Latest news with #MinistryofDefense


CairoScene
13 hours ago
- Health
- CairoScene
Jamaican Conjoined Twins Reach Riyadh for Possible Separation Surgery
The entire medical journey - including transport, evaluation, and the potential surgical procedure - is being funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Conjoined twins Azaria and Azora Elson, aged approximately 20 months, arrived in Riyadh from Jamaica aboard a medical evacuation aircraft operated by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense. The twins were admitted to King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital at King Abdulaziz Medical City under the Ministry of National Guard for evaluation. Their arrival is part of a humanitarian programme initiated by royal directives from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The twins will undergo a series of diagnostic tests over the coming weeks to determine the feasibility of a complex separation surgery, which is expected to take place within two months. The entire medical journey - including transport, evaluation, and the potential surgical procedure - is being funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme, which has treated and separated dozens of conjoined twins from around the world.


Kuwait News Agency
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Kuwait News Agency
Cambodia, Thailand hold ceasefire talks amid mutual accusations of violations
KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (KUNA) - The Cambodian and Thai armed forces held coordination meetings on Tuesday to implement the ceasefire agreement signed in Malaysia a day earlier, following four days of deadly border clashes that left dozens dead and displaced 300,000 people. Cambodian Ministry of Defense spokesperson Maly Socheata said in a press conference, reported by the Khmer Times, that commanders from Cambodia and Thailand to activate the ceasefire, halt troop reinforcements, exchange information, and immediately notify senior leadership of any developments on the ground. Socheata noted that additional meetings between regional commanders are being arranged and stressed that Cambodia is fully committed to honoring the joint ceasefire declaration brokered in Malaysia under the mediation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. She added that the next phase would involve forming a joint monitoring mechanism under Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship, potentially including foreign military attaches, to rebuild trust and stabilize the border. The Royal Thai Army accused Cambodia of violating the ceasefire, claiming that Cambodian forces launched attacks inside Thai territory after the truce took effect at midnight. Thai Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvari said Thailand reserves its legitimate right to respond and defend itself. Cambodia denied the allegations, insisting its forces had fully adhered to the agreement, Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet both said the border situation had largely calmed, with both sides exercising restraint. The ceasefire reached on Monday in Putrajaya with Malaysian mediation, US coordination, and Chinese participation, follows the heaviest cross-border fighting in years. Tensions escalated after Thailand withdrew its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelled Cambodia's envoy over landmine explosions that injured Thai soldiers-an incident Bangkok blamed on newly planted mines, which Cambodia denied. The two countries have a long-standing border dispute over the Preah Vihear Temple and surrounding territory, the International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the temple belongs to Cambodia, but Thailand continues to claim adjacent areas. While the border saw frequent clashes from 2008 to 2011, recent mutual troop movements have reignited the standoff, prompting regional and international calls for dialogue and restraint. The next General Border Committee meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2025, to enhance communication between the prime ministers and defense and foreign ministers of both countries. (end)

Kuwait Times
21 hours ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait to launch 3-day donation campaign, air bridge to Gaza
Kuwait to launch 3-day donation campaign, air bridge to Gaza New government entity to oversee all charity activities; Humanitarian law to be ready in 2-3 weeks KUWAIT: Kuwait is launching a three-day donation campaign starting Tuesday, followed by the organization of an air bridge to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to Assistant Foreign Minister for Development and International Cooperation Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan. Speaking to the press on the sidelines of Peru's National Day celebration on Sunday, Al-Mashaan said charitable associations across the country will collect funds for the Gaza aid campaign, which will be entirely allocated to the purchase of relief materials through Kuwait Flour Mills Company. "All donations will go toward essential supplies, procured from a trusted local producer with the capacity to meet immediate needs," he said. Once the donations are collected, the Ministry of Defense — specifically the Kuwait Air Force — will coordinate the transportation of aid using a Kuwaiti military aircraft. Shipments will be sent via two routes: to Al-Arish in Egypt, where they will be handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent in coordination with the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, and to Jordan for further delivery to Gaza. Unified charity system Al-Mashaan also noted that Kuwait is in the final stages of approving a comprehensive law to regulate charitable work and strengthen oversight over the sector. A key feature of the law is the creation of a governmental 'center', dedicated to humanitarian work, serving as a unified authority overseeing all aspects of charitable activities. The new law, which has been developed over seven high-level committee meetings chaired by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, is currently under legal review. It includes frameworks to regulate the operation of charitable societies and foundations, set standards for donation collection, and bring all charitable entities under the umbrella of the new center. The center will oversee the registration of charity associations, organize relief campaigns, monitor international donations, and issue all necessary approvals — streamlining processes and reducing the need for associations to navigate multiple government entities. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef has tasked Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait with coordinating with the Fatwa and Legislation Department before the law is submitted to the Legal Committee for final approval. 'We expect the law to be finalized within two to three weeks,' Al-Mashaan said. 'However, implementing the executive regulations and launching the center will take more time and effort, especially with the transfer of staff from the Ministry of Social Affairs.' He emphasized that in Kuwait's charitable work, domestic needs will take precedence, followed by support for international causes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is playing a leading role in this process, particularly in monitoring international donations and ensuring accountability for overseas projects.


Yemen Online
a day ago
- Politics
- Yemen Online
Yemen Warns of Growing Houthi–Al-Shabaab Alliance Threatening Regional Stability
Sana'a — Yemeni officials have issued a stark warning about the expanding cooperation between the Iran-backed Houthi movement and Somalia's Al-Shabaab insurgents, describing the alliance as a 'strategic threat' to security across the Red Sea and Horn of Africa. According to a recent statement from Yemen's Ministry of Defense, intelligence reports confirm the transfer of advanced weaponry, including drones and missile components, from Houthi-controlled areas to Al-Shabaab strongholds in southern Somalia. The Yemeni government claims that this partnership is enabling both groups to escalate maritime attacks and arms smuggling operations across the Gulf of Aden. The warning follows a United Nations report detailing in-person meetings between Houthi operatives and Al-Shabaab commanders in 2024, aimed at coordinating training and equipment transfers. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has also voiced concern over the alliance, citing intercepted shipments of explosives and drone technologies originating from Yemen. Security analysts say the collaboration is largely pragmatic, with Al-Shabaab offering coastal intelligence and piracy networks in exchange for access to Houthi military technology. This has led to a surge in piracy incidents and attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital global shipping route. Yemen's government is urging regional and international actors to intensify surveillance and counterterrorism efforts, warning that the alliance could destabilize not only Yemen and Somalia, but also neighboring countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti.


Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
Why did defence stock Apollo Micro Systems skyrocketed in Closing Bell? EXPLAINED
Despite the Indian stock market ending with sharp losses, extending its losing streak to a third straight session on Monday, shares of Apollo Micro Systems managed to close with a 5.30% gain at ₹181 apiece. Most of the rally occurred during the last hour of trade, as demand for the stock surged sharply on Dalal Street following the release of its June quarter earnings. The company reported its highest-ever quarterly net profit (consolidated) of ₹18.51 crore in Q1FY26, 115% higher than the ₹8.43 crore posted in the same quarter last year, driven by improved operational efficiency. The company has been reporting steady growth in its net profit in recent quarters, which is also reflected in a sharp rise in its share value. Its consolidated revenue from operations grew 47.25% YoY to ₹134 crore, while at the operating level, the company posted an EBITDA of ₹41 crore, a significant jump from ₹22 crore in Q1 FY25. The EBITDA margin expanded by 700 basis points YoY and 900 basis points QoQ to 31%, largely driven by a favorable product mix and lower raw material costs. Apollo Micro Systems is a Hyderabad-based company engaged in the business of electronic, electro-mechanical, engineering designs, manufacturing, and supply. It is engaged in the design, development, and sale of high-performance, mission- and time-critical solutions to defence, space, and homeland security for the Ministry of Defense, government-controlled public sector undertakings, and private sectors. It also offers custom-built COTS (commercially off-the-shelf) solutions based on specific requirements for defence and space customers. Stock surges 230% in 2 years, 1500% in 5 years The company's shares have remained strong in recent months despite the Indian stock market experiencing severe volatility. Over the last three months, the stock has risen from ₹122 to ₹181, marking a 48% gain, and even touched a fresh all-time high of ₹221 in late June. The stock has soared 230% in the past two years, while delivering a 1500% return over the last five years. Between June 2022 and November, the shares witnessed a sharp, one-way rally, generating an impressive 1,370% return for investors. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.