Author: Steven Sahiounie

On Monday, Italian police arrested 19 high-profile football fans from Inter Milan and AC Milan, suspecting them of having connections with the ‘Ndrangheta mafia, according to Reuters. Investigators revealed that the case exposes how fan groups have evolved into criminal organizations, controlling ticket scams, beverage stalls, and parking operations around the San Siro stadium, which is shared by the two Serie A football clubs. Mafia Influence in Football Giovanni Melillo, Italy’s National Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor, highlighted the significance of the investigation during a press conference in Milan. He stated, “This is an important investigation because it forces us to…

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command reported that American defense systems intercepted two Katyusha rockets targeting Victoria Base, located at Baghdad International Airport. The rockets were destroyed in mid-air, preventing them from hitting their intended targets. Two military sources confirmed to Reuters that at least two Katyusha rockets were fired at Victoria Base, which houses U.S. troops as part of ongoing operations. No Disruption to Baghdad Airport Despite the attack, Iraq’s Ministry of Transportation issued a statement clarifying that air traffic at Baghdad International Airport was not disrupted. The base shares the airport’s infrastructure, leading to initial concerns…

Israeli warplanes launched heavy airstrikes on Monday night, targeting the areas of Lailaki, Marijeh, Rweiss, and Bir al-Abed in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The strikes also reached locations near Beirut’s international airport. The Israeli airstrikes followed urgent evacuation warnings issued by the Israeli army, which called for the immediate clearance of several buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Evacuations in Southern Lebanon In addition to the strikes on Beirut, the Israeli military ordered residents in several border towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate. Strict instructions were also given to residents of Israel’s Upper Galilee to stay close to protected areas. The Israeli…

In the early hours of Tuesday, Hezbollah announced that it had targeted the movements of Israeli soldiers near the southern Lebanese border. The group’s statement confirmed that fighters engaged Israeli forces with appropriate weapons in orchards facing the Lebanese towns of Adaisseh and Kfarkila, and claimed to have inflicted casualties. In a second statement, Hezbollah reported that it had launched artillery fire on an Israeli force at the gate of the Shetula settlement, a location close to the border. Sources Confirm Military Engagement Lebanese sources confirmed that Hezbollah had directed its fire towards a “military target” near the Israeli Zarit…

A senior U.S. defense official informed on Monday evening that the Lebanese Army has been urged to convince the Lebanese government to agree to an unconditional ceasefire. The message stressed the need for an immediate halt to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Meanwhile, the Israeli military launched a ground operation in southern Lebanon early Tuesday. According to the Israeli military, “limited and targeted raids” were initiated on Hezbollah positions near the border, which pose a “direct threat” to Israeli communities in the north. The Israeli Air Force and artillery are actively supporting these operations with precision strikes. A…

Israeli airstrikes targeted the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Sidon, southern Lebanon, on Tuesday, according to media reports. The airstrike specifically hit the home of Munir Maqdah, the commander of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Lebanon. However, Maqdah was not present during the attack. This marks the first strike on the densely populated camp since cross-border hostilities escalated nearly a year ago. Ain al-Hilweh is the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon and houses thousands of displaced people. Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli military announced the start of a ground operation in southern Lebanon. The military confirmed “limited and targeted…

The Israeli military announced early Tuesday that it intercepted a drone over the Mediterranean Sea. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said, “The IDF’s aerial defense system intercepted a drone over the Mediterranean Sea, tens of kilometers off the coast of central Israel.” Israeli media confirmed the interception of a suspicious aerial target off the coast near Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, media outlets close to the Houthi movement in Yemen reported that the Houthis launched a ballistic missile toward Tel Aviv just before the IDF’s interception announcement. This development follows the recent escalation, as Israel initiated a ground incursion…

The Syrian army reported that it successfully intercepted an Israeli aerial attack targeting several locations in the capital city, Damascus. In an official statement, the Syrian military said, “Our air defense systems responded to an Israeli aggression targeting several points in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to nine others, along with significant material damage.” The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) quoted a military source stating that the attack occurred around 2:05 AM and was launched by Israeli warplanes and drones from the direction of the Syrian Golan Heights, aiming at multiple sites in the capital.…

In the early hours of Tuesday, the Israeli military announced the launch of a ground military operation in southern Lebanon. According to a statement from the Israeli army, they have begun limited and targeted raids against Hezbollah positions near the border. These targets, located in villages close to the Israel-Lebanon border, are described as posing a direct threat to civilian populations in northern Israel. Air and Artillery Support The statement also highlighted that the Israeli air force and artillery units are providing support to the ground forces through precise strikes on military targets in the region. The operation, referred to…

The United States is set to announce nearly $336 million in additional humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, according to a statement from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) cited by Reuters on Monday. This funding will help USAID’s partners continue to provide vital humanitarian assistance, including food, healthcare, nutrition, and other essential services. The aid will also offer emergency shelter support for displaced families in Gaza ahead of the winter season. Humanitarian Crisis Worsens in Gaza and the West Bank The statement highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, noting…