Author: Steven Sahiounie

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington DC announced it was locked down on Friday after a “potential armed individual” was spotted. The base later posted on its Facebook page that base personnel should be on the lookout for “two individuals,” describing the first as “a black male, medium build with dreads,” and the other as a “black man wearing green pants and a white top” who “might be injured.” The base told personnel not to go looking for the individuals, but to merely report them if spotted. In 2020, more than 43 thousand people were killed by gunfire, including suicides, according…

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby confirmed that the first battalion of Marines have arrived in Kabul. Kirby, during a press conference today discussed the US’ concern about the speed of “Taliban’s” expansion, alluding to their continued support of the Afghani government forces. He added that “Americans will support Afghans at all times, and “the US will strive to make sure no threat emanates from Afghanistan.” The spokesman expressed that the Afghan security forces are still capable of making a difference in the batte, emphasizing that “no potential outcome has to be inevitable,” urging Afghans to unite. Kirby continued, “You can see…

The Media Spokesperson for the Islamic Jihad Movement in occupied Palestine, Tariq Salmi, said that the media reports revealed the Israeli occupation’s military and security failure during the “Seif al-Quds” Battle, which consecrates the victory of the Resistance and its readiness to confront the Israeli aggression. Salmi said in a press statement today, Saturday, that reports by Israeli media revealed evidence of the occupation’s impotence during the Battle and constitute a clear condemnation of the crimes committed against innocent civilians with an attempt to depict an illusional victory. He also added that the results achieved by the “Seif al-Quds” Battle…

Whatever happened to the Twitter blue check mark? In a peculiar turn of events, Twitter has halted its verification program after the company admitted that it had mistakenly verified fake accounts run by botnets. The verification program is designed to assess the legitimacy of an account, showcasing that it is “authentic, notable and active” by giving them a badge – the blue check mark. It is seen by many as an endorsement by the company. Yet Twitter Verified has been accused of mishandling many accounts’ applications, denying them the badge while fake accounts were receiving it right and left. The…

The Venezuelan government and the opposition in Mexico City signed a “memorandum of understanding” on Friday to start negotiations aimed at ending the five-year political impasse in the country. Representatives of the two sides agreed to meet on the 30th of this month in Mexico to discuss a 7-point agenda, which does not include the departure of President Nicolas Maduro. President Maduro had announced earlier his readiness to conduct negotiations with the opposition and confirmed that negotiations are scheduled to discuss lifting the sanctions imposed on the country. He noted that the government spokesmen have already communicated with various opposition…

Thieves broke into the palace of the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, near the French resort of Cannes, and seized watches and other valuables, according to a source close to the scene. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad was not present when four people stormed his house in Mouan-Sartou, but several of his family members were, RTL radio reported. It added that the robbery was carried out without violence, as the thieves did not threaten the residents of the palace, who surrendered upon spotting a weapon. Moreover, several law enforcement agencies in the cities of Grasse, Nice, and Marseille have opened…

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported yesterday, Thursday, that 55 vehicles, including oil tankers and US military escort convoy, made their way out of Syria headed towards Iraq via the Al-Waleed border crossing. According to local sources on the outskirts of Al-Yarubiyah, two convoys consisting of tankers, covered trucks, refrigerated trucks, and US armored vehicles were seen leaving the country. Earlier in the week, US forces were seen smuggling 80 tankers filled with Syrian oil out of the country. It is noteworthy that US forces control about 90% of Syria’s oil-producing territory, depriving the government of its most significant…

The Lebanese army announced the direct operations of raiding closed gas stations. The army announced in a statement today, Saturday, that it will confiscate all seized gasoline found in closed gas stations and will directly distribute it to the people The Lebanese army’s decision was welcomed by the social media activists, who called on the “protectors of the homeland to hit with an iron fist.” Activists also called for “raiding the homes of officials” who, according to the tweeters, bear the responsibility for corruption in the country. The Internal Security Forces also stated that they will not stand by and…

Canada’s government will soon require all public servants to be vaccinated against Covid, two ministers have said, while mandatory vaccinations are also looming for air and train travelers. Speaking during a news conference on Friday, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced plans to greatly expand the scope of mandatory vaccinations in Canada. In the coming weeks, all government employees and people working in certain industries subjected to federal regulations – such as airlines and railways – will be required to be vaccinated against Covid-19. While Canada boasts one of the highest inoculation rates in the world – over 80% of eligible…

A Serbian recluse who made international headlines after he called on people to get vaccinated has claimed he was given just one expired dose – as well as gifts from media outlets who promoted his pro-vaccine story. Panta Petrovic, who says he lives part of the year in a cave near the Serbian town of Pirot, became an overnight sensation after media outlets applauded his pro-vaccination stance, despite his allegedly extreme “social distancing” lifestyle. According to news agency AFP, the Serbian “hermit” was jabbed soon after Covid-19 vaccines became available in his area. “It [the virus] does not choose. It will come here to my…