At least five killed amid missile explosion in southern Syria's Suwayda as Iran and Israel exchange fire

At least five killed amid missile explosion in southern Syria's Suwayda as Iran and Israel exchange fire

"At least five were killed and two sustained injuries in southern Syria's Suwayda on Saturday, due to missile explosion amid a major military escalation following a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran. Footage shows responders clearing rubble with destroyed car standing near damaged building. "The missile fell in the industrial zone in Suwayda, causing extensive material damage. It also resulted in five casualties, including children, and two injuries," Aws Al-Wakiyeh, head of the RAS Humanitarian Organisation in Suwayda province, stated. He added responders are clearing debris to check if there are "shrapnel or any hazardous materials that could trigger another catastrophe in the area." Local media claimed the incident happened in the industrial zone of Suwayda happened with the missile 'which had been seized by outlawed groups'. The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, and Tehran responded with strikes on Israel and US military assets across the region. Donald Trump confirmed 'major combat operations' in Iran in a video posted on his Truth Social: "To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity - or in the alternative, face certain death." Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a joint operation to "remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran". He later called on the Iranian people to 'take their fate into their own hands'. The Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said that 'widespread missile and drone and attacks' against Israel were underway. US bases were reportedly targeted in UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq and Kuwait. Iran's Foreign Ministry stated: "History bears witness that Iranians have never bowed their heads in submission to foreign aggression". Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi added: "Netanyahu and Trump's war on Iran is wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate". Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, who mediated the latest talks between the US and Iran, stated: "I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war." UK, France and Germany issued a joint statement: "Iran must halt its nuclear programme. We did not take part in the strikes, but we are in contact with our allies". Emmanuel Macron added: the that "ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop". Russia, China, France, Bahrain and Colombia called an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council for Saturday night. It comes following three rounds of talks between the Iranian and American sides, one in Muscat and two in Geneva in recent weeks."

Turkey travel chaos - Major carriers suspend Middle East flights amid US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Turkey travel chaos - Major carriers suspend Middle East flights amid US-Israeli strikes on Iran

"Turkish Airlines on Tuesday announced the cancellation of a number of flights across the Middle East, following the closure of national airspaces in the region in response to the Israeli-US joint strike on Iran. Footage captured in Istanbul airport on Saturday shows the international departures area at the airport terminal, parked planes and empty offices of carriers including IranAir, Tunisair, Royal Jordanian and Libyan Airlines, with travelers waiting for news on delayed and cancelled flights. "Our flight to Dubai was cancelled due to the war. We're stuck here, there's uncertainty," said Kaan Emre Gunal, one of the affected passengers. Flights to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan during the weekend have been cancelled, while services to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman have been suspended on Saturday, the airline said. In a statement posted on X, Turkish Airlines said it is closely monitoring developments in the region and that further cancellations may occur. The disruptions come amid broader aviation restrictions in the Middle East following the outbreak of military strikes. The United Arab Emirates temporarily closed its airspace, Qatar has suspended air traffic and Kuwait canceled all flights to Iran until further notice. Donald Trump confirmed 'major combat operations' in Iran in a video posted on his Truth Social: "To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity - or in the alternative, face certain death." Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a joint operation to "remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran". The Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps then reported the 'first wave' of 'widespread missile and drone and attacks' against Israel was underway. It comes following three rounds of talks between the Iranian and American sides, one in Muscat and two in Geneva in recent weeks."