C-RAM: America’s Rapid-Fire Defence System Shields Baghdad Embassy From Drones And Rockets

The Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar system, better known as C-RAM, is a land-based defensive platform designed to intercept short-range aerial threats such as rockets, artillery shells, and drones.

It was originally adapted from the US Navy’s Phalanx Close-In Weapon System during the Iraq War, when American forces faced frequent insurgent-style attacks on their bases.

The system integrates radar detection, automated fire control, and a high-speed rotary cannon to provide rapid protection against incoming projectiles.

Once a threat is detected, C-RAM calculates its trajectory in real time and determines whether it poses danger. If confirmed, it unleashes controlled bursts to destroy the projectile before it can strike.

The system’s speed is its defining advantage. It can respond within seconds of detecting a launch, making it highly effective against surprise attacks. Working alongside radar systems such as the AN/TPQ-36 Firefinder, C-RAM identifies threats almost instantly.

A command network predicts the impact point and activates interception if required. Eyewitness footage from Baghdad showed the system neutralising multiple targets mid-air, with sparks and debris marking successful interceptions.

C-RAM’s specifications highlight its power. It employs a 20mm M61A1 Gatling gun capable of firing up to 4,500 rounds per minute. Its effective interception range is around one to two kilometres, and its reaction time is measured in mere seconds.

The system uses self-destructing ammunition to reduce risks on the ground, creating a dense wall of fire that shreds incoming rockets or drones before they reach their target.

For US embassies and bases in volatile regions, C-RAM acts as a last line of defence. In Baghdad, where short-range attacks can occur with little warning, such systems are indispensable.

Earlier deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan even linked C-RAM to sirens that alerted personnel of incoming fire, giving them crucial seconds to take cover. This dual function of interception and warning underscores its importance in protecting lives and infrastructure.

Despite its effectiveness, C-RAM has limitations. It cannot intercept long-range ballistic missiles, and its short range confines it to close-in defence. Large-scale swarm attacks could potentially overwhelm the system. Moreover, while self-destructing rounds reduce risks, falling debris from intercepted rockets can still pose hazards, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

The growing reliance on systems like C-RAM reflects the changing nature of modern warfare. Drones and short-range projectiles are cheaper, faster to deploy, and harder to detect early.

This shift has made immediate, automated protection essential. Unlike missile-based defence systems, C-RAM relies on rapid-fire ammunition, making it faster and more effective in close-range scenarios. 

The events over Baghdad underline how such technologies are no longer optional but critical in conflict zones.

The latest attack on the US embassy in Baghdad unfolded against the backdrop of the escalating Iran–Israel war, which has spread across the region. Israeli strikes have reached deep into Tehran, while Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks across multiple locations.

US-linked assets have increasingly been targeted, and the conflict has disrupted oil infrastructure, raising concerns about security near global routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Despite mounting international pressure, Tehran has refused to agree to a ceasefire, prolonging the crisis.

SGL

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Iran Acquired Chinese Satellite To Track And Attack US Bases: Report

Iran relied on a Chinese-built satellite it quietly obtained last year to help track US military positions across the Middle East during the recent conflict, the Financial Times has reported.

The satellite, known as TEE-01B, was originally developed and launched by the Chinese firm Earth Eye Company before being transferred to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Aerospace Force.

Earth Eye Company operates under an unusual export model called “in-orbit delivery,” in which spacecraft launched in China are only handed over to overseas buyers once they have successfully reached orbit.

Iranian commanders are said to have tasked the satellite with observing key American military installations in the region. As part of the arrangement, the IRGC was also granted access to a network of commercial ground stations operated by Emposat, a Beijing-based satellite services provider with operations spanning Asia, Latin America, and other regions.

The satellite reportedly captured imagery of Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base on 13, 14, and 15 March. On 14 March, US President Donald Trump acknowledged that American aircraft stationed there had been damaged. TEE-01B is also said to have tracked activity around Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, sites near the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, and Erbil Airport in Iraq, coinciding with IRGC claims of strikes in those areas.

Its surveillance footprint extended further, covering US-linked facilities such as Camp Buehring and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, and Duqm International Airport in Oman. Civilian infrastructure was also monitored, including the Khor Fakkan container port and the Qidfa power and desalination complex in the United Arab Emirates, as well as Bahrain’s Alba aluminium plant, one of the largest in the world.

A former senior Western intelligence official told the publication, “There is no way that any Chinese company could do something like launch a satellite without somebody in the administration giving it the go-ahead. I think it’s been very clear for some time that China has been helping the Iranians with intelligence, but trying to keep the hand of government hidden.”

The reported use of a Chinese-origin satellite by the IRGC, particularly during a conflict in which Iran has repeatedly launched missiles and drones at neighbouring countries, is likely to heighten concerns across the Gulf.

These sensitivities are amplified by China’s deep economic ties in the region, where it is both the leading trading partner and the largest buyer of oil.

Separately, earlier reports suggested that Iran also gained access to Russian satellite intelligence on US and Israeli targets after the US-Israeli bombing campaign in Iran began on 28 February.

China’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly denied in recent days that the country is providing any form of military support to Iran. Nonetheless, the US government has long accused China of supporting Iran’s ballistic missile program and supplying dual-use industrial components that can be employed in missile production.

Agencies

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Fourth US Aircraft Lost In Middle East Conflict As KC-135 Crashes In Iraq

An American KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft has crashed in western Iraq, marking the fourth US military plane lost during the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The US Central Command confirmed that a second aircraft involved in the incident managed to land safely. Officials stressed that the crash was not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire, though investigations into the cause are continuing.

CENTCOM’s statement makes it clear that the crash was not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire, which rules out combat-related causes. That leaves a wide range of other possibilities—mechanical failure, pilot error, environmental factors, or even issues during routine operations. At this stage, officials are still investigating, so the exact cause hasn’t been determined yet.

What’s important is that the military is being cautious in its communication: they’ve eliminated speculation about enemy involvement but are waiting for evidence before confirming anything further. This is typical in aviation incidents, where investigations often take time to piece together flight data, maintenance records, and eyewitness accounts.

The KC-135, a long-serving aircraft in the US Air Force fleet, typically operates with a crew of three: a pilot, co-pilot, and a boom operator responsible for refuelling other aircraft mid-flight. Some missions require a navigator, and the aircraft is capable of carrying up to 37 passengers.

Despite its age, the KC-135 remains a critical component of aerial operations, providing essential support to combat and transport missions.

This latest loss adds to a growing list of American aircraft casualties since the war began on 28 February. Earlier in the conflict, Kuwaiti forces mistakenly shot down three US F-15E fighters during intense combat operations.

Fortunately, all six crew members were able to eject safely. That incident occurred amid heavy fighting, which included Iranian aircraft, ballistic missile strikes, and drone attacks.

AFP

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Ayatollah Khamenei’s Demise Ignites US Consulate Attacks: Chaos From Pakistan To Iraq

Protesters stormed the United States Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, on Sunday, forcing their way past security gates amid fury over the reported death of Iran's Supreme Islamic Religious Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Videos circulating on social media captured scores of men breaching the compound's perimeter, hurling stones at windows and doors in a bid to enter the main building.

The unrest marks a sharp escalation in anti-US sentiment across the Middle East and South Asia following announcements from Tehran confirming Khamenei's passing.

Eyewitness footage showed chaotic scenes outside the consulate, where police clashed violently with demonstrators. Protesters, many waving Palestinian flags and chanting anti-American slogans, pelted security forces with rocks and debris.

Officers responded with volleys of tear gas, creating thick clouds of smoke that billowed through the streets of Karachi's upscale Clifton neighbourhood. At least a dozen injuries were reported on both sides, with local hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of casualties.

The violence in Karachi was not isolated. Similar protests erupted outside US diplomatic missions from Islamabad to Baghdad, fuelling fears of a broader regional backlash. In Iraq's Basra, demonstrators torched effigies of US leaders and attempted to scale the walls of the consulate, echoing the 2019 storming of the US embassy in Baghdad. Pakistani authorities swiftly deployed Rangers paramilitary units to reinforce the site, but protesters regrouped, vowing to continue until the US addressed Iran's grievances.

Khamenei's death, announced by Iranian state media on Saturday, has ignited a powder keg of outrage. The 86-year-old cleric, who ruled Iran for over three decades, succumbed to complications from a long illness, according to official reports.

Hardliners in Tehran have accused the US and Israel of orchestrating covert operations against him, linking his demise to recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian proxies in Syria and Lebanon. Khamenei's passing leaves a power vacuum, with speculation mounting over succession battles within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Pakistan's government condemned the violence while expressing solidarity with Iran, a key regional ally. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged calm in a televised address, warning that such unrest could destabilise the fragile economy.

Yet, protesters framed their actions as retribution for perceived US aggression, including sanctions that have crippled Iran's oil exports and drone strikes targeting militant leaders. Social media amplified the fury, with hashtags like #AvengerForKhamenei trending across platforms.

In Baghdad, Iraqi security forces used live rounds to repel hundreds who gathered near the Green Zone, resulting in two fatalities. Pro-Iranian militias, such as Kata'ib Hezbollah, mobilised supporters, distributing weapons and coordinating via encrypted apps.

The US State Department issued a stark advisory, ordering non-essential staff to shelter in place and authorising voluntary departures from high-risk posts. Embassies in Lahore and Peshawar also heightened alerts, cancelling public services indefinitely.

Analysts warn that Khamenei's death could unravel delicate ceasefires in Yemen and Gaza, where US-backed coalitions have clashed with Iran-supported Houthis and Hamas. Tehran's assembly of experts is set to convene urgently to name an interim leader, but infighting looms large.

Protests have already spread to Afghanistan's Kabul and Turkey's Istanbul, underscoring the Supreme Leader's enduring symbolic pull among Shia communities worldwide.

Local residents in Karachi described a city on edge, with schools shuttered and markets closed as the unrest spilled into neighbouring areas. Eyewitnesses recounted hearing gunfire and explosions from stun grenades deep into the night.

Pakistan's interior ministry reported over 200 arrests, including several alleged terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. As dawn broke, armoured vehicles ringed the consulate, but smouldering debris and shattered glass served as stark reminders of the night's fury.

The international community watched warily, with India bolstering border security amid fears of spill-over into Balochistan.

Riyadh and Tel Aviv issued joint statements denying involvement in Khamenei's death, while calling for restraint. For now, the storming of US consulates from Pakistan to Iraq signals a volatile new chapter, where grief for a fallen leader risks igniting conflagrations across the region.

Agencies

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Trump Announces Tariffs On Imports From Sri Lanka, Iraq And Five Other Nations

On July 10, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced a significant new round of tariffs targeting imports from seven nations: Sri Lanka, Algeria, Iraq, Libya, the Philippines, Moldova, and Brunei. These tariffs, set to take effect on August 1, 2025, mark a notable escalation in the US administration’s trade policy, reflecting a broader effort to address what Trump described as longstanding inequities in international trade relationships.

According to official letters shared by the White House and statements from President Trump, the following tariff rates will be imposed on goods imported into the United States:

30% Tariff: Sri Lanka, Iraq, Algeria, Libya

25% Tariff: Moldova, Brunei

20% Tariff: Philippines

Trump’s letters warned that if these countries respond by increasing their own tariffs on US products, the US would reciprocate by raising tariffs by an equivalent amount. Conversely, the letters also indicated a willingness to reduce tariffs if the targeted nations revise their trade policies to be more open and equitable.

In the letters addressed to the leaders of the affected countries, President Trump emphasized the US desire for fair and reciprocal trade. He stated:

"We look forward to working with you as your Trading Partner for many years to come. If you wish to open your heretofore closed Trading Markets to the United States, and eliminate your Tariff, and Non-Tariff, Policies and Trade Barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter. These Tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country. You will never be disappointed with The United States of America."

Trump reiterated that the tariffs would be enforced strictly from August 1, 2025, with no extensions or delays, as communicated in a post on Truth Social. He underscored the administration’s commitment to fairness and openness to negotiation, provided that other nations are willing to make “fair” deals.

The July 10 announcement follows a series of similar communications to other nations. Trump previously revealed that letters had been sent to the leaders of Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Tunisia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Cambodia, outlining reciprocal tariffs effective August 1. The tariff rates for these countries are as follows:

President Trump justified these measures as necessary to correct what he views as decades of unfair trade practices by other nations. He asserted that his administration’s approach is a response to the damages incurred by the US economy over the years due to imbalanced trade relationships. Trump claimed that his first term saw the collection of “hundreds of billions of dollars” in tariffs without causing inflation, and he predicted even greater economic benefits in his second term.

The president also made clear that while the August 1 deadline is firm, he remains open to negotiation with countries willing to make genuine efforts toward fairer trade practices. He characterized the tariffs as both a corrective measure and a bargaining tool to encourage more open markets and the removal of trade barriers.

The newly announced tariffs represent a substantial shift in US trade policy, with the Trump administration signalling a readiness to both escalate and de-escalate trade barriers depending on the responses of the affected countries. The administration’s stance is rooted in a desire for reciprocity and fairness, aiming to leverage tariffs as a means to renegotiate longstanding trade arrangements and address perceived economic injustices. The coming weeks will reveal how the targeted nations respond and whether negotiations will lead to any adjustments before the August 1 implementation date.

Based On ANI Report

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Iran Attacks US Military Bases In Qatar And Iraq

On June 23, 2025, Iran launched a significant missile attack targeting US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions following recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The primary target was the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the Middle East and the forward headquarters of US Central Command. Simultaneously, missiles were also fired at the Ain al-Assad airbase in western Iraq, which houses US troops.

Sequence of Events

US Airstrikes On Iran: The incident was triggered by US airstrikes over the weekend on three Iranian nuclear sites, prompting Iran to vow retaliation.

Iranian Missile Launch: In response, Iran fired at least 10 missiles toward Qatar and at least one toward Iraq, according to reports citing Israeli and Iraqi officials. Iranian state television described the attack as a “mighty and successful response” to what it termed “America’s aggression”.

Impact In Qatar: Residents in Doha and Lusail witnessed explosions and interceptors in the sky as Qatar’s air defences engaged the incoming missiles. The Qatari Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defence systems successfully intercepted the attack, resulting in no casualties or injuries. The base had reportedly been evacuated earlier as a precaution, and all necessary safety measures were in place.

Regional And International Response

Qatar’s Reaction: Qatar strongly condemned the Iranian missile strike, labelling it a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and international law. The Qatari government asserted its right to respond in a manner proportional to the aggression and emphasized the importance of dialogue to prevent further escalation.

India’s Advisory: The Indian Embassy in Qatar issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to remain calm, stay indoors, and follow local news and official guidance. Airlines such as IndiGo warned of potential flight delays or diversions due to the evolving security situation.

Other Regional Effects: The United Arab Emirates closed its airspace, Bahrain issued siren alerts, and other Gulf nations reportedly took precautionary measures, including shutting their airspaces and rerouting flights.

Measured Iranian Response: Observers noted that Iran claimed the number of missiles fired matched the number of US bombs used in the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, possibly signalling a calculated response intended to avoid further escalation while demonstrating resolve.

US and International Monitoring: The White House and US Department of Defence closely monitored the situation, with President Trump convening with top defence officials in the White House Situation Room.

No Immediate US or Iraqi Casualty Reports: While there was clear evidence of missile launches at both Al Udeid and Ain al-Assad bases, there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, particularly in Qatar where the attack was intercepted.

Iran’s missile attacks on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq represent a major escalation in the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, triggered by American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Qatar’s swift interception of the missiles prevented casualties, but the incident has heightened tensions across the Gulf, prompting advisories for foreign nationals and disruptions to air travel. Both Qatar and India have called for calm and vigilance, while regional actors brace for potential further developments.

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From Bahrain To Qatar, A Look At Key US Military Bases In Middle East

As tensions surge in the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Iran has explicitly threatened American military assets across the region. With over 40,000 US troops stationed on bases and warships under US Central Command (CENTCOM), the Pentagon is bracing for possible Iranian retaliation. Below is a detailed look at the most significant US military installations in the Middle East—each a potential target in the current climate.

Bahrain: Naval Support Activity And The US Fifth Fleet

Bahrain is home to the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and Naval Forces Central Command, making it a linchpin for American maritime power in the Persian Gulf. The base supports aircraft carriers, anti-mine vessels, logistics ships, and Coast Guard detachments, enabling rapid response and sustained naval operations throughout the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Red Sea. Approximately 8,000 to 9,000 US personnel and dependents are stationed here, and the base also hosts the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), both critical for regional maritime security.

Qatar: Al Udeid Air Base

Al Udeid, situated near Doha, is the largest and arguably most vital US military base in the Middle East. It serves as the forward headquarters for CENTCOM’s air operations and is the nerve center for air campaigns stretching from Egypt to Central Asia. The base houses around 8,000–10,000 US troops and features two 12,000-foot runways, the longest in the Persian Gulf. Al Udeid is also a logistical hub for US operations in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, and hosts the UK’s Royal Air Force headquarters in the Gulf. Recently, the base was targeted by an Iranian missile barrage, but all incoming missiles were reportedly intercepted by Qatari air defences.

Iraq: Al Asad And Erbil Air Bases

The US maintains a presence at several Iraqi bases, with Al Asad Air Base in Al-Anbar Province and Erbil Air Base in the Kurdistan Region being the most prominent. These bases support Iraqi security forces, host NATO training missions, and are critical for US air operations in northern Iraq and Syria. Al Asad was previously targeted by Iranian missiles in 2020 after the killing of Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani, underscoring its vulnerability in periods of heightened tension.

Syria: Al Tanf Garrison

In southern Syria, near the borders with Iraq and Jordan, the US maintains the Al Tanf Garrison. This outpost is central to American efforts against the Islamic State and serves as a strategic chokepoint for monitoring and influencing regional movements, particularly along the Baghdad-Damascus highway.

Kuwait: Camp Arifjan And Ali al-Salem Air Base

Kuwait is a logistical backbone for US operations in the Middle East, hosting Camp Arifjan—CENTCOM’s forward Army headquarters—and Ali al-Salem Air Base, which supports the Air Force’s 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. These facilities are critical for command, resupply, and rapid deployment of combat power across the region.

United Arab Emirates: Al Dhafra Air Base

Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE is a major hub for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. It houses advanced US assets, including F-22 Raptors, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and AWACS platforms. The base also supports the Gulf Air Warfare Centre, which is vital for air and missile defence training.

Strategic Significance And Vulnerability

These bases collectively ensure the US can project power, respond to crises, and maintain regional security partnerships. Their locations—often near key maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz—also make them potential targets for Iranian retaliation. Recent events, including missile attacks and heightened alerts, highlight the persistent risk to US personnel and infrastructure in the region.

The US military footprint in the Middle East is anchored by a network of highly strategic bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, and the UAE. Each installation plays a distinct role in CENTCOM’s operations and is now under increased scrutiny as Iran weighs its next move in the ongoing confrontation.

Based On A NDTV Report

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Trump At It Again, Claims Ceasefire After Iran’s Missile Attack On US Base In Qatar

U.S. President Donald Trump announced late Monday that Israel and Iran had agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire,” following a dramatic escalation that saw Iran launch a limited missile attack on a U.S. military base in Qatar. This strike was in retaliation for American bombing of Iranian nuclear sites over the preceding weekend.

Trump’s declaration, made via his Truth Social platform, stated that the ceasefire would be phased in over 24 hours, beginning at approximately midnight Tuesday Eastern Time. He specified that both nations would have six hours to wind down ongoing military operations, after which a 12-hour truce would be observed, culminating in an “Official END” to what he called the “12 Day War”. Trump praised both sides for their “stamina, courage, and intelligence” in reaching the agreement, emphasizing that the conflict could have devastated the entire Middle East but was now being brought to a close.

However, there was no immediate confirmation of the ceasefire from either Israel or Iran. The Israeli military declined to comment, and the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not respond to requests for clarification. Similarly, Iran’s UN mission and other official channels offered no comment on Trump’s announcement. On Iranian state television, anchors referred to a “Trump-claimed” ceasefire but did not indicate any acceptance by Tehran. In fact, reports of continued Israeli strikes in Tehran and other Iranian cities surfaced even after Trump’s statement, suggesting that hostilities were ongoing at least in the immediate aftermath of the announcement.

The missile attack by Iran targeted Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which houses significant U.S. military assets, including the Combined Air Operations Center. Iran claimed the strike was a proportional response to the U.S. bombing of its nuclear sites, and reportedly gave advance notice to Washington, resulting in no casualties. Qatar condemned the attack as a violation of its sovereignty and stated that it intercepted most of the missiles.

The rapid sequence of events marked a dramatic shift in a conflict that had escalated quickly after Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which prompted Iran’s retaliation. The U.S. had initially sought to avoid direct involvement but entered the fray with its own strikes on Iranian targets. Trump’s tone shifted from confrontation to conciliation following Iran’s limited and telegraphed response, which he described as a way for Iran to “get it all out of their system”.

Despite Trump’s optimistic framing, the lack of immediate confirmation from Israel and Iran, combined with reports of ongoing military activity, raised questions about the durability and authenticity of the ceasefire claim. Israeli officials indicated that winding down the war would depend on Iran’s actions, and that Israel was prepared for either a period of calm or a drawn-out, low-intensity conflict if necessary.

While President Trump has publicly claimed a ceasefire between Israel and Iran following Iran’s missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar, neither party has officially confirmed the agreement, and fighting appeared to continue in the hours immediately after his announcement. The situation remains fluid, with the international community awaiting further confirmation from the principal actors involved.

Based On A AFP Report

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Around 170 Pakistanis Deported From Gulf And Other Nations

In the past 48 hours, approximately 170 Pakistani nationals have been deported from various Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman. Additionally, 24 individuals were arrested at Karachi Airport.

Deportations were due to legal violations, including drug-related offenses, illegal entry, and failure to comply with employment regulations. Saudi Arabia deported 74 Pakistani citizens for alleged involvement in drug trafficking and violating employment agreements.

The UAE also deported Pakistani nationals for illegal entry, theft, and drug-related offenses. Pakistani nationals were also expelled from Oman, Cambodia, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Mexico.

Two individuals suspected of human smuggling were deported from Mauritania and Senegal.

Upon arrival in Pakistan, some deportees faced further investigation:

16 deportees were transferred to the Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Anti-Human Trafficking Circle for further inquiry.

6 individuals were handed over to law enforcement agencies in different cities for additional investigation into their cases.

Immigration officials at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi also prevented 86 passengers from departing the country for various reasons:

30 Umrah pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia were offloaded due to a lack of advance hotel reservations and insufficient financial proof.

Seven young passengers holding student visas to Cyprus, the UK, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan were denied boarding.

Passengers holding tourist visas for Saudi Arabia, Oman, Azerbaijan, Malawi, Congo, Bahrain, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, and Zimbabwe were also barred from traveling.

Some individuals blacklisted from working in Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia were stopped from boarding their flights as well.

ANI

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'No Soldiers In Combat Zone', Claims Kamala Harris; Gets Ripped By US Soldiers, 'Where Are We Then?'

VP Kamala Harris faced backlash for claiming no U.S. troops are in active combat zones

VP Kamala Harris was slammed for her one of statements during the presidential debate with Donald Trump on Tuesday. In the debate, she claimed that US military soldiers are currently not deployed in any of the active combat zones. Her false claim contradicted the official reports of US troops being engaged in several active combat zones. In addition, a video of who seemed to be US military soldiers mocking Harris' statement surfaced on the internet.

During the presidential debate, Harris backed the Biden administration’s choice to pull troops out of Afghanistan noting the conflict was costly and long-lasting. However, it was her later comment that sparked controversy. She said there is “not one member of the U.S. military in active duty in a combat zone — in any war zone around the world."

In the video shared by Lori Mills on X, this statement is played on television to which one of the currently deployed US military soldiers responds with “Then, where the f**k are we right now?” Other soldiers laugh at the remark in the video surfacing the internet. The X user wrote alongside the video, “Deployed Military members react to Kamala Harris lying about deployments during the debate.” The location of those in the video in US military uniforms who seemed to be stationed in a warzone cantonment could not be confirmed.

This mockery of the VP’s statement was a result of its stark contradiction to the classifications of active war zones by the Department of Defence. The US military is currently engaged at war fronts in countries like Libya, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq, this year, as reported by Times Now.

Families of US soldiers killed in combat were outraged by Kamala Harris’s claim that no Americans are serving in war zones, which directly contradicts the official list of current combat zones kept by her administration. Furious father,Brad Illerbrunner, whose son Garett, a US military soldier got injured in Iraq said to the NY Post that Harris’ false claims in debate “really [hit] below the belt. . . . She doesn’t even recognize that our own troops are getting hurt. We’re still in war zones,” he added bluntly, adding Harris was “trying to snow the public.”

Michael DiMino, a fellow at the think tank Defence Priorities revealed to the media outlet, “The vice president’s claims on the debate stage offended wide swaths of the military community because they fail “a basic kind of smell test. If you’re in Jordan in the middle of nowhere to fight ISIS, and you’re getting attacked by Iranian drones and rockets on a daily basis, you’re in a war zone.”

He continued that Harris tried to “to finagle a wording . . . to make a point we’re not engaged in all these conflicts — which we are. Those quibbling qualifiers ignore the fact American men and women in uniform are getting shot at on a daily basis, and many just in the last eight months have died or been injured.”

Military analysts say Harris’s claim was not only false but also disrespectful to the sacrifices of American soldiers in active combat zones. While Harris aimed to highlight the administration's commitment to ending costly wars, her misrepresentation of military engagement has upset many, particularly the families of deployed soldiers who feel their sacrifices are undervalued.

(With Inputs From International News Agencies)

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15 ISIS Terrorists Killed In Joint Operation With Iraq, Says US Military

Washington: The United States military said on Friday (local time) that 15 ISIS operatives were killed in a joint operation by US and Iraqi forces in western Iraq.

The 15 ISIS operatives who were killed were "armed with numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive 'suicide' belts," US Central Command said in a statement.

There was no indication of any civilian casualties, CENTCOM said.

"This operation targeted ISIS leaders to disrupt and degrade ISIS' ability to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against Iraqi civilians, as well as U.S. citizens, allies, and partners throughout the region and beyond," it added.

The US military said the Iraqi security forces are working "to further exploit the locations raided," as ISIS remains a "threat to the region, our allies, as well as our homeland."

CENTCOM said the US will continue to aggressively pursue ISIS operatives with coalition and Iraqi partners.

Earlier, Iraq postponed announcing an end date for Operation Inherent Resolve, the US military operation combating ISIS, due to "recent developments," raising questions about the future of US military presence in the Gulf state amid heightened tension in the region, according to a CNN report.

The US has around 2,500 troops in Iraq currently who have been operating there in an "advise and assist" capacity since December 2021, when the US military announced the end of its combat role in the country.

Notably, the Middle East has grappled with heightened tensions in recent months amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and as the US braces for a potential Iranian attack on Israel over the late July killing of a Hamas political leader in Tehran.

Iran claims the assassination was carried out by Israel, which has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.

The US Department of Defence announced earlier this month that it would be sending a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron and additional warships to the Middle East in preparation for a possible retaliation. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered a guided-missile submarine and accelerated the arrival of a carrier strike group to the region, CNN reported.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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Over 13,000 Afghani Migrants Return From Pakistan, Iraq

Islamabad: As many as 13,447 Afghan migrants were expelled from Iran and Pakistan last week, The Khaama Press reported.

According to the Taliban-led ministry, of the total refugees, 10,225 were deported from Iran and 3,222 from Pakistan, with women and children among those forcibly returned, The Khaama Press reported.

The ministry detailed that Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan via border crossings such as Torghundi, Spin Boldak, Islam Qala, and the Friendship Bridge.

The expulsion of Afghan migrants from Pakistan and Iran has sharply escalated in recent months. Both countries claim to have deported Afghans who lack proper residency documentation back to Afghanistan, The Khaama Press reported

Some deported migrants alleged that despite possessing valid residency documents, they were detained by police and were forcibly returned to Afghanistan. Many Afghan migrants have documented instances of mistreatment by Iranian police in their camps.

Pakistan's Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif had previously announced intentions to enforce international laws strictly at its borders with Afghanistan. The minister emphasized serious measures to prevent undocumented Afghans from crossing back and forth through the borders.

Amidst these developments, Afghanistan faces a dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the forced return of thousands of migrants, many of whom include vulnerable women and children. The situation highlights ongoing human rights violations and challenges in protecting the rights and safety of Afghan refugees.

The Taliban say they respect rights in line with their interpretation of Islamic law.

Since they swept back into power, as NATO Foreign and defence ministers withdrew all Allied troops from Afghanistan, most girls have been barred from high school and women from universities. The Taliban have also stopped most Afghan female staff from working at aid agencies, closed beauty salons, barred women from parks and curtailed travel for women in the absence of a male guardian.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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Explosions Rock Pro-Iran Military Base In Iraq, Three Injured

Baghdad: At least three people were injured following five explosions at a pro-Iran military base in Iraq on Saturday, CNN reported, citing a security official.

However, the reason behind the explosions is not known as yet.

The blasts, notably, took place at a site belonging to the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), as per Muhannad al-Anazi, a member of the Security Committee in Babylon Governorate, south of Baghdad.

The investigation into the blasts that occurred "at the Kalsu military base in the Al-Mashrou district on the highway, north of the Babylon Governorate," is underway.

Israeli and US officials said neither was involved in the blast, a day after a military strike on Iran which has been attributed to Israel.

Known alternatively as the Popular Mobilization Forces, the PMU is an Iraqi paramilitary group that is mostly supported by Shiite Iran. The PMU, in contrast to other Iran-backed organizations in the area, is affiliated with the local administration and has strong ties to Shiite blocs in Iran that have dominated Iraqi politics for a long time, according to CNN.

The explosion occurred during a period of intense tension in the Middle East as Israel fights Hamas in Gaza following the terrorist organization's deadly assault into southern Israel on October 7, which was sponsored by Iran.

This month's tit-for-tat strikes have also exposed Israel and Iran's long-running covert conflict.

Israel launched a potentially deadly military strike on Iran early on Friday, a US official told CNN. Although no significant damage was recorded, Iran and Israel have not stated where the strike originated.

Iran's air defence systems were activated in several locations after multiple explosions were heard close to the airport and an army base in the Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reported early Friday morning.

The missile launches come after Iran launched an offensive on targets around Israel on Saturday last week, according to Israeli military authorities, in which the nation fired a barrage of over 300 unmanned drones and missiles.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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Iran-Backed terrorists Targets US Troops In Iraq With Ballistic Missiles Says CENTCOM

Iran-backed militants launch ballistic missiles at US base in Iraq. Tensions rise amid attacks on US forces. Escalation with possible American casualties

The US Central Command on Saturday said that Iran-backed militants launched ballistic missiles at a base hosting US forces in western Iraq, causing one Iraqi and possible American casualties.

This comes as heightened tensions grip the wider Middle East over Israel’s continued war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. “Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed terrorists in western Iraq targeting al-Assad Airbase,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.

Iranian-backed Militants Attack Al-Assad Airbase, Iraq

At approximately 6:30 p.m. (Baghdad time) time Jan. 20, multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched by Iranian-backed militants in Western Iraq targeting al-Assad Airbase. Most of the missiles were intercepted by… pic.twitter.com/rYaNrRdRtu

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 20, 2024

‘Traumatic Brain Injuries’

Most of the projectiles were intercepted by the base’s air defence systems but “others impacted on the base,” the statement said. “A number of US personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries. At least one Iraqi service member was wounded,” it added.

Since mid-October, there have been dozens of attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, deployed there to fight jihadists of the Islamic State group. Most have been claimed by “Islamic Resistance in Iraq,” a loose alliance of Iran-linked armed groups that oppose US support for Israel in the Gaza conflict.

The group said in a press release Saturday that it had carried out the latest attack. The use of ballistic missiles marks an escalation in the attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, who had previously been targeted with lower-tech rockets and drones. Five members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were also killed in a strike Saturday in Damascus that Tehran blamed on Israel, threatening reprisals.

Last Monday evening, Iran itself launched a deadly strike in northern Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, saying it had targeted a site used by “spies” of the Mossad. Washington has on several occasions launched strikes of its own, which it has said were to impede further assaults or to prevent imminent attacks. Dozens of US personnel have been lightly wounded in previous attacks since late October, according to the Pentagon. There are roughly 2,500 American troops in Iraq and some 900 in Syria.

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Iran Launches Missile At Israel's 'Espionage Centres' In Iraq

Iran had vowed revenge for the killing of three members of the Guards in Syria last month, including a senior Guards commander, who had served as military advisers there

The strikes come amid concerns about the escalation of a conflict that has spread through the Middle East since the war between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas began on Oct. 7, with Iran's allies also entering the fray from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they attacked the "Spy Headquarters" of Israel in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, state media reported late on Monday, while the elite force said they also struck in Syria against the Islamic State.

The strikes come amid concerns about the escalation of a conflict that has spread through the Middle East since the war between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas began on Oct. 7, with Iran's allies also entering the fray from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

"In response to the recent atrocities of the Zionist regime, causing the killing of commanders of the Guards and the Axis of Resistance, one of the main Mossad espionage headquarters in Iraq's Kurdistan region was destroyed with ballistic missiles," the Guards said in a statement.

Iran had vowed revenge for the killing of three members of the Guards in Syria last month, including a senior Guards commander, who had served as military advisers there.

Since the Oct. 7 rampage by Hamas fighters into Israeli territory and the ensuing Israeli bombing campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, more than 130 fighters of Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah have been killed in hostilities.

"We assure our nation that the Guards' offensive operations will continue until avenging the last drops of martyrs' blood," the Guards' statement said.

In addition to those strikes northeast of Kurdistan's capital Erbil in a residential area near the U.S. consulate, the Guards said they "fired a number of ballistic missiles in Syria and destroyed the perpetrators of terrorist operations" in Iran, including the Islamic State.

Earlier this month, Islamic State claimed responsibility for two explosions in Iran's south-eastern Kerman city that killed nearly 100 people and wounded scores at a memorial for top commander Qassem Soleimani.

Iran, which supports Hamas in its war with Israel, accuses the United States of backing what it calls Israeli crimes in Gaza. The U.S. has said it backs Israel in its campaign but has raised concerns about the number of Palestinian civilians killed.

In a statement from his office, Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani condemned the attack on Erbil as a "crime against the Kurdish people."

At least four civilians were killed and six injured in the strikes on Erbil, the Kurdistan government's security council said in a statement, describing the attack as a "crime."

Multimillionaire Kurdish businessman Peshraw Dizayee and several members of his family were among the dead, killed when at least one rocket crashed into their home, Iraqi security and medical sources said.

Dizayee, who was close to the ruling Barzani clan, owned businesses that led major real estate projects in Kurdistan.

Additionally, one rocket had fallen on the house of a senior Kurdish intelligence official and another on a Kurdish intelligence centre, the security sources said.

Reuters could not independently verify any of the reports. Israeli government officials were not reachable for immediate comment.

Air traffic at Erbil airport was halted, the security sources said.

Iran has in the past carried out strikes in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region, saying the area is used as a staging ground for Iranian separatist groups as well as agents of its arch-foe Israel.

Baghdad has tried to address Iranian concerns over separatist groups in the mountainous border region, moving to relocate some members as part of a security agreement reached with Tehran in 2023.

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Finance Minister Sitharaman Fires Back At Obama: 'Bombed Six Muslim Countries With More Than 26,000 Bombs'

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday slammed former US President Barack Obama for his comments on the protection of Muslims in India. She said she was shocked to hear the comments from the man under whose rule six Muslim-majority countries were bombed with more than 26,000 bombs.

Barack Obama, who served as the president from 2009 to 2017, in an interview with CNN recently said that India should protect its minorities otherwise the country may at some point "pull apart". The comments came at a time US President Joe Biden, who was Obama's deputy, was hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Today, Sitharaman said Prime Minister Modi himself, in the press conference in the US, has said how his government works on the 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' principle and doesn't discriminate against any community. She then referred to the honours given by foreign countries to Prime Minister Modi. She said out of the 13 awards that he has been given, six have been given by countries where Muslims are in the majority.

Sitharaman then lashed out at Obama for his interview with CNN and said, "I was shocked. When PM Modi was campaigning in the US - and by campaigning I mean speaking about India - a former President of the US is speaking about Indian Muslims."

"And I am saying this with restraint because it involves another country. We want friendship with the US but there too we get remarks about religious freedom in India. A former President - under whose rule six Muslim-majority countries were bombed with more than 26,000 bombs - how will people trust his allegations?" she said.

In September 2014, CNN published a list of countries that were bombed by the US under the Obama administration. Among the countries are Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, and Syria.

In 2017, Kenneth Roth, an American attorney and writer, wrote that a careful review of Obama's major human rights decisions showed a mixed record. "In fact, he has often treated human rights as a secondary interest — nice to support when the cost was not too high, but nothing like a top priority he championed."

Today, the finance minister targeted the opposition, saying it was running a campaign because it can't counter the BJP or PM Modi electorally. "And the Congress has had a big role in this in the past few elections." "I find this deliberate attempt to vitiate the atmosphere in this country because they think they cannot win against the developmental policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the minister said.

Sitharaman hailed PM Modi's visit to the US, and called it "historic". She said it was a visit where both India and the US redefined their partnership and established steps "which would result in greater realisation of our national goals".

Today, PM Modi was conferred with the 'Order of the Nile', which is Egypt's highest honour. "Honourable PM, to date, has received 13 State Honours from countries across the world. It is a matter of pride for us," Sitharaman said.

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Gulf Nations See Today's India As Much More Credible, There Is Marked Change In Relationship: Jaishankar

New Delhi: With India making rapid progress in its ties with the Gulf countries, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that the countries of the region see India as much more credible compared to the situation ten years back and they will prefer Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his predecessors in terms of growth of ties.

In an interview with ANI, Jaishankar said boost in ties with the Gulf countries was among of big changes in the foreign policy domain.

"If you were to ask me in ten years give me three examples of some big changes that happened in our policy, I would certainly put the changed relationship with Gulf, very, very high up there on the list," Jaishankar said in response to the queries.

In an apparent dig at Congress, he said foreign policy should not be dictated by "vote bank mentality"

"Why didn't it happen earlier? My own sense, we want a very, very honest answer is, I don't think people were strategic earlier. I think when you have a vote bank mentality, you actually not serious about foreign policy and operationalising it, for you it's like a slogan that they are with us so we kind of treated it as that's the place as that we get our petrol.. ...energy from there," he said.

"There is a big community out there. The rest of it was like a distant goodwill which you needed for your political vote bank calculations. I think when you got a different government, which said we actually want something deeper, more strategic with full elements or full spectrum relationship, we have the ability today to deliver on lot of issues.... One of the reasons why the Gulf looks at us, the Gulf sees today's India as much more credible than India of 10 years ago," he added.

He said PM Modi has done the most for boosting relationship with the Gulf.

"You ask people in the Gulf, do you prefer PM Narendra Modi or any of his predecessors. I am willing to take a bet with you, every one of the Gulf countries will say I prefer PM Modi," he said answering a query.

"I think they think that he is a more serious person. He is a person who is more credible, who has actually broadbased the relationship. He has done more for the relationship than everybody else. I will tell you very honestly. I was once at a conference in the Gulf. And I had some friends from across the Parliament aisle...And this issue came up and the person from the Gulf, and this was like may be 2018-19, he said looking at me these guys have done more in four years than you have done in 40. That's the kind of image that is in that part of that world," Jaishankar said.

India and UAE had last year signed a historic Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Answering another query on India's expanding partnerships, he said India is going up and going well.

"...India is going up, it's going well....Why do we have so many partnerships? Because we get along with so many people. How we are to manage different partnerships? Maybe because we are good at it," he said.

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India, Iraq Hold 2nd Round of Foreign Office Consultations

Baghdad: India and Iraq on Monday held a second round of Foreign Office Consultations in Baghdad.

The Indian delegation was led by Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA) while Iraq was led by Dr Hisham Al Alawi, Under-secretary for Political Planning Affairs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, read the Ministry of External Affairs press release.

Secretary (CPV & OIA) called on Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil Hayyan Abdul Ghani, Minister of Trade Atheer Dawood Salman, National Security Adviser Qasem Al Araji, and President of Sunni Awqaf Board Dr Mesh'an Al Khazraji, and discussed a range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

"Had productive discussions with H.E. Mr. Hayan Abdul Ghani, Deputy PM for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, H.E. Mr. Qasem Al Araji, NSA of Iraq & Mr. Atheer Dawood Salman, Minister of Trade, besides Round Table with Iraqi business leaders," tweeted Sayeed.

Both sides noted the warm and friendly traditional relations, and comprehensively reviewed the current status of bilateral relations in all fields including political, economic, defence, security, trade and investments, development partnership, scholarship programme and capacity building, cultural relations and people-to-people contacts, read the release.

Detailed discussions were held on further strengthening bilateral relations and the future direction of the growth of bilateral cooperation.

"Delighted to participate in FOCs with Baghdad, 1st meeting since 2015. Chalked out with counterpart Dr Hisham Al Alawi, a clear roadmap for elevating bilateral relations into a comprehensive partnership focusing energy, security and defence," tweeted Sayeed.

Both sides expressed their satisfaction about the bilateral trade, which exceeded USD 34 billion for 2021-22 and discussed ways and means to further increase and diversify trade from oil to non-oil sectors, added the release.

Both sides noted the importance of expanding economic partnerships and technology engagement. They noted opportunities for investment, particularly in the fields of oil and gas, infrastructure, healthcare, power, transport, agriculture, water management, drugs and pharmaceuticals, ICT, and renewable energy. They urged the business community to engage closely for mutual benefit.

A sizeable number of candidates from Iraq have been benefiting from our capacity-building programme, including ITEC and higher education scholarships.

Both sides are keen to enhance the level of economic engagement and people-to-people exchanges. Secretary (CPV & OIA) also announced that an artificial limb fitment camp (Jaipur Foot) will be organised in Iraq soon, added the release.

Secretary (CPV & OIA) also interacted with the Indian Community, Indian and Iraqi business leaders, ITEC and ICCR alumni from Iraq.

Sayeed also inaugurated the newly-constructed Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) in Baghdad which will facilitate Indian and Iraqi nationals, seeking visas and consular services.

Both sides agreed on the importance of continuing the upward momentum in the relationship through exchanges of regular visits and consultations, and agreed to hold the next India-Iraq Joint Commission Meeting at Oil Ministers' level in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date, added the release.

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Iraq Rebuffs Fresh Chinese Investment Proposals Amid Beijing's Tightening Hold Over Its Oil Industry

Baghdad: Iraq has begun rebuffing Chinese investment proposals to move away from Chinese dependence.

As scepticism grew over China's investments in the region and globally, Iraq has begun efforts to limit the growing influence of China, reported Asian Lite International.

By May 2022, Iraq's Oil Ministry had forestalled three major deals with Chinese companies that would have allowed them greater control of oil fields

These agreements include Russia's Lukoil, Britain's BP and American oil major Exxon Mobil which wanted to sell stakes in major fields to Chinese state-backed firms. However, Iraq's Oil Ministry has intervened to stop these deals from materializing, reported Asian Lite International.

Oil has always been a key factor in world politics. And in the 21st century, its significance has increased even more as energy has become a significant driver of economic growth.

The Middle East and specifically Iraq are one of the richest lands in terms of oil reserves. And therefore, Iraq has become important for Chinese foreign policy. It is said that the country is the third-largest oil supplier for Beijing.

Beijing has been the topmost investor for Baghdad and the latter has benefitted the most from the Belt and Road initiative with the receipt of USD 10.5 billion for infrastructure projects such as a power plant and an airport, reported Asian Lite International.

However, Baghdad has been sceptical of China's growing influence in the oil industry that was also perceived unfavourably by the Western oil companies, which remain crucial markets for the Iraqi oil industry, reported Asian Lite International.

The officials from the government of Iraq have been constantly expressing their grave concerns about the speed at which Beijing is trying to take over Iraq in the oil sector.

A recent protest in Iraq's south-eastern governate of Maysan, which is the headquarter of a Chinese oil firm China Petroleum Engineering and Construction has already hinted towards growing unrest in the country with regard to the expansionist ambitions of China concerning the Iraqi oil industry, reported Asian Lite International.

According to analysts, China is leveraging the security vacuum which is resulting from the US withdrawal from Iraq in 2011. Beijing is doing so by aligning its state-owned firms with the militia groups so that it can reap the benefits in the oil sector.

For Beijing, Baghdad is the preferred trading partner in the Middle East and the largest oil supplier only next to Riyadh and Moscow. Apart from the energy reserves, one of the critical aspects Beijing wants to benefit from is Iraq's strategic location near the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz - the two sites which are pivotal for the BRI, reported Asian Lite International.

Since the US had already withdrawn from the region, Beijing got the opportunity that it was long seeking. Its active role in Iraq's reconstruction after years of war and conflict has given it a position of influence in the country.

China has already started reaping fruits from the opportunities presented in the aftermath of the conflict in Iraq and that too without getting involved militarily.

The Iraqi citizens are seeing this growing Chinese might in their country along the lines of colonialism. Hence, protests outside Chinese establishments have been occurring multiple times.

As one Iraqi official remarked, "We don't want the Iraqi energy sector to be labelled as a China-led energy sector and this attitude is agreed by government and the Oil Ministry."

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Islamic State Group Announces Death of Leader Hashimi Al-Qurashi, Replacement Announced

Baghdad: The Islamic State (ISIS) group on Wednesday said that its leader Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi has been killed in battle and announced a replacement.

Hashimi al-Qurashi is said to have been killed, according to the spokesman for the terrorist group, Abu Omar al-Muhajir, reported Danish media TV2 Play.

Al-Muhajir, an Iraqi, however, without elaborating on the date of his death or the circumstances said that Al-Hashemi was killed in battle in a voice message on Telegram.

Speaking in an audio message, the spokesman identified the group's new leader as Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi.

Abu Hasan al-Hashemi al-Qurashi was named in March as the third leader since IS was founded. It happened after the extremist group's former leader blew himself up in February to avoid being captured by US soldiers.

Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi was named as Islamic State leader after the death of former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Baghdadi died during an American commando raid on his compound in northern Syria.

Baghdadi's death marked the end of a years-long hunt to find one of the most wanted terrorists in the world. He has been in hiding for the last five years. In April, a video published by the ISIS media wing al-Furqan showed a man purporting to be Baghdadi. It was the first time he had been seen since July 2014, when he spoke at the Great Mosque in Mosul.

After a meteoric rise in Iraq and Syria in 2014 that saw it conquer vast swathes of territory, ISIS saw its self-proclaimed "caliphate" collapse under a wave of offensives.

It was defeated in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria two years later, but sleeper cells of the Sunni Muslim extremist group still carry out attacks in both countries and claim attacks elsewhere in the world.

ISIS's previous leader, Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi, was killed earlier this year in a US raid in Idlib province in northern Syria.

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