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<p>Lebanon's Ambassador to the United Kingdom warned that an Israeli ground incursion would lead to a "doomsday" regional war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lebanese envoy Rami Mortada told The Times of Israel that Lebanon's armed forces will not stand by, like they have been so far, if Israel launches a major assault on the ground or from the air.</p>

<p>This comes as&nbsp;Lebanon's armed forces have stood by as the militant group&nbsp;Hezbollah attacked Israel for nearly a year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "We are facing all the risks of an all-out regional conflict and that’s what we have been tirelessly trying to avoid."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Terming the militant&nbsp;group a “formidable fighting force”, he warned Israel to learn from "humiliating" defeats of the past.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel unleashes heavy strikes on Lebanon | Nasrallah vows retaliation against Israel</strong></p>

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<p>A war would “definitely [be] a doomsday for Lebanon but Lebanon will not hurt alone in this war," Mortada said, adding that this is what&nbsp;recent history has taught us.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So all efforts should be focused on avoiding such an outcome," he stressed.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel hits 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers in Lebanon</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday (Sep 20), Israel carried out extensive air strikes on southern Lebanon and hit more than 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and other "terrorist sites" including a weapons storage facility.</p>

<p>The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that the launchers were ready to be fired against Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-explosions-components-for-pagers-used-in-blast-not-made-in-taiwan-says-minister-760365"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Lebanon explosions: Components for pagers used in blasts not made in Taiwan, says minister</strong></a></p>

<p>Israel on Thursday issued orders restricting movement for communities in the Golan Heights and parts of northern Israel. However, the orders were lifted on Friday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IDF added it would be carrying out "activities in the training areas" of northern Israel over the weekend and that "gunshots and explosions" might be heard in nearby settlements.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lebanon's Ambassador to the United Kingdom warned that an Israeli ground incursion would lead to a "doomsday" regional war. Lebanese envoy Rami Mortada told The Times of Israel that Lebanon's armed forces will not stand by, like they have been so far, if Israel launches a major assault on the ground or from the air.

Lebanon's Ambassador to the United Kingdom warned that an Israeli ground incursion would lead to a "doomsday" regional war. Lebanese envoy Rami Mortada told The Times of Israel that Lebanon's armed forces will not stand by, like they have been so far, if Israel launches a major assault on the ground or from the air. This comes as Lebanon's armed forces have stood by as the militant group Hezbollah attacked Israel for nearly a year. He said, "We are facing all the risks of an all-out regional conflict and that’s what we have been tirelessly trying to avoid." Terming the militant group a “formidable fighting force”, he warned Israel to learn from "humiliating" defeats of the past. Watch | Israel unleashes heavy strikes on Lebanon | Nasrallah vows retaliation against Israel × A war would “definitely [be] a doomsday for Lebanon but Lebanon will not hurt alone in this war," Mortada said, adding that this is what recent history has taught us. "So all efforts should be focused on avoiding such an outcome," he stressed. Israel hits 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers in Lebanon On Friday (Sep 20), Israel carried out extensive air strikes on southern Lebanon and hit more than 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and other "terrorist sites" including a weapons storage facility. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that the launchers were ready to be fired against Israel. Also read: Lebanon explosions: Components for pagers used in blasts not made in Taiwan, says minister Israel on Thursday issued orders restricting movement for communities in the Golan Heights and parts of northern Israel. However, the orders were lifted on Friday morning. The IDF added it would be carrying out "activities in the training areas" of northern Israel over the weekend and that "gunshots and explosions" might be heard in nearby settlements. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Lebanese envoy warns Israeli ground incursion will lead to 'doomsday' regional war

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Hezbollah Leader Vows to Retaliate Against Israel for Pager and Walkie-talkie Attacks

Israel said it struck hundreds of targets in Lebanon, hours after Hezbollah's leader vowed to retaliate for two rounds of attacks targeting its operatives' communication devices across Lebanon.

Israel-Hezbollah War: Israeli jets strike hundreds of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

<p>Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods department stores and late father of Lady Diana's boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed, has been accused of rape and sexual assault by more than 20 women, according to an explosive new documentary. At least five of these were cases of rape, as claimed by the women.</p>

<p>Mohamed, an Egyptian-born billionaire, died at the age of 94 last September.</p>

<p>His son Dodi was with Diana when she died in a car crash in 1997 while trying to escape prying paparazzi in an underground tunnel in Paris.<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch: Lesser-known facts about Princess Diana</strong>&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new documentary and podcast by BBC, <em>Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods</em>, claims that at least 20 of his former employees suffered rape or other forms of sexual assault. It also alleged cover-up by Harrods when it was owned by Al Fayed.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-princess-diana-and-dodi-fayed-romance-was-all-fake-report-says-couple-slept-in-separate-bedrooms-410827">Also read:&nbsp;Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed romance was all fake, report says couple slept in separate bedrooms</a></strong></p>

<p>The assaults took place in properties at London, Paris, St Tropez and Abu Dhabi.</p>

<p>“The spider’s web of corruption and abuse in this company was unbelievable and very dark,” BBC quoted Bruce Drummond, a lawyer representing some of the women, as saying.</p>

<p>Harrods’ current owners said they were “utterly appalled” by the allegations and that his victims had been failed for which the store sincerely apologised, the BBC said in a report.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/billionaire-mohamed-al-fayed-dies-at-94-26-years-after-princess-diana-and-dodis-car-crash-631470">Also read:&nbsp;Billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed dies at 94, 26 years after son Dodi and Princess Diana’s fatal car crash</a></strong></p>

<p><br />
All the staff at Harrods were his “playthings,” it quoted one of the alleged survivors as saying. She described Al Fayed as "a monster, a sexual predator with no moral compass whatsoever.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fayed had faced sexual assault claims during his lifetime too, but the BBC said the new allegations "are of unprecedented scale and seriousness", adding it believes "many more women may have been assaulted."</p>

<p>In fact, several more women contacted BBC after it first published the story.</p>

<p>“He was vile,” said a woman who worked as Al Fayed's personal assistant from 1988 to 1991 and claimed he tried to rape her more than once.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said that she is "angry" at the portrayal of Al Fayed in the hit Netflix series <em>The Crown</em>, which showed him as funny, generous and loyal to his employees.</p>

<p>"People shouldn't remember him like that. It's not how he was,” BBC quoted her as saying.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods department stores and late father of Lady Diana's boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed, has been accused of rape and sexual assault by more than 20 women, according to an explosive new documentary.

Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods department stores and late father of Lady Diana's boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed, has been accused of rape and sexual assault by more than 20 women, according to an explosive new documentary. At least five of these were cases of rape, as claimed by the women. Mohamed, an Egyptian-born billionaire, died at the age of 94 last September. His son Dodi was with Diana when she died in a car crash in 1997 while trying to escape prying paparazzi in an underground tunnel in Paris. Watch: Lesser-known facts about Princess Diana × The new documentary and podcast by BBC, Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, claims that at least 20 of his former employees suffered rape or other forms of sexual assault. It also alleged cover-up by Harrods when it was owned by Al Fayed. Also read: Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed romance was all fake, report says couple slept in separate bedrooms The assaults took place in properties at London, Paris, St Tropez and Abu Dhabi. “The spider’s web of corruption and abuse in this company was unbelievable and very dark,” BBC quoted Bruce Drummond, a lawyer representing some of the women, as saying. Harrods’ current owners said they were “utterly appalled” by the allegations and that his victims had been failed for which the store sincerely apologised, the BBC said in a report. Also read: Billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed dies at 94, 26 years after son Dodi and Princess Diana’s fatal car crash All the staff at Harrods were his “playthings,” it quoted one of the alleged survivors as saying. She described Al Fayed as "a monster, a sexual predator with no moral compass whatsoever.” Fayed had faced sexual assault claims during his lifetime too, but the BBC said the new allegations "are of unprecedented scale and seriousness", adding it believes "many more women may have been assaulted." In fact, several more women contacted BBC after it first published the story. “He was vile,” said a woman who worked as Al Fayed's personal assistant from 1988 to 1991 and claimed he tried to rape her more than once. She said that she is "angry" at the portrayal of Al Fayed in the hit Netflix series The Crown, which showed him as funny, generous and loyal to his employees. "People shouldn't remember him like that. It's not how he was,” BBC quoted her as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Mohamed Al Fayed was a rapist? 20 women come out against father of Lady Diana's boyfriend Dodi Al Fayed

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden will hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Quad leaders Summit on Saturday. Watch to know more.

PM Modi-President Biden Bilateral Meeting

As suspense continue whether Kyiv will get the permission to use long range western missiles to strike deep behind enemy lines in neighbouring Russia, a fresh threat has been issues from Moscow. Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia's 'Satan-II' missile

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<p>Qatar Airways has prohibited&nbsp;all passengers flying from Beirut Rafic Harirl International Airport (BEY) from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on&nbsp;flights, following the explosions of pagers and hand-held radios in Lebanon.</p>

<p>In a post on X, Qatar Airways said on Thursday (Sept 19), "Following the directive received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Republic of Lebanon, all passengers flying from Beirut Rafic Harirl International Airport (BEY) are prohibited from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on board flights."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Effective immediately: Following the directive received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Republic of Lebanon, all passengers flying from Beirut Rafic Harirl International Airport (BEY) are prohibited from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on board flights.…</p>
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) <a href="https://twitter.com/qatarairways/status/1836782990715666674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The airline added the ban applied to both&nbsp;checked and carry-on luggage, as well as cargo and would be enforced until further notice.</p>

<h2><strong>The explosions</strong></h2>

<p>The attacks on Hezbollah's communications equipment on Tuesday and Wednesday killed 37 people and wounded around 3,000, overwhelming Lebanese hospitals and wreaking bloody havoc on the militant group.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-fresh-strikes-in-lebanon-after-hezbollah-chiefs-speech-jets-break-sound-barrier-over-beirut-760180">Israel launches fresh strikes in Lebanon after Hezbollah chief’s speech, jets break sound barrier over Beirut</a></strong></p>

<p>Citing sources, a report by the news agency Reuters said that the attacks were probably carried out by Israel's spy agency Mossad. However,&nbsp;Israel has not directly commented on the attacks.</p>

<p>A global hunt has been launched for who supplied&nbsp;Hezbollah with the pagers and walkie-talkies.&nbsp;How and with whose help the pager attack was carried out was not yet known, although so far there were possible leads in Taiwan, Hungary and Bulgaria, Reuters reported.</p>

<h2><strong>'Explosives put in devices before they arrived in Lebanon'</strong></h2>

<p>A preliminary investigation by Lebanese authorities&nbsp;revealed that the communications devices that blew up were implanted with explosives before they arrived in the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | World DNA:&nbsp;Tensions high after Lebanon explosions</strong></p>

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<p>According to the UN&nbsp;Security Council by&nbsp;Lebanon's mission to the United Nations, the authorities also determined the devices, which included pagers and hand-held radios, were detonated by sending electronic messages to the devices.</p>

<p>The 15-member Security Council was due to meet on Friday over the blasts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Qatar Airways has prohibited all passengers flying from Beirut Rafic Harirl International Airport (BEY) from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on flights, following the explosions of pagers and hand-held radios in Lebanon.

Qatar Airways has prohibited all passengers flying from Beirut Rafic Harirl International Airport (BEY) from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on flights, following the explosions of pagers and hand-held radios in Lebanon. In a post on X, Qatar Airways said on Thursday (Sept 19), "Following the directive received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Republic of Lebanon, all passengers flying from Beirut Rafic Harirl International Airport (BEY) are prohibited from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on board flights." Effective immediately: Following the directive received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Republic of Lebanon, all passengers flying from Beirut Rafic Harirl International Airport (BEY) are prohibited from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on board flights.… — Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) September 19, 2024 × The airline added the ban applied to both checked and carry-on luggage, as well as cargo and would be enforced until further notice. The explosions The attacks on Hezbollah's communications equipment on Tuesday and Wednesday killed 37 people and wounded around 3,000, overwhelming Lebanese hospitals and wreaking bloody havoc on the militant group. Also read | Israel launches fresh strikes in Lebanon after Hezbollah chief’s speech, jets break sound barrier over Beirut Citing sources, a report by the news agency Reuters said that the attacks were probably carried out by Israel's spy agency Mossad. However, Israel has not directly commented on the attacks. A global hunt has been launched for who supplied Hezbollah with the pagers and walkie-talkies. How and with whose help the pager attack was carried out was not yet known, although so far there were possible leads in Taiwan, Hungary and Bulgaria, Reuters reported. 'Explosives put in devices before they arrived in Lebanon' A preliminary investigation by Lebanese authorities revealed that the communications devices that blew up were implanted with explosives before they arrived in the country. Also watch | World DNA: Tensions high after Lebanon explosions × According to the UN Security Council by Lebanon's mission to the United Nations, the authorities also determined the devices, which included pagers and hand-held radios, were detonated by sending electronic messages to the devices. The 15-member Security Council was due to meet on Friday over the blasts. (With inputs from agencies)

Lebanon explosions: Qatar Airways prohibits pagers, walkie-talkies on flights from Beirut airport

<p>Russia knew about Ukraine’s plan to launch the Kursk offensive for months and had been preparing to prevent it, purported Russian documents seized by the Ukrainian army show. The Guardian reported citing the documents that Moscow had been worried about the low morale of the Russian troops on the frontlines. These concerns were apparently exacerbated after a Russian soldier died by suicide, stressed from “prolonged” service in the army.</p>

<p>The purported documents showed that the Kremlin had instructed Russian commanders to ensure soldiers watch enough state-backed media every day for the betterment of their “psychological condition.”</p>

<h2><strong>Are the documents real?</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine claims to have seized the documents from abandoned Russian posts in the Kursk region. However, the Guardian clarified it couldn’t verify the authenticity of the papers. But, the documents had the hallmarks of genuine Russian army communications.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi12YeEktGIAxWFxDgGHez2OnMQxfQBKAB6BAgTEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-acknowleges-russias-counter-offensive-in-kursk-but-invasion-going-to-plan-758153" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-acknowleges-russias-counter-offensive-in-kursk-but-invasion-going-to-plan-758153&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi12YeEktGIAxWFxDgGHez2OnMQxfQBKAB6BAgTEAE">Ukraine acknowledges Russia's counter-offensive in Kursk, says its invasion 'going to plan'</a></strong></p>

<p>Ukrainian troops seized documents affiliated with the Russian interior ministry and spy agency FSB.</p>

<p>Some documents are dated just six weeks before Ukraine launched its incursion into the Kursk region on 6 August. According to the report, the documents most likely came from Russia’s 488th Guards Motorised Rifle Regiment.</p>

<h2><strong>What documents said about the Ukrainian offensive?</strong></h2>

<p>One entry made on January 4 revealed that Russia knew about the “potential for a breakthrough at the state border” by Ukrainian armed groups. Moscow had allegedly asked the army to increase training and vigilance to be in a position to thwart any such attack.</p>

<p>On February 19, the Russian commanders were again warned of “a rapid push from the Sumy region into Russian territory, up to a depth of 80km [50 miles], to establish a four-day ‘corridor’ ahead of the arrival of the main Ukrainian army units on armoured vehicles”.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi12YeEktGIAxWFxDgGHez2OnMQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-reclaims-kursk-villages-ukrainian-troops-on-the-backfoot-across-eastern-front-759914" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-reclaims-kursk-villages-ukrainian-troops-on-the-backfoot-across-eastern-front-759914&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi12YeEktGIAxWFxDgGHez2OnMQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Russia Reclaims Kursk Villages, Ukrainian Troops on the Backfoot Across Eastern Front</a></strong></p>

<p>Then in March, the units on the frontlines were asked to boost defences and to organise additional exercises for the leadership of units and strongpoints regarding the proper organisation of defences” in preparation for a Ukrainian cross-border attack.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>


Russia knew about Ukraine’s plan to launch the Kursk offensive for months and had been preparing to prevent it, purported Russian documents seized by the Ukrainian army show.

Russia knew about Ukraine’s plan to launch the Kursk offensive for months and had been preparing to prevent it, purported Russian documents seized by the Ukrainian army show. The Guardian reported citing the documents that Moscow had been worried about the low morale of the Russian troops on the frontlines. These concerns were apparently exacerbated after a Russian soldier died by suicide, stressed from “prolonged” service in the army. The purported documents showed that the Kremlin had instructed Russian commanders to ensure soldiers watch enough state-backed media every day for the betterment of their “psychological condition.” Are the documents real? Ukraine claims to have seized the documents from abandoned Russian posts in the Kursk region. However, the Guardian clarified it couldn’t verify the authenticity of the papers. But, the documents had the hallmarks of genuine Russian army communications. Also read: Ukraine acknowledges Russia's counter-offensive in Kursk, says its invasion 'going to plan' Ukrainian troops seized documents affiliated with the Russian interior ministry and spy agency FSB. Some documents are dated just six weeks before Ukraine launched its incursion into the Kursk region on 6 August. According to the report, the documents most likely came from Russia’s 488th Guards Motorised Rifle Regiment. What documents said about the Ukrainian offensive? One entry made on January 4 revealed that Russia knew about the “potential for a breakthrough at the state border” by Ukrainian armed groups. Moscow had allegedly asked the army to increase training and vigilance to be in a position to thwart any such attack. On February 19, the Russian commanders were again warned of “a rapid push from the Sumy region into Russian territory, up to a depth of 80km [50 miles], to establish a four-day ‘corridor’ ahead of the arrival of the main Ukrainian army units on armoured vehicles”. Also read: Russia Reclaims Kursk Villages, Ukrainian Troops on the Backfoot Across Eastern Front Then in March, the units on the frontlines were asked to boost defences and to organise additional exercises for the leadership of units and strongpoints regarding the proper organisation of defences” in preparation for a Ukrainian cross-border attack. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russia knew about Ukraine’s Kursk plans, was preparing for months: Report

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<p>Taiwan said on Friday (Sept 20) that the components&nbsp;used in thousands of pagers that detonated in Lebanon earlier this week were not made in&nbsp;Taiwan.&nbsp;Gold Apollo, a Taiwan-based company, said it did not manufacture the devices used in the attack, and that they were made by a Budapest-based company BAC which has a licence to use its brand.</p>

<p>"The situation as we understand it is, all the components in the pagers produced by this company (Gold Apollo) will not explode. Roughly during the last two years, this company has exported about 260,000 pagers, there has never been any explosions. So, we can determine that the pagers produced in&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;do not explode," Taiwan's Economy Minister Kuo-Jyh-Huei said.</p>

<h2><strong>'Judicial investigation already underway'</strong></h2>

<p>Economy Minister Kuo said that a judicial investigation into the matter was already underway.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-explosions-qatar-airways-prohibits-pagers-walkie-talkies-on-flights-from-beirut-airport-760302">Lebanon explosions: Qatar Airways prohibits pagers, walkie-talkies on flights from Beirut airport</a></strong></p>

<p>"Guessing from what we know right now, we will try to help this company (Gold Apollo) so that they can come clear about their past dealings. We will help with the investigation, because this has already entered the judicial investigation stage, so we will wait and see what can be discovered," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I want to unearth the truth, because&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;has never exported this particular pager model," Kuo further said and pointed out that Taiwan was asking its missions abroad to raise their security awareness and will exchange relevant information with other countries.</p>

<h2><strong>Gold Apollo president questioned by prosecutors</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday night,&nbsp;&nbsp;the president and founder of the&nbsp;Taiwanese company and his local contact for the deal with Hungary-based firm BAC were questioned by prosecutors.</p>

<p>The attacks on Hezbollah's communications equipment on Tuesday and Wednesday killed 37 people and wounded around 3,000, overwhelming Lebanese hospitals and wreaking bloody havoc on the militant group.</p>

<p>Citing sources, a report by the news agency Reuters said that the attacks were probably carried out by Israel's spy agency Mossad. However,&nbsp;Israel has not directly commented on the attacks.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taiwan said on Friday (Sept 20) that the components used in thousands of pagers that detonated in Lebanon earlier this week were not made in Taiwan. Gold Apollo, a Taiwan-based company, said it did not manufacture the devices used in the attack, and that they were made by a Budapest-based company BAC which has a licence to use its brand.

Taiwan said on Friday (Sept 20) that the components used in thousands of pagers that detonated in Lebanon earlier this week were not made in Taiwan. Gold Apollo, a Taiwan-based company, said it did not manufacture the devices used in the attack, and that they were made by a Budapest-based company BAC which has a licence to use its brand. "The situation as we understand it is, all the components in the pagers produced by this company (Gold Apollo) will not explode. Roughly during the last two years, this company has exported about 260,000 pagers, there has never been any explosions. So, we can determine that the pagers produced in Taiwan do not explode," Taiwan's Economy Minister Kuo-Jyh-Huei said. 'Judicial investigation already underway' Economy Minister Kuo said that a judicial investigation into the matter was already underway. Also read | Lebanon explosions: Qatar Airways prohibits pagers, walkie-talkies on flights from Beirut airport "Guessing from what we know right now, we will try to help this company (Gold Apollo) so that they can come clear about their past dealings. We will help with the investigation, because this has already entered the judicial investigation stage, so we will wait and see what can be discovered," he added. "I want to unearth the truth, because Taiwan has never exported this particular pager model," Kuo further said and pointed out that Taiwan was asking its missions abroad to raise their security awareness and will exchange relevant information with other countries. Gold Apollo president questioned by prosecutors On Thursday night, the president and founder of the Taiwanese company and his local contact for the deal with Hungary-based firm BAC were questioned by prosecutors. The attacks on Hezbollah's communications equipment on Tuesday and Wednesday killed 37 people and wounded around 3,000, overwhelming Lebanese hospitals and wreaking bloody havoc on the militant group. Citing sources, a report by the news agency Reuters said that the attacks were probably carried out by Israel's spy agency Mossad. However, Israel has not directly commented on the attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Lebanon explosions: Components for pagers used in blasts not made in Taiwan, says minister

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<p>A family planning an international vacation was denied a passport for their son because of his name. The boy was named after a popular Star Wars character as he was born on May 4, 2017, a day dedicated to fans of the franchise. It is also known as "Star Wars Day".</p>

<p>British soldier Christian Mowbray and his wife Becky wanted to celebrate the fact that he was born on a&nbsp;special day, so decided to name him&nbsp;after the most famous character, Luke Skywalker. The boy became Loki Skywalker Mowbray.</p>

<p>While the name never posed any problems till now, the family got a real jolt when they decided to take a vacation to the Dominican Republic in October.</p>

<p>According to Suffolk News, the trip was special since his parents' work schedules were too strict and they hadn't been able to take time off for years. Christian Mowbray is serving in the Corps of Royal Engineers at the Rock Barracks in Sutton Heath, while his wife is a former soldier and had previous struggles with complex PTSD.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They all needed new passports, so applied for them. However, the Home Office, responsible for immigration, security, and law and order, said they could not print "Skywalker" on the passport because the name was copyrighted by Disney.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They were told they would need to seek permission from Disney to use the name. The other option was to change their son's name. This came as a complete shock to them as they didn't know of any such issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Christian says, “We were not aware that this could be a potential issue. He says they "understand that Loki’s middle name is copyrighted, but we have no intention of using it for personal gain.”</p>

<p>“I understand their (the Home Office’s) position and reasoning, but I believe they need to recognize that modern names are evolving,” he added.</p>

<p>Thankfully, the issue was resolved and their son got his passport.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Girl named 'Khaleesi' faced similar problem&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Another family in the UK faced a similar situation when they could not get a passport for their daughter who was named after the popular Game of Thrones character "Khaleesi". A mother was told to get Warner Brothers’ permission to use the name on her 6-year-old daughter's passport.</p>

<p>“I had a letter come through from the Passport Office, saying her name is trademarked by Warner Brothers,” she told the BBC.</p>


A family planning an international vacation was denied a passport for their son because of his name. The boy was named after a popular Star Wars character as he was born on May 4, 2017, a day dedicated to fans of the franchise.

A family planning an international vacation was denied a passport for their son because of his name. The boy was named after a popular Star Wars character as he was born on May 4, 2017, a day dedicated to fans of the franchise. It is also known as "Star Wars Day". British soldier Christian Mowbray and his wife Becky wanted to celebrate the fact that he was born on a special day, so decided to name him after the most famous character, Luke Skywalker. The boy became Loki Skywalker Mowbray. While the name never posed any problems till now, the family got a real jolt when they decided to take a vacation to the Dominican Republic in October. According to Suffolk News, the trip was special since his parents' work schedules were too strict and they hadn't been able to take time off for years. Christian Mowbray is serving in the Corps of Royal Engineers at the Rock Barracks in Sutton Heath, while his wife is a former soldier and had previous struggles with complex PTSD. They all needed new passports, so applied for them. However, the Home Office, responsible for immigration, security, and law and order, said they could not print "Skywalker" on the passport because the name was copyrighted by Disney. They were told they would need to seek permission from Disney to use the name. The other option was to change their son's name. This came as a complete shock to them as they didn't know of any such issue. Christian says, “We were not aware that this could be a potential issue. He says they "understand that Loki’s middle name is copyrighted, but we have no intention of using it for personal gain.” “I understand their (the Home Office’s) position and reasoning, but I believe they need to recognize that modern names are evolving,” he added. Thankfully, the issue was resolved and their son got his passport. Girl named 'Khaleesi' faced similar problem Another family in the UK faced a similar situation when they could not get a passport for their daughter who was named after the popular Game of Thrones character "Khaleesi". A mother was told to get Warner Brothers’ permission to use the name on her 6-year-old daughter's passport. “I had a letter come through from the Passport Office, saying her name is trademarked by Warner Brothers,” she told the BBC.

Boy named 'Loki Skywalker' denied passport because of a Disney copyright

Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of Russia’s lower house of parliament, cautioned that Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory using Western-supplied missiles could escalate into a “global war with nuclear weapons.” He warned that Moscow would respond with more powerful weaponry if the West approves such attacks.

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Israel’s defense minister has declared a “new phase” in the war, following reports of an Israeli attack that triggered explosions in electronic devices in Lebanon. With tensions escalating, the prospect of full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah looms larger than ever. Hopes for a diplomatic resolution are fading as Israel looks to alter the status quo in the north, where cross-border clashes have intensified since Hezbollah's attacks on October 8, just a day after the war began with Hamas.

Lebanon Pager Explosion: Israel Declares New Phase In War, Hezbollah Vows Retaliation

<p>A key witness has said that a man who faces execution for a murder in the US state of South Carolina did not commit the crime. But the state supreme court rejected the explosive testimony&nbsp;late Thursday, saying the execution should proceed as scheduled on Friday (Sep 20).</p>

<p>Lawyers of the 46-year-old Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah, earlier known as Freddie Owens, sought to halt the execution but it is going ahead in all likelihood.</p>

<p>Co-defendent Steven Golden wrote to the court saying that he lied at trial, and Owens was wrongfully convicted. He said Owens was not at the scene of the crime that took place in 1997, when he was 19.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-4-people-handed-death-penalty-over-bootleg-alcohol-that-killed-17-639830"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Iran: 4 people handed death penalty over bootleg alcohol that killed 17</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>South Carolina execution: What's the case all about?</strong></h2>

<p>Owens was sentenced to death in the fatal shooting of a female store worker during an armed robbery in November 1997.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He maintained his innocence through all these years. While the CCTV footage showed two masked men engaging in the robbery, forensic evidence did not tie Owens to the shooting.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: US botched 35% of execution attempts</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the course of the trial, Golden turned approver, agreeing to testify against Owens.</p>

<p>In his new affidavit to court, Golden said Owens was not at the scene of the crime. Golden said he did not reveal the real identity of the shooter as he feared the shooter's associates would kill him. Golden, who was 18 at the time, also said he was high during the initial police investigation when he named Owens.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-top-court-rules-out-lethal-injection-as-alternative-to-hanging-method-of-capital-punishment-574724">Also read: India's top court rules out lethal injection as alternative to hanging method of capital punishment</a></strong></p>

<p>Golden said he came forward with the new testimony to clear his conscience.</p>

<p>Golden also alleged that prosecutors said he would be spared the death penalty if he testified against Owens, which he did.</p>

<p>The prosecutors dismissed Golden's new testimony as not credible.</p>

<p>The state supreme court agreed with the attorney general, ruling the new evidence did not amount to “exceptional circumstances” warranting a reprieve for Owens, The Guardian reported.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A key witness has said that a man who faces execution for a murder in the US state of South Carolina did not commit the crime. But the state supreme court rejected the explosive testimony late Thursday, saying the execution should proceed as scheduled on Friday (Sep 20).

A key witness has said that a man who faces execution for a murder in the US state of South Carolina did not commit the crime. But the state supreme court rejected the explosive testimony late Thursday, saying the execution should proceed as scheduled on Friday (Sep 20). Lawyers of the 46-year-old Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah, earlier known as Freddie Owens, sought to halt the execution but it is going ahead in all likelihood. Co-defendent Steven Golden wrote to the court saying that he lied at trial, and Owens was wrongfully convicted. He said Owens was not at the scene of the crime that took place in 1997, when he was 19. Also read: Iran: 4 people handed death penalty over bootleg alcohol that killed 17 South Carolina execution: What's the case all about? Owens was sentenced to death in the fatal shooting of a female store worker during an armed robbery in November 1997. He maintained his innocence through all these years. While the CCTV footage showed two masked men engaging in the robbery, forensic evidence did not tie Owens to the shooting. Watch: Gravitas: US botched 35% of execution attempts × During the course of the trial, Golden turned approver, agreeing to testify against Owens. In his new affidavit to court, Golden said Owens was not at the scene of the crime. Golden said he did not reveal the real identity of the shooter as he feared the shooter's associates would kill him. Golden, who was 18 at the time, also said he was high during the initial police investigation when he named Owens. Also read: India's top court rules out lethal injection as alternative to hanging method of capital punishment Golden said he came forward with the new testimony to clear his conscience. Golden also alleged that prosecutors said he would be spared the death penalty if he testified against Owens, which he did. The prosecutors dismissed Golden's new testimony as not credible. The state supreme court agreed with the attorney general, ruling the new evidence did not amount to “exceptional circumstances” warranting a reprieve for Owens, The Guardian reported. (With inputs from agencies)

An innocent man to be executed? US court gives go-ahead to lethal injection despite witness changing testimony

<p>One of the 50 men who are alleged to have taken part in the years-long drugging and raping of French woman Gisele Pelicot has admitted to his guilt, saying he was "part of this nightmare."</p>

<p>The man, identified in court documents as 44-year-old Lionel R, was speaking at the trial on a macabre case that shocked France. Apologising to Pelicot, he said in court on Thursday (Sep 19): "I have no choice but to accept the facts."</p>

<h2><strong>What is the case about?</strong></h2>

<p>Between 2011 and 2020, Pelicot was drugged by her now-former husband Dominique Pelicot into a 'deep coma' state. He then invited men to rape her in her bedroom in southern France.&nbsp;The accused, 50 men in total, are aged 26 to 74 and include a fireman, jailor, nurse and journalist.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dominique Pelicot had earlier admitted to connecting with strangers on online chatrooms and inviting them to rape her.&nbsp;He told the court he was “a rapist”, while claiming that all the men knew they were raping his unconscious wife.</p>

<p>Gisèle Pelicot wanted an open trial&nbsp;to raise awareness on use of drugs in rape and sexual abuse. Hundreds of women came out in support of her outside the court where the trial will continue into December.</p>

<p>While some of the accused told the court they were told the woman was drugged and unconcious, some others said they thought they were part of a sex game oragnised by&nbsp;the husband.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drugged-and-raped-for-decades-hundreds-gather-in-support-of-gisele-pelicot-in-france-758730">Also read:&nbsp;'Drugged and raped for decades,' Hundreds gather in support of Gisele Pelicot in France</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>What did the accused man tell court?</strong></h2>

<p>“Since I never obtained Mrs Pélicot’s consent, I have no choice but to accept the facts,” Lionel R, a fireman, told the court, admitting that the raped her on 2 December 2018.</p>

<p>“I am sorry, I can only imagine the nightmare you’ve lived through … and I am part of this nightmare," the father of three said, addressing Gisele.</p>

<p>"I know my apologies won’t change what happened, but I wanted to tell you that. If I had known she wasn’t aware ...I wouldn’t have gone there," The Guardian newspaper quoted him as saying.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sexomnia-case-uk-woman-whose-rape-trial-was-dropped-over-rare-sleep-disorder-wins-huge-payout-750318"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;'Sexomnia' case: UK woman whose rape trial was dropped over rare sleep disorder wins huge payout</strong></a></p>

<p>“I should have checked that she was OK with it. I didn’t talk to her, so I could not get her consent. I feel guilty for what I did.</p>

<p>“I never told myself: ‘I will rape that woman'," he said while admitting he was guilty of rape.</p>

<p>Lionel said he didn't ask too many questions, while there were mentions about medical drugs either taken by the woman herself, or administered by the then husband.</p>

<p>“I never imagined that she might not be part of this game. That was my first huge error, he added.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


One of the 50 men who are alleged to have taken part in the years-long drugging and raping of French woman Gisele Pelicot has admitted to his guilt, saying he was "part of this nightmare.

One of the 50 men who are alleged to have taken part in the years-long drugging and raping of French woman Gisele Pelicot has admitted to his guilt, saying he was "part of this nightmare." The man, identified in court documents as 44-year-old Lionel R, was speaking at the trial on a macabre case that shocked France. Apologising to Pelicot, he said in court on Thursday (Sep 19): "I have no choice but to accept the facts." What is the case about? Between 2011 and 2020, Pelicot was drugged by her now-former husband Dominique Pelicot into a 'deep coma' state. He then invited men to rape her in her bedroom in southern France. The accused, 50 men in total, are aged 26 to 74 and include a fireman, jailor, nurse and journalist. × Dominique Pelicot had earlier admitted to connecting with strangers on online chatrooms and inviting them to rape her. He told the court he was “a rapist”, while claiming that all the men knew they were raping his unconscious wife. Gisèle Pelicot wanted an open trial to raise awareness on use of drugs in rape and sexual abuse. Hundreds of women came out in support of her outside the court where the trial will continue into December. While some of the accused told the court they were told the woman was drugged and unconcious, some others said they thought they were part of a sex game oragnised by the husband. Also read: 'Drugged and raped for decades,' Hundreds gather in support of Gisele Pelicot in France What did the accused man tell court? “Since I never obtained Mrs Pélicot’s consent, I have no choice but to accept the facts,” Lionel R, a fireman, told the court, admitting that the raped her on 2 December 2018. “I am sorry, I can only imagine the nightmare you’ve lived through … and I am part of this nightmare," the father of three said, addressing Gisele. "I know my apologies won’t change what happened, but I wanted to tell you that. If I had known she wasn’t aware ...I wouldn’t have gone there," The Guardian newspaper quoted him as saying. Also read: 'Sexomnia' case: UK woman whose rape trial was dropped over rare sleep disorder wins huge payout “I should have checked that she was OK with it. I didn’t talk to her, so I could not get her consent. I feel guilty for what I did. “I never told myself: ‘I will rape that woman'," he said while admitting he was guilty of rape. Lionel said he didn't ask too many questions, while there were mentions about medical drugs either taken by the woman herself, or administered by the then husband. “I never imagined that she might not be part of this game. That was my first huge error, he added.” (With inputs from agencies)

France mass rape case: Accused man, a father of three, admits to sexual assault of Gisele Pelicot

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid4XcRADyVm8Ly" /></p>

<p>Japanese radio equipment maker Icom Inc. said on Thursday (Sept 19) that it had stopped producing the model of handheld radios reportedly used in recent blasts in Lebanon around 10 years ago.</p>

<p>In a statement, Icom said, "The IC-V82 is a handheld radio that was produced and exported, including to the Middle East, from 2004 to October 2014. It was discontinued about 10 years ago, and since then, it has not been shipped from our company."</p>

<p>"The production of the batteries needed to operate the main unit has also been discontinued, and a hologram seal to distinguish counterfeit products was not attached, so it is not possible to confirm whether the product shipped from our company," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The explosions across Lebanon's south</strong></h2>

<p>On Wednesday, hand-held radios used by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah detonated across the country's south,&nbsp;after similar explosions of the militant group's pagers the day before.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-were-the-deadly-hezbollah-pager-explosions-carried-out-in-lebanon-759700">Explained: How were the deadly Hezbollah pager explosions carried out in Lebanon?</a></strong></p>

<p>Images of the exploded walkie-talkies showed labels with ICOM&nbsp;and "made in&nbsp;Japan."</p>

<p>Icom earlier said that it was investigating&nbsp;the facts regarding news reports that two-way radio devices bearing its logo had exploded in Lebanon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company had&nbsp;previously warned about counterfeit versions of its devices circulating in the market, especially discontinued models.</p>

<h2><strong>The deaths and injuries due to explosions</strong></h2>

<p>According to Lebanon's health ministry,&nbsp;20 people were killed and more than 450 were&nbsp;injured on Wednesday in Beirut's suburbs and the Bekaa Valley, while the death toll from Tuesday's explosions rose to 12, including two children, with nearly 3,000 injured.</p>

<p>Citing sources, a report by the news agency Reuters said that&nbsp;Israel's spy agency Mossad was responsible for the explosions. However, Israeli officials have not commented on the blasts yet.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Lebanon explosions:&nbsp;Hezbollah vows to punish Israel after blasts</strong></p>

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<p>One Hezbollah official said the episode was the biggest security breach in the group's history.</p>

<p>The hand-held radios were purchased by Hezbollah five months ago, around the same time as the pagers, Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japanese radio equipment maker Icom Inc. said on Thursday (Sept 19) that it had stopped producing the model of handheld radios reportedly used in recent blasts in Lebanon around 10 years ago.

Japanese radio equipment maker Icom Inc. said on Thursday (Sept 19) that it had stopped producing the model of handheld radios reportedly used in recent blasts in Lebanon around 10 years ago. In a statement, Icom said, "The IC-V82 is a handheld radio that was produced and exported, including to the Middle East, from 2004 to October 2014. It was discontinued about 10 years ago, and since then, it has not been shipped from our company." "The production of the batteries needed to operate the main unit has also been discontinued, and a hologram seal to distinguish counterfeit products was not attached, so it is not possible to confirm whether the product shipped from our company," the statement added. The explosions across Lebanon's south On Wednesday, hand-held radios used by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah detonated across the country's south, after similar explosions of the militant group's pagers the day before. Also read | Explained: How were the deadly Hezbollah pager explosions carried out in Lebanon? Images of the exploded walkie-talkies showed labels with ICOM and "made in Japan." Icom earlier said that it was investigating the facts regarding news reports that two-way radio devices bearing its logo had exploded in Lebanon. The company had previously warned about counterfeit versions of its devices circulating in the market, especially discontinued models. The deaths and injuries due to explosions According to Lebanon's health ministry, 20 people were killed and more than 450 were injured on Wednesday in Beirut's suburbs and the Bekaa Valley, while the death toll from Tuesday's explosions rose to 12, including two children, with nearly 3,000 injured. Citing sources, a report by the news agency Reuters said that Israel's spy agency Mossad was responsible for the explosions. However, Israeli officials have not commented on the blasts yet. Also watch | Lebanon explosions: Hezbollah vows to punish Israel after blasts × One Hezbollah official said the episode was the biggest security breach in the group's history. The hand-held radios were purchased by Hezbollah five months ago, around the same time as the pagers, Reuters reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Lebanon explosions: Japanese firm says devices used in recent blasts discontinued around 10 years ago

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