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Saturday, February 28, 2026

Indian missions in Gulf advise nationals to 'exercise utmost caution' after joint US-Israel strikes

Dubai, Feb 28 (PTI): The Indian missions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan among other countries in the Gulf region on Saturday issued advisories for its citizens urging them to “exercise utmost caution” and follow advisories issued by local authorities diligently. Several missions also said it is in touch with Indian citizens stranded at the airport or at other places as the two airports at Dubai, the largest aviation hub, shut down and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iraq closed their airspace, hours after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran that escalated to region wide tension. The Indian Embassy in Iran and the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, advised Indian nationals to register with it immediately to facilitate swift assistance to ensure the safety of Indian nationals residing in Israel and urging them to exercise “utmost caution” and “remain indoors”. “Indian nationals are advised to avoid all non-essential and unnecessary travel within Israel until further notice. Citizens are encouraged to monitor local news, official announcements, and emergency alerts regularly,” the Embassy at Tel Aviv said. It posted on X contacts – a 24x7 helpline +972-54-7520711 and an email ID (cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in) – for Indian nationals to reach out to in case of any emergency. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Indian Embassy at Abu Dhabi urged all Indian nationals in the country “to avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and advisories as and when issued by the UAE authorities and the Embassy.” The Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai are continuing to function normally, it said in a post on X and also gave a Toll free number (800-46342) and a WhatsApp number (+971543090571) along with two email IDs (pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in and ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in) for Indian nationals there to contact in case of emergency. Later in the evening, another advisory said that the Embassy and the Consulate are in touch with the UAE authorities and airlines for taking care of the Indian passengers stranded at the airports in UAE due to temporary and precautionary airspace closure. “The UAE government and airline authorities have reassured full support,” it said. The joint US-Israel attack spread beyond Iran as its paramilitary launched drones and missiles targeting Israel. Bahrain said a missile attack targeted a US Navy fleet headquarters there while media reports said, quoting local witnesses, sirens and explosions could be heard in Kuwait, which is home to a base of US Army. Explosions could also be heard in Qatar. Iraq and the UAE said they have closed their airspace. The Indian missions at Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Amman (Jordan), Manama (Bahrain), Ramallah (Palestine), Muscat (Oman), and Baghdad (Iraq) too issued similar advisories providing emergency contact details. The Embassy of India at Riyadh asked all Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia “to remain vigilant” and strictly adhere to the safety guidelines prevalent in the country. In a post on X, it also asked them to “follow advisories issued by the local authorities and the Embassy,” and asserted that the Embassy of India, Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah are continuing to function normally and will issue updates and advisories as and when necessary. The Embassy's post also provided emergency contact 24*7 helpline numbers: 00-966-11-4884697, 00-966-542126748 (Whatsapp only) and 800 247 1234 (Toll-Free), apart from email Id (cw.riyadha mea.gov.in). The Indian Embassy in Iraq, in its advisory, asked all Indian nationals in the country to “avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, and follow safety guidelines and advisories” as and when issued by the embassy and the Iraqi authorities. The Indian Embassy in Jordan said in its advisory, “In view of the prevailing regional situation, all Indian nationals and tourists in Jordan are advised to exercise utmost caution, stay safe and follow advisories issued by local authorities diligently.” The advisory, posted on the Embassy's social media channels, further advised all Indian tourists in Jordan to leave the country “immediately before operations of commercial flights get disrupted.” The Indian Embassy in Jordan also gave a contact number (00962-770 422 276) in case of any exigency. The Embassy of India in Bahrain too advised all Indian nationals in Bahrain to take due care, and “follow news and advisories as and when issued by the Embassy & local authorities.” The Embassy said it is continuing to function “as usual” and also shared a 24×7 helpline number (00973-39418071) in view of the current regional situation. The Representative Office of India to the State of Palestine at Ramallah advised all Indian nationals in Palestine “to remain vigilant” and observe locally advised safety and emergency procedures. “Please exercise caution and avoid unnecessary movement,” it said in a post on X and gave contact details (+970592916418 or repoffice@mea.gov.in / cons.ramallah@mea.gov.in) in case of an emergency. In Muscat, the Indian Embassy in Oman asked all Indian nationals in the Sultanate of Oman to avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, and follow safety guidelines and advisories as and when issued by the Omani authorities and the Indian Embassy. Indian nationals in Oman may contact the Embassy at the Toll Free Number (8007 1234), WhatsApp Number (+968 9828 2270) or can write a mail at (cw.muscat@mea.gov.in or cons.muscat@mea.gov.in). The Indian Embassy in Qatar urged Indian nationals there to take due care, follow news and advisories as and when issued by the Embassy and local authorities “Our Embassy is continuing to function as usual. Embassy’s 24×7 helpline number is 00974-55647502 and email for addressing any query is cons.doha@mea.gov.in,” it said in a post on X. Meanwhile, the consul general of India in Jeddah on Saturday held a virtual meeting with representatives of Indian air carriers in view of disruptions to air travel due to developing regional tensions. Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri urged the airlines to extend full support to Indian nationals affected by travel disruptions in Saudi Arabia, the Indian Consulate General said in a social media post. “The airlines assured that necessary measures are being undertaken, including timely communication regarding flight cancellations, dedicated helplines for updates and queries, facilitation of refunds, and other passenger assistance,” it said. The US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran early Saturday, which came after days of build-up with US President Donald Trump ramping up the pressure on Tehran to agree to a new deal on its nuclear programme. Ahead of the strike, US President Donald Trump called on the Iranian people to take over the government. PTI NPK/AMS/HM GSP NPK GSP(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/indian-missions-in-gulf-advise-nationals-to-exercise-utmost-caution-after-joint-us-israel-strikes-1829278

Pak PM Sharif talks to leaders of Qatar, UAE amid regional tension

Islamabad, Feb 28 (PTI): Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday talked to the leaders of Qatar and the UAE and discussed the latest regional escalation following joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. Sharif held a telephone conversation with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, according to a statement by the Prime Minister's Office. Sharif “strongly condemned the serious regional escalation from the Israeli attack on Iran earlier today that was followed by the regrettable attacks against Qatar as well as in other Gulf countries”. While referring to their recent meeting in Doha, the prime minister “reaffirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity and support with the brotherly State of Qatar amid the current crisis”. He assured the Emir that Pakistan would “always stand shoulder to shoulder with the brotherly people of Qatar and play a positive role for ensuring peace and stability in the region”. Separately, the prime minister also held a telephone conversation with UAE leader Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi. The prime minister “strongly condemned the serious regional escalation resulting from the Israeli attack on Iran” which was followed by the “regrettable attacks against the UAE, in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as in other Gulf countries”. The prime minister also expressed his sadness at the tragic demise of a Pakistani national in the missile attack on Abu Dhabi. He assured the UAE leadership of Pakistan’s solidarity and support in the current crisis. He said that Pakistan would always stand with its “Emirati brothers and sisters”, consistent with the close fraternal bonds between both countries. Separately, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the UAE, Abdullah Bin Zayed al Nahyan, according to the Foreign Office. “Both leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation, expressed serious concern over recent developments, and agreed to remain in close contact,” the Foreign Office said. PTI SH GSP GSP(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pak-pm-sharif-talks-to-leaders-of-qatar-uae-amid-regional-tension-1829277

Iran Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh Killed; 85 Killed In Southern Iran: Reports

Iran’s Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohammed Pakpour are believed to have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to two sources familiar with Israel's military operations and one regional source cited by Reuters. The reported killings come amid a major escalation after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran. <h2>85 Killed In Southern Iran</h2> At least 85 were killed and dozens others injured in a strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran, according to Iranian reports. The school is located in Minab city in Hormozgan province, an area that also hosts a base operated by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Images from the site showed extensive destruction, with debris scattered across the area and emergency responders working in chaotic conditions. <h2>Coordinated US-Israel Strikes Mark Major Escalation</h2> The strikes were part of what the United States and Israel described as major coordinated military operations against Iran on Saturday. The escalation follows the breakdown of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran earlier this week.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-defence-minister-amir-nasirzadeh-killed-85-students-killed-in-southern-iran-reports-1829264

Friday, February 27, 2026

‘Radical Left’: Trump Orders 6-Month Phase-Out Of Anthropic AI Use By Federal Agencies

President Donald Trump has directed all federal agencies to discontinue the use of services provided by artificial intelligence company Anthropic, escalating tensions between the administration and the tech sector. The order, issued Saturday, gives departments six months to phase out the company’s products and systems. The decision follows a strongly worded post on Truth Social in which Trump criticized the firm’s policies and accused it of overstepping its role in dealings with the U.S. military. <h3>Trump Slams AI Firm Over Military Terms</h3> In his public remarks, Trump alleged that the company attempted to dictate conditions to the armed forces through its service agreements. Calling the firm “radical left and woke,” he rejected the idea that military operations should be influenced by corporate policies. “We don’t need it, we don’t want it, and we won’t do business with them again,” Trump wrote, making clear that the administration intends to permanently sever ties. The directive affects all federal entities currently relying on Anthropic’s AI tools, signaling a broader review of how emerging technologies are integrated into government systems. <h3>Pentagon Declares ‘Supply Chain Risk’</h3> The controversy intensified after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Pentagon will formally classify Anthropic as a national security concern. The designation of “supply chain risk” restricts military contractors and affiliated partners from entering into agreements with the firm. Hegseth said the company would be allowed to continue limited operations during a six-month transition window to avoid operational disruptions. However, he sharply criticized Anthropic’s leadership, including CEO Dario Amodei, accusing them of trying to pressure the military into accepting contractual terms. He characterized the company’s posture as incompatible with American values. <h3>Legal Showdown Looms</h3> Anthropic has indicated it will contest the Pentagon’s determination in court, as per PTI. The company disputes the “supply chain risk” label attached to its AI systems and is preparing to mount a legal challenge against the federal action. The standoff marks one of the most direct confrontations yet between the Trump administration and a leading AI developer. 

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-anthropic-ai-orders-6-month-phase-out-use-by-federal-agencies-radical-left-1829143

Military Plane Carrying Banknotes Crashes Shortly After Takeoff In Bolivia, 15 Dead: VIDEO

Bolivia Plane Crash: Fifteen people were killed and at least 30 others injured on Friday evening after a Bolivian Air Force Hercules aircraft transporting newly printed banknotes crashed onto a busy avenue in El Alto, near the capital La Paz, television reports said. The military plane had departed from Santa Cruz and was attempting to land when it reportedly skidded off the runway in poor weather conditions, according to local authorities reported Reuters. It then veered onto a neighbouring road, causing devastation along the avenue. <h2>Chaos Erupts as Cash Scattered Across Crash Site</h2> Dramatic footage circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes as crowds gathered at the crash site. In several clips, people appeared to collect banknotes scattered across the ground following the accident. Reuters said it could not independently verify the authenticity of the images. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breaking?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Breaking</a> Reuters: 15 people killed and at least 30 others injured in a plane crash in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bolivia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bolivia</a> At least 15 people are dead after a plane crashed in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/El_Alto?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#El_Alto</a> & 30 others are injured after a Bolivian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft crashed in the country's second-largest… <a href="https://t.co/K2pbfMmdmu">pic.twitter.com/K2pbfMmdmu</a> — ⚡️🌎 World News 🌐⚡️ (@ferozwala) <a href="https://twitter.com/ferozwala/status/2027550693079584899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> Authorities at the scene were seen using water hoses and tear gas to disperse people and secure the area. The aircraft was reportedly carrying newly issued currency from Bolivia’s central bank at the time of the crash. The bank was expected to brief reporters later on Friday evening. <h2>Airport Temporarily Shut, Aircraft Not Part of National Airline Fleet</h2> Boliviana de Aviación said in a statement that operations at El Alto International Airport were temporarily suspended following the crash. The airline clarified that the aircraft involved did not belong to its fleet. Video broadcast by local media showed the military plane severely damaged, with debris scattered across the avenue. Several vehicles along the road also sustained significant damage.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/bolivia-plane-crash-military-cargo-plane-carrying-cash-crash-shortly-after-takeoff-15-dead-video-1829139

'Saw Nothing Wrong': Bill Clinton Denies Wrongdoing In Jeffrey Epstein Deposition

Former US President Bill Clinton told members of Congress on Friday that he “did nothing wrong” in his past association with late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, insisting he was unaware of any criminal conduct during their acquaintance. Facing hours of questioning over links dating back more than two decades, Clinton said he never witnessed any misconduct and had no knowledge of Epstein’s sexual abuse. “I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong,” Clinton said in an opening statement posted on social media at the outset of the deposition.  <h2>Historic Congressional Deposition in New York</h2> The closed-door testimony, held in Chappaqua, New York, marked the first time a former US president has been required to give evidence before Congress. The session came just one day after his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, appeared for her own deposition. In prepared remarks submitted to the House Oversight Committee, Clinton said he would never have boarded Epstein’s plane had he known about the alleged trafficking of underage girls. If he had been aware, he added, he would have reported him. “We are only here because he hid it from everyone so well for so long,” Clinton said. He described his connection to Epstein as a “brief acquaintance” that ended years before the financier’s crimes became public. “I had no idea of the crimes Epstein was committing,” he told lawmakers. <h2>Lawmakers Signal Broader Scrutiny</h2> The deposition unfolded under the leadership of James Comer, the Republican chair of the House panel investigating matters related to Epstein. Ahead of Clinton’s testimony, Comer said he was keen to “ask lots of questions”. Democratic members of the committee, meanwhile, renewed calls for current US President Donald Trump to be questioned as well. Clinton did not refer to Trump by name in his statement, but stressed that “no person is above the law, even presidents, especially presidents.” <h2>Hillary Clinton Says She Knew Nothing of Offences</h2> A day earlier, Hillary Clinton told lawmakers she had no knowledge of criminal activity involving Epstein or his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. “I had no idea about their criminal activities. I do not recall ever encountering Mr Epstein,” she said in an opening statement shared on social media. Her private deposition reportedly lasted more than six hours, during which she answered every question put to her. She also accused the Republican-led panel of attempting to deflect scrutiny from Trump’s links to Epstein. “This institutional failure is designed to protect one political party and one public official, rather than to seek truth and justice for the victims and survivors, as well as the public who also want to get to the bottom of this matter,” she said. “My heart breaks for the survivors. And I am furious on their behalf.”

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/saw-nothing-wrong-bill-clinton-denies-wrongdoing-in-jeffrey-epstein-deposition-1829137

Thursday, February 26, 2026

ABP Exclusive | Afghan Taliban Leader Brands Pakistan A ‘Mercenary State’ After Deadly Border Escalation

Afghanistan launched a blistering attack on Pakistan’s military, describing it as a “mercenary in every war” and accusing it of targeting Afghan civilians to mask its own failures as cross-border tensions escalate in the region.  In an exclusive interview with ABP News, Qari Saeed Khoshti, Director at the Ministry of Culture of the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan, alleged that Pakistan’s army has “never won a single conflict” and routinely suffers setbacks against India. He claimed that Islamabad is now directing its firepower at Afghan civilians in an attempt to divert attention from its military shortcomings. His remarks come after Afghan forces reportedly carried out overnight attacks on multiple Pakistani military posts, killing more than 55 Pakistani soldiers. Khoshti described the strikes as a direct response to what he called a Pakistani airstrike on Afghan civilians on 22 February. “This retaliation will continue until full justice is achieved,” he told ABP News. <h2>Cross-Border Raids and Prisoners Captured</h2> According to Khoshti, Afghan forces launched coordinated operations against several Pakistani military positions at 8 pm local time. By midnight, he claimed, between 18 and 20 checkpoints had been destroyed. He further alleged that Pakistani soldiers, faced with the assault, abandoned their posts and fled. Afghan troops, he said, crossed the Durand Line, which he referred to as a “fabricated boundary”, and took several Pakistani soldiers into custody. The Durand Line has long been a flashpoint between the two neighbours, fuelling decades of mistrust and sporadic violence. <h2>Civilian Casualties and Airstrike Allegations</h2> Khoshti accused Pakistan of conducting repeated airstrikes inside Afghanistan since September, claiming that 88 Afghan civilians have been killed during that period. “If Pakistan has a problem with us, it should fight our military. Targeting civilians is not bravery,” he said. He argued that Pakistan’s history of military setbacks, particularly in conflicts with India, explains what he characterised as its preference for striking “defenceless people rather than confronting armed forces”. “A country established in the name of Islam only attacks other Muslim nations,” he added. <h2>Criticism of Pakistan’s Military Leadership</h2> Khoshti also levelled personal criticism at Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir. He alleged that Munir is acting under the influence of the United States and Western powers, describing the ongoing hostilities as a “mercenary war” against Afghanistan. He further claimed that Munir previously used military action to secure passage of the 27th constitutional amendment and is now backing Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) to destabilise the region and consolidate power. In a fresh allegation, Khoshti asserted that Pakistani military officials have established a joint command structure with Lashkar-e-Taiba and ISKP to create instability in Afghanistan and India. He said the Afghan government has repeatedly provided evidence that Pakistan shelters militant groups, but Islamabad continues to deny responsibility. <h2>Rejecting Claims of Militant Infiltration</h2> Responding to Pakistani claims that Afghanistan harbours Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) fighters who infiltrate across the border, Khoshti dismissed the accusations as baseless. “The claim of infiltration is far from reality,” he said. “There is a border fence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, so how is it possible for BLA or TTP fighters to infiltrate Pakistan and go deep into Islamabad or Rawalpindi to carry out attacks?” He accused Pakistan of shifting blame onto Afghanistan to conceal its own security failures. <h2>Internal Unrest and Regional Fallout</h2> Khoshti maintained that violence in Pakistan’s Pashtun and Baloch regions stems from internal policy failures rather than external interference. He described Pakistan’s domestic approach as a “mercenary war” against its own Pashtun and Baloch populations, arguing that such policies fuel resistance movements including TTP and BLA. In his closing remarks, the senior official insisted that Pakistan must take responsibility for terrorism within its borders instead of blaming Afghanistan.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-afghanistan-clash-afghan-taliban-leader-brands-pakistan-a-mercenary-state-1829009