ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's military says it shot down an Indian "spy drone" after it entered Pakistani airspace in the disputed region of Kashmir.
The military said in a statement late Tuesday that the drone violated Pakistan's airspace and was spying when it was shot down in the village of Chirikot along the Line of Control in Kashmir. It said Pakistani troops retrieved the wreckage.
The army said it was the fourth Indian drone it shot down in the past year.
India had no immediate comment.
Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and both claim the region in its entirety.
The two sides also often trade fire there and have fought two wars over it since their independence from British rule in 1947.
![]()
Pakistani army says it shot down Indian drone in Kashmir
Pakistani army says it shot down Indian drone in Kashmir
Jeddah event celebrates African heritage, culture, and unity
JEDDAH: VibeScape and SightScape hosted African Night, an event brimming with vibrant energy, cultural performances, and diverse activities, over the weekend at Yazen Ranch in Jeddah.
The event featured activities for all ages, and guests were welcomed by the beats of African drums and live DJ performances, setting an energetic tone for the evening.
A standout feature was the captivating African stage shows, which brought stories of heritage and unity to life. Guests also enjoyed unique activities like stargazing with telescopes, interactive color fights, and marshmallow roasting by campfire.
Families delighted in the animal interaction area, meeting ostriches, deer, and other exotic creatures, while others explored carnival games, karaoke sessions, and photography corners.
Guests enjoyed a buffet featuring a variety of African dishes, offering a taste of the continent’s rich culinary traditions.
Khaled Hashem, founder of VibeScape and SightScape, shared his vision for the event.
“We wanted to create an experience that brings people together and celebrates the richness of African culture. Seeing families and friends connect and enjoy themselves motivates us to keep innovating,” he said.
SightScape, a Saudi platform offering city passes, encourages locals and tourists to explore the Kingdom through curated experiences. Along with VibeScape, it contributes to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and tourism sectors, supporting Vision 2030’s goal of promoting cultural exchange and enhancing local experiences.
Morooj Ghoneim, the choreographer behind the stage performances, said: “Our African-themed show is a celebration of traditional and modern African culture, brought to life through music and dance. We incorporated over six iconic songs, ranging from classics like ‘Waka Waka’ to contemporary hits, all performed with authentic African rhythms and drums.
“The choreography was designed to reflect the vibrancy and essence of African dance, and the team worked tirelessly to ensure each performance truly honored the culture and spirit of Africa.”
Afrah Al-Naeem, an attendee who came with her family, said: “The African shows were absolutely breathtaking; they truly transported us to another world.
“As a Sudanese, I felt immense pride seeing our culture and cuisine showcased so beautifully. My family loved the petting zoo, and the pleasant weather made the outdoor activities even more enjoyable. Everything was well-organized,” she added.
Salem Abdullah, another guest, praised the variety of activities, saying: “From the color fight to the nature walk, every moment was unique, and the vibrant community spirit was inspiring.
“Events like this show how much the Kingdom has evolved, offering exceptional entertainment for everyone and setting a new benchmark for events.”
Children killed in Mozambique election violence: HRW
- The southern African nation has been rocked by unrest since an October 9 vote won by the ruling Frelimo party
- Thousands of people have demonstrated across the country in recent weeks in protests brutally suppressed by the police
JOHANNESBURG: Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Monday that Mozambican security forces killed at least 10 children and injured dozens more in post-election violence.
The southern African nation has been rocked by unrest since an October 9 vote won by the ruling Frelimo party in power since independence but contested by the opposition.
Thousands of people have demonstrated across the country in recent weeks in protests brutally suppressed by the police.
One 13-year-old girl was “caught in a crowd of people fleeing tear gas and gunfire... One of the bullets hit her in the neck, and she instantly fell to the ground and died,” HRW said in a statement.
The rights group said it had documented “nine additional cases of children killed and at least 36 other children injured by gunfire during the protests.”
The authorities have not responded to HRW’s claims.
Police have also detained “hundreds of children, in many cases for days, without notifying their families, in violation of international human rights law,” HRW said.
President Filipe Nyusi, who is due to step down in January, condemned an “attempt to install chaos in our country” in a state of the nation address last week.
He said that 19 people had been killed in the recent clashes, five of them from the police force. More than 800 people were injured, including 66 police, he added.
Civil society groups recorded a higher death toll — with more than 67 people killed since the unrest began — and said that an estimated 2,000 others had been detained.
Nyusi, 65, has invited the main opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, for talks.
Mondlane, who came in second after Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo, 47, but claims to have won, has been organizing most of the protests.
He said he would accept the president’s offer as long as the talks were held virtually and legal proceedings against him were dropped.
The 50-year-old is believed to have left the country for fear of arrest or attack but his whereabouts are unknown.
Belarus president to arrive in Pakistan today for bilateral investment agreements
- Pakistan, Belarus sign several memorandums of understanding ahead of Aleksander Lukashenko’s visit
- Pakistan and Belarus, world’s 74th-largest economy by GDP, celebrated thirty years of diplomatic relations this year
ISLAMABAD: Belarus President Aleksander Lukashenko is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan today, Monday, for a three-day visit to the country as Islamabad eyes foreign investment in its renewed efforts to ensure economic growth and stability.
Pakistan’s government has been seeking foreign trade, investment and bilateral cooperation agreements with old and new allies as it seeks to keep its $350 billion fragile economy afloat whilst grappling with a macroeconomic crisis.
A 68-member delegation from Belarus arrived in Pakistan’s capital on Sunday ahead of Lukashenko’s visit. The Belarusian delegation arrives in the capital as thousands of supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan march toward Islamabad, demanding his release from prison, independence of the judiciary and to register their protest against alleged rigging in the country’s February general election.
“President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko will undertake three-day visit to Pakistan from today,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said in a report.
Belarus’ Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov oversaw the signing of several agreements in Islamabad. Pakistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed Ryzhenkov to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Pakistan and Belarus, the world’s 74th-largest economy by GDP, celebrated thirty years of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize Belarus after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 and maintains an embassy in Minsk.
The prime minister of Belarus was in Islamabad earlier this year where he met his counterpart as well as the chief of the Pakistan army, among other key leaders.
In September, Pakistan and Belarus discussed different options for a joint venture to establish a tractor plant in the country and reached a consensus on collaborating on a foot-and-mouth disease vaccine to protect cattle, as well as on the capacity building of agricultural engineers in machinery design.
They also agreed to enhance cooperation in the sectors of livestock and seeds, and work together on the mechanization of agriculture and on increasing market access for agricultural and livestock products. Belarus also wants to set up a veterinary medicine plant in Pakistan.
The First Pakistan-Belarus Joint Economic Commission (JEC) was held in 2015 in which the two countries agreed to initiate joint ventures in the textile, pharmaceutical and lighting solution industries and share technological expertise.
At least 22 Somalis dead after boats capsize off Madagascar, official says
MOGADISHU/ANTANANARIVO: At least 22 Somali citizens died when two migrant boats capsized off the coast of Madagascar over the weekend, Somalia’s Information Minister Daud Aweis said.
Madagascar’s Port, Maritime, and River Authority (APMF) said the boats had set sail from Somalia for the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte on Nov. 2, a journey of several hundred kilometers.
On Saturday, the port authority reported that local fishermen discovered the first boat drifting on Friday near Nosy Iranja. They rescued 25 people, including 10 men and 15 women, but seven occupants died, the authority said.
A second boat carrying 38 people arrived at Madagascar’s Port du Cratère, according to APMF. The maritime authority did not disclose a death toll for the second boat but confirmed the rescue of 23 people.
Somali Information Minister Aweis, citing information from his counterparts in Madagascar, confirmed the total death toll at 22.
“They were about 70 Somalis, 22 of them died. One boat was carrying 38 people and the other boat was carrying 32 people,” Aweis said on state-owned television late on Sunday.
In recent decades thousands of people have attempted to make the crossing to Mayotte, which has a higher standard of living and access to the French welfare system.
Mayotte is officially part of France, although Comoros claims it.
Aweis said Somalia will investigate where the boats sailed from, terming those who organized the trip as criminals involved in illicit immigration.
“This is also a message of warning to those who want to immigrate illegally before they go and die in such manner. It is unfortunate people still go despite danger,” he added.
In early November, at least 25 people died off Comoros islands after traffickers capsized their boat.
Latest updates
© 2024 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.