DAMASCUS -- A powerful explosion rocked the area around Maarrat Misrin in Syria's northwestern Idlib province on Thursday, killing at least 12 people, including a woman and a child, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The blast, which occurred in an area east of al-Foua and near the town of Sirin, is believed to have originated from a weapons depot, the observatory reported. Explosions continued later in the day as additional ammunition detonated, further complicating rescue efforts. (Syria-Idlib Depot Blast-Casualty)
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JERUSALEM -- Israel decided on Thursday to recall its Gaza ceasefire negotiating team from Qatar's Doha for consultations, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.
The decision followed Hamas' response to the mediators' proposal earlier in the day for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, it said. (Israel-Ceasefire Negotiators-Recall)
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DAMASCUS -- Syria and Saudi Arabia signed 46 agreements and memoranda of understanding worth 6 billion U.S. dollars here on Thursday during a high-level investment forum, according to Syria's state-run SANA news agency.
The forum was held in the presence of Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, with participation from ministers, senior officials, and over 100 Saudi business leaders. The Saudi delegation was led by Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih. (Syria-Saudi Arabia-Ties)
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ADEN, Yemen -- Loud explosions were reported Thursday evening at a key military airbase of Yemen's government forces in the country's southern province of Lahj, local residents told Xinhua.
Residents living in areas surrounding the southern military airbase of Al Anad reported hearing multiple loud explosions coming from the direction of the base's arms depots during evening hours. The sounds were audible across nearby communities, prompting concern among local populations. (Yemen-Military Base-Explosion) ■
