World

Sanaa, May 1 (IANS) Yemen's Houthi group has said it had shot down a US F-18 fighter jet during an earlier assault on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, and launched fresh drone attacks over the past 24 hours targeting another US carrier and Israeli cities.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said on Wednesday in a televised statement on the group's al-Masirah TV channel that the attack in the Red Sea resulted in the "downing of an F-18 fighter jet into the sea" and forced the Truman to "retreat toward the Suez Canal".

The US Navy said on Monday that an F/A-18 Super Hornet was lost at sea after it fell overboard while being moved aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, Xinhua news agency reported.

A US official said initial reports indicated the jet fell as the carrier made a hard turn to evade incoming Houthi fire.

Sarea also said the group had targeted the USS Carl Vinson and accompanying warships in the Arabian Sea with drones.

"We targeted the US aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, and its escorting warships using drones," he added.

He said that Houthi forces had also launched drone attacks on unspecified military sites in the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Ashkelon.

The claims could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate comment from the US or Israeli militaries.

Tensions between Houthis and the US have escalated since Washington resumed airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen on March 15.

The US has sought to deter the group from targeting Israel, commercial vessels, and US naval assets in the region.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have said they would halt attacks on Israel and US forces if Israel ends its military campaign in Gaza and allows humanitarian aid into Palestinian territories.

The Truman has been patrolling in the Middle East for several months, and recently had its stint extended by the US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth.

It is one of two US aircraft carriers operating in the area, where US forces have been striking the Houthis on a near daily basis using fighter jets, bombers, ships and drones.

"The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard," the Navy said.

The jet was part of Strike Fighter Squadron 136.

--IANS

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Berlin, May 1 (IANS) Members of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) have voted in favour of forming a coalition with the Union party, the SPD said in a statement.

The result paves the way for a new federal government led by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz.

Nearly 84.6 per cent of participating SPD members approved the coalition agreement, while 15.4 per cent rejected it, according to an official result released by the SPD, Xinhua news agency reported.

The result followed prior approvals of a deal between CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU).

In a statement, the SPD described the result as a "clear mandate to take on government responsibility".

With approvals secured from all three parties, the coalition agreement is scheduled to be formally signed next Monday.

"SPD members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the coalition agreement negotiated between the SPD and the CDU/CSU, providing strong grassroots backing for the party leadership to join the coalition government and take responsibility for Germany's interests," SPD Secretary General Matthias Miersch told a press conference in Berlin.

"Joining the coalition government isn't just about our party—it's about our country. It's about charting the right course, to bring Germany forward, above all to invest in the future of this country, ensuring social justice, climate protection, securing jobs, fostering growth, providing relief for the middle class, and guiding our country safely through these turbulent times," he added.

Miersch announced that SPD co-leader Lars Klingbeil will serve as the Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister in the new coalition government, with other SPD ministerial appointments to be finalised in the coming days.

Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz's CDU had approved the coalition agreement on Monday at a special party conference in Berlin.

The CDU's Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), endorsed the deal earlier this month.

Following the SPD's approval, party leaders will meet in Berlin on Monday to sign the coalition agreement, announce Cabinet appointments, and outline the new government's policy priorities.

The Parliament will then convene on Tuesday to elect Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor, succeeding Olaf Scholz.

The Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) won 28.5 per cent in February's snap elections but fell short of an outright majority.

Despite the Social Democrats receiving their lowest-ever result at 16.4 per cent, they emerged as a crucial coalition partner.

Together, the parties will control 328 seats in Parliament, comfortably exceeding the 316-seat threshold needed for a governing majority.

--IANS

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Canberra, May 1 (IANS) Fuel mismanagement and failures in operational oversight and regulatory supervision have been found following a crash of a small aircraft in Western Australia in 2023, a government report said.

The crash significantly damaged the aircraft and raised renewed concerns about safety culture and regulatory vigilance in general aviation, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said on Wednesday in its investigation report.

The Broome Aviation-operated Cessna 310R was en route from Broome to Turkey Creek, a distance of 846 km, with a planned fuel stop in Derby in Western Australia, on June 20, 2023, the report said.

The investigation revealed the pilot miscalculated fuel requirements after failing to factor in forecast winds and not fully utilising the auxiliary tanks. The pilot also did not monitor fuel levels properly during the flight, leading to fuel exhaustion in the main tanks, it said.

The twin-engine aircraft was forced to land on a highway near Derby Airport, colliding with a tree. The pilot, who was not wearing the available upper torso restraint, suffered head injuries, while the passenger escaped with minor injuries, it added.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said the accident was preventable and highlighted systemic failings, Xinhua news agency reported.

He noted the preventable nature of fuel mismanagement, a regular contributing factor in aviation accidents.

"Pilots are responsible for ensuring there is sufficient fuel prior to flight, and that they are familiar with their aircraft's fuel system," he said.

"In this case, the ATSB found the pilot's lack of understanding of the fuel system was not detected by the operator due to a lack of consolidation training, and limited to no operational oversight."

In the eight months prior to this accident, the operator transitioned its pilots to the Cessna 310, which has a relatively complex fuel system, with limited supervision, guidance and support.

Mitchell said it was best practice for operators to provide its pilots the opportunity for skill consolidation during and following the initial training on a new aircraft type.

"The investigation also found that current and former Broome Aviation pilots reported experiencing pressure not to report aircraft defects on maintenance releases, and pilots experienced or observed pressure from management to fly aircraft they considered unsafe," he added.

"A reporting culture -- where employees are comfortable to report all safety concerns and maintenance issues -- is a safe culture."

--IANS

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Tehran, May 1 (IANS) Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said that the fourth round of the Omani-mediated indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the US will be held in Rome on Saturday, media reported.

Araghchi made the remarks on the sidelines of a Cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday while responding to questions about the ongoing talks with the US on Tehran's nuclear programme and Washington's sanctions.

He noted that Oman, as the talks' host, had decided to hold the fourth round in Rome due to technical and logistical reasons, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Iranian Foreign Minister said that the location Oman selected to host the negotiations was of no particular importance to Iran.

"Of importance to us are the contents of the negotiations and the mediator," he added.

Araghchi told media on Wednesday that, as confirmed by Oman, the new round of discussions is scheduled to be held in the Italian capital, continuing a format aimed at reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and facilitating the lifting of US-led sanctions.

The Rome meeting will be preceded by a separate round of consultations between Iran and the three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear accord -- the UK, France, and Germany -- on Friday.

Araghchi acknowledged that the influence of the E3 has waned due to their alignment with Washington's pressure policies, but emphasised Tehran's willingness to keep the European parties engaged.

Commenting on the US hostile measures, such as the imposition of fresh sanctions against Iran despite the ongoing negotiations, he noted that such actions would definitely convey a negative message.

Araghchi noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) currently played no role in the negotiations, but "will play an important role in the future if an agreement is reached".

He said, although no time frame had been decided for the talks' conclusion, Iran naturally was not interested in "attritional negotiations and is not after wasting time".

The first and third rounds of the indirect talks between Iran and the US, headed by the Iranian Foreign Minister and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, were held in the Omani capital Muscat on April 12 and 26, and the second one in Rome on April 19.

--IANS

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Damascus/Jerusalem, May 1 (IANS) The death toll from ongoing sectarian clashes in the southern suburbs of Damascus climbed to 39, including 16 security personnel, after ceasefire efforts collapsed and intense fighting resumed in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, officials and monitoring groups said.

According to the Syrian interior authorities on Wednesday, armed groups launched coordinated attacks overnight on security checkpoints and patrols in agricultural zones surrounding the town, targeting both civilian and security vehicles.

Eleven officers from the General Security Directorate were killed in the initial assault, and another five fell during a renewed attack on Wednesday morning, bringing the total number of fallen security personnel to 16, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Ministry confirmed that ceasefire attempts involving local elders and government representatives were violated when the armed groups reneged on their commitments and resumed attacks.

"Any assault on public security forces is an assault on national stability," the Interior authorities said, vowing a firm response.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 22 people have been killed in Ashrafiyat Sahnaya alone, including six local Druze fighters and 16 members of pro-government and security forces.

The confrontations have involved light and medium weapons, and the situation on the ground remains volatile.

The Observatory noted low-flying Israeli reconnaissance aircraft were spotted over Sahnaya during the clashes, though no strikes were reported.

The recent violence stems from the leak of an audio recording attributed to a member of the Druze community containing comments deemed offensive to Islam.

The recording triggered widespread outrage and incitement on social media, setting off deadly clashes earlier this week in Jaramana, where 17 people were killed.

In total, at least 39 people have been killed in the latest wave of violence across Jaramana, Sahnaya, and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya, including both government forces and local armed factions.

Local officials are continuing efforts to prevent further escalation, but as of Wednesday noon, fighting was ongoing, and fears persist that the unrest may drag on if not contained quickly.

Meanwhile, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir ordered the army to prepare for possible strikes on Syrian government targets if violence against Druze communities continues, the military said.

The military said in a statement that the instruction followed a situational assessment.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli air force struck what, according to the military, were "operatives on the outskirts of Damascus who had attacked Druze civilians".

The military said it was "monitoring developments in the region," and its troops are "deployed and prepared for defence and developments in the area of Syria".

--IANS

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Tehran, May 1 (IANS) Iran has executed a "high-ranking spy" of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, the media reported.

The executed, identified as Mohsen Langarneshin, was convicted of providing field and technical support for Mossad's operations in Iran, including the assassination of Hassan Sayyad Khodaei, a member of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, in Tehran in May 2022, the Mizan news agency of the Iranian judiciary report said on Wednesday.

Langarneshin, who was hanged on Wednesday morning, provided Mossad with extensive "logistical, technical and operational support" for two years, starting in 2020, the judiciary said via its official news agency, Mizan.

It added that he was executed following the completion of the legal and judicial processes, Xinhua news agency reported.

One of the key accusations against Langarneshin was his involvement in the May 2022 killing of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) colonel, Hassan Sayyad Khodaei, who was shot dead by two motorcyclists on his way home in Tehran.

It listed some of the convict's "criminal actions" as providing logistical, technical and operational support for an attack on an industrial centre affiliated to the Iranian Defence Ministry in the central province of Isfahan, purchasing communications tools for Mossad agents, buying vehicles and equipping them with operational instruments, transferring money from Israeli officers to operational agents inside Iran, and renting safe houses in some Iranian provinces.

Mizan reported that Langarneshin bought a motorcycle to track Khodaei's movements, relayed the information to Mossad and was present during the killing.

Additionally, he was accused of supporting an attack on an industrial site in Isfahan, affiliated with Iran's Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics.

According to the report, Langarneshin had confessed to all the "crimes" he had been charged with.

Iran cited "extensive intelligence and technical evidence" linking Langarneshin to these operations, and said he "fully confessed" to his involvement.

Caught in a decades-long shadow war with Israel, Iran has executed numerous individuals over their alleged links to Mossad, particularly those accused of sabotage and assassination efforts aimed at undermining its nuclear programme.

In December 2023, three men and a woman were executed for their alleged links to Mossad.

Langarneshin's execution comes amid renewed US-Iran nuclear talks, which Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused Israel of attempting to derail.

A fourth round of Oman-mediated negotiations between Washington and Tehran is scheduled for Saturday in Rome, according to Tehran.

--IANS

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Cairo, May 1 (IANS) Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit has called for heightened international and regional efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Sudan and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected areas.

In a meeting in Cairo with UN Secretary-General's envoy to Sudan Ramtane Lamamra on Wednesday, he stressed the pan-Arab body's "firm stance backing the Sudanese people and legitimate aspirations to security, peace, and sustainable development".

He stressed the importance of preserving Sudan's unity, both in terms of people and territory, safeguarding national institutions, preventing foreign interference, and launching an inclusive political process that represents all Sudanese factions.

For his part, Lamamra reviewed a UN action plan for the coming period and the challenges that impeded the diplomatic efforts, Xinhua news agency reported.

He emphasised the need for coordination between the AL and the UN to enhance the effectiveness of global initiatives aimed at resolving the crisis.

The two sides also discussed the latest political and field developments in Sudan, and efforts to achieve peace and end war, the AL said in a statement.

Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The International Organisation for Migration estimates that the conflict has displaced more than 15 million people, both within Sudan and abroad.

Aboul Gheit emphasised the importance of supporting any initiative to find a solution for the Sudanese state, while speaking during a meeting in Cairo with a delegation of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces — known as Taqaddum — led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

Hamdok presented a plan for achieving a ceasefire and political process through an inclusive Sudanese dialogue to protect Sudan, save lives, and maintain progress.

He expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General for the initiative taken on March 5 calling the various Sudanese parties in the conflict and urging a truce during Ramadan.

The head of the Arab League had already called on the warring parties to reach a ceasefire agreement before the holy month.

--IANS

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Islamabad, April 29 (IANS) Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.

“Loss of human life in the Pahalgam incident is deeply disturbing and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to the victims and their families,” said the incarcerated former Prime Minister during a discussion with the lawyers in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.

He alleged that when the “False Flag Palwama Operation” incident happened, Pakistan offered to extend all-out cooperation to India, but India failed to produce any concrete evidence.

“As I predicted in 2019, the same is happening again after the Pahalgam incident. Instead of introspection and investigation, Modi Sarkar is again placing the blame on Pakistan,” he said.

He further added that being a country of 1.5 billion people, India needs to act responsibly instead of messing with a region already known as “nuclear flashpoint.”

“Peace is our priority, but it should not be mistaken for cowardice. Pakistan has got all the capabilities to give a befitting response to any Indian misadventure, as My Government, backed by the whole nation, did in 2019. I have always emphasised the importance of the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, as guaranteed by United Nations resolutions,” he said.

The former Prime Minister further alleged that India, led by RSS ideology, is a “grave threat”, not only to the region but beyond it.

“Indian oppression in Kashmir, intensified after the illegal abrogation of Article 370, has further fueled the Kashmiri people’s desire for freedom,” he alleged.

Talking about the internal factions inside Pakistan, the former Prime Minister said that, sadly, his nation has been divided by an “illegitimate government” imposed through fraudulent Form-47 results.

“And yet, ironically, Narendra Modi’s aggression has united the people of Pakistan in one voice against Indian hostility. While we reject this fake regime, we stand firmly as one Pakistani nation and strongly condemn Modi's war-mongering and his dangerous ambitions that threaten regional peace,” he said.

The former Prime Minister further addressed the polarisation of his nation following deep resentment against the country’s army.

“Needless to say, to win the war against an external enemy, the nation must first be united. It is high time to put a halt to all actions that are further polarising the nation. The state’s excessive focus on political victimisation at this critical time is deepening internal divisions and undermining the nation’s collective ability to confront external threats,” he said.

Imran Khan also targeted Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif for their alleged timid stand against the neighbouring country.

“It is naive to expect any strong stance from self-serving figures like Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari. They will never speak out against India because their illegal wealth and business interests lie abroad. They profit from foreign investments, and to protect those financial interests, they remain silent in the face of foreign aggression and baseless allegations against Pakistan. Their fear is simple: that Indian lobbies might freeze their offshore assets if they dare to speak the truth,” said the former Pakistan Prime Minister.

--IANS

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United Nations, April 29 (IANS) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.

“The Secretary-General also expressed his deep concern at rising tensions between India and Pakistan and underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences,” he said.

Dujarric said the world cannot afford a confrontation between India and Pakistan, which would be catastrophic for those two countries and for the world as a whole.

“Guterres has been very clear that he wants to see both sides move towards a de-escalation,” he said,

He said that the Secretary-General noted the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means while reiterating his strong condemnation of the terrorist attack.

Twenty-six people, mostly tourists, were killed in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22.

Dujarric added that Guterres offered his good offices to support de-escalation efforts.

However, India has rejected offers of third-party involvement in disputes between the two neighbours as their leaders had declared in the 1972 Simla Agreement to treat them as bilateral matters.

Dujarric added, “Secretary General's good officers are always available should both sides agree to it.”

--IANS

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Beirut, April 29 (IANS) Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed on Tuesday Lebanon's commitment to ending the Israeli occupation of all Lebanese territory and called for intensified diplomatic efforts to halt ongoing violations.

"Lebanon seeks to put an end to all such breaches and fully reclaim its land," he said, according to the official National News Agency.

Salam condemned the recent attack on Beirut's southern suburbs and other Israeli aggressions, describing them as "a breach of the cessation of hostilities arrangements." He stressed the urgency of "activating a monitoring mechanism to stop these violations."

In a meeting with a delegation from the Press Syndicate, the prime minister reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to the existing agreement and called on Israel to do the same.

Salam revealed that Lebanon is actively engaging with influential international actors to apply diplomatic pressure, Xinhua news agency reported. "We are in ongoing communication with the Americans, the French, and other key Arab and European countries to escalate these efforts," he said.

He also highlighted the government's focus on addressing citizens' needs. "We are committed to staying close to the people and addressing their security and livelihood concerns, especially by improving economic and living conditions."

He further noted that the Lebanese government has launched a reconstruction plan, starting with infrastructure. "We've completed damage assessments and are now mobilizing resources," he said. "Negotiations with the World Bank have already secured 325 million US dollars, and we're working to increase that amount."

Salam also emphasised the need to strengthen the Lebanese army amid mounting responsibilities. "We must reinforce army ranks through additional recruitment, particularly with deployments expanding in the south and along the northeastern border," he said, adding that support is also needed for security forces operating in critical facilities, including the port and airport.

--IANS

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