AL-MUKALLA: A missile believed to have been launched by Yemen’s Houthi militia struck a vessel off Yemen’s southern city of Aden on Thursday, as the US military said that it had shot down a fresh barrage of Houthi missiles and drones in the Gulf of Aden.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations, which documents ship attacks, said that it received a report from a vessel master about an explosion at “a distance astern of” the vessel while sailing 50 nautical miles southeast of Yemen’s city of Aden. The master reported no damage, and the crew was unharmed.
“The vessel is proceeding to its next port of call. Authorities are investigating,” UKMTO said.
The latest ship attack comes as the US Central Command said that the Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile from areas under their control between 2 a.m. and 4:50 p.m. (Sanaa time) on Wednesday against international commercial and naval ships in the Gulf of Aden, but no ship was struck.
On Thursday, the US military shot down four drones and one surface-to-air missile launched by the Houthis from regions under their control in Yemen, according to a CENTCOM statement on social media site X.
The Houthis did not immediately take credit for assaulting the ship in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday or launching drones or missiles that were intercepted by US forces.
However, the Houthis routinely claim credit for Red Sea ship strikes hours after they occur.
Houthi media said on Thursday that the US and UK launched four strikes on the Al-Jah district of the Red Sea province of Hodeidah, a day after another round of strikes hit Hodeidah airport.
Since November, the Houthis have fired hundreds of drones, missiles, and remotely controlled boats at commercial and navy ships in the Red Sea, Bab Al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden, claiming that their actions are intended to force Israel to allow humanitarian assistance, including water and food, into the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
At the same time, the diplomatic missions of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and the US all condemned the Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, including the Houthi missile attack on the Liberian-owned MV True Confidence, which killed two Filipino and one Vietnamese civilian sailors.
“It is critical that the Houthis cease these attacks immediately. These illegal attacks have taken the lives of innocent sailors and only serve to destabilize the region and harm the people of Yemen,” the diplomats said in a joint statement.
The top Houthi negotiator, Mohammed Abdul Sallam, responded to the global condemnation of the militia’s attacks on ships by saying that they would continue to uphold their “religious, humanitarian and moral responsibilities” toward Palestinians by blocking the Red Sea before all ships headed to Israel and striking ships until Israel ends its siege on Gaza.
“We emphasize that Yemen’s stance is solid and will remain on Gaza’s side until the Israeli assault ceases, the blockade is removed, and aid reaches the whole Strip,” Abdul Sallam said on X.
Houthis attack ship in Gulf of Aden
https://arab.news/gcnc3
Houthis attack ship in Gulf of Aden
- Militia fired missile in Gulf of Aden, no damage reported, US Central Command says
- US military shoots down 4 drones, 1 surface-to-air missile launched by Houthis from area under their control
Jazan Education Department focuses on tennis
- A total of 47 physical education teachers have undergone specialized training in systematic and advanced tennis instruction methodologies
JAZAN: The Jazan Education Department has launched an ambitious tennis program across its schools. The initiative, developed in partnership with the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Sports for All Federation, targets both male and females.
The initiative aims to enhance school athletic programs, improve physical education standards, and introduce students to the importance of sports in developing their physical and mental capabilities, with a special focus on popularizing tennis among the student population.
A total of 47 physical education teachers have undergone specialized training in systematic and advanced tennis instruction methodologies. These educators will spearhead the program’s initial implementation across 47 schools.
The program reflects the Saudi Ministry of Education’s strategy to transform school athletics while aiming to diversify sports offerings and uncover emerging athletic talent. It is also attempting to instill lifelong healthy habits among students.
Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs attends Shariah conference in Nigeria
- The ministry is a guest of honor and chair of the conference’s first scientific session
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs is participating in the 16th International Conference of Daaru-Na’im Academy for Shariah Science in Nigeria.
The ministry is a guest of honor and chair of the conference’s first scientific session. The conference runs from Jan. 1-3.
The conference began with a speech by Imran Abdul Majeed, the conference chairman and general supervisor of the academy, in which he praised Saudi Arabia’s role in sponsoring and participating in international conferences, in line with its leadership in Islamic work and keenness to spread the moderate approach of Islam.
The acting undersecretary at the ministry, Awad Al-Enezi, said in his speech that the Kingdom is keen to participate in these conferences, confirming its consistent approach in supporting Islamic work and dedication to the unity of Muslims.
He said the Kingdom is making great efforts to serve Islam and Muslims, fulfilling its mission of spreading Islam, peace, love and goodness and calling for unity and non-divisiveness.
Heartbroken father pays tribute to Kareem Badawi, the Palestinian-American university student killed in New Orleans attack
- Belal Badawi tells Arab News that the death of his smart, friendly and athletic son has left his family in shock
- Belal describes the attacker as evil ‘who did not follow the religion of our people’
CHICAGO/LONDON: The father of a Palestinian-American university student killed in the New Orleans terror attack has described how the death of his “smart, polite and athletic” son has left his family heartbroken.
Kareem Badawi, 18, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was celebrating New Year with his friend Parker Vidrine when a US Army veteran plowed his truck into the crowd in the city’s French Quarter, killing 15 people.
Kareem’s father Belal told Arab News that his son was in his first year at the University of Alabama studying mechanical engineering.
“He was a smart little kid, an ‘A’ student,” he said. “He was full of life. Very responsible.
“He also just loved his friends. He had a lot of friends here and at school. He enjoyed his social life, a good person always treating people with respect. He loved people and loved to build relationships and friends.”
At 6 feet 5 inches tall, Belal said that his son loved athletics and sport and excelled at sport, including football.
“It’s so awful for our family for him to be killed that way,” Belal said. “It just shocked the whole family. He was an honest, smart kid, good-looking.
“He just wanted to enjoy his life.”
Belal said that his son had traveled to New Orleans for New Year “where everybody goes like Dubai for the holiday break.”
His friend Parker, who attended the same high school as Kareem, is in a critical condition.
“We are praying for Parker and his recovery,” Belal said. “They said he is stable and we pray for him to get better.”
Belal, a Muslim, described Kareem’s killer as evil and not representative of the Muslim faith.
“Kareem did no harm to anyone,” he said. “This evil came and did what it did. I don’t think this is Islam. It is not the religion of our people. It is wrong. What kind of people would hurt or harm civilians, innocent people and others?”
The FBI said the attacker, 42-year-old Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, had posted videos on social media on the morning of the attack saying he supported Daesh.
Belal said that the FBI were still holding Kareem’s body and that all the family could do was pray for their son and all the other victims of the attack.
“They are not releasing anything yet so we are mourning and suffering and praying,” he said. “We pray for all the people who died and were injured including our son.
“We can’t sleep, for two days. It is very hard. It hurt us. This terrible thing has broken my heart.”
Kareem had joined the Sigma Chi fraternity at the University of Alabama.
The university’s President Stuart Bell described Badawi’s death as “heartbreaking.”
“I learned today that Kareem Badawi, one of our students at the University of Alabama, was killed in the terrorist attack in New Orleans,” Bell said in a statement. “I grieve alongside family and friends of Kareem in their heartbreaking loss.”
He urged people to take a moment to pray for those impacted by the tragedy.
Badawi graduated from the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge in May 2024 along with Parker.
The school said that it was “deeply saddened’ to learn of Badawi’s death in the attack and that Parker had been critically injured.
“It is with a profound sense of sorrow and grief that we share difficult news involving members of our Episcopal family,” the statement said. “Earlier today, we learned of a horrific attack in New Orleans that has tragically impacted our school community.”
The statement added: “Please keep the Vidrine and Badawi families in your thoughts and prayers.”
The school has scheduled an evening prayer service for the victims.
An Instagram post by the Palestinian Youth Movement described Badawi as a Palestinian-American who was a star athlete in high school, excelling in both basketball and football.
“He was beloved to all in his community in Baton Rouge,” it said.
The other victims identified in the media so far include: Nicole Perez, a 28-year old mother; Tiger Bech, 27, a Princeton University graduate; Nikyra Dedeaux, 18, an aspiring nurse from Mississippi; Reggie Hunter, 37, a father of two from Baton Rouge; Matthew Tenedorio, 25, an audiovisual technician, and Hubert Gauthreaux, 21, a graduate from the Archbishop Shaw High School in New Orleans.
Pakistan warns of Internet disruptions due to fault in submarine cable near Qatar
- AAe-1 cable is one of seven ones handling Pakistan’s international Internet traffic, says PTA
- Internet disruptions over past few months have affected millions of Pakistani users nationwide
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) warned on Thursday that Internet users may face disruptions nationwide due to a fault reported in an undersea cable near Qatar.
In a press release, the PTA said the fault was reported in the AAe-1 submarine cable located near Qatar, which is one of the seven cables handling Pakistan’s international Internet traffic.
“Due to this Internet and broadband users may face problems,” the PTA said.
The PTA said that its teams were working on fixing the problem.
“PTA is monitoring the situation and will keep telecom users informed from time to time,” the statement added.
Pakistan has reported faults in undersea Internet cables in the past as well. Internet disruptions over the past few months have affected millions of Pakistani users, adversely affected businesses and drawn nationwide complaints
Pakistan has 110 million Internet users, and up to 40 percent slower Internet speeds have affected nearly half the country’s 241 million population.
Digital rights experts, however, have cast doubts on the government’s statement about Internet disruptions in the past. Instead, they say that the government’s move to install a firewall to monitor and regulate content and social media platforms has caused the Internet to slow down.
Year of welcome surprises generated by World Test Championship
- Despite certain flaws, the WTC has been one of ICC’s best initiatives, encapsulating Test cricket’s unpredictability
LONDON: There have been encouraging signs for lovers of Test cricket toward the end 2024. This is just as well because the T20 franchise season is almost upon us. There are those who are convinced that the T20 format is the only way of the future, but this seems disrespectful of the game’s oldest format.
One factor that seems to have assisted Test cricket was the creation of the World Test Championship by the International Cricket Council.
It comprises nine of the 12 ICC full members and is played on a two-year cycle. The first one, 2019-2021, was interrupted by COVID-19, with New Zealand beating India in the final. India also reached the final of the 2021-2023 cycle, but Australia triumphed. The WTC provides a framework for Test cricket by which teams are rated on the basis of results. The concept was first mooted as far back as 1996. It took until 2010 for agreement to be reached on its structure but was shelved in 2013 due to financial considerations.
The eventual tournament structure consists of 69 matches played between the nine teams across 27 series. Each team plays six series, three at home and three away, with each series containing two to five Test matches. The two teams with the highest number of points progress to the final.
Critics point to severe flaws in this structure. International cricket’s packed calendar means that not all teams play long series. Logistical challenges are too great to overcome to allow a home-and-away format. India and Pakistan do not play each other, while Test cricket is not financially viable outside of Australia, England and India.
It is quite an achievement, therefore, that South Africa is the first team to qualify for the final, which will be played in June, 2025, at Lords. This was achieved via six two-Test series against India, West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan. The last of these is currently in play against Pakistan. The first match was laden with drama. South Africa’s cricketing history contains many near misses and self-induced disasters, including the 2024 T20 World Cup final. Needing 30 runs from 30 deliveries, with six wickets in hand, South Africa lost by seven runs.
Another disaster seemed a distinct possibility at Centurion Park, Pretoria. Requiring only 148 for victory, South Africa slumped to 99 for eight in the face of superb fast bowling by Pakistan. Then, Kagiso Rabada, batting at number ten and Marco Jansen, batting at eight, shared a 51-run partnership to secure victory. Celebrations, no doubt tinged with relief, erupted. Sadly, there were few people there to witness the event.
This was not the case in Melbourne, where an equally thrilling Test match was won by Australia when India collapsed in the final session of the final day. Requiring 340 to win, India seemed to have set out to draw the match. At tea, the strategy looked to be working, India reaching 122 from three in 54 overs. A carelessly given-away wicket sparked the loss of seven wickets for 30 runs. Over the five days, the Test had been watched by 373,691 spectators, a new record for a Test match in Australia.
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, was awarded player of the match for his performance with both ball and bat. His leadership qualities seem to know no bounds. His opposite number, Rohit Sharma, had a disappointing match. It is likely for both him and Virat Kohli to be the last series that they play in Australia. The team’s chances of making the WTC final are also fading.
Two months ago, it looked like Australia and India would be the two to reach the final. Now, it is Australia whose chances are the brightest. After a fifth Test against India next week, they have a two-match series against Sri Lanka to navigate. India’s cause was dealt a blow in a surprising twist of fate. After being beaten on tour in August in an ODI series by Sri Lanka for the first time in 27 years, the Test team lost all three matches to New Zealand in October. This ended India’s 12-year unbeaten run in Tests at home. It has not been an auspicious start to Gautam Gambhir’s term as full-time head coach.
In the race to join South Africa in the WTC final, Australia is in second place in the standings and India is third. The standings are calculated on the basis of the percentage of points won out of the total number of points contested. Twelve points are awarded for a win, a tie draw earns six points, a draw earns four, while points are deducted for slow-over rates. Australia’s percentage of points won is 61.46, while India’s is 52.78.
Australia requires one win from three remaining Tests — India at home and Sri Lanka away — to reach the final. India must win the final Test of their series against Australia and then rely on Sri Lanka to beat or draw with Australia. Sri Lanka has its own slim hopes. If the fifth Test between Australia and India ends in a draw and Sri Lanka wins both Tests against Australia at home, it will secure a place in the final.
A South Africa v Sri Lanka WTC final would be a major surprise and would probably lead to more concentrated criticism of the championship. In South Africa’s case, it would reopen accusations that it has disrespected Test cricket by sending a weakened squad to New Zealand in early 2024. This was because the top players were required to play in the SA T20 domestic tournament. South Africa’s defense is that, because Test cricket does not make money, the board had little option to develop another income stream.
It is impossible to know if the prospect of appearing in the WTC final affected player and team performance in the two exciting matches that have just concluded. The final matches of the cycle may yet generate more tension. Despite its flaws, the WTC has been one of governing body’s best initiatives, encapsulating Test cricket’s unpredictability.
