Israel Responds to Houthi Missile Assaults, Targets Sana’a Airport in Yemen

 

Israel Responds to Houthi Missile Assaults, Targets Sana’a Airport in Yemen 

According to a report from Haaretz, the Israeli armed forces executed airstrikes on Sana’a International Airport located in Yemen's capital on Thursday, as stated by an Israeli official.

Additionally, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched attacks on the Hodeidah seaport situated in western Yemen. This Israeli response follows a week marked by ongoing missile assaults from the Houthis aimed at Israel, including a recent hypersonic ballistic attack directed at Tel Aviv.

Since the conflict's inception in Gaza, the Houthis have persistently fired missiles towards Israel as a show of support for the Palestinian cause.

IDF Responds to Attacks 

The IDF announced via X that it had carried out attacks targeting the Houthis.

“After receiving the go-ahead for operational strategies from the Chief of General Staff, the Defense Minister, and the Prime Minister, IAF fighter jets executed intelligence-driven strikes on the military sites of the Houthi terrorist regime in western Yemen and its interior areas a short time ago,” the IDF posted.

“The Houthi terrorist regime has launched numerous attacks on the State of Israel and its populace, notably involving UAV assaults and surface-to-surface missile strikes on Israeli land,” it further explained.

The military noted that it targeted the military infrastructure utilized by the Houthis for their operations at both Sana’a International Airport and the Hezyaz and Ras Kanatib power facilities.

“Furthermore, the IDF targeted military facilities at the ports of Al-Hudaydah, Salif, and Ras Kanatib on the western coastline,” the statement indicated.

“These military sites were exploited by the Houthi terrorist regime for smuggling Iranian arms into the area and facilitating the entry of high-ranking Iranian officials. This instance exemplifies how the Houthis misuse civilian infrastructure for military ends,” the IDF tweeted.

Early signs indicate that a Russian anti-aircraft system might have brought down the commercial aircraft

 Early signs indicate that a Russian anti-aircraft system might have brought down the commercial aircraft that went down in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, a US official informed CNN as Azerbaijan observed a day of mourning for the many victims of the incident.

The evidence suggests a Russian system targeted Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 prior to its descent near the city of Aktau, the US official stated on Thursday.

This marks the first instance in which the US has provided an evaluation of the crash that occurred on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 38 of the 67 individuals on board the aircraft. If the preliminary indications are eventually validated, it could be a situation of misidentification, the US official mentioned, wherein inadequately trained Russian units may have carelessly fired upon Ukrainian drone operations.

Authorities from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia—three nations involved in the incident—urged individuals not to engage in speculation regarding the crash until the investigations reach completion.

Here’s what we currently understand about the crash.

Early signs indicate that a Russian anti-aircraft system might have brought down the commercial aircraft that went down in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, a US official informed CNN as Azerbaijan observed a day of mourning for the many victims of the incident.

The evidence suggests a Russian system targeted Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 prior to its descent near the city of Aktau, the US official stated on Thursday.

This marks the first instance in which the US has provided an evaluation of the crash that occurred on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 38 of the 67 individuals on board the aircraft. If the preliminary indications are eventually validated, it could be a situation of misidentification, the US official mentioned, wherein inadequately trained Russian units may have carelessly fired upon Ukrainian drone operations.

Authorities from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia—three nations involved in the incident—urged individuals not to engage in speculation regarding the crash until the investigations reach completion.

Here’s what we currently understand about the crash.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday at AIIMS hospital in Delhi. He was 92 years old.

 

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday at AIIMS hospital in Delhi. He was 92 years old.

In a communiqué, the medical facility indicated that the veteran Congress politician was receiving care for health issues associated with his age and had experienced a "sudden loss of consciousness at home." "Despite all attempts, he could not be revived and was pronounced dead at 9.51 PM," the communiqué stated.

Manmohan Singh served as Prime Minister for two consecutive terms within the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance administration from 2004 to 2014. He had been experiencing health challenges for several months prior.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored his predecessor, referring to him as one of the "most distinguished leaders." Congress Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi expressed that he "lost a mentor and guide."

Leaders from various political parties also paid their respects to the former prime minister.

Unfavorable news for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China, as the IAF gears up to strengthen its capabilities with the initiation of trials for LCA Tejas fighter commence in…

 

Unfavorable news for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China, as the IAF gears up to strengthen its capabilities with the initiation of trials for LCA Tejas fighter jets set to commence in… 

The HAL will also undertake evaluations of the domestically produced Astra beyond-visual-range missile, the aircraft's homegrown Electronic Warfare suite, and the Israeli Elta radar system. This situation will undoubtedly displease Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh. 

The state-affiliated airplane manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is slated to kick off trials for the new Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) in January 2025. Furthermore, the HAL will test the indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range missile, the locally developed Electronic Warfare suite, and the Israeli Elta radar. This situation will undoubtedly displease Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh.

Insiders familiar with the developments have indicated that HAL is expected to hand over these aircraft to the Indian Air Force by March 31 following the completion of the certification process. In addition, HAL is engaged in discussions with the American firm GE Aerospace to facilitate the expedited delivery of 404 engines for the new aircraft.

As per reports, a delegation of senior officials plans to visit the United States to gain firsthand insight into the production of the 404 engines. GE Aerospace has yet to provide a delivery timeline for the 99 engines that were ordered. The company informed the Indian delegation, led by DK Sunil, that the production challenges have been addressed, and the first unit will be available by March 2025.

A significant number of LCA Mk-1As will be supplied to the Indian Air Force alongside reserve engines, and once the 404 engines from GE Aerospace are available, the reserve engines will be replaced with the 404 engines.

"Disgraceful": BJP Launches Assault Over "Manipulated" Kashmir Map

"Disgraceful": BJP Launches Assault Over "Manipulated" Kashmir Map

 

"Disgraceful": BJP Launches Assault Over "Manipulated" Kashmir Map 

Following intense disputes last week regarding Rahul Gandhi's purported pushing and injuring of two MPs alongside the George Soros-Sonia Gandhi controversy, the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party clashed on Thursday over accusations that the former "manipulated" India's map prior to its event in Karnataka. 

The BJP's state branch shared an image of the poster featuring the "manipulated" map on X, criticizing the Congress for exhibiting "complete disregard (for) India's integrity... by depicting Kashmir as a part of Pakistan." The BJP's post expressed, "All of this merely to please their electoral base. This is disgraceful!" 

Responses came rapidly. The BJP faced allegations of fabricating information and attempting to undermine a "pivotal" assembly of the Congress Working Committee, set to take place in Karnataka's Belagavi today and tomorrow, commemorating a century since Mahatma Gandhi presided over a meeting of the committee. 

The dispute that initiated with the Karnataka BJP's X post was highlighted by senior party figure Shehzad Poonawalla, who launched a fierce critique, asserting that the "manipulated" map highlighted the "Bharat todo, tukde-tukde" mentality of Congress and reaffirming previous criticisms of the opposing party. 

The BJP capitalized on a story from the French outlet Mediapart, which suggested "concealed" connections between the Soros-established OCCRP, or Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, and the American government. It accused the Congress of collaborating with Soros and the OCCRP to tarnish India's reputation. 

Revisiting that narrative today, Mr. Poonawalla stated, "Harmonizing with Pakistan's agenda and ceding J&K to Pakistan has been the Congress's objective... and this mentality has been once again revealed." 

Amit Malviya of the BJP also contributed; "This is emblematic of the Congress's appeasement strategy, which posits that Indian Muslims are more loyal to Pakistan... The Congress is akin to the New Muslim League."

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December 26, 2024 at 03:24PM

20 years after disaster, woman remembers son ‘Tsunami’s arrival in snake-infested forest

 

20 years after disaster, woman remembers son ‘Tsunami’s arrival in snake-infested forest 

The woman’s residence on Hut Bay Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was obliterated during the Indian Ocean tsunami that struck on December 26, 2004. 

Namita Roy was only 26 years old when she brought her son, ‘Tsunami’, into the world in a snake-filled forest where she and her family sought refuge after lethal waves, triggered by a tremendous earthquake, swept away their home on Hut Bay Island on this date in 2004. 

"I wish to avoid remembering that grim day. I was expectant and occupied with routine responsibilities. Unexpectedly, I perceived an unusual stillness and was horrified to observe the ocean retreating miles from our shoreline. We also perceived the zugunruhe in the birds," she recounted to PTI. 

"Moments later, a frightening sound of rustling reached our ears, and we witnessed a massive wall of water surging toward Hut Bay Island, accompanied by powerful tremors. I witnessed individuals shouting and fleeing toward a small hill. I experienced a panic attack and lost consciousness. 

"A few hours later, I came to find myself amidst thousands of locals deep within a hilly jungle. It was a relief to see my husband and my older son. Most of our island had been consumed by the ferocious waves. Nearly all properties were devastated," a tearful Roy expressed. 

She currently resides in the Hooghly district of West Bengal with her two sons, Saurabh and Tsunami, following the passing of her husband, Laxminarayan, during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"At 11:49 PM, I started experiencing labor pains, but there was no physician available. I lay on a rock and called out for assistance. My husband did everything possible but could not secure any medical aid. He then begged a few women who had also taken shelter in the jungle. With their support, I delivered Tsunami amidst incredibly difficult circumstances... the jungle was populated with snakes," Roy stated.

"Disgraceful": BJP Launches Assault Over "Manipulated" Kashmir Map

 

"Disgraceful": BJP Launches Assault Over "Manipulated" Kashmir Map 

Following intense disputes last week regarding Rahul Gandhi's purported pushing and injuring of two MPs alongside the George Soros-Sonia Gandhi controversy, the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party clashed on Thursday over accusations that the former "manipulated" India's map prior to its event in Karnataka. 

The BJP's state branch shared an image of the poster featuring the "manipulated" map on X, criticizing the Congress for exhibiting "complete disregard (for) India's integrity... by depicting Kashmir as a part of Pakistan." The BJP's post expressed, "All of this merely to please their electoral base. This is disgraceful!" 

Responses came rapidly. The BJP faced allegations of fabricating information and attempting to undermine a "pivotal" assembly of the Congress Working Committee, set to take place in Karnataka's Belagavi today and tomorrow, commemorating a century since Mahatma Gandhi presided over a meeting of the committee. 

The dispute that initiated with the Karnataka BJP's X post was highlighted by senior party figure Shehzad Poonawalla, who launched a fierce critique, asserting that the "manipulated" map highlighted the "Bharat todo, tukde-tukde" mentality of Congress and reaffirming previous criticisms of the opposing party. 

The BJP capitalized on a story from the French outlet Mediapart, which suggested "concealed" connections between the Soros-established OCCRP, or Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, and the American government. It accused the Congress of collaborating with Soros and the OCCRP to tarnish India's reputation. 

Revisiting that narrative today, Mr. Poonawalla stated, "Harmonizing with Pakistan's agenda and ceding J&K to Pakistan has been the Congress's objective... and this mentality has been once again revealed." 

Amit Malviya of the BJP also contributed; "This is emblematic of the Congress's appeasement strategy, which posits that Indian Muslims are more loyal to Pakistan... The Congress is akin to the New Muslim League."