greek air defense
| |

Greek air defense system intercepts missiles fired…

ByJustpaste.in

A Greek-operated air defense system stationed in Saudi Arabia reportedly intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched from Yemen, preventing what officials described as a potential attack on the kingdom’s critical energy infrastructure.

According to international media reports citing informed sources, the missiles were aimed at the oil refineries in Yanbu, a strategic industrial city on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The projectiles were intercepted before reaching their intended targets, avoiding potential damage to one of the country’s key energy facilities.

Saudi Civil Defense authorities issued an emergency alert in Yanbu during the incident, warning residents of a possible security threat and advising them to remain cautious until the situation was brought under control. No casualties or damage were reported following the successful interception.

Sources familiar with the incident said the attack involved two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen. A separate source also confirmed that both missiles were successfully destroyed by the air defense system before they could strike the targeted oil infrastructure.

The interception was reportedly carried out using a U.S.-made Patriot air defense battery operated by Greek military personnel. Greece deployed the Patriot system to Saudi Arabia in 2021 under a bilateral defense agreement aimed at strengthening the kingdom’s air defense capabilities and protecting vital energy infrastructure from missile and drone attacks.

The deployment marked a significant step in defense cooperation between Greece and Saudi Arabia, with the Patriot battery providing additional protection for critical facilities, including oil refineries and other strategic installations.

Yanbu is home to some of Saudi Arabia’s most important refining and export facilities, making it a vital hub for the country’s energy sector. As a result, the city has remained a key location for enhanced security measures amid regional tensions.

The reported interception comes against the backdrop of ongoing instability in the region, where missile and drone threats have periodically targeted energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in advanced air defense systems to safeguard its strategic assets and maintain the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies.

While the reported attack was successfully thwarted, the incident underscores the continuing security challenges facing the region and the importance of international defense cooperation in protecting critical infrastructure. Neither Saudi authorities nor Greek officials had released a detailed official statement on the reported interception at the time of publication.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Air India to introduce mandatory drug testing for all Pilots

    ByJustpaste.in

      Air India is set to introduce mandatory substance testing for all its pilots from Thursday, going beyond the drug-screening requirements currently imposed by aviation regulators. The decision comes days after the captain of an Air India flight involved in a serious mid-air incident reportedly tested positive for marijuana, raising fresh concerns about flight safety and crew fitness. According to an internal memo circulated by the airline, the expanded testing programme will check pilots for substances and medications prohibited under aviation regulations. The screenings will be carried out at several locations, including the airline’s training academy in Gurugram, briefing centres and offices, as well as other facilities designated according to pilots’ home bases. Pilots working for Air India Express, the airline’s budget subsidiary, will also be included in the new testing programme. Air India said in the memo that although existing regulations already require airlines to conduct random testing on at least 10% of their flight crew for psychoactive substances every year, the company believes additional measures are necessary. The airline said the broader testing initiative was being introduced to strengthen safety standards and reassure passengers, employees and other stakeholders. The announcement follows an investigation into an incident involving an Air India Airbus A320neo travelling from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi on August 4. During the flight, the aircraft unexpectedly lost around 300 feet, or approximately 91 metres, of altitude while cruising. According to a source familiar with the matter, the aircraft’s captain tested positive for marijuana during a confirmatory drug test. The incident has prompted increased scrutiny of pilot health and safety procedures at the airline. The flight was carrying 137 passengers and eight crew members when it experienced what authorities described as a “momentary altitude variation” while flying over Odisha in eastern India. Although the aircraft subsequently continued its journey and landed safely in Delhi, the sudden change in altitude reportedly resulted in injuries to 13 passengers and four crew members. Indian aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine what caused the sudden altitude change and whether any operational or human factors were involved. Earlier, Reuters reported that India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation had summoned Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson following the incident. A source familiar with the matter said the summons was related to the investigation and the airline’s handling of the situation. Air India and the Ministry of Civil Aviation did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the summons or the investigation. Wilson, however, told news channels that the airline had provided the ministry with an update on the progress of the investigation. The introduction of mandatory testing represents a significant expansion of Air India’s internal safety measures. By testing its entire pilot workforce rather than relying solely on the minimum regulatory requirement for random checks, the airline aims to strengthen oversight of substances that could potentially affect pilots’ ability to perform their duties. The move also comes at a sensitive time for Air India, as the airline faces continued scrutiny over operational safety following several recent incidents. Aviation authorities and industry observers are expected to closely monitor the findings of the investigation into the Phuket-to-Delhi flight. Air India’s expanded testing programme is intended to ensure that pilots remain fit to operate aircraft and comply fully with aviation safety regulations. The airline said the initiative would reinforce its commitment to maintaining high safety standards and restoring passenger confidence as investigations into the August 4 incident continue.

  • |

    Wafflix owner found dead after alleged abduction

    ByJustpaste.in

    The owner of popular dessert chain Wafflix was found dead in Gulistan-e-Jauhar days after he was allegedly kidnapped from his home in Karachi’s PECHS area. The victim was identified as 25-year-old Mir Raza Ali, son of Mir Hassan Ali. He lived in PECHS Block 2 and operated Wafflix near Bahadurabad Chowrangi. Police recovered Raza’s body from bushes near Shadi Qila wedding hall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 1 on Wednesday. The body was shifted to Jinnah Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Investigators said the body appeared to be one to two days old. They also found apparent burn marks on parts of the body, which had made identification difficult. Raza’s father reportedly identified him through his clothes. Police also found a mark on the victim’s back. Authorities said the exact cause of death would be established through the post-mortem report. Ferozabad police said preliminary findings indicated that Raza may have been subjected to torture before being shot. Station House Officer Kamran Qureshi said investigators were collecting CCTV footage from cameras around the wedding hall to identify and trace the suspects. A kidnapping case had already been registered at Ferozabad Police Station on Tuesday following a complaint by Raza’s father. According to the initial police report, Raza returned home from his shop during the night between July 27 and 28. At around 4am, he told his mother that he was going outside for around 10 minutes. He never returned. His mother later tried calling his mobile phone, but it had been switched off. The family searched for him and contacted Madadgar 15 before approaching the police. The case was registered against unidentified suspects, while police launched an investigation into the alleged abduction and subsequent killing. The death of the young entrepreneur sparked grief among people who knew him. Condolences and messages of concern spread on social media, with many also raising questions about the worsening security situation in Karachi.

  • | |

    Spider-Man: No Way Home actress Mary Rivera dies a…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Mary Egida Rivera, the actress who won the hearts of Marvel fans with her memorable appearance as Ned Leeds’ grandmother in Spider-Man: No Way Home, has passed away at the age of 82. Her family confirmed that Rivera died peacefully on April 15, 2026, in Honolulu, Hawaii, after suffering a stroke. The news became public this week after a family member shared the details with TMZ.  Although Rivera had only a brief role in the 2021 blockbuster, her performance left a lasting impression on audiences around the world. She portrayed the loving grandmother, or “Lola,” of Ned Leeds, played by Jacob Batalon. One of the film’s funniest scenes featured Rivera speaking Tagalog while asking Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man to clean the cobwebs from her ceiling, creating a heartfelt moment that quickly became a fan favorite.  According to her family, Rivera suffered a stroke that left her in a coma. Doctors reportedly warned that even if she regained consciousness, her chances of meaningful recovery were extremely low. After careful consideration, her loved ones made the difficult decision to remove her from life support. She later passed away peacefully and was cremated in Honolulu.  Born on June 2, 1943, in Iloilo, Philippines, Rivera later settled in Hawaii, where she built a life centered on family, education and community service. Before making her Hollywood debut, she worked as a teacher, radio broadcaster and church missionary. Her family said she was incredibly proud to represent the Filipino community in one of Marvel’s biggest films and cherished the opportunity to share the screen with stars including Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire.  Tributes have continued to pour in from fans and colleagues following the announcement of her passing. Jacob Batalon honored his on-screen grandmother with a heartfelt social media message, writing, “Rest in paradise Lola.” Many fans also praised Rivera for bringing Filipino culture and the Tagalog language to a global audience through her unforgettable scene in the film.  Rivera is survived by her husband, Alejandro Rivera, four children, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. While her acting career was brief, her warmth, authenticity and pride in her heritage made her performance truly unforgettable. Her role in Spider-Man: No Way Home remains a touching reminder that even a small part can leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of millions. 

  • | |

    Air ambulance vs bicycle ambulance: Bukhari’s di…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has rejected allegations of electoral rigging raised by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) following the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Bukhari said the people of Kashmir had made their decision through their votes. She claimed that voters had preferred the performance of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Bukhari said the election results reflected the choice of the people. She dismissed the PPP’s allegations and defended the performance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The provincial minister also criticised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. She said political pressure appeared to be increasing within a particular party. She further claimed that Bilawal had attempted to imitate another political leader during his election speech. Bukhari also criticised the PPP’s performance in Sindh. She said the party often used the name of Raiwind to target the PML-N and its leadership. She challenged the PPP to present its performance record from the past 18 years. She also questioned the condition of Karachi, Sindh’s largest city. Bukhari said voters should compare the performance of Punjab under Maryam Nawaz with the situation in Sindh under the PPP. “Look at Maryam’s Punjab and Bilawal’s Sindh,” she said while comparing the two provinces. The minister argued that a government unable to improve roads in its own areas could not claim that it would transform roads in Kashmir. She also highlighted differences in public services between Punjab and Sindh. Bukhari said Punjab had introduced air ambulance services to provide emergency medical assistance. She claimed that Sindh, by comparison, had introduced a bicycle ambulance service. She used the comparison to criticise the PPP’s governance record and defend the PML-N’s performance in Punjab. Bukhari also discussed the education initiatives introduced by the Punjab government. She said Maryam Nawaz believed that every child should have access to educational opportunities. According to Bukhari, students should be able to receive laptops and scholarships regardless of their background. She said such programmes were aimed at supporting young people and helping them continue their education. The minister contrasted these initiatives with the situation in Sindh. She claimed that students in the province were protesting to demand better educational facilities and opportunities. Bukhari’s remarks came after the PPP questioned the credibility of the first phase of the AJK elections and alleged irregularities. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in the Mirpur division. The PML-N emerged as the leading party, winning nine seats. The PPP secured four seats. The election results have triggered a political dispute between the two parties. The PML-N has defended its victory and rejected claims that the results were manipulated. Bukhari’s latest comments further intensified the political exchange. She presented the results as an endorsement of the PML-N’s performance and Maryam Nawaz’s governance model. The remaining phases of the AJK elections are expected to keep the political competition intense. Both parties are likely to continue highlighting their respective performance records as campaigning moves forward.

  • | | |

    PM forms top panel to revive Iran gas pipeline

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-level committee to find a mutually acceptable solution to the long-delayed Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, which has remained stuck for more than a decade. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik informed the Senate that the committee is examining the legal, financial and energy implications of the project. It will assess Pakistan’s potential financial exposure in the ongoing arbitration process while also considering the country’s future energy requirements. The minister was responding to a calling-attention notice raised by Senator Talha Mahmood. He said the government was seeking a negotiated solution rather than allowing the dispute to become more complicated through prolonged litigation. Describing Iran as a “brotherly country”, Malik said the leadership of Pakistan and Iran remained in contact and was working towards an amicable settlement. He noted that Iran had already completed substantial infrastructure on its side of the project. Iranian authorities have brought gas from the South Pars field towards a major city close to the Pakistani border. The dispute over the pipeline has reached international arbitration in Paris. Pakistan is therefore assessing the possible financial consequences of the project delays and the legal proceedings before deciding its next course of action. The government is also reviewing whether the pipeline can be made commercially viable. Pakistan has previously asked Iran to cut its gas price by around 50 per cent and reduce the proposed supply volume because several domestic sectors have shown limited interest in purchasing Iranian gas at existing prices. Officials have said that domestic consumers and fertiliser plants are currently receiving gas at significantly lower prices than the cost at which imported gas could be supplied through the project. Power producers have also indicated that purchasing imported gas at prices above Rs2,000 per million British thermal units would not be commercially feasible. The government has therefore been considering a lower price as a potential benchmark for making the pipeline economically sustainable. Pakistan has also indicated that it could move ahead with the project if the United States provides a waiver allowing energy cooperation with Iran despite Washington’s sanctions regime. The Iran-Pakistan pipeline, commonly known as the Peace Pipeline, was originally designed to transport Iranian natural gas to Pakistan and help address the country’s long-term energy needs. Iran completed a substantial portion of the pipeline within its territory. Pakistan, however, did not complete its section by the agreed deadline, leaving the project largely dormant. US sanctions against Iran, difficulties in securing financing and wider geopolitical tensions have complicated Pakistan’s efforts to complete the project. The issue has also resulted in legal disputes between the two countries. Iran initiated international arbitration proceedings in Paris over delays in the implementation of the project. Meanwhile, the petroleum minister told the Senate that the government was separately addressing gas-related problems in Balochistan. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had instructed him to engage with provincial stakeholders. Another high-level committee, headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, is examining gas-related issues in the province, including technical and payment-related matters. The latest move indicates that Islamabad is attempting to balance its obligations under the Iran gas project with its financial constraints, international commitments and changing energy requirements.

  • | |

    Pakistani celebrities call for peace and justice amid unrest in AJK

    ByJustpaste.in

    Several Pakistani celebrities have spoken out over the recent unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), using their social media platforms to express solidarity with residents while urging peace, justice and accountability. Among the first to react was actor Durefishan Saleem, who shared a lengthy Instagram post explaining why she believes speaking about political and social issues is a responsibility rather than a choice. “You’re too political. Of course I am. How could I not be when everything happening around me is connected to the lives we live?” she wrote. The actor added that the decisions made by those in power affect every aspect of daily life. “The prices we pay, the education we receive, the opportunities we get, and the future we are slowly building are all affected by the choices made by people in power. I speak up because I pay attention.” She concluded her message by saying she did not want to remain silent until issues directly affected her. “I don’t want to be the person who only starts caring when an issue finally reaches my doorstep.” Ending the post, she wrote, “Yes, I am political. Because how can I not be, when this is the country I call home.” Several other celebrities, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Osman Khalid Butt, Minal Khan, Komal Meer, Nadia Afgan, Kinza Hashmi and Hina Afridi, also shared posts highlighting the situation and expressing support for the people of AJK. Television host Anoushey Ashraf voiced concern over reports that Gaza-based activist Mushtaq Ahmed had allegedly been prevented from entering Kashmir while attempting to express solidarity with residents. Sharing her thoughts on Instagram Stories, she wrote, “They behave like they’ve given us such amazing lives that we stop trusting our own people and trust them? Trust your brothers in Pakistan. They’re our families and our sisters. Our children. Not anyone else’s agents.” Actor Mashal Khan also addressed the violence through an emotional video, captioning it, “Human life is HUMAN LIFE.” In the video, she questioned the growing loss of human compassion. “What is happening in the world? Every day on Instagram, there is something happening somewhere. This many people have died, that many people have died. We’ve made human lives worthless, as if the lives of mothers and children are worth money. Sometimes Kashmir, sometimes Iran.” Comedian Tabish Hashmi also shared a video expressing his concerns. “I don’t know what the consequences will be for speaking out about this in this country, but what I have been seeing on social media is very disheartening,” he said. He added, “There is not much I can do besides make this video and share my voice, hoping that it can help bring about change.” Actor Mishi Khan urged more members of Pakistan’s entertainment industry to publicly address the issue instead of remaining silent. “In showbiz, there have been many Gen Z protests that were talked about in India, and now when it comes to Pakistan, Azad Kashmir and Balochistan, why are we not raising our voices?” she asked. She continued, “I am not saying to take up arms or go out onto the streets, but as citizens of Pakistan, it is our right to raise our voices on social media, speak out against what is wrong, and stand with the people of Kashmir.” Actors Samar Jafri and Bilal Qureshi also joined the growing calls for solidarity. Jafri shared an Instagram Story that read, “Sad to see what’s happening in our country. My heart goes out to the people of Azad Kashmir.” Meanwhile, Qureshi criticised the entertainment industry for overlooking the issue. “Disrespect happens in the industry every day. Please, for God’s sake, talk about the national issue affecting our brothers and sisters and raise your voices for them. Kashmir bleeds!” he wrote. As videos and reports from AJK continue to circulate online, public figures across Pakistan’s entertainment industry have increasingly used their platforms to call for peace, justice and support for those affected.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *