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Saturday, March 14, 2026

UAE orders expedited trial of 10 for publishing misleading, fabricated video clips

Dubai, Mar 15 (PTI): The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has ordered the arrest and urgent trial of 10 people of various nationalities for publishing video clips on social media platforms containing misleading and fabricated content amid regional tensions due to the war in Iran. In a statement released by the country’s official news agency Wam, UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the action follows the continuous monitoring of digital platforms amid regional developments. The attorney-general did not reveal the nationalities of the accused. “Such events have been exploited to disseminate misinformation intended to deliberately mislead the public while undermining national security, order and stability,” he said. Investigations revealed that the defendants published videos featuring real footage of air defence systems intercepting attacks. Other clips depicted projectiles on the ground or crowds observing events. Dr Al Shamsi said the under trial circulated fabricated footage created using AI to falsely suggest explosions, strikes on prominent landmarks, or large fires with rising smoke across various areas of the UAE. “The incidents also involved exploiting children’s emotions in videos falsely implying security threats. Other footage claimed the destruction of military facilities within the country or attributed foreign incidents to UAE locations, aiming to mislead public opinion and spread anxiety,” he added. According to him, the public prosecution has commenced interrogating the defendants and ordered their remand in custody. The attorney-general explained that such acts constitute crimes punishable under the law by imprisonment for a period of no less than one year and a fine of no less than AED 100,000. He said that the public prosecution will not tolerate any attempt to exploit cyberspace or modern technologies to spread misleading information or fabricated content that affects the security of the state or disturbs public order, including the circulation of clips showing the interception of attacks by the country’s defence systems and the consequences that may result from publishing them. PTI CORR 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/uae-orders-expedited-trial-of-10-for-publishing-misleading-fabricated-video-clips-1831260

‘Act Of Aggression’: India Reacts Strongly To Pakistan’s Air Strikes In Afghanistan

India on Saturday strongly criticised Pakistan for carrying out air strikes inside Afghanistan, saying the attacks resulted in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. Responding to media queries, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that India viewed the incident as another instance of aggression by Pakistan. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Our response to media queries on recent attacks by Pakistan on Afghanistan ⬇️ 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/jXBxyOlsfl">https://t.co/jXBxyOlsfl</a> <a href="https://t.co/mvVnVvaUZ9">pic.twitter.com/mvVnVvaUZ9</a> — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/2032829343660126579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> “India condemns the air strikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan's territory, leading to the death of several civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure,” he said. Jaiswal added that the development reflected continued hostility from Pakistan toward the concept of a sovereign Afghanistan. “This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan.” <h2>India Reiterates Support For Afghan Sovereignty</h2> India’s remarks came after the Pakistani military conducted aerial strikes inside Afghan territory in recent weeks amid rising tensions between the two neighbours. New Delhi reiterated its position that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected. <h2>Pakistan Carries Out Strikes In Kabul And Border Regions</h2> Earlier, Pakistan carried out overnight air strikes in Afghanistan, including on the capital Kabul, killing four people and injuring 15, Afghan authorities said on Friday as tensions escalated further. A spokesperson for the Taliban government said Pakistan had also bombed the fuel depot of private airline Kam Air near Kandahar Airport. Pakistan’s military has not issued an official statement on the operation, but a Pakistani security source confirmed the strikes to AFP. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the operation targeted militants belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistan Taliban. The source said the strikes hit “accurate targets involving TTP.” <h2>Taliban Denies Harbouring Militants</h2> Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harbouring TTP militants responsible for a series of deadly attacks inside the country. However, the Taliban government in Kabul has denied the allegations, maintaining that Afghan territory is not being used to launch attacks against other countries. According to Khalil Zadran, spokesperson for Kabul police, the bombardment struck residential areas in the capital, leaving four people dead and 15 others injured.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/act-of-aggression-india-reacts-strongly-to-pakistan-s-air-strikes-in-afghanistan-1831256

War Of Words: Iran Denies Health Rumours About Supreme Leader After US Allegation

Iran’s foreign minister has rejected speculation about the health of the country’s new Supreme Leader, saying there are no issues with his condition. The remarks followed claims by a senior US official earlier this week suggesting the cleric had been injured. Speaking in an interview with MS Now on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said there was “no problem” with Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. <h2>US Defence Secretary Claims Leader Was ‘Wounded’</h2> The comments came after Pete Hegseth, the United States defence secretary, said on Friday that Iran’s new Supreme Leader was “wounded and likely disfigured,” a day after the cleric issued a written statement vowing to continue the war. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> .<a href="https://twitter.com/SecWar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecWar</a>: “We know the new, so-called (not so) Supreme Leader is wounded — and likely disfigured.” <a href="https://t.co/3LtUBVimjp">pic.twitter.com/3LtUBVimjp</a> — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2032430761849028847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> Speaking on Friday, Hegseth said, “We know the new so-called (not-so) Supreme Leader is wounded and likely disfigured. He put out a statement yesterday, a weak one actually, but there was no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement.” “Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why. His father's dead. He's scared. He's injured. He's on the run. And he lacks legitimacy. It's a mess for them. Who's in charge? Iran may not even know,” the war secretary added. <h2>Hegseth Criticises Iranian Leadership</h2> Hegseth also criticised the message issued by the Iranian leader. “He called for unity. Apparently, killing tens of thousands of protesters is his kind of unity.” Expanding on his remarks, the defence secretary said the Iranian leadership views the United States and Israel as acting together against it. “Looking up, the IRGC and Iranian regime see only two things on the side of the aircraft: the Stars and Stripes and the Star of David,” he said, calling it “the evil regime’s worst nightmare.” <h2>Tensions Continue Across Region</h2> Amid the escalating conflict, several senior Iranian officials joined a pro-government rally in Tehran, marching alongside demonstrators holding banners reading “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” As the United States intensified its bombing campaign, Iran launched a fresh wave of drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and neighbouring Gulf states. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon also continued. The Lebanese health ministry said an Israeli strike on a primary healthcare centre in southern Lebanon killed at least 12 medical personnel on Friday. According to Lebanese authorities, at least 773 people have been killed in Israeli attacks aimed at targeting Hezbollah.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/war-of-words-iran-denies-health-rumours-about-supreme-leader-after-us-allegation-1831254

Friday, March 13, 2026

'India Is Our Friend': Iran Assures Safe Passage For Indian Vessels In Strait Of Hormuz Amid Conflict

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran’s ambassador to India said Tehran would ensure safe passage for Indian interests in the strategic Strait of Hormuz as the conflict in the region entered its 14th day on Friday. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Mohammad Fathali said India remains a trusted partner for Iran and that Indian vessels would not face difficulties navigating the crucial shipping route. "... Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours. We believe that Iran and India share common interests in the region," news agency ANI quoted him as saying at 6:35 pm IST. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: On giving safe passage to India, Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, says, "... Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours. We believe that Iran and India share common interests in the region..." <a href="https://t.co/twTsE1Bjhv">pic.twitter.com/twTsE1Bjhv</a> — ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2032442928254316624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> The remarks come as concerns grow over potential shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil shipments passes. <h2>Strait ‘Not Formally Closed’, Says Iran Representative</h2> Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, said the waterway had not been formally closed, though current conditions were affecting vessel movement. "Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never wanted the Strait to be closed or blocked. Some (ships) are still passing through," he told reporters in Delhi. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, says, "...Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never… <a href="https://t.co/pfQHGHIjY7">pic.twitter.com/pfQHGHIjY7</a> — ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2032431010412208182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> Ilahi also urged global leaders to intervene and help end the conflict. "Those who initiated this war are the very ones who must stop it... Many people across the world are suffering due to this war. World leaders must unite and exert pressure on the President of the United States, urging him to put an immediate stop to this unjust war," ANI quoted Ilahi as saying. He also said Iran had not initiated the conflict and had been engaged in negotiations with the United States before the escalation. "Iran did not initiate this war. Iran was engaged in negotiations with the United States and was also pursuing diplomatic efforts... Suddenly, the United States, along with the Zionist regime, attacked Iran, and they targeted a lot of civilians in Iran. We will win in this war, and we are prepared to sacrifice everything we possess for the sake of our dignity and our land," Ilahi said. <h2>US Dismisses Blockade Concerns</h2> The United States has downplayed concerns about a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, US war secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington would maintain freedom of navigation in the waterway. "As the world is seeing, they are exercising sheer desperation in the Strait of Hormuz - something we're dealing with; we have been dealing with it. Don't need to worry about it." Hegseth also blamed Iran for disrupting shipping traffic. “The only thing prohibiting transit in the strait right now is Iran shooting at shipping.” <h2>Maritime Tensions Escalate In Gulf</h2> Maritime tensions in the Gulf region have intensified alongside the conflict. A report by Reuters said explosive-laden Iranian boats appeared to have attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, setting them on fire and killing one crew member. The report added that projectiles had struck four vessels across Gulf waters, taking the total number of ships hit in the region since the conflict began to at least 16. The attacks on vessels linked to the United States and Europe mark a sharp escalation in the maritime dimension of the conflict. <h2>Iranian Leader Backs Continued Hormuz Leverage</h2> The developments come after Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first address after assuming leadership, called for the continued use of the Strait of Hormuz blockade as strategic leverage. “Dear fighter brothers! The desire of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defence. Furthermore, the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used.” The new Iranian leader has also vowed vengeance for the deaths of his father and others killed in US-Israel strikes.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/india-is-our-friend-iran-assures-safe-passage-for-indian-vessels-in-strait-of-hormuz-amid-conflict-1831150

Islamabad Under Drone Siege: 5 Blasts Rock Pakistan’s Capital, Airspace Shut, PAF Scrambles Jets

Pakistan’s capital Islamabad was hit by a series of drone attacks on Friday evening, triggering panic across the city and forcing authorities to temporarily shut down the capital’s airspace. Fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) were scrambled on emergency patrol following the strikes. According to initial information available till 8:50 PM IST, drones targeted five locations in Islamabad. The affected areas include Faizabad, I-8 Sector, I-9 Sector, Shamsabad and the Margalla Hills. <h2>Air Defence Intercepts Drones In Parts Of City</h2> Information accessed by ABP News indicates that Pakistan’s air defence systems attempted to intercept the incoming drones. <img src="https://ift.tt/Ld1kGjE" width="720" /> Drones flying over Faizabad and Shamsabad were reportedly shot down mid-air. However, explosions were heard in I-8 and I-9 sectors, where the blast impact shattered windows of a building and caused panic among residents. <img src="https://ift.tt/ElqPBV2" width="720" /> In the Margalla Hills area, thick fire was seen rising from the hillside after a drone crash. Security teams later recovered the wreckage of a destroyed drone from the mountainous terrain. <h2>Flights Disrupted As Airspace Closed</h2> The attacks prompted authorities to temporarily close Islamabad’s airspace, leading to disruptions in air traffic. <img src="https://ift.tt/mHfDsz9" width="720" /> Several flights scheduled to land at Islamabad International Airport were diverted to other cities, while multiple departing flights were halted on the runway. <img src="https://ift.tt/m6hU7J3" width="720" /> Visuals accessed by ABP News showed the Pakistan Air Force placing its fighter fleet on high alert, with jets conducting continuous aerial patrols over the capital amid fears of further strikes. <h2>Strikes Follow Pakistan’s Attacks In Afghanistan</h2> The escalation comes just hours after Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, targeting locations in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktika. An oil storage facility near Kandahar Airport was also hit during those strikes. <img src="https://ift.tt/oFqZS8f" width="720" /> The drone attacks on Islamabad could be a direct retaliatory response to Pakistan’s military action. Afghanistan’s Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob had recently warned that if Pakistan attacked Kabul again, Afghanistan would respond by taking the war to Islamabad. <h2>Questions Raised Over Pakistan’s Air Defence</h2> While Pakistani authorities have not officially confirmed who launched the drones, the incident has exposed vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s air defence around its own capital. The attacks have raised questions about the country’s security preparedness and its ability to protect key locations in Islamabad.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/islamabad-drone-siege-blasts-rock-pakistan-s-capital-airspace-shut-paf-scrambles-jets-1831144

Thursday, March 12, 2026

US Military Plane Crashes In Iraq With 5 Aboard; Iran-Backed Group Claims Role

A rescue mission is underway after a US military aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during operations linked to the ongoing confrontation with Iran. The aircraft, a KC-135 Stratotanker, went down while participating in a mission connected to Operation Epic Fury, according to US military officials. Authorities confirmed that at least five crew members were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident, though some reports indicate there may have been six personnel. While the KC-135 is typically flown by a three-member crew, the aircraft was carrying additional individuals whose roles have not yet been disclosed. US Central Command said that two KC-135 aircraft were operating as part of the mission. One tanker landed without incident, but the other crashed while flying in what the military described as “friendly airspace.” Officials stressed that the crash was not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire, and recovery operations are continuing. <h3>US Military Aircraft Crashes In Iraq: Militia Group Claims Responsibility</h3> Despite the US military’s assertion that the aircraft was not shot down, a coalition of Iran-aligned armed groups operating in Iraq claimed involvement. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq released a statement saying it had targeted the tanker aircraft. According to the group, the strike was carried out “to defend our country’s sovereignty and airspace”, as per a report on India Today. The claim could not be independently verified, and US officials have not linked the crash to any militant attack. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the… — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2032211125882745265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> <h3>Strategic Role Of KC-135</h3> The KC-135 Stratotanker has been a vital component of US aerial operations for decades. Developed by Boeing during the 1950s and 1960s, the aircraft is designed to refuel fighter jets, bombers, and other military planes mid-air. This capability allows combat aircraft to remain in the air longer and operate far from their home bases, making the tanker fleet essential for sustained operations in conflict zones.  <h3>Mounting Casualties In The Conflict</h3> The crash comes against the backdrop of escalating military activity across the region. Since February 28, when the United States and Israel began coordinated strikes on Iranian targets, several American personnel have been killed in related incidents. Six US service members died in a drone strike on a civilian port in Kuwait, while another succumbed to injuries sustained during an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. According to the Pentagon, around 140 American troops have been wounded since the conflict intensified, including eight who suffered severe injuries. A Reuters report suggested that the total number of wounded could be closer to 150. <h3>Multiple Incidents Across Region</h3> The day of the tanker crash also saw other incidents involving US forces. Two sailors were injured in a non-combat fire aboard the USS Gerald Ford, while another military aircraft incident occurred elsewhere in the region. In that event, all six crew members of an F-15E Strike Eagle successfully ejected from their aircraft and were later reported to be in stable condition.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-israel-conflict-us-military-plane-crashes-in-iraq-with-5-aboard-iran-backed-group-claims-role-1830989

Trump Says Mojtaba Khamenei ‘Probably Alive’ As Reports Claim Iran’s New Supreme Leader In Coma

As speculation continues to grow over the health of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, US President Donald Trump said he believes Mojtaba Khamenei is likely still alive but may have suffered serious injuries. Speaking to Fox News Radio, Trump was asked whether he believes Mojtaba, who assumed leadership after his father Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israel strikes, is alive. “I think he probably is,” Trump said during the Brian Kilmeade Show. “I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form, you know,” he added. Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a public appearance ever since the conflict started, fuelling speculation about his condition and his ability to lead Iran as the new supreme leader during the ongoing war. <h3>Reports Claim Iranian Leader May Be Critically Injured</h3> Trump’s remarks came amid media reports suggesting that the 56-year-old cleric may have been seriously wounded in the airstrike that killed his father on February 28. According to a report by The Sun, Khamenei is in a coma and lost at least one leg after being critically injured in the attack. The report also claimed the Iranian leader “lost at least one leg and has also suffered serious stomach or liver damage.” The report said he is currently being treated under heavy security at Tehran's Sina University Hospital. “One or two of his legs have been cut off. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well,” a source told the newspaper. <h3>Iranian Officials Say He Is Injured But Safe</h3> Iranian officials have acknowledged that Mojtaba Khamenei sustained injuries in the strike but maintained that he is safe and recovering. A report by The Guardian, citing Tehran’s ambassador to Cyprus, noted that the cleric was injured in the attack and described him as fortunate to have survived the bombardment. “I have heard that he was injured in his legs and hand and arm I think he is in the hospital because he is injured,” Diplomat Alireza Salarian said. Explaining why the 56-year-old leader has not appeared in public or delivered any statements since succeeding his father, he added, “I don’t think he is comfortable (in any condition) to give a speech.” <h3>First Statement Broadcast On State Television</h3> Iranian state television has tried to signal continuity in leadership by airing what it described as Mojtaba Khamenei’s first message since taking charge. The statement, however, was not delivered by Khamenei himself and was instead read out by a news presenter. In the message, Khamenei warned that Iran would retaliate for those killed during the conflict and issued a threat against US military bases in the region. “All US bases should be immediately closed in the region, otherwise they will be attacked,” Khamenei said. He also warned that Iran would demand compensation for the war and could target foreign assets if its demands are ignored. “We will take war reparations from the enemy for the war it imposed on us. If the enemy refuses, we will seize as much of its assets as we deem appropriate; and if that is not possible, we will destroy an equivalent amount of its property,” he said.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-says-mojtaba-khamenei-probably-alive-as-reports-claim-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-gravely-injured-1830985