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Ukrainian attacks kill six in Russia’s Belgorod region, officials say

Ukrainian attacks kill six in Russia’s Belgorod region, officials say
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Rescuers remove debris following the collapse of a section of a multi-story apartment block that was hit by a Ukrainian missile strike in the town of Shebekino in the Belgorod region, Russia, on June 14, 2024. (Russian Emergencies Ministry/Handout via REUTERS)
Ukrainian attacks kill six in Russia’s Belgorod region, officials say
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A view shows the scene of a collapsed multi-story apartment block hit in a Ukrainian missile strike in Shebekino, Belgorod region, Russia, in this picture posted on June 14, 2024 by Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov in the Telegram platform. (Handout via REUTERS)
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Updated 15 June 2024
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Ukrainian attacks kill six in Russia’s Belgorod region, officials say

Ukrainian attacks kill six in Russia’s Belgorod region, officials say
  • On the Ukrainian side of the border, military officials in Sumy region said a Russian air strike on Friday killed one person in the town of Shostka
Updated 15 June 2024
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KYIV: Ukrainian attacks on southern Russia’s Belgorod region killed six people on Friday, officials said.
Russia’s Emergencies Ministry said four bodies had been pulled from the rubble of a multi-floor apartment building hit by Ukrainian shelling in the border town of Shebekino.
A ministry statement posted after midnight said 50 percent of the rubble from the site had been cleared. Pictures on the ministry’s Telegram channel showed a crane clearing debris and the building’s facade shattered, with one stairwell collapsed.
Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said a Ukrainian drone had struck a car in a village near Shebekino, killing the driver. He said a woman was killed in her home when it was struck by rocket fire in the village of Oktyabrsky, further west.
Ukraine has staged frequent attacks on Belgorod and other Russian border regions in recent months.
President Vladimir Putin cited attacks on Belgorod as grounds for a cross-border incursion last month into Ukraine’s Kharkiv region.
The Russian military said its troops seized about a dozen settlements, while Ukrainian officials say the advance has been contained.
On the Ukrainian side of the border, military officials in Sumy region said a Russian air strike on Friday killed one person in the town of Shostka, about 45 km (28 miles) inside Ukrainian territory.
Towns and villages in Sumy region, west of Belgorod, are subject to daily Russian attacks.

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UN warns some who fled to Syria risking lives to return to Lebanon

Updated 2 min 23 sec ago
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UN warns some who fled to Syria risking lives to return to Lebanon

UN warns some who fled to Syria risking lives to return to Lebanon
Updated 2 min 23 sec ago
Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the UN refugee agency’s representative in Syria, said: “These are very, very small numbers, but for us, even small numbers are worrying signals“
The UNHCR estimates that around 560,000 people have fled into Syria from neighboring Lebanon since late September

GENEVA: The UN voiced concern Friday that conditions were so dire in Syria that some Lebanese residents who had fled there seeking refuge from the Israel-Hezbollah war were opting to return to Lebanon.
There are “Lebanese families who are beginning to take the very difficult and potentially life-threatening decision to return to Lebanon,” said Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the United Nations refugee agency’s representative in Syria.
“These are very, very small numbers, but for us, even small numbers are worrying signals,” he told reporters in Geneva via video link from the Syrian-Lebanese border.
The UNHCR estimates that around 560,000 people have fled into Syria from neighboring Lebanon since late September, when months of cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah over the war in Gaza escalated into all-out war.
Lebanese authorities put the number even higher, at more than 610,000.
Vargas Llosa said that around 65 percent of those crossing into Syria — itself torn apart by 13 years of civil war — were Syrian nationals who had sought refuge in Lebanon from that conflict.
He pointed out that from 2017 up to September 23 this year, around 400,000 Syrians had returned to their country from Lebanon.
“We have had more or less the same number... in a period of seven to eight weeks,” he said, adding that some 150,000 Lebanese had also arrived in Syria during that period.
He hailed the “exemplary” and “extraordinary display of generosity” shown toward those arriving by communities across Syria, “whose infrastructure is destroyed, whose economy is destroyed.”
But he warned that given Syria’s own “catastrophic economic situation... it is unclear for how long this generosity will last.”
Worrying signs were already emerging, he said, pointing to the admittedly small numbers of people who were opting to return to Lebanon despite the risks.
UNHCR said that “on average up to 50 Lebanese individuals per day” were crossing back into Lebanon.
They were leaving because they thought “the conditions in Syria are appalling, and that they may be better off in Lebanon, in spite of the bombings,” Vargas Llosa said.
Back in Lebanon, they might have better support systems, easier access to services and even the ability to generate a little income, he said.
He warned that “unless there is a real injection of international support... this number of Lebanese choosing to return home to these extraordinarily difficult circumstances may grow in the coming weeks and months.”
“This would be extremely worrying.”
There were even some Syrian returnees who were opting to once again cross back into Lebanon, “primarily because of the extraordinarily dire economic conditions here in Syria,” Vargas Llosa said.
In the meantime, he said that there had recently been “an important decrease in the pace of arrivals” into Syria, from a peak of 10,000-15,000 per day to an average now of about 2,000.
Vargas Llosa charged that this was likely linked to Israel’s repeated bombings of border crossings.
“Syrians and Lebanese are very scared of using these escape routes,” he said, appealing to the Israeli military to “immediately stop these unacceptable attacks.”

Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo

Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo
Updated 6 min 15 sec ago
Arab News
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Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo

Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo
  • Hosted with support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture
  • Concert culminated in collaboration between Saudi Orchestra and Tokyo University of Music Orchestra Academy
Updated 6 min 15 sec ago
Arab News

TOKYO: The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir gave a finale performance on Friday at the Tokyo Opera City Theater of its “Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra” concert, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Tokyo show marked the fifth leg of the Saudi Orchestra’s global run, following critically acclaimed performances in Paris, Mexico City, New York City, and London.

Hosted with the support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture and chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Music Authority, the event showcased a blend of the Kingdom’s rich musical heritage and Japan’s renowned musical traditions, SPA added.

The concert featured 100 musicians and performers, and attracted an audience of officials, business leaders, media professionals, and music enthusiasts.

Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Authority, praised the global impact of the Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra performances in his address at the event.

He said the concerts had introduced Saudi musical heritage to the world and represented a step toward sharing the Kingdom’s diverse traditions on an international stage.

The evening featured a performance by the Japanese Imperial Orchestra, presenting ancient Japanese court music with a history spanning over 1,300 years. 

The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir also performed an anime medley infused with Saudi musical motifs, followed by a performance of the theme of AlUla, composed by celebrated artist Omar Khairat.

The concert culminated in a collaboration between the Saudi Orchestra and the Tokyo University of Music Orchestra Academy, alongside Japanese artist Hotai.

The Saudi Music Authority said it has plans to continue the tour in new destinations in the coming years.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Japan Saudi orchestra

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WHO keeps mpox at highest alert level

WHO keeps mpox at highest alert level
Updated 10 min 11 sec ago
AFP
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WHO keeps mpox at highest alert level

WHO keeps mpox at highest alert level
  • “The decision was based on the rising number and continuing geographic spread of cases, operational challenges in the field,” WHO said
  • The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the country hardest hit by the outbreak, followed by Burundi and Nigeria
Updated 10 min 11 sec ago
AFP

GENEVA: The World Health Organization said Friday it had decided to keep its alert for the mpox epidemic at the highest level, as the number of cases and countries affected rises.
“The decision was based on the rising number and continuing geographic spread of cases, operational challenges in the field, and the need to mount and sustain a cohesive response across countries and partners,” it said in a statement.
“The WHO Director-General, agreeing with the advice of the (International Health Regulations) IHR Emergency Committee, has determined that the upsurge of mpox continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern,” it said, extending the emergency first declared on August 14.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the country hardest hit by the outbreak, followed by Burundi and Nigeria.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals but can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact.
It causes fever, muscular aches and large boil-like skin lesions, and can be deadly.
The August emergency declaration was in response to a surge in cases of the new Clade 1b strain in the DRC that spread to nearby countries.
That and other mpox strains have been reported across 80 countries — 19 of them in Africa — so far this year, WHO has previously said.

Topics: MPOX World Health Organization (WHO)

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Senior political leader shot dead amid escalating militancy in Pakistan’s northwest

Senior political leader shot dead amid escalating militancy in Pakistan’s northwest
Updated 18 min 40 sec ago
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Senior political leader shot dead amid escalating militancy in Pakistan’s northwest

Senior political leader shot dead amid escalating militancy in Pakistan’s northwest
  • Mashaal Azad, a PPP leader in Lakki Marwat, was ambushed while going for Friday prayers
  • Attack occurred the day Pakistan’s army chief was in Peshawar to discuss security situation
Updated 18 min 40 sec ago
REHMAT MEHSUD

PESHAWAR: Amid a string of deadly attacks that have claimed the lives of dozens of civilians and security officials in Pakistan’s northwest, unidentified gunmen on Friday shot dead a senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the volatile Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, police said.
The restive district, a hotspot of militant activity, witnessed unprecedented protests in September when police officers, joined by civil society members and tribal elders, staged sit-ins and blocked the Indus Highway.
The demonstrations followed a spate of militant attacks that killed several policemen, prompting demands for enhanced security measures and greater autonomy for the law enforcement agency in counterterrorism operations.
Speaking to Arab News over the phone, the police spokesperson in the district, Shahid Marwat, said the slain PPP leader Mashaal Azad was heading toward Sarai Gambila, a rundown locality on the outskirts of the district’s center, for Friday prayers when he was ambushed by gunmen.
“Mashaal Azad was killed by unidentified bike riders on the Canal Road near Kajoori Hotel within the limits of Sarai Gambila police station,” Marwat said.
The incident occurred on the day Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir was visiting Peshawar, the provincial capital of KP, where he vowed action against militants and reiterated the army’s firm resolve to dismantle hostile militant networks.
The killing also follows a gun attack on a convoy carrying members of the minority Shiite community in the Kurram tribal district a day earlier, leaving more than 40 people dead.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday, 10 Pakistan army soldiers and two members of the paramilitary Frontier Constabulary were killed when militants attacked a checkpost in the northwestern Bannu district.
Rabnawaz Marwat, a tribal elder in Lakki Marwat, said the late PPP leader was a long-time and senior party figure who had been a strong voice against militancy in the region.
“Late Azad had served as a member of the provincial council of PPP,” he informed. “He had also served as a student leader of PPP in Lakki Marwat. In addition, he was an active tribal elder who played a leading role in dispute resolution in the region.”
According to the police spokesperson, a report of the incident has been lodged against unidentified persons, and further investigations will be initiated.
“It is mentioned in the report that late Azad had no personal enmity with anyone in the area,” he said. “It seems to be an act of targeted attack by terrorists.”
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of civil and military leaders to review the country’s security situation, during which it was agreed to take action against those involved in militant violence.

Topics: militancy in Pakistan LAKKI MARWAT Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Rolex SailGP Championship race starts in Dubai this weekend

Rolex SailGP Championship race starts in Dubai this weekend
Updated 40 min 35 sec ago
Arab News
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Rolex SailGP Championship race starts in Dubai this weekend

Rolex SailGP Championship race starts in Dubai this weekend
  • SailGP launched its 2025 season on Thursday evening at the House of Sustainability EXPO City in Dubai ahead of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix
  • SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts unveiled on Friday an increased bonus prize purse of $12.8m up for grabs across the season
Updated 40 min 35 sec ago
Arab News

DUBAI: The Rolex SailGP Championship, which will take place in Dubai this weekend, marks the official start of SailGP’s most expansive season to date, according to a media statement issued on Friday.

SailGP launched its 2025 season on Thursday evening at the House of Sustainability EXPO City in Dubai ahead of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix.

At the event, Rolex was revealed as the first title partner for the global racing league, now known as the Rolex SailGP Championship.

The SailGP 2025 season launch was the first-ever event to be held at the new venue and provided the perfect setting for the league to present its full lineup of 12 teams. The season will bring a new era of the best high-speed, high-tech racing — with even more on the line.

SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts unveiled on Friday an increased bonus prize purse of $12.8 million up for grabs across the season. “I am pleased to reveal the prize money has grown to $12.8 million — a number we intend to increase as we continue to grow commercially,” he said.

The stakes are high and the rewards for achieving top performance are higher, according to Coutts.

“Which means we can attract — and retain — the sport’s brightest stars, while inspiring up-and-coming future athletes to work hard to gain a place in one of these teams,” he added.

The Rolex SailGP Championship welcomes two new nations — the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team and Red Bull Italy.

France will miss the Dubai event, selecting to join the fleet in Auckland (the second event of the season), stepping into the league’s newest F50 catamaran, currently under accelerated development. France will be awarded compensatory points for the Dubai event.

Driving for Brazil, Martine Grael will be the first woman to race in the Rolex SailGP Championship. On the team’s preparations heading into the weekend, she said: “We’re doing as much as we can here, going into our eighth day on the water. We’re as prepared as we can be with great learning here so far in Dubai. We’ve been foiling every day and expecting good racing this weekend.”

Fellow gold medalist Ruggero Tita will drive for the league’s other new nation, the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, while Emirates Great Britain welcomes Dylan Fletcher back into the driver’s seat.

SailGP heavyweights Australia and New Zealand have also found themselves with new talent on the roster after losing foundational team members in a highly active transfer season. Australia’s Kyle Langford (wing trimmer) and New Zealand’s Andy Maloney (flight controller) have both taken up roles in newly sold teams, Italy and Brazil, respectively.

While the trans-Tasman rivals have both made experienced appointments — Chris Draper in Australia and Leo Takahashi in New Zealand — three-time SailGP champion Tom Slingsby said the loss of “King Kyle” could not be overlooked.

“For sure it’s tough for us losing Kyle, but that’s the way the sport is going. Losing a key person like that is going to be tough for our team,” said Slingsby.

Set to be a flagship event on the Middle East sporting calendar, the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix will provide the ultimate blend of sport and spectacle, with close-to-shore stadium racing, and live apres-sail entertainment on both Saturday (Tinie Tempah) and Sunday (Craig David).

Remaining tickets to the event are on sale now at SailGP.com/Dubai.

Topics: sailing UAE Dubai SailGP

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Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo
Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo
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