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Israel Shoots Down Drone from Lebanon, Military Says

Israeli soldiers watch as Hezbollah supporters mark the "Liberation Day", the 23rd anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 25, 2000, on the Lebanese-Israeli border in the southern village of Kfar Kila, Thursday, May 25, 2023. (AP)
Israeli soldiers watch as Hezbollah supporters mark the "Liberation Day", the 23rd anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 25, 2000, on the Lebanese-Israeli border in the southern village of Kfar Kila, Thursday, May 25, 2023. (AP)
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Israel Shoots Down Drone from Lebanon, Military Says

Israeli soldiers watch as Hezbollah supporters mark the "Liberation Day", the 23rd anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 25, 2000, on the Lebanese-Israeli border in the southern village of Kfar Kila, Thursday, May 25, 2023. (AP)
Israeli soldiers watch as Hezbollah supporters mark the "Liberation Day", the 23rd anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon in May 25, 2000, on the Lebanese-Israeli border in the southern village of Kfar Kila, Thursday, May 25, 2023. (AP)

Israel shot down a drone that had crossed over from Lebanon on Thursday, its military said in a statement.

"A short while ago, IDF (Israel Defense Forces) soldiers identified and downed a drone crossing from Lebanese territory into Israeli territory towards the town of Zar'it," the military said.

It did not immediately identify who had sent the drone from Lebanon and released a photo of a UAV lying in a thicket of thorns. "The IDF will continue to prevent any attempt to violate Israeli sovereignty," the military said.

Last month, Israel said Lebanese armed group Hezbollah was behind a rare roadside bomb attack that wounded a motorist in northern Israel in March, and in the past has said it shot down the group's drones.

Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel fought a month-long war in 2006 and have traded fire on several occasions since but have avoided a large-scale confrontation.

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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.