Category: General

The Danish Ministry of Defense announced that two Danish F-16 fighters intercepted two Russian planes in the international field over the North Sea.

The Danish Ministry of Defense stated, on its site on the social networking site X (formerly Twitter), that “the two Russian planes did not enter Danish airspace.”

It added, “The Ministry of Defense had to identify two Russian planes in international airspace over the North Sea, and neither of the two Russian planes entered Danish airspace for one second.”

The Dutch Air Force had previously reported similar measures taken to “evict a bomber flying in the Dutch area of responsibility.”

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

The Jordanian army announced today, Sunday that it had shot down a drone coming from Syrian territory to Jordanian territory, loaded with narcotics.

An official source in the General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces said, “The northern military region thwarted this afternoon, at one of its fronts, an attempt to smuggle a quantity of narcotic substances loaded by a drone coming from Syrian territory into Jordanian territory,” according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.”

The source added, “Through monitoring and follow-up, the plane was controlled and shot down, and it was found that it was carrying a quantity of crystal material, and the seizures were transferred to the competent authorities.”

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

The Karkh Investigation Court, which is specialized in cases of integrity, issued a decision to seize the movable and immovable funds of the former Oil Minister, Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar.

A judicial source told the official News Agency, “The Karkh Investigation Court, which is specialized in issues of integrity, issued a decision to seize the movable and immovable funds of former Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar, on the background of a case related to abusing his position and receiving bribes from a number of investors who have contracts with the Ministry of Oil.”

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

The Governor of Nineveh, Najm Al-Jubouri, confirmed today, Sunday, that Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani pays great attention to the province and launched an investment in it, while setting the date for the opening of Mosul International Airport.

Al-Jubouri said in a press statement, “Al-Sudani is aware of the governorate’s projects on a daily basis, and he pays great attention to them, and he launched the investment in Nineveh.”

He added, “The Investment Authority will implement the Al-Ghazlani project with more than 76,000 housing units. We have investment projects in Iraq, the Diwan, and other projects in the province related to the housing file.”

He added, speaking about Mosul Airport, that “the project will be completed in the first quarter of next year, and there are major strategic projects related to the health aspect, in which advanced completion rates have been reached.”

He pointed out that “the local government also pays great attention to the water and electricity sector and road networks, and is witnessing great urban development at the level of the city center, districts, sub-districts and villages.”

He pointed out that “the governorate has been able to complete 365 schools since 2019 until now, and there are 92 schools that are implementing the model schools project under the agreement with China.”

Source: National Iraqi News Agency

In celebration of International Youth Day, the Bahrain Institute for Political Development (BIPD) organised a discussion panel with the Parliament Affairs Ministry, for the second phase of the “The Future Bet” programme.

Ghanem bin Fadhel Al Buainain, Parliament Affairs Minister, praised the progress made by Bahrain’s development process under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which priortised human development, especially among youth.

He affirmed the role of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Majesty’s Representative for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, National Security Advisor, in organising various youth programs.

Al Buainain emphasised the importance of Bahrain’s legislative authority, noting that the parliamentary process is based on a solid foundation that has formed Bahrain’s rules and has been in operation for over twenty years.

Al Buainain emphasised Bahrain’s legislative authority, noting that Bahrain’s parliamentary work was formed over twenty years ago and built on a solid foundation.

He reviewed the ministry’s strategy for representing the government in the legislative authority, including developing and improving communication mechanisms between government agencies and the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives, in order to improve cooperation and create a positive working environment.

According to Al Buainain, the ministry serves as a link between the legislative and executive branches, adhering to the constitutional principle requiring separation of powers while promoting cooperation.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary of the Cabinet Affairs Ministry, and Honorary President of the Good Word Society (GWS), affirmed that the initiative to prepare young leaders is in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa with the keenness of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to support youth issues, care for and qualify youth, as well as expand their participation to serve development issues, in accordance with the goals of the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.

This came during the closing ceremony held by the Good Word Society for the initiative of HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali to prepare young leaders in its third edition.

HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali presented diplomas certificates to 50 participants in the initiative.

Four projects won a training grant from the Arab Planning Institute in Kuwait, which was sponsored by the Institute to provide technical support to the winners to complete their projects.

Dr. Badr Othman Malallah, the Director General of the Arab Planning Institute, an Arab Regional Organisation in Kuwait, and Hassan Mohammed Bouhazaa, GWS Chairman attended the closing ceremony.

The initiative aims to prepare Bahraini youth for leadership, empowering them with competencies in social, administrative, and leadership roles, using management theories, scientific planning, and modern methods to create a society that thinks, learns, and innovates, HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali said.

The initiative created an innovative model of young leaders, adapting to regional and international changes, and solving development problems with new visions in education, social, technological, and cultural aspects over three years, HH added.

His Highness emphasised the need to strengthen civil society organisations to support young people, provide services and capabilities, and contribute to economic and social development, fostering a distinguished society.

GWS chairman underlined that the initiative, aiming to prepare young Bahraini leaders, led by HH Shaikh Isa, showcases civil society organisations’ ability to enhance Bahraini youth’s capabilities in various fields.

He expressed appreciation for Bahraini youth development initiatives launched by HH Shaikh Isa at the 2019 Voluntary Work award ceremony, stressing that Bahrain leads Arab countries in investing in human capital, highlighting Bahraini youth’s creative energies and innovative visions to address challenges.

GWS and Arab Planning Institute in Kuwait have collaborated to create community development programmes and sponsor youth, social, and development initiatives along with Abdulrahim Al-Kooheji Foundation and Al-Bilad, the media partner, contributing significantly to the initiative’s success, embodying joint national action and providing continuous support and care, the chairman said.

The Director General of the Arab Planning Institute expressed his appreciation for HH Shiakh Isa’s support for youth initiatives that positively impact society and the country.

He emphasised the importance of expanding youth participation in development issues, improving care services, and developing knowledge and skills to deal with the latest developments and challenges.

The Director General also stressed the need to improve policies to develop latent capabilities

The initiative is in line with Bahraini leadership’s directives to promote social responsibility and pioneering work towards Bahraini youth in line with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. It opens new horizons for social responsibility and voluntary work, he said.

Dr. Badr praised the initiative, which has graduated 210 young men and women since 2019, and praised the strategic partnership between the Arab Planning Institute and the Good Word Society. He praised the close relations and growth in various fields, both at the GCC and Arab levels.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, announced its official partnership for the 2024 edition of the International Berlin Tourism Exchange (ITB), one of the largest and most reputed tourism fairs globally.

The strong representation of the Sultanate of Oman as the official partner of ITB Berlin 2024 comes as an affirmation of the Sultanate of Oman’s plans to develop its tourism sector and enhance the country’s ranking as a global tourism destination.

ITB 2024 will be held from 5 to 7 March 2024, with the participation of more than 160 countries and above 5,000 exhibitors. Around 7,000 media representatives are expected to participate in the event.

The Sultanate of Oman’s partnership for ITB Berlin 2024 is considered an ideal opportunity to introduce the tourism potential, products, services and tourism experiences that abound in the Sultanate of Oman. It is also an opportunity to promote tourism, increase the flow of tourists and promote multiple investment opportunities.

Haitham Mohammad Al Ghassani, Director General of Tourism Promotion at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism said: “This partnership represents a platform for strengthening the Sultanate of Oman’s status on the global tourism map, and reflects its commitment to expand the base of international visitors. The Sultanate of Oman is diversifying its tourism products and enhancing its economic activities by investing in the tourism sector, highlighting the unique strategic location of the Sultanate of Oman, its natural beauty, stunning scenery and its rich cultural heritage to form an ideal destination for tourists who are looking for unique and amazing experiences.

He added, “Choosing the Sultanate of Oman as an official partner for ITB Berlin 2024 reflects the appreciation of the organizers of this leading international travel trade show for the continuous efforts made by the Sultanate of Oman in promoting the tourism sector and the positive steps witnessed by this sector. It also affirms Oman’s importance in enhancing growth and economic diversification.

Al Ghassani pointed out that the total number of visitors to the Sultanate of Oman by the end of last year reached 2.9 million visitors. Three to five star hotels in Oman by the end of last year recorded an increase in revenues which amounted to RO 186 million. Meanwhile, the number of guests in these hotels reached 1.6 million guests, with the total expected number reaching as many as 3.5 million visitors by the end of 2023.

Al Ghassani emphasized that the partnership of the Sultanate of Oman for this fair aims at maximizing the benefits from this global event through the implementation of marketing campaigns before, during and after the participation.

Source: Oman News Agency

Najran police have arrested two citizens for distributing hashish. Legal action has been taken against them, and they were referred to the Public Prosecution.

Security authorities call on the public to report information concerning drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern regions and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom’s regions. They may also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or through email: 995@gdnc.gov.sa. All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Water levels have probably peaked in most places in Norway following days of flooding, but they will remain high in the large inland lakes for a few more days, the Norwegian Water and Energy Administration (NVE) said on Sunday.

Developments would ultimately depend on how much rain falls in the next few days, it said.

According to dpa, Norway’s Justice and Preparedness Minister Emilie Enger Mehl also said on Sunday during a visit to one of the flooded areas that it was not over yet. She said that when the water recedes, people will have to continue to cope with the destruction caused.

A severe storm caused flooding in many places in the south of Norway about a week ago. As a result, numerous rivers burst their banks, and landslides occurred in many places. Several towns and roads were under water, while thousands of instances of damage were reported. Several thousand people had to be evacuated.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Temperatures continue to rise to become from 6 to 9 degrees above average, as the country is affected by the Indian monsoon depressions accompanied by western subtropical high air pressure in the upper layers of the atmosphere.

‘The weather will be very hot, the skies will be clear to partly cloudy in the southern, western and central regions with a little opportunity for showers accompanied with thunder, while it will be misty and dusty in the eastern, al-Jazeera and al-Badia regions’, Meteorological Department said.

The wind will be easterly to southeasterly in the southern and southeastern regions, with low to a moderate speed and some active gusts, meanwhile it will be westerly to northwesterly in the other regions, the sea waves will be low in amplitude.

The expected temperatures in some Syrian cities will be as follows: Damascus 42/27, Daraa 42/27, Homs 42/24, Hasaka 46/31, Tartous 32/20, Aleppo 43/25, Deir Ezzor 49/35.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for an ambush in eastern Syria that killed and wounded dozens of soldiers as opposition activists said the death toll rose to at least 33 as some of the wounded succumbed to their injuries. The attack is among the deadliest to be carried out this year by the extremists. IS sleeper cells still carry deadly attacks despite their defeat in Syria in 2019. The group once controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq where they declared a caliphate in 2014. The Friday night statement said IS fighters ambushed two army trucks in the eastern province of Deir el-Zour using different kinds of weapons. IS claimed that 40 members of the Syrian military were killed and 10 were wounded. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the death toll reached 33 Saturday. Another activist collective that covers news in eastern Syria put the death toll at 35 adding that all of the dead were members of the Syrian army’s 17th Division. The Observatory said the toll could rise further as some of the soldiers are in critical condition. “Let the whole world know that our allegiance to our leaders is practiced with deeds and not words and our Jihad is going on until Doomsday,” IS said. In one of their deadliest recent attacks, IS sleeper cells attacked workers collecting truffles near the central town of Sukhna in February, killing at least 53 people – mostly workers but also some Syrian government security forces. Last week, IS announced the death in Syria of its little-known leader, Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurayshi – who had headed the extremist organization since November – and named his successor. He was the fourth leader to be killed since its founder, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was killed in 2019 by U.S. troops in northwest Syria.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Archbishop Boulos Abdel Sater, “appreciating his sermon yesterday, in which he addressed what happened in the town of Kahaleh and tried to heal the wounds….” He praised Abdel Sater’s “religious and responsible patriotic stances that contribute to staving off strife between the people of the same country, and prevent any strike of internal stability and national coexistence.” “Dialogue is the only way to address all concerns and fears that may arise from this or that group,” Fadlallah affirmed.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon