Middle East

Baghdad: Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday strongly condemned the attacks targeting diplomatic and consular missions in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, deeming them as reprehensible acts. In a statement, the Ministry affirmed Iraq's firm stance against any attacks targeting diplomatic and consular missions, stressing the country's commitment to providing these missions with full protection as to ensure that they perform their duties in a safe environment. It added that the competent Iraqi authorities are keen on following up on any such incidents and will take the necessary legal measures against those involved, ensuring the protection of diplomatic and consular missions, maintaining their security, and preventing the recurrence of such attacks, as to preserve Iraq's relations with sisterly and friendly countries.

Middle East

Geneva: TheUnited Nations RefugeeAgency (UNHCR) said that Israeli attacks have led to the displacement of more than 667,000 people in Lebanon. During a press conference in Geneva, UNHCR's Representative in Lebanon Karolina Lindholm Billing said, "According to the authorities, as of today, more than 667,000 people in Lebanon have now registered on the government's online displacement platform - an increase of over 100,000 in just one day - and numbers continue to rise." She added, "Around 120,000 of the displaced are sheltering in government-designated collective sites, while many others are staying with relatives or friends, or are still searching for accommodation, noting that many, often displaced for the second time since the hostilities in 2024, fled in a rush with almost nothing, seeking safety in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, northern districts and parts of the Bekaa." "We are also seeing urgent movements into Syria. According to Syrian authorities, more than 78,000 Syrians have entered from Lebanon since the escalation began, and over 7,700 Lebanese," said the UNHCR's Representative in Lebanon. Billing pointed out, "In Lebanon, since day one, UNHCR has supported the government and local authorities in responding to the crisis. To date, we have delivered around 168,000 emergency items to more than 63,000 displaced people across over 270 government-designated collective shelters," warning however, "UNHCR's operation in Lebanon is currently only 14 per cent funded."

Gulf

Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said that its air defences on Tuesday detected 9 ballistic missiles, of which 8 were destroyed, while 1 missile fell into the sea. A total of 35 UAVs were also detected, with 26 intercepted, while 9 fell within the country’s territory. Read Also LIVE UPDATES: Qatar intercepts missile attack, says Ministry of Defence The Ministry stated that since the onset of the blatant Iranian attacks, a total of 262 ballistic missiles have been detected. Of these, 241 were destroyed, 19 fell into the sea, and 2 struck within the State territory. A total of 1,475 Iranian UAVs have also been detected, of which 1,385 were intercepted, while 90 fell within the country’s territory. It further stated that a 8 cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed. These attacks resulted in 6 deaths among Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi nationals, and 122 people sustained moderate to minor injuries. The injured include nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, the Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan and Palestine. UAE's Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared to deal with any threats and will respond firmly to any attempts to undermine the country’s security, ensuring the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguarding its national interests and capabilities.