Israel issues evacuation warning to residents in Tehran ahead of strikes

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Jerusalem, June 16 (IANS) Israel issued on Monday evacuation warning to a municipal district in Tehran, calling its residents to urgently leave ahead of Israeli airstrikes.

In a post on Persian and Arabic on social media platform X, Avichay Adraee, a spokesman for the Israeli miliary, called residents of District C, located in the northeastern part of the city, to evacuate.

“In the coming hours, the Israeli army will operate in this area, as it has over recent days in other parts of Tehran, to strike military infrastructure belonging to the Iranian regime,” Adraee said.

“Your presence in this area endangers your life,” he said. “For your safety and security, we urge you to immediately evacuate.”

Several important state institutions, government offices, and semi-governmental organisations, as well as communication and intelligence facilities are located in District C, Xinhua news agency reported. The Israeli military said in a statement that since the morning hours, Israeli warplanes have struck trucks containing weapons and surface-to-air missile launchers, advancing from western Iran toward Tehran.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz visited the Tel Nof airbase in the south of the country. During the visit, Netanyahu said that the Israeli Air Force “controls the skies over Tehran.” He claimed: “We are on our way to achieving our two main objectives: eliminating the nuclear threat and eliminating the missile threat.”

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday Israel seeks to expand the war to other countries in the West Asia region.

He made the remarks at a weekly press conference while condemning the ongoing Israeli “aggression” against Iran, which has started since early Friday.

Baghaei said, “We have no doubt that Israel wishes to fan the flames of the war as much as it can and spread the flames to other countries and players in the region,” adding that Israel had attacked residential buildings in Iran and a children’s hospital in Tehran.

He stressed that Iran’s nuclear programme was merely a pretext for Israel as no evidence was available indicating a diversion from the “peaceful path” in Iran’s nuclear programme.

–IANS

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Protests erupt after Netanyahu suggests demilitarising southern Syria

Damascus, Feb 26 (IANS) Protests broke out across southern Syria in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent remarks rejecting the presence of Syria’s interim government forces in the area south of Damascus.

In an address on Sunday, Netanyahu declared that Israel “will not allow HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) forces or the new Syrian army to enter the area south of Damascus.”

He insisted on the “full demilitarisation of southern Syria,” which ignited widespread anger across the country, Xinhua news agency reported.

Demonstrations took place in several Syrian cities, including Sweida, Daraa, Damascus, and Quneitra. In Damascus, protesters gathered outside the United Nations office, demanding an international response to Netanyahu’s “provocative statements.”

Khair Ghazali, a Syrian citizen, stressed the Syrian people’s rejection of the Israeli violations of Syria’s sovereignty.

“We are here in front of the United Nations (office) to send a message rejecting Netanyahu’s statements. As Syrians, we are one people across all regions, sharing the same struggles and aspirations. We are strong enough to solve our own problems. We do not need foreign overseers,” he said.

Sharing the same sentiment, Syrian writer Rami Kousa emphasised national sovereignty, saying it’s the Syrian people’s duty to stand against any attempt to undermine the country’s sovereignty, “whether by Israel or any other country trying to impose an occupation-like role.”

In Sweida, hundreds rallied in the city center, waving Syrian flags and denouncing Netanyahu’s remarks. Hiba Twair, a protester from Sweida, asserted that Netanyahu’s remarks only reflect his desire, not the Syrian people’s.

“Netanyahu’s statements represent only himself. Every region of Syria, whether in the north, east, or south, belongs to Syria alone. We reject any identity other than our Syrian identity,” Twair said.

Firas Al-Haqbani, another demonstrator from Sweida, stressed his rejection of the Israeli demands. “These statements are completely rejected. Jabal al-Arab, Hauran Plain, and Quneitra are home to Syrians whose loyalty is to Syria and Syria alone,” he said.

The protests come amid increased Israeli military operations in southern Syria, with reports of Israeli forces expanding their presence near the border. The situation has fueled growing fears of escalation, as Syria’s interim government pushes to consolidate control over its territory.

In the final statement wrapping up the one-day Syrian National Dialogue Conference on Tuesday, the interim government reaffirmed Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, rejecting any form of partition while condemning the presence of Israeli troops in Syrian territory as a violation of sovereignty, calling for their immediate and unconditional withdrawal.

–IANS

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Woman shot dead while confronting robbers in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur, two held

Patna, Jan 28 (IANS) A woman, identified as Dukhani Devi, was shot dead after she confronted robbers in her house in Muzaffarpur early Tuesday morning, the police said.

The incident took place in the Dargah locality under the Katra police station in Muzaffarpur district, Bihar.

According to the police, Devi and her husband were asleep when they were awakened by a noise inside their house. They saw some men enter their house.

Upon confronting the intruders, the men warned the couple to remain silent. However, when Devi raised an alarm, a confrontation ensued, during which the robbers shot her, leaving injuries.

Her cries for help alerted nearby residents, and a large crowd quickly gathered at the scene.

Sensing trouble, the robbers attempted to flee. The villagers managed to apprehend two of the intruders before they could flee.

The police were informed, and the suspects were handed over to authorities. After the incident, the villagers informed the local police about the incident.

The local authorities are investigating the incident and working to identify and apprehend other culprits.

Abhishek Kumar, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Katra police station, confirmed the incident. “As soon as we received information about the incident, we went to the spot and rescued the victim, taking her to a nearby hospital for treatment. The victim succumbed due to her gunshot injury and excessive blood loss. Two suspects, who were captured by the villagers, have been arrested and are also undergoing treatment at the hospital,” Kumar stated.

“We have registered an FIR against two known criminals and some unknown criminals under relevant sections of murder and robbery in Katra police station area. We are making efforts to arrest the remaining accused. We are waiting for the recovery of injured criminals. We will interrogate them to locate the hideouts of their gang members,” Kumar said.

The police are continuing their investigation into the case.

–IANS

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Delhi CM Rekha Gupta leads Sikkim Day celebrations at Secretariat

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) In continuation of the initiative by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to celebrate the foundation days of various states, the Department of Art, Culture, and Language organised a cultural programme at the Delhi Secretariat to celebrate Sikkim Day on Friday.

The objective of the event was to showcase the glorious cultural heritage, lively traditions, and historical legacy of the state of Sikkim, said an official.

Around 20 artistes associated with the Sahitya Kala Parishad presented captivating performances of Sikkim’s folk dances, folk music, and traditional arts, bringing to life the diverse culturally rich of the state, he said.

Chief Minister Gupta said: “A significant number of Sikkim citizens reside in Delhi, contributing remarkably to the progress of not only their state but the entire nation through their hard work, dedication, and diligence.”

She said Sikkim is renowned not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural heritage, peaceful lifestyle, and commitment to development, setting an example for the entire country.

“On this special day, I wish the people of Sikkim happiness, good health, and continuous progress,” she said.

Minister of Art, Culture, and Language Kapil Mishra said: “Sikkim is a leading state in India, not only culturally but also in terms of tourism, social, and economic contributions. The social, cultural, and educational collaboration between Delhi and Sikkim is continuously strengthening, and this partnership will grow even stronger in the coming years.”

He said the state’s rich heritage, inspiring traditions, and historical contributions are a matter of pride for the nation. “On this auspicious occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the people of Sikkim,” he said.

The traditional Sikkimese folk dance mesmerised the audience at the Delhi Secretariat. This group dance, performed by the Tamang community, features vigorous footwork, intricate sounds, and the use of the Damphu instrument, symbolising joy and celebration.

Additionally, performances of the Khampa, Lion Dance, and Mask Dance by male and female artistes dressed in traditional attire created an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm at the Secretariat premises.

A special exhibition was also organised to display Sikkim’s artistic traditions, craftsmanship, and cultural symbols, offering the audience a glimpse into the state’s artistic talent and cultural richness.

–IANS

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