US warns of environmental disaster from cargo ship hit by Houthi rebels

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In this satellite image provided by Planet Labs, the Belize-flagged bulk carrier Rubymar is seen in the southern Red Sea near the Bay Al-Mandab Strait leaking oil after an attack by Yemen's Houthi militia on Feb. 20, 2024. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)
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Updated 24 February 2024
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US warns of environmental disaster from cargo ship hit by Houthi rebels

  • The Belize-flagged Rubymar was damaged Sunday by a missile strike claimed by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels
  • It was transporting 41,000 tons of fertilizer when it was attacked, says Roy Khoury, the CEO of Blue Fleet CEO

WASHINGTON: A cargo ship abandoned in the Gulf of Aden after an attack by Yemeni rebels is taking on water and has left a huge oil slick, in an environmental disaster that US Central Command said Friday could get worse.

Rubymar, a Belize-flagged, British-registered and Lebanese-operated cargo ship carrying combustible fertilizer, was damaged in a Sunday missile strike claimed by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Its crew was evacuated to Djibouti after one missile hit the side of the ship, causing water to enter the engine room and its stern to sag, said its operator, the Blue Fleet Group.
A second missile hit the vessel’s deck without causing major damage, Blue Fleet CEO Roy Khoury told AFP.
CENTCOM said the ship is anchored but slowly taking on water and has left an 18 mile oil slick.
“The M/V Rubymar was transporting over 41,000 tons of fertilizer when it was attacked, which could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster,” it said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
The ship’s operator said Thursday the ship could be towed to Djibouti this week.
Khoury said the ship was still afloat and shared an image captured on Wednesday that showed its stern low in the water.
When asked about the possibility of it sinking, Khoury had said there was “no risk for now, but always a possibility.”
The attack on the Rubymar represents the most significant damage yet to be inflicted on a commercial ship since the Houthis started firing on vessels in November — a campaign they say is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war.
The Houthi attacks have prompted some shipping companies to detour around southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, which normally carries about 12 percent of global maritime trade.
The UN Conference on Trade and Development warned late last month that the volume of commercial traffic passing through the Suez Canal had fallen more than 40 percent in the previous two months.
 


Acclaim for Bounou, Al-Dawsari as world reacts to Al-Hilal’s performance against Real Madrid

Updated 1 min 10 sec ago
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Acclaim for Bounou, Al-Dawsari as world reacts to Al-Hilal’s performance against Real Madrid

  • New coach Simone Inzaghi’s tactics praised after Saudi club’s impressive 1-1 draw in FIFA Club World Cup
  • It was on social media, however, that the impact of Al-Hilal’s performance reverberated most

DUBAI: An impressive 1-1 draw by Al-Hilal against Spanish giants Real Madrid in the FIFA World Club Cup has drawn praise from football fans and media alike, with goalkeeper Yassine “Bono” Bounou and captain Salem Al-Dawsari receiving particular attention.

Al-Dawsari caused a stir among the media, who recalled his heroics in scoring Saudi Arabia’s winner against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while Bounou was a key player for Morocco who reached the semifinals in the same tournament.

There was also recognition of the role played by Simone Inzaghi, the new Al-Hilal coach, who took over the reins following his departure from UEFA Champions League finalists Inter Milan.

“For Al-Hilal, many foreign players who now play for the club have experience at top teams and stages of tournaments, like Manchester City and World Cup semifinals,” wrote the Washington Post after the encounter at Hard Rock Stadium in Washington.

“Inzaghi has made a big step after guiding Inter Milan to two Champions League finals, now stepping out of his comfort zone.”

Al Jazeera said Real Madrid had labored to the 1-1 result draw against a spirited Al-Hilal and that “Simone Inzaghi’s men showed defensive grit and enough attacking intent to rattle their illustrious opponents.”

The BBC compared the Al-Hilal coach’s debut to that of opposite number Xabi Alonso, saying: “Inzaghi will likely be the more satisfied, with his unfancied Al-Hilal side impressing and threatening to deliver a remarkable result even without a prolific marksman of their own, given Aleksandar Mitrovic was ruled out through injury.”

It was on social media, however, that the impact of Al-Hilal’s performance reverberated most.

Many commenters highlighted the challenges posed by 33-year-old Al-Dawsari to Real Madrid debutant Trent Alexander Arnold, who was involved in one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer when he joined the Saudi club from Liverpool just weeks ago.

“I was raving about Salem Al-Dawsari during the Arabian Gulf Cup as one of the best players I have ever seen. An unbelievable talent and Real Madrid found that out for themselves,” journalist David Rhys Williams wrote on X.

Seb Stafford-Bloor of The Athletic echoed the sentiments in his own tweet: “Salem Al-Dawsari is a super player — and he’s had an excellent half. Causing all kinds of problems down Real’s right.”

One user said: “Trent getting dunked on by Salem Al-Dawsari,” while another commented: “Trent getting cooked by Al-Dawsari.” Others posted memes of the Al-Hilal player’s success in the head-to-head battle.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois praised Bounou after a stoppage-time penalty save against Frederico Valverde secured a precious point for Al-Hilal.

“Fede has a very strong shot but he does not look at the keeper. Bounou moved early and could reach it. Bounou is good at penalties,” said Courtois.


On X, @Medias24, with over 180,000 followers, said: “A world-renowned drill specialist, Yassine Bounou, once again demonstrated his instincts against Real Madrid. Marca praises him, FIFA celebrates him, and the numbers confirm: the Moroccan goalkeeper has become a global icon.”

Meanwhile Moroccan football account @MoroccanGrinta proudly tweeted: “Penalty in the 90th minute against Real Madrid? Not a problem when you have Yassine Bounou. The Atlas Lion delivers a masterclass and secures a crucial point for Al-Hilal.”

Sports News Africa posted a video of Bounou’s save and said: “We’ll let you watch yet another save from the best African goalkeeper in history against the GREAT Real Madrid. Yassine Bounou…”


Pakistan PM urges diplomacy to end Iran-Israel conflict in call with US secretary of state

Updated 17 min 5 sec ago
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Pakistan PM urges diplomacy to end Iran-Israel conflict in call with US secretary of state

  • Sharif says Pakistan is ready to play a ‘constructive role’ as Rubio acknowledges Islamabad’s ‘excellent ties with Iran’
  • The prime minister also reaffirms Pakistan’s willingness to engage in talks with India on all outstanding issues

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday emphasized the importance of “dialogue and diplomacy” to defuse the escalating military conflict between Iran and Israel during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in which both sides discussed a broad range of issues.

The phone call came amid continuing hostilities between Iran and Israel, which began after Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities last Friday, leading to the killing of several top commanders and nuclear scientists.

Iran responded with retaliatory missile strikes, causing significant damage inside Israel and raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

Israel’s attack came while Iran was engaged in negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program. Subsequently, Washington supported Israel’s action, saying Iran could not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

There has also been speculation the US could become more directly involved in the Israel-Iran conflict, though President Donald Trump’s administration has not announced how it plans to deal with the situation in the coming days.

“The situation in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-Israel crisis, was ... discussed [during the phone call], where the Prime Minister emphasized on the need to find a peaceful resolution to this grave crisis, through dialogue and diplomacy,” Sharif’s office said in a statement circulated after his conversation with Rubio.

“He stated that Pakistan was ready to play a constructive role in any effort for peace in the current situation, which was deeply worrying, not only for the region, but for the entire world,” the statement added.

Earlier this week, President Trump hosted Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at the White House, where the unfolding Middle East crisis was also discussed.

The prime minister also referred to the “most cordial and productive” discussion between them in the conversation.

DIALOGUE WITH INDIA

During the call, Sharif also thanked Rubio for the US role in helping Pakistan and India reach a ceasefire understanding last month after a brief but intense four-day military standoff between the nuclear-armed rivals.

He appreciated President Trump’s “bold leadership” and Rubio’s “proactive diplomacy,” which he said had played a “pivotal role” in averting a major flareup.

He also maintained Trump’s recent positive remarks about Pakistan had created space for a more durable peace in South Asia, which, he noted, would only be possible through “meaningful dialogue” with India.

The Pakistani leader reaffirmed Islamabad’s “willingness for talks with India on all outstanding issues, including Jammu & Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, trade and counterterrorism.”

Rubio, for his part, appreciated Pakistan’s resolve to uphold the ceasefire understanding with India and encouraged Islamabad to continue playing a role in regional stability, including through its “excellent ties with Iran.”

The two officials agreed that both countries must translate their talks into “tangible actions across all areas.”

COUNTERTERRORISM COOPERATION

They also discussed deepening security cooperation between their governments. Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to combating militant violence, particularly threats posed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other armed factions carrying out recent attacks in his country.

Washington and Islamabad have a history of intelligence-sharing and military cooperation in counterterrorism operations, particularly during the US-led war in Afghanistan.

Rubio acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts and assured continued American cooperation to counter “all such threats.”

Sharif pointed to other areas of potential collaboration, including trade, investment, energy, mining, rare earth metals and information technology while emphasizing the need to advance mutually beneficial cooperation across these sectors.

The Pakistani premier also stressed the importance of maintaining the positive momentum in bilateral ties through regular high-level engagement.

He reiterated his invitation to President Trump to visit Pakistan and expressed hope to meet him at the earliest opportunity.

Sharif also extended a formal invitation to Rubio, as the US secretary of state said he looked forward to enhancing cooperation across “all areas of shared interest.”


Olympic leader Bach got 10 percent raise in 2024 payment that trails far behind soccer’s elected leaders

Updated 48 min 18 sec ago
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Olympic leader Bach got 10 percent raise in 2024 payment that trails far behind soccer’s elected leaders

  • Bach on Monday will formally hand over to President-elect Kirsty Coventry
  • The IOC has classed the 71-year-old Bach as a volunteer on a full-time executive mission

GENEVA: The International Olympic Committee paid its president Thomas Bach $350,000 in 2024, the Olympic body said Friday — a 10 percent raise for his final full year in office after a two-year freeze.

The payment, or “indemnity” in Olympic language, revealed in its annual report is small compared to soccer bodies that, like the IOC, are based in Switzerland and count annual revenue in billions.

Bach on Monday will formally hand over to President-elect Kirsty Coventry, who will start an eight-year initial term as the Olympic body’s first female leader and first from Africa.

The IOC has classed the 71-year-old Bach as a volunteer on a full-time executive mission who “should not have to finance activities related to his function from his personal savings.”

Bach, who also gets living allowances, was paid from 12 percent to 15 percent what soccer gives its top elected officials.

FIFA paid its president Gianni Infantino $5.2 million in taxable salary and bonus last year, plus other expenses. Infantino also is among the 109 IOC members and so can claim $7,000 each year for office costs and $450 daily allowance when on Olympic business.

UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin got almost $4.3 million in taxable income last year, including $300,000 from FIFA as one of its vice presidents.

It is unclear if the 41-year-old Coventry will be a salaried president of the IOC instead of officially a volunteer. The IOC was asked for comment.

The two-time Olympic champion in swimming left her job as sports minister of Zimbabwe after winning the seven-candidate IOC election in March.

Bach’s annual payment has been decided by the IOC’s ethics commission on the stated principle “the president should not financially benefit from his position.”

The German lawyer held a series of business consultancies and board of director seats before being elected in 2013 to lead the IOC.

The IOC paid Bach 225,000 euros ($259,000) in 2020. It rose to 275,000 euros ($317,000) in the year of his re-election, 2021, then was frozen for each of the next two years.

International sports bodies have typically published details of leadership pay as part of governance reforms, particularly after corruption scandals in soccer.


Taif Municipality launches tree-planting initiative

Updated 59 min 28 sec ago
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Taif Municipality launches tree-planting initiative

  • The mayor of Taif, Abdullah bin Khamis Al-Zaidi, affirmed that the municipality will help everyone meet the development needs of their neighborhoods

RIYADH: Taif Municipality launched the “Neighborhood Friends” initiative to establish a volunteer team to plant trees around housing units in the Taif governorate and identify the needs of occupants, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to SPA, the initiative aims to enhance communication with beneficiaries of developmental housing, identify the units’ issues, engage volunteers in tree planting, activate professional volunteering, encourage individual participation, and acknowledge the importance of social responsibility in serving the community.

Engineers and specialists are also involved in this project.

The mayor of Taif, Abdullah bin Khamis Al-Zaidi, affirmed that the municipality will help everyone meet the development needs of their neighborhoods.

He also pointed out that this initiative is a pivotal intersection between community engagement and urban development, as it represents a collaborative process in which residents and other stakeholders work together to create a shared vision for their neighborhood’s future.


Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers postponed, relocated due to Israel-Iran conflict

Updated 20 June 2025
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Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers postponed, relocated due to Israel-Iran conflict

  • Preliminary matches involving Jordan, Iran, Lebanon, Bhutan and Singapore were due to kick off on Monday
  • The Group A qualifiers will now take place from July 7 to 19

BEIRUT: Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for next week in Jordan have been postponed until July and moved to Qatar due to the air war between Iran and Israel, the Asian Football Confederation confirmed on Friday.

Preliminary matches involving Jordan, Iran, Lebanon, Bhutan and Singapore were due to kick off on Monday and run through to July 5.

The Group A qualifiers will now take place from July 7 to 19, with further details regarding venues and match timings yet to be confirmed by the regional body.

The Football Association of Singapore had earlier said that the matches had been postponed by the AFC due to the “ongoing situation in the region and logistical concerns” raised by several participating member associations.

Qualifiers for the competition will begin elsewhere in the region on Monday, with the draw for the finals to be held on July 29. The 12-team tournament will be played in Australia next March.

Israel began attacking Iran last Friday, saying it aimed to prevent its longtime enemy from developing nuclear weapons.

Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel. It says its nuclear program is peaceful.