Israel strike
Israel strikes Beirut and Tehran as Iran retaliates
Gulf countries reported intercepting additional ballistic missiles and drones on Saturday as Iran launched another round of retaliatory attacks.
Saudi Arabia said it thwarted four drones targeting its vast Shaybah oil field, marking the second attempted strike in just a few hours. In Dubai, residents heard multiple explosions in the morning, with authorities describing a “minor incident caused by debris falling after an interception.”
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut and Tehran, with the death toll continuing to rise. Officials reported at least 1,230 fatalities in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon, and around a dozen in Israel. Six U.S. troops have also been killed.
In a sign of Moscow’s potential involvement, two U.S. intelligence sources said Russia has supplied Iran with information that could aid attacks on American warships, aircraft, and other assets in the region.
The conflict shows no signs of abating. The Trump administration approved a $151 million arms sale to Israel after the U.S. president reiterated he would not negotiate with Iran without “unconditional surrender.”
Tensions Spread to Civilian Areas
At Dubai International Airport, passengers were directed into train tunnels after missile alerts sounded. Emirati authorities also sent mass mobile alerts warning of possible missile threats and confirmed that air defenses were activated.
In Jerusalem, loud booms prompted residents to rush to bomb shelters following Iranian missile attacks, though Israeli emergency services reported no immediate casualties.
Trump Criticizes Reporter Over Russia Question
During a White House briefing on college sports, President Donald Trump rebuked Fox News reporter Peter Doocy for asking about Russia’s potential role in the conflict. “What a stupid question to ask at this time. We’re talking about something else,” Trump said, despite acknowledging the reporter’s past cordiality.
6 hours ago
Israel strikes tanks as clashes kill at least 89 in Southern Syria
Israel on Monday struck military tanks in southern Syria, where deadly clashes have erupted between Syrian government forces, Bedouin tribes, and Druze militias.
Fighting in Syria’s Sweida province has left dozens dead. Syria’s Interior Ministry reported over 30 deaths and nearly 100 injuries, while the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the toll at at least 89, including children, women, and security personnel.
Clashes reportedly began after Bedouin tribesmen kidnapped and robbed a young Druze man at an illegal checkpoint, triggering retaliatory attacks. Some government forces were said to support Bedouin fighters, escalating tensions with Druze groups.
Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine al-Baba said forces entered Sweida early Monday to restore order. “Some clashes occurred with outlawed armed groups, but our forces are doing their best to prevent any civilian casualties,” he told state-run Al-Ikhbariya TV.
UN Deputy Special Envoy Najat Rochdi voiced “deep concern” and urged all parties to protect civilians and engage in meaningful dialogue.
59 Palestinians killed in Gaza by Israeli fire and airstrikes
Israel, which sees the Druze as a loyal minority, has previously intervened on their behalf. In May, it struck near the presidential palace in Damascus following deadly clashes involving Druze fighters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz then stated Israel “will not allow the deployment of (Syrian government) forces south of Damascus or any threat to the Druze community.”
Meanwhile, a group led by Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri accused Syrian forces of supporting extremist Sunni militants and called for international protection.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry urged countries to respect its sovereignty and cease support for separatist groups, warning of attempts to destabilize its social fabric.
7 months ago