News

US Military Shoots Down Missiles And Drones As It Faces Growing Threats In Volatile Middle East

Published

1 year ago

2023-10-20

Kiara Grace

Washington: Missiles are flying. Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, U.S. forces stationed in the region are confronted with growing dangers. On Thursday, a Navy warship intercepted missiles destined for Israel, and American bases in Iraq and Syria were subjected to repeated drone assaults.

A U.S. official later reported that coalition and U.S. forces stationed at a diplomatic support center near Baghdad International Airport were the targets of a rocket attack early Friday morning. The official stated that preliminary evaluations suggested the launch of two rockets, one intercepted by a counter-rocket system and the other colliding with an unoccupied storage facility.

No casualties were reported, according to the official, who spoke anonymously to discuss details not yet made public.

Previously, in the northern Red Sea, the Navy destroyer USS Carney intercepted three land attack cruise missiles and multiple drones launched by Houthi forces in Yemen. The maneuver that Carney carried out might have been the first military operation by the United States in support of Israel during this conflict.

The Pentagon’s press secretary, Brigadier Pat Ryder, informed reporters that the missiles were “potentially” aimed at Israel but that the United States has not yet assessed their intended target.

The U.S. official stated they do not believe the waterborne missiles fired down were intended for the U.S. warship. The official disclosed information regarding unannounced military operations while requesting anonymity.

US Military Shoots Down Missiles And Drones As It Faces Growing Threats In Volatile Middle East.

However, numerous other drone assaults have targeted American bases over the past three days, including one that occurred in southern Syria on Thursday and resulted in only minor injuries.

The unrest ensues after a catastrophic detonation at a hospital in Gaza, inciting demonstrations across several Muslim-majority countries. In retaliation for the devastating Hamas rampage in southern Israel nearly two weeks ago, the Israeli military has launched unremitting attacks against Gaza. However, Israel has denied responsibility for the al-Ahli hospital bombing, and the United States stated that its intelligence assessment did not find Tel Aviv at fault.

However, several regional militant organisations, including Hezbollah and the Houthis, have recently threatened Israel and expressed support for the Palestinians. Militants have targeted U.S. military installations in Iraq and Syria, where American personnel train local defense forces and support the mission to counter the Islamic State, with at least four drone attacks occurring since Tuesday.

The attacks fuel growing worries in the West and the United States that the conflict in Israel might worsen into a more significant regional dispute.

Ryder stated, “That is precisely what we are attempting to prevent.”

The most recent drone assault occurred at al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq on Thursday. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq issued a statement claiming accountability for the assault, claiming they “exactly struck their targets” with a salvo of missiles directed at the base. A U.S. official verified the most recent assault but stated it was premature to determine its consequences.

Drones also targeted the al-Tanf garrison in southeastern Syria on Thursday. For a number of years, United States soldiers have maintained a presence at the base in order to monitor Islamic State militant activity and provide training to Syrian allies.

According to the Pentagon, one drone was taken down, while another struck the base and caused minor injuries.

The garrison is close to a strategic road that Iranian-backed militants frequently use to transport weapons to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and to Israel’s doorstep.

Syrian opposition activists also reported that an oil facility housing American personnel in eastern Syria was the target of a separate drone attack. Omar Abu Layla, the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet leader and an activist based in Europe, reported that three explosive-laden drones struck the Conoco gas field in the Iraqi-bordering eastern province of Deir el-Zour. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor located in Britain, also confirmed the presence of explosions.

No casualties were reported, according to the official, who spoke anonymously to discuss details not yet made public.

Militants deployed three drones on Tuesday in opposition to two Iraqi bases utilized by the United States for military training and operations against the Islamic State. Amidst the series of launches, an al-Asad warning proved erroneous; nevertheless, it prompted personnel to hasten to their shelters. Ryder stated that a contractor perished of a cardiac arrest during that incident.

He stated that the Pentagon has not yet received confirmation regarding the perpetrator of the drone strikes but that the United States “will take every action necessary to defend coalition and U.S. forces against any threat.” Any military response, he stated, would occur “at a time and in a manner of our choosing.”

Due to American support for Israel, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have sometimes served as foot soldiers in regional conflicts, including those in Syria and Yemen, and have recently threatened to attack U.S. facilities in Iraq and elsewhere.

The head of the Kataib Hezbollah militia, Ahmad “Abu Hussein” al-Hamidawi, said in a statement last Wednesday, “Our missiles, drones, and special forces are prepared to launch qualitative strikes against American bases and disrupt their interests if they intervene in this conflict.” Additionally, he issued a threat to fire missiles at Israeli targets.

After the explosion at the Gaza hospital, the group issued a second statement demanding an end to the United States’ presence in Iraq and placing the responsibility for the catastrophe on the United States and its support for Israel.

“These evildoers are required to leave the country.” “If not, they shall experience the fiery wrath of hell on earth prior to entering the afterlife,” the statement continued.

As reported by the Carney intercepts, Ryder stated that the Houthi missiles “posed a potential threat” due to their flight profile, and thus the strikes were conducted. Furthermore, he stated that the United States is ready to take any necessary measures “to safeguard our allies and our own interests in this critical region.” He stated that while the United States is still determining the nature of the target, neither American forces nor civilians on the ground were injured.

The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have conveyed their solidarity with the Palestinians and issued threats against Israel. Last week, supporters adorned the streets of Sanaa, Yemen, which is currently under the control of Houthi rebels engaged in combat with a Saudi-led coalition. “God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; curse of the Jews; victory to Islam” has been the revolutionaries’ enduring slogan.

The leader of the rebel organization, Abdel-Malek al-Houthi, cautioned the United States last week against interfering in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, threatening retaliatory drone and missile strikes by his forces.

Two Houthi officials declined to remark on the incident when contacted on Thursday. One responded that he was not informed of the incident, and the other stated that he lacked the authority to comment on it.

SOURCE – (AP)

Kiara Grace

Kiara Grace is a staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. Her writing focuses on technology trends, particularly in the realm of consumer electronics and software. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics.

Kiara delivers insightful analyses that resonate with tech enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Her articles strike a balance between in-depth coverage and accessibility, making them a go-to resource for anyone seeking to stay informed about the latest innovations shaping our digital world.

News

Girl, 6, Dies After Eating McDonald’s Cheese Burger

Published

2 hours ago

2024-11-29

Geoff Brown

Angelica Vazquez is being remembered as always being happy and smiling- Photo Samantha Ocasio

A 6-year-old girl in Massachusetts died of E. coli, and her mother alleges the poisoning came from a tainted McDonald’s cheeseburger.

“It was quick. Samantha Ocasio said of her daughter’s unexpected death, “It was really fast,” adding that she does not want it to happen to anybody else’s children, according to The New York Post.

Based in Springfield, Ocasio stated that her daughter, Angelica Vazquez, ate the food before trick-or-treating on Halloween and became ill the following evening.

As she began throwing up, Ocasio asked if she wanted to see a doctor, but the youngster answered, “No, my belly just hurts.”

At first, the mother of seven thought the illness was merely a stomach virus, so she gave her daughter Gatorade and instructed her to rest.

According to masslive.com, things spiralled out of control on November 2 when the girl passed out and suffered cardiac arrest during a bubble bath.

She was taken to Baystate Medical Centre and died 12 hours later. “I love you” was the last thing her daughter said, according to Ocasio.

According to health experts, the E. coli outbreak has been connected to onions served on some McDonald’s cheeseburgers after more than 100 people in 13 states were ill in recent weeks.

However, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported no verified instances of the E. coli strain at McDonald’s in Massachusetts. “My main concern is, ‘OK, if it wasn’t McDonald’s, what is it?’… My daughter was pleased. “She was healthy,” Ocasio stated.

She said that Angelica Vazquez was the only person in her family to eat a McDonald’s cheeseburger, while her siblings preferred chicken nuggets.

McDonald’s stated that the epidemic was linked to slivered onions provided on Quarter Pounders, which differ from the chopped onions used on the smaller cheeseburger the girl ate. Following the outbreak, the restaurant chain announced that it had ceased serving the burgers and was locating a replacement slivered onion supplier for 900 locations.

“We are heartbroken for this family’s loss and express our sincere condolences. “We take any reports of potential food safety issues seriously,” the statement said.

McDonald’s Tries To Reassure Customers After Deadly E. Coli Outbreak

McDonald’s Tries To Reassure Customers After Deadly E. Coli Outbreak

Geoff Brown

Geoff Thomas is a seasoned staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. With his sharp writing skills and deep understanding of SEO, he consistently delivers high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers. Thomas’ articles are well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, concise style that keeps audiences hooked. His ability to craft compelling narratives while seamlessly incorporating relevant keywords has made him a valuable asset to the VORNews team.

News

Canada to Strengthen Border Security After Trumps Threat

Published

5 hours ago

2024-11-28

Geoff Brown

Canada's Public Safety Minister has announced plans to increase its spending on border security

Canada’s Public Safety Minister has announced plans to increase its spending on border security after President-elect Donald Trump promised to levy heavy tariffs because of illegal immigration across the US-Canada border.

Following the meeting with Trudeau, Canada’s public safety minister, Dominic LeBlanc, told reporters, “We believe there is a circumstance where we can make additional investments to ensure that all of the necessary measures are in place and will continue to be in place.” Of course, he declined to disclose how much additional federal government funding would make available.

Canada’s provincial governments have blasted Justin Trudeau for failing to emphasize border security.

On Wednesday, Ontario leader Doug Ford hoped the meeting with Trudeau would be “the start of a more proactive approach from the federal government” and would show it “takes the security of our border seriously . . or risk the economic chaos of Trump tariffs”.

Quebec’s premier, François Legault, an ardent critic of border security, said late Wednesday: “It is critical to secure the borders in both directions.”

We do not want a new wave of immigrants, but Mr. Trudeau must present a plan to comfort Mr. Trump.”

The US-Canada border is the longest in the world.

The US-Canada border is the world’s longest, spanning approximately 9,000 kilometres on land and ocean. Land security is modest; few walls or fences are sometimes denoted with simple stone markers along residential streets.

While major road crossings have checkpoints, the border is mostly managed by mobile patrols, making it vulnerable to smugglers of migrants, drugs, and firearms.

Tom Homan, Trump’s new border Tsar, stated in a recent TV interview that Canada cannot be a route for terrorists into the US. “It’s an extreme national security vulnerability on the northern border, and it’s one of the things I’ll tackle,” according to him.

According to Homan, the number of migrants apprehended attempting to cross from Canada into the United States increased by about 600 percent, from 27,180 in 2021 to 198,929 in 2024.

The Canadian side of the border is manned by 8,500 frontline Canada Border Services Agency employees, who monitor the nearly C$3.6 billion (US$2.6 billion) in products and services and the over 400,000 persons who cross each day.

However, their union believes an additional 2,000-3,000 border officers are required. “The union has been vocal about the lack of staff at the border for years,” Customs and Immigration Union president Mark Weber stated.

President-elect Donald Trump has promised to deport millions of undocumented migrants once he takes office early next year, and Canadian officials are concerned that many would flee to Canada to escape being apprehended by US immigration agents.

Canada’s Premiers Criticize Trudeau Over Border Security

Canada’s Premiers Criticize Trudeau Over Border Security

Geoff Brown

News

Canada Post Begins Laying off Striking Postal Workers

Published

6 hours ago

2024-11-28

Geoff Brown

Canada Post Laying Off Striking Postal Workers

Striking postal workers in Lacombe, Alberta huddle to keep warm - Photo by Cory Knutt.

Canada Post has recently been criticized for temporarily laying off striking postal workers. This move has aroused much controversy as the labour strike approaches its two-week milestone.

Canada Post recently announced layoffs aimed at individuals involved in the strike. According to accounts, these layoffs are temporary. However, the decision has exacerbated tensions between the corporation and the union.

Unfortunately, due to the continued national labour disruption caused by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and its severe impact on the company, we have adjusted our operations under the Canada Labour Code,” said Canada Post spokesperson Phil Rogers.

Exact figures are still unknown, but a major chunk of the 55,000 unionized workers is expected to be affected. The layoffs are mostly concentrated in areas where the strike severely affects services.

For many employees, this measure adds financial stress to a difficult situation. Striking workers lose pay during labour disputes, and layoffs exacerbate their capacity to make ends meet.

Canada Post Scare Tactic

The CUPW has slammed the layoffs as a “scare tactic.” They believe this action is intended to pressure workers to return before their demands are addressed. Meanwhile, Canada Post claims it’s an essential precaution to keep operations running throughout the strike.

According to labour and employment expert Deborah Hudson, Canada Post’s layoffs are unusual and will almost certainly face legal challenges from the union.

According to the Canada Post, its company suffered severely during the strike. It was previously stated that the labour interruption has affected approximately 10 million parcels since the job strike began on November 15.

Negotiations between the two sides are currently at a deadlock. The union continues to advocate for its demands, while Canada Post maintains its stance.

The postal strike has no end in sight. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said Wednesday that an Ottawa-appointed mediator was going nowhere because the sides were too far apart on fundamental topics. The mediation negotiations were temporarily postponed, and the administration has no plans to intervene.

Back to Work Legislation

In a statement Thursday, spokesman Rogers stated that Canada Post is “considering its options to move negotiations forward with greater urgency and remains committed to negotiating new collective agreements.”

Meanwhile, union president Jan Simpson stated Wednesday that the CUPW is battling to keep good full-time positions.

If the issue persists, the federal government may interfere. During previous labour disputes, Ottawa enforced back-to-work laws to restore mail services. Whether that happens this time depends on how long and disruptive the strike is.

The Labour Minister says the special mediator will re-engage with both parties once productive bargaining can resume.