LONDON -- Britain is sending four Typhoon fighter jets to join its squadron in Qatar to strengthen defensive operations in the country and across the Middle East region, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at a press conference on Thursday. (Britain-Qatar-Jet)
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BEIRUT -- The Israeli army on Thursday issued an unprecedented order for residents in Beirut's southern suburbs to evacuate immediately, marking the first full evacuation of the area.
The Israeli military also warned residents not to head to southern Lebanon, saying any movement in that direction could endanger their lives, adding that they would be informed when it is safe to return to their homes. (Lebanon-Israeli Attacks-Evacuation)
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MOSCOW -- Russia and Ukraine will each release a total of 500 prisoners on Thursday and Friday, with the first 200 on each side already being swapped, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The ministry said the returned Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving psychological and medical assistance. (Russia-Ukraine-Prisoner Exchange)
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TEHRAN -- Iran on Thursday rejected accusations from neighboring Azerbaijan that it had launched drone strikes targeting its territory, while suggesting that Israel may be behind the attacks.
The General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces said that Iranian forces had not launched any drones toward Azerbaijan, emphasizing that Iran respects the sovereignty of all nations, particularly neighboring and Muslim countries, the official news agency IRNA reported. (Iran-Azerbaijan-Drone Attacks). ■
