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A US admiral acting under the authority of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a second strike that targeted survivors of an initial attack on an alleged drug smuggling boat, the White House said on Monday.The legality of the Trump administration’s deadly strikes against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Pacific has been questioned, and reports of the follow-up attack on survivors triggered further accusations of a possible war crime.Venezuela’s leftist leader Nicolas Maduro has accused Washington of using drug trafficking as a pretext for “imposing regime change” in Caracas and rejected a “slave’s peace” for the region, amid mounting fears of US military action.A total of 11 people were killed in the two strikes in early September, the first in a months-long military campaign that has so far left more than 80 dead.Trump’s administration insists that it is effectively at war with alleged “narco-terrorists”, and the White House said Admiral Frank Bradley, who currently leads US Special Operations Command, had acted legally and properly in ordering a second strike.Bradley “worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated”, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told journalists.Hegseth “authorised Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes”, she said.With pressure on the Pentagon chief, Hegseth appeared to stress the decision was Bradley’s.”I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made – on the September 2 mission and all others since,” he posted on Monday evening on X, calling Bradley “an American hero”.Some military personnel under the condition of anonymity told the *Washington Post that this is “protect Pete (expletive)”.Another military official told the publication that Leavitt’s statement “left it up to interpretation” who was responsible for the second strike and implored the White House to provide more clarity.”We will eventually find out what really happened,” promised Republican Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who has opened an investigation into the matter.Democrats also pounced on the issue, with Senator Chris Murphy accusing Hegseth of “passing the buck”.”Both Republicans and Democrats are coming to the conclusion that this was an illegal, wildly immoral act, and he is shifting the blame,” Murphy told broadcaster CNN.Congressman Mike Turner, a Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, said lawmakers have yet to be briefed on the “double-tap” strike.”People have been very concerned about how these strikes have been operated,” Turner said on the same news broadcast.US media reported last week that an initial September 2 strike left two people alive who were killed in a subsequent attack to fulfill Hegseth’s orders, but Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell insisted that “this entire narrative was false”.Subsequent strikes that left survivors were followed by search-and-rescue efforts that recovered two people in one case and failed to find another later in October.International humanitarian law prohibits attacks on incapacitated combatants.The Pentagon’s Law of War Manual states that shipwrecked persons cannot be knowingly attacked and must receive medical care unless they act with hostility or attempt escape.George Washington University law professor Laura Dickinson said most legal experts do not believe the boat strikes qualify as armed conflict, so lethal force would only be allowed as a last resort.”It would be murder outside of armed conflict,” she said.Even in war, the killing of survivors “would likely be a war crime”. Source link
Pope Leo XIV shakes hands with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun during a farewell ceremony before departing from Beirut International Airport at the end of his journey,…
Head coach of the Iraq football team, Australian Graham Arnold, affirmed that the team is orchestrating an ideal kickstart to its campaign in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, as it faces Bahrain on Wednesday at Stadium 974 within Group D.In the pre-match press conference, he noted that the championship constitutes a pivotal opportunity for the Iraqi footballers to showcase all capabilities before entering the intercontinental playoff enjoined for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.He implored his players to seize this incredible chance and demonstrate their entire finesse to take a victory lap in all clashes at this tournament, emphasizing that he feels a grandiose atmosphere as incredible and perfect as the World Cup.Emphatically, the organization will be dazzling as usual, since the championship is a critical chance for Iraq to observe players who were previously called upon in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to showcase their finesse, Arnold stressed.Iraqi captain and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan said the morals are up, as players will be committed to mesmerize the Iraqi fans in this tournament.The first clash is usually tough for the two teams, but the Iraqi squad is fully ready to face Bahrain and will be keen to perform well as required, as players are highly motivated, Hassan assured, wishing them Godspeed in tomorrow’s clash.Addressing the press conference, head coach of the Bahrain team, Dragan Talajic, emphasized that tomorrow’s match will be challenging because Iraq will be clashing with a powerful squad.Talajic stressed that he has tremendous hope to snag the title and reach the final, clarifying that the team is ready with preparations afoot to attain the upcoming World Cup.Expressing his respect to the Iraqi team, Talajic asserted that his team will do its best to achieve a positive result, as this tournament is pretty different from the others and Bahrain is listed in an extremely difficult group.He indicated that winning the three matches is contingent upon having ambitions to enhance luckiness in the competition, highlighting that the team has acquired a lot of expertise after playing in the most recent World Cup qualifiers. Source link
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that US President Donald Trump is personally following up on efforts to end the war in SudanSpeaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Rubio described the current period as one of the most transformative years in US foreign policy since the end of World War II, stressing that President Trump has placed “America at the forefront of every decision” in Washington’s relations with the world.”For the first time in probably four decades, American foreign policy is driven by what is good for America and Americans, and that kind of clarity is transformational,” Rubio said.President Trump has recently expressed his intention to engage directly in efforts to resolve the Sudanese crisis and achieve peace.The war in Sudan, which broke out in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, has resulted in more than 20,000 deaths and the displacement of nearly 14 million people, according to local and international reports. Related Story Source link
Amid international interest, the 46th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at the summit level commences today, Wednesday, in Manama. This is the eighth summit to be held in the Kingdom of Bahrain since the GCC’s establishment on May 25, 1981.The Summit’s agenda focuses on supporting and strengthening joint Gulf action and exploring ways to develop mechanisms for cooperation among its member states and their people across various sectors.The Manama Summit is of great importance in terms of timing, especially in light of the current situation and the increasing severity of the challenges and risks facing the region, which requires joint coordination to deal with these repercussions in order to maintain regional security and stability, and to advance efforts to establish a just and comprehensive peace in the region.The State of Qatar had participated Sunday in the 166th ministerial meeting, preparatory to the 46th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in Manama, Bahrain. The Qatari delegation was headed by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. The meeting addressed the topics on the Council’s agenda, including follow-up on the implementation of Supreme Council and Ministerial Council resolutions, and discussed recommendations submitted by specialized ministerial councils and committees, as well as reports from the General Secretariat concerning strengthening Gulf cooperation and integration in various political, economic, security, defense, development, and social fields.The Ministerial Council also discussed the final communiqué and declaration of the Gulf Summit and decided to submit its recommendations to the Supreme Council for adoption at the 46th Summit. In his address during the meeting, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi said that the Meeting’s agenda included a number of topics that embody the dimensions of Gulf integration and strengthen the axes of regional and international Gulf cooperation.The decisions and recommendations of the Ministerial Meeting will add a new building block to the journey of the Cooperation Council, and the depth of the agenda clearly reflect the regional and international importance of the Cooperation Council, and reinforce the fact that the achievements made by the Council States on the path of Gulf integration, which is what the leaders of the Council States aspire to, are moving steadily in the right direction, consistent with the aspirations of the Gulf peoples and their ambitions for more cohesion and prosperity, he added.In previous statements during the 22nd session of the Joint Defence Council, held on November 25th in the State of Kuwait, Al Budaiwi affirmed that joint military action in the GCC countries enjoys special attention and care from Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries, based on their deep belief in the bonds of unity that unite their countries, and their awareness of the essential role played by the armed forces in protecting the security and stability of the GCC countries, preserving their safety and sovereignty, and elevating it to meet the aspirations of the peoples of the GCC countries, stressing the importance of continuing to strengthen this Gulf journey, in a way that enhances its ability to deal with various challenges and threats in the present and the future.Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi affirmed that member states are exerting significant efforts to enhance economic cooperation and integration, as part of their ongoing pursuit of Gulf economic unity and to strengthen the GCC’s position as a leading global hub for finance, investment, and economics. This statement was made during the 69th meeting of the GCC Trade Cooperation Committee, held on October 29th in Kuwait. Regarding the economic and trade activity of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the GCC Statistical Center announced a 7.4% increase in the volume of GCC merchandise trade (excluding intra-GCC trade), reaching approximately US$1.6 trillion in 2024, compared to US$1.5 trillion in 2023, thus recording its highest level in history during the period 2017-2024.The Center indicated that the total value of merchandise exports reached approximately US$850 billion in 2024, compared to about US$821 billion in 2023, representing an increase of approximately 3.4%. According to the Center’s data for 2024, China, India, and Japan topped the list of the GCC countries’ main trading partners. These three countries maintained their ranking from the previous year, 2023, collectively accounting for about 36% of the GCC’s total merchandise trade with the world. This underscores the pivotal role of Asia in the structure of Gulf global trade. China ranked first with a trade volume of approximately US$299 billion, followed by India with approximately US$158 billion, while Japan came in third with approximately US$114 billion. The United States ranked fourth with a trade volume of approximately US$89 billion, followed by South Korea with approximately US$88 billion.Data from 2024 confirms that the GCC maintained its position among the world’s largest trading economies, ranking fifth globally in terms of merchandise trade volume, with a 3.2% share of total global trade, valued at nearly US$1.6 trillion, compared to approximately US$1.5 trillion in 2023, registering strong growth of 7.4%.This outstanding performance highlights the GCC’s rise from sixth place in 2023 to fifth place in 2024, underscoring its growing prominence in the international trade system and reinforcing its pivotal role in global supply and energy chains.On November 13th, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pavilion was inaugurated at the Bahrain National Museum, coinciding with the Manama Summit. The pavilion embodies the essence of the GCC’s journey since its establishment 44 years ago, documenting its various historical milestones, including the founding stage, the statements of the leaders, the organizations and bodies affiliated with the Council, joint Gulf achievements and projects, the paths of joint Gulf action, political cooperation and strategic dialogue, economic, security, military, social and legislative cooperation, and statistical figures and indicators, in addition to a special pavilion for commemorative photos.Since the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) 44 years ago, the Council has become a well-established and effective system at the Gulf, regional and international levels, playing its constructive role on all political, economic, defense, security and humanitarian levels, and establishing the foundations and pillars of comprehensive development and economic progress, represented by the Gulf Common Market, electrical interconnection, railways, infrastructure, transportation and communications, and Gulf entities active in various developmental fields.The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a reliable economic player internationally. It is a huge market for exports from all over the world, and its member states play a distinguished role in supplying global energy markets with oil and gas, which are the main drivers of the global economy. Its member states have also become a center for investment and trade in the region, and their role as a major player in the global economy is strengthened by their strategic geographical location, natural resources, and reliance on strong economies. Related Story Source link
Screenshot 2025-12-03 at 11-42-07 (20) Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) _ X Qatar will seek to regain its momentum in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 when it faces Syria tomorrow at Khalifa International Stadium, as part of the second round of Group A matches.Qatar seeks to compensate for its sudden 0-1 loss to Palestine in the opening match of the tournament, whereas Syria will enter the match in high spirits after defeating Tunisia 1-0, collecting three valuable points.Currently, Syria and Palestine sit on top of Group A with three points each, while Qatar and Tunisia are third and fourth without points.Qatar will be required to perform differently in the match in order to win, which will force Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui to find solutions on the front line after the clear inability to show effectiveness in the first match.In the match against Palestine, Qatar lacked effective influence in the offensive aspects, with a scarcity of real opportunities in light of the inability to penetrate the opponent’s defense, despite high ball possession. What is required is change and the regaining of momentum Qatar had during the fourth stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which displayed an outstanding level that enabled it to grab qualification for the World Cup at the expense of Oman and the UAE.After the first match, Qatar’s coach Lopetegui affirmed his confidence in the players’ ability to overcome the defeat, and to perform differently in the second match against Syria, with the aim of winning and correcting course.Meanwhile, Syria hopes to continue to shine in the tournament by achieving a positive result to bring it closer to qualifying for the quarter-finals.Syria, led by Spanish coach Jose Lana, qualified for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 by defeating South Sudan 2-0. This will be their eighth appearance in the tournament’s history.For its part, Qatar searches for its first FIFA Arab Cup title in its fourth appearance in the tournament, having been runners-up in 1998, as well as placing third in 2021, when it was held in Doha. Related Story Source link
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution late Monday calling for Israel’s withdrawal from the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, and reaffirming the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their right to self-determination, the establishment of their independent state, and the achievement of a just solution to the Palestinian refugee issue in accordance with Resolution 194 of December 11, 1948.The resolution was adopted with 151 votes in favor, 11 against, and 11 abstentions, during the General Assembly’s 80th session under agenda item 35.The resolution reaffirmed the permanent responsibility of the United Nations toward the question of Palestine until it is resolved in all its aspects in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions. It underscored that achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement, as the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, is essential for peace and stability in the Middle East. It also emphasized that the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples constitutes a cornerstone of the UN Charter.The General Assembly further reaffirmed the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force, stressing the need to respect the unity and territorial integrity of the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. It stated that Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated not to obstruct the Palestinian people from exercising their right to self-determination, including the establishment of their independent and sovereign state on all occupied Palestinian territory. It also stressed that all states must ensure, in accordance with international law, the removal of obstacles arising from Israel’s illegal presence that hinder the exercise of this right.The resolution also stressed the illegality of Israeli settlement activities and all unilateral measures aimed at altering the demographic composition, character, and status of Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territory as a whole, including the wall and its associated regime, demanding their immediate cessation. It condemned the use of force against Palestinian civilians, particularly children, in violation of international law, and emphasized the necessity of ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of all civilians across the Middle East, as well as rejecting all acts of violence and terrorism against civilians on all sides.The resolution reiterated the urgent need to end the Israeli occupation that began in 1967, and affirmed the right of all states in the region to live in peace within secure and internationally recognized borders. It renewed calls for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on relevant UN resolutions, including Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016), the Madrid terms of reference, the land-for-peace principle, and the Arab Peace Initiative, while reaffirming unwavering support for a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders, with Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and security. Related Story Source link
Morocco began its campaign in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 with a 3-1 victory over Comoros, in the match held on Tuesday at Khalifa International Stadium in the first round of Group B, which also includes Saudi Arabia and Oman.Morocco’s goals were scored by Soufiane Bouftini in the 5th minute, Tarik Tissoudali in the 11th minute, and Karim El Berkaoui in the 45+4 minute, while Comoros’ goal came when Moroccan player Mohamed Boulaksout accidentally scored an own goal in the 56th minute.With this result, Morocco temporarily moved to the top of the group with 3 points, with Saudi Arabia and Oman still to play later this evening.The Moroccan team imposed clear dominance at the start of the match with high pressing and managed to open the scoring after a corner taken by Oussama Tannane, which Soufiane Bouftini met with a powerful header into the net in the 5th minute.Morocco continued its offensive pressure, extending the lead with a second goal, also from a corner executed by Oussama Tannane into the box, which Tarik Tissoudali converted with a shot to the goalkeeper’s right in the 11th minute.Comoros attempted to respond after going down, nearly reducing the deficit with a shot from the edge of the box, but it went over the crossbar in the 24th minute.Morocco relied on wing-based attacking play and managed to add a third goal after a cross from Hamza El Moussaoui into the box, which Karim El Berkaoui headed into the net in the 45+4 minute, ending the first half with Morocco leading 3-0.In the second half, Comoros were much improved as they searched for a comeback, and Ibrahim Joudja almost scored after a cross that he struck powerfully, but the Moroccan defense blocked it in the 53rd minute.Comoros succeeded in scoring its first goal when Amir Zaid penetrated the defense and sent in a cross that Moroccan defender Mohamed Boulaksout mistakenly turned into his own net in the 56th minute.The match remained open and Morocco's Amine Zouhzouh missed a great chance to widen the gap when he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper after a cross from Abderrazak Hamdallah, but his shot went over the bar in the 83rd minute. Source link
Morocco’s head coach Tarik Sektioui expressed his delight following his team’s 3-1 victory over Comoros in their opening match of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sektioui said winning the opening match is crucial, it was by no means an easy task, especially in this type of encounter, thanking all the players for their realistic approach, seriousness, strong will, desire, and respect for the opponent.He added that he opted to change tactics in the second half to strengthen the scoreline, noting that the opposing team was well-organized and had standout players, particularly on the flanks.Sektioui clarified that Morocco’s performance did not decline in the second half, but rather he chose a more balanced style to maintain control and extend the lead.Tomorrow, he clarified, they turn their focus to preparing for the next match against Oman, hoping to meet the expectations of Moroccan fans and deliver a strong performance.Meanwhile, Moroccan player Karim El Berkaoui, who was named Man of the Match, said all players gave their utmost effort and succeeded in presenting the desired image that brought joy to Moroccan supporters.El Berkaoui added that they secured three important points and are determined to double their efforts to uphold the reputation of Moroccan football, aiming to continue in the same vein.On the other side, Comoros head coach Hamadi Jambay voiced his disappointment following the defeat in their tournament opener.Jambay said they made several mistakes, adding that they knew they would face tremendous challenges against a very strong and experienced opponent.Conceding three early goals made it even harder to recover, Jambay said during the press conference.He praised his players’ second-half performance and their determination to improve and make up for the first-half shortcomings.he concluded by confirming that they must prepare for the future and build a strong team, doing their utmost to perform well in the next match and play with greater attacking courage.He added that they’ll continue working to fix the issues and get ready to turn things around. Source link
Former England Test player Robin Smith has died aged 62, hailed by cricket chiefs as a “batter ahead of his time”.The South Africa-born Smith, who played 62 Tests between 1988 and 1996, died on Monday in Australia, where he lived.Smith’s family announced their “profound sense of sadness and loss” in a statement released by Hampshire, his former English county club.”Robin died unexpectedly at his South Perth apartment on Monday, 1st December. The cause of his death is at present unknown,” they said.Smith had only recently met with the second-string England Lions squad in Perth ahead of the first Ashes Test at the invitation of coach Andrew Flintoff.Smith scored 4,236 Test runs for England, including nine centuries, at an average of 43.67, and 2,419 runs in 71 one-day internationals.”Robin Smith was a player who stood toe to toe with some of the quickest bowlers in the world, meeting spells of hostile fast bowling with a defiant smile and an incredible resilience,” said England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson.”He did so in a way that gave England fans enormous pride, and no shortage of entertainment.”He was a batter ahead of his time, which was typified in that unforgettable unbeaten 167 from 163 balls in a one-day international against Australia at Edgbaston in 1993.”Former England wicket-keeper Jack Russell, who played Test cricket alongside Smith, paid tribute on social media by saying: “Robin Smith, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Would do anything for you, hard as nails.”What a player. Played quick bowling as well as anyone. Had the hardest square-cut in the business along side G (Gordon) Greenidge (the celebrated West Indies opener and a Hampshire teammate of Smith). #RIP my Friend, rest easy now.”‘Charismatic, popular’Nicknamed “The Judge”, with his hair likened to a judge’s wig, Smith grew up in apartheid-era South Africa, when the country was banned from international cricket.The son of an English father, Smith followed older brother Chris into both the Hampshire and England teams.He was renowned for his fearless batting against the world’s fastest bowlers, including Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Waqar Younis.But he struggled with mental health and alcohol-related problems in retirement.”Robin rose to fame as one of England’s most charismatic and popular players,” Smith’s family said. “A brave and dashing batsman, he excelled both for Hampshire and his adopted country, collecting legions of admirers and friends along the way.”They added: “Since his retirement from the game in 2004 his battles with alcohol and mental health have been well documented but these should not form the basis of speculation about the cause of death which will be determined at post-mortem investigation.”Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove hailed Smith as “one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of all-time Hampshire cricket heroes”.”He was a batsman of awesome power and control and amongst the most courageous players this club has ever seen – especially against bowling of real pace,” he added. Source link