Yemen's Houthi rebels said they targeted two ships sailing in the southern Red Sea on Tuesday. The Houthis have been targeting commercial vessels with drones and missiles in the Red Sea since mid-November, in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians against Israel in the Gaza war.

Houthis claim to have hit two merchant ships in the Red Sea

Yemen's Houthis claimed that they have launched a missile attack on the US Navy ship USS Lewis B. Puller in the Gulf of Aden. Watch in the report for more details!

Red Sea Crisis: Houthi militants claim to hit USS Lewis B. Puller warship

Yemen's Houthi rebels fired three missiles at two ships in the Red Sea, US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby tells reporters, adding, "one missile missed by something like 200km and the other two were shot down by a US Navy destroyer."

Red Sea Crisis: Houthis fired three missiles at two ships in Red Sea, claims White House

The United States carried out fresh strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels Saturday, the military said, targeting an anti-ship missile that was "prepared to launch."

US strikes Houthis in Yemen again, American central command confirms

US central command confirms Saturday's strike on Houthi targets

The Iran-backed Houthi militia launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles at a US-owned tanker ship late on Thursday that hit the water near the vessel but caused no injuries or damage.

Red Sea Crisis: Houthi-fired another missile strikes on US-owned vessel

US military says American forces on Wednesday carried out strikes on 14 missiles in Yemen that were ready to be launched and posed a threat to civilian and military vessels . The same day, US relisted the Iran-backed rebels as global terrorists, which was followed by another Houthi attack on a US-owned commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden.

Red Sea Crisis: US in new strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen

A day after Iran admitted to carrying out a missile and drone attack in the Pakistani province of Balochistan, Islamabad has responded by striking militant targets in Iranian territory.

Pakistan hits militant targets in Iran day after missile strikes in Balochistan

Thousands protest in Israel demanding release of hostages, PM Netanyahu's resignation. PM Netanyahu says ICJ won't stop Israel fighting until victory in Gaza. Watch the video to know all updates related to Israel-Hamas War.

Israel at War: Protesters in Israel demands release of hostages, PM Netanyahu's resignation

The Israeli military says it has found evidence that hostages were present in an underground tunnel in the Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, which has become the focus of Israel’s ground offensive.

Israel at War: Traces of hostages found in Khan Younis tunnel in Gaza, says IDF

Israeli forces have killed around 40 Palestinian fighters and raided a militant compound and tunnel shafts during expanded operations in the southern Gaza Strip's Khan Younis.

Israel at War: Israeli military kills 40 militants in Gaza's Khan Younis

The West Bank city of Jenin is once again tensed as Israeli troops launched a fresh assault in the region. Armed vehicles were seen on the streets of Jenin with echoes of gunfire in the background.

Israel-Gaza War: Israeli forces launch fresh offensive in Jenin as West Bank violence surges

Russia on Tuesday (Jan 2) launched a barrage of&nbsp;missiles on the Ukrainian capital as well as other cities in which four people were killed and more than 27 others were injured&nbsp;as strikes damaged high-rise buildings and caused fires.

"One wounded elderly woman from a building in the Solomyansky district... died in an ambulance. Twenty-seven wounded people were hospitalised," said Kyiv mayor Vitaly Klitschko. In the Kyiv region, two others were killed and one person was killed in the eastern city of Kharkiv, as per the&nbsp;regional authorities.

Barrages of loud explosions were heard in Ukraine's capital city Kyiv after Ukraine's air force earlier said that multiple missiles were flying towards the capital city. This happened shortly after&nbsp;nationwide air alerts were raised in Ukraine due to a threat from Russian bombers.

The city's military administration said that many fragments of downed rockets were seen on the roads of various districts which included residential buildings. It was reported that Russia launched Kinzhal missiles. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that power supply was not available in several areas of the capital as&nbsp;250,000 consumers were left in darkness.

Ukraine's national Ukrenergo energy company said, "250.000 consumers were without electricity in Kyiv and its region following Russian strikes."

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said that explosions occurred and the capital was on fire nearly an hour after the military administration of the region said that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones were detected in the airspace of the city.

<h2 lang="en-US">Air alerts in Ukraine</h2>

Air alerts were raised by Ukraine's military on Tuesday (Jan 2) as they warned about a threat of Russian missile strikes. 
 
"Missile danger in areas where the air alert is on! The threat of launching cruise missiles from Tu-95MS aircraft. A total of 16 Tu-95MS strategic bombers are in the air," said the Air Force on Telegram. 
 
Ukraine's air force said numerous missiles were flying towards the capital city shortly after nationwide air alerts were raised because of a threat from Russian bombers. "Kyiv - stay in shelters. Many missiles heading in your direction," said the air force&nbsp;on Telegram. 
 
Hours before, the military had issued a warning regarding the 20 Russian strategic bombers which were airborne. Taking to Telegram, military officials said that after takeoffs were detected from the far northern Olenya airfield and southern Engels airbase, multiple Tupolev Tu-95MS bombers were present in Russia's airspace.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-personally-ordered-belgorod-attack-claims-russian-state-media-675579">Zelensky personally ordered Belgorod attack, claims Russian state media</a>

Meanwhile, another four Tu-22M3 bombers took off from Shaikovka airfield in Russia which is near the Belarus border.&nbsp;

On December 29, Russia&nbsp;launched multiple strikes across Ukrainian cities, including the capital, in which 39 people were killed.

<h2 lang="en-US">Kyiv under Russia's drone attack: Ukraine</h2>

Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv in the early hours of Monday (Jan 1), Ukrainian officials said, as the downed drone debris sparked a fire at a residential building in one of the districts of the capital city.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Will the Ukraine war never end?

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Taking to the Telegram messaging app, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that loud explosions were heard in the city which occurred as air defence systems repelled the attack. He added that the fire was sparked by Desnianskyi district by falling off drone debris. 
 
Head of Kyiv's military administration Serhiy Popko said that they also dispatched the emergency services to Holosiivskyi district along the west bank of the Dnipro.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Tuesday (Jan 2) launched a barrage of missiles on the Ukrainian capital as well as other cities in which four people were killed and more than 27 others were injured as strikes damaged high-rise buildings and caused fires.

Russia on Tuesday (Jan 2) launched a barrage of missiles on the Ukrainian capital as well as other cities in which four people were killed and more than 27 others were injured as strikes damaged high-rise buildings and caused fires. "One wounded elderly woman from a building in the Solomyansky district... died in an ambulance. Twenty-seven wounded people were hospitalised," said Kyiv mayor Vitaly Klitschko. In the Kyiv region, two others were killed and one person was killed in the eastern city of Kharkiv, as per the regional authorities. Barrages of loud explosions were heard in Ukraine's capital city Kyiv after Ukraine's air force earlier said that multiple missiles were flying towards the capital city. This happened shortly after nationwide air alerts were raised in Ukraine due to a threat from Russian bombers. The city's military administration said that many fragments of downed rockets were seen on the roads of various districts which included residential buildings. It was reported that Russia launched Kinzhal missiles. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that power supply was not available in several areas of the capital as 250,000 consumers were left in darkness. Ukraine's national Ukrenergo energy company said, "250.000 consumers were without electricity in Kyiv and its region following Russian strikes." Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said that explosions occurred and the capital was on fire nearly an hour after the military administration of the region said that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones were detected in the airspace of the city. Air alerts in Ukraine Air alerts were raised by Ukraine's military on Tuesday (Jan 2) as they warned about a threat of Russian missile strikes. "Missile danger in areas where the air alert is on! The threat of launching cruise missiles from Tu-95MS aircraft. A total of 16 Tu-95MS strategic bombers are in the air," said the Air Force on Telegram. Ukraine's air force said numerous missiles were flying towards the capital city shortly after nationwide air alerts were raised because of a threat from Russian bombers. "Kyiv - stay in shelters. Many missiles heading in your direction," said the air force on Telegram. Hours before, the military had issued a warning regarding the 20 Russian strategic bombers which were airborne. Taking to Telegram, military officials said that after takeoffs were detected from the far northern Olenya airfield and southern Engels airbase, multiple Tupolev Tu-95MS bombers were present in Russia's airspace. Also read: Zelensky personally ordered Belgorod attack, claims Russian state media Meanwhile, another four Tu-22M3 bombers took off from Shaikovka airfield in Russia which is near the Belarus border. On December 29, Russia launched multiple strikes across Ukrainian cities, including the capital, in which 39 people were killed. Kyiv under Russia's drone attack: Ukraine Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv in the early hours of Monday (Jan 1), Ukrainian officials said, as the downed drone debris sparked a fire at a residential building in one of the districts of the capital city. Watch: Gravitas | Will the Ukraine war never end? Taking to the Telegram messaging app, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that loud explosions were heard in the city which occurred as air defence systems repelled the attack. He added that the fire was sparked by Desnianskyi district by falling off drone debris. Head of Kyiv's military administration Serhiy Popko said that they also dispatched the emergency services to Holosiivskyi district along the west bank of the Dnipro. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia launches barrage of missiles on Ukraine, kills four and injures dozens

Israel's army and Gaza militants traded heavy cross-border fire Wednesday, with 22 Palestinians killed over two days amid the worst escalation of violence to hit the coastal territory in months.

Israel hits targets in Gaza, militants fire at Tel Aviv

Israel hit Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza for the second day on Wednesday. As per the Israeli military, a late-night bombing in southern Gaza killed Ali Ghali, the head of Islamic Jihad's rocket launching force, and two other militants. The Israeli military said it hit more than 130 targets, including rocket-launching sites. In retaliation, Palestinian fighters also launched hundreds rockets against Israel in retaliations. Rockets launched by Palestinians set off sirens across Israel and in the capital Tel Aviv.

Israeli missile strikes continue across Gaza border, Islamic Jihadists retaliate over 100 rockets

Israeli air strikes killed at least twelve people including three senior Islamic Jihad commanders in the Gaza strip. Tensions between Israel and armed groups in Gaza have escalated especially after the death of Palestinian hunger striker in the Israeli prison.

Israeli strikes against Palestinian Islamic Jihad targets

At least 13 Palestinians were injured in an Israeli military raid in the Aqbat Jabr refugee camp in Jericho city, in the occupied West Bank on Saturday. According to the Palestinian health ministry, Israeli soldiers raided the camp and fired bullets, missiles, and tear gas which resulted in the wounding of 13 Palestinians, two of whom were critically hurt.&nbsp;

Israel was accused by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society of blocking ambulance access. After the operation was completed by the Israeli military, they were ultimately permitted to attend to the injured.

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The military raid comes as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has further intensified over the mass shooting at a synagogue in East Jerusalem which killed seven, an Israeli raid in the Jenin refugee camp in West Bank that killed 10 Palestinians and a cross-border rocket fire from the Gaza Strip in retaliation to the raid.

United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk on Friday called on Israel to ensure that all operations of its security forces in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem, are carried out with full respect for international human rights law.

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Around 235 people were killed in the conflict last year, with nearly 90 per cent of the casualties on the Palestinian side, a report by the news agency AFP said. In January alone, Israeli forces killed 35 Palestinians, including attackers, militants and civilians, the report added.&nbsp;

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United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called on both sides to prevent further bloodshed and expressed sorrow for innocent Palestinians killed in months of spiralling violence in the West Bank. &nbsp;

Blinken held talks with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah, following meetings with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other cabinet ministers.&nbsp;

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At least 13 Palestinians were injured in an Israeli military raid in the Aqbat Jabr refugee camp in Jericho city, in the occupied West Bank on Saturday. According to the Palestinian health ministry, Israeli soldiers raided the camp and fired bullets, missiles, and tear gas which resulted in the wounding of 13 Palestinians, two of whom were critically hurt.

At least 13 Palestinians were injured in an Israeli military raid in the Aqbat Jabr refugee camp in Jericho city, in the occupied West Bank on Saturday. According to the Palestinian health ministry, Israeli soldiers raided the camp and fired bullets, missiles, and tear gas which resulted in the wounding of 13 Palestinians, two of whom were critically hurt. Israel was accused by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society of blocking ambulance access. After the operation was completed by the Israeli military, they were ultimately permitted to attend to the injured. Also Read | China bans Jack Dorsey-backed Twitter alternative Damus, here's why The military raid comes as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has further intensified over the mass shooting at a synagogue in East Jerusalem which killed seven, an Israeli raid in the Jenin refugee camp in West Bank that killed 10 Palestinians and a cross-border rocket fire from the Gaza Strip in retaliation to the raid. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk on Friday called on Israel to ensure that all operations of its security forces in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem, are carried out with full respect for international human rights law. Also Read | Iraqi father strangles YouTuber daughter to death for deciding to leave country Around 235 people were killed in the conflict last year, with nearly 90 per cent of the casualties on the Palestinian side, a report by the news agency AFP said. In January alone, Israeli forces killed 35 Palestinians, including attackers, militants and civilians, the report added. Watch | US-EU spat over America's Inflation Reduction Act United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called on both sides to prevent further bloodshed and expressed sorrow for innocent Palestinians killed in months of spiralling violence in the West Bank. Blinken held talks with Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah, following meetings with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other cabinet ministers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least 13 Palestinians injured in Israeli military raids at Jericho camp

Recent Russian missile strikes in Ukraine have escalated nuclear threats. But, how real is the possibility of a nuclear war? WION speaks to war historian and strategist, Edward Luttwak on the threat of nuclear disaster.

Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities escalate nuclear threat?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Russian missile strikes in Ukraine a "typical terrorist tactic" in a bid to incite more fear. Zelensky also stated that Ukraine "cannot be intimidated" and they have been more united.

Zelensky calls Russia's strikes on Ukrainian cities a 'typical terrorist tactic'

As Russia launched its most widespread air strikes since the start of the Ukraine war, India said that it is "deeply concerned" about the escalation of the conflict, including targeting of infrastructure and civilian deaths.

'Deeply concerned', says India as Russia missile strikes on Ukraine

Tensions are mounting again between Israel and Palestine and the exchange of air raids and rocket attacks has entered its second day. An Israeli aircraft struck in Gaza and Palestinians fired rockets at Israel after an Israeli operation against the Islamic Jihad Militant group ended more than a year of relative calm along the border.

Israel and Gaza militants exchange fire

WION Fineprint | Israel launches special operation against Islamic Jihad Militants

Israel and Palestine are once again at odds. Both sides pounded each other with missile rockets. At least 10 people have been killed in Israeli strike. Israel has detained 20 people accused of 'terror activities'. Palestinian Islamic group (PIJ) has launched 100 airstrike towards Israel.

Israel-Palestine tensions flare-up | Israel detain 20 accused of 'terror activities'

Israel-Palestine tensions flare-up | At least 10 killed in Israeli strike

The PLA conducted precision missile strikes in Taiwan Straits today. A top Chinese diplomat has said that Beijing will conduct a "re-education" of Taiwan after reunification. Palki Sharma tells you about China's plans for Taiwan.

Gravitas: PLA conducts precision missile strikes in Taiwan Straits

China is firing missiles towards Taiwan. It is conducting drills dangerously close to Taiwan. How is the world reacting? Russia is backing China, so is Pakistan. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: World reacts to Chinese military drills near Taiwan

According to recent satellite photographs, the Chinese military has improved its anti-ship missile training from targeting huge, carrier-sized targets to smaller ships and naval stations.According to a Taipei-based navy analyst, they show a training camp in Xinjiang's remote Taklamakan desert with the layout of a mock-up ship anchored in a naval base that mimics one in northeast Taiwan and other targets in Guam.

New satellite photographs, according to the US Naval Institute (USNI) news site, show China developing more large-scale target ranges along the rim of the desert, including model destroyers and docks.

The People's Liberation Army of China considers the United States to be a second line of defence east of Japan, with Guam being the most important base in the Marianas Islands chain. The US B-1, B-2, and B-52 strategic bombers are stationed at Guam's Andersen Air Force Base, with the latter two being capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Watch | US warns China not to help Russia, raises concern over China's support

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China is well aware that the US base on Guam is the greatest obstacle to its goal of reunifying Taiwan. Because China has only a few hundred nuclear bombs compared to the United States' thousands, the Chinese military favours a deterrent stance versus an aggressive nuclear war plan. To limit US mobility, the DF-26 is the most important missile in its arsenal.

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According to recent satellite photographs, the Chinese military has improved its anti-ship missile training from targeting huge, carrier-sized targets to smaller ships and naval stations.

According to recent satellite photographs, the Chinese military has improved its anti-ship missile training from targeting huge, carrier-sized targets to smaller ships and naval stations.According to a Taipei-based navy analyst, they show a training camp in Xinjiang's remote Taklamakan desert with the layout of a mock-up ship anchored in a naval base that mimics one in northeast Taiwan and other targets in Guam. New satellite photographs, according to the US Naval Institute (USNI) news site, show China developing more large-scale target ranges along the rim of the desert, including model destroyers and docks. The People's Liberation Army of China considers the United States to be a second line of defence east of Japan, with Guam being the most important base in the Marianas Islands chain. The US B-1, B-2, and B-52 strategic bombers are stationed at Guam's Andersen Air Force Base, with the latter two being capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Watch | US warns China not to help Russia, raises concern over China's support China is well aware that the US base on Guam is the greatest obstacle to its goal of reunifying Taiwan. Because China has only a few hundred nuclear bombs compared to the United States' thousands, the Chinese military favours a deterrent stance versus an aggressive nuclear war plan. To limit US mobility, the DF-26 is the most important missile in its arsenal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China practising missile strikes on targets in Taiwan and Guam: Report

Missile strikes on makeshift oil refineries in northern Syria killed four people and injured more than 20 others, a war monitor said on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a series of strikes launched from Russian warships and by allied Syrian government forces hit the makeshift refineries in Aleppo province on Friday night, causing a massive blaze as dozens of tankers caught fire in the area controlled by Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies.&nbsp;

The Britain-based monitor 'documented the deaths of four people, while 24 others sustained various injuries and burns' in the attacks near the towns of Jarablus and Al-Bab.&nbsp;

At least one Syrian rebel was among the dead, said Observatory head Rami Abdul Rahman. &nbsp;

Rescue workers spent hours trying to extinguish the fire, which spread to about 180 oil tankers, according to the war monitor.&nbsp;

"The fires are the largest yet from a missile attack on makeshift refineries," the Observatory said.&nbsp;

Oil installations in Turkey-controlled parts of Aleppo have come under repeated attack in recent months although Moscow and the Syrian regime have not claimed responsibility.&nbsp;

The Observatory reported two such missile attacks last month.&nbsp;

In January, unidentified drones also hit oil refineries in Turkish-held areas of Aleppo, causing a large fire, according to the Observatory. &nbsp;

Syria's war has killed more than 387,000 people and displaced millions since starting in 2011 with a brutal repression of anti-government protests.&nbsp;

It later evolved into a complex conflict involving jihadists and foreign powers.&nbsp;

Northern neighbour Turkey has seized control of several regions inside Syria in military campaigns against the Islamic State group and Kurdish fighters since 2016.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Missile strikes on makeshift oil refineries in northern Syria killed four people and injured more than 20 others, a war monitor said on Saturday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a series of strikes launched from Russian warships and by allied Syrian government forces hit the makeshift refineries in Aleppo province on Friday night, causing a massive blaze as dozens of tankers caught fire in the area controlled by Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies.

Missile strikes on makeshift oil refineries in northern Syria killed four people and injured more than 20 others, a war monitor said on Saturday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a series of strikes launched from Russian warships and by allied Syrian government forces hit the makeshift refineries in Aleppo province on Friday night, causing a massive blaze as dozens of tankers caught fire in the area controlled by Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies. The Britain-based monitor 'documented the deaths of four people, while 24 others sustained various injuries and burns' in the attacks near the towns of Jarablus and Al-Bab. At least one Syrian rebel was among the dead, said Observatory head Rami Abdul Rahman. Rescue workers spent hours trying to extinguish the fire, which spread to about 180 oil tankers, according to the war monitor. "The fires are the largest yet from a missile attack on makeshift refineries," the Observatory said. Oil installations in Turkey-controlled parts of Aleppo have come under repeated attack in recent months although Moscow and the Syrian regime have not claimed responsibility. The Observatory reported two such missile attacks last month. In January, unidentified drones also hit oil refineries in Turkish-held areas of Aleppo, causing a large fire, according to the Observatory. Syria's war has killed more than 387,000 people and displaced millions since starting in 2011 with a brutal repression of anti-government protests. It later evolved into a complex conflict involving jihadists and foreign powers. Northern neighbour Turkey has seized control of several regions inside Syria in military campaigns against the Islamic State group and Kurdish fighters since 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

Missile strikes on makeshift oil refineries in Syria kill four, says monitor  

Multiple rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting American troops near the US embassy early Sunday, the latest in a flurry of attacks against US assets in the country. "The Coalition confirms small rockets impacted the Iraqi base hosting (coalition) troops in the International Zone.

Multiple rockets hit an Iraqi base hosting American troops near the US embassy early Sunday, the latest in a flurry of attacks against US assets in the country. "The Coalition confirms small rockets impacted the Iraqi base hosting (coalition) troops in the International Zone... No casualties" said coalition spokesman Myles Caggins. That base, known as Union III, is the headquarters for the US-led coalition, deployed in Iraq since 2014 to help local troops fight the Islamic State jihadist group. Also Read: Protesters attack US embassy in Baghdad, ambassador and staff evacuated Iraq's military said three Katyusha rockets hit inside the Green Zone, the high-security enclave where the US mission and Union III are located, as well as Iraqi government buildings, United Nations offices and other embassies. A fourth rocket hit a logistics base in a different neighbourhood operated by the Hashed al-Shaabi, a military network officially incorporated into the Iraqi state, the Iraqi military said. There was no immediate statement from the Hashed. Strikes on assets of both the US and Hashed at the same time are unusual, as Washington has blamed hardline elements within the military network for repeated rocket attacks on American installations across Iraq. Sunday's was the 19th attack since October to target either the embassy or the roughly 5,200 US troops stationed alongside local forces across Iraq. No group has claimed responsibility for any of the incidents. In late December, a rocket attack on the northern Iraqi base of K1 left one US contractor dead and unleashed a dramatic series of events. Watch: US Embassy in Baghdad attacked Washington responded with retaliatory strikes against Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline Hashed faction in western Iraq. Days later, an American drone strike in Baghdad killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and his right-hand man, Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. Hashed factions have vowed revenge for the pair's death but said they would prioritise a political objective first: the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. But the network includes a broad range of groups and some have appeared more willing to harass US troops militarily. Sunday's attack came just hours after one of the Hashed's Iran-backed factions, Harakat al-Nujaba, announced a "countdown" to ousting American forces from the country. A top leader within Nujaba, Nasr al-Shammary, tweeted a photograph of what he claimed was an American military vehicle, adding: "We are closer than you think." Sunday's assault reportedly sent warning sirens blaring across the diplomatic compound. Multiple strong explosions followed by aircraft circling near the Green Zone were reported.

Multiple rockets hit Iraqi base hosting American troops near US embassy; no casualties

Iran vowed on Saturday not to let an attack on one of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explosion-sets-ablaze-iranian-oil-tanker-near-saudi-port-report-255149"> its oil tankers</a> off the coast of Saudi Arabia to go unanswered, the semi-official ISNA news agency reported.

Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said clues had been uncovered as to who was behind what he called a "missile attack" on the Sabiti tanker.

"Maritime piracy and wickedness in international waterways... will not be left unanswered," he said, quoted by ISNA.

"By reviewing the available video and gathered intelligence evidence, the primary clues to the dangerous adventure of attacking the Iranian oil tanker in the Red Sea have been uncovered," he added.

Shamkhani warned of "disturbing risks" for the global economy as a result of insecurity in international waterways.

The National Iranian Tanker Company, which owns the Sabiti, said its hull was hit by two separate explosions on Friday off the Saudi port of Jeddah,

But the state-owned company denied reports the attack had originated from Saudi soil.

The attack caused oil to spill from the tanker into the Red Sea, the NITC said, before it was eventually controlled and the vessel began slowly moving back towards Gulf waters.

According to the latest data from shipping monitors Marine Traffic, the Sabiti was still in the Red Sea about 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of Jeddah.

The incident comes after a spate of still unexplained attacks on shipping in and around the vital seaway to the Gulf involving Iran and Western powers, as well as drone attacks on Saudi oil installations.

Washington accused Tehran of attacking the vessels with mines and to be behind the drone assault, something it strongly denied.

In a statement, Iran's government spokesman Ali Rabiei called Friday's attack "cowardly" and said Tehran would give a "proportionate response" following investigations.

"The question now is, those who accused Iran of disrupting free maritime transport in the Persian Gulf and the attack on Aramco installations with no proof, are they ready to once again defend the principles of free maritime transportation in international waters and condemn such an attack on an Iranian ship?" he said.

Iran vowed on Saturday not to let an attack on one of its oil tankers off the coast of Saudi Arabia to go unanswered, the semi-official ISNA news agency reported.

Iran vowed on Saturday not to let an attack on one of its oil tankers off the coast of Saudi Arabia to go unanswered, the semi-official ISNA news agency reported. Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said clues had been uncovered as to who was behind what he called a "missile attack" on the Sabiti tanker. "Maritime piracy and wickedness in international waterways... will not be left unanswered," he said, quoted by ISNA. "By reviewing the available video and gathered intelligence evidence, the primary clues to the dangerous adventure of attacking the Iranian oil tanker in the Red Sea have been uncovered," he added. Shamkhani warned of "disturbing risks" for the global economy as a result of insecurity in international waterways. The National Iranian Tanker Company, which owns the Sabiti, said its hull was hit by two separate explosions on Friday off the Saudi port of Jeddah, But the state-owned company denied reports the attack had originated from Saudi soil. The attack caused oil to spill from the tanker into the Red Sea, the NITC said, before it was eventually controlled and the vessel began slowly moving back towards Gulf waters. According to the latest data from shipping monitors Marine Traffic, the Sabiti was still in the Red Sea about 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of Jeddah. The incident comes after a spate of still unexplained attacks on shipping in and around the vital seaway to the Gulf involving Iran and Western powers, as well as drone attacks on Saudi oil installations. Washington accused Tehran of attacking the vessels with mines and to be behind the drone assault, something it strongly denied. In a statement, Iran's government spokesman Ali Rabiei called Friday's attack "cowardly" and said Tehran would give a "proportionate response" following investigations. "The question now is, those who accused Iran of disrupting free maritime transport in the Persian Gulf and the attack on Aramco installations with no proof, are they ready to once again defend the principles of free maritime transportation in international waters and condemn such an attack on an Iranian ship?" he said.

Iran vows response to attack on tanker off Saudi coast

Four civilians were dead and 21 got injured in Israeli missile strikes near Damascus late Sunday, state media reported.

The report further said that the missiles struck near Damascus and in Homs province.

"Our air defences confronted enemy missiles launched by Israeli warplanes (...) towards some of our positions in Homs and in the vicinity of Damascus," SANA said, quoting a Syrian military source.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said the strikes hit several Iranian positions near Damascus and targeted a research centre and a military airport west of the city of Homs where the Hezbollah Shiite movement and Iranians are deployed.

Rami Abdel Rahman, the Observatory chief, said the strikes injured some of these forces.

Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria since the beginning of the conflict in 2011, targeting forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and the regime's allies Iran and Hezbollah.

(With inputs from AFP)

Four civilians were dead and 21 got injured in Israeli missile strikes near Damascus late Sunday, state media reported. The report further said that the missiles struck near Damascus and in Homs province.

Four civilians were dead and 21 got injured in Israeli missile strikes near Damascus late Sunday, state media reported. The report further said that the missiles struck near Damascus and in Homs province. "Our air defences confronted enemy missiles launched by Israeli warplanes (...) towards some of our positions in Homs and in the vicinity of Damascus," SANA said, quoting a Syrian military source. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, said the strikes hit several Iranian positions near Damascus and targeted a research centre and a military airport west of the city of Homs where the Hezbollah Shiite movement and Iranians are deployed. Rami Abdel Rahman, the Observatory chief, said the strikes injured some of these forces. Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes in Syria since the beginning of the conflict in 2011, targeting forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and the regime's allies Iran and Hezbollah. (With inputs from AFP)

Four dead, 21 injured in Israeli missile strikes: Syria

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