BEIRUT: Hundreds of members of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, including fighters and medics, were seriously wounded on Tuesday when the pagers they use to communicate exploded, a security source told Reuters.
A Hezbollah official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the detonation of the pagers was the “biggest security breach” the group had been subjected to in nearly a year of war with Israel.
The explosions took place amid heightened violence between Israel and Hezbollah, who have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the Gaza war erupted last October in the worst such escalation in years.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military to Reuters enquiries about the detonations.
A Reuters journalist saw ambulances rushing through the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut amid widespread panic. Residents said explosions were taking place even 30 minutes after the initial blasts. The security source added that devices were also exploding in the south of Lebanon.
Groups of people huddled at the entrance of buildings to check on people they knew who may have been wounded, the Reuters journalist said.
Regional broadcasters carrying CCTV footage which showed what appeared to be a small handheld device placed next to a grocery store cashier where an individual was paying spontaneously exploding. In other footage, an explosion appeared to knock out someone standing at a fruit stand at a market area.
Lebanon’s crisis operations center, which is run by the health ministry, asked all medical workers to head to their respective hospitals to help cope with the massive numbers of wounded coming into for urgent care. It said health care workers should not use pagers.
Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel immediately after the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas gunmen on Israel. Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging fire constantly ever since, while avoiding a major escalation as war rages in Gaza to the south.
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced from towns and villages on both sides of the border by the hostilties.
Hundreds of Hezbollah members wounded in Lebanon when pagers explode, security source says
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Hundreds of Hezbollah members wounded in Lebanon when pagers explode, security source says
Dense smog shrouds Indian capital, threatening to disrupt flights
- Delhi ranked third among the world’s most polluted capitals in Friday’s live rankings by Swiss group IQAir
- On social media, India’s largest airline IndiGo and low-cost carrier Spicejet caution against weather delays
NEW DELHI: Thick smog engulfed the Indian capital on Friday, prompting warnings of possible flight disruptions from airport and airline officials, as worsening air quality cut visibility to zero in some areas.
Delhi, which has been battling smog and poor air quality since the beginning of winter, ranked third among the world’s most polluted capitals in Friday’s live rankings by Swiss group IQAir.
No diversion or cancelation has been reported yet, an airport spokesperson said, although authorities warned in a post on X that aircraft lacking equipment to enable landings in low visibility could face difficulties.
On social media, India’s largest airline IndiGo and low-cost carrier Spicejet also cautioned against weather delays.
Delays averaged eight minutes for 20 flights by 10:14 a.m., aviation website FlightRadar24 said.
Some train services in the capital were also delayed, media said.
New Delhi’s air quality was rated “very poor” on Friday, with an index score of 351, the country’s top pollution control body said, well beyond the levels from zero to 50 that it considers “good.”
Tom Hoge leads at Kapalua where good golf exceeds expectations in PGA Tour opener
- Hideki Matsuyama tried out a new putter and he had a birdie-eagle-birdie stretch on the back nine that carried him to a 65
- Most of the 60-man field is coming off a short winter’s nap with the holidays, looking to shake off some rust on a Plantation course with some of the widest, most generous fairways
KAPALUA: Tom Hoge grew up in North Dakota and found the ideal vibe for Kapalua on Thursday, keeping expectations low and riding the momentum of good golf on his way to a 9-under 64 to take a one-shot lead at The Sentry in the PGA Tour season opener.
Hideki Matsuyama tried out a new putter — he saw someone else use it and figured it would work for him — and he had a birdie-eagle-birdie stretch on the back nine that carried him to a 65 and was one back along with beefed-up Will Zalatoris.
That was the theme for the first day of a new PGA Tour season with so much more at stake than previously. Most of the 60-man field is coming off a short winter’s nap with the holidays, looking to shake off some rust on a Plantation course with some of the widest, most generous fairways they will see all year.
Xander Schauffele, the double major winner and highest-ranked player in the field, was among the few who showed up on the weekend at Kapalua. He twice had a fruitless search for his golf ball that led to bogey on the back nine for a 72.
Hoge, among the 29 players who made it to Kapalua without winning — the field includes the top 50 in the FedEx Cup last year — and wasn’t sure what to expect.
The weather didn’t allow for much practice in Fort Worth, Texas, where he now lives. Neither did the birth of his first child, a boy named Thomas Bennett, born a few weeks ago.
“I played all the way through Mexico the first week of November, then was just at home,” he said. “We had our first child in early December, so kind of forced time off. I feel like with the changes in the schedule, last year was a lot of golf from now until the Tour Championship. I felt like I was pretty burned out at that point.”
If the game was rusty, his putter was not. He made a 15-foot birdie out of the gate, saved par with a 6-foot putt on the next hole, holed an 18-foot birdie on the third and chipped in from a dicey spot on the fourth hole.
“It just kind of frees you up. And you’re in Maui, just no expectations, just let it go and see what you can do,” he said.
Zalatoris arrived looking a lot bigger. He took two months off after failing to reach the Tour Championship and used that time to build some muscle, which he hopes will give him a little more longevity from back issues that have forced him to miss too much time.
He missed the last four months of 2022, then the rest of 2023 with back surgery when he had to withdraw from the Masters.
“I don’t feel like I’ve even had surgery now,” Zalatoris said. “The ceiling is something that I wanted to keep raising, because I knew that if I was going to be sitting at 160 pounds and trying to hit it 300 yards out here, it’s not a recipe for longevity.”
He left the BMW Championship in August at 163 pounds. He weighed in at 182 pounds when he got on a plane from Dallas to Maui.
“I’m hoping that this year my best golf is at the end of the season,” he said.
The first day of the new season wasn’t bad. Zalatoris played bogey-free, though a three-putt on the par-5 fifth — the easiest hole on the Plantation — felt like a bogey.
Collin Morikawa, Cameron Young and Corey Conners were at 66, while Tony Finau was in the group at 67 in his first tournament in four months because of surgery on his left knee.
Matsuyama, who had been playing in Japan during the fall, fell back with a three-putt bogey from 15 feet on the 13th hole. He followed with a pedestrian tee shot on the next hole, but hit wedge to 10 feet for birdie and was on his way. He hit 5-wood to 5 feet for eagle on the 15th, wedge to 4 feet for birdie on the next and had a chance to tie Hoge until he didn’t catch all of his 3-wood on the downhill 18th and failed to get up-and-down for birdie.
The new season starts without Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world who punctured his hand on broken glass preparing Christmas dinner.
It also is the start of a new structure when only the top 100 players in the FedEx Cup — down from 125 players — keep full cards for next year.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to enhance maritime partnership at AMAN-25 exercise
- This multinational exercise in Karachi is aimed at promoting peace, enhancing cooperation among regional and global navies
- The exercise is scheduled to take place from Feb. 7 to Feb. 11 to present a united front against terrorism and maritime crimes
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are united in their commitment to safeguard regional and global waters, using decades of naval collaboration to confront threats and foster stability.
This enduring partnership will take center stage at AMAN-2025, a multinational exercise in Karachi aimed at promoting peace and enhancing cooperation among regional and global navies.
With the participation of Saudi Arabia, the event is scheduled to take place from Feb. 7 to 11 in the capital of Sindh province on the Arabian Sea coast with the aim to also present a united front against terrorism and maritime crimes.
Speaking to Arab News, Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff Adm. Naveed Ashraf highlighted the strong bond between the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the Pakistan Navy, describing it as an “enduring maritime brotherhood.”
“The two navies have several forums for mutual interaction on issues ranging from training to information sharing and logistics. We regularly conduct exercises at sea — foremost being the Naseem Al-Bahr — seminars and training of personnel to enhance the RSNF’s potential to remain a formidable force in the Arabian Gulf and beyond,” Ashraf said.
The admiral underscored the evolution of the AMAN series since its inception in 2007, noting the exponential growth in the level and number of participants, which makes the upcoming edition distinct.
“In the last edition of 2023, Pakistan hosted 50 nations, and this time we expect even more participation from navies across the globe,” he said, adding that the former International Maritime Conference, previously an adjunct to AMAN, has now evolved into the AMAN Dialogue to allow more pragmatic, practitioner-focused discussions between naval leaders from regional and extra-regional navies on maritime security issues.
Ashraf explained how the Pakistan Navy aligns naval strategies and operational practices during such exercises, especially with increasing international participation.
“One of AMAN’s key objectives is to improve interoperability with regional and global navies. For that, we use an operational language that all participants can understand,” he said. “Collective understanding of naval strategies and operational practices is developed during planning phases and conferences held prior to the exercise.”
Emphasizing the role of AMAN-25 in fostering maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean, he said: “Key objectives of AMAN are to foster regional and extra-regional cooperation to maintain good order at sea, enhance interoperability, act as a bridge between regions, share experiences, understand each other, and exhibit united resolve against terrorism and maritime crimes.”
Ashraf said that the understanding developed during these exercises helps organize collaborative efforts to ensure maritime security.
“In my plain view, AMAN offers a platform to showcase one’s concerns, capabilities, and willingness to cooperate,” he said.
Commenting on the effectiveness of AMAN in addressing piracy, terrorism, and other maritime crimes, Ashraf said that the AMAN Dialogue provides a forum for sharing awareness, experiences, and strategies to counter such threats.
“A significant number of harbor and sea exercises provide opportunities to improve the capacity of participating nations’ teams to combat maritime crimes effectively,” he said.
Discussing the inaugural AMAN Dialogue and its anticipated outcomes, Ashraf noted that the event has evolved from the International Maritime Conference into a practitioner-focused exchange of views.
“The dialogue seeks to promote shared understanding of maritime security issues, challenges confronting the region, and their linkages to the blue economy. It also deliberates on the efficacy of existing mechanisms for maritime cooperation and the need for innovative solutions to address evolving challenges at sea,” he said.
With maritime threats continuing to evolve, the Pakistan Navy employs technological advances to enhance interoperability with regional and extra-regional navies. Ashraf highlighted the transformative effect of technological innovation on naval warfare.
“We are paying focused attention to leveraging technology to achieve better combat readiness. That is the only way to remain effective against evolving threats. Regarding interoperability, we maintain operational linkages and information-sharing mechanisms with many countries through bilateral and multilateral arrangements, such as the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Center,” he said.
Addressing concerns about maritime pollution and climate change, the admiral said that AMAN-25 would prioritize sustainable practices at sea.
“Climate change and maritime pollution are areas of critical concern. These two issues will receive focused attention during AMAN Dialogue discussions,” he said.
On Pakistan Navy’s bilateral and multilateral agreements beyond the exercise, Ashraf said the force has a long history of cooperation with countries worldwide, even before AMAN’s inception in 2007.
“We have bilateral engagements with many navies through expert-level staff talks, training from basic to advanced levels, and exchange visits of key leadership. We became part of the Combined Maritime Forces in 2004 and have significantly contributed to collaborative security at sea,” he said.
Speaking of his vision for future maritime security amid emerging challenges such as cyber threats and artificial intelligence in warfare, Ashraf warned of the risks posed by disruptive technologies falling into the hands of non-state actors.
“I assess that threats at sea will range from ‘low-cost, high-impact’ technology to conventional weapons coupled with significant cyberattacks. That is why I say that future maritime security will greatly depend on collaborative efforts, where early warning will become a decisive factor,” he said.
Ashraf reiterated the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to maintaining deterrent capabilities against traditional and non-traditional threats. “Pakistan Navy, envisioned as a technologically adaptive military, will maintain its deterrent capability while also participating in regional and international efforts to maintain stability at sea.”
Highlighting AMAN-25’s focus on securing sea lines of communication, Ashraf emphasized the critical role of the Pakistan Navy in safeguarding these economic lifelines. Recognizing the Indian Ocean as a vital artery for global trade, including energy shipments, he said AMAN provides a platform for practical exercises, professional exchanges, and intellectual discourse on maritime security challenges in the region.
“The significance of sea lines of communication is part of the discussions during AMAN, as we alone depend 95 percent on the sea for our commerce. Regional maritime security patrols and participation in CMF’s task forces signify our role in safeguarding these economic lifelines,” he concluded.
Under the theme “Secure Seas — Prosperous Future,” this year’s AMAN Dialogue will address security challenges in the Indian Ocean, including strategic competition, regional conflicts, and piracy, as well as narco-trafficking, and the use of force by non-state actors.
The exploitation of ocean resources, climate change, and emerging technologies such as AI and unmanned systems are transforming the security landscape, posing risks to global trade and economic development.
The dialogue will focus on key themes such as maritime security in the Indian Ocean, perspectives on maritime security and cooperation, the blue economy, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies.
These discussions will emphasize the need for collaboration to ensure a stable and prosperous maritime future.
Thunder stretch NBA win streak to 13 as Celtics edge T-Wolves 118-115
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had game highs of 29 points and eight assists to spark the Thunder over the Los Angeles Clippers 116-98
- Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton scored 33 points and added 15 rebounds to lead the Pacers over host Miami 128-115
WASHINGTON: Oklahoma City stretched the NBA’s best win streak to 13 games with a home victory Thursday while the reigning champion Boston Celtics held on for a last-shot win at Minnesota.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had game highs of 29 points and eight assists to spark the Thunder over the Los Angeles Clippers 116-98 at Oklahoma City, improving the Western Conference leaders to 28-5.
The Thunder’s win streak is the longest since the team relocated from Seattle after the 2007-08 season.
“It’s just being present, going day by day, working on ourselves and I think we’re doing a good job on that,” said Isaiah Hartenstein, who added 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the Thunder.
Oklahoma City trailed 52-48 at half-time but outscored the Clippers 42-20 in the third quarter and Los Angeles never closed the gap.
“We wanted to come out and just pick up the pressure,” Hartenstein said. “We weren’t playing the way we wanted, with the force we wanted. We wanted to pressure them and I think we did a good job of that.”
At Minneapolis, the Celtics were without Jaylen Brown due to a right shoulder strain and Kristaps Porzingis with an ankle sprain but won for the third time in four games to start a difficult road trip, dispatching the Timberwolves 118-115.
Jayson Tatum sparked Boston with 33 points on 13-of-27 shooting, 6-of-17 from 3-point range, and added eight rebounds and nine assists.
“No JB. No KP. We’ve had a rough stretch this last eight or nine games,” Tatum said. “So this January we’re going to try to turn it around and get back to our identity.
“What better way than to come in on the road in a tough environment against a really good team down two of your best players and the way that we responded, figured out a way to win, we will take that any day.”
The Celtics (25-9) made only four turnovers while forcing 16 by the Timberwolves (17-16), who made it close by outscoring Boston 20-4 at the free throw line.
The T-Wolves led 35-28 after 12 minutes, matching their top-scoring first quarter of the season, but the Celtics pulled ahead 62-51 at half-time.
Minnesota capped a 20-7 run with a 3-pointer by Donte DiVincenzo to pull level at 94-94 with 9:16 remaining.
DiVincenzo sank three free throws with 28 seconds to play to pull the Timberwolves within 118-115 and Minnesota got the ball after a Tatum miss with 3.1 seconds remaining.
“Rule number one. If you leave it short, it never has a chance to go in,” Tatum said,
Anthony Edwards missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give Boston the victory.
“Just had to stick with it,” Tatum said of Boston’s defensive work. “They were hitting some tough shots. You’ve got to live with something, can’t take everything away. Stick to the game plan, compete.”
Derrick White added 26 points for Boston. Julius Randle led Minnesota with 27 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Celtics began a four-game road swing against top clubs with future stops at Houston, Oklahoma City and Denver.
“I love the way we competed. Our physicality was on point. That’s what it’s going to take,” Tatum said.
“We play four really good, difficult teams on the road. We’re going to need everybody in these games.”
Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton scored 33 points and added 15 rebounds to lead the Pacers over host Miami 128-115. Myles Turner added 21 points and Pascal Siakam contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds for Indiana.
Brooklyn’s Cameron Johnson scored 26 points and Cam Thomas added 24 off the bench as the Nets won 113-110 at Milwaukee.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists for the Bucks while Damian Lillard added 23 points but the Milwaukee stars missed shots late to doom a late rally.
Lillard’s jumper pulled the Bucks within 111-110 with 37 seconds remaining, but after a Brooklyn turnover, Antetokounmpo missed a driving layup attempt and Ziaire Williams sank two free throws to give the Nets a 113-110 edge with six seconds to play.
Lillard missed a potential tying 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Pakistan to optimize special economic zones to rejuvenate industrial landscape
- The development came two days after Pakistan unveiled its National Economic Plan, which aims to target $10 billion annual investment
- The country plans to establish 35 special economic zones to facilitate businesses and industry, according to Board of Investment officials
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to optimize special economic zones (SEZs) to revitalize its industrial landscape, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office said on Thursday, amid efforts to revive the $350 billion South Asian economy.
The decision was made at a meeting of the apex committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a hybrid civil-military body established last year to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles in foreign investment and provide a one-window operation to foreign businesses.
The development came two days after Pakistan unveiled its five-year, homegrown National Economic Plan, which aims to target an annual investment goal of $10 billion as the South Asian country seeks to recover from a prolonged macroeconomic crisis.
PM Sharif presided over the SIFC meeting to review various economic initiatives, during which the participants expressed satisfaction over improving macroeconomic conditions and emphasized the importance of collective efforts for unhindered economic growth.
“During the session, the Committee approved the Action Plan for Optimization of SEZs to rejuvenate industrial landscape of Pakistan,” PM Sharif’s office said in a statement.
Pakistan plans to establish 35 special economic zones to facilitate businesses and industry, Board of Investment (BOI) officials said last month. They said they had conducted a survey of these SEZs under the Geographical Information System (GIS) and had extensive data to accelerate the progress of projects in these zones.
The South Asian country aims to attract foreign investment from friendly nations, including China and Gulf countries, as it gradually recovers from a prolonged economic crisis after narrowly avoiding a default in 2023.
The SIFC apex committee reviewed a proposal for minerals harmonization framework, while the forum was briefed on various initiatives in the domain of human resource development for the improvement of skills and global standard accreditation, according to the PM’s office.
“The prime minister appreciated the role of SIFC, ministries, departments and affiliated stakeholders in setting the tone for future activities during 2025,” it said.
“He also emphasized upon the importance of collective efforts at all tiers in the larger interest of the country.”
