-of-anti-islam-outburst/
-----
A Wisconsin mosque president was detained by ICE agents. Supporters say he was targeted for speaking out against Israel
Apr 3, 2026
The president of Wisconsin's largest mosque was detained by federal immigration agents, drawing accusations Thursday from local officials and religious leaders that the arrest was motivated by his criticism of Israel.
Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian-born legal permanent resident of the United States, was taken into custody by nearly a dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who surrounded his car on Monday in Milwaukee after he left his home, according to the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.
Supporters called Thursday for his immediate release. His attorneys said he was detained on the grounds that he is a foreign policy threat, a claim they say has no merit.
Instead, they believe Sarsour, 53, was targeted for speaking out against Israel and for a conviction as a minor by Israeli military courts, which have faced scrutiny over allegations of limited due process and high conviction rates of Palestinians. Israel rejects those claims. The offenses included allegedly throwing rocks at Israeli officers, according to attorney Munjed Ahmad.
"Our government should not be doing the bidding of a foreign government," Ahmad said of Israel. "There's no question in my mind is that this is to stifle the discourse on the Palestinian narrative."
Attorneys said Sarsour, born in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, has no criminal record in the U.S., where he has lived for more than 30 years. They said the U.S. government has known about Sarsour's conviction in Israel since he came to the U.S. in 1993.
An email message left Thursday for ICE and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was not immediately returned.
Sarsour's attorneys have likened the case to that of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student activist who faces deportation because the federal government said he was a foreign policy threat.
Sarsour has been the board president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, the largest Islamic organization in the state, for five years. His attorneys say he holds a green card and lives just outside Milwaukee. His wife and four adult children are U.S. citizens.
At a crowded news conference, boisterous supporters chanted to free Sarsour, recounting his advocacy for those in need. Several recalled Sarsour's stories about his childhood, including allegations of inhumane treatment while being detained by Israelis.
"He was targeted because of one thing, because he dared stand up to the Israeli army," Othman Atta, one of Sarsour's attorneys, told the crowd. "And he was not a U.S. citizen."
A diverse group of religious leaders in a attendance called Sarsour a valuable community member.
"This appears to be just the latest example of how this administration seeks to silence opposition and intimidate those who speak and act differently," said the Rev. Paul D. Erickson, bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Sarsour's arrest also prompted outcry from elected officials, including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who called it "an outrage."
"He is a legal permanent resident. There is no substantive evidence he has done anything wrong," Johnson said Thursday in a post on X. "This is another example of overreach and harm from the U.S. immigration authorities."
Sarsour is being held at a county jail in Indiana. His attorneys have filed a petition seeking his release.
"He is ready to fight tooth and nail to make sure that he's not drug through the mud," Ahmad said. "He wants to stay in this country."
Source: pbs.org
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/a-wisconsin-mosque-president-was-detained-by-ice-agents-supporters-say-he-was-targeted-for-speaking-out-against-israel
------
US pilot rescued after fighter jet downed over Iran, US media report
Apr 4, 2026
Cachella Smith
A US pilot has reportedly been rescued after their F-15 fighter jet was shot down over western Iran, the BBC's US partner CBS News reports, citing unnamed US officials. A search is under way for a second crew member.
The search and rescue mission to retrieve the crew - consisting of a Warthog jet and two helicopters - came under fire, causing the Warthog's pilot to eject over the Persian Gulf, where they were recovered, the report said.
The helicopter that rescued the F-15 pilot was also attacked, wounding crew members, CBS News further reports.
The apparent incident comes despite US President Donald Trump saying on Wednesday that Iran's drone and missile capabilities had been "decimated".
Reports that a US F-15E jet had been downed were first published by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) affiliated Tasnim news agency.
If confirmed, it would mark the first time a US jet has been taken out by Iran since the start of the war.
CBS reports, citing two US officials, that the rescue helicopter that came under attack was able to land safely and all service personnel are receiving medical treatment.
Social media footage verified by the BBC shows a plane and two helicopters flying low over Khuzestan province, consistent with a search and rescue mission.
The governor of Iran's southern Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province - which sits beside Khuzestan province - has said that "capturing" any downed US crew "alive" was a priority, according to the semi-official ISNA news agency.
Iranian outlets have said that a reward of 10 billion tomans (around £50,000) has been set to find the "intruder".
Asked by the BBC about reports that a US fighter jet had been shot down, the White House provided a statement that said only that "the president has been briefed".
Israel has held off planned strikes in the search area, CNN and Israel's Channel 12 report, citing Israeli officials. The Israel Defense Forces has not confirmed these reports.
The US had denied a report on Thursday morning by the IRGC that a fighter jet pilot had been shot down over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.
The apparent downing of the jet comes after both Trump and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have each repeatedly suggested that the US had already effectively won the war with Iran.
Trump said in a televised address on Wednesday that the US military had nearly completed its objectives, vowing to strike Iran "extremely hard" over the coming two or three weeks.
Iranian attacks across the region have continued despite US forces saying they had struck more than 12,300 targets, including naval vessels and facilities, missile launchers and defence manufacturing plants.
Trump has also touted talks with the Iranian regime, though Tehran has denied any contact with his administration. The Wall Street Journal reports that efforts to reach a ceasefire have hit a dead end, with Iranian officials unwilling to meet US counterparts.
The prospect of US casualties could also complicate Trump's efforts to assure the US public, particularly those within his Maga base who have grown alarmed at the prospect of a long-running, messy conflict overseas of the kind against which Trump campaigned.
New figures released by the Pentagon show 365 American service members have been injured as part of US operations against Iran.
Already, some commentators and political pundits are publicly questioning the utility of putting American lives at risk for a conflict they see as having poorly defined, rapidly morphing objectives and an unclear strategy to end the war.
The Trump administration initially said its goal was to destroy Iran's nuclear programme - but it has since also listed destroying Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and its navy, as well as diminishing its support for regional proxies, as among its aims.
Opinion polls have consistently shown that the US public is generally against the war and the Trump administration's handling of it.
The F-15 would not be the first US aircraft to be taken out of service during the course of the conflict, which began five weeks ago with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes across the region.
Three US fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defences in early March, in what Centcom described as "an apparent friendly fire incident". All six crew ejected safely and were recovered.
In March, six crew members of a US military refuelling aircraft died after it crashed in western Iraq. Centcom said neither hostile nor friendly fire were involved in the loss of the KC-135 aircraft.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says that 1,606 civilians, including at least 244 children, have been killed in Iran since the start of the conflict.
The F-15E Strike Eagle can fly at low altitudes and typically contains a pilot and a weapons systems officer.
One of them costs around $100m (£75m) and is equipped with a radar system that enables the detection of ground targets from long ranges.
It is designed to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3r395l91l3o
-----
Rescue team in Iran face 'harrowing and dangerous' search for US crew member
Bernd Debusmann Jr
Apr 4, 2026
Early reports indicate that the pilot of a US F-15 fighter aircraft downed over Iran was rescued - which, if confirmed, would be the latest in the long history of US combat search-and-rescue missions over decades.
The search operation is ongoing deep inside Iran for a second crew member, according to CBS, the BBC's US partner.
Combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions are considered among the most complex, time-sensitive operations that US and allied militaries prepare for.
In the US, elite units of the air force are specially trained for CSAR missions and are often pre-emptively deployed near conflict areas where aircraft could be lost.
What is Combat Search and Rescue?
Put simply, CSAR missions are military operations aimed at finding, aiding and potentially rescuing personnel in need, including downed pilots and isolated troops.
In contrast to conventional search-and-rescue efforts - which could take place during humanitarian operations or after disasters - CSAR missions occur in hostile or contested environments.
In some cases - as in Friday's reported recovery effort in Iran - the operations may happen deep in enemy territory.
CSAR missions are often conducted by helicopters, with refuelling aircraft in support and other military aircraft on hand to conduct strikes and patrol the area.
A former commander of a pararescue jumpers squadron told CBS News that a rescue operation like the reported one in Iran would involve at least 24 pararescue jumpers scouring the area in Black Hawk helicopters.
They added the team would be prepared to jump from planes if needed, and once on the ground their priority would be to contact the missing crew member.
Upon locating them, the pararescue jumpers would deliver medical aid if necessary, evade the enemy and get to a place where they can be rescued, according to CBS News.
"Harrowing and massively dangerous is an understatement," the former commander told CBS News.
They added: "This is what they train to do, all over the world. They are known as the Swiss Army knives of the Air Force."
Verified video that emerged from Iran on Friday appeared to show US military helicopters and at least one refuelling aircraft operating over Iran's Khuzestan province.
The missions are extremely time-sensitive, as enemy forces would likely be deployed in the same area to try and locate the same US personnel the CSAR teams are trying to rescue.
Former US Marine Corps Special Operations specialist Jonathan Hackett told the BBC's World Tonight programme that a rescue team's priority would be to look for signs of life.
"They're trying to work backwards from the last point they knew that person was, and fan out based on the speed that person could move under different circumstances in this really difficult terrain," Hackett said.
Hackett said this type of reported rescue would be a "non-standard assisted recovery mission", where indigenous groups in the area could have been previously contacted with the aim of creating contingency plans that could be activated to help with any rescues.
The history of CSAR missions
Airborne, wartime rescue missions have a long history, dating back to World War One pilots conducting impromptu landings in France to rescue downed colleagues.
The US military's pararescue units trace their lineage back to a 1943 mission in which two combat surgeons parachuted into then-Burma - now Myanmar - to help wounded soldiers.
The world's first helicopter rescue took place a year later, when a US lieutenant rescued four soldiers from behind Japanese lines, according to Smithsonian's Air & Space Magazine. The incident also marked the first operational use of a helicopter in combat.
Formal search-and rescue units were first established in the US in the immediate aftermath of the conflict. But modern CSAR began during the Vietnam War.
One mission, known as Bat 21, led to the loss of several aircraft and multiple US casualties while attempting to recover the pilot of an aircraft shot down behind North Vietnamese lines.
The war required a vast expansion of CSAR missions with increased scope and complexity. The experience helped the military refine tactics and procedures that have helped form the foundation of rescue operations since.
The US Air Force's pararescue teams
While each US military branch has their own limited CSAR capabilities, the US Air Force has the primary responsibility for finding and rescuing military personnel.
This work is primarily conducted by what are known as pararescue jumpers, part of the military's broader special-operations community.
The official pararescue motto is "These Things We Do, That Others May Live", and their work is considered part of a broader promise to US service members that they will not be left behind.
These personnel are highly trained as both combatants and paramedics, and go through what is widely considered one of the hardest selection and training pipelines in the US military.
The selection-and-training process - which takes approximately two years from start to finish - includes parachute and dive training, as well as basic underwater demolition, survival, resistance and escape training, and a full civilian paramedic course.
They also received specialised courses in battlefield medicine, complex recovery operations and weapons.
On the ground, these teams are led by specialised Combat Rescue Officers, who are responsible for planning, co-ordinating and executing the recovery missions.
Recent US rescue missions
Pararescue teams deployed extensively throughout the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting thousands of missions to rescue US and allied troops that were wounded or required extraction.
In 2005, air force pararescue teams were involved to recover a US Navy Seal who was wounded and seeking shelter in an Afghan village after his team was ambushed and its other three members killed - an incident later made into the film Lone Survivor.
Missions to recover downed US pilots have been rare in recent decades.
In 1999, the pilot of an F-117 stealth fighter shot down over Serbia was found and recovered by pararescuemen.
In a highly publicised incident in Bosnia in 1995, US pilot Scott O'Grady was rescued in a joint air force and Marine Corps CSAR mission after being shot down and evading capture for six days.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0le43jw8e9o
------
Trump seeks $1.5tn for defence alongside domestic spending cuts
Apr 4, 2026
The White House is asking Congress to boost the US defence budget to $1.5tn (£1.1tn), a sweeping rise that would mark the largest expansion in military spending since World War Two.
It includes funding for the Trump administration's proposed Golden Dome missile defence system, as well as a boost in domestic production of naval vessels, including new Trump-class battleships.
The administration said it would pair the proposed increase with a call for cuts across domestic agencies, including eliminating some climate, housing and education programmes.
The request, which will need to be approved by the US Congress, is separate from the $200bn that the Pentagon has sought for the war in Iran.
A summary of the budget posted online notes that the cuts will be achieved by "reducing or eliminating woke, weaponised and wasteful programmes, and by returning local responsibilities to their respective governments".
US President Donald Trump has long signalled a desire to increase the defence budget and boost domestic defence manufacturing.
At a private event at the White House earlier this week - which was caught on camera - Trump said that military spending should be a national priority going forward.
"It's not possible for us to take care of daycare, Medicaid, Medicare, all of these individual things, they can do it on a state basis," the president said, adding that the focus should be on "military protection".
Non-defence spending in the proposed budget has fallen by 10%, or about $73bn.
Trump's proposed budget would mark a 42% increase over the previous fiscal year, totalling $445bn.
Of the total, approximately $1.1tn would be in discretionary spending for the Pentagon, the highest on record.
Another $350bn - specifically for the industrial defence base - would come from a process known as budget reconciliation, a procedural shortcut that lets some legislation pass the Senate with a simple majority of 51 votes.
The budget also requests pay rises for troops and $65.8 billion in shipbuilding funding, including for what Trump has referred to as a "Golden Fleet" of next-generation vessels.
These include the heavily-armed Trump-class battleships unveiled in December.
Trump said at a news conference announcing the battleship that the construction of the first of the vessels, the USS Defiant, would begin soon, with the first ships operational in two-and-a-half years.
Administration officials have repeatedly warned that the US currently lags behind China in both shipbuilding capacity and total output.
Additionally, the budget also includes an unclear amount of funding for the $185bn Golden Dome, which officials have said will include multiple layers of land, sea and space based sensors and interceptors designed to protect the US from next-generation missiles and drones.
The Congressional Budget Office, however, has put the potential price tag at $542bn over 20 years on the space-based systems alone.
Experts have said the total cost could eventually soak up a large chunk of the massive US defence budget.
Source: bbc.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crr1q4kjvn2o
------
US state toughens ‘conversion therapy’ ban despite Supreme Court ruling
3 Apr, 2026
Lawmakers in Colorado have approved amendments to the state’s ban on “conversion therapy,” a practice aimed at changing an individual’s non-traditional sexual orientation or gender identity through counseling.
This comes despite a US Supreme Court ruling blocking enforcement of the state’s ban on such therapy on free-speech grounds.
Conversion therapy has long been criticized by medical experts and advocacy groups as ineffective and harmful – particularly for gay children of conservative parents seeking such intervention. Roughly half of US states, including Colorado since 2019, have banned the practice.
On Thursday, Colorado’s Democrat-led House passed a measure allowing people claiming harm from conversion therapy to sue therapists. The change mirrors legislation adopted in 2021 that removed time limits for bringing claims related to child sexual abuse.
State Representative Karen McCormick, who sponsored the bill and is the parent of a transgender child, said the amendment would give individuals more time to process trauma and come forward. “We don’t want them shut out of the legal system,” she said.
The legislation comes two days after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Christian counselor who challenged the ban on free speech grounds. Kaley Chiles argued that the restriction interfered with her ability to discuss issues of sexuality and relationships with clients within a religious framework.
“Each American enjoys an inalienable right to speak his mind and a faith in the free marketplace of ideas as the best means for finding truth,” Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the majority opinion. “Laws like Colorado’s, which suppress speech based on viewpoint, represent an egregious assault on both commitments.”
The Supreme Court's 8-1 decision, which included support from two liberal justices, does not affect existing restrictions on physical or medical interventions, such as electroconvulsive therapy, which remain regulated or prohibited in Colorado. Instead, the case will return to a lower court for further examination.
The developments reflect a wider national debate over LGBTQ-related policies versus free speech rights. Opposition to progressive social agenda – denounced as “wokism” by conservative critics – was a key factor in President Donald Trump’s election in 2024.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/news/637180-colorado-conversion-therapy-ban/
-------
Africa
Islamist rebels kill at least 43 in overnight raid in DR Congo
APR 03, 2026
At least 43 people have been killed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after militants linked to the Islamic State launched a deadly overnight raid, local officials said on Thursday.
Fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan Islamist group aligned with Islamic State, attacked Bafwakoa village late Wednesday, burning homes and killing residents as they fled, according to local civil society representatives.
“They set fire to houses in the village,” said Samuel Banapia, a civil society leader in the region, speaking by phone.
The Congolese army confirmed 43 deaths but local authorities warned the toll could be higher , at least 56 people were reported dead, with several others missing and two villagers believed to have been taken hostage.
Lt. Jules Ngongo, a spokesperson for the army in eastern Congo, said the ADF often targets civilians to retaliate against military pressure. “The ADF avoids direct combat with the army and its partners,” he said. “That’s why they attack the population , as a way of sabotaging peace efforts and taking revenge on our people.”
The ADF, which emerged in Uganda in the late 1990s and pledged allegiance to Islamic State in 2019, has entrenched itself in Congo’s eastern provinces. The group carries out frequent attacks on civilians in remote areas near the border with Uganda and further south toward Goma and Ituri.
The latest massacre underscores the ongoing security crisis in eastern Congo, where the army continues to battle multiple insurgent groups, including the Rwandan-backed M23, which captured several major towns last year.
ADF attacks have intensified in recent years despite regional military operations. In 2025, the militants killed at least 66 people in a nearby district and abducted several others, highlighting the persistent instability gripping the mineral-rich region.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2026/04/03/islamist-rebels-kill-at-least-43-in-overnight-raid-in-dr-congo/
------
Alaafin donates hospital beds, equipment to Oyo Muslim community
April 3, 2026
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has donated hospital beds and equipment to a Muslim community in Oyo State.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Lukman Ajibade, Alaafin noted that the equipment was donated to help save lives.
This was contained in a statement released by the monarch’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaye, on Friday.
He stressed the significance of affordable healthcare extends beyond individual well-being, as it encompasses the health of families, communities, and the entire.
Alaafin stated, “The health of individuals is tied closely to the health of their overall community. In turn, the health of the overall community is an outcome of the collective health of its individual residents.
“Affordable healthcare safeguards the economic stability of families. Medical expenses are manageable, families can plan for the future, provide for their loved ones, and pursue education and career opportunities without being burdened by crippling healthcare bills.”
Owoade stated that healthy individuals contribute to healthy communities, saying affordable healthcare helps prevent the spread of diseases, ensuring community well-being.
He added, “Healthy communities are more productive, which leads to overall economic growth and prosperity. Affordability encourages people to seek early medical intervention and preventive care. Regular check-ups and early diagnoses lead to more effective treatment and lower long-term healthcare costs.”
The paramount ruler reiterated his commitment to the people’s socio-economic well-being.
Responding on behalf of the community, an Islamic scholar, Daud Igi-Ogun, who thanked the monarch for the gesture, described him as a “visionary, proactive and pragmatic monarch with a heart of gold.”
The donation forms part of growing efforts by traditional rulers in Nigeria to support healthcare delivery within their communities.
In recent years, several monarchs and community leaders have complemented government initiatives by providing medical equipment, sponsoring health outreaches, and supporting hospitals to improve access to basic healthcare services, particularly for underserved populations.
Source: punchng.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://punchng.com/alaafin-donates-hospital-beds-equipment-to-oyo-muslim-community/
------
Libya’s grand mufti accuses authorities over mosque destruction
APR 03, 2026
Libya’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Al-Sadiq Al-Ghariani, has accused a group he referred to as the “Madkhalis” of carrying out attacks on mosques and religious sites, while alleging that official bodies in Tripoli are providing them with protection.
Speaking during the Islam and Life programme broadcast on Tanasuh TV, Al-Ghariani described the situation as “extremely dangerous”. He claimed that the same group had been involved in the destruction of shrines and graves in several Libyan cities since 2011, including Tajoura, Tripoli and Misrata.
He said those responsible justify such actions on religious grounds, while stressing that the issue of graves within mosques has long been addressed by established Islamic scholarship.
Al-Ghariani explained that the religious ruling varies depending on the condition of the grave. If the burial is recent, he said the remains should be exhumed and transferred to a Muslim cemetery. If the grave is old and has a visible structure built over it, the structure should be removed and levelled, but the grave itself should not be disturbed.
He said this approach reflects the views of recognised scholars, adding that acts involving explosions and destruction constitute an assault on public property and the rights of citizens. He stressed that waqf property is a public trust and must not be violated.
The Grand Mufti also criticised the government, accusing the Awqaf Authority in Tripoli of tolerating such actions despite being an official institution with a public budget. He said similar incidents had occurred previously in several Libyan cities.
Al-Ghariani further criticised the intelligence services, alleging that they target individuals who oppose Khalifa Haftar or, in his words, “speak the truth”. Addressing the Presidential Council, he called for a review of the agency’s performance and for those responsible to be held accountable.
He questioned why certain officials remain in their positions despite what he described as “injustice” and “failure”, suggesting that personal interests may explain their continued tenure.
He concluded by warning that some figures within the government are themselves dissatisfied with the performance of the intelligence apparatus, alleging widespread corruption and unlawful detentions. He said responsibility for the continuation of such practices ultimately rests with those overseeing these institutions.
Source: libyanexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.libyanexpress.com/libyas-grand-mufti-accuses-authorities-over-mosque-destruction/
------
Gaddafi family demands swift justice over Saif al-Islam killing
APR 03, 2026
The family of former Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has called for urgent action to bring those responsible for the killing of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi to justice, nearly two months after the incident.
In a statement released on Friday, the family expressed strong condemnation over what it described as an unjustified delay in arresting the suspects, despite earlier assurances from the Public Prosecutor that their identities had been identified more than a month ago.
The statement warned that the continued failure to implement judicial orders raises serious concerns about the authorities’ commitment to the case, and risks undermining public confidence in Libya’s legal and security institutions.
The family described the killing as a “major political and humanitarian crime”, adding that leaving those responsible at large could further contribute to instability and disorder in the country.
It also called for the immediate enforcement of the Public Prosecutor’s directives, and urged that any individuals found to have obstructed the course of justice be held accountable.
The case remains highly sensitive, given Saif al-Islam Gaddafi’s controversial political standing and his long-standing role in Libya’s internal and external affairs.
Analysts say the continued lack of clarity surrounding the perpetrators may further erode trust in state institutions, particularly amid Libya’s ongoing political divisions.
The family’s statement signals its intention to keep the case in the public spotlight, insisting that it should not be overlooked or closed without full accountability.
Nearly 60 days after the killing, no arrests have been announced.
Source: libyanexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.libyanexpress.com/gaddafi-family-demands-swift-justice-over-saif-al-islam-killing/
-------
South Sudanese Christians hold Good Friday march for peace
APR 04, 2026
Thousands of people joined a march for peace on Good Friday in South Sudan, where intensifying fighting between government and opposition forces is stoking fears of a return to all-out civil war.
Marchers in the majority-Christian country, the world's youngest nation, held a procession through the capital, Juba, complete with prayers for peace and a re-enactment of Jesus's crucifixion.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but soon descended into civil war and remains mired in extreme poverty and corruption.
A 2018 power-sharing deal between President Salva Kiir and his long-time rival Riek Machar has been unravelling since 2025, with clashes in multiple areas.
"We are now asking Jesus Christ himself to intervene. All efforts have been tried but our leaders... don't want peace," Santo Loku Pio Doggale, the auxiliary bishop of Juba, told a tightly packed crowd.
"They want only to oppress. They want only to divide. They want to fight."
United Nations experts said this week that South Sudan was at a "critical juncture", warning the scale and severity of the violence was alarming, including sexual violence against women and girls, and mass displacement.
"We have had... too much suffering in South Sudan. We pray earnestly, my dear friends, that it may come to an end," the Vatican's envoy to South Sudan, Archbishop Seamus Patrick Horgan, said at the march.
South Sudan's civil war killed more than 400,000 people between 2013 and 2018.
"We are praying for peace every day," Juba resident Lucia Peter told AFP.
"We grew up in war," said fellow resident Joseph Kenyi Samuel. "We need to have peace, a new page for South Sudan."
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2026/04/04/south-sudanese-christians-hold-good-friday-march-for-peace/
------
Burkina Faso’s Traoré rejects democracy, extends military rule
APR 04, 2026
Nearly four years after seizing power, Burkina Faso’s military leader Ibrahim Traoré is calling on citizens to abandon democratic ideals.
In a recent address, Traoré criticized democracy as harmful to African nations, arguing it has failed to protect civilians amid ongoing violence. His remarks come as his government continues to consolidate power following the 2022 coup that brought him to leadership.
Since then, the junta has steadily dismantled key democratic institutions. The electoral commission has been dissolved, and all political parties, already suspended since the coup, have now been formally banned. Authorities also extended the country’s transition period to civilian rule by five years, delaying a promised return to democracy that was initially scheduled for mid-2024.
Burkina Faso remains gripped by nearly a decade of jihadist violence that has killed thousands and displaced millions, a crisis the military government says requires strong centralized control.
However, the United Nations has urged authorities to reverse the ban on political parties and restore civic freedoms, warning that shrinking political space could further destabilize the country.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2026/04/03/burkina-fasos-traore-rejects-democracy-extends-military-rule/
------
Troops Neutralise Three Terrorists, Arrest Suspected Arsonists In Plateau
April 3, 2026
Troops of the Joint Military Task Force in Plateau State, operating under Operation Enduring Peace, have neutralised three suspected terrorists and arrested two individuals allegedly involved in attempts to burn residential buildings in parts of the state.
The development was disclosed on Friday in a statement by the Media Information Officer of the task force, Captain Chinonso Oteh.
According to Oteh, the arrests were made during a targeted operation in Dutse Uku community, Jos North Local Government Area, where troops responded to reports of violence and arson.
He explained that the suspects were apprehended while allegedly participating in the burning of houses and inciting violence within the community.
Oteh said, “At approximately 11:45 pm, vigilant troops responding to a distress call on sporadic shooting at Dutse Uku general area intercepted and apprehended two individuals masquerading as security operatives.
“These impostors, dressed in tactical black uniforms, were caught actively participating in the arson of residential properties and the orchestration of violence within the community.”
The suspects are currently in custody, while two individuals who sustained gunshot wounds during the incident are receiving medical attention.
In a separate operation carried out in the Karem community in Wase Local Government Area, the troops reportedly disrupted the movement of suspected terrorists.
Oteh said the operation resulted in the neutralisation of three insurgents.
He added that the success of the mission followed the strategic deployment of specialised counter-terrorism troops aimed at strengthening security in the state.
The task force urged residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing security efforts by reporting suspicious individuals or activities.
The statement emphasised that public cooperation remains critical to restoring lasting peace in the region.
“Through continued cooperation and the current strategic offensive, the military remains committed to ensuring the permanent restoration of safety and order for all citizens,” the statement added.
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2026/04/03/troops-neutralise-three-terrorists/
-------
Southeast Asia
King, Queen convey condolences on passing of Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik
4 Apr 2026
The message of condolence was conveyed via the official Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, King and Queen of Malaysia have expressed their condolences on the passing of former Transport Minister and MCA Life Honorary President Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, who died this morning.
The message of condolence was conveyed via the official Facebook page of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.
Dr Ling, 83, who was also a former MCA president, was among the longest-serving veteran politicians in the Cabinet, including holding the Transport Ministry portfolio, in addition to leading the MCA for 17 years.
The late Dr Ling served as the Member of Parliament for Mata Kuching for three terms from 1974 to 1982, and as the Member of Parliament for Labis for four terms from 1986 to 1999.
During that period, he held various key positions in the government, including Parliamentary Secretary, Deputy Information Minister, Deputy Finance Minister, and Deputy Education Minister.
His final post was as Transport Minister, a position he held for 14 years from 1986 until his resignation in 2003.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/people-issues/king-queen-convey-condolences-on-passing-of-tun-dr-ling-liong-sik/
------
JAKIM: No compromise on violations of halal certification conditions
4 Apr 2026
JAKIM director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said that no privilege would be granted to any party found violating the conditions or failing to meet the standards of Malaysian Halal Certification.
PUTRAJAYA: The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) stressed that it will not compromise with any party found violating halal certification conditions, particularly in cases involving najis mughallazah or severe impurities such as contamination or contact with pigs.
Responding to the revocation of Malaysian Halal Certification (SPHM) for two food manufacturers in Melaka, JAKIM director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the action was taken by the Melaka Islamic Religious Department (JAIM) after brushes made from pig hair were discovered at the premises.
He said the companies involved had been instructed to immediately cease using the Malaysian halal logo, recall all affected products from the market, and implement comprehensive corrective measures, including processes in accordance with Islamic law and the established guidelines.
JAKIM fully respects the role of state religious authorities, which are responsible for overseeing halal certification and enforcing compliance among SPHM holders at the state level Sirajuddin said in a statement here today.
He added that no privilege would be granted to any party found violating the conditions or failing to meet the standards of Malaysian Halal Certification.
“Any non-compliance, particularly involving impurities such as pig-related substances,is a serious violation that that cannot be taken lightly and requires immediate strict action,” he said.
Sirajuddin said JAKIM would continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with all relevant authorities to enhance monitoring and enforcement.
He said concerted action would continue to be taken to uphold the integrity of Malaysia’s Halal Certification, ensure the public’s access to halal food and address any non-compliance firmly and immediately.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/people-issues/jakim-no-compromise-on-violations-of-halal-certification-conditions/
------
Anwar urges Malaysians to stay grateful, united amid economic growth and global pressures
By John Bunyan
04 Apr 2026
IPOH, April 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to remain grateful and united as the country continues to post strong economic growth despite global uncertainties.
“Just last week, Bank Negara announced that our economic growth at the end of last year and early this year was among the best. Investments are the highest in history. Inflation is very low. Unemployment is very low,” he said.
Anwar made the remarks during his speech at the Majlis Jalinan Mesra Madani at Masjid Ar-Rashid, Taman Perpaduan Koperasi Tambun here.
He credited the achievements to cooperation across all sectors, including the federal and state governments, civil servants, the private sector, workers and the public.
“These are our achievements, thanks to the cooperation of everyone — the federal government, state governments, civil servants, private companies, workers and the public. Through unity, we have strengthened the economy,” he said.
However, Anwar warned that external pressures, particularly the war in the Gulf region, have increased government spending by about RM6 billion per month.
“The conflict has also raised questions about Malaysia’s oil production. The chairman of Petronas has already explained that while we do produce oil, we also import it. Yes, we sell our oil, but we have to import at very high prices — about USD106 per barrel. And that price does not even include insurance, shipping and transportation costs, which are all increasing,” he said.
Even so, he said Malaysia remains fortunate compared with some neighbouring countries.
“Alhamdulillah, we still have oil. Try looking at neighbouring countries. Some are already using fuel rationing because they do not have enough oil.
“In one Asean country, 400 petrol stations have closed. In another country’s capital city, people are walking to their offices because there is no fuel,” he said.
Anwar noted that Malaysians are not facing long queues for petrol and should appreciate the situation.
“We should be grateful that Malaysia has not reached that stage. So do not keep complaining endlessly. I am used to being criticised or insulted; that is fine. But in this situation, we must work together and find solutions,” he said.
He added that Malaysia remains one of the few peaceful countries with a growing economy and strong inter-communal relations, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, Orang Asli, Dayaks and Kadazans.
“Our real challenges are outside. Malaysia remains one of the few peaceful countries with a growing economy. Our country is peaceful, and relations between the races are still good. If we are grateful, our blessings will increase.
“If we are ungrateful, the punishment will be severe. So we must be thankful, make efforts to improve and avoid fighting among ourselves,” he said.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/04/04/anwar-urges-malaysians-to-stay-grateful-united-amid-economic-growth-and-global-pressures/215091
------
Malaysia to pilot AI learning in Islamic and higher education institutions
3 Apr 2026
MDEC and JAKIM will introduce AI-based learning facilities at pilot institutions across six states, aiming to benefit 3,000 students.
KUANTAN: The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) will collaborate to roll out artificial intelligence (AI)-based learning facilities at selected pilot institutions nationwide.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative will be implemented at higher education and Islamic institutions in Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak and Penang, benefiting about 3,000 students.
“All students should be given greater exposure to AI, including those in higher education and Islamic institutions,” he said when addressing the Himpunan Anak Pahang MADANI at the UTC Kuantan grounds here today.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the initiative will equip students with greater exposure to AI technology while fostering critical thinking and digital innovation.
He stressed that education should go beyond obtaining certificates or degrees and instead focus on developing individuals who can think rationally and evaluate information wisely.
“The country can only become truly great when its students and youth commit to hard work, discipline, mutual respect and sound judgment,” he said.
He also announced a RM600,000 project to upgrade a futsal court in Kampung Bukit Bay Route, along with a RM500,000 allocation to build a new learning hall at Pusat Pengajian Islam Ribat Al-Mustafa in Sungai Karang for tahfiz students.
At the event, the Prime Minister witnessed the presentation of a RM1 million contribution from the YTL Foundation, represented by Datuk Sharom Mohamed, for B40 students in the Kuantan and Indera Mahkota parliamentary constituencies, which was received by his political secretary, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi.
He also witnessed the handover of a RM1 million community sports fund from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to the Pahang State Youth and Sports Department.
Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and members of the Pahang state executive council.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/ai-learning-islamic-higher-education/
-----
Malaysia’s 2026 haj preparations on track, says minister
4 Apr 2026
Minister Zulkifli confirms 2026 haj preparations are smooth, with first flight scheduled for April 18 and robust contingency plans in place
KUALA LUMPUR: Preparations for Malaysian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land for the 2026 haj season are proceeding smoothly and on schedule.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan confirmed the first flight is scheduled for April 18 as planned.
He stated that Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has made better preparations this year compared to previous seasons. This assessment followed his recent official visit to Makkah and Madinah.
During the trip, he held a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Fawzan Al-Rabiah. The meeting was attended by numerous religious affairs ministers from around the world.
“Haj operations will proceed as planned,” Zulkifli said at a press conference. He added that very detailed planning has been carried out by the authorities.
The minister emphasised that TH also has a solid contingency plan to deal with any unforeseen changes. He expressed confidence in the plan’s ability to absorb potential disruptions.
“So far, discussions indicate that the contingency plan in place is capable of absorbing any changes that may occur,” he noted.
However, Zulkifli also expressed hope for a smooth pilgrimage season. He urged all pilgrims to follow the established plans for their journey.
“We pray that this year’s haj can be carried out smoothly and all pilgrims will follow the plans that have been set,” he concluded.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/malaysias-2026-haj-preparations-on-track-says-minister/
------
From S$1,000 runner to S$1m kingpin: Singaporean loan shark boss jailed over China-based empire
04 Apr 2026
SINGAPORE, April 4 — A man who climbed from a low-level loan shark runner to a syndicate “towkay” has been jailed for four years and two months and fined S$1 million (RM3.13 million) in Singapore, after raking in more than S$1 million from illegal lending operations spanning the republic and beyond.
According to Shin Min Daily News, Tan Keng Wee, 49, spent over a decade rising through the ranks of an unlicensed moneylending (UML) syndicate, eventually overseeing multiple “stalls” remotely from China while the group generated up to S$5.2 million in profits.
Tan began in 2003 earning S$1,000 a month as a runner, before moving up within a year to an “assistant loan shark” role handling administrative work such as recording debts and answering calls.
Six months later, amid a crackdown by Singaporean authorities, the syndicate’s mastermind, known as “Ah Ren”, shifted operations to Malaysia, with Tan following.
He was promoted again to manage a “stall” with about 80 to 100 debtors, while directing runners in Singapore. His pay rose to S$1,500 monthly plus 20 per cent of the stall’s profits.
The operation soon went regional. Between August and September 2005, Tan relocated with “Ah Ren” to Bangkok and later Shenzhen, where he continued running the business remotely. From China, he hired Singaporeans to carry out local lending and enforcement activities.
To evade detection, the syndicate relied on prepaid SIM cards registered under other people’s names, which were bought in Singapore and mailed to China.
Tan also recruited struggling debtors as runners, directing them to harass defaulters — including splashing paint on homes and locking doors.
By 2009, Tan had been elevated to “towkay” status and given funds to open new UML “stalls”.
By 2016, he controlled eight such operations involving at least 700 debtors. Interest rates ranged from 15 to 20 per cent, but could spike to as high as 40 to 50 per cent for late payments.
Authorities received 1,529 reports linked to his operations between 2006 and 2019, mostly involving harassment and intimidation.
Court details showed Tan used more than S$180,000 of his illegal earnings to service the mortgage of a S$1.2 million executive condominium bought in 2014 for his family.
The syndicate began to unravel in 2019 when “Ah Ren” was arrested in China and extradited to Singapore.
Tan halted his activities in June that year and remained in China until returning to Singapore to surrender in 2025.
He faced 16 charges, including offences under the Moneylenders Act and the Corruption, Drug Trafficking, and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act.
He pleaded guilty to six charges on April 2, with the remaining taken into consideration.
If he fails to pay the S$1 million fine, Tan will serve an additional 50 weeks’ jail in default.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2026/04/04/from-s1000-runner-to-s1m-kingpin-singaporean-loan-shark-boss-jailed-over-china-based-empire/215053
------
Anwar: State leaders entitled to salaries, my decision not to take pay is personal choice
By John Bunyan
04 Apr 2026
IPOH, April 4 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it is incorrect to argue that Menteri Besar, ministers or other leaders should forgo their salaries simply because he has chosen not to take his own since assuming office.
“Some people say, ‘If the Prime Minister does not take his salary, why should a Menteri Besar take theirs?’ That argument is not correct. Their salaries are their rights,” he said.
Anwar made the remarks during his speech at the Majlis Jalinan Mesra Madani at Masjid Ar-Rashid, Taman Perpaduan Koperasi Tambun here.
He stressed that the government’s focus is not on denying legitimate salaries, but on controlling excessive spending, especially amid current economic challenges.
“When it comes to the economy, we must be careful and avoid wasteful spending. That is why the Prime Minister’s open house was not held this year. What we are trying to control is excessive spending. That is the point I want to emphasise,” he said.
Anwar added that he has not taken his salary for three years since becoming Prime Minister.
“I thought of taking it again when the economy improved, but now the economy is facing difficulties, so I decided not to take it yet,” he said.
He said the decision does not cause him hardship as his official travel and car are provided by the government.
“That is alright. I am not poor. My travel and official car are provided by the government, so I do not face hardship,” he said.
However, he said he wanted to set an example to his colleagues about the importance of prudence in government spending.
“But I must also show my colleagues the importance of being prudent. Of course, other people must still receive their salaries because that is their right,” he added.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/04/04/anwar-state-leaders-entitled-to-salaries-my-decision-not-to-take-pay-is-personal-choice/215088
-----
South Asia
True freedom means restoring people’s right to livelihood: – Chief Whip of Jatiya Sangsad Nurul Islam, Bangladesh
03 Apr 2026
DHAKA, April 3, 2026 (BSS) – Chief Whip of Jatiya Sangsad Nurul Islam Moni today said that true freedom means restoring the people's right to livelihood and ensuring that the labor of the working class is properly valued.
“Freedom is defined by a rickshaw puller's right to earn and a farmer's right to cultivation. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government’s primary objective is to ensure these fundamental rights and establish a model of good governance,” he said.
Nurul Islam made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a programme organized by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal at the National Press Club in the city, said a press release.
About the political situation, Nurul Islam said that no mal-politics regarding the ‘July Charter’ would be tolerated.
He reaffirmed that Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman are committed to implementing every letter of the July Charter through a systematic and legal process.
He criticized the opposition for frequently changing their demands—ranging from local government elections to constitutional reforms—noting their previous call for a Proportional Representation (PR) system.
He argued that such systems do not exist in major democracies like the United States or England and asserted that elections cannot be delayed under the pretext of unreasonable demands.
The Chief Whip contrasted the current administration with historical periods, alleging that Awami League had previously laundered Taka 27 lakh crore trillion from the country.
In contrast, he described Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as an austere leader who has introduced farmer and family cards and proposed a two-term limit for the office of Prime Minister.
He further highlighted the current state of press freedom, noting that citizens can now create satirical cartoons of the Prime Minister without fear of reprisal.
Reflecting on history, Nurul Islam credited Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman for restoring law and order, introducing multi-party democracy, and ending food shortages through his canal-digging programme, which eventually led to food exports to Senegal.
He also attributed the country’s past economic improvements to the tenure of Begum Khaleda Zia, stating that the party endured 17 years of oppression because of the progress achieved during her time.
The programme was chaired by Humayun Kabir, President of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sangskritik Dal.
Other speakers included the Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation, Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam, and Ekushey Padak recipient Principal Sukumar Barua. Leaders of BNP’s cultural wing were also present.
Source: bssnews.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.bssnews.net/news/374197
-------
Bangladesh–US ties matter more than ever: Paul Kapur
April 4, 2026
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur has highlighted the growing relations between Bangladesh and the United States (US), saying that the Dhaka–Washington relationship matters more than ever.
"Today, US-Bangladesh relationship matters more than ever," he said while speaking about relations between the two countries at a recent programme hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington.
Paul Kapur said cooperation between the two countries in areas including security, trade and governance, as well as their shared values, make the two countries more prosperous and secure.
In March, he paid a two-day visit to Bangladesh, discussing key US priorities, expanding market access for American businesses, strengthening cooperation on illegal immigration, and deepening collaboration on regional security and counterterrorism.
He also discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment, enhancing security cooperation, and advancing shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
During his recent meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright acknowledged the energy challenges Bangladesh is currently facing and expressed his country's commitment to supporting Bangladesh during these difficult times to help ensure its energy security.
He said the US will consider Bangladesh’s requests and assured that he and his team would work closely with the relevant departments of the US government to this end.
Minister Khalilur met with the US Energy Secretary at the Department of Energy in Washington, DC, on March 31.
During the meeting, Khalilur explained the energy-related challenges Bangladesh is going through due to supply chain disruptions.
Source: thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/diplomacy/news/bangladesh-us-ties-matter-more-ever-paul-kapur-4143036
------
UNICEF to Increase, Accelerate Aid for Displaced Families
April 4, 2026
KABUL: The UNICEF said in a statement the other day that it will increase and accelerate its assistance to families displaced as a result of the recent Pakistani military regime’s forces attacks in Afghanistan.
A UNICEF representative made the statement during a meeting held by the Afghan Ministry of Economy in Kabul, attended by representatives from United Nations agencies as well as domestic and international organizations.
Dr. Tajuddin, representing UNICEF, emphasized the continuation of aid efforts and stated that assistance delivery would be expedited.
He also called on Kabul and Islamabad to pursue a peaceful path to resolve tensions.
Tajuddin further urged other organizations to provide the necessary support to displaced families affected by the ongoing situation.
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/unicef-to-increase-accelerate-aid-for-displaced-families/
------
IEA Delegation in China for Talks with Pakistani Officials
April 4, 2026
KABUL: A mid-level delegation from the Islamic Emirate has arrived in China at the invitation of the Chinese government to hold official talks with the officials of the Pakistani Military Regime.
The discussions are expected to take place in Urumqi under Chinese mediation, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a statement the other day.
The process is being conducted based on mutual respect and constructive engagement, Balkhi said, adding that the Afghan delegation is participating with a balanced and principled approach and aims to discuss issues related to good neighbourly relations, strengthening trade ties, and effective management of security concerns.
The spokesman expressed confidence that diplomatic engagement based on mutual respect, non-interference, and constructive dialogue can lead to practical and lasting solutions, while also contributing to regional stability and cooperation.
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/iea-delegation-in-china-for-talks-with-pakistani-officials/
-------
IEA Calls for Urgent Support as Over 27,000 Families Displaced
April 4, 2026
KABUL: The country’s Ministry of Economy has held a coordination meeting to mobilize assistance for displaced families and strengthen cooperation with United Nations agencies and both domestic and international organizations.
The meeting focused on identifying effective strategies for collecting and distributing aid to families displaced by recent attacks, the ministry said in a statement on Friday.
Officials reported that 27,344 families have been displaced due to the Pakistani military regime’s strikes across Nuristan, Kunar, Laghman, Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Zabul, and Kandahar provinces, all of whom are in urgent need of assistance.
The participants called on international and local organizations to continue supporting the Afghan people, emphasizing the importance of sustained humanitarian aid.
Source: thekabultimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thekabultimes.com/iea-calls-for-urgent-support-as-over-27000-families-displaced/
-------
Dropped ordinances: Hard-earned reforms at risk
April 4, 2026
Eminent rights activists have criticised the parliamentary special committee’s recommendation to drop key ordinances issued by the interim government, noting that most of them are tied to crucial reforms.
Out of 133 ordinances issued by the previous government, four are set for repeal, while 16 would be allowed to expire.
The activists and experts said the move by the committee, tasked with reviewing the ordinances, has deepened concerns over the future of judicial, anti-corruption and human rights reforms.
From retired judges to leading civil society figures, many have warned that the stance risks undoing hard-won gains.
The special committee’s report, placed before parliament by chief whip Zainul Abedin on Thursday, said 16 ordinances would later be reintroduced in the House as bills following scrutiny and further strengthening. That means these 16 ordinances are not going to be adopted within the stipulated time.
According to the constitution, parliament must approve or reject ordinances within 30 calendar days of its first sitting, which was on March 12. If they are not ratified by April 10, the ordinances will expire.
Of the four ordinances the committee recommended for repeal, three are related to judicial independence, creating judicial posts, and the development of the judiciary.
Masder Hossain, retired district judge and member of the Judiciary Reform Commission formed by the interim government, expressed disappointment.
He told The Daily Star that repealing these measures would frustrate the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment separating the judiciary from the executive. He cautioned that appointments and control of judges could revert to politicisation and nepotism.
If the judiciary is not strong, how would the human rights of people be established, he questioned.
Supreme Court lawyer and human rights activist ZI Khan Panna said the rule of law has to be established first in the country, then the human rights commission or the inquiry commission on enforced disappearances might be constituted.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said, “The fact that people’s lives can become extremely difficult in the absence of an effective Human Rights Commission, an independent judiciary, and provisions for preventing enforced disappearances should not be forgotten by those in power, including the head of the ruling party.
“If they have truly learned any lessons from the authoritarian rule and the bloodshed of the July uprising, they should demonstrate this to the people by taking immediate steps to have these ordinances placed in parliament in their original form for approval.”
He questioned as to why the government, whose own party leaders had been victims of enforced disappearances and killings during the previous regime, has placed the ordinances related to the prevention of enforced disappearances into the “trap” of further review.
On the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Ordinance, Iftekharuzzaman, also chair of the ACC Reform Commission formed by the interim government, urged that the ordinance be revised in line with the recommendations of the ACC Reform Commission that were included in the July charter with consensus from all political parties, including the BNP.
Calling for the repeal of the Police Commission Ordinance, the TIB executive director said, “The ordinance fails to reflect the need for an independent and neutral police commission, which is essential to transform the police into a people-friendly and professional force.
The Right to Information (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, must be revised -- particularly regarding the definition of information, expansion of jurisdiction, and provisions related to appointment, status, and tenure of commissioners -- before being placed in parliament as a bill.
“We strongly demand that all ordinances, including those recommended for suspension, be reviewed with the involvement of relevant experts and stakeholders and enacted into law without delay,” Iftekharuzzaman said.
Human rights activist Nur Khan Liton also expressed concern over the dropping of several key ordinances, saying the move risks undermining institutional reforms and accountability mechanisms.
Liton argued that amendments could have been introduced during the current parliamentary session without allowing the ordinances to expire. “That would have avoided any legal or institutional gaps,” he said.
He warned that the expiry of the ordinances would create a vacuum, weaken institutions, and expose vulnerabilities in governance and human rights protection.
About the ordinance on enforced disappearances, Liton said, “Its expiry effectively gives those involved in such abuses a breathing space.”
Hopes for a stronger, more independent human rights framework would once again suffer a setback, he said.
Efforts to protect human rights or to make Human Rights Commission activities effective never reached the desired level, he said, adding, “A major reason was the weakness of the law, along with successive governments’ attempts to impose partisan control.”
“Past governments were busy putting a party label on the commission, and as a result, it could not play an effective role. The ordinance had created some scope for change, but with its expiry, the commission would once again return to a weakened position,” Liton said.
Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman told The Daily Star that the government would further scrutinise the ordinances and correct them before reintroducing them as bills in parliament.
“We have not said that we will not approve those ordinances. We are just deferring it for consultation with stakeholders as there are some errors,” he said.
Nagorik Coalition, a platform of civil society members, also expressed concern over the move to repeal four ordinances.
In a statement yesterday, the platform said the move undermines long-awaited reforms intended to ensure the independence of the judiciary.
The coalition believes any changes to the judiciary’s administrative structure should strengthen, not weaken, the court’s institutional autonomy, the statement read.
Source: thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/dropped-ordinances-hard-earned-reforms-risk-4142826
-----
WHO Airlifts 78 Tonnes of Medical Supplies to Afghanistan From Dubai
By Fidel Rahmati
April 4, 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) says a 78-tonne air shipment of life-saving medical supplies has arrived in Afghanistan from Dubai, providing urgently needed support for hundreds of thousands of people as the country’s health system remains under severe pressure. WHO said the cargo includes measles treatment kits, pneumonia supplies, nutrition support for malnourished children and surgical equipment.
According to WHO, the supplies are expected to help cover the urgent health needs of more than 419,000 people and support over 13,000 life-saving surgeries across the country. The agency thanked the United Arab Emirates for helping facilitate the delivery at a time when humanitarian logistics across the wider region have become increasingly difficult.
The delivery comes as WHO and other aid agencies warn that Afghanistan continues to face a combination of humanitarian, economic and public health crises, including disease outbreaks, weak access to essential care and climate-related shocks. WHO says its emergency response in Afghanistan remains focused on preserving health services, ensuring rapid outbreak response and delivering critical medicines to vulnerable communities.
WHO had earlier warned that the war in the Middle East and resulting airspace restrictions had disrupted the movement of emergency health cargo across the region, delaying more than 50 humanitarian shipments intended for 1.6 million people in 25 countries, including Afghanistan. The latest airlift suggests some priority deliveries are still being pushed through despite those constraints.
Afghanistan’s health sector remains heavily dependent on international assistance, with millions of people relying on externally supported clinics, emergency services and disease-response programs for basic care. WHO has repeatedly said sustained supply lines are critical to keeping those services operational.
Recent years have also seen repeated pressure on the health system from earthquakes, floods, displacement, malnutrition and infectious disease outbreaks, leaving hospitals and rural facilities with little margin to absorb further disruption.
The new shipment offers temporary relief for a strained health network, but aid agencies say continued access, funding and regional stability will remain essential to prevent deeper health emergencies in Afghanistan.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/who-airlifts-78-tonnes-of-medical-supplies-to-afghanistan-from-dubai/
------