Kuwait’s Interior Ministry said it had arrested members of a Hezbollah-affiliated terrorist cell accused of planning operations that threatened national security. Authorities described the operation as a major success in preventing destabilising activities inside the country. The group was reportedly linked to external networks and had been under surveillance before being apprehended. The case highlights Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to counter extremist threats and maintain internal stability amid a volatile regional environment.

Seven hostile drones shot down

In a separate development, the Kuwait National Guard announced it had intercepted and downed seven hostile drones within 24 hours, signalling a sharp escalation in aerial threats. Officials did not disclose the origin of the drones but indicated they were considered hostile and posed a direct security risk. The incident reflects a broader pattern of increasing drone activity across the Gulf, where such technology is being used in asymmetric warfare.

Kuwait condemns Iranian attacks

Kuwait strongly condemned continued Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states, aligning with broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) positions. In a statement, Kuwaiti authorities criticised Tehran’s actions as destabilising and called for respect for regional sovereignty.

Dispute over UN reporting

Kuwait also rejected aspects of recent United Nations reporting , arguing that the assessments failed to clearly and explicitly condemn Iran’s role in the attacks. Officials said the omission undermines international accountability and called for stronger global responses to escalating security threats in the region.

GCC issues unified response

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) echoed Kuwait’s stance , issuing a collective condemnation of what it described as “heinous” Iranian attacks against member states. The unified response underscores growing alignment among Gulf nations as they face shared security challenges, particularly in relation to missile and drone threats.

"Ghana strongly condemns this attack and has further demanded that those responsible be identified and held accountable, as the attack constitutes a grave violation of international law, amounts to war crime and affronts the protections afforded to United Nations peacekeeping personnel," Ablakwa wrote.

Further arguing that the strike was a “grave violation of international law,” amounts to a “war crime,” and violates protections afforded to UN peacekeepers.

The government also urged the UN to take “all necessary measures” to ensure the safety and security of Ghana’s contingent in Lebanon and other UNIFIL personnel, noting that peacekeepers operate “at great personal risk” in the service of international peace and security.

Ablakwa said Ghana would pursue justice for the injured soldiers and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to UN peacekeeping operations, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue monitoring developments and engaging UN authorities on the matter.

A third soldier was “traumatised”, according to the statement. The Ghana Armed Forces said the battalion’s Officers’ Mess was also hit and “burnt down completely”.

The injured soldiers are being treated at a Level One Medical Bunker and were reported to be stable, with arrangements underway to evacuate them to the UNIFIL Headquarters Referral Hospital, the statement said.

The Ghana Armed Forces urged the public to remain calm, adding that troops are currently safe in underground bunkers amid what it described as a fragile security situation.

It said the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has protested the incident at the United Nations headquarters in New York , and called on parties to the conflict to uphold their responsibilities to protect peacekeepers deployed in the area.

In Gaza, Hamas announced it was mourning Khamenei, calling him a key backer of the Palestinian militant group. “We in Hamas mourn the passing of Ali Khamenei,” it said, adding that he provided “political, diplomatic and military support” to its cause.

Hamas also condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran as a “heinous” act with serious consequences for the region.

Khamenei’s death has deepened uncertainty over Iran’s next steps and leadership succession, as countries and international bodies urged restraint amid ongoing military exchanges across the Middle East.

“For a small country like Lebanon, that’s really, really significant,” one aide stated.

The U.S. remains one of Lebanon’s main international backers, aiming to bolster its official security institutions in the fight against terrorism and reduce Hezbollah’s sway.

President Joseph Aoun pressed for more support in talks with U.S. Central Command Chief Adm. Brad Cooper during the UN General Assembly last week, emphasising the need to extend state authority nationwide.

The funding announcement came as Hezbollah openly defied a government ban on public commemorations of its slain leader Hassan Nasrallah, projecting his image onto Beirut’s Raouche landmark. The move highlighted the state’s limited capacity to enforce its decisions, a concern raised by Arab and Western diplomats.

The Pentagon has said the latest package will help the LAF implement last year’s ceasefire with Israel and counter Iranian-backed groups.

“This man wants the weapons handed over to Israel,” Qassem said, in reference to Barrack. “Anyone calling today for the surrender of weapons, whether internally or externally, on the Arab or the international stage, is serving the Israeli project.”

The comments come amid renewed U.S. efforts to push for Hezbollah’s disarmament, a longstanding point of tension between Washington and the Iran-backed group. In recent months, American officials have increased pressure on Lebanese authorities, warning that continued Hezbollah armament poses a threat to regional stability and undermines state sovereignty.

Qassem also appeared in Tehran a day earlier, on July 29, where he met with Iran ’s newly inaugurated president.

The U.S. has designated Hezbollah a terrorist organisation, while Hezbollah insists its weapons are necessary for defending Lebanon against Israeli aggression.

President Tayyip Erdogan has accused Turkey's top business association, TUSIAD, of meddling in politics and undermining the government. Erdogan dismissed TUSIAD as a remnant of the past that thrived on economic privilege and political influence. He accused the group of fuelling political instability and attempting to pressure the government. TUSIAD executive Omer Aras, chairman of QNB's Turkish banking unit, criticised a government crackdown on dissenting figures, claiming the probes had shaken trust and damaged democracy. Istanbul's prosecutors expanded the probe to include TUSIAD President Orhan Turhan, citing his statements as "misleading and disruptive to public order." TUSIAD, which accounts for 85% of Turkey's foreign trade and corporate tax revenue, said it was working for national interests.

Turkey supports Ukraine's bid for NATO membership, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Turkey supports Ukraine's bid for NATO membership and understands the importance of security guarantees. Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, while US officials met with Russian counterparts in Riyadh. Zelensky said Erdogan understands the importance of Ukraine's future NATO membership, contrasting with recent US statements. While most European nations support Ukraine's NATO bid, Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, and the US oppose it. Zelensky also discussed defence industry cooperation with Turkish company Baykar, which has offices in Ukraine.

Israeli FM says Turkey aiding Iran in smuggling funds to Hezbollah

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has warned US senators about an intensified Iranian effort to smuggle money to Hezbollah to rehabilitate the group after its devastating war against Israel. He also highlighted concerns about Iran's nuclear project, which aims to compensate for the weakening of its regional power by acquiring nuclear weapons. Sa'ar stated that the effort is being carried out via Turkey and its cooperation. Israel has accused Iran of exploiting international civilian flights to transfer funds to Hezbollah, and the IDF has been in contact with the ceasefire monitoring mechanism to thwart these transfers.

Over a million Turks travelled to Greek islands in 2024

About 1.15 million passengers travelled to the Greek islands from the ports on Türkiye’s Aegean coast in 2024. According to data from the Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, Turkish citizens saw a 93% increase in their number of trips to the Greek islands from their ports. The increase was largely due to the visa-on-arrival scheme Greece granted for Turkish citizens visiting the islands. In 2023, 805,000 people and in 2022, 416,000 people travelled to the Greek islands from Türkiye. The top choice for Turkish travellers was Kos Island, followed by Rhodes. The number of international travellers reached 1.36 million, with 85% travelling to Greek islands.

Police detain 282 over ties to outlawed Kurdish group

Turkish police have detained 282 suspects accused of ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), including journalists, politicians, and academics. The raids occurred over the past five days as Turkey removes elected pro-Kurdish mayors from their posts over militant ties. The crackdown coincides with signs that there could be an end to a 40-year conflict between the PKK and authorities. The detainees included members of the Peoples' Democratic Congress, leftist parties, academics, and a prominent LGBTQ rights activist. The pro-Kurdish DEM Party condemned the detentions, claiming they were aimed at ending hopes for peace in the region. The Journalists' Union of Turkey also criticised the detention of three journalists.

On January 9, 2025, the Lebanese parliament elected General Joseph Aoun, the head of the army, as the country's 14th president. This election is seen as a significant step towards stabilising the nation, which has been grappling with economic and political crises.

General Aoun's election is notable for several reasons. Firstly, he is the first president since the 1990s not to be pre-approved by Tehran and Damascus, signalling a shift in Lebanon's political landscape and a weakening of Hezbollah's influence.

Secondly, his presidency is expected to focus on regaining the state's monopoly on the use of force and pursuing accountability and reforms.

His presidency has also been widely welcomed, ending a more than two-year vacancy that left the nation in a state of uncertainty.

Two-thirds of buildings were destroyed, and millions were displaced, seeking shelter in refugee camps that also became targets of Israeli airstrikes.

Violence spread to the West Bank and along the Israel-Lebanon border. A rare ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in November offered brief hope, but tensions remained high. In Syria, the Assad regime fell in December after rebels launched a successful offensive.

The year closed with immense loss, including the tragic deaths of twin infants, Wesam and Naeem Abu Anza, killed in an Israeli airstrike. As 2024 ended, the region’s future remained uncertain, with peace still out of reach.

Some of the images in this story may be sensitive and disturbing.

"We support and stand by any decision made by the Lebanese resistance [Hezbollah] or the Lebanese government," Larijani was quoted by the AFP.

"Hezbollah is a solid and rational movement, and the Lebanese are great people. Hezbollah [leaders] know how to act. As we have stated, we will support the resistance in all circumstances," he added.

Recent diplomatic efforts have been underscored by Syria and Belarus, as they seek to strengthen their parliamentary ties. Key discussions between Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh and Belarusian Parliamentary Chairman Natalia Kochanova revolve around the importance of parliamentary diplomacy. As reported by SANA , they highlighted a robust partnership in addressing mutual challenges like external interference and unilateral sanctions, showcasing a commitment to broader collaboration across political, economic, and humanitarian sectors.

Issues of border crossings

The strategic importance of the over 130 land border crossings between Syria and Lebanon has been brought to light. Primarily serving Hezbollah's operational needs and smuggling activities, these crossings include six official outlets. However, numerous unauthorised crossings operate beyond regulatory oversight, particularly in the Bekaa Valley. Recent Israeli military actions have focused on curtailing arms smuggling through targeted operations at various crossings, notably Al-Masnaa, Jusiyah, and Matraba. The necessity for disrupting the Iranian arms corridor and ensuring international supervision has become apparent, with Syrian military security and Hezbollah's Unit 4400 collaborating closely on smuggling activities, Alma reports.

Human rights abuse

On the humanitarian front, a warning from Human Rights Watch indicates the peril faced by Syrians returning from Lebanon amid the escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Since late September, over half a million people have crossed back into Syria, accompanied by reports of arbitrary detention and abuse upon return, exacerbating the already dire situation for many refugees. The sole operational border crossing has been compromised by Israeli airstrikes, further complicating escape routes and safety measures for returnees, reports Khaleej Times .

US Sanctions

Syria's UN Ambassador Qusay Al-Dahhak has called for an urgent lifting of coercive economic measures imposed by the U.S. and EU on multiple nations, including Syria and Cuba. Stating these measures as violations of international law, Al-Dahhak reaffirmed Syria's support for Cuba against the U.S. blockade and reiterated the nation's commitment to UN resolutions advocating for the cessation of such sanctions, reports SANA .

US airstrikes kill ISIS operatives

U.S. airstrikes targeting ISIS camps in Syria have reportedly resulted in the deaths of up to 35 ISIS operatives, according to U.S. Central Command. CBS News highlights that this action follows joint operations with Iraqi forces against the Islamic State, which, although still posing a threat, is deemed less powerful than in previous years. CENTCOM asserted that the strikes aim to disrupt ISIS's capabilities in planning attacks, with assurances of no civilian casualties reported during these operations.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched the strikes in response to what they described as "months of continuous attacks" from Iran and its regional allies.

The IDF's operation, which involved three waves of precise strikes, was completed within a few hours, targeting key military sites but avoiding nuclear facilities and oil fields.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei during a weekly televised news conference emphasised that Iran would use "all available means" to respond to the Israeli aggression.

He stated that Iran's response would be proportionate to the nature of the Israeli attacks and aimed at defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"I emphasise that our position is clear, we are using all available means to respond firmly and effectively to the aggression of the Zionist regime. Basically, the nature of our response will depend on the nature of the attack," Esmaeil Baghaei said.

Iran, as a supporter of Hezbollah fighters, has been a target of Israel for several months.

Hezbollah, which is engaged in heavy fighting with Israeli forces in Lebanon, and also the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is battling Israel in the Gaza Strip.

Hezbollah Spokesman Mohammed Afif said, "Hezbollah declares its full, complete and exclusive responsibility for the Caesarea operation targeting Netanyahu," during a press briefing with reporters.

Israel conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah's stronghold in south Beirut and the city of Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon, resulting in six deaths and 43 injuries, as reported by the AFP.

The strikes targeted municipal buildings and were condemned by Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. In response, Hezbollah attacked an Israeli tank near the border.

The conflict, which began in October last year, has intensified, with Israel aiming to create a buffer zone free of Hezbollah fighters.

The war has displaced 690,000 people in Lebanon and caused significant casualties on both sides. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains opposed.

"We still think that there is a tiny bit of hope on the diplomatic front. Because Lebanon is bombed every day, Beirut is bombed every day, every night, for 24 hours. The Bekaa in Lebanon, the south, we're afraid we're turning into a new Gaza in Lebanon," he told AFP.

Commenting on the deaths of Hezbollah leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Hassan Nasrallah, he said: "It's a criminal attitude, he (Benyamin Netanyahu) murdered Ismail Haniyeh while he was negotiating a ceasefire, and he murdered Hassan Nasrallah while he was negotiating a ceasefire, so he knew what was going to happen. We find what has happened unacceptable, and it has dragged a country and perhaps an entire region into a war that will never end."

The situation in Lebanon has been increasingly volatile , with frequent exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters. This conflict has intensified since Israel's military operations in Gaza began, drawing parallels between the two regions.

The fear is that Lebanon could face a similar fate to Gaza, which has been subjected to severe blockades and military actions for years.

According to a report by Aljazeera , more than 2000 people have been killed in Lebanon from Israeli strikes.

A senior Iranian official informed Reuters that the missile attack was ordered by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is reportedly staying in a secure location.

The missile strike followed Israel's announcement earlier on Tuesday of a ground offensive into Lebanon.

Iran's response comes after Israeli airstrikes killed top Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah, the group's leader of 30 years. Nasrallah died in a deadly airstrike on Beirut on Friday, September 27.

“We have not observed any penetration by Israeli enemy forces into Lebanese territory,” a Lebanese army source told AFP. Both United Nations peacekeepers and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah also denied that any ground offensive had begun.

In response to the escalating conflict, residents of Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city, voiced their reactions to the Israeli military's actions. Slomi, a vacationer in Haifa, commented, "The land entry to Lebanon should probably be done, but I hope the military action will not expand or be permanent. Just as we knew how to enter, we will also know how to leave quickly."

Another resident, 63-year-old retired doctor Maymon Levi, expressed support for the ground operation. "We had to enter from the ground. The Air Force cannot end the war alone. We know there will be losses, and we hope there won’t be many, but entering Lebanon was necessary," Levi said.

Firefighter Yossi Cohen took a more aggressive stance, stating: "We need absolute silence. That means cleaning the area completely. If we must, we will reach Beirut. We have the patience and the strength—we are the strongest army in the world."

Since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, which has claimed over 40,000 lives, most of them women and children—Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah have been engaged in intense cross-border fighting.

The conflict saw a particularly deadly turn with a massive Israeli airstrike on Beirut that killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, September 27.

The ongoing tensions have led to multiple evacuations, particularly in southern Lebanon, as the situation continues to unfold with no clear resolution in sight.

In Islamabad, around 4,000 demonstrators gathered, while 3,000 participated in rallies and funeral prayers in Karachi, organized by Shiite Muslim groups, according to AFP reports.

Nasrallah's killing escalates the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which has seen nearly a year of cross-border tensions.

Hezbollah has engaged in low-intensity strikes against Israeli forces since Hamas launched a historic attack on October 7, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians. Israel's military response has led to at least 41,595 fatalities in Gaza, with most victims also civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN has confirmed the reliability of these numbers.

In retaliation, Hezbollah fired missiles at Israeli military bases, with over 180 projectiles and an unmanned aerial vehicle entering Israeli airspace, triggering alarm in Haifa. The Israeli military reported intercepting more than 50 projectiles within 10 minutes on Tuesday morning.

The airstrikes have caused widespread panic in Lebanon, leading many to flee to Beirut.

This latest bombardment is the most severe in nearly a year and has raised international concerns. Israel's operation, termed "Operation Northern Arrows," signifies a shift in focus from Gaza to Lebanon. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed serious concern over the escalation, while the EU’s chief diplomat warned of a potential full-scale war.

Dr. Salah Zeineddine from the American University of Beirut Medical Center described the situation as unprecedented, with surgical rooms running nonstop since the attacks. He emphasised that the injuries are predominantly to the eyes and hands, with many patients facing long-term or permanent disabilities.

"These two days have been pretty stressful on us. The flood of patients that arrived, was like a tsunami. I mean, they arrived around 150, close to 200 patients, within about two hours. All injuries were pretty similar. Eyes, face, hands, fingers, and lower abdomen," he said. "Most of the patients, unfortunately, ended up with permanent and long-term disabilities. And the Lebanese system, as a whole health system, has to measure up to the needs, and the needs are huge. I'm not sure if we will be able to do what we have to do. Time will tell, especially since we're not sure this is the last hit we're gonna get."

Echoing the sentiments of Dr. Salah Zeineddine, the Chairperson of AUBMC Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr Eveline Hitti, shared with AFP that the intent behind the explosion was to disable and not in any way kill.

"This type of attack was perfectly designed not to kill but to disable and maim. So what patients reported to us is that the pager went off. They got an error message. So they picked it up with one hand the error message then apparently asked and requested that they press on something. So now two hands are on the device. So you have two hands held up close to the eyes because they were reading the message, and then it exploded once they pressed that respond to the signal," she explained.

At least nine people lost their lives and nearly 3,000 were injured when pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded simultaneously across Lebanon on Tuesday, September 17.

Iran-backed Hezbollah has pledged to retaliate against Israel, which has denied any involvement in the detonations. The two sides have been engaged in cross-border hostilities since the Gaza conflict flared up last October.

Local fisherman Khaed Sonbol, speaking to the AFP on Nasrallah’s speech, said, "Yesterday, Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah said that Israel is threatening us. They started with the device explosions, and we don't know what they will do next. A fellow brother from the resistance was hit by an explosion just two meters away from us, and it took a long time to evacuate him due to the poor conditions in this country." 

The looming threat of war has also had a direct impact on local businesses. Ziyad Kalo, a stationery shop owner, noted, "People, overall, are afraid. It's back-to-school time, and the demand (for school supplies) is weak because people fear that schools might close. We share the same concerns as everyone else. May God protect this country."

Ahmed Betakji, a Lebanese employee, further added "The fear of war has become an increasing obsession for all Lebanese. We feel that the risk of war is growing day by day and that it is very near. As Lebanese, we wish there would be no war and hope it does not happen."

Hezbollah has accused Israel of being behind the explosions that targeted its operatives' communication devices. The two-day attack reportedly disabled thousands of pagers and radios used by Hezbollah members. 

Abiad commended the hospitals' quick response to the crisis, stating, "The hospitals did a great job yesterday. A lot of them, including this one, cancelled surgeries to provide care for the patients. The patients, as I see today, are receiving the best medical care."

Joel Khadrajit, an ER doctor at Hotel-Dieu, described the severity of the injuries: "The injuries were mainly to the eyes and hands, which caused finger amputations, shrapnel in the eyes—some people lost their sight."

She added that the hospital received 80 injured patients. "About twenty of them were admitted to the ICU immediately and were put on ventilators to prevent suffocation due to swelling in their faces. The rest are going one after the other to the operating room. Today, we have 55 surgeries."

The explosions overwhelmed hospitals in areas controlled by Hezbollah, with dozens of casualties reported. According to Health Minister Abiad, the death toll has reached at least a dozen, including children, while nearly 300 others remain critically injured.

In the aftermath of the explosions, Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate against Israel, although Israel has yet to comment on the incident. Earlier, Israel had announced plans to expand its military objectives in its ongoing conflict with Hamas, as AFP reported.

Imam Hussein's death in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD is a pivotal event in Islamic history. His martyrdom is seen as a symbol of resistance against oppression, and it plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of the Shiite community. The Shiite or Shia community consists of Muslims who believe that Hussein’s descendants were the rightful successors to lead the Islamic faith after his death.

In Lebanon, the commemoration of Ashura involves various rituals and activities. Participants often wear black to signify mourning and set up black funeral tents. They carry red flags symbolising Hussein's blood and listen to clerics recount the story of his martyrdom. The atmosphere is sombre, with many participants crying and beating their chests in a display of grief and solidarity.

This year's commemoration also paid tribute to Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has heightened tensions in the region. Hezbollah, a prominent Shiite militant group in Lebanon, has been actively involved in the conflict, launching attacks against Israel and facing retaliatory strikes.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced that Israeli missiles targeted the positions of Iranian and Hezbollah militias in the Sayde Zeinab area, Damascus International Airport, and the suburbs of this city.

It is speculated that these positions were weapons and ammunition warehouses but GSW cannot independently verify this claim.

One of the rockets is reported to have hit the headquarters of the militants of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the town of Al-Badhliyeh near Sayeda Zainab. Huge explosions were also heard from the headquarters of the 1st Army in the city of al-Kuswah in the southwest of Damascus where the air defence systems of the Syrian regime are located.

A week ago, Israeli planes bombarded the positions of Hezbollah-affiliated forces and Iranian militias in the areas of Sayeda Zeinab and Hajirah in the south of Damascus.

Following this attack, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced mourning for its two dead members.

In response to this incident, the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic, Nasser Kanaani, threatened : "The Islamic Republic will respond to any attack."

He emphasized: "No action against Iran and Iran's interests and our advisory forces in Syria will go without a reaction, and those who take action and have taken action have experienced this issue," quotes local media Iran International.

Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, Israel has targeted Syrian territory 30 times, which killed 32 people including 13 members of the Lebanese Hezbollah and two members of the Revolutionary Guards Corps of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

On the other hand, international pressure, especially from the US and France, continues to prevent Lebanon from being drawn into the war in Gaza.

Walid Jumblatt, the leader of the Progressive Socialist Party in Lebanon, has conveyed his strong concern about the spread of conflicts in separate messages to the Hezbollah group and the ambassador of the Islamic Republic in Beirut.

Mojtaba Amani, the ambassador of the Islamic Republic in Beirut, emphasized that the Islamic Republic does not want war or its expansion, and based on the evaluations of the situation in Gaza, Tehran is confident in the capabilities of Hamas to stand against Israel.