Connect with us

Published

on

Israel has carried out a strike on Beirut for the first time since it agreed a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in November.

The Israeli military says the strike targeted a Hezbollah drone storage facility in Dahiyeh, in the city’s southern suburbs, which it called a key Hezbollah stronghold and where support for the militant group is strong.

Israel’s army used a post on X in Arabic to urgently warn people to evacuate parts of a Beirut suburb on Friday as it vowed to retaliate against strikes that it said were launched from Lebanon into northern Israel.

28 March 2025, Lebanon, Khiam: Heavy smoke billows from areas that were bombed by Israeli Forces in the southern Lebanese border town of Khiam. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened the Lebanese capital Beirut after rockets were launched from Lebanon towards Israel, jeopardizing the ongoing truce between the two countries since last November. Photo by: STR/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images
Image:
Smoke in areas bombed by Israeli forces in the south Lebanon town of Khiam. Pic: AP

Residents stand in the street for safety after an Israeli army airstrike hit the nearby neighbourhood of Hadath, in Beirut, Friday March 28, 2025.(AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Image:
People try to find safety after an Israeli airstrike in Hadath, in Beirut Pic: AP

Hezbollah denied firing the rockets at northern Israel, and accused Israel of seeking a pretext to continue attacking Lebanon.

Lebanon’s government ordered all schools and universities in Beirut’s southern suburb of Hadath to close for the day.

Shooting could be heard in some parts of the southern suburbs, warning people to leave their homes, and many residents were seen fleeing the area in cars and on foot.

Associated Press reporters in Beirut said they heard a large boom and saw smoke rising from where Israel’s military had said it would strike, a residential and commercial area containing at least two schools.

More from World

Though it’s the first Israeli strike on Beirut since November’s ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group, Israel has struck targets in southern Lebanon almost daily since then.

Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, said on Friday that if there was no peace in Israel’s northern communities, there would be no peace in Beirut either.

Hezbollah began launching rockets, drones, and missiles into Israel the day after Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel.

In September, Israel carried out waves of airstrikes and killed most of Hezbollah’s senior leaders as the bubbling conflict became an all-out war.

An Israeli drone flies over Dahiyeh, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, March 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Image:
An Israeli drone flies over southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh. Pic: AP

More than 4,000 people in Lebanon died, while around 60,000 Israelis were displaced.

Under the ceasefire that halted the fighting, Israeli forces were supposed to withdraw from all Lebanese territory by late January.

The deadline was extended to 18 February, but Israeli troops have remained in five locations in Lebanon across from communities in northern Israel.

Meanwhile, Israel has carried out dozens of airstrikes on southern and eastern Lebanon, saying it attacked Hezbollah, while continuing drone attacks that have killed several members of the militant group.

Israeli strikes in the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Tibnit on Friday killed three people and injured 18, including children and women, Lebanon’s health ministry said.

Limited strikes to send a message without ending ceasefire

It’s unclear who fired two missiles at northern Israel earlier – Hezbollah insists it wasn’t them, and the IDF hasn’t directly blamed the group. That suggests it could be someone else, perhaps factions of Hamas – but Israel is holding Hezbollah accountable for any actions along the border.

Both Israel and Lebanon blame the other for violating the ceasefire, and Lebanon’s president has called on the US and France to intervene, as both are sponsors of the deal, which was agreed in November.

Israel is right to call the firing of missiles across the border a breach, but despite the truce, it has been hitting targets in Lebanon regularly, and that could also be deemed a violation.

Friday’s bombing of Beirut was limited and targeted, and a warning was sent beforehand for civilians to evacuate the area.

That suggests Israel is trying to escalate the message it sends but, at the same time, avoiding actions that might result in the ceasefire collapsing.

The new government in Lebanon and the armed forces are still struggling to get overall security control of southern Lebanon, but it is in Israel’s interests to give them a chance to do so.

Hezbollah has been severely weakened militarily by Israel’s invasion last year, but only the Lebanese government can reduce their political influence within the country.

With the fighting resumed in Gaza and almost daily Houthi missile attacks on Israel now, Washington is unlikely to encourage a return to conflict in Lebanon too.

Six people died in Israeli airstrikes on several locations in Lebanon last week.

The UN special co-ordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, said the escalation was deeply concerning, calling it a “critical period for Lebanon and the wider region”.

According to an Israeli official who was not authorised to speak to the media, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was meeting top security officials to discuss an impending strike on the capital.

The escalation came as Israel ended its ceasefire with Hamas by launching a surprise wave of strikes that killed hundreds of people in Gaza.

Read more:
Oscar winner ‘detained and beaten up’
What happened to Israel-Hamas ceasefire?

Earlier this month, Israel halted deliveries of food, fuel, medicine, and humanitarian aid to Gaza’s roughly two million Palestinians.

Israel has vowed to escalate the war until Hamas returns 59 hostages it still holds – 24 of them believed to be alive. Israel is demanding that the group give up power, disarm, and send its leaders into exile.

Hamas has said it will release the remaining captives only in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Continue Reading

World

First orbital rocket launched from Europe crashes into sea – but company says test ‘met all expectations’

Published

on

By

First orbital rocket launched from Europe crashes into sea - but company says test 'met all expectations'

The first orbital rocket launched from mainland Europe took off from Norway on Sunday – but crashed into the sea and exploded 40 seconds later.

The unmanned Spectrum rocket blasted off from the Arctic Andoeya Spaceport, on Sunday at 12.30pm local time before it was terminated less than a minute later.

Isar Aerospace, the German company that built the rocket, had warned that the launch could end prematurely. It maintained that despite being short, the flight had produced extensive data that its team could learn from.

“Our first test flight met all our expectations, achieving a great success,” Daniel Metzler, Isar’s chief executive and co-founder, said.

In this photo provided by Isar Aerospace, Photo Wingmen Media, Isar Aerospace test rocket "Spectrum" lifts off for a test flight at Andoya Spaceport in Nordmela, on And..ya island, Norway, Sunday, March 30, 2025. (Isar Aerospace, Photo Wingmen Media via AP)
Image:
Isar Aerospace test rocket Spectrum lifts off for a test flight. Pic: Isar Aerospace via AP

“We had a clean lift-off, 30 seconds of flight and even got to validate our flight termination system.”

Spectrum is a two-stage launch vehicle specifically designed to put small and medium satellites into orbit.

Its maiden voyage was aimed at kickstarting satellite launches from Europe.

Several European nations, including the UK and Sweden, have said they want to be an active player in the growing market of commercial space missions.

In this photo taken from video provided by Isar Aerospace, Photo Wingmen Media, Isar Aerospace test rocket "Spectrum" felling back down after the launch at Andoya Spaceport in Nordmela, on And..ya island, Norway, Sunday, March 30, 2025. (Isar Aerospace, Photo Wingmen Media via AP)
Image:
The flight was terminated after 40 seconds. Pic: Isar Aerospace via AP

Big global companies already ahead in the satellite launch game include Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which launches from the US, and French company ArianeGroup, a joint venture between Airbus and Safran that uses a spaceport in South America’s French Guiana.

Mr Musk’s SpaceX also operates the Starlink satellite service, a communications network that can provide much of the globe with access to the internet.

In this photo taken from video provided by Isar Aerospace, Photo Wingmen Media, Isar Aerospace test rocket "Spectrum" explodes felling back down after the launch at Andoya Spaceport in Nordmela, on And..ya island, Norway, Sunday, March 30, 2025. (Isar Aerospace, Photo Wingmen Media via AP)
Image:
Isar said the flight was a success despite it crashing into the sea. Pic: Isar Aerospace via AP

Germany’s BDLI aerospace industries association said Isar’s first flight would lead to further progress.

BDLI managing director, Marie-Christine von Hahn, said: “Europe urgently needs to ensure its sovereignty in space. Elon Musk’s Starlink is not without alternatives – nor should it be.”

Read more from Sky News:
Should daylight savings be scrapped?
New AI test set to transform diagnosis of lung condition

Sweden, with its Esrange launch site, and Britain with its SaxaVord Spaceport in the Scottish Shetland Islands, are the nearest rivals to the Norwegian site, all of which aim to give Europe greater autonomy in space flights.

SaxaVord, which suffered a setback when a rocket engine exploded during a test last year, is planning its first satellite launch later this year.

Continue Reading

World

Myanmar earthquake: Military regime targeting ‘civilian areas’ with airstrikes in wake of disaster, armed group claims

Published

on

By

Myanmar earthquake: Military regime targeting 'civilian areas' with airstrikes in wake of disaster, armed group claims

An armed resistance group in Myanmar has accused the ruling military government of continuing to carry out airstrikes on “civilian areas” in the wake of the huge earthquake in the country.

The 7.7 magnitude quake struck near the city of Mandalay at around 12.50m local time (6.20am UK time) on Friday while Myanmar is in the grips of a bloody civil war.

The number of people confirmed dead after the quake stands at more than 1,700, with 3,400 others injured and 300 missing, according to pro-military government Telegram channels, citing the country’s rulers.

Chinese rescuers looks at a collapsed building before conducting a search and rescue operation in Mandalay. Pic: Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua via AP)
Image:
Chinese rescuers prepare to carry out a search and rescue operation in Mandalay. Pic: Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua via AP)

But the US Geological Survey’s (USGS) predictive modelling estimates that the number of dead will increase into the thousands, and could reach 10,000.

It comes as rescue and relief efforts in the country have been hampered by the ongoing civil war, which has raged since 2021.

Buddhist monks walk past a collapsed building in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. Pic: AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo
Image:
Buddhist monks walk past a collapsed building in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. Pic: AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Monks film as building collapses

The Karen National Union (KNU), one of Myanmar’s oldest ethnic armies, has said in a statement that the military government, known as a junta, is continuing to “carry out airstrikes targeting civilian areas”.

It said the strikes come “even as the population suffers tremendously from the earthquake”.

The KNU said that under normal circumstances, the military would be prioritising relief efforts after an earthquake, but instead it is focused on “deploying forces to attack its people”.

The Free Burma Rangers, a relief organisation, said military jets launched airstrikes and drone attacks in Karen state, near the KNU headquarters, in the south of the country, shortly after the quake on Friday.

It came before there were reports of mortar and drone attacks on Saturday.

A Karen National Union soldier in 2024. Pic: Reuters
Image:
A Karen National Union soldier in 2024. Pic: Reuters

The junta has not confirmed whether or not it has been carrying out strikes since the disaster.

The epicentre of the quake was in an area held by junta forces, but the devastation is widespread and also affected some territory held by armed resistance movements.

On Sunday, the opposition National Unity Government, which includes remnants of the government ousted in a 2021 coup, said anti-junta militias under its command would pause all offensive military action for two weeks.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Rescuers look for survivors of Myanmar earthquake

A Buddhist monk walks near Maharmyatmuni pagoda in Mandalay after the earthquake. Pic: AP
Image:
A Buddhist monk walks near a pagoda in Mandalay after the earthquake. Pic: AP

Richard Horsey, the senior Myanmar adviser at Crisis Group, which works to resolve armed conflicts, said some anti-junta forces have halted their offensives, but fighting continues elsewhere.

“The regime also continues to launch airstrikes, including in affected areas. That needs to stop,” he said.

He claimed that the junta was not providing much visible support in quake-hit areas.

“Local fire brigades, ambulance crews, and community organisations have mobilised, but the military – who would normally be mobilised to support in such a crisis – are nowhere to be seen,” Mr Horsey said.

The junta broke its self-imposed isolation to appeal for help from the outside world following the earthquake. However, the country’s inaccessibility will likely remain a huge obstacle to aid efforts.

Read more:
Families of those trapped in rubble face agonising wait
Why Friday’s earthquake was so destructive
Inside Myanmar – the hidden war
Quake is first major disaster to suffer the brunt of Trump cuts

Rescuers work at the site of a collapsed building in Mandalay, Myanmar. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Rescuers work at the site of a collapsed building in Mandalay, Myanmar. Pic: Reuters

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Building in Thailand collapses after earthquake

The junta has said the earthquake is one of Myanmar’s strongest in a century – while the USGS suggests financial losses due to the disaster could exceed the country’s annual economic output.

While emergency rescue teams have started trickling into the area hardest hit by the quake, efforts have been hindered by damaged roads, downed bridges, poor communications and the challenges of operating in a country in the middle of a civil war.

Many areas still have not been reached.

Rescuers workers at the site of a collapsed building in Mandalay: Pic: Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua via AP
Image:
Rescuers workers at the site of a collapsed building in Mandalay: Pic: Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua via AP

A building tilts precariously in Mandalay, Myanmar. Pic: Reuters
Image:
A building tilts precariously in Mandalay, Myanmar. Pic: Reuters

Most rescues occur within the first 24 hours after a disaster, with the chances of survival diminishing as each day passes.

Neighbouring Thailand was also shaken, such as in the capital, Bangkok, where 18 people were killed, including 11 who died when an under-construction skyscraper collapsed. At least 76 people are missing and believed to be trapped under the debris.

Twelve Chinese nationals are among the injured, according to Chinese state media.

Map
Image:
The earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand, and tremors also affected Laos, Vietnam, and Bangladesh

Debris of damaged building near Maha Myat Muni Pagoda. Pic: AP
Image:
Debris of a damaged building in Mandalay. Pic: AP

An initial report on earthquake relief efforts issued on Saturday by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted the severe damage or destruction of many health facilities in Myanmar.

And it warned that a “severe shortage of medical supplies is hampering response efforts, including trauma kits, blood bags, anaesthetics, assistive devices, essential medicines, and tents for health workers”.

India, China and Thailand are among the neighbours that have sent relief materials and teams, along with aid and personnel.

The UK government has announced a package of £10m to support the people of Myanmar in the aftermath of the quake.

Four years of civil war

Myanmar has been locked in a conflict involving multiple armed opposition groups since a 2021 coup, when the military seized power from the elected government of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Many places are now dangerous or impossible for aid groups to reach.

More than three million people have been displaced by the fighting and nearly 20 million are in need, according to the United Nations.

Continue Reading

World

JD Vance ‘power move’ marks him out as favourite to be presidential candidate

Published

on

By

JD Vance 'power move' marks him out as favourite to be presidential candidate

US vice president JD Vance has made a “power move” that marks him out as favourite to be the Republican’s next presidential candidate, according to a former party chair.

Ronna McDaniel told the Sky News Trump 100 podcast her “money would be on” Vance becoming the next nominee following his appointment as finance chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC).

McDaniel, who was RNC chair for seven years until 2024, described it as a “power move from a political standpoint and somebody who understands how the rules are made”.

It’s the first time a sitting vice president has served as finance chair.

According to McDaniel, it reflects a political awareness and ambition.

“Understanding that process, which is boring and very technical – and most people don’t understand how the RNC works – that was a huge move this week for JD to take over as finance chair,” she told Trump 100.

“This has never happened in the history of the party, where the vice president said ‘I’m gonna be the finance lead for the national party’. So what does that mean? It means he’s gonna interact with all the major investors heading into 2028. He’s gonna know them intimately.

“But more importantly, in the next two years, the Republican National Committee will be passing the rules that will govern the primary process for 2028. What states will be first? What primaries will be the first?

“That whole process will be passed in the two years by different state parties across the country.

“JD will have access to every single RNC member and Republican National Committee state chair who will be making those governing rules. That shows you, the power that he has right now.”

Ronna McDaniel. File pic: AP
Image:
Ronna McDaniel. File pic: AP

Donald Trump has, previously, played down Vance’s prospects for the top job.

In a recent Fox News interview, he was asked if he viewed Vance as the 2028 Republican nominee and he replied: “No, but he’s very capable.”

He added: “So far, I think he’s doing a very fantastic job. It’s too early; we’re just starting.”

Trump himself has, once again, declined to rule out running for a third term in office, even though it’s prohibited by the US Constitution, which stipulates a maximum of two.

In an interview with NBC News, he was asked if he wanted another term and replied: “I like working.”

When asked to clarify, he said: “I’m not joking. But I’m not… it is far too early to think about it.”

Read more from Sky News:
Trump ‘p***** off’ with Putin over Zelenskyy comments
Starmer and Trump agree to continue UK-US deal talks

👉 Follow Trump 100 on your podcast app 👈

McDaniel told Trump 100 she did not think President Trump would run for a third term but spoke of her admiration for his number two.

She said: “I know JD pretty well. I spent a lot of time with him in Ohio – I was chair when he ran for Senate in Ohio, so I campaigned with him a lot.

“I think what I appreciated about him the most was in smaller settings with business leaders or town halls with voters. He took every question.

“He’s truly, truly, really brilliant. But right now his focus is to support President Trump and the administration that he’s serving.”

Continue Reading

Trending