A huge blast at Iraq's Kalso military base used by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) on Saturday was the result of an explosion in ammunition and rocket storage, state media reported on Tuesday citing the investigators' report.
No warplanes or drones were spotted in the sky above Iraq's Babil province at the time of the explosion, according to the final report of the Iraqi military technical committee which investigated the explosion.  The blast killed a member of the PMF security force that includes Iran-backed groups.
Highly explosive material used in manufacturing ammunition was identified and the remnants of rockets were found 150 meters away from the explosion site, the report said.  State media did not say explicitly whether the explosion was believed to be an accident.  The blast occurred nearly a week after Iran fired a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel in response to a presumed Israeli airstrike that destroyed part of Iran's embassy in Damascus on April 1, killing seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards officers.  The PMF includes Iran-backed groups which, operating under the banner of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have attacked US troops in the region and targeted Israel since the eruption of the Gaza war, declaring support for the Palestinians.
—Reuters

Explosion at Iraq's Kalso military base linked to ammunition mishap kills PMF member. Investigation reveals no drone activity; tension escalates in Middle East.

Blast at Iraq's PMF base caused by explosion in ammunition storage: Report

A Chinese woman died tragically on Saturday after slipped and fell into a crater while posing at Indonesia's volcano park in East Java.
31-year-old Huang Lihong was on a guided tour of Ijen with her husband when they climbed to the edge of the crater despite the tour guide's warnings, as per a report in The New York Post.  It reportedly took the rescuers nearly two hours to retrieve her body.  While Lihong maintained a distance of around 2-3 km from the edge while posing initially, she soon started moving backwards to capture a better picture.  However, as she inched backwards, she stepped on her clothes and fell off the cliff from a height of 75 m, The death has reportedly been classified as an accident.  Known for its 'blue flames', the Ijen volcano complex hosts several other craters and has become a tourist spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts.  Recently, a view of the Ijen had become viral on the internet owing to the electric-blue flames erupting from a volcano.
Watch! Indonesia's Kawah Ijen volcano: <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1745163716260208991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1745163716260208991%7Ctwgr%5Ec3b667f423e8338d414b431f528bdd3801320f3e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Fworld%2Ftourist-dies-after-falling-into-volcano-while-posing-for-photo-in-indonesia-2990528" target="_self">https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1745163716260208991?</a>
While the lava in this volcano is like any other, it derives its blue colour from the sulphur pockets in the rock. When this sulphur comes in contact with the oxygen in the air, it ignites giving an illusion of the lava being blue in colour when infact, it is the surface of the molten rock that gets covered in blue flame.  This is not the first time a tourist has died here. In February this year, a Polish touris died while trekking at the Ijen Crater Nature Tourism Park. However, the cause of the death was reportedly suspected to be tiredness and a history of illness.  There are around 400 active volcanoes in Indonesia. Recently the country had to shut a provincial airport and evacuate hundreds of people from the vicinity of the Ruang volcano after it belched explosive plumes of lava, rocks and ash for days, officials, declaring the highest alert on the situation. More than 800 people were evacuated from the area, with authorities widening the evacuation zone further after the volcanology agency raised the alert status.  Last year in December, more than 20 people were killed after Marapi, one of Sumatra's most active volcanoes, erupted and spewed grey clouds of ash as high as 3 km (2 miles), only to erupt again in January this year.
—Input from Reuters

Chinese tourist dies in tragic accident at Indonesia's Ijen volcano. Despite warnings, she fell into crater while posing for a photo.

Tourist Dies in Indonesia After Falling into Volcano While Posing for Photo

Moscow: An ally of President Vladimir Putin warned Europe on Tuesday that Russia has already drafted legislation to retaliate if nearly $300 billion of Russian assets were seized by the West and used to help Ukraine.
After President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2022, the United States and its allies prohibited transactions with Russia's central bank and finance ministry, blocking around $300 billion of sovereign Russian assets in the West.  Top officials in the United States want to seize the assets to help support Ukraine, though some bankers and European officials are worried that simply taking the assets would create a dangerous precedent.  The US House of Representatives passed legislation on Saturday including a bill with a provision that would allow the confiscation of Russian sovereign assets, though the lion's share of the assets are in Europe.  "We also have a prepared answer," Valentina Matviyenko, the speaker of the Russian upper house of parliament, was quoted as saying by state news agency RIA. "We have a draft law, which we are ready to consider immediately, on retaliatory measures."
"And the Europeans will lose more than we do," Matviyenko, who is a member of Russia's powerful Security Council, said.  Matviyenko did not give specifics on what the response would be to the seizing of Russian assets which is still under discussion in the West.  One option being discussed by the West is to confiscate the income on the underlying assets without taking the actual asset itself.  Putin says the West unleashed what he casts as an economic war against Russia, but has touted both the resilience of the Russian economy, which grew 3.6 per cent last year, and the failure of sanctions of stop Russian trade.  The Kremlin has repeatedly said that any seizure of its assets would go against all the principles of free markets which the West proclaims and that it would undermine confidence in the US dollar and euro while deterring global investment and undermining confidence in Western central banks.  Russia has said it will challenge any confiscation of its assets in the courts.
Some Russian officials have suggested that if Russian assets are confiscated then foreign investors' assets stuck in special so-called type "C" accounts in Russia could face the same fate.  It is not clear exactly how much money is in these accounts.  The speaker of the lower house of the Russian parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, said on Monday that Russia had grounds to seize Western assets after the move by the US House of Representatives.  Volodin said that of the $280 billion of Russian assets frozen abroad, only $5 to $6 billion was in the United States while about 210 billion euros ($224 billion) was in the European Union.
—Reuters

Tensions escalate as Russia threatens retaliatory measures amid talks of seizing Russian assets by the West to aid Ukraine.

Russia warns Europe: If you take our assets, we have a response that will hurt

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Monday agreed on joint efforts to eradicate terrorism as they discussed ways to promote cooperation between their countries, months after the two neighbours carried out tit-for-tat air strikes against alleged terrorist hideouts on rival lands.
Raisi, the first head of state of any country to visit Pakistan after the February 8 general elections, was welcomed by PM Sharif at the Prime Minister House where the Iranian leader inspected the Guard of Honour.  During their talks, President Raisi and Prime Minister Sharif agreed on joint efforts to eradicate terrorism, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.  It added that the two leaders also held discussions to increase trade and communication links between their countries.  Addressing a joint press conference, Iranian President Raisi said that the existing bilateral trade volume was “not acceptable” and added that Iran and Pakistan have decided to increase the trade volume to $10 billion.  Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/iranian-president-lands-in-pakistan-for-three-day-visit-to-mend-ties" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/iranian-president-lands-in-pakistan-for-three-day-visit-to-mend-ties</a>&nbsp;
"We are committed to strengthening relations at high levels.... Economic and trade volume between Iran and Pakistan is not acceptable. We have decided as a first step to increase trade volume between our two countries to $10 billion," Raisi said.
On his part, Sharif called for strengthening Pak-Iran ties despite challenges. "We have to keep this relationship strong despite the challenges we both face," he said.  Sharif said that he had detailed discussions with President Raisi on “religious, cultural, diplomatic, investment, and security matters” during their meeting.  He described Raisi as an 'ocean of political intelligence and wisdom' and said that Iran would progress further under his leadership.  "Pakistan and Iran can prosper and our borders can see progress,” Sharif said, expressing hope that the shared border can adapt for trade and business.  He expressed hope for the relationship between the neighbours to be “firm and stable”, noting that today was an opportunity to “make this friendship a happy and prosperous one”.  Prime Minister Sharif and President Raisi planted a tree on the lawn of the Prime Minister House as the world marked Earth Day on Monday.  Sharif was quoted as saying that the entire nation welcomed the Iranian President's visit while Raisi expressed gratitude to the premier for the warm welcome accorded to him, Radio Pakistan reported.
<a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1782282799384240201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1782282799384240201%7Ctwgr%5E8acbe8a8590d463911f88b6c0be17314de50d7d3%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Fworld%2Firanian-president-ebrahim-raisi-and-pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-agree-on-joint-efforts-to-eradicate-terrorism-months-after-tit-for-tat-air-strikes-2988943" target="_self">https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1782282799384240201?</a>
Raisi, who arrived in Pakistan on a three-day official visit to promote cooperation, was accorded a warm welcome at the Islamabad Airport and was received by Housing Minister Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted on social media platform X.  The Iranian President is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation comprising the Foreign Minister and other members of the Cabinet and senior officials, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.  Soon after Raisi's arrival, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called on the Iranian President in Islamabad, where they discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and global developments, Radio Pakistan reported.  Raisi and Dar “emphasised the importance of enhanced efforts to further consolidate bilateral relations in diverse fields”, it said, adding that they also “affirmed commitment to peace and constructive dialogue for resolving regional challenges”.  President Raisi has an extensive programme in Pakistan and is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani and Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq.  He will also visit Lahore and Karachi and meet with the provincial leadership, the Foreign Office said.  “The two leaders will participate in a ceremony regarding naming a highway in Islamabad as Iran Avenue,” Radio Pakistan earlier said, adding that the Prime Minister would also host a lunch for the Iranian president and his delegation.  “The two sides will have a wide-ranging agenda to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties and enhance cooperation in diverse fields including trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts,” according to the FO statement.  The talks will focus on regional and global developments and bilateral cooperation to combat the common threat of terrorism.  Pakistan and Iran enjoy strong bilateral ties anchored in history, culture and religion. This visit provides an important opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations, according to the Foreign Office.
Raisi is visiting Pakistan months after the cordial ties between the two neighbours suffered a setback when Tehran shocked Islamabad by carrying out airstrikes against alleged militant hideouts in the restive Balochistan province in January.  Pakistan swiftly responded by using killer drones and rockets to carry out “precision military strikes” against what it called “terrorist hideouts” in Iran’s Siestan-Balochistan province, killing 9 people.  However, the two sides acted fast to restrain tempers through diplomatic channels. Raisi's visit is expected to further cement their ties.
—PTI

Pakistan and Iran leaders vow to enhance cooperation and trade, focusing on security and economic ties. Read about President Raisi's strategic visit and discussions.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif agree on joint efforts to eradicate terrorism months after tit-for-tat air strikes

Islamabad: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Islamabad on Monday on a three-day official visit, the foreign office said, amid tight security in the Pakistani capital.
The visit, which Pakistan's foreign office said would run until Wednesday, comes as the two Muslim neighbours seek to mend ties after unprecedented tit-for-tat military strikes this year.  "The Iranian president is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation," Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement, adding that the group also included the foreign minister, other cabinet members and senior officials.  Raisi will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other officials, besides visiting the eastern city of Lahore and southern port city of Karachi, it added.  Major highways in Islamabad were blocked as part of the security measures for Raisi's arrival, while the government declared a public holiday in Karachi.  Raisi's visit is a key step towards normalising ties with Islamabad, but Iran's supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameni, not the president, has the last say on state matters, such as nuclear policy.  Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/israel-planned-bigger-attack-on-iran-but-scaled-it-back-to-avoid-war" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/israel-planned-bigger-attack-on-iran-but-scaled-it-back-to-avoid-war</a>&nbsp;
Tension is also high in the Middle East after Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel a week ago and central Iran in turn suffered what sources said was an Israeli attack on Friday.  Pakistan and Iran have had a history of rocky relations despite a number of commercial pacts, with Islamabad being historically closer to Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Their highest profile agreement is a stalled gas supply deal signed in 2010 to build a pipeline from Iran's South Fars gas field to Pakistan's southern provinces of Balochistan and Sindh.  Despite Pakistan's dire need of gas, Islamabad has yet to begin construction of its part of the pipeline, citing fears over U.S. sanctions - a concern Tehran has rejected.  Pakistan said it would seek waivers from the US, but Washington has said it does not support the project and warned of the risk of sanctions in doing business with Tehran.  Faced with the possibility of contract breach penalties running into the billions of dollars, Islamabad recently gave the go-ahead for construction of an 80-km (50-mile) stretch of the pipeline.
—Reuters

Iranian President Raisi's visit to Pakistan aims to improve ties amid security concerns and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Iranian president lands in Pakistan for three-day visit to mend ties

Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Monday that the support of the United States, Britain and France for Ukraine was stoking serious strategic risks that had raised the risk of a direct confrontation between the world's biggest nuclear powers.
Lavrov said the United States and NATO were obsessed with the idea of inflicting "strategic defeat" on Russia and there were risks in such confrontation that could lead to an increased level of nuclear danger.  "The Westerners are teetering dangerously on the brink of a direct military clash between nuclear powers, which is fraught with catastrophic consequences," Lavrov said.
The United States and its allies say they are helping Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression and that it is Russia that is aggravating East-West tensions, including by issuing repeated warnings about the danger of a nuclear conflict.  Lavrov said: "Of particular concern is the fact that it is the 'troika' of Western nuclear states that are among the key sponsors of the criminal Kyiv regime, the main initiators of various provocative steps. We see serious strategic risks in this, leading to an increase in the level of nuclear danger."  The three Western countries with nuclear weapons are the United States, Britain and France.
—Reuters

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warns of escalating nuclear risks as tensions rise between Russia and Western powers over support for Ukraine.

Russia says West is teetering on brink of conflict between nuclear powers

Tel Aviv: Israel abandoned plans for a much more extensive counterstrike on Iran after concerted diplomatic pressure from the United States and other foreign allies and because the brunt of an Iranian assault on Israel soil had been thwarted, according to three senior Israeli officials.
Israeli leaders originally discussed bombarding several military targets across Iran last week, including near Tehran, the Iranian capital, in retaliation for the Iranian strike April 13, said the officials, who spoke on the discussion of anonymity to describe the sensitive discussions.  Such a broad and damaging attack would have been far harder for Iran to overlook, increasing the chances of a forceful Iranian counterattack that could have brought the Middle East to the brink of a major regional conflict.  In the end — after President Joe Biden, along with the British and German foreign ministers, urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent a wider war — Israel opted for a more limited strike Friday that avoided significant damage, diminishing the likelihood of an escalation, at least for now.  Still, in the view of Israeli officials, the attack showed Iran the breadth and sophistication of Israel’s military arsenal.  Instead of sending fighter jets into Iranian airspace, Israel fired a small number of missiles from aircraft positioned several hundred miles west of it Friday, according to the Israeli officials and two senior Western officials briefed on the attack. Israel also sent small attack drones, known as quadcopters, to confuse Iranian air defenses, according to the Israeli officials.  Military facilities in Iran have been attacked by such drones several times in recent years, and on several occasions Iran has said it did not know who the drones belonged to — a claim interpreted as Iranian reluctance to respond.  One missile Friday hit an antiaircraft battery in a strategically important part of central Iran, while another exploded in midair, the officials said. One Israeli official said that the Israeli air force intentionally destroyed the second missile once it became clear that the first had reached its target, to avoid causing too much damage. One Western official said it was possible the missile had simply malfunctioned.  The officials said Israel’s intention was to allow Iran to move on without responding in kind, while signaling that Israel had developed the ability to strike Iran without entering its airspace or even setting off its air defense batteries. Israel also hoped to show that it could hit those batteries in a part of central Iran that houses several major nuclear facilities, including a uranium enrichment site at Natanz, hinting that it could have also reached those facilities if it had tried.  The Israeli military declined to comment.  The path to this attack began April 1, when Israel struck an Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, killing seven Iranian officials, including three senior military leaders. Iran had not retaliated after several similar strikes in the past, leading Israeli officials, they say, to believe that they could continue to mount such attacks without drawing a significant Iranian response.  This time proved different: Within a week, Iran began privately signaling to neighbors and foreign diplomats that its patience had reached a limit, and that it would respond with a major strike on Israel — its first ever direct attack on Israeli soil.
During the week of April 8, Israel began preparing two major military responses, according to the Israeli officials.  The first was a defensive operation to block the expected Iranian attack, coordinated with the US Central Command — its top commander, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, visited Israel that week — as well as with the British, French and Jordanian militaries.  The second was a huge offensive operation to be carried out if the Iranian strike materialized. Initially, Israeli intelligence believed that Iran planned to attack with a “swarm” of large drones and up to 10 ballistic missiles, the Israeli officials said. As the week progressed, that estimate grew to 60 missiles, heightening Israeli desire for a strong counterattack.  Israel’s military and political leaders began discussing a counterstrike that could begin as soon as Iran began firing the drones — even before it was known how much damage, if any, they caused. According to one official, the plan was presented to Israel’s war Cabinet by the military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, and his air force chief, Tomer Bar, early Friday, April 12 — two days before Iran’s attack.  Israel’s intentions changed after Iran attacked, the officials said. The attack was even bigger than expected: With more than 100 ballistic missiles, 170 drones and some 30 cruise missiles, it was one of the largest barrages of this kind in military history.  But Israel’s defenses, which were coordinated with pilots from the United States, Britain, France and Jordan, took down most of the missiles and drones, and there was only limited damage on the ground, reducing the need for a swift response. And there were questions about whether Israel should risk taking its focus off defense while the assault was still underway, two officials said.  The turning point, however, was an early-morning phone call between Netanyahu and Biden, during which the US president encouraged the Israeli leader to treat the successful defense as a victory that required no further response, according to three Israeli and Western officials, who described those discussions on the condition of anonymity. Netanyahu emerged from the call opposed to an immediate retaliation, the Israelis said.  The following day, the Israeli government began signaling to foreign allies that it still planned to respond, but only in a contained way that fell far short of what it had previously planned, according to one of the senior Western officials.  Instead of a broad counterattack that might leave Iran’s leaders believing they had no option but to respond in kind, Israeli officials said, they settled on a plan that they hoped would make a point to Iranian officials without publicly humiliating them.  They initially planned the attack for Monday night, the Israeli officials said, pulling out at the last minute amid fears that Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese militia that has been engaged in a low-level conflict with Israel since October, might significantly increase the intensity of its strikes on northern Israel.  Foreign officials continued, without success, to encourage Israel not to respond at all, then signaled their willingness to accept an Israeli attack that left Iran with the option of moving on without losing face, according to an Israeli and a Western official.  After Israel finally carried out its attack early Friday morning, Iranian officials did exactly that — focusing on the small drones rather than the missiles and dismissing their impact.  Officials in Tehran also largely avoided blaming Israel for the assault. That, coupled with Israel’s own decision not to claim responsibility for it, helped to reduce the risk of an escalation.
—International New York Times

Israel opts for a restrained counterattack on Iran, heeding US advice to prevent a larger conflict, after thwarting an Iranian assault with minimal damage.

Israel planned bigger attack on Iran, but scaled it back to avoid war

Male [Maldives]: Maldivians started voting in parliamentary elections Sunday, marking a crucial ballot for President Mohamed Muizzu, whose policies are closely monitored by India and China, both vying for influence in the Island nation, The Washington Post reported. Both countries are looking forward to it because the strategic location of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean makes it a sought-after prize for New Delhi and Beijing.
<a href="https://twitter.com/ElectionsMv/status/1781919136421200175" target="_self">https://twitter.com/ElectionsMv/status/1781919136421200175</a>&nbsp;
In a post on X, the Election Commission of Maldives shared the video of the Coordination Center for the 2024 Parliamentary Elections. Pictures from the election site were also shared showing people waiting in a queue for their turn to vote.
<a href="https://twitter.com/ElectionsMv/status/1781921311838847348" target="_self">https://twitter.com/ElectionsMv/status/1781921311838847348</a>&nbsp;
According to The Washington Post, Muizzu's election as president last year sharpened the rivalry between India and China, as the new leader adopted a pro-China stance and worked to remove Indian troops stationed on one of the country's islets.  Securing a parliamentary majority will be a difficult challenge for Muizzu due to rifts among his allies and the entry of additional parties into the race, according to the US-based news outlet. A total of 368 candidates from six political parties and independent groups are vying for 93 seats in Parliament. This marks an increase of six seats from the previous Parliament, adjusted to accommodate population growth, per The Washington Post.
About 284,000 people are eligible to vote and tentative results are expected to be announced late Sunday. During his presidential campaign, Muizzu adopted the slogan "India out," accusing his predecessor of compromising national sovereignty by granting India to much influence. Approximately 75 Indian military personnel were stationed in the Maldives, primarily engaged in operating two aircraft donated by India and aiding in sea rescue operations. Muizzu has taken steps to have civilians take over those activities. Tensions escalated when Indian social media activists launched a boycott of Maldives tourism in response to derogatory remarks made by three Maldivian deputy ministers about PM Modi. These comments were prompted by Modi's suggestion to promote tourism in Lakshadweep, India's own island chain similar to the Maldives According to recent Maldives government statistics, the number of Indian tourists has fallen, dropping that country from being the top source of foreign visitors to No. 6. Muizzu visited China earlier this year and negotiated an increase in the number of tourists and inbound flights from China. In 2013, the Maldives joined China's "Belt and Road" initiative, which was meant to build ports and highways to expand trade and China's influence across Asia, Africa and Europe.
—ANI

Maldivians vote in key parliamentary elections with President Muizzu's policies under scrutiny by India and China, impacting strategic interests in the Indian Ocean.

Voting begins for Maldives parliamentary election

Memphis [Tennessee]: Two people were killed while 14 others were admitted to hospital after a block party turned deadly at a park in Memphis, Tennessee according to police as per a CNN report. According to the Memphis Police Department, three of those injured in the incident on Saturday were immediately taken to hospitals in severe condition, and 11 more arrived at hospitals in private vehicles.
According to CNN, police said the shooting happened at a party where up to 300 people ahd gathered.  Addressing a press conference, police disclosed that "a total of 16 victims were shot at the event." Officers responded at 7:19 pm (local time) to the scene, where they found five victims with gunshot wounds. Three of them were taken to local hospitals and two men were pronounced dead at the scene, as per CNN. According to the police, no suspects were in custody as of Saturday night. Police believe at least two people opened fire at the event, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said. It's unclear what led to the violence.  Following this, Davis said on Saturday evening, "We are working tirelessly tonight to identify the individuals who were involved in this shooting." The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing. Davis said the department has received video footage from the scene and is looking for those responsible. Davis also asked anyone with footage of the incident or information to contact law enforcement. According to the Gun Violence Archive, the deadly incident extends the list of more than 115 mass shootings reported in the United States so far this year.  The archive, like CNN, defines a mass shooting as one in which at least four people are shot, excluding the shooter.
—ANI

Memphis shooting: 2 killed, 14 injured at block party. Police investigate as community reels.

Memphis shooting: 2 dead, 14 hospitalised after Block Party turns deadly

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude on Saturday for the passage by the US House of Representatives of a military aid bill for his country and said the assistance would save lives and "bring a just end" to the war with Russia.
"I am grateful to the United States House of Representatives, both parties, and personally Speaker Mike Johnson for the decision that keeps history on the right track," Zelenskyy wrote on X.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy Twitter post: <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1781742984423215262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1781742984423215262%7Ctwgr%5E70159c6ef0b1ca22e2330772ce29b982f57a37a4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Fworld%2Fend-to-this-war-zelenskiy-grateful-for-us-house-approval-of-military-aid-2987638" target="_self">https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1781742984423215262?</a>
The president said the bill "will keep the war from expanding, save thousands and thousands of lives, and help both of our nations to become stronger".
Minutes later, in his nightly video address, the president said the assistance "will be felt by our soldiers on the front lines" and praised the role of "American leadership" in preserving a rules-based international order.  "We will certainly use American support to strengthen both our nations and bring a just end to this war. A war that Putin must lose."  The bills making up the legislative package provide $60.84 billion to Ukraine, including $23 billion to replenish US weapons, stocks and facilities.  The US Senate, which passed a similar measure two months ago, is expected to approve the current bills next week and pass them on to President Joe Biden to sign.  Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, writing on Telegram, said passage of the bill was evidence that the United States showed "leadership and resolve" in fighting for peace and security.  Shmyhal expressed thanks for approval of provisions that would help set the stage for the United States to confiscate Russian assets and hand them over to Ukraine for rebuilding after the destruction of the war.  "We will receive an important resource for victory and reconstruction," he wrote on Telegram. "I call on other countries where Russian assets are held to follow this example."
—Reuters

President Zelenskyy lauds US House's approval of a $60.84 billion military aid bill for Ukraine, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict with Russia.

'End to this war': Zelenskyy grateful for US House approval of military aid

Tashkent (Uzbekistan): In a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Uzbekistan, General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff, inaugurated a high-tech IT Laboratory at the Uzbek Academy of Armed Forces The Army Chief is in Uzbekistan on a visit from April 15-18. This development marks a milestone in the defence cooperation between the two nations, following a commitment made during the Defence Ministers' meeting in September 2018. The request to establish an IT Lab was initially made during this high-level discussion, and the project gained momentum with approval in 2019, funded through the Ministry of External Affairs' 'c' initiative. It has been learnt that the bids exceeded the envisaged budget of Rs 6.5 crore. Therefore, a sum of Rs 8.5 crore was allotted for the project. An Indian firm won the contract, made the lab fully operational well in time. The IT Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including nine rooms which house two lecture halls, a cutting edge Cybersecurity Lab, a Hardware Programming Lab, an Object-Oriented Programming Lab, a Web Programming Lab, a Server Room, a Multimedia Room, and a Virtual Reality Room. Additional facilities include video conferencing terminals, interactive panels, networking devices, and an assortment of computing equipment comprising large number of high end PCs, workstations and laptops, alongside essential peripherals like printers, cameras, scanners, and storage devices. This collaborative initiative is not just a leap in technological advancement for Uzbekistan's defence academy but also a bridge reinforcing the expanding partnership between the two nations, promising a future of cooperation in defence and technology. The establishment of the IT lab is expected to enrich the training resources available to Uzbek armed forces and foster a deeper understanding and cooperation between India and Uzbekistan in the years to come. —ANI

In a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Uzbekistan, General Manoj Pande

India-Uzbekistan Defence Collaboration: General Manoj Pande Inaugurates State-Of-The-Art IT Lab

Lahore [Pakistan]: One of the accused in the brutal killing of Indian national Sarabjit Singh in Kot Lakhpat jail in 2013 was seriously injured after an unidentified motorcyclist opened fire on him, Pakistan-based Samaa TV reported on Sunday. Aamir Tamba was seriously injured in the attack that took place in Lahore's Islampura area.
Police said Tamba was taken to the hospital for treatment as forces rushed to the site of the incident. The police cordoned off the area to conduct searches to find the assailants, according to Samaa TV report. Sarabjit Singh was a farmer from Bhikhiwind town in Punjab, who used to live near the India-Pakistan border, and who mistakenly crossed the border while he was drunk. However, he was sentenced to death by a Pakistani court in 1991. Singh was kept in the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore for 22 years and after that, he was beaten up by his inmates and was taken to hospital. Singh was declared dead by doctors at Lahore's Jinnah Hospital after being comatose for five days due to severe injuries in the head after an attack on him on the jail premises in 2013.
In December 2018, the Lahore District and Sessions Court acquitted Tamba and co-accused Mudassar of all charges in the case of Sarabjit Singh in captivity, according to Samaa TV report. The court mentioned a lack of evidence as a reason for the acquittal of Tamba and Mudassar.
—ANI

A key figure in the 2013 killing of Indian national Sarabjit Singh was wounded in a Lahore shooting, reigniting cross-border legal and diplomatic controversies.

Pakistan: Sarabjit Singh's killer seriously injured in shooting in Lahore

Dubai: Iran notified its neighbours of its retaliatory strikes on Israel 72 hours in advance, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday.
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"About 72 hours prior to our operations, we informed our friends and neighbours in the region that Iran's response against Israel was certain, legitimate, and irrevocable," Amirabdollahian said at a press conference.
—Reuters

Iran pre-informs neighbors about definitive and justified retaliatory strikes against Israel, states Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian.

Iran says neighbours notified of attacks on Israel 72 hours in advance

Jerusalem/Dubai/Washington: Iran warned Israel and the United States on Sunday of a "much larger response" if there is any retaliation for its mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight, as Israel said "the campaign is not over yet".
The threat of open warfare erupting between the arch Middle East foes and dragging in the United States has put the region on edge as Washington said America did not seek conflict with Iran but would not hesitate to protect its forces and Israel.  Iran launched the attack over a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria on April 1 that killed top Revolutionary Guards commanders and followed months of clashes between Israel and Iran's regional allies, triggered by the war in Gaza.  However, the attack from hundreds of missiles and drones, mostly launched from inside Iran, caused only modest damage in Israel as most were shot down with the help of the US, Britain and Jordan.  Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/g7-leaders-to-discuss-iranian-attack-in-sunday-video-call" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/g7-leaders-to-discuss-iranian-attack-in-sunday-video-call</a>&nbsp;
An Air Force base in southern Israel was hit, but continued to operate as normal and a 7-year old child was seriously hurt by shrapnel. There were no other reports of serious damage.  "We intercepted, we repelled, together we shall win," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media ahead of a planned 1230 GMT meeting of the war cabinet to discuss a response to the attack.  Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said despite thwarting the attack, the military campaign was not over and "we must be prepared for every scenario".
Israel's Channel 12 TV cited an unnamed Israeli official overnight as saying there would be a "significant response" to the attack.  Global powers Russia, China and France, as well as Arab states Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates urged restraint.  The Islamic Republic's mission to the United Nations said its actions were aimed at punishing "Israeli crimes", but that it now "deemed the matter concluded".  Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/israel-says-hamas-has-rejected-hostage-deal-proposal" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/israel-says-hamas-has-rejected-hostage-deal-proposal</a>&nbsp;
Iranian army chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri warned on television that "our response will be much larger than tonight's military action if Israel retaliates against Iran" and told Washington its bases could also be attacked if it helped Israel retaliate.  US President Joe Biden said he would convene a meeting of leaders of the Group of Seven major economies on Sunday to coordinate a diplomatic response to what he called Iran's brazen attack.  US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said America did not seek conflict with Iran but would not hesitate to act to protect U.S. forces and support the defence of Israel.  The UN Security Council was set to meet at 4 pm ET (2000 GMT) on Sunday after Israel requested it condemn Iran's attack and designate the Revolutionary Guards a terrorist organisation.
Escalation of hostilities  Analysts debated how far Iran's attack was calibrated to cause genuine devastation in Israel, or to save face at home after vows of revenge while avoiding a major new war.  "I think the Iranians took into consideration the fact that Israel has a very, very strong multi-layer anti-missile system and they probably took into consideration that there will not be too many casualties," said Sima Shine, a former senior Mossad official at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv.  But if Iran was hoping for a muted response, like with its missile attacks on US forces in Iraq after the killing of Guards commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020, she warned "I don't think Israel sees it this way".  On Saturday Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized an Israel-linked cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy shipping routes, underscoring the risks to the world economy of a wider conflict.  Some fights were suspended in countries across the region and share prices fell in stock markets in Israel and Gulf states.  The war in Gaza, which Israel invaded after an attack by Iran-backed Hamas on Oct. 7, has ratcheted up tensions in the region, spreading to fronts with Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq.  Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/us-intercepted-dozens-of-iranian-missiles-bound-for-israel:-us-officials" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/us-intercepted-dozens-of-iranian-missiles-bound-for-israel:-us-officials</a>&nbsp;
Iran's most powerful ally in the region, the Lebanese Shi'ite group Hezbollah - which has been exchanging fire with Israel since the Gaza war began - said early on Sunday it had fired rockets at an Israeli base.  Drones were also reportedly launched against Israel by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group, which has attacked shipping lanes in and around the Red Sea to show solidarity with Hamas, British maritime security company Ambrey said in a statement.  Iran's Fars news agency quoted a source as saying Tehran was closely watching Jordan, which might become the next target in case of any moves in support of Israel.  The Oct 7 attack in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 253 taken hostage, along with internal discontent with the government and international pressure over the war in Gaza, form the backdrop to Netanyahu's decisions over a response.  The Israeli prime minister has for years advocated a tough military line against Iran, pushing the United States for harder action over Tehran's nuclear programme and its backing for Hezbollah, Hamas and other groups in the region.  In Jerusalem on Sunday, Israelis described their fear during the attack, when sirens wailed and the night sky was shaken by blasts, but differed on how the country should respond.  "I think we've been given license to respond now. I mean it was a major attack from Iran... I imagine Israel will respond and may be over quickly and get back to normal life," said Jeremy Smith, 60.  In Iran, state television showed small gatherings in several cities celebrating the attack, but in private some Iranians were worried about Israel's response.  "Iran gave Netanyahu a golden opportunity to attack our country. But we, the people of Iran, will bear the brunt of this conflict," said Shima, a 29-year-old nurse, from Tehran.
—Reuters

Iran warns of 'larger response' to Israeli or US retaliation after drone and missile attack. Global powers urge restraint amidst Middle East tensions.

Israel vows victory and Iran warns against retaliation after attack

Jakarta: At least 14 people have been killed in landslides on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, the country's disaster mitigation agency said on Sunday, with rescue efforts ongoing for those reported missing.
Landslides triggered by high-intensity rains affected two villages in the region of Tana Toraja, in South Sulawesi, killing 14 people and destroying four homes, Abdul Muhari, the spokesperson for the agency said in a statement.  Search and rescue efforts for missing residents are continuing, he said, without providing details about how many were unaccounted for. Local media has reported that at least two people are missing.
Photos of affected villages provided by the agency showed rescuers trawling through the rubble for survivors, with homes flattened and reduced to planks of wood and concrete.  Emergency response efforts have been complicated by poor weather conditions and damage to roads into the affected areas, making it difficult for vehicles, including ambulances to evacuate victims, the agency's spokesperson said.  Located in the centre of Sulawesi island, the mountainous region of Tana Toraja is about 300 kilometres (186 miles) from the provincial capital, Makassar.  Floods and landslides killed at least 26 people on Indonesia's Sumatra island last month, with torrential rains destroying hundreds of homes, and displacing thousands.  Indonesia's rainy season began in January with the meteorological agency forecasting a first-quarter peak, particularly on the islands of Java and Sumatra.
—Reuters

Landslides in Sulawesi, Indonesia kill 14, with rescue efforts ongoing. Tragic disaster strikes Tana Toraja region amid challenging weather conditions.

Landslides kill 14 on Indonesia's Sulawesi island

Tel Aviv: The Indian mission in Israel on Sunday issued a fresh 'important advisory' for its nationals after attacks on the Jewish State by Iran with hundreds of projectiles, advising them to stay calm and adhere to safety protocols.
In an unprecedented attack, Iran and its proxies launched 330 missiles and drones on Israel on Saturday in retaliation to an alleged attack by Israel on a diplomatic installation of the Islamic Republic in Damascus in which several people were killed, including two top commanders.  "In light of the recent events in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay calm and adhere to the safety protocols issued by the local authorities," the Indian mission said in the 'important advisory' posted on its social media handles.  "The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and it is in touch with the Israeli authorities and Indian community members to ensure the safety of all our nationals," it added.  It also urged Indian nationals to register with the embassy at a given link.  The Indian embassy had also issued an advisory on Friday amid growing speculation of a retaliatory attack by Iran advising its nationals to 'avoid unnecessary travel, remain calm and follow safety guidelines issued by the local authorities'.
It was the first time that the Islamic Republic launched an attack on the Jewish State from its own soil.  Despite the barrage of projectiles fired on Israel, none of the countries have taken any steps so far to evacuate their nationals, even though some of them, including the United States, have issued advisories.

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Schools and other educational institutions in Israel have suspended their activities till Monday but government offices and private businesses largely are functioning as usual with the government instructing all to follow guidelines being issued by the Home Front.  Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson said that 99 per cent of the roughly 330 missiles and drones launched by Iran were intercepted, but that 'the threat is not over'.  Iran has warned Israel of a larger attack on its territory should it retaliate, adding that US bases would be targeted if Washington backs any Israeli military action against Iran.  The United States, France, Britain and Jordan are said to have helped intercept the projectiles fired by Iran.
<a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1779360614718099675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1779360614718099675%7Ctwgr%5Ee06af9deee777c9cf15c6b4a278e3223e045b7b2%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Findia%2Findian-mission-in-israel-issues-fresh-advisory-no-country-evacuating-its-nationals-so-far-following-iran-salvo-2977659" target="_self">https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1779360614718099675?</a>
"We intercepted, we stopped [the attack]. Together we will win," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a tweet on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.  Hamas called the Iranian attack a 'natural right'.  Iranian threat had led to worldwide diplomatic initiatives to thwart a possible further conflagration in the region already struggling with Israel's offensive in Gaza following a terror attack carried out by Hamas in its territory on October 7 and also regular exchange of fire between the Jewish state and Lebanese Shia faction Hezbollah, which joined the war in solidarity with Hamas.  Houthis, considered Iran's proxy in Yemen, and other factions seen as close to Tehran have also from time to time carried out attacks against Israel and assets of other countries that seem to be supportive of the Jewish state, disrupting international waters and global trade routes.  Some analysts believe that the United States, preparing for elections, will not be supportive of an Israeli retaliation as it can shake up the oil market and cause further economic turmoil that can adversely impact President Joe Biden's re-election bid.
—PTI

Indian nationals advised to stay calm amid Iran's attack on Israel. IDF intercepts 99% of projectiles. International diplomatic efforts ongoing.

Indian mission in Israel issues fresh advisory while no country evacuating its nationals so far

Jerusalem: Israeli airlines said that operations were returning to normal on Sunday after an overnight attack by Iranian missiles and drones closed the airspace and led to flight cancellations.
Israel reopened its airspace as of 7:30 am (0430 GMT) on Sunday, adding that flight schedules from Tel Aviv were expected to be affected and travelers should check flight times before going to Ben Gurion International Airport.  Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/g7-leaders-to-discuss-iranian-attack-in-sunday-video-call" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/g7-leaders-to-discuss-iranian-attack-in-sunday-video-call</a>&nbsp;
Flag carrier El Al said that it had resumed operations and was "working to stabilise the flight schedule as soon as possible".  "El Al will continue to operate as much as possible to preserve the air bridge to and from Israel," it said.
The airline had cancelled 15 flights to Europe, Dubai and Moscow scheduled for Sunday while flights that had taken off from Bangkok and Phuket were forced to return.  Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/israel-says-hamas-has-rejected-hostage-deal-proposal" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/israel-says-hamas-has-rejected-hostage-deal-proposal</a>&nbsp;
Smaller Israeli carrier Arkia said it was in the process of making adjustments to its flight schedule after initially postponing flights to Athens, Milan and Geneva.  According to the airports authority, most flights of foreign carriers have been delayed, including Sunday flights to London by Wizz Air, to New Delhi by Air India, to Madrid by Iberia and to Marseille by Air France.  El Al's flights to London, Frankfurt, Berlin, Bucharest, Athens, Paris and Rome and Ethiopian Airline's flight to Addis Ababa were able to take off.
—Reuters

Israeli airlines, including El Al, return to normal after closing airspace due to Iranian attacks. Check updated flight times for Ben Gurion Airport operations.

Flights from Israel resume after airspace reopened

Rome: Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the G7, has called a video meeting of G7 leaders on Sunday to discuss Iran's attack on Israel late on Saturday.
The Iranian attack in response to a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran's embassy compound in Damascus on April 1 has raised the threat of a wider regional conflict.
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"We express our deep concern about a further destabilisation of the situation in the region and continue to work to avoid that," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on social media platform X.
<a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1779417659550900412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1779417659550900412%7Ctwgr%5E74f4647e44a9c341f14925a1bb655da62cd1f943%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Fworld%2Fg7-leaders-to-discuss-iranian-attack-in-sunday-video-call-2977668" target="_self">https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1779417659550900412?</a>
The G7 call will be held in the early afternoon European time, an Italian government statement said.  US President Joe Biden has pledged a coordinated G7 diplomatic response to the drone and missile attack, which he condemned, and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he hoped that the Israeli government shows restraint in its response.  Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/netanyahu-vows-victory-after-iran-strikes-as-israel-airspace-reopens-fears-of-wider-conflict-grow" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/netanyahu-vows-victory-after-iran-strikes-as-israel-airspace-reopens-fears-of-wider-conflict-grow</a>&nbsp;
"I hope that the Israeli government will adopt a cautious line. I hope that there will be no counterattack to the counterattack," Tajani told radio station RTL 102.5.  The G7 groups the United States, Canada, Italy, Britain, France, Germany and Japan. Its foreign ministers are scheduled to meet over April 17-19 on the Italian island of Capri.
—Reuters

G7 leaders, under Italy's presidency, urgently meet to discuss the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel following recent attacks.

G7 leaders to discuss Iranian attack in Sunday video call

Cairo: Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon have reopened their airspace on Sunday after closing it late on Saturday as Iran launched drone and missile attacks against Israel, the three countries said on Sunday.
Jordan's state TV said that the country had resumed air traffic operations, citing aviation authorities. The opening of its airspace came more than three hours earlier than scheduled.  Iraq's aviation authority said security risks had now been overcome.  Lebanon said its airport will resume its activities after the overnight closure, state TV reported.
Iran launched explosive drones and fired missiles at Israel late on Saturday - its first direct attack on Israeli territory in a retaliatory strike that raises the threat of wider regional conflict.  Jordan, which lies between Iran and Israel, had readied air defences to intercept any drones or missiles that violated its territory, two regional security sources said.  US and British warplanes were involved in shooting down some Israel-bound drones over the Iraq-Syria border area, Israel's Channel 12 reported.
—Reuters

Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon resume flights after brief closures due to Iran's attacks on Israel. Regional tensions escalate with international military support.

Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon reopen airspace after Iran attacks

Jerusalem: Hamas has rejected the latest proposal for a deal to return Israeli hostages and Israel will continue to pursue its objectives in Gaza "with full force", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.
The statement said that the rejection of the proposals showed that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, did not want a deal and was trying to exploit tensions with Iran and bring about a regional escalation of the conflict.
—Reuters

Hamas rejects Israeli hostage deal, Netanyahu vows Gaza action. Tensions rise with Iran. Latest in Middle East conflict.

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