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Category: Middle East

  • BREAKING: UAE intercepts two Iranian drones, says civilian death toll rises to 10

    BREAKING: UAE intercepts two Iranian drones, says civilian death toll rises to 10

    ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (NPA) — The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence says its air defence systems successfully intercepted two unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran amid ongoing regional hostilities.

    In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said the latest attacks caused no deaths or injuries, although air raid alerts were reported across parts of the country in recent hours.

    The ministry disclosed that since the escalation of what it described as “blatant Iranian attacks,” UAE air defence systems had intercepted a total of 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles and 2,265 drones.

    According to the ministry, the total number of military fatalities has risen to two, in addition to a Moroccan civilian contractor working with the armed forces.

    It added that civilian fatalities had reached 10, involving nationals of Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, India and Egypt.

    “The total number of injuries has reached 230 since the onset of the blatant Iranian attacks,” the ministry stated.

    It said those injured included nationals from several countries, among them the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Turkey, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden, Tunisia, Morocco and Russia.

    The ministry reaffirmed that the UAE remained fully prepared to respond to any security threats, stressing that the country would firmly confront actions capable of undermining its sovereignty, stability and national interests.

  • Leaders of Saudi Arabia sends Victory Day congratulations to Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan

    Leaders of Saudi Arabia sends Victory Day congratulations to Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan

    RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (NPA) — The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, have extended congratulatory messages to the presidents of Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan on the occasion of their countries’ Victory Day celebrations.

    In separate cables, King Salman conveyed his warm wishes to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, and President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, expressing hopes for their continued good health and happiness, and for the governments and peoples of their nations to enjoy steady progress and prosperity.

    The King also praised the distinguished relations between Saudi Arabia and the three countries, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening cooperation across various fields. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in his own messages, echoed the King’s sentiments, wishing each leader well and commending the enduring friendship between Saudi Arabia and their respective nations.

    The congratulatory cables, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 9 May 2026, underscore Riyadh’s ongoing diplomatic engagement and goodwill toward partner nations marking Victory Day.

    Riyadh also extended warm congratulations to Péter Magyar on his election as Prime Minister of Hungary and the formation of the new Hungarian government.

    In a statement issued on 9 May 2026, the Crown Prince commended Hungary’s democratic process, noting the government’s successful formation and its gaining of the confidence of the National Assembly. He expressed his “sincerest congratulations and best wishes for success and prosperity to the prime minister, and for continued progress and prosperity to the friendly people of Hungary.”

    The message, released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reflects Riyadh’s ongoing diplomatic outreach and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with European nations.

  • Israeli Air Force strikes PIJ bomb-making site in Northern Gaza

    Israeli Air Force strikes PIJ bomb-making site in Northern Gaza

    TEL AVIV, Israel — The Israeli Air Force, in conjunction with the Shin Bet, said it carried out a precision strike targeting a bomb-making facility and a warehouse containing combat equipment belonging to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in the northern Gaza Strip.

    According to the Israeli military, the targeted site had recently been used by PIJ’s production unit and also by Hamas for the manufacture of explosives and storage of weapons intended for attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.

    The military said the strike was conducted to remove what it described as an immediate threat in the Yellow Line area.

    In a statement, the Israeli military noted that measures were taken before the operation to minimise civilian casualties, including the evacuation of the targeted area, the use of precision-guided munitions and aerial surveillance.

    The military further stated that troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area in line with existing operational arrangements and would continue operations aimed at neutralising security threats.

  • Iranian attack on U.S. Navy Destroyers repelled in Strait of Hormuz as America launches retaliatory strikes

    Iranian attack on U.S. Navy Destroyers repelled in Strait of Hormuz as America launches retaliatory strikes

    WASHINGTON, U.S. (NPA) — The United States says its naval forces successfully repelled an attack by Iranian forces targeting three American destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with no damage recorded on the U.S. vessels.

    According to the U.S. government, the incident occurred on May 7 as the guided-missile destroyers — USS Truxtun (DDG-103), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) and USS Mason (DDG-87) — were transiting toward the Gulf of Oman.

    The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iranian forces launched missiles, drones and small boats at the American warships, but the attacks were intercepted and neutralised by U.S. forces.

    CENTCOM added that American forces subsequently carried out what it described as self-defence strikes against Iranian military facilities allegedly linked to the attack.

    No casualties or damage to U.S. vessels were reported.

    Reacting to the development, U.S. President Donald Trump said the Iranian attackers suffered significant losses during the confrontation. In a statement, Trump noted that several small boats used in the attack were destroyed, while incoming missiles and drones were intercepted before reaching the destroyers.

    “The attackers were completely destroyed along with numerous small boats, which are being used to take the place of their fully decapitated Navy,” Trump said.

    He further stated that the U.S. destroyers would rejoin ongoing naval operations in the region, which he described as a “Wall of Steel.”

    Trump also renewed criticism of Iran’s leadership and warned of stronger military action if they refuse to make a deal with the United States as tensions escalate further.

    Iran had not officially responded to the latest U.S. claims as of the time of filing this report.

  • Israel’s UN envoy accuses Flotilla organisers of links to Hamas, criticises Spain

    Israel’s UN envoy accuses Flotilla organisers of links to Hamas, criticises Spain

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, has criticised the Spanish Government over calls for the release of activists detained by Israeli authorities, urging Madrid to instead investigate the identities and background of those behind the flotilla mission.

    In a series of posts on X on Thursday, Danon alleged that organisers of the flotilla, identified as GSF, were linked to criminal activities and militant groups. “The truth about the organisers of the flotilla has been revealed: arrests in Tunisia for money laundering, insurance fraud, incitement to terrorism, and even sexual harassment,” he wrote.

    “Those who are led by terrorists should not preach to Israel about morality or international law.”

    Danon further claimed that the individuals involved were “Hamas operatives in disguise” rather than genuine human rights activists.

    “Instead of Spain demanding the release of the ‘activists,’ it should check who is really behind this flotilla,” he stated.

    “When the flotilla’s leaders are Hamas terrorists, the goal is not aid, but terror and provocation.”

    The Israeli envoy also criticised Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over the decision to honour United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese.

    Danon described the recognition as “shameful,” accusing Albanese of anti-Israel bias and alleging that Spain was legitimising what he termed a campaign of incitement against Israel.

    “Israel’s detractors join together, but their hatred is laid bare for all to see,” he wrote.

    “While many countries reject this evident campaign of incitement, Spain decides to officially legitimise it.”

    Sánchez had earlier defended the recognition, stating that public responsibility carried a moral obligation “not to look the other way,” while describing Albanese as “a voice that upholds the conscience of the world.”

    The latest exchange highlights growing diplomatic tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the wider international debate over humanitarian missions, human rights concerns, and accusations exchanged between Israel and its critics.

  • Over 9,000 Nigerian pilgrims arrive Madinah for 2026 Hajj — NAHCON

    Over 9,000 Nigerian pilgrims arrive Madinah for 2026 Hajj — NAHCON

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) —The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says more than 9,000 Nigerian pilgrims have so far arrived in Madinah following the commencement of the 2026 Hajj airlift operations.

    According to NAHCON officials in Saudi Arabia, the pilgrims were transported through multiple flights since the inaugural airlift began on Sunday.

    Saudi authorities had approved 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

    The pilgrims are expected to spend about four days in Madinah before proceeding to Makkah for the main pilgrimage rites.

    NAHCON disclosed that the inaugural flight, operated by UMZA Aviation as flight UMZ3501, transported 473 pilgrims from Kogi State to Madinah, comprising 296 males and 177 females.

    This was followed by a Flynas flight conveying 418 pilgrims from Kebbi State, including 259 males and 159 females.

    Another MaxAir flight airlifted 560 pilgrims from Nasarawa State, made up of 381 males and 179 females.

    On Monday, an Air Peace flight departed Lagos with 315 pilgrims from Oyo State, comprising 155 males and 160 females.

    A separate Flynas flight also departed Kebbi to Madinah with 427 pilgrims and two officials onboard.

    Similarly, UMZA Aviation transported 480 pilgrims from Jigawa State, while MaxAir conveyed 411 pilgrims from Gombe State to Madinah.

    NAHCON further confirmed the successful transportation of additional pilgrims from Nasarawa, Jigawa, Osun, Gombe, Kwara, Plateau, and Kebbi states as the airlift operations continue.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Abdullahi Usman, assured stakeholders of the commission’s commitment to the welfare and safety of Nigerian pilgrims throughout the Hajj exercise.

    He urged pilgrims to conduct themselves with humility and discipline while in the Holy Land.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima also charged the pilgrims to uphold values that would positively reflect Nigeria’s image on the global stage.

    “You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you the image of our nation and the dignity of our people,” Shettima said.

    “Let your conduct reflect discipline, humility, patience, and integrity.”

    The Vice President described the pilgrimage as a sacred responsibility shared between the government and citizens, assuring that authorities would continue working to guarantee the safety, dignity, and seamless movement of all Nigerian pilgrims during the exercise.

    “Our duty is to ensure that every pilgrim undertakes this journey without avoidable hardship, needless anxiety, or preventable setback,” he added.

  • Israel orders strike on Hezbollah Radwan Force commander in Beirut

    Israel orders strike on Hezbollah Radwan Force commander in Beirut

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has announced that an attack has been ordered targeting a commander of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force in Beirut.

    Katz said the directive was issued in coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as part of ongoing security operations.

    “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have instructed an immediate strike in Beirut targeting the commander of the Radwan Force in the terrorist organisation Hezbollah in order to neutralise him,” Katz said.

    He accused the Radwan Force of carrying out attacks on Israeli communities and targeting soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

    “No terrorist has immunity — Israel’s long arm will reach every enemy and murderer,” he added.

    The minister stated that the operation forms part of efforts by Israeli authorities to restore security for residents in the country’s northern region, stressing that such actions are necessary to counter ongoing threats.

  • Trump pauses ‘Project Freedom’ amid progress in Iran talks

    Trump pauses ‘Project Freedom’ amid progress in Iran talks

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has announced a temporary pause to “Project Freedom,” the operation activated over the weekend to safeguard commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and protect vessels from alleged Iranian attacks in the strategic waterway.

    In a post on his Truth Social account on Wednesday, Trump said the decision followed requests from Pakistan and other countries, as well as what he described as “great progress” toward a “complete and final agreement” with representatives of Iran.

    Part of the president’s statement read:

    “Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.”

    The standoff in the Strait of Hormuz has remained a major flashpoint in the confrontation between the United States and Iran, with both countries trading accusations over military activities in the Gulf region.

    Speaking on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said American naval assets and commercial vessels had continued to transit the Strait safely despite heightened tensions. Iranian authorities, however, disputed the claim and reportedly issued a fresh navigation directive for vessels operating in the area.

    Iran has also resumed the launch of projectiles toward parts of the Gulf in the last two days, although Hegseth maintained that the incidents did not signal the collapse of the ceasefire efforts, insisting that diplomatic engagements to end the conflict were ongoing.

    Trump, while speaking to reporters on Tuesday, reiterated Washington’s opposition to Iran possessing nuclear weapons, warning that the United States was prepared to take further action if necessary.

    “We’ll never let Iran have nuclear weapons. We have to make a journey down to Iran to take the nuclear weapon. These are sick people,” the president said.

  • Macron condemns renewed Iranian Strikes on UAE, calls for security guarantees in Gulf

    Macron condemns renewed Iranian Strikes on UAE, calls for security guarantees in Gulf

    PARIS, France (NPA) — President Emmanuel Macron of France has condemned the resumption of missile attacks reportedly carried out by Iran against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following UAE claims that its military intercepted incoming projectiles launched from Iranian positions.

    Macron said strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in the Gulf state were “unjustified and unacceptable,” warning that such actions risk further destabilising an already fragile regional security environment.

    “As it has done since the start of the conflict, France will continue to support its allies in the Emirates and in the region for the defence of their territory,” he said.

    The French President stressed that any durable resolution to the crisis would require the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted maritime traffic, alongside a comprehensive security agreement addressing regional threats.

    He said such a framework must include firm guarantees against what he described as Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile activities, and wider regional destabilisation.

    The renewed hostilities come amid heightened tensions following a United States initiative dubbed “Project Freedom,” announced by former President Donald Trump, aimed at deploying U.S. naval assets to secure safe passage for commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway.

    U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, speaking jointly to reporters, today, described the operation as a humanitarian mission designed to protect neutral shipping interests in the region.

    Hegseth clarified that the renewed reports of Iranian missile activity in the Gulf did not signal the collapse of ongoing ceasefire arrangements, adding that diplomatic engagements were still underway to de-escalate tensions and bring an end to the conflict.

  • Iran warns against escalation in Strait of Hormuz, says no military solution

    Iran warns against escalation in Strait of Hormuz, says no military solution

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Iran has reiterated that there is no military solution to the growing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz involving the United States, warning that further escalation could plunge the region into a deeper crisis.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that recent developments in the strategic waterway underscored the need for political dialogue rather than military confrontation.

    “Events in Hormuz make clear that there’s no military solution to a political crisis,” Araghchi stated, adding that diplomatic talks were making progress through mediation efforts led by Pakistan.

    He also cautioned the United States and the United Arab Emirates against being drawn into what he described as a regional “quagmire” by “ill-wishers.”

    Araghchi dismissed the “Project Freedom” initiative announced by Donald Trump, describing it instead as “Project Deadlock.”

    Earlier, Trump accused Iran of targeting vessels belonging to countries not directly involved in the dispute, including a South Korean cargo ship, and suggested that Seoul should participate in the maritime security initiative.

    The U.S. president further claimed that American forces had destroyed seven Iranian “fast boats,” stating: “It’s all they have left.”

    Trump also rejected Iranian claims that Tehran had successfully struck a U.S. military vessel, saying that apart from the South Korean cargo ship incident, “there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait.”

    He added that U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine would address a news conference on Tuesday morning to provide additional details on the situation.

    The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, and rising tensions in the area continue to raise fears of wider regional instability and disruptions to global energy supplies.