Ukraine Says Two Killed in Russian Shelling of Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia Regions

 Ukrainian rescuers clear debris after a drone hit an educational establishment, in Kharkiv, on August 1, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (AFP)
Ukrainian rescuers clear debris after a drone hit an educational establishment, in Kharkiv, on August 1, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (AFP)
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Ukraine Says Two Killed in Russian Shelling of Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia Regions

 Ukrainian rescuers clear debris after a drone hit an educational establishment, in Kharkiv, on August 1, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (AFP)
Ukrainian rescuers clear debris after a drone hit an educational establishment, in Kharkiv, on August 1, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (AFP)

An elderly woman and a police officer were killed early Saturday by Russian shelling on a settlement in Kharkiv region in eastern Ukraine and Zaporizhzhia in the south, Ukrainian officials said.

"This morning, around 5:10, the enemy fired on Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi village in Kupiansk district. A residential building was damaged. A 73-year-old woman died," Kharkiv governor Oleh Synehubov said on the Telegram messaging app.

In a separate attack on Orikhiv town in Zaporizhzhia region, one police officer was killed and 12 people, including four police officers, were injured, interior minister Ihor Klymenko said on Telegram.

He said Russian troops used a guided aerial bomb.

Reuters could not independently verify the details of the Ukrainian reports.

Eastern parts of Kharkiv region and most of Zaporizhzhia region are directly adjacent to the front line, and Ukrainian forces have reported an increase in Russian attacks there in recent weeks.

Kharkiv regional authorities earlier this month announced the mandatory evacuation of civilians from settlements closest to the front line in Kupiansk district.

Ukrainian authorities said this week that Russia attacked a "civilian infrastructure object" in Zaporizhzhia on Thursday evening.

Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians during its invasion of Ukraine, which is now in its 18th month and has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, the uprooting of millions and the destruction of Ukrainian towns and cities. 



Revolutionary Guard Displays Power in Tehran Streets

Basij Forces in military display in Tehran, January 10, 2024 (AP)
Basij Forces in military display in Tehran, January 10, 2024 (AP)
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Revolutionary Guard Displays Power in Tehran Streets

Basij Forces in military display in Tehran, January 10, 2024 (AP)
Basij Forces in military display in Tehran, January 10, 2024 (AP)

Thousands of Iranian Revolutionary Guard members participated in the “Walkers to Jerusalem” march in Tehran on Friday, displaying military vehicles and heavy weapons to show their readiness to face threats against Iran.
The march, which began in the morning, included Basij forces, a branch of the Revolutionary Guard.
In his speech, Gen. Mohammad Reza Naghdi, a senior Guard official, said the US is “responsible for all the troubles of the Muslim world.”
He added, “If we destroy the Zionist regime and remove US bases from the region, one of our main problems will be solved,” referring to Israel, Iran’s main enemy.
Men in military uniforms marched the streets in Tehran, while others rode motorcycles and vehicles, some carrying rocket launchers.
The crowds waved flags of Iran, Palestine, and Hezbollah, the Lebanese group backed by Tehran.
Participants also held images of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and figures from the “Axis of Resistance,” a network of armed groups supported by Iran.
Iranian-made missiles, drones, and other military gear were displayed on Tehran’s streets.
Brig. Gen. Hasan Hassanzadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guard in Tehran, told state TV that the march aimed to show support for Gaza and Palestine.
“We also want to show that Basij forces are ready to face any threat from the enemies of the Iranian revolution,” he added.
Iran has not recognized Israel and has supported the Palestinian cause since the 1979 revolution.