At least 84 people have been killed when two bombs went off near the tomb of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps General Qasem Soleimani in the Iranian City of Kerman on the fourth anniversary of his assassination by the US, Iran's state media report. Scores of others were reportedly injured when the blasts hit a procession near the Saheb al-Zaman mosque in the city of Kerman. The number of dead had initially been reported as 103, but Iran's health minister said some names were accidentally registered twice.
Five Dead After Japan Plane Collision At Tokyo Airport
About 379 passengers have been evacuated from a Japan Airlines plane after it burst into flames at Tokyo International Airport, also known as Haneda. The aircraft was reportedly involved in a collision with another plane after landing on Tuesday, according to local news reports. NHK TV reported that all 379 passengers on board the Japan Airlines (JAL) plane got out safely. The Coast Guard said the collision involved one of its planes that was headed to Niigata airport on Japan's west coast to deliver aid to those caught up in a powerful earthquake that struck on New Year's Day, killing at least 48 people.
Iran Hangs Child Bride Accused Of Murder
An Iranian woman who was forced into marriage as a child and being held in prison for murdering her abusive husband was executed on Wednesday despite calls from human rights groups for leniency. Samira Sabzian was hanged in Ghezelhesar Prison, according to the Norwegian-based group, Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO). IHRNGO Director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said Sabzian was a victim of "gender apartheid, child marriage, and domestic violence." "Today she fell victim to the incompetent and corrupt regime’s killing machine. A regime that has sustained itself solely through killing and instilling fear," Amiry-Moghaddam said in a statement. "Ali Khamenei and other leaders of the Islamic Republic must be held accountable for this crime."
Israel-Hamas War: Dozens Reportedly Killed As Fighting Resumes In Gaza
Dozens of Palestinians have died after the resumption of attacks by Israeli military in Gaza. Gaza's Ministry of Health says at least 109 people have been killed since the renewal of the attacks on Friday. This is after talks to extend a week-old truce with Hamas broke down. Eastern areas of Khan Younis in southern Gaza came under intensive bombardment as the deadline lapsed shortly after dawn, with columns of smoke rising into the sky. Israeli army dropped leaflets telling people in parts of already bombarded and densely populated southern Gaza to evacuate to nearby areas, signaling an expanding offensive.
Angola Renounces OPEC
Angola has announced its decision to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), effective immediately.
Kuwait Leader Sheikh Nawaf Dies At 86
Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, leader of the Gulf Nation of Kuwait, died aged 86 on Saturday, Kuwait state television announced. The emir of the oil-rich country, sandwiched between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, had ruled for three years. Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al-Sabah, the minister of the Emiri Court, announced the leader’s death in a statement read on TV and posted online. “With great sadness and sorrow, we the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world—mourn the late His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today,” the statement read.
Oil Flagging Cost: OPEC+ Slashes Oil Output To Boost Prices
Oil-producing nations including the Saudi Arabia, Russia on Thursday announced further slash in production next year with an effort to prop up volatile prices.