These are the key events on day 1,162 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Fighting
– Russian drones attacked Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odesa early on Thursday, sparking fires and damaging dwellings and infrastructure.
– In Kharkiv, another Russian drone struck a petrol station in the city center, triggering a fire.
– Ukraine’s SBU security agency claimed responsibility for a drone strike on a defense manufacturing facility in Russia, sparking a fire and damaging two buildings.
– Russian air defense units destroyed 34 Ukrainian drones overnight.
– Ukrainian military commander Oleksandr Syrskii reported that Russian forces have increased combat activity in eastern Ukraine.
– Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that some Ukrainian soldiers were still holed up in basements in Russia’s Kursk region.
– The Kremlin claimed that at least 288 civilians were killed during Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk.
– South Korean lawmakers reported that about 600 North Korean troops have been killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine out of a total deployment of 15,000.
– US lawmakers have asked for a briefing on Russia’s use of Chinese fighters in Ukraine.

Diplomacy
– The US and Ukraine signed an agreement giving Washington access to Kyiv’s minerals in return for investment in defense and reconstruction.
– US President Donald Trump expressed his belief that Putin wants to stop the war in Ukraine.
– The Kremlin stated that Putin is open to peace in Ukraine, but progress is difficult due to the complexity of the conflict.
– Putin expressed a willingness for direct talks with Ukraine, but there has been no response from Kyiv yet.
– Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine is ready for peace talks in any format if Moscow agrees to an unconditional ceasefire.
– Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in achieving peace and security.
– The EU is preparing a plan to maintain economic sanctions against Russia if the US shifts its stance on Ukraine peace talks.
– 16 EU member states are seeking exemptions from public debt rules to increase defense spending following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

India’s Crackdown on Muslims After Kashmir Attack

Concerns over Targeting of Muslims

Public anger has swelled after a terrorist attack in Kashmir left 26 people dead, mostly Hindu tourists. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, leading to escalating tensions between the two countries.

Punitive Measures and Harassment

India’s response to the attack has included threats of military action against Pakistan. Meanwhile, right-wing Hindu groups have intensified harassment of Muslims, framing it as a crackdown on illegal migrants.

Violence Against Muslims

Reports of killings of Muslims in states like Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka have raised concerns of hate crimes. Security forces in Kashmir have detained hundreds and demolished property in their search for the attackers.

Anti-Muslim Sentiment

The backlash after the attack has targeted Kashmiris and spread to wider anti-Muslim sentiment. This demonization of Muslims has been used by Prime Minister Modi’s party to unite the Hindu majority.

Muslims Facing Harassment

Muslims in different parts of India, including students and workers, have reported harassment and violence following the attack. In some cases, the violence has been claimed by Hindu groups seeking revenge.

Indiscriminate Arrests and Demolitions

In Gujarat, thousands of suspected Bangladeshi citizens have been arrested, with only a fraction found to be illegal immigrants. The government has also carried out demolitions in Muslim slums, leading to accusations of unlawful and unconstitutional actions.

The crackdown on Muslims in India following the Kashmir attack raises concerns about the exploitation of the situation by right-wing Hindu nationalists. The targeting of Muslims through detentions and property demolitions has sparked fears of escalating tensions and violence in the country.

Al Jazeera’s @khalidmajzoubofficial Looks at US Claims About the Intensified Bombing Campaign in Yemen

The United States claims that the intensified bombing campaign in Yemen is necessary to combat terrorism and protect national security. However, Al Jazeera’s @khalidmajzoubofficial takes a closer look at these claims to determine their validity.

US Justification for Intensified Bombing

The US justifies its intensified bombing campaign in Yemen by stating that it is targeting terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and the Islamic State (IS). The US argues that these groups pose a significant threat to regional and global security, and that military action is necessary to eliminate them.

Civilian Casualties

Despite the US claims, there have been numerous reports of civilian casualties resulting from the intensified bombing campaign in Yemen. Human rights organizations have documented the deaths of innocent men, women, and children as a result of US airstrikes. This raises questions about the accuracy of the US targeting and the potential for collateral damage.

Impact on Yemeni Society

The intensified bombing campaign in Yemen has had a devastating impact on the country’s society and infrastructure. Schools, hospitals, and civilian infrastructure have been destroyed, leaving many Yemenis without access to basic services. The ongoing conflict has also led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis facing food insecurity and lack of access to healthcare.

Alternative Solutions

Instead of relying on military force, Al Jazeera’s @khalidmajzoubofficial suggests that the US should prioritize diplomatic and political solutions to address the root causes of terrorism in Yemen. This includes promoting dialogue, supporting peace negotiations, and addressing the grievances of marginalized communities. By focusing on sustainable solutions, the US can help bring stability and security to Yemen without resorting to violence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the US claims about the intensified bombing campaign in Yemen raise important questions about the effectiveness and consequences of military action. By critically examining these claims and exploring alternative solutions, we can work towards a more peaceful and sustainable future for Yemen and its people.