BEIRUT: Buses carrying Syrians left refugee camps in a Lebanese border area bound for a rebel-held part of Syria on Wednesday under a truce deal between Shiite Hezbollah and Sunni Islamist Nusra Front militants, a security source and Hezbollah TV said.
Thousands of Syrians including militants and their families and refugees are to leave the border zone of Jroud Arsal and head for Syria’s northwestern Idlib province under the deal.
The transfer echoes deals struck within Syria in which Damascus has shuttled rebels and civilians to Idlib and other opposition areas. Such evacuations have helped President Bashar Assad recapture several rebel bastions over the past year.
The cease-fire took effect last week, just days after Lebanese Hezbollah and the Syrian army launched an offensive to drive Nusra Front and other Sunni Muslim militants from their last foothold along the Syria-Lebanon border.
The Jroud Arsal operation has highlighted the major role of Hezbollah in fighting militants along the frontier during Syria’s six-year war, sending thousands of combatants to support Assad’s government.
Hezbollah’s Al Manar television said that 26 buses had crossed from the Arsal area to Wadi Hmeid further northeast in the direction of the Syrian frontier. A security source said they were carrying 1,020 people.
Nearly 7,000 Syrians are expected to leave the area under the cease-fire deal, according to Hezbollah-run media outlets.
Security sources say that some 1,000 Nusra Front militants are among those who will leave the area for Idlib aboard dozens of buses.
The deal included the release of several Hezbollah fighters by the Nusra Front in exchange for individuals held by Lebanon. The first stage of the swap took place overnight.
Last week, Hezbollah captured most of the mountainous zone of Jroud Arsal from the militants.
The Nusra Front was Al-Qaeda’s Syria branch until it severed ties and rebranded last year. It now spearheads the Tahrir Al-Sham Islamist alliance in the Syrian civil war.
The Lebanese army, which receives considerable US and British military support, did not take an active part in the operation, setting up defensive positions around Arsal.
The next phase is expected to focus on a nearby enclave currently in the hands of jihadists. Local media say the Lebanese army will likely wage that phase of the operation.
Hezbollah’s role in Syria’s conflict has been criticized by its Lebanese political opponents, including Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri, who is a Sunni.
Syrians leave Lebanese border camps in buses for rebel-held territory
Syrians leave Lebanese border camps in buses for rebel-held territory
Middle East airlines witness 3.3% passenger demand growth in February: IATA
RIYADH: Airlines operating in the Middle East recorded a 3.3 percent year-on-year increase in passenger demand in February, with total flight capacity rising 1.3 percent during the same period, an industry report showed.
The latest data from the International Air Transport Association revealed global passenger demand, both domestic and international, increased by 2.6 percent over the second month of the year.
This growth comes as many Middle Eastern countries focus on boosting the aviation sector to help diversify their economies away from oil dependency, with Saudi Arabia seeking to triple passenger numbers by 2030 compared to 2019 levels.
Commenting on the latest report, Willie Walsh, director general of IATA, said: “February traffic hit an all-time high, and the number of scheduled flights is set to continue increasing in March and April.”
The association added that the total load factor among carriers in the Middle East region stood at 82 percent in February, representing a rise of 1.6 percentage points compared to the same month in 2024.
The load factor is a metric used in the aviation sector that measures the percentage of available seating capacity that has been filled with passengers.
A high load factor signifies that an airline has sold most of its available seats.
IATA also reported that carriers in the Middle East handled 9.4 percent of global passengers in February, a figure that remained unchanged from January.
Earlier this month, a report by consulting management firm Oliver Wyman stated that the fleet of commercial airlines in the Middle East is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1 percent from 2025 to 2035, reaching 2,557 aircraft.
It added that this growth rate in the Middle East is nearly double the annual global growth rate, which is projected at 2.8 percent during the same period.
Affirming the progress of the aviation sector in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is set to see its newest airline – the Public Investment Fund-backed Riyadh Air – take to the skies later this year, with the aim of flying to 100 countries by 2030.
In October, Riyadh Air signed an agreement to purchase 60 Airbus A321neo single-aisle aircraft.
In the same month, the company announced plans to order wide-body aircraft capable of seating more than 300 passengers in 2025.
According to IATA, international passenger demand growth increased by 5.6 percent in February compared to the same period in the previous year.
However, international passenger demand growth was down compared to January, which witnessed a 12.3 percent rise.
The report added that global domestic demand declined by 1.9 percent year on year in February.
Africa witnessed a 6.8 percent rise in overall passenger demand, including both domestic and international, followed by Latin America at 4.6 percent, Europe at 4.3 percent, and Asia-Pacific at 4.2 percent.
Air carriers operating in North America experienced a 3.2 percent decline in passenger demand.
International passenger demand
Airlines operating in the Asia-Pacific region led international passenger demand globally, marking a 9.5 percent growth in February compared to the same month in 2024.
The total capacity of airlines in the APAC region rose by 8.3 percent year on year, while the load factor stood at 85.7 percent.
APAC airlines handled 33.5 percent of global passengers in February, followed by Europe at 26.7 percent and North America at 22.9 percent.
The report further indicated that international passenger demand among Middle East airlines increased by 3.1 percent in February compared to the same month in the previous year.
The association also noted that the capacity of airlines in the Middle East region increased by 1.3 percent, while the load factor stood at 81.9 percent in February, representing a rise of 1.4 percentage points compared to the same month in 2023.
According to IATA, international passenger demand among European air carriers rose by 5.7 percent year on year in February, while capacity increased by 4.9 percent during the same period.
North American air carriers saw a 1.5 percent decline in international passenger demand growth, with capacity also decreasing by 3.2 percent.
International passenger demand growth among Latin American airlines grew by 6.7 percent year on year in February, while capacity climbed by 9.9 percent.
African airlines saw demand growth of 6.7 percent among international travelers.
The capacity of these carriers also rose by 4 percent in February compared to the same month in 2024.
Air cargo demand growth
In a separate report, IATA revealed that air cargo demand declined slightly by 0.1 percent in February compared to the same period in the previous year, marking the first decline since mid-2023.
Overall, cargo capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-km, decreased marginally by 0.4 percent year on year in February.
The report added that international cargo capacity edged up by 1.1 percent over the month.
“February saw a small contraction in air cargo demand, the first year-on-year decline since mid-2023. Much of this is explained by February 2024 being extraordinary — a leap year that was also boosted by Chinese New Year traffic, sea lane closures, and a boom in e-commerce,” said Walsh.
He added: “Rising trade tensions are, of course, a concern for air cargo. With equity markets already showing their discomfort, we urge governments to focus on dialogue over tariffs.”
Airlines operating in the APAC region drove cargo demand growth in February.
According to IATA, cargo demand growth among APAC airlines increased by 5.1 percent year-on-year, while capacity rose by 2.7 percent during the same period.
Air carriers in the Middle East region witnessed an 11.9 percent year-on-year decrease in air cargo demand in February, the slowest among the regions.
The capacity of air carriers in the Middle East also decreased by 4 percent in February.
“North American carriers saw a 0.4 percent year-on-year decrease in demand growth for air cargo in February. Capacity decreased by 3.5 percent year-on-year,” said IATA.
The air cargo demand growth among European airlines dropped marginally by 0.1 percent in February compared to the same month in 2024, while capacity slightly edged down by 0.2 percent.
Air carriers operating in the Latin American region witnessed a 6 percent year on year cargo demand growth in February, the strongest rise among all regions. The capacity of these airlines also rose by 7.6 percent during the same period.
“African airlines saw a 5.7 percent year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in February. Capacity decreased by 0.6 percent year-on-year,” added IATA.
Looking at trade indicators, IATA said that the industrial production index rose 3.2 percent year-on-year in February, the highest growth in two years, while world trade expanded by 5 percent.
In February, the Purchasing Managers’ Index for global manufacturing output stood at 51.5, indicating growth.
The PMI for new export orders rose slightly to 49.6 from the previous month, remaining just shy of the 50-mark, which is the growth threshold.
The report added that jet fuel prices averaged $94.6 per barrel in February, representing a 2.1 percent decline compared to January.
Malaysia PM seeks deeper economic ties as investment from Pakistan hits $397 million
- Anwar Ibrahim wants more Pakistani investment in agriculture, petrochemicals and biomass industries
- He says his government is looking forward to PM Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Kuala Lumpur in May
ISLAMABAD: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday expressed hope for increased Pakistani investment, noting it had grown to nearly $397 million in recent years, as the two countries look to deepen economic and diplomatic ties.
Ibrahim’s comments came shortly after a phone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif, during which both leaders exchanged Eid Al-Fitr greetings and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Sharif is expected to travel to Kuala Lumpur in May on an official visit, following Ibrahim’s three-day trip to Islamabad last October. That visit saw the signing of several memoranda of understanding between the two sides and the conferment of Pakistan’s highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, on the Malaysian leader.
“This evening, I spoke with my counterpart from Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, exchanging and reaffirming our commitment to strengthening Malaysia-Pakistan ties,” Ibrahim wrote in a post on social media platform X. “Our friendship continues to deepen, opening new avenues for cooperation, particularly following my visit to Pakistan last October.”
“Pakistan’s investments in Malaysia have grown to approximately $397 million, and I welcome further investments, especially in agriculture, petrochemicals and biomass industries,” he said.
The two leaders also reviewed collaboration in trade, education and research while agreeing to expedite pending matters to advance shared goals, Ibrahim added.
The Malaysian prime minister said the conversation also covered the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where “Israel’s violations of the ceasefire continue to undermine peace efforts.”
Both leaders discussed coordinated efforts to support reconstruction in the besieged territory and to end the violence against Palestinians.
“I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Shehbaz on his maiden visit to Malaysia on 9 May,” Ibrahim said, expressing his hope that the partnership would continue to strengthen for the benefit of both nations.
Pakistan and Malaysia have long maintained cordial relations, with both countries working to expand cooperation in various sectors.
The renewed outreach comes as Islamabad intensifies its economic diplomacy to attract foreign investment and revive its struggling economy.
Saudi firms announce 2024 financial results amid Eid trading break
RIYADH: Multiple companies have released their financial results for 2024 despite the Saudi market remaining closed for trading due to the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, which lasts until April 2.
Red Sea International Co. reported a turnaround in profitability, announcing a net profit of SR4 million ($1.07 million), compared to a net loss of SR23.1 million in 2023.
In a statement on Tadawul, the organization attributed the improvement to the full-year impact of its First Fix acquisition, along with stronger revenues and performance. Operating profit surged to SR70 million from SR6 million in the previous year.
Raydan Food Co. posted a net loss of SR73.1 million in 2024, widening from SR30.8 million in 2023, a 136.6 percent increase.
The company attributed the losses to declining sales, lower revenues from contracts and franchises, higher selling and marketing expenses, and impairment costs related to right-of-use assets and land.
Foreign currency valuation adjustments and investment impairments also contributed to the decline. Sales fell 12.4 percent to SR155.3 million due to weaker branch performance and lower contract revenues.
Osool and Bakheet Investment Co. remained profitable despite a drop in net income. The firm’s profits dropped to SR19.8 million from SR25.4 million in 2023, largely due to a 24 percent fall in total revenues.
A 31 percent reduction in expenses and a 55 percent decrease in financing costs did help offset the impact. Other income surged 152 percent to SR4.2 million, though zakat expenses rose 58 percent to SR3.8 million.
Maharah Human Resources Co. reported a robust earnings gain, with net profits rising 27.1 percent to SR127.4 million, driven by an 18 percent revenue increase and a 6 percent improvement in gross profit, supported by corporate services sector growth.
The organization benefited from an SR20 million reduction in expected credit losses and an SR11 million boost in other operating income, mainly from increased government incentives for Saudi employment.
However, higher investments in human capital pushed general and administrative expenses up by SR3.5 million, while financing costs rose by SR4 million.
Additionally, profits from associate companies, including Care Shield Holding Co. and Saudi Medical Systems Co., fell 30 percent, amounting to an SR12.2 million decline, due to weaker results from Care Shield Holding Co. and the absence of Saudi Medical Systems Co.’s financial data for the last six months of 2024.
Saudi study on human eye microbiome joins SpaceX launch
- The study by Falak for Space Science and Research will examine the eye’s bacteria and other microorganisms in conditions of microgravity
RIYADH: A Saudi mission to study the effects of low gravity on the microbiome of the human eye joined the launch of SpaceX’s Fram2 flight on Monday night.
The study by Falak for Space Science and Research will examine the eye’s bacteria and other microorganisms in conditions of microgravity.
A research team collected biological samples of microbial cultures and conducted tests to ensure that the samples could withstand launch conditions and return safely from space.
The project “will contribute to achieving qualitative progress in education and research in space and associated technologies,” Dr. Ayoub Al-Subehi, CEO of Falak, told the Saudi Press Agency ahead of the launch.
The study of the ocular microbiome in space is an emerging research field. This experiment will analyze the growth rates of the microorganisms in space compared to growth rates on Earth.
It will track the genetic and protein changes that may occur as a result of exposure to microgravity.
The experiment also aims to evaluate the ability of microbes to form biofilms, which may increase the risk of infection in space, as well as analyze changes in microbial resistance to antibiotics after exposure to microgravity.
Dr. Wedad bint Saeed Al-Qahtani, a research scientist in the mission, added: “Studying the impact of the space environment on the natural microflora of the eye could provide valuable data on how it responds to microgravity conditions, which could help develop new strategies and protocols to maintain eye health.”
Another one of the mission’s scientists, Prof. Salwa Al-Hazza, stressed the importance of ophthalmological research, saying: “What we are doing today is not limited to sending a scientific experiment into space, but is a fundamental step towards building a deeper understanding of the impact of the space environment on eye health, and we hope that the results will contribute to the development of future medical solutions that enhance eye health care, both in space and on Earth, proudly carrying this Saudi flag and representing an important step in the Kingdom’s commitment to innovate scientifically and enhance its growing role in the global space sector.”
This mission is part of global efforts to study the impact of space on human health and was preceded by similar research that dealt with the effect of microgravity on the intestinal and oral microbiomes.
Celtics, Thunder power toward NBA playoffs, Lakers shoot down Rockets
- The Lakers beat the second-placed Houston Rockets 104-98 in a tense duel at Crypto.com Arena
- The Oklahoma City Thunder, already assured of the Western Conference top seed, racked up their 10th straight victory with a 145-117 pounding of the Chicago Bulls
LOS ANGELES: Veteran Al Horford turned back the clock to help the NBA champion Boston Celtics notch a ninth straight victory and nab a franchise first with a 117-103 win over the Grizzlies in Memphis on Monday.
Horford, 38, led the Celtics scoring with 26 points off the bench.
Jayson Tatum added 25 points and 14 rebounds and the Celtics defense stymied the Grizzlies in the second half to complete a perfect 6-0 road trip — the longest unbeaten road swing in the club’s history.
Boston, second in the Eastern Conference behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, won all six games by double digits.
Horford scored his season-high, draining six of Boston’s 21 three-pointers.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Horford said. “It’s pretty amazing for me to be in this position and I’m just trying to have fun with it and enjoy with my team.”
Ja Morant scored 26 points for the Grizzlies, who led by as many as 11 in the first half and regained the lead early in the third.
Ultimately, however, they couldn’t keep pace and lost ground in their fight with the Los Angeles Lakers for fourth place in the West.
The Lakers beat the second-placed Houston Rockets 104-98 in a tense duel at Crypto.com Arena.
Luka Doncic, Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent scored 20 points apiece for the Lakers and LeBron James added 16.
James drilled a pair of free throws to push the Lakers lead to 102-98 with 11.1 seconds left then came up with a massive block as Los Angeles held on for the victory.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, already assured of the Western Conference top seed, racked up their 10th straight victory with a 145-117 pounding of the Chicago Bulls.
Isaiah Joe came off the bench to score 31 points — leading seven Thunder players to score in double figures.
“We all have the same goal in mind,” said Joe, who made eight of the Thunder’s 23 three-pointers.
“We know what we want to do at the end of the day and we know how to get there. We’ve just got to keep stacking days, stacking games.”
The Indiana Pacers rallied from 16 points down in the third quarter to beat the Sacramento Kings 111-109 and maintain their grip on fourth place in the East.
Tyrese Haliburton scored 18 points and handed out 11 assists, drilling a three-pointer with 1:17 remaining that gave Indiana the lead for good.
The Los Angeles Clippers, eighth in the West but locked in a battle with Golden State and Minnesota for sixth place and direct entry to the playoffs, clawed out a gritty 96-87 victory over the Magic in Orlando.
Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell scored 21 points each and Ivica Zubac added 18 points and 20 rebounds — including nine on the offensive end — to help the Clippers finally seize control in a game that featured 15 lead changes in the first three quarters.
Paolo Banchero scored 26 points and Franz Wagner added 21 for the Magic, who remained in eighth place in the East.
The top six teams in each conference advance to the playoffs while teams ranked from seventh to 10th play a mini-tournament to determine the final two playoff slots.
The Miami Heat climbed to ninth — ahead of the Bulls — with a fifth straight victory, beating the Wizards 120-94 in Washington.
Bam Adebayo scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds and Tyler Herro added 27 points for the Heat, whose current winning streak comes on the heels of a 10-game skid.
