October 24, 2024

*) World leaders condemn terrorist attack in Ankara Global leaders condemned the terrorist attack on a defence facility in Ankara, Türkiye, where five people were killed and 22 wounded. Turkish President Erdogan denounced the attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries, calling it "heinous." Russian President Putin and US Secretary of State Blinken both expressed their condolences, with Blinken reaffirming the US's support for its ally Türkiye. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also condemned the attack, emphasising that NATO stands with Türkiye against terrorism. *) Israel heavily bombards southern Beirut Israeli warplanes carried out more than 17 air strikes on the Lebanese capital Beirut's southern suburbs, in one of the most intense bombardments. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported that the Israeli attack included four strikes in the suburb of Laylaki, which destroyed six buildings and caused fires that spread across a wide area. It also said that Israeli aircraft destroyed the office of the Al Mayadeen TV channel affiliated with the Lebanese Hezbollah group, which was located in an apartment. *) G7 moves forward on $50B Ukraine loan, backed by frozen Russian assets The G7 is advancing a $50 billion loan package for Ukraine, backed by frozen Russian assets, according to the White House. The US will contribute $20 billion, while the remaining $30 billion will come from allies like the EU, UK, Canada, and Japan. Interest earned on Russia's frozen assets will serve as collateral for this unprecedented financial support. *) Saudi Arabia, Iran conduct joint military drill in Sea of Oman Saudi Arabia recently conducted joint military exercises with Iran and other nations in the Sea of Oman, according to a Saudi Defence Ministry spokesperson. Brigadier General Turki al-Malki confirmed the naval drills in a statement following reports from Iran’s official news agency ISNA that the two countries are planning additional exercises in the Red Sea. *) Kuwait bans controversial 'Call of Duty' video game Kuwait has banned Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 due to its depiction of Saddam Hussein and scenes from the 1990s Gulf War. Activision confirmed the game won’t be released in Kuwait, but the government has not officially acknowledged the ban. Trailers showing burning oil fields and Iraqi symbols have sparked controversy, reminding Kuwaitis of painful memories. This is the latest geopolitical issue for Call of Duty, which has previously faced bans in countries like China and Russia for controversial content.