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New Delhi, India
Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assumed power, at least 1,115 executions have been carried out between June 21, 2017, and October 9, 2024. The latest execution figure, sourced from Reprieve and confirmed by news agency Reuters, shows a significant rise from 172 executions in 2023 and 196 in 2022, making it the highest total ever recorded. Over 150 of those executed this year were convicted of non-lethal crimes, a practice that rights organizations argue violates international law.
Many of these executions were related to alleged drug smuggling, particularly involving the amphetamine-like drug Captagon, which has been flooding the market from Syria under the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad. Others were accused of non-lethal terrorism, a charge rights groups claim is often used against individuals involved in anti-government protests.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-protesters-agitate-the-burning-of-christmas-tree-near-syrias-hama-786525">Hundreds hit the streets as protest erupts over burning of Christmas tree near Syria's Hama</a>
While Saudi Arabia once held public beheadings in town squares, these areas are now filled with cafes and restaurants, with little trace of their violent history. “Saudi Arabia’s authorities are pursuing a relentless killing spree displaying a chilling disregard for human life while promoting an empty-worded campaign to rebrand their image,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
In March 2022, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman claimed that Saudi Arabia had “eliminated” the death penalty, except in cases mandated by Sharia law. However, in November 2022, the government carried out its first executions for drug-related offences in nearly three years, overturning a 2021 moratorium on such executions imposed by the Saudi Human Rights Commission.
<h2>Surge in Drug-Related Executions</h2>
As of September 2024, Saudi Arabia has executed 53 people for drug-related offences, a dramatic increase compared to just two such executions in 2023. This rise included the execution of three foreign nationals from Syria and Nigeria between May and June. Since July, the surge has persisted, with 38 of the 53 individuals executed being foreign nationals.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-launches-airstrike-in-afghanistan-civilians-suffer-no-official-confirmation-from-islamabad-786628">Pakistan launches overnight airstrike on Afghanistan, targets Taliban hideouts</a>
<h2>Increased Execution of Foreign Nationals and Women</h2>
By mid-November, over 101 foreign nationals executed were from 14 Asian and African countries, according to a report from AFP. The total of 101 foreign nationals executed this year is three times higher than the 34 recorded in both 2023 and 2022.
This year’s executions involved individuals from multiple countries, including:
<ul>
<li>21 from Pakistan</li>
<li>20 from Yemen</li>
<li>14 from Syria</li>
<li>3 each from Sudan, India, and Afghanistan</li>
<li>1 each from Sri Lanka, Eritrea, and the Philippines</li>
</ul>
The European-Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR) reports a record seven women executed in 2024, with three linked to drug offenses. Most of these women were foreign nationals, mainly migrant workers from Africa and Asia.
<h2>Has the story changed on a global scale?</h2>
In 2023, Amnesty International recorded at least 1,153 executions across 16 countries, a 31% increase from the 883 executions in 2022, marking the highest total since 2015. However, the number of countries carrying out executions was the lowest on record, excluding China, where execution statistics are considered state secret, and other nations like Afghanistan, North Korea, Palestine, Syria, and Vietnam, where access to information is limited.
<h2>Source - Amnesty International</h2>
The increase was largely driven by a 48 per cent rise in executions in Iran, which accounted for 74 per cent of all global executions. The top five countries responsible for the highest number of executions were Iran (at least 853), Saudi Arabia (172), Somalia (at least 38), the US (24), and Iraq (at least 16). All but Saudi Arabia, which saw a slight decline from 196 executions in 2022, experienced an increase in executions compared to the previous year.
Additionally, the number of new death sentences surged by 20 per cent, reaching a total of 2,428 in 2023, the highest figure since 2018.
Two new organizations—the Presidency of State Security and the Public Prosecution Office—were created under royal decrees in 2022 to suppress activists. 
As part of his Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia’s image from a country known for strict religious controls and human rights abuses into a global tourism and entertainment hub, the crown prince is investing billions. However, human rights groups have accused the kingdom of sentencing minors to death and using torture to extract confessions.

Reform or Repression? Saudi Arabia's execution tally hit a record 330 in 2024, raising questions about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s reform agenda. Rights groups decry the surge, including executions for non-lethal offences



New Delhi, India Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assumed power, at least 1,115 executions have been carried out between June 21, 2017, and October 9, 2024. The latest execution figure, sourced from Reprieve and confirmed by news agency Reuters, shows a significant rise from 172 executions in 2023 and 196 in 2022, making it the highest total ever recorded. Over 150 of those executed this year were convicted of non-lethal crimes, a practice that rights organizations argue violates international law. Many of these executions were related to alleged drug smuggling, particularly involving the amphetamine-like drug Captagon, which has been flooding the market from Syria under the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad. Others were accused of non-lethal terrorism, a charge rights groups claim is often used against individuals involved in anti-government protests. Also read | Hundreds hit the streets as protest erupts over burning of Christmas tree near Syria's Hama While Saudi Arabia once held public beheadings in town squares, these areas are now filled with cafes and restaurants, with little trace of their violent history. “Saudi Arabia’s authorities are pursuing a relentless killing spree displaying a chilling disregard for human life while promoting an empty-worded campaign to rebrand their image,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International. In March 2022, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman claimed that Saudi Arabia had “eliminated” the death penalty, except in cases mandated by Sharia law. However, in November 2022, the government carried out its first executions for drug-related offences in nearly three years, overturning a 2021 moratorium on such executions imposed by the Saudi Human Rights Commission. Surge in Drug-Related Executions As of September 2024, Saudi Arabia has executed 53 people for drug-related offences, a dramatic increase compared to just two such executions in 2023. This rise included the execution of three foreign nationals from Syria and Nigeria between May and June. Since July, the surge has persisted, with 38 of the 53 individuals executed being foreign nationals. Also read | Pakistan launches overnight airstrike on Afghanistan, targets Taliban hideouts Increased Execution of Foreign Nationals and Women By mid-November, over 101 foreign nationals executed were from 14 Asian and African countries, according to a report from AFP. The total of 101 foreign nationals executed this year is three times higher than the 34 recorded in both 2023 and 2022. This year’s executions involved individuals from multiple countries, including: 21 from Pakistan 20 from Yemen 14 from Syria 3 each from Sudan, India, and Afghanistan 1 each from Sri Lanka, Eritrea, and the Philippines The European-Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR) reports a record seven women executed in 2024, with three linked to drug offenses. Most of these women were foreign nationals, mainly migrant workers from Africa and Asia. Has the story changed on a global scale? In 2023, Amnesty International recorded at least 1,153 executions across 16 countries, a 31% increase from the 883 executions in 2022, marking the highest total since 2015. However, the number of countries carrying out executions was the lowest on record, excluding China, where execution statistics are considered state secret, and other nations like Afghanistan, North Korea, Palestine, Syria, and Vietnam, where access to information is limited. Source - Amnesty International The increase was largely driven by a 48 per cent rise in executions in Iran, which accounted for 74 per cent of all global executions. The top five countries responsible for the highest number of executions were Iran (at least 853), Saudi Arabia (172), Somalia (at least 38), the US (24), and Iraq (at least 16). All but Saudi Arabia, which saw a slight decline from 196 executions in 2022, experienced an increase in executions compared to the previous year. Additionally, the number of new death sentences surged by 20 per cent, reaching a total of 2,428 in 2023, the highest figure since 2018. Two new organizations—the Presidency of State Security and the Public Prosecution Office—were created under royal decrees in 2022 to suppress activists. As part of his Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia’s image from a country known for strict religious controls and human rights abuses into a global tourism and entertainment hub, the crown prince is investing billions. However, human rights groups have accused the kingdom of sentencing minors to death and using torture to extract confessions.

Saudi Arabia's bloody year: Record 330 executions undermine reform promises

Astana, Kazakhstan
An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet on Wednesday (Dec 25) burst into flames as it was attempting an emergency landing in Western Kazakhstan, the Kazakh transport ministry said. According to preliminary reports, only 25 of the 67 people on board survived the crash.
On social media application Telegram, the ministry wrote: "A plane doing the Baku-Grozny route crashed near the city of Aktau. It belongs to Azerbaijan Airlines."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-taliban-government-spokesperson-claims-46-killed-in-pakistans-overnight-strike-786677">Afghanistan: Taliban government spokesperson claims 46 killed in Pakistan's overnight strike</a>
Meanwhile, the Airlines, which is Azerbaijan's flag carrier, said the Embraer 190 had "made an emergency landing" around three kilometres from Aktau, an oil and gas hub on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea.
<h2>Casualties and more</h2>
As per the Kazakh transport ministry, there were 62 passengers and five crew members on board.
However, media reports have put the number high, up to 105, on board.  
Kazakhstan's emergency situation ministry said that only 25 people survived the crash, which means 42 people may have perished in the incident.
"According to preliminary information, there are 25 survivors of whom 22 have been hospitalised," said the ministry on Telegram. Health officials had earlier said that 14 survivors had been hospitalised.
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A tragic aviation incident unfolded today as Azerbaijan Airlines Flight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/J28243?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#J28243</a>, an Embraer E190AR registered (4K-AZ65)carrying 72 people, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The flight was en route… <a href="https://t.co/BlntUOYT5m">pic.twitter.com/BlntUOYT5m</a>
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Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-launches-airstrike-in-afghanistan-civilians-suffer-no-official-confirmation-from-islamabad-786628">Pakistan launches overnight airstrike on Afghanistan, targets Taliban hideouts</a>
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A tragic aviation incident unfolded today as Azerbaijan Airlines Flight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/J28243?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#J28243</a>, an Embraer E190AR registered (4K-AZ65)carrying 72 people, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The flight was en route… <a href="https://t.co/BlntUOYT5m">pic.twitter.com/BlntUOYT5m</a>
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Kazakhstan's Ministry for Emergency Situations earlier said its personnel were putting out a fire at the site.
(With inputs from agencies)

"A plane doing the Baku-Grozny route crashed near the city of Aktau. It belongs to Azerbaijan Airlines," the ministry said on Telegram.



Astana, Kazakhstan An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet on Wednesday (Dec 25) burst into flames as it was attempting an emergency landing in Western Kazakhstan, the Kazakh transport ministry said. According to preliminary reports, only 25 of the 67 people on board survived the crash. On social media application Telegram, the ministry wrote: "A plane doing the Baku-Grozny route crashed near the city of Aktau. It belongs to Azerbaijan Airlines." Also read | Afghanistan: Taliban government spokesperson claims 46 killed in Pakistan's overnight strike Meanwhile, the Airlines, which is Azerbaijan's flag carrier, said the Embraer 190 had "made an emergency landing" around three kilometres from Aktau, an oil and gas hub on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea. Casualties and more As per the Kazakh transport ministry, there were 62 passengers and five crew members on board. However, media reports have put the number high, up to 105, on board. Kazakhstan's emergency situation ministry said that only 25 people survived the crash, which means 42 people may have perished in the incident. "According to preliminary information, there are 25 survivors of whom 22 have been hospitalised," said the ministry on Telegram. Health officials had earlier said that 14 survivors had been hospitalised. ⚠️#BREAKING: #Azerbaijan Airlines E190 Crashes in #Kazakhstan, Survivors Reported A tragic aviation incident unfolded today as Azerbaijan Airlines Flight #J28243, an Embraer E190AR registered (4K-AZ65)carrying 72 people, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The flight was en route… pic.twitter.com/BlntUOYT5m — Antony Ochieng,KE✈️ (@Turbinetraveler) December 25, 2024 × Also read | Pakistan launches overnight airstrike on Afghanistan, targets Taliban hideouts ⚠️#BREAKING: #Azerbaijan Airlines E190 Crashes in #Kazakhstan, Survivors Reported A tragic aviation incident unfolded today as Azerbaijan Airlines Flight #J28243, an Embraer E190AR registered (4K-AZ65)carrying 72 people, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The flight was en route… pic.twitter.com/BlntUOYT5m — Antony Ochieng,KE✈️ (@Turbinetraveler) December 25, 2024 × Kazakhstan's Ministry for Emergency Situations earlier said its personnel were putting out a fire at the site. (With inputs from agencies)

42 killed as Azerbaijan Airlines plane bursts into flames after emergency landing in Kazakhstan

Gaps between Israel and the Hamas terror group over a possible Gaza hostage release and ceasefire deal have narrowed, according to officials. Watch this report for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli Official Says Hamas Not Delivering Living Hostages List

Pakistan launches series of airstrikes on Afghanistan, at least 46 killed. Watch to know more.

Pakistan-Afghanistan: Pak Launches Series Of Airstrikes On Afghanistan, At Least 46 Killed

Azerbaijan airlines passenger plane crashes in Kazakhstan Aktau. Watch to know more.



Azerbaijan Airlines Passenger Plane Crashes In Kazakhstan Aktau

President Joe Biden signed a bill on Monday designating the bald eagle as the country's national bird. Watch to know more.

Bald Eagle Officially Declared U.S. National Bird

Jerusalem, Israel
A former Israeli hostage held by Hamas died due to illness on Tuesday (Dec 24). She was the first to lose her life after being released alongside several others who returned after a hostage exchange deal earlier.
Nir Oz Kibbutz issued a statement announcing the demise of Hanna Katzir. She and her son, Elad, were taken hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
According to news agency AFP, an Israeli government official has said that Katzir has been recognised as a victim of the October attack by Hamas.
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“Hanna Katzir, 76, kidnapped from her home in Nir Oz during the massacre on October 7th and released during the ceasefire on November 24, 2023, died on December 24, 2024, after a complex medical situation since her release. She has been recognised as a victim of terrorism,” the official said in a statement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to Katzir family. He also said in a statement that he would “work tirelessly to bring all of our hostages home.”
<h2>Who was Hanna Katzir?</h2>
Hanna Katzir, a 76-year-old woman, was one of the hostages captured by Hamas during the October 7 attack in Israel. Earlier, the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad claimed that she had died just before a hostage deal, however, later it was discovered that she was released in November.
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Her husband and son were killed by Hamas in the same attack. While her husband Rami died on the same day in their home, her 47-year-old son, Elad, died in captivity. His body was brought back to Israel in April this year. Karzir was buried on Tuesday (Dec 24) afternoon.
<h2>Israel-Hamas hostage deal</h2>
Netanyahu on Monday (Dec 23) said in parliament that “some progress” had been made in regard to the negotiations for the release of hostages in Gaza. This comes two days after the talks towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal by Palestinian militant groups.
The October 7 attack resulted in over 1,200 people being killed and more than 250 taken as hostages, according to the news agency AFP. As per the army, 96 civilians are still held in Gaza, while 34 have died.
(With inputs from agencies)

Nir Oz Kibbutz issued a statement announcing the demise of Hanna Katzir. She and her son, Elad, were taken hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023



Jerusalem, Israel A former Israeli hostage held by Hamas died due to illness on Tuesday (Dec 24). She was the first to lose her life after being released alongside several others who returned after a hostage exchange deal earlier. Nir Oz Kibbutz issued a statement announcing the demise of Hanna Katzir. She and her son, Elad, were taken hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. According to news agency AFP, an Israeli government official has said that Katzir has been recognised as a victim of the October attack by Hamas. Also read | Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat' “Hanna Katzir, 76, kidnapped from her home in Nir Oz during the massacre on October 7th and released during the ceasefire on November 24, 2023, died on December 24, 2024, after a complex medical situation since her release. She has been recognised as a victim of terrorism,” the official said in a statement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to Katzir family. He also said in a statement that he would “work tirelessly to bring all of our hostages home.” Who was Hanna Katzir? Hanna Katzir, a 76-year-old woman, was one of the hostages captured by Hamas during the October 7 attack in Israel. Earlier, the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad claimed that she had died just before a hostage deal, however, later it was discovered that she was released in November. Also read | Israel probe finds Hamas 'murdered' hostages in fear of advancing ground troops Her husband and son were killed by Hamas in the same attack. While her husband Rami died on the same day in their home, her 47-year-old son, Elad, died in captivity. His body was brought back to Israel in April this year. Karzir was buried on Tuesday (Dec 24) afternoon. Israel-Hamas hostage deal Netanyahu on Monday (Dec 23) said in parliament that “some progress” had been made in regard to the negotiations for the release of hostages in Gaza. This comes two days after the talks towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal by Palestinian militant groups. The October 7 attack resulted in over 1,200 people being killed and more than 250 taken as hostages, according to the news agency AFP. As per the army, 96 civilians are still held in Gaza, while 34 have died. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Israeli hostage held in Gaza dies a year after her release

The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the involvement of some Canadian colleges and Indian entities in a human trafficking and money laundering case, following the death of a family attempting to cross the US-Canada border. Watch this report for more details! 

ED Probes Canadian Colleges, Indian Entities Role In Human Trafficking Case

Pakistan in rare airstrikes targeted multiple suspected hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban inside neighboring Afghanistan. Watch this report for more details!



Pak Launches Strikes On Suspected TTP Targets In Afghanistan

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Azerbaijan Airlines Passenger Plane Crashes In Kazakhstan

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris hosted its first Christmas mass since it was reopened. 



Notre Dame Celebrates Christmas Masses For First Time After Restoration

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Florid
US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed that he will direct the US Justice Department to "vigorously" pursue the death penalty for perpetrators once he takes charge.
Just days after President Joe Biden granted pardon to 37 death row inmates, Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said that as soon as he is inaugurated in January 2025, he will issue the order to protect Americans from the "monsters".
<h2>What did Trump say?</h2>
Trump, on his social media platform, vowed "As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-are-the-three-death-row-inmates-joe-biden-didnt-pardon-heres-all-you-need-to-know-786345">Who are the three death row inmates Joe Biden didn't pardon? Here's all you need to know</a>
"We will be a Nation of Law and Order again!," he stressed.
<h2>Can he reverse the pardons?</h2>
No, incoming president Donald Trump cannot change or reverse the clemency granted by the incumbent president.
According to Article II, Section 2 of the US Constitution, the POTUS "shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." These pardons cannot be overturned, by a court, Congress or another President for that matter.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-good-conscience-us-president-biden-commutes-37-out-of-40-federal-death-row-sentences-as-term-nears-end-786267" target="_blank">‘In good conscience,’ US President Biden commutes 37 out of 40 federal death row sentences as term nears end</a>
<h2>Biden's clemency</h2>
US President Biden on Monday (Dec 23) commuted the death sentences of 37 of the 40 inmates on federal death row in the country. 
The crimes of the 37 convicts who had their death sentences "reclassified from execution to life without the possibility of parole" included murder, kidnapping and shooting, yet they received clemency.
In a statement, he said, “Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss.”
"But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, vice president, and now president, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level. In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted."
However, three convicts, Dylann Roof, a white Supremacist, who was behind the Charleston church shooting of 2015; Dzhokhar "Jahar" Anzorovich Tsarnaev, who along with his brother Tamerlan Tsarnaev, carried out the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013; and Robert Gregory Bowers is the perpetrator behind the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting were not part of Biden's clemency.
(With inputs from agencies)

Trump, on his social media platform, vowed: "As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters"



Florid US President-elect Donald Trump has vowed that he will direct the US Justice Department to "vigorously" pursue the death penalty for perpetrators once he takes charge. Just days after President Joe Biden granted pardon to 37 death row inmates, Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said that as soon as he is inaugurated in January 2025, he will issue the order to protect Americans from the "monsters". What did Trump say? Trump, on his social media platform, vowed "As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters." Also read | Who are the three death row inmates Joe Biden didn't pardon? Here's all you need to know "We will be a Nation of Law and Order again!," he stressed. Can he reverse the pardons? No, incoming president Donald Trump cannot change or reverse the clemency granted by the incumbent president. According to Article II, Section 2 of the US Constitution, the POTUS "shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." These pardons cannot be overturned, by a court, Congress or another President for that matter. Also read | ‘In good conscience,’ US President Biden commutes 37 out of 40 federal death row sentences as term nears end Biden's clemency US President Biden on Monday (Dec 23) commuted the death sentences of 37 of the 40 inmates on federal death row in the country. The crimes of the 37 convicts who had their death sentences "reclassified from execution to life without the possibility of parole" included murder, kidnapping and shooting, yet they received clemency. In a statement, he said, “Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss.” "But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, vice president, and now president, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level. In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted." However, three convicts, Dylann Roof, a white Supremacist, who was behind the Charleston church shooting of 2015; Dzhokhar "Jahar" Anzorovich Tsarnaev, who along with his brother Tamerlan Tsarnaev, carried out the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013; and Robert Gregory Bowers is the perpetrator behind the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting were not part of Biden's clemency. (With inputs from agencies)

Can Trump overturn Biden's pardons? President-elect vows to pursue death penalty 'vigorously'

Well, it's that time of the year again when Santa Claus hops on his sleigh and travels around the world, delivering gifts. Governments across borders seem to be cooperating in this important festive task. In an age-old tradition, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has published its annual Santa Tracker, a website that offers updates on Santa's travels. This tradition is over half a century old, dating back to 1955 when a child accidentally called the Defense Command Center, inquiring about Santa. In keeping with the Christmas spirit, an American Air Force General has reassured the public that recent sightings of mystery drones in New Jersey will not impact Santa's journey through the skies. Watch in for more details!

US General Says 'Mysterious' Drones Will Not Impact Santa's Journey

PM Modi, President Murmu and other leaders paid tribute to Ex-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary in New Delhi. Watch in for more details!

Atal Bihari Vajpayee 100th Birth Anniversary: PM Modi, President Murmu Pay Tribute

Donald Trump's first pick for heading the Justice Department has been accused by the House Ethics Committee for regularly paying women, including a 17-year-old, for sex. Matt Gaetz was Donald Trump's pick to serve as U.S. Attorney General, after withdrew his name and resigned from Congress. The 37-page report by the bipartisan panel includes explicit details of the accusations. Watch in for more details!

Matt Gaetz Spent Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars On Sex And Drugs: Report

The Israeli army said Wednesday it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the country from Yemen.

Air raid sirens sounded over a wide swathe of central Israel as a precaution against falling debris, but the army said it shot down the projectile before it entered Israeli territory.

No injuries were reported, according to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's emergency medical services.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-israeli-hostage-held-in-gaza-dies-a-year-after-her-release-786651">Former Israeli hostage held in Gaza dies a year after her release</a>

"A missile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory," the Israeli army wrote on the Telegram social media platform. "Sirens regarding rocket and missile launches were activated due to the possibility of falling shrapnel from the interception."

On Tuesday, the Israeli army also said it had intercepted a projectile fired from Yemen.

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly launched missiles against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago. Most of them have been intercepted, but on Saturday an attack on Tel Aviv injured 16 people.

In recent days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to the rebels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vows-to-target-houthi-leaders-says-will-act-against-them-to-remove-threat-786542">Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat'</a>

"I have instructed our forces to destroy the infrastructure of Huthis, because anyone who tries to harm us will be struck with full force," Netanyahu said, "even if it takes time".

In July, a Huthi drone attack on Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.

The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes by US and sometimes British forces.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Israeli army said Wednesday it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the country from Yemen. Air raid sirens sounded over a wide swathe of central Israel as a precaution against falling debris, but the army said it shot down the projectile before it entered Israeli territory.

The Israeli army said Wednesday it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the country from Yemen. Air raid sirens sounded over a wide swathe of central Israel as a precaution against falling debris, but the army said it shot down the projectile before it entered Israeli territory. No injuries were reported, according to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's emergency medical services. Also read | Former Israeli hostage held in Gaza dies a year after her release "A missile that was launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory," the Israeli army wrote on the Telegram social media platform. "Sirens regarding rocket and missile launches were activated due to the possibility of falling shrapnel from the interception." On Tuesday, the Israeli army also said it had intercepted a projectile fired from Yemen. Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels have repeatedly launched missiles against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago. Most of them have been intercepted, but on Saturday an attack on Tel Aviv injured 16 people. In recent days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to the rebels. Also read | Israel vows to target Houthi leaders, says 'will act against them to remove threat' "I have instructed our forces to destroy the infrastructure of Huthis, because anyone who tries to harm us will be struck with full force," Netanyahu said, "even if it takes time". In July, a Huthi drone attack on Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes by US and sometimes British forces. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israeli army: Intercepted a ballistic missile from Yemen

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Israeli army: Intercepted a ballistic missile from Yemen