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Category: Middle East

  • IDF recovers four bodies from building rubbles after Iran’s missile strike on Haifa

    IDF recovers four bodies from building rubbles after Iran’s missile strike on Haifa

    MIDDLE EAST, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed the recovery of four bodies from the site of yesterday’s Iranian missile attack in the Haifa area.

    The strike caused the collapse of a building, trapping residents beneath the debris. Rescue and emergency services worked tirelessly through the night, deploying specialized teams to locate survivors and recover victims.

    According to the IDF, after hours of intensive operations, members of the National Rescue Unit, the Home Front Command’s Search and Rescue Brigade, and emergency organizations succeeded in retrieving the remains of four individuals who had been buried under the rubble.

    “This tragedy is the direct result of a missile launched by the Iranian regime, which deliberately targets civilians with the intent to kill,” the IDF stated, condemning the attack as another example of Tehran’s reckless aggression against Israel.

  • UAE air defenses repel fresh Iranian missile and drone barrage

    UAE air defenses repel fresh Iranian missile and drone barrage

    MIDDLE EAST, NIGERIA, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — The United Arab Emirates’ Air Defense systems successfully engaged a new wave of hostile projectiles, intercepting 12 ballistic missiles, 2 cruise missiles, and 19 drones launched from Iran in the early hours of April 6.

    The Ministry of Defense confirmed the latest attack and emphasized that the country’s defense forces remain on high alert. Since the onset of these brazen Iranian strikes, UAE Air Defenses have confronted a staggering total of 519 ballistic missiles, 26 cruise missiles, and 2,210 drones, underscoring the scale and persistence of the threat.

    The most recent assault resulted in four injuries, ranging from minor to severe. This brings the cumulative number of casualties to 221 individuals of diverse nationalities, including Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepali, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, Palestinian, Ghanaian, Indonesian, Swedish, Tunisian, Moroccan, and Russian.

    No fatalities were recorded in the latest incident. Overall, the attacks have claimed the lives of two martyrs, including a Moroccan civilian contractor with the armed forces, while 10 civilian deaths have been documented among Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Palestinian, Indian, and Egyptian nationals.

    The Ministry of Defense reiterated its unwavering readiness to confront any threat, stressing that the UAE will firmly counter attempts to undermine its sovereignty. Officials highlighted that the armed forces remain committed to safeguarding national security, protecting citizens and residents, and ensuring the stability of the state and its vital interests.

  • BREAKING: Israeli-U.S. airstrike kills top Iranian Intelligence Chief amid Strait of Hormuz Standoff

    BREAKING: Israeli-U.S. airstrike kills top Iranian Intelligence Chief amid Strait of Hormuz Standoff

    MIDDLE EAST, April 6, 2026 (NPA) — An Israeli and United States joint airstrike early Monday has killed Majid Hademi, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence.

    Iranian authorities confirmed the death, attributing it directly to coordinated strikes by U.S. and Israeli warplanes. The killing comes as tensions escalate following U.S. President Donald Trump’s ultimatum that Iran has 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating attacks on its critical infrastructure and energy facilities.

    Since the outbreak of hostilities with the United States and Israel, Iran’s senior military leadership has become prime targets. Analysts note that hardly a week passes without a high-ranking official being eliminated, beginning with the earlier killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khaneinei. The pattern underscores a deliberate strategy to weaken Iran’s command structure.

    Tuesday’s deadline is being closely monitored by global observers.

    Analysts warn that if Iran fails to allow oil tankers safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict could escalate further, potentially destabilizing the wider Middle East and sending shockwaves through global energy markets.

  • Trump threatens Armageddon in 48 hours if Iran fails to open Strait of Hormuz

    Trump threatens Armageddon in 48 hours if Iran fails to open Strait of Hormuz

    INTERNATIONAL, April 5, 2026 (NPA) — U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a dramatic ultimatum, warning that Armageddon (destruction) on Iran will begin Tuesday at 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time if Tehran refuses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the vital shipping lane has already driven up global oil prices, shaking economies worldwide.

    In a fiery post on Truth Social, Trump vowed that Iran’s defiance would trigger the destruction of critical infrastructure, including power plants and bridges. He wrote: “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time! Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell — JUST WATCH!”

    Iran responded with defiance, pledging to set the Middle East ablaze if Trump carries out his threat. Officials in Tehran warned of catastrophic consequences across the Gulf region.

    With less than 48 hours to the deadline, diplomatic efforts are intensifying, but fighting inside Iran shows no sign of easing, leaving the world bracing for what could be a historic escalation.

  • Iran’s internet blackout hits record 37 days, deepens uncertainty

    Iran’s internet blackout hits record 37 days, deepens uncertainty

    MIDDLE EAST, April 5, 2026 (NPA) — Iran’s internet blackout has become the longest nation-scale shutdown ever recorded, now in its 37th consecutive day after 864 hours, according to NetBlocks. The disruption has triggered severe social and economic consequences, cutting off communication among citizens, families, and communities, while blocking access to vital information and limiting the ability to organize or express dissent.

    Education has been hampered as students and teachers lose access to online platforms, and healthcare services reliant on telemedicine have been restricted. The blackout has also isolated the population from the global community, fuelling uncertainty and reducing transparency.

    Economically, the shutdown has damaged businesses dependent on online transactions, banking, and international trade. Small enterprises and freelancers who rely on digital platforms for income have been hit hardest, losing clients and revenue during the prolonged outage.

    Foreign investors view the blackout as a sign of instability, discouraging investment and weakening growth. Overall, the blackout not only suppresses freedom of expression but also undermines economic resilience and development.

    As of filing this report, Iranian authorities have yet to communicate when or how the internet blackout will end.

  • JUST IN: Second F-15 pilot rescued from Iran’s mountains in Daring U.S. rescue

    JUST IN: Second F-15 pilot rescued from Iran’s mountains in Daring U.S. rescue

    INTERNATIONAL, April 5, 2026 (NPA) — In a breathtaking mission that unfolded deep inside hostile territory, U.S. special forces have rescued the second crew member of an F-15 fighter jet shot down over Iran. The officer, a weapons systems specialist, was wounded but managed to evade capture for more than 24 hours in the treacherous mountains before being pulled to safety.

    The downing of the jet set off a frantic race between American commandos and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), both determined to find the missing officer. U.S. officials confirmed that both crew members were eventually rescued in separate operations inside Iran, marking one of the most audacious missions in recent memory.

    Saturday’s extraction was carried out by an elite commando unit under heavy air cover. Sources described a torrent of fire unleashed to secure the officer’s escape, with all U.S. forces now safely out of Iran.

    The drama began Friday when the pilot and weapons officer ejected and made contact via comms. The pilot was rescued within hours, though Iran managed to strike a U.S. Blackhawk helicopter during that mission, wounding crew members but failing to stop the aircraft. The second officer’s rescue required a day-long search across rugged terrain.

    Behind the scenes, the CIA orchestrated a deception campaign, spreading false intelligence inside Iran to mislead enemy forces while deploying advanced surveillance to pinpoint the officer’s location. Once identified, the Pentagon and White House coordinated the rescue, with President Trump ordering immediate action.

    Trump later hailed the mission on Truth Social as “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in U.S. history.” He confirmed the officer, a colonel, sustained injuries but is expected to recover.

    A White House official said the president remained in the Oval Office throughout Saturday, receiving constant updates from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as the mission unfolded.

  • Netanyahu’s Easter message: Israel protects Christians amid persecution in Syria, Lebanon, Nigeria, and beyond

    Netanyahu’s Easter message: Israel protects Christians amid persecution in Syria, Lebanon, Nigeria, and beyond

    MIDDLE EAST, April 5, 2026 (NPA) — The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his Easter Message on Sunday, extended warm felicitations to Christians in Israel, the United States, and across the globe, wishing them a blessed and joyful Easter celebration filled with peace and renewal.

    In his statement, Netanyahu highlighted that Christians continue to face persecution across much of the Middle East, citing Syria, Lebanon, Nigeria, Turkey, and beyond. He stressed that Israel remains the only nation in the region where the Christian community is actively protected, nurtured, and allowed to grow and prosper without fear.

    The statement reads in part: “In this land where the story began, as missiles are fired at our capital — referencing the ongoing exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran amid the broader conflict involving the United States and the Persian Gulf nation — the holy city of Jerusalem stands resilient. As the US and Israel remain firm against the Iranian regime and its terror proxies, we continue to steadfastly safeguard the freedom of worship for all faiths, especially at this sacred time.”

    Netanyahu further prayed that the message of renewal, hope, and faith would shine brightly in the homes and hearts of the faithful. He emphasised that even under fire, his government’s commitment remains unwavering — defending life, safeguarding liberty, and ensuring that every believer, regardless of background, can pray in peace and security.

  • Israeli PM says 70 per cent of Iran’s steel industry wiped out

    Israeli PM says 70 per cent of Iran’s steel industry wiped out

    MIDDLE EAST, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that the Israeli Air Force has destroyed 70 per cent of Iran’s steel production capacity, calling it a “tremendous achievement” that deprives the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of critical funding sources and the ability to manufacture large quantities of weapons.

    In a televised address, Netanyahu emphasised that the operation was carried out in full coordination with U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. military, underscoring the depth of strategic cooperation between the two allies. He vowed to continue pressing Iran militarily, declaring that Israel would “crush” its adversary until its capacity to wage war was eliminated. “The Iranian regime is weaker than ever — Israel is stronger than ever,” he said.

    Turning to ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, Netanyahu stated that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) are intensifying strikes against Hezbollah positions. He explained that the expansion of the security zone along the northern border is aimed at protecting Israeli communities from rocket fire and cross‑border attacks. “We are continuing to forcefully strike at Hezbollah. We are expanding the security zone and firmly establishing it to safeguard the North,” he noted.

    The Prime Minister also commended Israeli citizens for their resilience and discipline in following Home Front Command instructions, even during the Passover Seder night. He urged the public to remain steadfast as the conflict continues. “With God’s help, we will continue to fight and achieve all of our goals. Happy Passover,” Netanyahu concluded.

    Analysts say the destruction of Iran’s steel capacity represents a significant escalation in the conflict, potentially crippling Tehran’s industrial base and limiting its ability to sustain prolonged military operations. 

    The announcement also highlights the growing coordination between Israel and the United States, a partnership that has become central to the broader regional strategy against Iran and its allies.

  • U.S. pilot rescued after fighter jet downed in Iran, one missing

    U.S. pilot rescued after fighter jet downed in Iran, one missing

    MIDDLE EAST, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — One of the two pilots aboard a U.S. Air Force F‑15E Strike Eagle shot down over Iran has been rescued by American forces, U.S. officials confirmed Friday, while an intensive search continues for the second crew member. The U.S. Army said it maintains a robust search‑and‑rescue capability in the region and is deploying all available resources to locate the missing pilot.

    Earlier in the day, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for downing the jet over central Iran. Images and videos of wreckage quickly circulated on social media and were amplified by Iranian state outlets. Reports also suggested that at least one U.S. C‑130 transport aircraft and two Black Hawk helicopters were seen flying low over central and southwestern Iran, believed to be part of ongoing recovery efforts.

    The incident comes amid repeated assertions by President Donald Trump, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and senior military commanders that U.S. forces had established air superiority in the conflict. They argued Iran’s naval and air capabilities had been largely neutralised. “Now, in our fifth week of the campaign, it is my operational assessment that we are making undeniable progress. We don’t see their navy sailing. We don’t see their aircraft flying, and their air and missile defence systems have largely been destroyed,” CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said Thursday.

    Iranian state television escalated rhetoric following the shootdown, with a local affiliate announcing a reward for anyone able to capture the surviving pilot or pilots alive and hand them over to authorities. The broadcast also carried a written message urging civilians to fire at any U.S. aircraft seen overhead, a move analysts warn could further inflame tensions and complicate rescue operations.

    The downing of the F‑15E marks a significant escalation in the conflict, raising questions about the durability of U.S. air dominance and the potential for broader confrontation. With one pilot safely recovered and another still missing, the situation remains fluid.

  • BREAKING: U.S. F‑15E Fighter Jet Shot Down Over Iran as conflict escalates

    BREAKING: U.S. F‑15E Fighter Jet Shot Down Over Iran as conflict escalates

    MIDDLE EAST, 3 April 2026 (NPA) — Reports from Reuters and the Wall Street Journal indicate that a U.S. Air Force F‑15E Strike Eagle fighter jet has been shot down over Iranian territory, with officials confirming that a search is underway for the crew. Iranian media outlets have circulated images claiming to show wreckage from the aircraft, including identifiable markings, which has heightened tensions in the already volatile Middle East conflict.  

    According to Iranian sources, the jet was downed by advanced air defence systems, while U.S. officials acknowledged the loss but withheld details about the crew’s status.

     Analysts note that this marks the first confirmed U.S. warplane lost to hostile fire since the escalation of the Iran conflict, a development that could trigger retaliatory measures and further complicate diplomatic relations. 

    The incident underscores the growing risks of direct confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with both sides now facing pressure to respond decisively. 

    More reports on the incident will be available as the situation develops.