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Middle East Updates:
Beirut Strike Death Toll Reaches 37
Deutsche Welle
22 Sep 2024, 09:20
Photo: Bilal Hussein/AP/picture alliance
Lebanon has said more than 30 people, including three children, were killed in a strike on a Beirut suburb. Israel confirmed the attack and said a senior Hezbollah commander was among those killed.
The Lebanese Health Ministry Firass Abiad says the death toll from a strike in the suburbs of Beirut has now risen to 37. Three children were among the dead, and seven women. Hezbollah has confirmed that a second top commander was also killed in the strike.
Abiad told reporters that 68 people were also wounded with some 15 still in hospital. The attack is the deadliest airstrike on Beirut since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Several Hezbollah members, including top leaders, were also killed in the strike, according to Israel.
Ibrahim Akil, a Hezbollah commander who was in charge of the group's elite Radwan Forces and about a dozen members of the militant group who were meeting in a basement were also killed, the Israeli government said.
Israel said it had targeted Hezbollah fighters in the strike that followed threats from the militant group's top leadership that came after hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies exploded in what is believed to be an Israeli operation.
The series of attacks in Lebanon mark an escalation of the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, although Israel has carried out strikes in other parts of the country before.
Israel confirms Hezbollah commander killed
The Israeli military has confirmed a Hezbollah announcement that Ibrahim Akil, one of the Islamist group's commanders, was among those killed in an attack on the Lebanese capital's southern Dahiya district. He is the second leading Hezbollah figure to be confirmed killed in Friday's attack.
The strike on the crowded district came during rush hour, as people headed home from work and children left school. Media showed footage of at least two buildings completely flattened.
Iran says Beirut attack was a 'criminal act'
Iran has strongly condemned the Israeli strike that hit the suburbs of Beirut on Friday. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Saturday that Israel was committing "shameless crimes" against children and the Lebanese Health Ministry said three children were among the 31 dead from Friday's strike.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also condemned the killing of a military commander in the Lebanese Hezbollah militia, Ibrahim Akil, but he added that Iran, which is Hezbollah's main backer, was not planning a direct act of revenge.
"The incident is a matter for Hezbollah, and it will certainly show an appropriate reaction in due course," the Iranian chief diplomat said, according to a report published by Iran's ISNA news agency.Araghchi said Friday's targeted killing of Hezbollah commander Akil was "a criminal act of desperation."
Hezbollah says it targeted Israeli air base
The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has targeted an Israeli air base with dozens of missiles, it said on early Sunday. The missile attack on the Israeli Ramat David air base near Haifa was in response to "repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon," the group said in a statement.
Israel's emergency medical services (MDA) said a 60-year-old man was lightly wounded by shrapnel from a missile shot from Lebanon. The missile was intercepted in a village in the lower Galilee.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a short statement that around 10 rockets were detected, most of which were intercepted. Alerts had been activated in the area. "A rocket was also monitored falling in the area and the incident is being investigated," the statement said.
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Event Dedicated to Russian Federation's National Flag Day celebration
A festive event dedicated to State Flag Day of the Russian Federation was organized by the Russian House in Bangladesh in cooperation with the Alumni and Friends Association of People’s Friendship University of Russia, headed by the Chairman of the organization, engineer Alamgir Jalil in Ishwardi on August 22, 2024.
In his opening speech the director of the Russian House in Dhaka Mr. P. Dvoychenkov said that on August 22, 1991, the tricolor Russian flag was officially raised over the White House in Moscow for the first time, replacing the red banner with a hammer and sickle as the national symbol.
By the Presidential Decree No. 1335 of August 20, 1994, 22 August became a national holiday—State Flag Day of the Russian Federation. The tricolor represents freedom, independence, and the continuity of Russia's heritage through generations.
He also reminded the audience that following Bangladesh’s independence, friendly relations with the Soviet Union were established on January 25, 1972. The Soviet Cultural Center, now the Russian House in Bangladesh was founded in 1974 to strengthen these ties. Since then, Bangladesh and Russia have maintained deep bilateral relations.
After the introductory remarks by the organizers and local officials, the participants watched a documentary biographical film titled "Peter I: The Last Tsar and the First Emperor," directed by Andrei Kravchuk.
The event featured a drawing competition of the Russian state flag, a quiz on the history and geography of Russia, and a concert program with performances of Russian songs. The active participants in the competitions were awarded gifts and commemorative souvenirs. School students expressed interest in pursuing higher education in Russia and participating in similar large-scale joint events.
Over 1,000 students from 40 public schools in the region participated in the celebration. Each participant received a tricolor flag of Russia, symbolizing the festivity.
Ukraine updates: Biden announces new military aid for Kyiv
US President Joe Biden spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and announced a new military aid package ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day on Saturday.
Biden speaks with Zelenskyy, announces new military aid for Ukraine
US President Joe Biden spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, announcing a new military aid package ahead of Ukraine's Independence Day on Saturday.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who also spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov on Friday, said on social media the package was worth $125 million (€112 million).
In the call with Zelenskyy, Biden reaffirmed Washington's support, which the White House called "unwavering", for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
The aid package includes air-defense missiles, counter-drone equipment, anti-armor missiles and ammunition, the White House said in its statement.
According to the US State Department, Washington has provided more than $55 billion in military assistance to Kyiv since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Ambassador Yao Wen Calls on Dr Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh
Yao Wen, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh, welcomed the formation of the Interim Government, congratulated Professor Muhammad Yunus on his assumption as Chief Adviser, and stressed the support for the Interim Government to build a poverty-free and democratic, prosperous Bangladesh.
He made this call on Sunday (August 25), 2024.
Ambassador Yao said that China strictly follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, respecting the development path independently chosen by the Bangladesh people, and expects that Bangladesh would realize unity, stability, development and prosperity at an early date. No matter what changes have taken place in the domestic situation of Bangladesh, China’s commitment to develop China-Bangladesh relations remains unchanged.
Ambassador Yao said that China and Bangladesh are traditional friendly neighbors and comprehensive strategic cooperative partners. The bilateral relationship sets up a model of mutual respect, cooperation for win-win results for developing countries. China firmly supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, maintaining national unity and stability, and playing a more significant role in international and regional affairs.
Ambassador Yao stated that both China and Bangladesh are at a crucial stage of development and revitalization, with enormous potential for cooperation. China stands ready to share its experience in reform and development with Bangladesh, implement the agreements and consensus reached by the two sides, and push forward pragmatic cooperationin various sectors.
China is about to import fresh mangoes from Bangladesh, expedite the negotiation for a Free Trade Agreement, optimize the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement, encourage local currency settlement in bilateral trade and support Chinese enterprises in investing in Bangladesh. China is committed to work with Bangladesh to organize and carry out activities for the 'China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges' in 2025.
China will also maintain visits and exchanges at all levels and in various sectors, elevating the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new height.
Ambassador Yao reiterated that China is determined to encourage and engage with the relevant parties in Myanmar for a cease fire, so as to create amicable conditions for the early repatriation of displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar.
Philippines accuses China of ramming supply vessel
The Philippines says Chinese vessels undertook "aggressive" maneuvers against a ship transporting supplies to fishermen. The incident is the latest in a series of confrontations near a disputed South China Sea shoal.
The Philippines on Sunday claimed that Chinese vessels blocked a Filipino ship that was transporting provisions to fishermen in the South China Sea, accusing them of ramming it and using water cannon.
China, in its turn, has accused the Philippines of illegally sending a vessel to the region.
The two nations have had repeated confrontations in the waters near the Sabina Shoal — called Xianbin Reef by China — in recent months.
What do the Philippines and China say about the incident?
Manila's South China Sea task force said in a statement that the Chinese vessels had made "aggressive and dangerous" maneuvers.
The vessel from the Philippines' Bureau of Fisheries (BFAR) "was targeted by the People's Liberation Army Navy ship and multiple China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, which attempted to encircle and block the humanitarian mission," the statement said.
"The CCG vessels made close perilous maneuvers that resulted in ramming, blasted horns, and deployed water cannon against the BFAR vessel, eventually leading to the latter's engine failure," according to the statement.
The CCG said it had taken "control measures" against the Philippine vessel, saying the ship had "illegally" entered the waters near the Sabina Shoal and had repeatedly approached its ships in a dangerous manner.
CCG spokesman Gan Yu said the Filipino vessel then "deliberately collided" with a CCG ship, CCTV quoted Gan as saying, adding that China had "promptly rescued the Philippine personnel who fell into the water."
"China warns the Philippines to immediately cease its infringing actions, otherwise the Philippines will bear all consequences resulting from this situation," Gan warned.
Maritime tensions
On Monday, both countries also reported a collision between their coast guard ships near the Sabina Shoal, where both sides have stationed coast guard vessels in recent months.
The Philippines fears China is about to build an artificial island at the shoal, as it has elsewhere in the waterway.
On Saturday, the Philippines accused China of firing flares at one of its aircraft earlier this month as it patrolled the South China Sea.
China claims almost the entire sea, ignoring an international tribunal ruling that its claims have no basis in law.
EU 'extremely concerned' over Venezuela election
The EU's top diplomat said the bloc would only recognize "complete and independently verifiable" election results, which the Venezuelan government has not yet provided.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borell said on Sunday that the bloc "remains extremely concerned" about the aftermath of last month's presidential elections in Venezuela.
The government-controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) declared incumbent Nicolas Maduro the winner of the July 28 election, but has refused to publish detailed results.
According to CNE figures, Maduro reportedly received 51.2% of the vote, while the joint opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia received 44.2%.
Gonzalez Urrutia's team claims he won with 67%, backed up by 83% of voting machine tallies that they claim they have in their possession. They have rejected the CNE results, saying the organization is an arm of Maduro's ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).
A government crackdown on protests in the wake of the vote has led to at least 2,400 arrests and 23 deaths.
In a statement issued on behalf of the EU on Sunday, Borrell urged the CNE to "publish and independently verify" the voting records or "actas" of all polling stations.
EU does not recognize Maduro's win
Venezuela's top court on Thursday certified Maduro's win. But the court is widely regarded as another institution loyal to Maduro.
Borrell said Caracas has still not provided the "necessary evidence to assess the electoral process."
"Only complete and independently verifiable results will be accepted and recognized," he added.
"The reviewed 'actas' published by the opposition exhibit the security features of the original result protocols, thereby confirming their reliability," Borrell said, adding that Gonzalez Urrutia "would appear to be the winner of the presidential election by a significant majority."
Borrell also called for Venezuelan authorities to "refrain from using excessive force, end the repression and harassment of the opposition and civil society, and release all political prisoners."
"Venezuelan authorities must respect the right of all Venezuelans to peacefully demonstrate and freely express their political opinions without fear of reprisal," he added.
Maduro government summons Gonzalez Urrutia
A UN report last week said at least 1,260 people in Venezuela have been detained and 23 killed since the election amid "fierce repression by the state."
Maduro confirmed earlier this month that some 2,000 people had been arrested and would faced punishment.
Gonzalez Urrutia, who has not been seen publicly since the end of July, is believed to be in hiding.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado subsequently led the wave of protests, but she too has since gone into hiding.
Machado was the intended candidate to face Maduro in the August election, but she was barred by the CNE from participating. Gonzalez Urrutia became the replacement candidate, even as Machado has remained the opposition's primary figure and main rival to Maduro.
Government prosecutors have now summoned Gonzalez Urrutia, with Maduro's attorney General Tarek William Saab saying the opposition candidate would have to explain his "disobedience."
Saab said that by posting a detailed breakdown of election results on its website, the opposition had "usurped" the powers of the CNE.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov arrested in France
Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was arrested on a warrant for offenses related to his popular messaging app. Moscow has demanded consular access to the Russian-born billionaire and accused France of non-cooperation.
French police arrested Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram, at Le Bourget airport near Paris on Saturday.
Durov was arrested on a warrant for offenses related to the popular messaging app, the AFP news agency reported, citing unnamed officials.
According to French broadcaster TF1, Durov was traveling aboard his private jet from Azerbaijan and was arrested around 8 p.m. local time (1800 GMT).
He is due to appear in court on Sunday.
Why is Durov being investigated?
Durov is suspected of failing to take measures to curb the use of his platform for criminal purposes.
France's OFMIN, an agency tasked with preventing violence against minors, had issued an arrest warrant for Durov as part of a preliminary investigation into alleged offenses including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime and the promotion of terrorism, one of the sources close to the case said.
"Enough of Telegram's impunity," said one of the investigators. He added that they were surprised that Durov came to Paris, knowing that he was a wanted man.
What is Telegram?
Telegram is one of the most important social media platforms in the world after Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok and Wechat. It currently has the aim of reaching one billion active users by next year.
The Russian-born Durov, 39, reportedly holds French citizenship. He founded Telegram in 2013 with his brother Nikolai.
Durov left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with government demands to shut down opposition communities on his social media platform, VK, which he subsequently sold.
After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Telegram became the main source of unfiltered, sometimes graphic and misleading content from both sides about the war and the politics surrounding the conflict.
How is Russia reacting to Durov's arrest?
The Russian Embassy in Paris on Sunday accused French authorities of "refusing to cooperate" after Durov's arrest.
"We immediately asked French authorities to explain the reasons for this detention and demanded that his rights be protected and that consular access be granted. Up to now, the French side is refusing to cooperate on this question," the embassy said in a statement reported by Ria Novosti news agency.
The messaging app is one of the most important online networks in Russia. Many authorities and politicians use it for communication.
India's response to media queries regarding Farakka Barrage
The External Affairs Ministry has said that the opening of Farakka barrage gates allowing the flow of water downstream of the river in its natural course into the Ganga and Padma rivers is normal seasonal development.
In response to media queries regarding Farakka barrage, the Official Spokesperson, Shri Randhir Jaiswal said,
'We have seen media reports of the opening of Farakka barrage gates that will allow the flow of over 11 lakh cusecs of water downstream of the river in its natural course into the Ganga/Padma river.
This is a normal seasonal development that takes place due to increased inflow from heavy rainfall in the Ganga river basin catchment areas upstream.
It is to be understood that Farakka is only a barrage and not a dam. Whenever, water level reaches the pond level, whatever inflow comes that passes. It is merely a structure to divert 40,000 cusecs of water into the Farakka canal that is carefully done using a system of gates on the main Ganga/Padma river, while the balance water flows into the main river to Bangladesh.
Data, as per protocol, is shared with the concerned Joint River Commission officials in Bangladesh on a regular and timely basis. It has been done this time as well.
We have seen fake videos, rumours and fear mongering to create misunderstanding. This should be firmly countered with facts.'
