Iraqi armed group threatens to attack US bases if Washington joins attacks on Iran

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Baghdad, June 8 (IANS) The Iraqi Shiite militia Kata’ib Hezbollah threatened to attack US military bases and interests in Iraq and the region if Washington joins military attacks against Iran, according to a statement issued by the group.

In a brief statement posted on its website, the group said that “if America intervenes in the confrontation, we will target its bases and interests in Iraq and the region.”

The statement came after Iran launched multiple waves of missiles toward Israel on Sunday evening. Air raid sirens sounded across wide areas in northern Israel, and the Israeli military said it intercepted the missile attacks, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority announced the temporary closure of the country’s airspace for 72 hours.

The missiles triggered sirens across northern Israel. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the military “will strike the enemy with determination as soon as the order is given.”

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps confirmed in a statement that it targeted Israel’s Ramat David Airbase with ballistic missiles in response to its “widespread crimes” in Lebanon.

According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, Chief Commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Ali Abdollahi said Sunday night that if Israel expands its attacks on southern Lebanon and the Dahieh district south of Beirut, or responds to Iran’s actions, it will face more “crushing and regret-inducing blows.”

In a statement released in the wee hours of Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that the Iranian armed forces struck a number of targets inside Israel the night before within the framework of the country’s legitimate right to self-defense, following Israel’s repeated “aggressive actions” against Lebanon and Iran and frequent violations of the April ceasefire.

–IANS

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NFR maintains strong freight momentum, unloads 1,034 rakes in May

Guwahati, June 7 (IANS) The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) sustained its robust freight operations during the early months of the 2026-27 financial year, unloading 1,034 freight rakes in May and reaffirming its vital role in ensuring the seamless movement of essential commodities across the Northeast, railway officials said on Sunday.

NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that during the month of May, 1,034 freight rakes were unloaded across the zone, marking a steady inception for the NFR zone during the FY 2026-27.

“Throughout the month, NFR ensured smooth transportation of essential and industrial commodities, including food grains, food grade items, fertilisers, sugar, SNTP-coal, salt, tank and other goods,” he added.

These consignments were efficiently handled at various goods sheds across its jurisdiction, ensuring timely supply and operational reliability.

According to the CPRO, a significant share of the freight traffic was dedicated to meeting the requirements of the Northeastern states.

“Assam accounted for the highest unloading with 557 rakes, comprising 271 rakes of essential commodities and 286 rakes of non-essential commodities, underscoring the vital role of Railways in supporting public distribution systems, industrial activities and daily consumer needs,” CPRO Sharma said.

He added that during the same period, 74 rakes were unloaded in Tripura, 34 rakes in Nagaland, 20 rakes in Manipur, 10 rakes in Arunachal Pradesh, eight rakes in Mizoram and one rake in Meghalaya.

In addition, West Bengal recorded the unloading of 196 rakes, while Bihar accounted for 134 rakes comprising both essential and non-essential commodities, further strengthening regional supply chains, trade connectivity and economic activities across the region.

The movement of essential commodities and industrial goods remains crucial for meeting public needs and supporting economic activities across the region, the official noted.

CPRO Sharma said that through close monitoring and coordinated efforts by field units, NFR has improved turnaround time and unloading efficiency, reaffirming its commitment to reliable freight operations and the socio-economic development of the Northeast.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), headquartered at Maligaon near Guwahati, operates across the Northeastern states as well as in seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar.

–IANS

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Turkish intelligence ‘neutralizes’ senior YPG financial official in Syria

Ankara, Jan 29 (IANS) Turkey’s National Intelligence Organisation has “neutralized” a key figure of the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported Wednesday.

Shiraz Omer, code-named Sozdar Afrin, was killed in a pinpoint operation on the Rumailan-Malikiyah road, Anadolu quoted anonymous Turkish security sources as saying, without specifying the time of the operation.

Omer, allegedly a high-ranking official in the financial network of the group, had reportedly been closely monitored by Turkish intelligence.

Also on Wednesday, the Turkish Defence Ministry said 14 YPG militants were “neutralized” in the Operation Peace Spring region of the Turkish military in northern Syria, Xinhua news agency reported.

Amid the surprise advance led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham forces into Damascus in early December, Turkish-backed factions launched an offensive against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria, forcing the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to withdraw from certain areas.

Turkey views the YPG, which forms the core of the SDF, as an offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades.

The SDF, bolstered by US support and dominated by Kurdish units, controls extensive areas in northern and eastern Syria.

An SDF delegation met with Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on December 30 for the first time since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government on December 8, 2024.

The Turkish army launched Operation ‘Euphrates Shield’ in 2016, Operation ‘Olive Branch’ in 2018, Operation ‘Peace Spring’ in 2019, and Operation ‘Spring Shield’ in 2020 in northern Syria to create a YPG-free zone along the Turkish border within the neighboring country.

Turkish authorities often use the term “neutralize” in their statements to imply the alleged “terrorists” have either surrendered, been killed, or been captured.

–IANS

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Global outrage as two Aussie women cricketers allegedly molested in Indore

New Delhi, Oct 25 (IANS) In a shocking incident that has sparked global outrage, two Australian women cricketers were allegedly molested and “touched inappropriately” by a biker in Indore on Thursday morning while walking to a nearby cafe.

The incident, which happened during the ongoing Women’s World Cup, has sparked a storm on social media and led to strong criticism from international media concerning women’s safety in India.

Cricket Australia confirmed the disturbing incident in an official statement, saying, “CA can confirm two members of the Australian Women’s team were approached and touched inappropriately by a motorcyclist while walking to a cafe in Indore. The matter was reported by team security to police, who are handling the matter.”

According to police, the incident took place around 11 a.m. near Khajrana Road. The suspect, named Aqeel Khan, allegedly followed two players on his motorcycle, inappropriately touched one of them, and then fled the scene. Swift coordination between the Australian team’s security officer Danny Simmons and local police resulted in a quick investigation. CCTV footage, eyewitness testimonies, and hotel records helped trace and arrest the suspect within 24 hours.

Officials revealed that Khan, who was riding a black motorcycle, has prior criminal cases registered against him. A First Information Report was filed under Section 74 (use of criminal force to outrage a woman’s modesty) and Section 78 (stalking) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The Madhya Pradesh police confirmed that a bystander who recorded the motorcycle’s number played a crucial role in identifying the perpetrator. “The suspect’s vehicle and description matched the details provided by the witnesses,” an officer stated, adding that further investigation is ongoing.

The incident has provoked widespread condemnation from both domestic and international quarters. Several foreign media outlets questioned how India – which is preparing to host major tournaments in the upcoming years – can guarantee the safety of visiting players if such incidents happen in broad daylight.

Users expressed outrage on social media, with hashtags such as #ShameInIndore and #WomenSafetyInIndia trending across platforms. Many demanded stricter preventive measures and greater accountability from local authorities.

Reacting to the controversy, Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya termed the act “a stain on India’s image”. He said, “This is not just misbehaviour with a woman player but an insult to the nation. The strictest possible action must be taken so that no one dares to tarnish India’s reputation again.”

He reiterated that the state government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes against women and assured that the accused would face punishment “that sets an example for others.”

The Australian team, currently in Indore to play a crucial group-stage match against South Africa, has reportedly been provided with additional security following the incident. The unsettling episode, however, has cast a shadow over what has otherwise been a closely contested Women’s World Cup, reigniting global concerns over the safety of women athletes in India.