JALALABAD: An explosion in a city in eastern Afghanistan where President Ashraf Ghani was visiting killed at least 12 people, officials said Sunday, in the latest deadly violence to rock the country.
Provincial governor spokesman Attaullah Khogyani said a suicide bomber struck a market, killing at least 12 people and wounding 20.
Khogyani told AFP that 10 Afghan Sikhs were among the dead.
The death toll was confirmed by interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish, adding the assault was “most probably” carried out by a suicide bomber.
“I can confirm there are some Afghan Hindus among the wounded and we are checking if they are among the fatalities,” Danish told AFP.
Afghans often use the word Hindus even when talking about Sikhs. Small communities of both faiths reside in what is otherwise an overwhelmingly Muslim nation.
Provincial health director Najibullah Kamawal put the death toll at 15.
Afghan officials often give conflicting information in the immediate aftermath of attacks.
Ghani’s spokesman confirmed the president was still in Nangarhar but was “away from danger.”
Ghani arrived in Jalalabad earlier Sunday to open a hospital, part of a two-day visit to the restive province.
The attack came a day after Ghani ordered Afghan security forces to resume offensive operations against the Taliban following the expiration of the government’s 18-day cease-fire.
The government’s unilateral truce overlapped with the Taliban’s three-day cease-fire for Eid, but the militants refused to prolong it.
The unprecedented cease-fire over the holiday capping Ramadan triggered spontaneous street celebrations involving Taliban fighters and security forces.
But it was marred by two suicide attacks in Nangarhar that killed dozens of people and were claimed by the Daesh group, which has a smaller but relatively potent presence in Afghanistan.
Daesh was not part of the cease-fire.
Blast rocks Afghan city killing at least 12
Blast rocks Afghan city killing at least 12
Russia fires what appears to be intercontinental ballistic missile at Ukraine, Kyiv says
- Western officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, later told Reuters their initial analysis showed it was not an intercontinental ballistic missile
- Regardless of its classification, the latest strike highlighted rapidly rising tensions in the 33-month-old war
KYIV: Ukraine said Russia fired what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile at the city of Dnipro on Thursday, in what would be the first use in war of a weapon designed to deliver long-distance nuclear strikes.
Western officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, later told Reuters their initial analysis showed it was not an intercontinental ballistic missile, though they left open the possibility that conclusion could change.
Regardless of its classification, the latest strike highlighted rapidly rising tensions in the 33-month-old war.
Ukraine fired US and British missiles at targets inside Russia this week despite warnings by Moscow that it would see such action as a major escalation.
Security experts said that if Thursday’s strike involved an intercontinental ballistic missile, it would be the first use of such a missile in war. ICBMs are strategic weapons designed to deliver nuclear warheads and are an important part of Russia’s nuclear deterrent.
“Today there was a new Russian missile. All the characteristics – speed, altitude – are (of an) intercontinental ballistic (missile). An expert (investigation) is currently underway,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video statement.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry urged the international community to react swiftly to the use of what it said was “the use by Russia of a new type of weaponry.”
The Ukrainian air force said the missile was fired from the Russian region of Astrakhan, more than 700 km (435 miles) from Dnipro in central-eastern Ukraine. It did not specify what kind of warhead the missile had or what type of missile it was. There was no suggestion it was nuclear-armed.
Asked about the air force statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters to contact Russian military for comment.
Ukrainska Pravda, a Kyiv-based media outlet, cited anonymous sources saying the missile was an RS-26 Rubezh, a solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of 5,800 km, according to the Arms Control Association.
The RS-26 was first successfully tested in 2012, and is estimated to be 12 meters (40 ft) long and weigh 36 tons, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). It said the RS-26 can carry an 800-kg (1,765-pound)nuclear warhead.
The RS-26 is classified as an ICBM under a nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and Russia, but it can be seen as an intermediate-range ballistic missile when used with heavier payloads at ranges below 5,500 km, CSIS said.
Pakistan government open to talks with Imran Khan’s party, refuses to allow Nov. 24 protest
- Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi says negotiations cannot take place amid ‘threats’ from PTI
- He says it is not possible to allow a rally in Islamabad ahead of a Belarusian delegation visit
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday suggested the government was open to talks with former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party but ruled out allowing its planned protest in Islamabad on November 24, ahead of a high-level visit by a Belarusian delegation.
The PTI has announced a “long march” to Islamabad on November 24, primarily demanding the release of Khan, who has been imprisoned since August last year on charges the party contends are politically motivated.
Additionally, the party’s protest is also meant to raise its voice against alleged rigging in the February 8 general elections while calling for measures to ensure judicial independence, which it believes has been undermined by the 26th constitutional amendment.
On Monday, Islamabad’s district magistrate imposed a two-month-long ban on gatherings of more than five people in the capital, invoking Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. This provision allows the government to prohibit political assemblies, rallies, demonstrations, sit-ins and other activities for a specified period.
Addressing the media in Islamabad, the interior minister said the government was fully prepared to stop the protest, with Punjab police, Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) troops assisting the Islamabad police in operational duties.
“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Barrister Gohar Khan met Imran Khan twice in the past two days,” Naqvi said, amid speculation that the PTI leaders discussed the option of negotiating with the government. “If they wish to initiate talks [with the government], they should do it. If they want to hold talks, they should tell us.”
The minister added, however, that no talks were possible if the PTI headed to Islamabad and “wielded sticks against us” on November 24.
“Let me tell you one thing: negotiations don’t take place with threats, though I personally feel talks should take place between everyone,” he said.
In response to a question, Naqvi clarified that no talks were currently underway with Khan, who is facing a new case related to violence at a PTI rally that took place in September while the ex-premier was in jail.
Highlighting the upcoming visit of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko and his 10 cabinet ministers to Pakistan on a three-day visit next week, Naqvi said no permission could be granted for any rally or protest in the federal capital.
He added that a decision on whether to suspend mobile signals in Islamabad ahead of the protest would be finalized by Friday night.
Just a day earlier, it emerged that Pakistan’s interior ministry had authorized the deployment of paramilitary Punjab Rangers and FC forces in Islamabad since November 7 to maintain law and order.
Pakistan’s parliament also passed a law earlier this year to regulate public gatherings in Islamabad, specifying timings for rallies and designating specific areas. The law prescribes three-year jail terms for participants in illegal assemblies and 10-year imprisonment for repeat offenders.
How Arab nations are faring in Asian Qualifiers after Matchday 6
- After 6 match days of 10 in the third round of qualifiers, only Iraq are looking strong candidates for automatic qualification, while brave Palestine likely to miss out on progress
DUBAI: With World Cup 2026 qualifying’s third round now past its halfway point in Asia, nations are starting to sense whether they will need to renew their passports or begin brainstorming alternative holiday ideas.
None of the Middle East’s nine remaining competitors yet look guaranteed to be boarding a flight to North America, with four crucial fixtures left to fulfill until June 2025.
This four-month gap until play resumes provides an opportune moment for Arab News to assess where the region’s finest stand.
PACKING THEIR BAGS
Iraq (2nd, Group B)
Perennial underachievers look poised to make their global return.
A golden touch from unheralded Spanish boss Jesus Casas saw him debut with victory on home soil in January 2023’s 25th Arabian Gulf Cup. This unifying impact on a fractious national team has extended into a third round from which the Lions of Mesopotamia appear most capable of slotting in behind South Korea as automatic qualifiers from a Group B full of Middle Eastern interest.
Youngsters, such as Ali Jasim and Youssef Amyn, have dovetailed perfectly with experienced campaigners like hulking center forward Ayman Hussein. They will, though, want to wrap up a first World Cup qualification since 1986 before June 2025’s onerous, final double-header against South Korea and Jordan.
LOOKING AT FLIGHTS
UAE (3rd, Group A)
November could not have gone any better for Paulo Bento’s side.
October’s anguish was unequivocally erased with 3-0 victory against Kyrgyzstan and reparative 5-0 thrashing of great-rivals Qatar. Fabio De Lima’s legend status was underlined with four goals against the Qataris, while youthful vigor abounds elsewhere.
Fourth-round progression is almost assured. But, with momentum now on their side, the bigger prize of automatic World Cup entry — for the first time since 1990 — looms when they aim to reel in second-placed Uzbekistan next year.
Jordan (3rd, Group B)
An international break stamped with frustration should not detract from a positive wider picture.
Draws at Iraq (good) and Kuwait (bad) have kept Jordan on the heels of the former-mentioned second-placed side. This further defied pessimism which followed the summer abdication of transformational head coach Hussein Ammouta from the shock 2023 Asian Cup beaten finalists, to the UAE’s Al-Jazira.
With Montpellier’s Musa Al-Taamari and 2023 AFC Player of the Year runner-up Yazan Al-Naimat within their ranks, anything is possible for potential World Cup debutants.
IN FOR THE LONG HAUL
Qatar (4th, Group A)
If Qatar in this cycle make a World Cup via qualification for the first time, they will have done it the hard way.
A rollercoaster November from 2022’s hosts contained the highs of 102nd-minute victory against second-placed Uzbekistan and the depths of their UAE humiliation. That is now 17 goals conceded from six third-round matches — an unsustainable volume even for a nation garlanded by 2023 AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif.
Pressure builds on 2023 Asian Cup orchestrator Tintin Marquez. March’s generous restart against also-rans North Korea and Kyrgyzstan must favorably change their qualifying situation, or a fourth-round lottery awaits.
Oman (4th, Group B)
Bold leadership could yet gain reward for unfancied Oman.
Former Czech Republic manager Jaroslav Silhavy was unceremoniously dumped after September’s pointless third-round start versus predicted automatic qualifiers Iraq and South Korea. A return to Rashid Jaber has, however, kept them in the hunt.
Beat Kuwait on March 25, 2025 and a fourth-round berth will feel increasingly tangible.
Kuwait (5th, Group B)
A glimmer of hope still exists for Kuwait.
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup 2018 supremo Juan Antonio Pizzi has added valuable know-how into a squad still finding its feet after iconic forward Bader Al-Mutawa’s 2022 international retirement.
Repetition of 1982’s World Cup qualification remains a distinct long shot. If a fourth-round spot is secured, however, they will look back on a pair of 1-1 draws against fancied Jordan as pivotal.
Saudi Arabia (4th, Group C)
A demanding Group C was never going to be easy.
But, few expected the six-time World Cup qualifiers would find themselves in such peril.
Last month’s decision to ditch Roberto Mancini and rehire Herve Renard generated just one point from testing visits to Australia and Indonesia. Even Palestine (four goals) and North Korea (five goals) have outscored the Green Falcons (three goals) throughout this concerning third round.
A clean bill of health for Al-Hilal talisman Salem Al-Dawsari cannot come soon enough, while replication would be welcome on the international stage of 20-year-old winger Marwan Al-Sahafi’s eye-catching scoring exploits on loan at Belgium’s Beerschot.
If the debonair Renard can solve these chronic attacking issues against China and runaway leaders Japan in March, a compact pool — second to sixth are separated by one point — still offers substantial hope.
Bahrain (5th, Group C)
It has been a nerve-fraying experience for Bahrain fans in the third round.
Decisive goals from 89 minutes+ have been produced during four of their six qualifiers. From this maelstrom, The Reds — somehow — remain firmly in contention for either automatic World Cup progression or a fourth-round slot.
The visit to an impassioned Indonesia on March 25, 2025 looks key.
MAKING OTHER PLANS
Palestine (6th, Group B)
It is remarkable — and utterly commendable — that Palestine have made it this far.
Makram Daboub’s men continue to perform heroically despite war in Gaza, with South Korea and Tottenham Hotspur superstar Son Heung-min stating this month “we can all learn from” their preparations after a heroic 1-1 draw. This was the second time they have held Group B’s giant.
Charleroi forward Oday Dabbagh and his teammates keep believing, even while being forced to play away from home. But, they appear just short of the necessary quality.
Chelsea defender Reece James misses Leicester match because of hamstring injury
- “Unfortunately, he felt something small and we do not want to take a risk with him at the weekend,” Maresca said
- James missed the 2022 World Cup because of a knee injury
LONDON: Chelsea defender Reece James will miss Saturday’s English Premier League game against Leicester because of a hamstring problem.
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca confirmed the latest setback for the England international, who has endured two years of injury disruption.
“We have, for sure, just one injured player and that is Reece. Unfortunately, he felt something small and we do not want to take a risk with him at the weekend,” Maresca said on Thursday.
James missed the 2022 World Cup because of a knee injury and last year had surgery on a recurring hamstring problem.
He has been restricted to just 18 starts for Chelsea since December 2022, curtailing the progress of a player who was regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in England.
The Chelsea captain has made only three starts this season.
Maresca is assessing a host of players who did not feature during the international break, including Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill who pulled out of England’s UEFA Nations League games against Greece and Ireland.
Saudi Arabia pursues new fuel technologies to decarbonize aviation
- Mohammad Altayyar: The Kingdom is actively pursuing innovative technologies that will enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions
- Altayyar: These initiatives not only support global climate goals but also establish the Kingdom as a leader in developing balanced, cleaner energy solutions
BAKU: Saudi Arabia is pursuing new technologies to improve fuel efficiency and decarbonize the aviation sector, an oil sustainability program spokesperson told Arab News.
Mohammad Altayyar, program director of the Saudi Ministry of Energy’s oil sustainability program, spoke to Arab News during the COP29 UN climate conference about the Kingdom’s efforts to improve sustainability in aviation.
He said: “Today we stand with an opportunity, an opportunity to contribute to the global efforts in addressing climate change.
“With the aviation sector contributing to 2 percent of global emissions, and with countries pursuing sustainable development, their travel demand continues to grow, and nations continue to work on meeting the climate challenge.”
Altayyar highlighted that discussions at COP29 exemplified the ministry’s collective commitment to tackling pressing issues through dialogue on advances in aviation fuels.
He further emphasized Saudi Arabia’s progress in the aviation sector, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.
“Saudi Arabia as a global key player in the global energy landscape making significant strides and pioneering the promotion of sustainable practices within the aviation sector, upholds the commitments of Vision 2030, which clearly outline an ambitious framework for its economic diversification and environmental stewardship.
“The Kingdom is actively pursuing innovative technologies that will enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, working toward long-term global objectives.
“These initiatives not only support global climate goals but also establish the Kingdom as a leader in developing balanced, cleaner energy solutions,” Altayyar said.
In other developments at COP29, the Saudi Ministry of Energy signed an executive program for cooperation in renewable energy with counterparts from three Asian nations: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The program emphasizes the formation of strategic partnerships to explore regional power grid interconnections powered by renewable energy. It also aims to boost the efficiency of energy infrastructure and integrate renewable projects into the national grids of the participating countries.
Additionally, the Ministry of Energy observed the signing of two strategic agreements between Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and various entities to advance renewable energy initiatives in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.
The first agreement focused on collaboration with the Uzbek Ministry of Energy to develop battery energy storage systems with a capacity of up to 2 GWh, aimed at improving grid stability.
The second agreement was a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan’s oil company SOCAR and the UAE’s Masdar to develop offshore wind power projects in the Caspian Sea with a capacity of up to 3.5 GW.
In conjunction with the executive program, ACWA Power’s Khyzi Absheron wind power project in Azerbaijan, slated for a capacity of 240 MW, is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2026.
