Iranian police have arrested a senior operative of Islamic State, along with two other members, for planning a suicide attack during Ramadan celebrations. The arrests were made in Karaj, west of Tehran, following clashes.
Fact: Iranian police arrested a senior operative of Islamic State and two other members accused of planning a suicide attack during celebrations marking the end of Ramadan.
Cyprus’ justice ministry has not received any request from Moscow’s prosecution office regarding its potential involvement in Russia’s terror attacks.
The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has requested information from the US, Germany, France, and Cyprus regarding their potential involvement in organizing and financing terrorist attacks on Russia.
Cyprus has not received any request from Russia to assist in investigating alleged Western involvement in terrorist attacks on Russian soil. Russia’s General Prosecutor’s Office has sent official requests to Western countries, including Cyprus, the United States, Germany, and France, asking for cooperation in investigating the Nord Stream blasts and acts of terrorism in Russia. Russia claims to have direct evidence implicating Western countries, particularly the United States and Ukraine, in collaborating with ISIS and Ukrainian intelligence to carry out attacks in Russia. The Kremlin has called the situation regarding the investigations “close to absurd”.
– Palestinian fisherman Jalal Qaraan faces dangers at sea due to Israeli navy attacks
– More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza war
– Fishing in Gaza has become difficult due to the war, with many families unable to enjoy fish during Ramadan
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a new military aid package for Ukraine quickly. Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has delayed a bill that would provide billion in military and financial aid for Ukraine. Ukrainian troops are facing shortages of artillery supplies as aid is held up in Congress.
Russia expressed skepticism about the United States’ claims that the Islamic State was behind a gun attack on a concert hall outside Moscow, which resulted in 137 deaths and 182 injuries. The attack, occurring just before a performance by the rock group Picnic, was the deadliest in Russia in two decades. Four men, including at least one Tajik, were detained on terrorism charges. Despite the Islamic State claiming responsibility and the U.S. believing this claim, Russian President Vladimir Putin has not linked the group to the attack, instead suggesting the attackers were trying to flee to Ukraine. The U.S. had warned Russia about an imminent attack earlier in the month. Russia questioned the U.S.’s assertion of Islamic State’s involvement, hinting at a potential diversion to cover for Kyiv. The U.S. maintains intelligence confirming Islamic State’s responsibility. Putin mentioned the detention of 11 individuals, including the suspected gunmen. Videos of the suspects’ interrogations appeared on social media, showing signs of mistreatment. Following the attack, France raised its terror alert to the highest level.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the attack on a concert hall near Moscow, which resulted in 137 deaths, was carried out by Islamic State. Macron advised against Russia blaming Ukraine for the attack, emphasizing it would be cynical and counterproductive. Despite the Islamic State group claiming responsibility for the attack, Russia disputed claims from the United States and other countries about the group’s involvement, suggesting a cover-up for Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin did not attribute the attack to the Islamist militant group but mentioned that the attackers had attempted to escape to Ukraine, with some assistance from the Ukrainian side. Ukraine denied any involvement in the attack, and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Putin of trying to divert blame towards Ukraine. Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, questioned U.S. claims about Islamic State’s involvement. Macron highlighted that the Islamic State group had also attempted attacks in France and mentioned that France had raised its terror alert to the highest level following the Moscow attack. Macron offered to increase cooperation with Russian intelligence services and partners in the region to find the culprits and combat such groups targeting multiple countries.
Russia observed a day of mourning with flags at half-mast after an attack at a rock concert outside Moscow resulted in 137 deaths, including three children, and 180 injuries. President Vladimir Putin declared the national day of mourning and promised to find and punish those responsible for the attack, which Islamic State claimed responsibility for. Over 100 people remained hospitalized, some in serious condition. Putin lit a candle in memory of the victims and expressed condolences in a national address. The attackers, who had attempted to flee to Ukraine, were said by Putin to have had assistance from the Ukrainian side, a claim Ukraine denied. The attack took place at Crocus City Hall during a performance by the rock group Picnic. It was the deadliest attack on Russian soil since the 2004 Beslan school siege. In response to the tragedy, Moscow residents formed long lines to donate blood, and billboards across the city displayed mourning messages. Countries worldwide expressed horror and condolences. Putin mentioned that 11 people had been detained in connection with the attack, including the suspected gunmen. The Federal Security Service (FSB) stated the gunmen had contacts in Ukraine. The U.S. shared information with Russia about a planned attack in Moscow earlier in the month, emphasizing that Islamic State bore sole responsibility for the attack and denying any Ukrainian involvement.