Author: space4knews

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the attempted drone attack in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. In a post on X, he expressed his discontent against the assault attempt in the holy city. “I strongly denounce this heinous and disgraceful drone attack attempt at the sacred site of Makkah Al-Mukarramah,” he wrote. “The people of Pakistan are deeply saddened and concerned by this condemnable incident. This event is unacceptable, and no words can sufficiently describe the pain and distress it has caused.”

Shehbaz commended the Saudi Arabian security forces, stating, “We extend our heartfelt respect to the Saudi Royal Armed Forces for their exceptional vigilance, bravery, and professionalism in swiftly and courageously responding to the threat.” He called on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and urged efforts to prevent any escalation of tensions in the future. Previously, Saudi Arabia announced that a drone launched by the Houthi rebels in Yemen had been neutralized before it could enter the restricted airspace of Mecca. Following an increase in attacks by the Houthi armed group across various regions of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi air defense system successfully thwarted this drone attack attempt.

Queens University Belfast has issued a warning that exposure to PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles can increase the risk of suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal thoughts, based on an analysis of 29 different studies. The research also indicates that long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide is associated with heightened risk. Globally, over 720,000 people die from suicide every year.

Air pollution generated by vehicles and fossil fuels has been identified as a major factor contributing to the increased risk of suicide. Researchers at Queens University Belfast analyzed data from 29 studies and confirmed that both short- and long-term exposure to PM 2.5 particles elevates the likelihood of suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation.

The researchers stated, “These findings highlight the need to recognize environmental factors as risk contributors in suicide prevention efforts and suggest necessary improvements.” However, some experts urge cautious interpretation of these results. Associate Professor Alexander Larcombe from Curtin University commented, “While the proposed mechanism is biologically plausible, the research does not conclusively prove that pollution directly causes suicide.”

September 17, Kathmandu – On Tuesday night, a helicopter belonging to NBC Los Angeles crashed in the San Fernando Valley area of Chatsworth, California, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Los Angeles firefighters reported that the incident occurred on Tuesday evening. The helicopter crashed between two commercial buildings located in the 9100 block of N. Mason Avenue.

The helicopter fell onto two shipping containers and several parked vehicles. The cause of the crash remains unclear. Following the accident, a large fire broke out, which was captured in aerial video footage. The fire spread to nearby parked cars. Firefighters from Los Angeles were engaged in extinguishing the blaze.

Once the fire was under control, firefighters and Los Angeles police were seen securing one body with a tarp at the scene. Officials from the Los Angeles Fire Department later confirmed that two more individuals had died at the crash site. Additionally, two people were injured and transported to a local hospital. Their current condition has not yet been disclosed.

Kathmandu, September 17 – The US House of Representatives is in final preparations to vote on a sanctions bill targeting Russia. The proposed legislation would grant the US President the authority to impose a 100 percent tariff on countries purchasing oil and gas from Russia. India is included in the list of countries that could face these additional tariffs. The bill is titled the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctions Russia and Iran Act of 2026” and has already been passed by an overwhelming majority in the US Senate. The legislation explicitly names India and provides for the possibility of imposing a full tariff on trade with Russia. The vote in the House of Representatives is expected to take place next Thursday, with strong prospects of the bill being passed there as well.

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has introduced an impeachment resolution against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of abuse of power and disregard for civilian lives. Massie alleges that Hegseth engaged in warfare without Congress’s authorization, committed extrajudicial killings, and neglected civilian casualties during military operations. Although the resolution has slim chances of passing, it initiates a formal voting process in Congress and the Pentagon has expressed full support for Hegseth. (Sept 17, Kathmandu)

A fierce critic of the ongoing US war on Iran during the Trump administration, Republican lawmaker Thomas Massie submitted the impeachment proposal against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the US House of Representatives. While the passage of this resolution is unlikely, it officially triggers a congressional vote. On Tuesday, Massie formally read the impeachment charges on the House floor, accusing Hegseth of waging war without congressional consent, participating in unlawful killings, and disregarding extreme civilian harm caused by military operations.

Accusing Hegseth of abusing power and neglecting civilian welfare, Massie stated, “Secretary Hegseth has subordinated the constitutional limits on the use of military force and the laws of war to his own policy objectives, thereby abusing the power entrusted to him.” He further criticized Hegseth for showing severe disregard for the impact of US military actions on innocent civilians. Hegseth’s controversial remarks concerning the rules formulated to reduce civilian casualties amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran have also drawn criticism.

Despite full backing from the Pentagon, the resolution faces little chance of approval in the Republican-majority House. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson, in an email to Reuters, affirmed, “There is unity behind the Secretary of Defense’s perspective across the entire department and we remain committed to putting our troops and America first.” While there is some dissent within the Republican Party, many Republicans continue to support the contentious war against Iran. However, hardline voices like Massie and media personality Tucker Carlson have emerged as outspoken critics of the Trump administration’s interventionist foreign policy.

Summary: The Trump administration is preparing an arms package valued at $2.8 billion for Israel, which includes nearly 40,000 heavy bombs. The package consists of 20,000 MK-84 and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs. The agreement has not yet been finalized. The Biden administration had halted the supply of these 2,000-pound bombs in 2024 due to concerns over humanitarian damage in Gaza.

September 17, Kathmandu – The U.S. administration under former President Donald Trump is making preparations to provide Israel with an arms package worth $2.8 billion. This package includes approximately 40,000 heavy bombs, each weighing 2,000 pounds (around 900 kilograms). The supply of these bombs had been paused by then-President Joe Biden in 2024.

The proposed weapons package includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs and 20,000 BLU-117 bombs. However, the agreement has not been finalized yet. U.S. officials have informally notified Congress about the deal.

The supply was previously halted due to fears of significant humanitarian casualties in Gaza. In 2024, the Biden administration blocked a shipment of these 2,000-pound bombs to Israel amid concerns that their use in densely populated areas like Gaza could result in extensive loss of civilian lives.

After Trump was re-elected, this restriction was lifted. His administration is now preparing a new arms deal that includes large quantities of these bombs. Various models of these approximately 900-kilogram bombs exist, with some designed to target underground structures and others to detonate on the surface, causing widespread damage.

Experts analyzing videos of attacks in Gaza and bomb fragments from attack sites have identified the use of American-made bombs. Some of these bombs have reportedly been used to target Hamas’s tunnel networks. However, attacks in densely populated areas have also resulted in civilian casualties.

Trump had previously approved arms deals worth billions to Israel. Last year, his administration authorized the sale of weapons valued at nearly $3 billion, including over 35,500 heavy bombs, to Israel. In January, approval was granted for an additional arms sale worth approximately $6.67 billion for Israel.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas led an assault in southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Following this, Israel launched a military operation in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 73,264 Palestinians have died as a result of the Israeli military campaign, including those killed even after ceasefire agreements.

Although a ceasefire was mediated by the United States, violence has not fully ceased in Gaza. Attacks from the Israeli side continue, and there are ongoing violent confrontations between Hamas-affiliated militants and Israeli soldiers.

(With contributions from agencies)