An Israeli Strike Kills a Hezbollah Air Defense Unit Operative

A photo of the site where an Israeli strike hit a vehicle in the Adloun area (Markazia News Agency)
A photo of the site where an Israeli strike hit a vehicle in the Adloun area (Markazia News Agency)
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An Israeli Strike Kills a Hezbollah Air Defense Unit Operative

A photo of the site where an Israeli strike hit a vehicle in the Adloun area (Markazia News Agency)
A photo of the site where an Israeli strike hit a vehicle in the Adloun area (Markazia News Agency)

An Israeli airstrike on a car in southern Lebanon on Tuesday killed a Hezbollah official.
The Israeli military said in a statement that it had killed Hussein Ali Azqul in the strike and described him as a “significant” operative in Hezbollah’s aerial defense unit. Hezbollah confirmed in a statement that Azqul had been killed.
State media and witnesses said the strike happened in the area of Adloun, between the coastal cities of Sidon and Tyre, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the border with Israel.
The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and allied groups have been clashing with Israeli forces along the border for more than six months against the backdrop of Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Israel has regularly carried out targeted killings of Hezbollah and Hamas members in Lebanon, sometimes in areas far from the border.



Al-Mashhadani Emphasizes Strengthening Iraqi-Saudi Relations

Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
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Al-Mashhadani Emphasizes Strengthening Iraqi-Saudi Relations

Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani has called for prioritizing stronger ties with Saudi Arabia, citing shared regional interests and the potential for positive outcomes.
During a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Shammari, Al-Mashhadani highlighted the importance of Iraqi-Saudi cooperation, particularly in addressing regional challenges. The meeting explored ways to enhance bilateral relations in economic and political spheres while discussing major Arab issues, including the Gaza war, Lebanon’s instability, and changes in Syria.
This comes after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last week in AlUla to address the challenges of the Syrian crisis, regional security, and stability. The summit focused on aligning efforts to tackle broader geopolitical issues and fostering cooperation.
As part of Iraq’s deepening engagement with Gulf countries, Baghdad recently signed numerous agreements with Saudi Arabia through the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council. Additionally, Iraq signed two memoranda of understanding with Oman, covering political consultations, economic collaboration, and transportation.
Sudani also received Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who delivered an invitation from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to visit Oman. Discussions emphasized on enhancing bilateral economic and trade ties, particularly in oil derivatives. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of stability in Syria and the need to preserve its sovereignty and diversity while supporting its people.
In a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Albusaidi underscored the strong cultural and fraternal ties between Iraq and Oman. He noted opportunities for collaboration in tourism, energy, trade, and finance, while underlining his country’s commitment to participate in the Baghdad International Trade Fair in February 2024.
For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein highlighted efforts to abolish visa requirements between Iraq and Oman, expressed hope for inclusive political progress in Syria, and pointed to Iraq’s commitment to further agreements that strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors.