MANILA: President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday ordered the military to destroy the Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) after Philippine authorities named it the primary suspect in the double bombing of a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu on Sunday that left 20 dead and more than 100 injured.
The president, accompanied by his top security officials, including Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, flew to the southern Philippine island of Sulu on Monday to assess the situation at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman-Catholic Cathedral.
Lorenzana said that six suspects have been named in connection with the cathedral attack after footage was recovered showing the men acting suspiciously outside the church after the first explosion.
Following the attack, Jolo has been placed on lockdown as security forces scrambled to restore normalcy while they hunt down the perpetrators.
Security had also been tightened across the entire of Sulu, as well as in the cities of Isabela and Lamitan in Basilan province. Sulu and Basilan are known strongholds of ASG, which has pledged allegiance to Daesh.
The Philippine government has assured the international community that those behind the attack would be brought to justice following strong condemnations of the bombings.
Salvador Panelo, a spokesman for President Duterte, said he has directed the AFP to undertake measures to prevent similar incidents from happening.
Duterte’s spokesman said that the latest violence is all the more reason for Mindanao island to be under martial law despite critics saying that the bombings are indicative of the fact that it is ineffective.
“If you can do that under a martial law regime, then all the more reason you should maintain it and be more strict in the implementation of security measures in that area,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) vowed that those responsible for this attack would not go unpunished.
“We grieve over the unnecessary loss of so many lives in this act of violence, which can only be perpetrated by the forces of evil. Those responsible for this crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and bring them to justice,” the DFA said.
“We are thankful for the many expressions of sympathy and solidarity from the international community. This terrorist act comes at a sensitive and yet hopeful period following the ratification by an overwhelming majority of the Bangsamoro Organic Law that seeks to bring peace and progress to Mindanao.”
The Kingdom, the US, Russia, Canada, Jordan and Japan all condemned the attack.
“A crime committed against civilians who gathered for a church service is shocking,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin in a telegram published by the Kremlin.
Sung Kim, US ambassador to the Philippines, expressed his “deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of life in Jolo.”
“We condemn this senseless violence and we will do everything possible to support the AFP,” he said.
The military said the Daesh claim to the attack remains “a form of propaganda at this time,” noting that “they have had false claims in the past.”
Philippines vows to bring cathedral bombers to justice
Philippines vows to bring cathedral bombers to justice
- The president flew to the southern Philippine island of Sulu on Monday to assess the situation
- Duterte on Monday ordered the military to destroy the Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)
West faces ‘reckoning’ over Middle East radicalization: UK spy chief
- MI6 head Richard Moore cites ‘terrible loss of innocent life’
- ‘In 37 years in the intelligence profession, I’ve never seen the world in a more dangerous state’
LONDON: The West has “yet to have a full reckoning with the radicalizing impact of the fighting, the terrible loss of innocent life in the Middle East and the horrors of Oct. 7,” the head of Britain’s foreign intelligence service MI6 has warned.
Richard Moore made the comments in a speech delivered to the British Embassy in Paris, and was joined by his French counterpart Nicolas Lerner.
Moore said: “In 37 years in the intelligence profession, I’ve never seen the world in a more dangerous state. And the impact on Europe, our shared European home, could hardly be more serious.”
Daesh is expanding its reach and staging deadly attacks in Iran and Russia despite suffering significant territorial setbacks, he added, warning that “the menace of terrorism has not gone away.”
In October last year, Ken McCallum, the head of Britain’s domestic intelligence service MI5, said his agency was monitoring for increased terror risks in the UK due to the Gaza war. More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in over a year of fighting.
In Lebanon, a 60-day truce agreed this week between Hezbollah and Israel brought an end to a conflict that has killed thousands of Lebanese civilians.
Bangladesh prepares to send Hajj pilgrims by sea after 40 years
- Bangladesh has been struggling to meet its Hajj pilgrim quota due to high airfares
- Travel by sea estimated to help decrease the cost of pilgrimage package by about $900
DHAKA: Bangladeshi authorities are preparing to resume sending Hajj pilgrims via the sea route, aiming to significantly reduce travel costs starting next year.
For the past few years, Bangladesh, one of the most populous Muslim-majority countries, has struggled to meet its Hajj quota, as fewer people have been able to afford the pilgrimage since international airfares surged after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The possibility of pilgrimage by sea was discussed during Bangladeshi Religious Affairs Adviser Khalid Hossain’s meeting with Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah in Jeddah last month.
Dhaka’s envoy to the Kingdom, Brig. Gen. S.M. Rakibullah, told Arab News on Thursday that the first session on the logistics was set to take place next week.
“We have received confirmation from (the) Saudi authority regarding the transportation of pilgrims by sea. A coordination meeting on this issue will be held in Jeddah on the 3rd of December,” he said.
Targeting to start sending pilgrims by sea already during next year’s Hajj season — which will take place between June 4 and June 9 — Bangladeshi authorities are planning to reduce the cost of pilgrimage packages.
The price of the current 2025 package is about $4,000.
“We will declare a new Hajj package for the pilgrims who are interested in taking the sea route,” Matiul Islam, additional secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, told Arab News.
“This new sea route will help us in fulfilling the Hajj quota ... Our assigned shipping company is working on sourcing the ship. If we get ship on time, there is no other problem at our end.”
Hajj travel by sea will take place for the first time in four decades.
“To the best of my knowledge, in 1984, Bangladeshi pilgrims traveled to the Kingdom by ship to perform the Hajj rituals for the last time,” Islam said.
Karnaphuli Ship Builders, the shipping company chosen by the Bangladeshi government to operate the route, expects that the new mode of transport will reduce the cost of the current pilgrimage package by more than 20 percent.
It plans to purchase a 32-story ship to carry pilgrims from the southern Bangladeshi port of Chottogram to Jeddah.
“The costs of the Hajj journey will be reduced by around $900,” said M.A. Rashid, the company’s managing director.
“We have already sourced a Caribbean cruise ... The ship will carry up to 3,000 pilgrims at a time. It will take eight days to reach from Chottogram Port to Jeddah.”
Last year, Saudi Arabia granted Bangladesh a quota of 127,000 pilgrims, but because of high inflation and the cost of flights to the Middle East, only 85,000 were able to embark on the spiritual journey that is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Thai scholar thanks Saudi Arabia for ‘transformative role’ in his life
RIYADH: Abdullah Mustafa, a prominent Muslim scholar from Thailand and one of the guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visit, has expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its pivotal role in shaping his life and career, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Fifty years ago, a young Mustafa embarked on a life-changing journey to Saudi Arabia, receiving a scholarship from the Islamic University of Madinah. He fondly recalled the simplicity of the Prophet’s Mosque during his early days — a stark contrast to the magnificent religious landmark it has become today.
During his 16 years in Saudi Arabia, Mustafa immersed himself in Islamic studies, earning a doctorate in Islamic advocacy and interfaith dialogue. His academic pursuits were particularly focused on understanding Buddhism, the predominant religion in Thailand, and developing effective strategies for Islamic outreach.
Upon his return to Thailand, he dedicated his life to spreading the message of Islam. He translated the Holy Qur’an into the Thai language, making it accessible to a wider audience. His tireless efforts have led to numerous conversions and a strengthened Muslim community in Thailand.
He emphasized the enduring impact of Saudi Arabia’s support for Muslims worldwide and highlighted the “esteemed” position held by graduates of Saudi universities in various fields, including education and Islamic jurisprudence.
Looking to the future, Mustafa expressed hope that his daughter, currently studying at Taibah University in Madinah, will continue his legacy of serving Islam.
He acknowledged the Kingdom’s progressive approach to education, emphasizing the importance of women scholars in Islamic advocacy.
He also extended heartfelt thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering commitment to serving Islam and Muslims around the world, and gratitude to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its endeavors to promote moderate Islam and foster “global Islamic unity.”
Israel military strikes kill 32 Palestinians in Gaza, medics say
- Among the 32 killed, at least seven died in an Israeli strike on a house in central Gaza City
The Israeli military said it killed a Palestinian it accused of involvement in Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel in a vehicle strike in Gaza, and is investigating claims that the individual was an employee of aid group World Central Kitchen.
At least 32 Palestinians were killed in Israeli military strikes across Gaza overnight and into Saturday, with most casualties reported in northern areas, medics told Reuters.
Later on Saturday medics said seven people were killed when an Israeli air strike targeted a vehicle near a gathering of Palestinians receiving aid in the southern area of Khan Younis south of the enclave.
According to residents and a Hamas source, the vehicle targeted near a crowd receiving flour belonged to security personnel responsible for overseeing the delivery of aid shipments into Gaza.
Among the 32 killed, at least seven died in an Israeli strike on a house in central Gaza City, according to a statement from the Gaza Civil Defense and the official Palestinian news agency WAFA early on Saturday.
The Gaza Civil Defense also reported that one of its officers was killed in attacks in northern Gaza’s Jabalia, bringing the total number of civil defense workers killed since October 7, 2023, to 88.
Earlier on Saturday, WAFA reported that three employees of the World Central Kitchen, a US-based, non-governmental humanitarian agency, were killed when a civilian vehicle was targeted in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
The World Central Kitchen has not yet commented on the incident.
Startup Wrap – Early-stage funding continues to capture interest
CAIRO: Early-stage startups across the Middle East and North Africa region secure investments to drive innovation in sectors such as logistics, fintech, and climate tech.
Saudi-based Nama Ventures co-led Egypt’s Nowlun $1.7 million seed funding round along with venture capital firm A15.
The round also saw participation from Sanabil 500 Global and other angel investors.
Founded in 2021 by Moataz Khamis, Ahmed Emara, and Mahmoud Khaled, Nowlun’s platform provides businesses with access to real-time pricing across major shipping lines, enabling them to make faster and more informed decisions.
The company plans to utilize the raised capital for expansion and the development of its technology.
Mohammed Al-Zubi, founder of Nama Ventures, and Bassem Raafat, principal at A15, lauded the company’s mission and strategy.
Naif Al Rajhi acquires stake in Jordan’s Mawdoo3
Saudi investment firm Naif Al Rajhi Investment has acquired a strategic stake in Jordan-based artificial intelligence Arabic content platform Mawdoo3 for an undisclosed amount.
Founded in 2010 by Mohammad Jaber and Rami Al-Qawasmi, Mawdoo3 specializes in AI technologies and large language models tailored to the Arabic language.
The deal aligns with Naif Al Rajhi Investment’s focus on emerging sectors, while providing the Jordan-based firm with the resources to expand into the Saudi market.
Mawdoo3, which has raised $25 million over three funding rounds – including a $10 million series B in 2019 – is poised to strengthen its regional presence through this partnership.
Geidea expands SoftPos solution to Egypt after success in Saudi Arabia and UAE
Geidea, a prominent Saudi provider of digital payment solutions, is set to launch its SoftPos service in Egypt after successful rollouts in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The SoftPos technology enables merchants to accept secure contactless payments via smartphones, eliminating the need for traditional point-of-sale devices.
This expansion is part of Geidea’s strategy to drive digital transformation across the region by enhancing payment efficiency and accessibility for businesses of all sizes.
SoftPos allows merchants to process secure payments directly from smartphones, adhering to global data protection and transaction safety standards, the company explained.
Flat6Labs backs 10 Saudi startups in Riyadh Seed Program cycle
Flat6Labs, a seed and early-stage venture capital firm operating in the MENA region, has invested in 10 Saudi startups as part of its fourth Riyadh Seed Program cycle.
The startups span a variety of sectors, including e-commerce, logistics, Software-as-a-Service, and cybersecurity, and each received $133,000 in funding.
The initiative is supported by the Saudi Venture Capital Co., Jada Fund of Funds, and Riyadh Valley Company, with additional backing from the National Technology Development Program.
Since launching its Riyadh program in 2023, Flat6Labs has funded 41 startups, solidifying its role in fostering innovation in Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Sylndr secures $7.46m to boost Egypt’s used car marketplace
Egypt-based used car marketplace Sylndr has raised $7.46 million in a capital facility to support its operations and growth.
EFG Hermes acted as the sole financial advisor for the transaction, with financing provided by EFG Corp-Solutions, Bank NXT, and EG Bank, among others.
Founded in 2021 by Amr Mazen and Omar El-Defrawy, Sylndr enables users to buy and sell used cars while offering financing solutions.
The new capital will be used to enhance customer experience, diversify inventory, and expand financing options. This follows a $12.6 million pre-seed round in 2022, led by RAED Ventures and Algebra Ventures.
Morocco’s PTS raises $500k to scale fintech solutions
Premium Technology & Services, a Morocco-based fintech startup, has secured $500,000 from BMCE Capital Investments, the private equity arm of BMCE Capital Group.
The funding will be used to advance PTS’s solutions for digitizing traditional banking cards, which are tailored to meet the evolving needs of banks and businesses.
Founded in 2020 by Samir Younes and two others, PTS plans to leverage the investment to drive innovation and scale operations to meet increasing demand in the region.
Watercycle Technologies raises $5.6m to advance MENA expansion
UK-based climate tech company Watercycle Technologies has closed a $5.6 million series A investment round led by Par Equity, alongside participation from Aer Ventures, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and the University of Manchester Innovation Factory.
Founded in 2020 by Ahmed Abdelkarim and Sebastian Leaper, Watercycle Technologies focuses on sustainable critical mineral recovery while producing clean, drinkable water.
This investment will help the company expand its operations, with plans to extend services into the MENA region to support global Net Zero initiatives.
Iraq-based edtech Eduba acquired by a regional telecom giant
Eduba, an Iraq-based education tech startup, has been acquired by an undisclosed telecommunications conglomerate in a seven-figure deal.
Founded in 2019 by Azad Hassan, Haider Shaaban, and Raed Kadhem, Eduba began as a school management app and gained traction among private schools, securing accreditation from Iraq’s Ministry of Education.
This acquisition highlights the growing value of edtech solutions in the region and positions Eduba for further expansion under its new ownership.
Japan’s AI startup Recursive Inc. inks MoU with Saudi Arabia’s KAIMRC
Japan-based AI startup Recursive Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding with the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center in Saudi Arabia to jointly develop an advanced system for the early detection of tuberculosis.
The partnership, formalized during the Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit, aims to leverage Recursive’s AI expertise and KAIMRC’s medical research capabilities to improve TB screening accuracy and diagnosis speed in the Kingdom.
This collaboration, supported by the Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to transform its healthcare system and improve public health.
Using chest X-ray imaging data, the AI solution will enable timely TB diagnosis and treatment, reducing mortality and transmission risks.
“We are truly honored to partner with KAIMRC on this groundbreaking initiative,” said Tiago Ramalho, CEO of Recursive Inc.
“By combining KAIMRC’s pioneering medical research with our AI expertise, we are confident we can make a meaningful impact, not only in Saudi Arabia but also in regions worldwide that face the increasing challenge of TB and other infectious diseases,” he added.
The initiative also supports Saudi Arabia’s National Tuberculosis Program, which seeks to reduce TB mortality and incidence rates by 95 percent and 90 percent, respectively, by 2035 compared to 2015 levels.
Through this collaboration, Recursive and KAIMRC aim to create a scalable TB screening model for broader application in high-burden regions while exploring the use of AI to address other infectious diseases.
