Hezbollah Official Assassinated in Southern Lebanon

Mohammed Ali Younis. (Fars news)
Mohammed Ali Younis. (Fars news)
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Hezbollah Official Assassinated in Southern Lebanon

Mohammed Ali Younis. (Fars news)
Mohammed Ali Younis. (Fars news)

Hezbollah security official Mohammed Ali Younes was found killed on Saturday near the southern Lebanese town of Zawtar El Gharbiyeh.

He and his companion were victims of an ambush shortly after coronavirus-related curfew was imposed on Saturday evening.

The companion survived and was being treated in hospital, said Hezbollah.

Informed sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Younes acted as a security official in the area and was tasked with anti-espionage missions against Israeli agents and Mossad spies.

His corpse was discovered in a remote area between the towns of Qaaqaaiyet El Jisr and Zawtar El Gharbiyeh. A Lebanese security official told the Associated Press that Younes was shot with four bullets in the chest and had at least two stab wounds.

The motive behind the killing was no immediately clear, Lebanese security officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Three vehicles, including an SUV, were involved in ambushing Younes, who was reportedly working on an important case before his killing.

Hezbollah confirmed that a suspect has been arrested.



China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
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China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a short visit to Morocco on Thursday, according to state media from both countries.
Xi was welcomed in Casablanca by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and the visit reflected the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the Moroccan and Chinese peoples, Morocco's MAP said.
The Crown Prince and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met Xi at the airport, where Xi and Hassan had a "cordial conversation", China's state broadcaster CCTV said.
Xi made the visit after being in Brazil for the G20 Summit.
China has stepped up investments in Morocco's infrastructure and rail sector in recent years.
Morocco's geographic location close to Europe, its free trade agreements with key EU and US markets and its existing automotive industry, make it attractive to Chinese electric vehicle battery makers.
In June, Chinese EV battery manufacturer Gotion High Tech picked Morocco to set up Africa's first gigafactory for a total cost of $1.3 billion.