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usafphantom2 · 9 months ago

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IMAGES: USAF sends B-52 bombers to Indian Ocean base

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 03/26/2024 - 16:00 in Military, War Zones

U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses bombers were deployed on March 22 at the Diego Garcia Naval Support Center in the Indian Ocean.

The Bomber Task Force deployment offers the U.S. Air Force Global Attack Command a presence in the Indo-Pacific, with relatively easy access to the Middle East as well.

The B-52s fled to Diego Garcia from Barksdale Air Base, Louisiana, after a 30-hour direct flight. This is the first time that USAF announces a Bomber Task Force for Diego Garcia - a small island that is part of the British Indian Ocean Territory that serves as a fundamental base for the U.S. and UK military, which has hosted American troops since the 1970s. The B-1 landed there in 2021, and the last time a B-52 landed there was in 2020.

"This deployment aims to improve the readiness and training needed to respond to any potential crisis or challenge around the world, demonstrating the credibility of our forces to face a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in recent history," the Pacific Air Forces Command (PACAF) said in a statement.

Although the island is in the area of responsibility of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, the U.S. Air Force used the island in the past as a base to send bombers to the U.S. Central Command's area of operations.

This latest deployment of PACAF bombers follows in the footsteps of the B-52 of Minot Air Base, North Dakota, deployed in Guam at the end of January and operating there until March 6.

Tags: Military AviationBoeing B-52H StratofortressBTFUSAF - United States Air Force / U.S. Air ForceWar Zones - Indo-Asia-Pacific

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Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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travelblogshivam · 7 days ago

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Top Travel Destinations to Explore in 2024

Wanderlust is at an all-time high as 2024 approaches, with tourists looking for both well-known sites and hidden treasures. Regardless of your preference for tranquil mountains, busy cities, or immaculate beaches, this list of the best places to visit will motivate you to go on your next journey. Let's explore this year's top travel destinations!

1. Kyoto, Japan: A Blend of Modernity and Tradition

With its fascinating history, magnificent temples, and spectacular cherry blossoms, Kyoto stands out as one of the top destinations in Japan in 2024. Don't overlook the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It's the ideal time to go because brand-new upscale lodgings are debuting this year.

2. Patagonia, Argentina/Chile: The Wild Beauty of Nature

Patagonia offers breathtaking scenery of mountains, glaciers, and vast grasslands for people seeking adventure. Eco-tourism alternatives make Torres del Paine National Park a sustainable traveler's paradise, and trekking fans will love it.

3. Indonesia's Bali: A Tropical Haven

Bali continues to enthral travellers with its world-class beaches, lively culture, and verdant rice terraces. A balanced experience requires a visit to both the upscale beach clubs in Seminyak and the serene village of Ubud.

4. Istanbul, Turkey: A Cultural Blend

Istanbul is a dynamic city that spans Europe and Asia and is known for its delicious food and rich history. Savour traditional Turkish cuisine at neighbourhood markets, explore the Hagia Sophia, and go on a Bosphorus cruise.

5. Iceland's Reykjavik: The Land of Ice and Fire

The capital of Iceland serves as your entryway to fantastical natural treasures. Reykjavik provides a distinctive blend of urban appeal and untamed surroundings, including the Northern Lights and geothermal lagoons.

6. Morocco's Marrakech: A Vibrant Retreat

Enter a realm of lively marketplaces, beautiful architecture, and friendly people. The medina and Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech are only two of the city's many attractions.

7. Urban Adventure in Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is well-known for its breathtaking coastline and close proximity to mountains, making it the ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It is a popular destination for city explorers due to its vibrant culinary scene and cultural diversity.

8. Greece's Santorini: Romantic Paradise

The famous whitewashed structures and azure waters of Santorini are picture-perfect. To avoid the crowds and yet take in the breathtaking sunsets, go during the shoulder season.

2024 Travel Advice

Plan Ahead: Due to the high demand for popular places, book flights and lodging well in advance.

Sustainable Decisions: To reduce your trip impact, choose eco-friendly lodging and local activities.

Remain Adaptable: Having adaptable arrangements guarantees a stress-free trip in light of changing travel regulations.

Why These Places?

This year's travel trends place a strong emphasis on immersive experiences, sustainability, and authenticity. Every location on this list has something special to offer, accommodating a range of travel preferences and price ranges. These places provide lifelong experiences, whether you're looking for action or relaxation.

Plan your trip for 2024 now—your ideal location is waiting for you!

#travel #travel blog #travel photography

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itscarshub · 19 days ago

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2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE Review: The Joy of SX

As people flock to the adventure bike sector, the pool of bikes offering a true sports touring flavour is getting ever smaller. In fact, just the Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX, Suzuki GSX-S1000GT, and BMW R1250 RS are really the only bikes from big names putting the emphasis on the ‘sport’. Granted, there are sporty ADVs to pick from, The Tracer 9 and S1000 XR spring to mind, but they are the new breed of sports tourers, and for many the draw of an old-school take on the theme is more true way to cross a continent.

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Cast your eyes then towards the new and updated Ninja 1100SX, a bike that has been Kawasaki’s biggest seller since it was first announced - then as the Z1000 SX. For 2025 Kawasaki has improved the bike thanks to a new 1,099cc engine, and also with the addition of a new range-topping SE model which gains upgraded chassis spec over the stock bike. To see how the new SX SE version performs as a proper sport tourer, we spent a day cruising around northern Spain on the bike, covering around 130 miles during the day and taking in every kind of road you’d find when schlepping your way across Europe.

The bike has LED headlights front to back

What’s new

The headline news for the Ninja 1100SX is the inclusion of a new larger capacity engine than before. It takes the DOHC, inline four-cylinder that’s also shared with the Kawasaki Versys 1100 SE we were riding a couple of weeks ago, from 1,043cc to 1,099cc thanks to an increase in stroke of 3.3mm while retaining the same 77mm bore. Unlike in the Versys, which gains power thanks to the new powerplant, the Ninja 1100 loses out on the outgoing model, although you’ll struggle to put your finger on where the five or six horses have bolted to - peak power is now a claimed 134bhp. What you might notice, though, is a boost in mid-range and low-end grunt from the new engine. Peak twist from the engine is a claimed 83lb ft at 7,600rpm, and more torque is available through the low and mid-range, right where you need it when riding on the road.

The 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE The engine also has numerous internal tweaks, like revised intake ports, a new throttle body, revised ECU settings, new cam profiles, new pistons, increased flywheel mass (thanks to a heavier crank), and longer gearing with taller fifth and sixth gears also. What also changes for 2025 is the introduction of a new SE variant of the bike, which gains an upgraded chassis over the standard bike. At the front, the SE gains Brembo M4 callipers mated to braided lines, a Nissin master cylinder and Brembo 300mm discs - the same KYB forks as the stock SX are retained. At the rear is an Ohlins S46 shock absorber, complete with a remote preload adjuster. Other smaller updates appear across both of the bikes, like numerous rubber-damped vibration reducers across the frame and footpegs, and heavier bar end weights to also help smooth out the vibes. The SE also gains heated grips, while both models also come with a USB-C socket mounted (rather crudely) on the left handlebar.

The 2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE

Price, colours, availability and accessory packs

The stock Ninja 1100SX will land in UK dealerships in December 2024 with a sticker price of £12,249 slapped on the fairing. That price means the new 2025 edition of the much-loved machine will be only £100 more than the outgoing model at the time of the launch. The new SE model will be arriving at the same time, and the higher-spec bike will be listed at £13,999. Colour options are Emerald Blazed Green and Metallic Diablo Black (as ridden at the launch), and a more stealthy Metallic Matte Graphenesteel and Metallic Diablo Black option. Two accessory packs are coming to the UK, Tourer and Performance Tourer. The Tourer pack bags you a phone mount, two 28-litre panniers with internal bags, a 12v DC outlet, scratch-resistant film, a tank pad, and a large smoked windscreen. The Performance Tourer pack further adds an Akrapovic carbon end can, a pillion seat cover and frame sliders to the party. Adding the Tourer to the stock bike takes the price to £13,449, while Performance Tourer takes it to £14,549. Doing the same to the SE takes the price to £14,999 and £16,099 respectively.

Unlike the Versys 1100 SE, the Ninja doesn't gain semi active suspension

What’s it like to ride?

Chilly, is how I’d sum up the start to the launch ride in Manresa Northern Spain, although as the UK is covered in snow as I ride, I’m happy the roads are at least dry and clear. Hopping on the new SX SE (the only variant we are to ride today) and everything feels very much like it did on the launch of the Ninja 1000SX I attended four years ago.

We spent a full day on the bike and covered about 140 miles of mixed roads From the cockpit, there isn’t anything new to note. The dash, riding position, switchgear, and seat are all as they were. What you do notice is a bit more shove off the line. It’s not a transformative change to the bike, but it’s got a noticeably chunkier mid-range than before. Threading through the small towns that line the route prior to our first photo stop, I’m keeping the bike in the Road riding mode and every now and again I can feel the traction control chiming in as the Bridgestone S23 hoops struggle to get any temperature into them.

Two colours are available Thankfully the weather rapidly warms up, and by the time we reach our photo location the road and the tyres are starting to get somewhere near optimum temperatures. It’s only really now that I start to feel like I can explore the new bike in a more fitting manner, and just like the previous version, it’s a lovely way to break the speed limit.

This is the last thing the bug will see before it meets its demise... The new engine with its bolstered mid-range means the already fast bike is just as rapid although I’m having to work slightly less hard than before. Roll-on third-gear overtakes are less of a big deal, and despite being a few bhp down on the outgoing bike, I’m not getting the impression of a bike that is anyway underpowered. The poke it’s missing is from right at the very top of the rev range, in a place that you rarely have to go when riding on the road.

Euro5+ doesn't mean the new bike sounds dull, quite the opposite Another improved element is the noise of the thing. I don’t remember the old SX being quite this raucous, and the combination of the revised intake and internal dimensions creates a bike that is very easy on the ears.

Seat comfort is unchanged and just as good as before Other than the increased grunt and new soundtrack, the Kawasaki engine is still just as deliciously good as ever. While many manufacturers look to twins, triples and V4s to power their sporty tourers, Kawasaki begrudgingly sticks to its guns with a proper big-bore inline-four, and in a bike like the Ninja, it's a move that makes total sport touring sense.

The SE also gains heated grips as standard With the photo stop complete we have the best part of the day ahead, the free ride back to the hotel riding solo and following a sat nav. Freed from the group of other journos it gives me a chance to ride at my own pace and to pull over for filming or comfort breaks whenever I need to.

With top-spec suspension the Ninja feels perfectly at home here The route that Kawasaki has laid on for us is an absolute treat, taking in the beautiful Montseny Natural Park which was covered in fast sweepers and endless switchback hairpin bends. It’s a natural playground for the new Ninja, and what is jumping out at me is how accessible it feels once the pace rises. The KYB fork is already a very high-performing item, keeping the bike beautifully composed when braking into faster turns and soaking up mid-corner bumps like a champion.

The Ohlins rear shock is only found on the SE At the rear of the bike, the Ohlins shock is doing what it does best, providing me with a supple and plush rear cushion over bumps and lumps while keeping things stable as I hammer out of slower turns. Did the big Ninja need an upgraded shock - probably not. But to me, it feels like Kawasaki has spent the development budget at the correct end of the bike, but maybe not quite on the right piece of kit. I’ve been questioning myself all day why it doesn’t have Showa’s semi-active suspension system fitted to it, as the Versys 1100 SE does. Kawasaki reasons that the price would be pushed too high if they had included it. The sceptic in me thinks it might be another reason.

The engine boasts more mid-range shove than before One of the biggest plus points of a bike like this over and above something taller and more ADV-a-like is the handling. With its sportier dimensions and lower profile the Ninja feels faster steering and much more accurate than a longer-legged sporty tourer. It’s almost as lightfooted as a 1,000cc sports bike, although thanks to the extra weight, more relaxed front-end geometry, and softer overall setting, it is so much more planted and dependable, especially on the edge of the tyre.

The Brembo M4 brakes are on the found on the SE version of the bike Another upgraded element is the front brake, and while the Brembo M4 stoppers fitted to the SE are very good, I don’t feel that the brakes fitted to the stock SX lacked power or feel. The stocker gets Kawasaki-branded Nissin items, which were the same as the outgoing bike and unless you were heading anywhere near a race track, you’d find little to nothing wrong with them. On the SE though the stoppers have a very progressive feel, most likely down to the Nissin master cylinder, although there is ample braking power on tap. ABS is also provided in the form of KIBS, Kawasaki’s own cornering ABS function. It's barely had a chance to trigger now the roads have warmed, but on the couple of occasions it has, it’s done so in a smooth and unobtrusive manner.

Filming and photography for the event took place on closed roads It’s not all switchbacks and sweepers though, with Kawasaki chucking in some motorway stretches so we could get the full owner experience of the bike. Really there isn’t much to say about this section other than the new Ninja is beautifully stable at motorway speeds and above, and very, very comfortable. The frame, seat, bars, and pegs are also nicely free from any kind of vibes. The new taller fifth and sixth gears don’t create a feeling of an overdrive ratio as I was expecting, but for most motorway sections I’m in the sweet spot around four to four and a half thousand revs on the neat-looking TFT screen.

The screen is four position adjustable The screen of the bike is worth a mention, as it’s four-position adjustable but sadly that can’t be done on the fly. Both hands are required to change the angle, and one of those hands will need to fiddle about down in the faring while the other adjusts the angle. The stock screen on its highest setting is just about enough to help keep my five-foot-seven-inch frame in some sort of semblance of calm air. If you are any taller than that, the accessory taller screen will be a must-have inclusion. On the electronics front, the SX and SE have a refreshingly small number of things you can tweak, with only engine power and traction control featuring levels of adjustability. And it’s not like there are huge amounts of change you can dial in, with three traction control levels (and the option to switch it off) and two power modes which are Full and Low power, the latter of which cuts the output to 75 per cent of the maximum.

the TFT dash Other electronics come in the form of the latest generation Kawasaki quickshifter (which is very good at low and high speeds), a clear and easy-to-read 4.3-inch TFT, and cruise control. You also get Bluetooth connectivity as standard, allowing turn-by-turn navigation, answering calls (with a headset), a GPS riding log (if you opt to turn it on) and Kawasaki’s new voice command. This final feature allows you to, via the Rideology app, ask the bike questions about your journey such as how long till the next fuel station. Sadly we couldn’t test this on the launch as it was awaiting final licencing and sign-off.

A Ninja 1100SX SE ridden at the press launch in Manresa

Should you buy a 2025 Ninja 1100SX SE?

If you are looking for a more traditional take on the sports tourer, Kawasaki’s Ninja 1100SX is still a model that can't be ignored. It’s the longest-living model in the segment for a reason, and while visually it’s little changed for 2025, beneath the skin there is enough going on to pique the interest of existing Ninja 1000 owners and those looking to ditch a wristy sports bike without losing out on thrills or performance. It’s a bike that simply inspires confidence when you ride it. The chassis, suspension, brakes and engine all work together beautifully to create a riding experience that can be as exciting or relaxed as you like. Do I wish the bike had followed its taller sibling into the world of semi-active electronic suspension? Yes, in a way, I do. I for one would have handed back the Brembo stoppers and Ohlins shock and swapped them for the Showa electronic suspension, and I have a feeling a lot of riders would do the same. Not only is the Showa kit extremely good on the road, it also opens up changes to rear preload at the push of a button, meaning you could flick from solo riding to two-up with luggage without having to guess how many clicks of preload you require. Maybe Kawasaki is just waiting to surprise us all with an SX + model in 2025, I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Panniers are part of the two accessory packs

2025 Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX SE spec

Engine 1,099cc, inline four-cylinder, DOHC 16 valve Bore and stroke 77mm x 59mm Compression ratio 11.8:1 Power 134bhp @ 9,000 rpm Torque 83lb ft @ 7,600 rpm Brakes front (SE) Brembo M4 radial-mount four-piston caliper, 300mm discs Brakes rear Single piston sliding caliper, 260mm disc Suspension (F) KYB 41mm adjustable fork Suspension (R/SE) Ohlins S46 adjustable rear shock w/remote preload adjuster ABS KIBS cornering function Traction control KTRC cornering function (switchable) Engine power modes Full and Low (75 per cent of Full) Weight 235kg Seat height 835mm Fuel capacity / range 19 litres / circa 170 miles Source link Read the full article

#1100SX #Joy #Kawasaki #kawasakininja #Ninja #Review

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deestimes · 5 months ago

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Living the Dream Year 3 Day 356 - Day 21 of 28-day European Vacation - Day 19 of 18 Night Northern Europe cruise on MSC Euribia - Disembarking at Le Havre, France, Le Havre France, Hilton Garden Inn room 304 video tour. MSC Euribia 18 Nights Northern European cruise and ship review

Year 3 Day 356 “Living the Dream”. Monday, 4/22/2024. Day 21 of 28-day European Vacation – day 19 of 18-night Northern Europe MSC Euribia cruise. It is disembarkation day in Le Havre, France. We are in the Carousel Lounge at 8am listening to some jazz type night club music and French speaking groups of people. I said yesterday that this is not a major port for disembarkation. Yes, I think we…

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saurabhanandtripzygo · 7 months ago

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Wanderlust Goals Unique Europe Tour Packages for 2024 🌍✨

Hey, travel enthusiasts! 🌟 If you're itching for an adventure that's out of the ordinary, we've got some exciting news for you. 2024 is your year to explore Europe like never before. Say goodbye to the typical tourist trails and hello to unique, unforgettable experiences. Here's a sneak peek at some of our exclusive Europe Tour Packages designed to fuel your wanderlust and create memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Enchanted Castles and Fairytale Villages 🏰

Step into a real-life fairytale with our "Enchanted Castles and Fairytale Villages" tour. Wander through the stunning castles of Bavaria, Germany, and explore the charming villages nestled in the Swiss Alps. This tour is perfect for those who dream of medieval romance and picturesque landscapes.

2. Culinary Delights and Wine Trails 🍷🍽️

Foodies, rejoice! Our "Culinary Delights and Wine Trails" tour will take you on a gastronomic journey through Italy and France. Savor the finest wines in Bordeaux, indulge in delectable Italian cuisine in Tuscany, and learn the art of cheese-making in the French countryside. Bon appétit!

3. Mystical Scandinavia: Northern Lights and Fjords ❄️🌌

Experience the magic of Scandinavia with our "Mystical Scandinavia" tour. Chase the Northern Lights in Norway, sail through the majestic fjords, and immerse yourself in the rich Viking history of Sweden and Denmark. This tour is a dream come true for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

4. Hidden Gems of Eastern Europe 🌿🏰

Discover the lesser-known treasures of Eastern Europe with our "Hidden Gems" tour. From the medieval towns of Romania and Bulgaria to the stunning landscapes of Slovenia and Slovakia, this package offers a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that will leave you spellbound.

5. The Artistic Trail: Museums and Masterpieces 🎨🖼️

For art aficionados, our "Artistic Trail" tour is a must. Explore the world-renowned museums of Paris, Amsterdam, and Madrid. Marvel at masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet, and get inspired by the vibrant street art scenes in Berlin and Lisbon.

6. Mediterranean Magic: Sun, Sea, and Serenity 🌞🌊

Soak up the sun with our "Mediterranean Magic" tour. Cruise along the azure waters of the Mediterranean, visit the idyllic Greek islands, and explore the stunning Amalfi Coast. This tour is all about relaxation, breathtaking views, and unforgettable sunsets.

Ready to Embark on Your Dream Adventure?

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur, or an art lover, our unique tour packages have something special for everyone. Let 2024 be the year you satisfy your wanderlust and explore Europe in a way you've never imagined.

👉 Click the link in our bio to book your dream tour now and start counting down the days to your next adventure!

#adventure #travel #exploretheworld #culture #wanderlust #europeeats #europe tour 2024 #europe trip

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newstfionline · 8 months ago

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Friday, April 19, 2024

Expanding the surveillance state (NYT) U.S. lawmakers are looking to expand America’s already-bloated surveillance programs by sneaking through an extension to a Bush-era wiretapping law. Last week, the House voted in favor of extending Section 702 for two years, allowing the government to collect the communications of people living abroad without a warrant, even if they’re communicating through American companies. The government can also wiretap those individuals’ communications with American citizens. Privacy advocates have pointed out that the expansion and extension of Section 702 could essentially turn American businesses into mass wiretapping operations. Nevertheless, surveilling Americans and foreigners seems to be a bipartisan topic for American lawmakers, as the Senate is expected to pass the bill with little issue.

European farmers’ discontent (AP) Inside the barn on the flat fields of the northern Netherlands, Jos Ubels cradles a newborn Blonde d’Aquitaine calf, the latest addition to his herd of over 300 dairy cattle. Little could be more idyllic. Little, says Ubels, could be more under threat. As Europe seeks to address the threat of climate change, it’s imposing more rules on farmers like Ubels. He spends a day a week on bureaucracy, answering the demands of European Union and national officials who seek to decide when farmers can sow and reap, and how much fertilizer or manure they can use. Meanwhile, competition from cheap imports is undercutting prices for their produce, without having to meet the same standards. Mainstream political parties failed to act on farmers’ complaints for decades, Ubels says. Now the radical right is stepping in. Across much of the 27-nation EU, from Finland to Greece, Poland to Ireland, farmers’ discontent is gathering momentum as June EU parliamentary elections draw near.

Frustration in Ukraine (Washington Post) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had reason for frustration Wednesday after Russian cruise missiles hit the downtown area of the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv. The strike—one of the deadliest single attacks carried out in recent months by Russia—killed at least 17 people and injured more than 60 others. “This would not have happened if Ukraine had received enough air defense equipment and if the world’s determination to counter Russian terror was also sufficient,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram. “There needs to be sufficient commitment from partners and sufficient support to reflect it.” In the aftermath of the attack on Chernihiv, which is close to the Russian border, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba lamented that his country lacked what was so readily provided for Israel. “These innocent people would not have been killed or injured if Ukraine had sufficient air defense capabilities,” Kuleba wrote on social media. “Three days ago in the Middle East, we saw what reliable protection of human lives from missiles looks like.”

Once a fringe Indian ideology, Hindu nationalism is now mainstream, thanks to Modi’s decade in power (AP) Hindu nationalism, once a fringe ideology in India, is now mainstream. Nobody has done more to advance this cause than Prime Minister Narendra Modi, one of India’s most beloved and polarizing political leaders. And no entity has had more influence on his political philosophy and ambitions than a paramilitary, right-wing group founded nearly a century ago and known as the RSS. “We never imagined that we would get power in such a way,” said Ambalal Koshti, 76, who says he first brought Modi into the political wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in the late 1960s in their home state, Gujarat. Modi was a teenager. Like other young men—and even boys—who joined, he would learn to march in formation, fight, meditate and protect their Hindu homeland. A few decades earlier, while Mahatma Gandhi preached Hindu-Muslim unity, the RSS advocated for transforming India—by force, if necessary—into a Hindu nation. (A former RSS worker would fire three bullets into Gandhi’s chest in 1948, killing him months after India gained independence.)

Just A Casual Military Flight Near Your Borders, No Worries! (NBC News) The U.S. Navy took a flight for freedom (or to escalate tensions with China) on Wednesday, just a day after a U.S.-China defense talk—the first time the two powers held a military-to-military discussion since 2022. The U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft, a patrol and reconnaissance plane, took its flight over the Taiwan Strait, a 100-mile-wide body of water that separates China from Taiwan. “By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations,” said the Navy in a statement. China scrambled fighter jets in order to “monitor the U.S. plane’s passage” in a response that was also “in accordance of laws and regulations,” according to a Chinese Navy spokesman. “Theater troops are on high alert at all times to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security as well as regional peace and stability,” he added.

Indonesians leave homes near erupting volcano and local airport closes due to ash danger (AP) Indonesian authorities closed an airport and residents left homes near an erupting volcano Thursday due to the dangers of spreading ash, falling rocks, hot volcanic clouds and the possibility of a tsunami. Mount Ruang on the northern side of Sulawesi Island had at least five large eruptions Wednesday. The crater emitted white-gray smoke continuously during the day Thursday. People have been ordered to stay at least 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the 725-meter (2,378 foot) mountain. More than 11,000 people live in the affected area and were told to leave.

Israel has carried out a strike inside Iran, US official tells CNN (CNN) Israel has carried out a military strike inside Iran, a US official told CNN Friday, a potentially dangerous escalation in a fast widening Middle East conflict that Iranian government officials have so far sought to play down. Iran’s air defense systems were activated in several locations after three explosions were heard close to a major military airbase near the Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reported early Friday morning. Iranian officials said air defenses intercepted three drones and there were no reports of a missile attack. Multiple state-aligned news agencies reported that sites associated with Iran’s nuclear program were “completely secure” and the attack appeared to be limited in scope. Iranian media appeared to further minimize the scale of the attack later Friday, broadcasting calm scenes from Isfahan showing residents walking through parks and visiting landmarks. Traffic was reported as normal and the airport was also reported to have reopened after flights were briefly canceled or suspended early Friday.

Qatar reassessing Gaza war mediator role (BBC) Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani said his country is reassessing its role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas. The Qatari official said Doha had been exploited and abused by those trying to score political points, as weeks of ceasefire talks have so far proven inconclusive. Hamas rejected the latest proposal, which involved a six-week truce during which it would free 40 women, children and elderly or sick hostages. The group claimed it needed a ceasefire to locate all the living hostages and find those who met the criteria. Israel, meanwhile, is continuing its military operations in Gaza, while exchanging fire with Iran-affiliated Hezbollah fighters across the border with Lebanon.

U.N. Report Describes Physical Abuse and Dire Conditions in Israeli Detention (NYT) Gazans released from Israeli detention described graphic scenes of physical abuse in testimonies gathered by United Nations workers, according to a report released on Tuesday by UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. Palestinian detainees described being made to sit on their knees for hours on end with their hands tied while blindfolded, being deprived of food and water and being urinated on, among other humiliations, the report said. Others described being badly beaten with metal bars or the butts of guns and boots, according to the report, or forced into cages and attacked by dogs. Israeli forces have arrested thousands of Gazans during their six-month campaign against Hamas, the Palestinian armed group. The Israeli military says it arrests those suspected of involvement in Hamas and other groups, but women, children and older people have also been detained, according to the UNRWA report.

Flooded UAE counts cost of epic rainstorm (Reuters) Emergency workers tried to clear waterclogged roads and people assessed the damage to homes and businesses on Thursday after a rare and epic rainstorm swamped the United Arab Emirates. Dubai International Airport, a major travel hub, struggled to clear a backlog of flights and many roads were still flooded in the aftermath of Tuesday’s deluge. The rains were the heaviest experienced by the Gulf state in the 75 years that records have been kept. They brought much of the country to a standstill and caused significant damage. Flooding trapped residents in traffic, offices and homes. Many reported leaks at their homes, while footage circulated on social media showed malls overrun with water pouring from roofs. Some vehicles, including buses, were almost entirely submerged in water.

The U.N. rights chief says eastern Congo’s escalating violence is being forgotten by the world (AP) The world is forgetting the escalating violence in eastern Congo as conflicts continue in places like Ukraine and Gaza, the U.N. human rights chief said Wednesday while visiting the region and calling for peace and support for millions repeatedly displaced. Eastern Congo has long been overrun by more than 120 armed groups seeking to control the region’s rich resources as they carry out mass killings. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced in recent months, worsening one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. About 7 million people are displaced, many beyond the reach of aid. The humanitarian crisis must be taken “very seriously” to avoid further escalation, U.N. rights chief Volker Türk said after meeting with displaced people in Bulengo near Goma, the region’s largest city.

Sea dragons (1440) Researchers have identified remnants of what may be the largest marine reptile ever discovered. The species, ichthyotitan severnensis, was believed to reach over 80 feet long, twice the length of a city bus. The newly discovered species is a descendant of ichthyosaurs (sea dragons), which coexisted with dinosaurs. Like dolphins, the sea-bound creatures were capable of breathing air and subsisted off fish and squid. This particular fossil was discovered by a father-daughter duo in 2020 on the beaches of Somerset, England, and later corroborated by paleontologists. The duo uncovered part of the creature’s lower jawbone, known as a surangular, estimated to reach over 6 feet.

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