NEWS

A joint Iraqi security operation targeting Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Tarmiyah, 40 km north of Baghdad, resulted in a firefight on Sunday, Xinhua reported. The confrontation left two ISIS fighters dead and one security personnel injured. Authorities confirmed ongoing…

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the U.S.-led coalition, arrested a high-ranking ISIS leader in eastern Syria on Friday, Rudaw reported. The suspect, identified as Hamoud Abdullah al-Khatib (aka Abu Zakaria), was captured in Deir ez-Zor province during a…

Sweden will increase its voluntary return incentive for refugees from €900 to €32,000 starting January 2026, Rudaw reported citing Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The policy mirrors Denmark’s approach and aims to reduce refugee numbers by encouraging returns to home countries.…

Morocco’s Awqaf Ministry has introduced stringent regulations for private Quranic schools (maktabs), raising fears of closures in underserved regions, Iqna reported. The rules, issued on March 18, mandate age-segregated facilities, collaboration with neighboring schools, and enrollment restrictions tied to formal…

A groundbreaking study suggests that ancient Egyptians used advanced hydraulic systems to build the Step Pyramid of Djoser, predating the Giza pyramids by 50 years, Earth.com reported. Researchers from France’s CEA Paleotechnic Institute analyzed satellite imagery and bedrock carvings, revealing…

A separatist militant group attacked a prison van in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, kidnapping five police officers, officials confirmed Sunday, Arab News reported. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the assault, which involved 30–40 gunmen blocking a highway…

Pakistan has called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting amid escalating tensions with India following the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, Anadolu Agency reported. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar directed Pakistan’s UN envoy to convene…

Amnesty International reported on World Press Freedom Day (May 3, 2025) that Taliban authorities have detained, tortured, or threatened 336 journalists and media workers between August 2021 and September 2024, Amu TV reported. The findings expose systematic efforts to suppress…

Saudi Arabia executed two citizens, Hassan bin Mohammed bin Hassan Ghaith and Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Hassan Ghaith, on Saturday after convicting them of terrorism-related offenses. The Ministry of Interior claimed the two had joined a terrorist organization and trained…

The Supreme Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi, emphasized that the well-being of nations is inherently tied to the righteousness of their leaders. In remarks published by his official office as part of the “Glimpses from the Thought…