Author: Anadolu Agency
A massive fire broke out Saturday in vehicles carrying petroleum products near the Aleppo International Airport in northern Syria, just as authorities announced its reopening. The Syrian Civil Defense reported on X that its teams were working to contain the fire, which erupted in fuel transport vehicles near a gas station along the Aleppo International Airport road. A video posted by the group described the fire as “major,” but the cause remained unknown as of 2000GMT. The Civil Defense later announced on X that its firefighting teams extinguished a fire in three fuel transport vehicles near the airport. The statement…
Israel said Sunday that three fighter jets joined its fleet amid uncertainty over a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza. A military statement said the three F-35I fighter jets, manufactured by US defense contractor Lockheed Martin, landed at Nevatism Airbase in southern Israel last week. “The three jets will join the IAF (Israeli Air Force) and the 116th Squadron, bearing the IAF insignia,” the statement said. “The expansion of the ‘Adir’ fleet significantly enhances the lethal capabilities of the IAF,” it added. According to Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee, the F-35I fleet has carried out over 15,000 hours of…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Maj. Gen. Andrii Hnatov the new chief of General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced Sunday. He will replace Lt. Gen. Anatoliy Bargylevych, who was appointed in February 2024. Hnatov, a seasoned officer with over 27 years of experience, previously commanded the Marine Brigade, the Eastern Operational Command, and the Joint Forces of Ukraine. His appointment is part of broader efforts to modernize the army’s command structure and improve operational efficiency, Umerov stressed. Meanwhile, Bargylevych was appointed as the chief inspector of the Defense Ministry. His new role will…
The UN on Sunday called for an end to all military activities after multiple US strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. In a statement, spokesman for the secretary-general Stephane Dujarric also expressed concern about the continued threats by the Houthis to resume their attacks targeting vessels in the Red Sea. “We call for utmost restraint and a cessation of all military activities,” said Dujarric. “Any additional escalation could exacerbate regional tensions, fuel cycles of retaliation that may further destabilize Yemen and the region, and pose grave risks to the already dire humanitarian situation in the country,” he added. He reiterated…
A massive fire broke out Saturday in vehicles carrying petroleum products near the Aleppo International Airport in northern Syria, just as authorities announced its reopening. The Syrian Civil Defense reported on X that its teams were working to contain the fire, which erupted in fuel transport vehicles near a gas station along the Aleppo International Airport road. A video posted by the group described the fire as “major,” but the cause remained unknown as of 2000GMT. The Civil Defense later announced on X that its firefighting teams extinguished a fire in three fuel transport vehicles near the airport. The statement…
Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon on Saturday accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of stalling the second phase of the ceasefire and hostages-prisoner exchange deal with Hamas to appease far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The 42-day first phase of the truce expired on March 2 following several prisoners-for-hostages exchanges. The second phase, which is meant to negotiate a permanent end to the fighting in Gaza, including the return of all remaining captives and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory, is yet to begin. In a statement, Ya’alon said Netanyahu “is delaying the implementation of the second phase…
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host a virtual meeting of world leaders Saturday to discuss peacekeeping in Ukraine and urge them to make “concrete commitments,” according to Downing Street. Around 25 leaders are expected to join to discuss the “coalition of the willing” peacekeeping mission. Starmer will urge allies to step up military support for Ukraine, increase economic pressure on Russia in the short term and be ready to back a future peace deal if one is reached. Leaders will also receive an update on this week’s defense discussions in Paris and outline their plans to enhance military support…
Russia announced on Saturday that its forces have taken back two more villages captured by Ukraine’s troops during last year’s incursion. “Units of the Sever (North) Group of Forces liberated the settlements of Zaoleshenka and Rubanschina during offensive operations,” the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukrainian troops in the area are completely isolated, under full Russian fire control, and face only two options — surrender or perish. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on Russia’s Volgograd region last night, setting some areas on fire, Governor Andrey Bocharov said on…
Global sea levels rose 0.23 inches (0.59 centimeters) in 2024, surpassing the expected 0.17 inches, according to NASA. A NASA-led analysis published Thursday found that thermal expansion, the process of ocean water expanding as it warms, played a big role in the “unexpected” rise. “With 2024 as the warmest year on record, Earth’s expanding oceans are following suit, reaching their highest levels in three decades,” said Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, director of physical oceanography programs at the US space agency. NASA confirmed in January that Earth’s average surface temperature in 2024 was the warmest on record, with global temperatures last year…
Marking the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attack targeting two mosques in New Zealand’s Christchurch city, Türkiye on Saturday expressed its commitment to combat Islamophobia. “Türkiye remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at addressing hatred against Islam,” said the Foreign Ministry in a statement on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Islamophobia is dangerous for not only Muslims but also poses a great threat to international peace and social harmony, said the statement, honoring 51 people who lost their lives in the shooting attack. “The ongoing attacks on Islamic values underscore the need…