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Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Asim Munir Says Use Of Afghan Soil For Terror Against Pakistan ‘Unacceptable’

Islamabad: Chief of Defence Forces and Army chief Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday described as “unacceptable” the alleged use of Afghan soil by terrorist against Pakistan. According to a statement issued by the army's media wing, Munir visited Wana in South Waziristan district along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where he reviewed the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness. He emphasised that use of Afghan soil by terrorists against Pakistan is "unacceptable and all necessary measures would be taken to neutralise the threat emanating from across the border". The visit came days after Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil Haq (Righteous Fury) on the night of February 26, following alleged Afghan Taliban attacks on 53 locations along the over 2,600 km border. Munir reiterated that peace could only prevail between both sides if the Afghan Taliban renounced support for terrorism and terrorist organisations. The field marshal was given a comprehensive briefing on the security environment, ongoing intelligence-based operations and measures in place for border management. He was also briefed in detail on the ongoing operation and recent developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. (This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/asim-munir-says-use-of-afghan-soil-for-terror-against-pakistan-unacceptable-1829812

US Strike On Iranian Warship In Indian Ocean Leaves 87 Dead

At least 87 people were killed after a US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The vessel, IRIS Dena, had taken part in a naval exercise in India just weeks earlier. Citing the Sri Lankan Navy, the Associated Press reported that 87 bodies were recovered and that 32 people were rescued following sinking of the warship IRIS Dena. IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate, had earlier visited India in 2024 to participate in the multilateral naval exercise MILAN. It was also part of the 2026 edition of the same exercise and had set sail for home when it was attacked by the US submarine. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | The US military releases the visuals of the attack on an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. (Visual Source: Department of War) <a href="https://t.co/a5JmdAOUEh">https://t.co/a5JmdAOUEh</a> <a href="https://t.co/IqcqtkhMP6">pic.twitter.com/IqcqtkhMP6</a> — ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2029205577847730543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> In a statement issued on February 16, the Indian Navy described MILAN 2026 as one of the largest multilateral naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific, bringing together navies from across the world to enhance interoperability, maritime domain awareness and collective response capabilities. The harbour and sea phases of the drill focused on complex maritime operations, including anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and search and rescue. <h2>US Confirms Strike, Releases Video</h2> While Washington has not confirmed the number of fatalities, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the submarine strike and presented it as a demonstration of America’s global reach in its war on Iran. "An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo," Hegseth told reporters. The US Department of War released black-and-white footage showing what appeared to be a submarine periscope view followed by an explosion in the distance. The release of near real-time visuals of a submarine strike is unprecedented and reflects changes in how modern conflicts are fought and communicated. Reports suggest the Iranian warship likely did not detect the US submarine, even at periscope depth, underscoring the capabilities of American submarine tactics. <h2>Questions Over Surveillance</h2> It remains unclear whether the US submarine had been tailing or monitoring IRIS Dena during its voyage to and from India for MILAN 2026. Defence analysts have theorised that the submarine may have tracked the Iranian vessel throughout its journey. Passive tracking of foreign naval assets for intelligence purposes is a common practice among major navies. <h2>Rescue Efforts And Missing Crew</h2> Sri Lankan authorities said 32 crew members from IRIS Dena had been rescued, while 148 sailors remain missing, with hopes fading of finding more survivors. Hegseth described the strike as a “quiet death” and said it marked the first time since World War II that the US had sunk an enemy ship by torpedo. "Like in that war," he said, "we are fighting to win." The Pentagon has stated that one of the primary objectives of the US-Israeli war against Iran, launched on Saturday, is to eliminate Iran’s navy.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-strike-on-iranian-warship-in-indian-ocean-leaves-87-dead-1829794

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Drone Strike Near US Consulate In Dubai Sparks Fire, Day After Attack On US Embassy In Riyadh: VIDEO

A limited fire broke out near the US consulate in Dubai following a drone strike, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, as regional tensions continued to escalate. In a statement shared online, Dubai’s government media office said the blaze, which resulted from a “drone-related incident” near the consulate, had been swiftly contained. Emergency teams responded immediately, the statement added, bringing the situation under control within minutes. <h2>Fire Contained Swiftly, No Casualties Reported</h2> Roughly 45 minutes later, officials confirmed the fire had been fully extinguished and that no injuries were reported. “Dubai authorities reaffirm their commitment to ensuring everyone’s safety and security,” the statement said. Further details emerged through reporting by The Wall Street Journal, which cited a US official and Dubai’s media office as saying the drone struck the consulate’s parking area. Video clips circulating on social media showed plumes of black smoke rising into the sky near the diplomatic compound. Meanwhile, Iran’s state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, reported that an Iranian drone had hit the US consulate in Dubai, according to The New York Times. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> US Embassy Dubai Hit. Thanks for your attention to this matter. <a href="https://t.co/bIVDdjTbBL">pic.twitter.com/bIVDdjTbBL</a> — Noorul (@Noorulipo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Noorulipo/status/2028924820042514896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> <h2>US Embassies on Alert Across the Region</h2> The incident in Dubai follows a separate drone attack on the US embassy in Saudi Arabia a day earlier. According to the Saudi Ministry of Defence, two drones struck the compound on Monday, causing a limited fire and minor structural damage. In response, the US embassy has urged Americans in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran to shelter in place as a precaution. On Tuesday, the US embassy in Kuwait announced it would remain closed until further notice, signalling growing concern among US diplomatic missions in the region. Speaking later in Washington, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the State Department was working to assist Americans seeking to leave the Middle East. Officials have been identifying charter flights, exploring military transport options and coordinating with airlines to increase the number of commercial seats available. “We have identified and continue to identify charter flights, military flight options and expanded commercial flight options,” Rubio told reporters, noting efforts to deploy larger aircraft to accommodate more passengers. He also revealed that, in “a couple of instances”, aircraft already en route to the region had to turn back after airspace closures were imposed.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/dubai-us-consulate-attack-drone-strike-sparks-fire-video-israel-iran-war-live-updates-1829676

Russia Signals Energy Backing For India If Conflict Disrupts Supplies

New Delhi, Mar 3 (PTI) Russia is ready to fully meet India's energy requirements in the event of prolonged disruptions to oil and gas supplies triggered by the escalating tensions in West Asia, an official from the Embassy of the Russian Federation said on Monday. The assurance from Moscow gains added urgency as QatarEnergy suspended liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and related products on March 2 after an Iranian drone struck critical infrastructure at Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City. "We are ready to fulfill demands of India's energy needs in case of continued disruption of energy supplies," the official told PTI. Energy supply concerns heightened after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for international trade. India depends on the region for a large share of its crude oil and LNG imports, although it has diversified its sourcing in recent years with substantially higher volumes from Russia. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Monday assured that the country is well stocked with crude oil and inventories of key petroleum products, including petrol, diesel and automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to deal with short-term disruptions arising from the tensions in West Asia. “India has ensured both availability and affordability of energy for its population by diversifying its sources. Indian energy companies now have access to energy supplies that are not routed through the Strait of Hormuz," the ministry said.  (Disclaimer: This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/russia-signals-energy-backing-for-india-if-conflict-disrupts-supplies-1829675

'Time Has Come': Sharif-Munir Under Pressure As Protests Erupt In Pakistan Over Khamenei’s Death

The Iran-US-Israel conflict is now triggering serious unrest beyond the battlefield, with Pakistan witnessing widespread protests following the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Demonstrations have erupted across several cities, targeting the United States and Israel, as public anger intensifies. The turmoil comes at a sensitive time for Islamabad, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir are seen as maintaining diplomatic engagement with Washington amid the escalating regional crisis. <h2>Protests Turn Violent</h2> Large crowds took to the streets in multiple Pakistani cities after news of Khamenei’s death circulated. Protesters raised anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, accusing both countries of carrying out aggression against Iran. What began as demonstrations quickly escalated into violent confrontations in some areas. Security forces, including police and army units, were deployed to restore order. Reports indicate that firing was carried out to disperse aggressive crowds as clashes intensified. Unofficial accounts suggest that dozens of people may have been killed or injured, though there has been no comprehensive official confirmation of casualty figures. The unrest reflects growing anger among segments of Pakistani society, particularly religious and political groups that have strongly criticised Washington’s role in the conflict. The developments have added to domestic pressure on the government as regional tensions rise. <h2>Calls To Exit ‘Board Of Peace’</h2> Alongside street protests, demands have emerged for Pakistan to withdraw from US President Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’, an initiative aimed at promoting dialogue in conflicts such as Gaza. Critics argue that continued participation in the forum contradicts public sentiment in light of the strikes on Iran. Former Pakistani ambassador to the United Nations, the Unit ed States and the United Kingdom, Maleeha Lodhi, has also called for Islamabad to reconsider its position. In a post on social media platform X, she said Pakistan should exit the initiative, arguing it should not be part of a body led by a figure associated with multiple military interventions and whose administration backs Israel’s actions in Gaza. The situation underscores the widening regional impact of the Iran conflict, with political and public pressures mounting inside Pakistan.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-israel-war-sharif-munir-under-pressure-as-protests-erupt-in-pakistan-over-khamenei-s-death-1829672

Monday, March 2, 2026

Abu Dhabi Flight Lands In Delhi, Limited Ops Begin From Dubai; IndiGo Plans 10 Special Jeddah Flights

A flight from Abu Dhabi touched down in New Delhi late on Monday, bringing relief to passengers caught in the fallout of escalating tensions across West Asia. Etihad Airways flight EY216 departed Abu Dhabi at 3:42 p.m. and landed in the Indian capital at 8:31 p.m., according to flight tracking website Flightradar24. The arrival marked one of the first signs of normalcy after widespread airspace closures across the Gulf left thousands stranded. <h2>Gradual Resumption of Services</h2> Authorities and airlines confirmed that select operations would resume from Monday evening, offering hope to travellers.  The Dubai government’s media office announced that Flydubai would operate a limited number of flights. In a post on X, the office advised passengers to update their contact details via the airline’s “Manage Your Booking” portal and to check flight status online before heading to the airport. Meanwhile, Emirates said it would restart a small number of services while prioritising customers who already held bookings. The airline stressed that affected passengers would be contacted directly and urged others not to travel to the airport without confirmation. It added that most of its operations remain suspended for now. <h2>India Steps Up Response</h2> As the situation unfolds, the Centre said it is closely coordinating with Indian missions across the Gulf to ensure the safe return of stranded nationals. State governments have also begun assisting residents impacted by the disruption. The civil aviation ministry confirmed that IndiGo plans to operate 10 special relief flights from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to India on 3 March, subject to necessary approvals and prevailing airspace conditions. The proposed services from Jeddah will connect to Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad, according to news agency PTI. The ministry said IndiGo is working in coordination with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to facilitate passenger movement. <h2>Security Concerns at the Highest Level</h2> The developments have also reached the highest levels of government. The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Narendra Modi, met on Sunday evening to review the situation. The committee expressed concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in Gulf nations and directed relevant departments to take all necessary and feasible measures to assist affected citizens.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/india/israel-iran-war-updates-live-flight-from-abu-dhabi-lands-in-delhi-indigo-special-flights-from-jeddah-1829533

Trump Claims Celebrations After Khamenei’s Death, Poll Shows Americans Not Happy With Iran War

Only one in four Americans approve of the US strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, underscoring a sharp divide between public opinion and President Donald Trump’s forceful rhetoric. While Trump has portrayed the operation as decisive and widely welcomed, even inside Iran, the survey suggests significant domestic unease. Nearly half of respondents said they believe the President is too willing to use military force, raising fresh questions about the political cost of escalation. <h2>Public Unease</h2> The Reuters/Ipsos survey of 1,282 US adults found that just 27 per cent approve of the strikes, while 43 per cent oppose them. Support is heavily polarised along party lines: a majority of Republicans back the action, but only a small fraction of Democrats do. Notably, around one in four Republicans said they believe Trump is too ready to deploy military force to advance US interests. +++++++++++++ <figure class="image"><img src="https://ift.tt/SCMi0rz" alt="Poll Courtesy: Reuters" width="720" height="354" /> <figcaption>Poll Courtesy: Reuters</figcaption> </figure> The findings point to a country wary of another prolonged overseas conflict, particularly one that risks wider regional escalation. <h2>Triumphant Rhetoric</h2> The polling stands in stark contrast to the President’s own language. Trump declared that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was dead, branding him “wretched and vile” and blaming him for the deaths of “hundreds and even thousands of Americans”. He claimed that crowds across Iran were celebrating the news and asserted that the country’s entire military command had been eliminated. According to Trump, senior Iranian figures are now seeking immunity, “calling by the thousands” in an effort to surrender. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://t.co/uAxTGrJisv">pic.twitter.com/uAxTGrJisv</a> — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/2028505632123326484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> The gap between that confident portrayal and the cautious mood reflected in polling data highlights a familiar tension in American politics: decisive executive action abroad does not automatically translate into unified support at home. With hostilities continuing and regional tensions mounting, the durability of public backing may prove as consequential as developments on the battlefield.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-claims-celebrations-after-khamenei-s-death-poll-shows-americans-not-happy-with-iran-war-1829531